(Wheeee! Multitasking to the point of insanity is fun!

So, it's happening again... a prequel story! The masses do one of several actions, most likely cringe in utmost terror!

Markus. Markus, Markus, Markus, why must you be so hot. Seriously. ...just marry Val already and have some kids, damnit. XD

Alright then, let's begin.

Markus, Elena, Professor Wilkens, Derek Stiles, Rousseau © Nintendo

GUILT © Nintendo)

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Sorcery of Salvation

Chapter One- The Patient

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"Dr. Vaughn... you're going to put a machine in my stomach, right? Is it... is it going to hurt?"

A simple question, one that would only require a yes or a no...

At least, it would only require a yes or a no if twenty-seven-year-old Markus Vaughn didn't know that what Elena really wanted was an explanation of what was going on.

"We're not actually putting it in your stomach," he explained gently, a comforting smile playing at his lips. "We're going to put a small pump on the outside of your pancreas."

"Why?" Elena asked, her auburn eyes wide with wonder.

"Because, Elena, your body thinks that your pancreas isn't doing what it should, and it's attacking it. If we don't do something to try and protect it, then you'll get really sick. You don't want to get sick, do you?"

Elena emphatically shook her head, her short brown hair flying around her face.

Markus had to admit, he was expecting a brattier, more sullen patient when he learned that she was only thirteen; however, she was mature, and very honest and open with her words. It was much easier to tell her the truth than someone else her age.

"Well, that's why we're going to put the machine in... and once you wake up from surgery, you won't even feel it. You'll feel absolutely normal."

Elena looked up at Markus, her nervousness abating...

"...I just have... one more question, Dr. Vaughn."

Markus waited patiently for the question to come.

"...will I... be able to go back to school and hang out with my friends? I miss them all..."

A small chuckle escaped his lips.

"Elena, I promise you... you'll be back to school in less than a week."

An elated grin spread across the young girl's face.

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Breathe... focus...

After a long day at Concordia, he had finally returned home; now, he laid on the couch, his eyes half-closed as his breathing slowed.

The television was on, but Markus paid no attention to it; he had only turned it on to provide a distraction for him to ignore.

Breathe... concentrate...

The cerulean star began to glow faintly in his mind's eye...

It vanished the instant the phone began to ring.

"!! ...damnit..."

Markus sighed, resting a hand over his face.

"I should have unplugged the phone..."

But there was nothing he could do about it now; if someone was calling him, it was probably an emergency.

He had a sneaking suspicion that he knew who it was, though...

Markus slowly rose to his feet, walking over to the phone and answering it quickly.

"Hello?"

"Good evening, Markus."

A chuckle escaped Markus' lips, a small smirk creeping to his face.

"You know, Professor Wilkens, you're three for three in your attempts to sabotage my meditations."

"So, you're still following the way of that devil's magic, are you?"

"It's not devil's magic," Markus retorted, his expression hardening. "If it weren't for this power, there would be many more broken families in the world. Besides, I'm not the only one with it-- I know you've heard of Dr. Stiles, Professor. This power helped him to save the world from GUILT, remember?"

"Whatever explanation will help you keep your peace," Lloyd Wilkens replied, clearly disinterested with the topic-- he had no use for Markus' defense of the Healing Touch. "I'm calling you to tell you about the change of plans for the operation tomorrow morning."

"The one for Elena? Has it been moved back?"

"No, no-- it's still scheduled for nine o'clock."

Markus frowned briefly.

"Is someone else going to be Dr. Rousseau's assistant...?"

"Not exactly... you, Markus, will be taking Rousseau's place. He will be your assistant."

Markus froze from shock; he had not been prepared to hear that news.

"S-sir?"

"Rousseau has been excessively arrogant, as of late," the professor explained in his drawling voice. "I am concerned for the well-being of the patient... and, it's also a test for you."

"A test?"

Markus couldn't help but smile faintly.

"What, pray tell, do I have to prove?"

"If you are capable of assisting me with something."

"...what?"

For a moment, there was silence on both ends of the line.

"...I have recently come across a new topic for research that piques my interest... and I will require some assistance with the issue."

"So why not just ask Dr. Rousseau to help you?"

"And risk having my research stolen from right under my nose?!"

"Okay, okay, stupid question! I get it!"

"I would like someone who is... both competent and trustworthy to assist me."

Markus chuckled briefly.

"Thank you for abashing my self-confidence, Professor. I'll try not to disappoint you too badly."

"I will see you tomorrow after the operation, Markus."

Lloyd Wilkens hung up.

Markus sighed before putting the phone away, then unplugging it from the wall before returning to his sprawled position on the couch.

Okay... breathe... relax...

He took the relaxation to a whole new level...

Markus was asleep within five minutes.

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(End chapter one.

Pwned, Markus. Pwned by your own powers. XD

This is fun! I like this story so far. Nice and light. ...like butter.

Only this story won't make you fat and kill you.

Please review!)