Chapter 3

A Touch of Magic

Alice x Julius

Everyone understood the essence of being a doctor. It was an occupation designed to take care of others, even save them if the moment arises.

In reality, Julius thought that was just a fantasy, a disillusioned view of an idealist. It just was an occupation full of empty and broken promises.

There was always one thing that remained the same.

There would always be people who are sick. As a doctor, there were times all he could do was dull their pain and delay their inevitable ends. Doctors were supposed to make people feel better... how is that achieving that goal?

"Julius," the stolid doctor turned head upwards, seeing Gray walk out of the door. "I already took a sample of Alice's blood and sent it to the labs to be examined. She's ready for you."

Julius nodded his head and entered the door to meet with his newest patient. Alice sat idly on her wheelchair, green orbs fixed downwards and threatening to fall to a close. "Alice, how are you?"

The young Liddell slowly turned her head up to see him. "Oh, I'm just fine, Dr. Monrey. Just been a little tired lately."

"That's because you're pushing yourself too hard during your physical therapy," Julius spoke sternly, his blue eyes sharp and frigid. "You're weak enough already. If you keep over exerting yourself, you would only get hurt in the long run."

A little smile curled her lips, "Oh, I'll be just fine! It's not possible for me to get too hurt when you're such a good doctor! You can take care of everyone!"

Julius only scoffed at such an absurd thought. "If I was such a good doctor, why can't I stop my patient's from suffering? Why must they die? Why are y-"

Then the Monrey caught himself, coldly turning his gaze away from her.

'If I was such a good doctor, why wasn't Alice getting better?'

The room fell into a disconcerting silent. Julius's hard gaze was transfixed onto the wall. Alice's was merely floating up in the air, absently staring at the ceiling as she considered his words carefully in her mind.

"I think you do more than that... When you take care of your patients, you just do something great. They just forget about their pain and concentrate on life. Julius is like magic!" The young doctor did not even bother to respond, refusing to meet his gaze with hers. "You never give up on a person, no matter how low their chances of survival are... Julius, you even took me on. For that, I'm truly grateful! I know you have and will do your very best for me!"

The cobalt-haired man froze in his place, his whole body tensing. He slowly glanced at the young girl. Seeing such a bright smile touch her lips, such a cheerful expression on her face, he felt something strike his chest, melt some cold emptiness he never knew he had.

Julius snapped his head away. "...Don't say such ridiculous things. Just stay here and rest while I retrieve Gray's report. Then we will continue on with your examination." Alice tiredly nodded her head in understanding. He swiftly marched over towards the door. He slowly turned the knob... but soon paused. "As a doctor, it is my duty to make sure my patients get better. I promise you'll be okay, Alice."

Before he could hear young brunette's response, Julius quickly slipped out of the room and back outside to the hallways.

'What is wrong with me?' Julius Monrey knew better then to make such promises. He was far more logical and practical than that. He wouldn't shamelessly raise his patient's hopes unless there was inconceivable proof of their recovery.

But everything just came out so easily, naturally, far too quickly for even he to stop.

'Perhaps... It is she who's really magical...'

Julius shook his head, both to dismiss that ludicrous thought from his mind and a rising heat in his face, as he finally found Nightmare's assistant... seated across a familiar face.

The young doctor paused, trying to process a reason for Lorina sudden appearance. He would have expected her to be visiting her young sister if it wasn't for that haunted expression on her face.

He drew closer to the pair. "Gray, do you have Alice's report?"

The Ringmarc raised his golden eyes to him and released a dreary sigh. "Yes... I do."

Such a reaction was uncharacteristic of Gray. Julius always saw him so focused, straightforward. Now he seemed... distracted, as if all life was sucked out from his body and left an empty shell.

He raised an inquiring, blue brow. "Is there something the matter?"

Gray remained silent for a single moment. The Monrey waited patiently for a response.

He then raised the file up to the doctor. "I suggest you look for yourself."

Curious by such vagueness, Julius took the folder and promptly opened it up. His blue orbs narrowed in concentration as he read over the file.

Suddenly the warmth in his heart seemed to disappear. A frozen chill stabbed into his chest and froze it right over, causing it to fall and disintegrate into the acidic depths of his stomach.

Julius promised Alice she'd be okay... looks like another promise he can't keep.

A/N Notes: A little Alice x Julius. This turned out shorter than I expected... oh well.

This mini story is just about to draw to a close. Prepare yourself for the final chapter (whenever I get it out :p)!

Thanks for reading~

(Oh yeah! I got a new poll up! Check it out?)