AN: Another chapter that is longer than I had planned and took longer to write than I had wanted Q^Q But it's done now. Just a little under 6k words here. Hope you'll enjoy reading nevertheless~!

Chapter 8:

As they turned away from Oracle and his guildmates, Lynus' polite smile fell into a worried frown as his mind immediately drifted back to the state of two of his guildmates. The few members that they had met of the guild that Villard wished to gain assistance from, all of them so far possessed heavy auras.

Heavy with guilt and doubt, or frustration. Seyfried's aura in particular. He truly felt foreign in his own body. Razak's aura centred around Seyfried's wishing to ease his pains. Kujura, too. Though there was more guilt in his presence than in those of the others. Kyan worried greatly for his brother, while Oracle seemed to constantly worry for them all. And Kardos worried for Oracle's well-being.

This guild had obviously been through some traumatic experiences and they were still in the recovery stages.

"He's in that bad of state?" Axel asked as his arm tightened around Lynus' shoulders.

Lynus nodded his head and idly curled his hair behind his ear. "He is, unfortunately."

Zydon truly was in a precarious state. A simple wayward refresh, positioned just right, could cause full paralysis. It was understandable that his guild and his twin brother would do what they could to bring him back to full health. That was what close-knit guilds did for one another. It was devastating for them to learn that they could have potentially caused Zydon more harm.

Lynus would need to keep a close eye on him in Maginia. He'd speak to Derek and Darrell about it, but he would need to make sure that he was Zydon's primary carer.

"Don't carry too much on your own," Axel said as he tugged Lynus closer and kissed the top of his head. "Like you always do."

Honestly. And Axel claimed that he couldn't read his mind. Ah, it just meant that he knew him better than Lynus likely knew of himself.

"Hm, I'm grateful that Derek and Darrell are with us," Lynus said as he curled toward Axel, resting his hand on his chest. "They'll be able to help."

That answer seemed to satisfy Axel enough. "Come on; let's go find Flavio, Fafnir, and Bertrand."

Lynus nodded his head, filing his new concerns to the back of his mind for now. He was looking forward to meeting up with Flavio again. He knew that he had been reunited with Fafnir, which he was grateful for. And relieved.

"Yeah. It's been a year, but I'm certain I can sense Flavio's aura," Lynus said as they approached the city.

There were plenty of new and interesting auras around him, but he Lynus was certain he would be able to hone in on either Flavio's, Fafnir's, or Bertrand's auras easily enough. He was more familiar with Flavio's, but both Fafnir and Bertrand possessed strong and unique presences. They were both heavily cursed, after all.

Axel kept his arm around Lynus' shoulders as they wade through the inhabitants of Armoroad. The sea breeze was relieving under the near oppressing heat of the morning sun. From the cool city of Lagaard to the sunny, sea-side city of Armoroad, it was quite the change.

A soft and familiar sensation touched Lynus' aura. It pulled him to a stop and he closed his eyes to concentrate on it. He soon opened his eyes when he recognised the presence and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Ah, I can sense Flavio," Lynus announced as he grabbed onto Axel's arm and pulled him in the through the crowds. "Fafnir and Bertrand are there, too."

As they weaved their way through the city, Lynus could sense Flavio's aura clearer. And soon enough, he was able to physically lay his eyes on them. Flavio, Fafnir, and Bertrand stood together in the square of the city. No doubt gazing upon Maginia in awe and interest. Though they looked slightly different in appearance, Lynus recognised their auras immediately. And as soon as they were close enough, Lynus called out to them.

"Flavio!"

Flavio immediately snapped his head up and turned in his direction. Realisation and recognition peeked in his aura as he hastily looked through the throngs of locals and explorers. His gaze soon landed on Lynus, as he and Axel pushed their way through. And the smile that appeared on his lips was genuine in both surprise and happiness.

"Lynus?!"

Lynus had to laugh as Flavio ran over to him and enveloped him in a warm and tight hug. He, of course, returned the embrace. He heard Axel and Fafnir greet each other equally enthusiastically. They were talking over the top of each other, practically. Asking questions like "how are you?", "what are you doing here?" and "how did you get here?", in-between comments of about how good it was to see each other again.

Everyone was genuinely excited to be reunited in such an unexpected way.

It truly was nice seeing Flavio again. He hadn't changed much in the year he had been gone. His hair was a little longer, but still wavy and soft. Bertrand hadn't change in appearance at all. While Fafnir appeared a little more…ragged, for a lack of a better word. His hair was shaggier and his arm, his cursed arm, exposed and completely black. He no longer tried to hide it, giving an indication that he stopped caring about its appearance or whoever saw it.

Otherwise, they all appeared well and healthy. Despite the darkness of his arm, even Fafnir's aura seemed relatively unblemished. Flavio's was the brightest of them all, while Bertrand's seemed to have changed very little. But there were indeed a few subtle changes.

His curse had been…altered, much like Fafnir's.

Perhaps they had found a way to turn the curse into something that would benefit them, rather than cause them untold damage. If anyone could turn the Fafnir Knight Curse into a benefit, it would be Fafnir.

"Wow, it's really good to see you guys again," Flavio said in earnest as some of the excitement finally calmed down. "How did you get here?"

Axel motioned toward the flying city in the distance. "A surprisingly luxurious ride. Windy as shit, though."

Flavio looked over at Maginia with surprise on his face. "Maginia? How did you get on there?" he asked.

"An associate of Hamza's had requested that we join him for an expedition to the island of Lemuria," Lynus explained as he idly folded his arms over his torso. "It was a surprise request, but everyone unanimously agreed."

Fafnir arched an eyebrow. "Everyone?"

"Yes, everyone is here," Axel said with a grin. "Cannan and Skylark, Hrothgar and Gage. Even Cass."

"Cass?" Flavio repeated incredulously.

Lynus laughed. "He has a new bar there, practically given to him. He's quite the expert at dealing with both explorers and requests, so it makes sense to have someone like him along."

"And he gets to make more money," Fafnir was the one to add sarcastically, which earned him a light jab to the ribs from Flavio's elbow.

"Well, he's very open about that fact, too," Lynus chuckled once more.

"Anyway, what's this expedition?" Flavio asked, his interest obviously piqued. "I've vaguely heard of Lemuria. That's the island that is said to be supposedly at World's End, or something."

Lynus nodded his head as he subconsciously pushed back his hair, idly wishing he had worn it up. "We don't know much of what the royalty of Maginia wish to find on Lemuria; we're there basically to act as Search and Rescue specialists. And to help Villard, the man who had requested our presences on the behave of the Maginian government, with whatever endeavours he's involved with."

Axel folded his arms across his chest. "We're basically there to have fun and ensure that shit doesn't go down."

Fafnir smirked at the comment while Flavio nodded his head idly. "Hmm, that sounds really interesting," Flavio muttered, almost forlornly, as his gaze drifted over to Maginia once more.

A contemplative expression soon fell across Axel's face and he turned to look over at Lynus, mildly wondering if he was thinking the same thing as he was. And, of course, Lynus was. After all, it would be a shame for them to separate after being reunited like this.

So Lynus turned back to Flavio and smiled. "You know, you're welcome to join us."

Flavio immediately turned back to him, a light expression of surprise on his face. "We can do that?"

"Oh, don't be surprised," Lynus replied, still smiling. "If Cass can make his way on board, you three definitely can."

"Just say that you're part of the Guardians, and everything will be fine," Axel added confidently.

Flavio immediately turned to look at Fafnir. It was clear in Flavio's aura that he was quite interested in joining. His interest in learning more, seeing more, and exploring new locations most certainly piqued. Even so, he turned to Fafnir for his consent. If, for whatever reason, Fafnir did not or could not go, Flavio was loyal and dedicated to stay with Fafnir no matter what.

Of course, Fafnir was as devoted to Flavio in return. Even rolling his eyes slightly in fondness, silently indicating that there was no way he could ever say no to him. "Sure. There's nothing else keeping us here. Not anymore."

"Hm," Bertrand murmured as he folded his arms loosely over his chest, his shoulders sagging in relaxation. "Yeah, I guess it'll be nice to visit new places because we want to rather than out of duty."

Flavio smiled, clearly relieved. "That's true."

Lynus was also relieved that they would be joining them. It was going to be amazing to be working together again. "Everyone will be happy to see you all again."

"It'll be nice to be part of a large guild again," Flavio agreed, his eagerness to get to Maginia and be reunited with the rest of the Guardians prevalent in his both his expression and aura.

"Hm, there are new people for you to meet, too," Lynus added before realisation touched him and he clapped his hands together in front of him. "Oh, that's right; you haven't met Azure yet."

Flavio tilted his head to the side questioningly. "Azure?"

"He's my apprentice," Lynus explained. "Actually, maybe adopted brother would be more accurate. I found him lost with amnesia on the first floor of Yggdrasil about a year ago. No one claimed him, so we took him in. He's very skittish and easily frightened, but a very hard worker. I'm sure you'll just adore him."

"An apprentice? Wow, I bet there's a lot of jealous medics out there," Flavio joked.

Axel laughed while Lynus gave a small pout. In all honesty, though, there were a few medics in Lagaard that were slightly put-off that Lynus chose to mentor a complete unknown, in their words. But he was lost and alone, and Lynus was drawn to him. He reminded him of him when he was younger.

It only made sense that Lynus would take Azure under his wing. He never had a mentor when he was at that age. He couldn't leave him alone, literally alone. Someone else, with less morals, could have gotten their hands on him.

There was no way Lynus would let that happen. Not to another medic. Not to anyone.

Speaking of medics.

"Oh, do you happen to know someone called Simon?" Lynus asked, his question directed to Flavio.

A flicker of realisation appeared in Flavio's eyes before his brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "Only from the Midgard Library."

"Well, he's on board, too. On behalf of Midgard Library, it seems," Lynus answered, earning yet another surprised expression from Flavio. "Oh yes, Derek is also here; he's working on and managing the Maginian hospital. And from what I am aware of, Villard's associate, Holt, is to be working with the Maginian Museum."

"Not to mention that the guildmaster and Subaltern from Etria are helping," Axel added with a grin, finding amusement in the shocked expressions from those in front of them.

"Wow…" Flavio murmured, clearly impressed. "It's quite a big deal, isn't it?"

Almost ridiculously so, but it was proof that Villard, and the royalty of Maginia, were truly dedicated to the expedition. They were taking no risks. Which would be for the best. Once they reach Lemuria, they had only the labyrinths to rely on.

"We have our own community," Lynus continued. "So, yes, he's very serious about this expedition."

Fafnir shook his head, finding it difficult to comprehend the amount of effort Villard was putting into the voyage. "Is this Villard person asking a guild from each city for assistance?"

"It seems that way. Entire guilds with added extras," Axel replied.

"Do you know which guild from here?"

"Aurora. Do you know of them?"

Flavio perked up slightly. "Oh, Guild Aurora? Yeah, we know of them. Have they agreed to help?"

Lynus quickly grew tired of his long hair against his neck, so he pulled the hair tie from his pocket and pulled his hand into a ponytail. "For the most part. There are some members that may be finding the decision difficult."

Flavio nodded his head in understanding. "Ah, I see."

"Lynus has a couple of new patients, already," Axel just had to add, his concern for Lynus' workload, as it were, obvious in his frown.

"Oh?" Flavio once again tilted his head to the side questioningly. But he soon righted himself in realisation. "Oh, Zydon and Seyfried?"

"That's right," Lynus responded as he finally pulled his long hair into a ponytail. "You know of them?"

"I know that they're in rather…fragile states," Flavio answered delicately. "But not everything, obviously."

Lynus nodded his head. "Seyfried needs some physical therapy and a heathy diet. Zydon, however, is going to be under my sole care for a while."

Flavio knew what that meant, and he appeared genuinely surprised by that. That soon turned into concern, however. He knew that Lynus had his own clinic in Lagaard. And that he dealt with cases that were difficult or life-threatening. For Lynus to take on the role as primary care-taker indicated how frail of health they truly were.

"I'm sure I can find a way to help them," Lynus said in a reassuring manner.

"Ah, good, you're still here."

The now familiar voice with a presence that Lynus had quickly become accustomed to called out to them. They all fell quiet and turned in the direction of the voice. Two zodiacs, one with brown hair and piercing golden eyes, the other with purple hair and mischievous grin.

Oracle had quite the intense aura. Despite his rather stoic expression, and often deadpanned voice, his affection for his guildmates was strong in his aura. It wasn't overwhelming, but he possessed quite a bit of determination, though he also possessed a leader's guilt.

Sigil's aura was a little different. Mischievousness was potent. Playful in a way, but he seemed to hold a genuine disregard for criticism aimed at him from others. Lynus had encountered many an individual who claimed not to care what others thought of him. But Sigil seemed to be the first who genuinely meant that.

"Hey, Oracle," Flavio greeted as the two zodiacs reached them.

Oracle tilted his head to the side. "Hm? You know each other?"

"We're friends from our days back in High Lagaard," Flavio explained simply.

"I see," Oracle commented idly. "That's fortunate."

"I get to say hello this time," Sigil practically sung as he turned his attention directly to Lynus. "Oracle stole you away before I could say hi~"

Lynus smiled and nodded his head. "Ah, I do remember your name. It's nice to meet you."

Sigil hummed lightly, playfully, his smile still quite mischievous. "You have quite the interesting aura~"

"Oh?" Lynus perked up a little as he gave Sigil his full attention. "Can you sense auras, too?"

"I can get a feel of them, but can't see them," Sigil answered with no hesitation. "But it seems that you can~"

Oh, he couldn't see them? That was quite a shame. Lynus had actually wanted to meet someone else who could see auras like he could. Still, it was intriguing to meet someone who could feel the auras of others, nevertheless.

"Ah, yes, I can," Lynus responded with a smile.

"We've already reached our decision," Oracle stated unexpectedly.

That was rather surprising, honestly. It took Lynus and his family about a day to come to their own decisions. Were they that eager for a new adventure? There was nothing negative about their eagerness. Just interesting.

"Hm? That was quick," Axel commented, arching a questioning eyebrow.

Oracle, however, just shrugged. "We're never the one to say no to potential trouble."

The corner of Axel's mouth twitched into a half smirk at Oracle's response, while Lynus just nodded his head. Though, he was a bit little concerned at the honesty in Oracle's reply. "Every one of your guild agreed?"

"Yes," Oracle said quickly, firmly. "All of us. I still need to speak to a few added extras, as it were, but as of the guild; yes, all of us will be joining."

"That's wonderful," Lynus said in earnest. "I can't wait for our two guilds to meet. I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

A small, soft smile appeared on Oracle's lips and he nodded his head. "Hm. I think so, too. I'll be sure to introduce everyone to you when we are ready. Until then, I hope I can request that you make accommodations for someone in a wheelchair and using a walking stick?"

"Oh, don't worry, I'll arrange everything as soon as I get back," Lynus quickly reassured.

Axel rested his hand on the small of Lynus' back. "We better get our butts back to Maginia, then."

Lynus tilted his head back to look up at him. "You're right."

Fafnir also made a noise of agreement. "I guess we should get ourselves on board, too. No point in lingering."

"Right," Flavio smiled before he turned to give Lynus and Axel a questioning look. "Oh, could you two wait for us? It'll be easier for us if we board with you."

"Sounds reasonable," Axel said. "Need to gather your things?"

Flavio nodded before he jabbed his thumb over his shoulder. "We've been staying at the inn. It's just down the street."

"Ah, we're heading to the inn, too," Oracle pipped up as he turned in the direction Flavio indicated in and started walking. "Why don't we all go?"

Wordlessly, everyone agreed and turned to follow the purple-robed zodiac. Sigil happily walked a step or so behind Oracle, while Flavio, Fafnir, and Bertrand followed together after them. Lynus and Axel took up the rear, remaining silent as the three before them quietly chat to each other, Flavio instructing both Fafnir and Bertrand not to forget anything.

After a mere minute or so, they reached a building with a sign out front saying "Aman's Inn". The structure was made out of wood and stone, fitting well within the tropical theme of the city. Opened windows with balconies, allowing patrons to view the beautiful crystal blue seas.

The whole city was quite beautiful. It would be an ideal vacation spot.

"Welcome!" a young man, no older than fifteen, greeted cheerfully as the group walked into the foyer of the inn. His smile grew brighter when he recognised the faces before him. "Ah, Oracle!"

"Hello, Cress," Oracle replied, his tone rather soft, as was the fondness in his aura.

Apparently forgetting that there were others there, Cress eagerly stood before Oracle and began chatting brightly. "Did you see that giant thing that flew over the city? Everyone's calling it Maginia, the flying city. Isn't that amazing?"

A surprising sense of guilt appeared in Oracle's aura as his gaze softened. "About that…"

"Huh?" Cress utter, becoming clearly worried. "What's wrong?"

Oracle sighed. "Cress, listen; everyone from guild Aurora has been requested to join Maginia on an expedition. And we agreed."

Cress simply stared at Oracle, his cheerful smile disappearing abruptly. Soon, his face crumbled, and Lynus had to grab onto Axel's hand for comfort when he felt and saw the devastation in Cress' aura.

"Y-you're all going?" he stuttered out, seemingly on the verge of crying.

Oracle nodded his head slowly. "Yeah. We're…leaving in the morning."

Lynus squeezed Axel's hand tighter. The poor kid was shocked, devastated by the news. He was very fond of Oracle and his guild. Having grown used to their presence. Having grown used to them being around. To suddenly leave…

Flavio must have seen the discomfort on Lynus' face as he had placed his hand on his shoulder. "We'll be about five minutes, ok?"

Lynus smiled softly and nodded. Flavio returned the smile before he turned, hurrying up the stairs with Fafnir and Bertrand. Lynus focused his attention on the three before a sudden spike of sheer desperation appeared in Cress' aura, causing him to turn back to him. Lynus braced himself for more sadden emotions.

However, he was surprised to feel a sense of determination as well.

"I…I'm going too!" Cress suddenly yelled.

Oracle blinked. Outwardly stoic, but inwardly surprised by the outburst. "Hm?"

"I-I want to go, too!" Cress reiterated with a determined pout. "I want to join you. I know I'm not an explorer and stuff, but I have some medic knowledge. I can be helpful! M-maybe I can be a caretaker or something."

His sadness quickly returned and he looked down at the floor. "I don't want to be left behind…"

Oh? Medic knowledge?

Oracle just stared at Cress for a long moment. He then shrugged. "…I don't have a problem with it," he said simply, earning a loud squeak of surprise from Cress. But he ignored that and glanced over at Axel and Lynus. "You?"

Lynus felt a sense of relief and patted at his chest as Axel shook his head in response. "Not at all. It'll be nice to have a guild caretaker around. Lest it prevents Lynus from running himself ragged by looking after everyone."

With a slight pout, Lynus lightly elbowed him in the ribs. Though, he couldn't exactly dispute that. And, in all honesty, even with someone like Cress there, someone who was used to looking after explorers, Lynus would still feel the need to check in on everyone.

Still, with Cress and Flavio there, it was reassuring nevertheless.

"With such a large guild house, we'd appreciate any help you may offer," Lynus said comfortingly.

"Well, there you have it," Oracle said as he turned back to a gaping Cress. "We're boarding tomorrow morning, so you better start packing. Chop chop now."

"Ah! Y-yes!"

The happiness in Cress' aura was abundant. And genuine. He was also excited to finally go on an adventure of his own, with his favourite guild. He seemed like a sweet young man. Very eager and a hard worker.

He was sure to get along with everyone.

… … … … …

Lynus pulled two new, blank files from one of the many boxes he has yet to unpack for his clinic. His new workplace was as spacious and generous as the rest of the Sanctuary. From the large swinging doors that were the entrance, the clinic was portioned into three spaces.

One was essentially the foyer. A desk with several book cases was the very first thing that greeted anyone who walked inside.

To the right of the foyer was the medical bays. Each with medical supplies. Six bays in total. Three beds lined the wall on one side, while another three rested against the other. Parton curtains allowed for privacy, should there ever be a time where all the beds were taken.

To the left of the entrance, was another room. A large glass window looked out over the rest of the clinic. That room was to be Lynus' office. It allowed for him to watch over the medical bays while he worked at his desk. It also allowed privacy should anyone seek treatment from him. Or simply wanted someone to talk to.

Sorting through another box, Lynus picked through a wade of papers. They were used as templates for whenever he created a new patient file.

And he needed to create two new records. One for Zydon. And one for Seyfried.

It was almost funny, in a way. He hadn't reached the shores of Lemuria and he already had new patients to add his achieves. However, it couldn't be helped. Injuries and illnesses don't just happen around labyrinths, after all.

"Diving into your books already?" Axel said as a statement rather than a question when Lynus dropped the files upon the reception desk (as they were calling the first desk seen in the room) and walked over to one of the bookcases.

"I have a couple of theories, but I can't be too sure," Lynus said as he began to browse the books. "He's the first case I've encountered. I want to make sure I have everything I need before I can even think about healing him."

Axel sat on the edge of the reception desk, arms folded across his chest. He was understanding, supportive. As he always was. Yet there was a subtle sense of concern nevertheless. "That doesn't mean you can overwork yourself again."

Lynus smiled and shook his head. "You've more than perfected the method of getting me away from work," he said as he turned his head and looked over at his husband.

The grin on Axel's lips indicated that he knew exactly what Lynus had insinuated. And that same grin told Lynus that he wouldn't hesitate to pull such stunts on him in the near future.

Axel had gotten so strong that he could easily carry Lynus around with one arm without any effort. Carrying him around, refusing to set him back on his feet until he gave into his demands to get some rest.

In all honesty, it was fortunate that Axel was so attentive. Despite Lynus' own advances in his skills, he was still quite…incompetent when it came to his own health. Quite pitiful, really.

Lynus shook his head to clear it and to focus on his current project. He turned away from the bookcase and looked toward the medical bays, where Azure could be found taking inventory of their supplies and equipment. Zadkiel was there, too. Following Azure from bay to bay with a box of supplies in his hands.

"Azure, do you know where my Crystal Codex is?" Lynus called out to him.

Azure immediately lifted his head to look over to him. "U-m, th-there's still some boxes in the storage room. Maybe it's there?"

More boxes? Goodness, how much did he pack?

"It must be in there, then. I know I packed it."

"I-I'll go get it," Azure said as he carefully placed down the clipboard that held notes of their inventory onto an empty bed.

"I'll help," Zadkiel immediately volunteered, setting his own parcels aside.

"O-ok." Azure gave a shy smile of gratitude before the two of them hurried out of the clinic, Azure taking the lead with Zadkiel a step or so behind.

Both Lynus and Axel watched them until they disappeared before turning their attention back to each other. "They're getting along well," Axel commented.

Lynus nodded his head, feeling a sense of pride swell in his chest. "Hm. Good to see. They both want to be helpful."

"Yeah. Everyone is honestly getting a bit restless," Axel suddenly stated as he pushed away from the desk to idly stretch his arms over his head. "We're not used to spending our days practically doing nothing."

That was true. Without a labyrinth to at least gather items from, they were getting a little agitated. Thankfully, the return of Flavio, Fafnir, and Bertrand gave them some distraction. Not to mention, a whole guild of new people to interact with.

Hopefully, they would head straight to Tharsis and then Iorys in the next couple of days.

Two approaching auras drew Lynus' attention back toward the entrance, and a few seconds later both Azure and Zadkiel appeared. In Azure's hands were a few books, while Zadkiel carried with him a couple of packing boxes.

"H-here it is," Azure said as he raced over to Lynus and presented to him the codex.

"Ah, good, thank you," Lynus said with a smile as he retrieved the book, immediately flipping it open to the middle.

"Axel? Hamza wants to speak with you about something," Zadkiel relayed as he set the boxes down.

Axel sighed and scratched the back of his neck. "Probably about this new guild. Better not keep him waiting. And you; I'll be back for you," he playfully threatened as he walked out the door.

Lynus just rolled his eyes fondly, choosing not to reply. He was about to turn his attention back to the book in his hands when he sensed another aura. A moment later, he heard the faint voice of Axel greeting someone, and getting a reply in return.

A mere moment later, a certain red-haired medic stepped into the clinic, his hands shoved into the pockets of his coat. "I figured you would be here," Darrell said as he approached. "I hear you've got yourself a new patient already."

Lynus briefly wondered where he had heard such gossip, but figured he likely picked up on himself when Lynus had returned from a few hours visiting Armoroad to make a request about wheelchair access. Not hard to put two to two together after that.

"Hm? Yes, that's right," Lynus answered as he tilted his head to motion toward his office before he turned and began walking himself. "He's going to be under my sole care for a while."

Darrell followed him into his new office, idly shutting the door behind him to allow for privacy. The blinds on the window leading out to the clinic were still open, however. "How bad is he really?"

Lynus sighed and closed the codex in his hands before placing it upon his desk. "I'll be honest with you. He's cursed. And it's one of the most vicious I've encountered."

"There's repercussions?" Darrell asked, his brow furrowing.

"Yes. It's located on his spinal cord. It's preventing him from bearing any weight on his legs. He can feel them, move them; but not stand or walk. But if the curse is removed in the traditional manner, it will lash out by severing his spinal cord, resulting in true paralysis."

Darrell was silent as he allowed the brief, but telling explanation to sink in. "Jesus Christ..."

A sad smile graced Lynus' lips and he nodded his head. "Yeah. He's in a precarious state. Only his brother and guild leader truly knows of his condition. I haven't told anyone else from his guild. But I need to ensure that he stays under my supervision. I know exactly where that curse is."

"And you're more equip with dealing with them," Darrell added before he paused for a moment to contemplate something. "I'll be sure to tell Derek once they're settled in. What of the other medics?"

"Simon and Remedy? I don't know. I suppose I'll need to speak with them about it later." Lynus briefly glanced over Darrell's shoulder and through the window. "Azure will understand."

Darrell nodded his head before he shuffled on his feet. "Typical. And we haven't even landed at Lemuria yet."

"Healing waits for no one, I suppose," Lynus added as he sat down at his desk.

"Well, looks like you're already throwing yourself into research," Darrell said rather idly as he turned toward the door. "I'll leave you to it. I'll have a chat with Derek, though. He'd probably want to keep an eye on the guy, too."

"That's fair. Could you also reassure the others that I will be there for dinner? I don't need a hoard of concerned explorers looking for me," Lynus requested with a smile.

Darrell just laughed as he opened the door and stepped out. With a short wave as a farewell, he walked out of sight and out of the clinic. Lynus was about to turn his attention to his work when another aura made its presence known to him. This one, however, was somewhat unexpected.

While he couldn't sense anything untoward within the approaching aura, Lynus still pushed himself up from his desk, his brow furrowed in concern. "Hm? Bertrand?" he called out as the aura stopped just outside the door of the clinic.

There was a moment of hesitation, confusion, before said blond-haired protector stepped into the foyer of the clinic. He looked around, and soon found Lynus in his office.

With his arms folded across his chest casually, Bertrand stood in the doorway of the office. "Hey. I kept forgetting that you can sense auras. Sensed me coming, huh?"

"I did," Lynus replied with a smile as he sat back down at his desk, folding his arms atop of it as he leaned forward in his seat. "It's been a year, but I still know your presence rather well. We didn't get to talk much in Armoroad. Flavio is still a chatter-box, it seems. How have you been?"

Bertrand gave him that half smile of his and nodded his head. "Yeah, not bad. The usual aches and pain. Just looking around right now. Getting a feel of the place. Flavio has found the kitchen if you're looking for him. He'll have that under control in no time."

Lynus chuckled. "Good to see that he settled in so quickly."

"Fafnir, too," Bertrand added, his voice taking on an air of amusement. "He has already gotten into a fight with Zeryn."

Lynus just had to laugh. He was more than certain that Zeryn had picked Flavio up to greet him, which immediately piqued Fafnir's protective instincts. And he was beyond certain Zeryn did that on purpose. "Just like old times."

Bertrand nodded his head as he glanced around at the office and attached clinic. He felt and looked impressed. "You've already made yourself at home, I see."

"Well, yes. A healer's job is never done, I suppose," Lynus said as he glanced out the window again, watching as Azure and Zadkiel unpack another storage container together. "Thankfully, my office is attached to the clinic."

"That Villard certainly went all out, didn't he?"

"He certainly did," Lynus agreed. "Other than some dust and cobwebs, everything is in good condition."

A strange form of amusement mixed with relief suddenly spiked in Bertrand's aura. "You've got a couch in your office? I have a feeling that it's going to get a lot of use."

Lynus smiled wryly as he looked over at the couch himself. It sat beneath the window, made of leather, and large enough to fit three people. Or one person lying down. "I don't think I'll be allowed to sleep in my office with everyone around."

"I wasn't referring to you using it."

Lynus blinked. But before he could ask, Bertrand turned around and waved a hand over his shoulder.

"See ya later, kid."

With that, he walked out of the room. Lynus's gaze drifted back over to the couch and he stared at if for a moment. He soon realised the truth in Bertrand's word. The couch was ideal for someone to lie down upon, if they wished. Someone who was tired. Or needed a place to relax.

And maybe talk.

Before Lynus turned his attention back to his codex, he made a quick note to bring some tea brewing equipment into his office as well.

Never know when someone would be in need of a nice hot, comforting cup of tea.