The Remnant Massacre (that is what they are calling the outbreak) measured hundreds of fatalities. The sanctuary was in reconstruction, and it would be for a long time. The medical wings were crowded, so crowded that some of the beds were shared, and blood-stained bandaged sorcerers lined the walls. Healers had been working longer and harder, and some Corrival Academy students had even joined in to heal the less severely wounded. The lucky ones who hadn't been injured worked as volunteers; there always had something to do, always help was needed. In the end, though, almost everything and everyone would be okay, thanks to Valkyrie.
But that could not be said about Valkyrie herself.
Her world had caved into itself, leaving her lost in a sea of memories that were not her own, and she woke up a different person- stolid and emotionless- one could only be grateful that she remembered to speak english. She lay in a medical bed staring up at the ceiling, indifferent to everything- the death, the destruction, and the grief. Militsa sat beside her bed silently, trying (in vain) to unearth Valkyrie's lost memories. "...and then we drove home in a taxi," Militsa was saying, "holding hands, just like we are now." Valkyrie didn't respond, nor did she notice the way Militsa's eyes were sporadically bursting into tears, or how her enthusiasm was wavering more and more with each story she told.
"Valkyrie?" Militsa asked hopefully, "Can you remember?"
"No," she said dully, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. Militsa didn't speak. She studied Valkyrie's apathetic face. Her hazel eyes glazed over, and her skin was ghostly pale, and by the way the artificial light shined on her, almost sickly. Militsa was scared- scared for Valkyrie, and guiltily, scared for herself, because she wouldn't know how to take the grief. Then Militsa heard the door handle turn, and she looked up as Saracen and Dexter came through.
She stood and tried to smile, "Hey," she said weakly.
"Hey," Dexter said, wrapping her in a hug and sitting down beside her. Saracen waved and found himself a seat next to Dexter, who leaned forward, "Hey Val, how are you doing."
Saracen grinned, "You were pretty badass the other day."
"You saved everyone," Dexter nodded, "Again."
Finally, Valkyrie looked away from the ceiling, and instead at Dexter (though she had one step out of reality, and it seemed more like she was looking through Dexter). "I don't know who you are," she said.
Dexter blinked, "What-?
"Uh…" Militsa whispered, "She can't remember anything."
"Why?!"
"She lost control of her magic and along with stealing magic, she seized the memories of the dead. Too many that she lost track of her own."
"...Did it hurt her?" Dexter asked, his eyebrows creased.
A tear fell from the corners of Militsa's eye, and she whispered, "I don't know."
"Oh god," Saracen groaned, "This wouldn't have happened if I had run faster."
Dexter shook his head, "Saracen, you can't blame yourself."
Saracen coughed and decided to change the subject, "Where's Skulduggery? We figured he'd be with her."
"He's with Tanith and China. They're working out solutions," Militsa explained.
"So they're going to find a way to save her?"
"I hope so..."
POV SWITCH
China, Skulduggery, and Tanith sat around an expensive-looking table, grave expressions plastered on their faces (except Skulduggery, of course, but he felt the worst of all.) If they couldn't find an adequate solution, each of them would be losing a dear friend.
China, as elegant as ever, smiled easily, "Physically, Valkyrie is fine. The problem lies in her mind. And who better knows the mind than a sensitive?"
Skulduggery tilted his head, "And I assume you're bringing in the best you have."
China nodded and smiled again, "You assume correctly. Their name is Dr. Claudia Byrne, and they're brilliant."
"Good," Tanith sighed, "We need someone like that."
Skulduggery nodded, "Yes, we do. When will they be arriving?"
"Anytime," China assured him.
"That's not very specific. For all we know, anytime could mean 20 minutes."
"It sounds like you're in a mood for disagreement," China said.
Skulduggery tilted his head, "It relieves stress."
"Really? I had always thought it creates more," China brushed her skirts as she said this; It was a habit. .
"It depends on the person," Skulduggery said matter-of-factly, "Personally, arguing is a joyful hobby."
"I see," China smiled, "I'll remember that."
Tanith rested her face in her palm, "The Doctor is late."
China shook her head, "We didn't specify a time. I sent tipstaff out for him a bit ago."
"The word 'tipstaff' gives me PTSD," Tanith frowned.
"My new tipstaff is as trustworthy as the next," China promised.
"Oh, that does not sound too trustworthy," Skulduggery commented. As Skulduggery was saying this, there was a knock at the door, and tipstaff came in with someone following. China dismissed tipstaff and Dr. Claudia Byrnes was left; they had short brunette hair that shaped their square face well and rectangular glasses- a bit too big for their face.
"Hello," they nodded, "I'm Dr. Byrne."
"Please sit down, Doctor," China said sweetly, and they did. China continued, "And you've been briefed on the situation?"
"Yes. And I'm honored to be here," they looked at China longingly, the symptoms of her magic bubbling inside of them, "I love you."
"Is there an off switch on you?" Tanith asked.
China sighed, "Sometimes I forget." And a moment later, the Doctor's face was red with embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry," they slouched, trying to make themself smaller, "That was inappropriate of me."
China flashed her beautiful smile, "It's alright. I have that effect on most people." China's words did not make Dr. Byrne feel much better.
"We should focus," Tanith said.
Dr. Byrne coughed, "Of course. I didn't have a lot of time to think about this. I had a few hallways and a few decks of stairs…"
"Get to the point, Doctor."
They coughed again, "Right. It is difficult to fully understand her condition currently, moreso for me because I was only given a short summary… but I have one solution. It could be mentally damaging."
"More damaging than she is now?"
"Well… yes and no," they explained, "I could put a block on those memories, but it would only be temporary. She's basically a sensitive herself, and her mind is incredibly strong. It would have to be to, you know, hold Darquesse off for so long." The doctor waited a moment to see if anyone had anyone to say, but everyone was staring expectantly at him, so he continued, "The wall would slowly break down. Picture this: the wall begins to crack, and the memories will leak through like water. It will give her time to adjust to each memory, but it will put an incredible strain on her mental health, especially since many of the sorcerer's fought in the war, and each of them have gone through more than the average person should. She will have all of their pain weighing on her shoulders, perhaps forever.
"Well, can't you just put up multiple walls?" Tanith asked.
They shook their head, "I can, but it's not a good idea. Too many walls might affect more parts of her brain."
"For example?"
"Well, she might forget how to speak, or lose the ability to feel certain emotions. She could lose more memories than we intend for her too. It's all very unpredictable," Dr. Byrne said.
"Is that your only solution?"
"Right now, yes. But if I could meet her, I will have a better understanding of her case," they suggested.
China nodded, "Then we'll go see her."