As usual, I don't own anything, I'm just a fan writing some fiction. Please enjoy!

Dwarven Vow 109:
Bu gheur an cù a bheireadh an t-earball uaithe.
Sharp would be the dog that could catch his own tail.

32-

Hazel knocked gently on the door before she opened it, leaning in once she'd pushed it just a crack. "...Seles?"

Seles had been lying down, but she sat up in bed once she heard Hazel's voice. "Where were you? I was worried somebody found you!"

"They did, in a manner of speaking…" Hazel began, though she paused momentarily. She and Veronica hadn't seen eye-to-eye recently, and she didn't like the thought of telling telling Seles that the woman was in league with murderers. That news should probably come from someone else. "...I stopped to speak with an old teacher of mine. We got carried away catching up, is all."

"You mean that guy who used to teach at FBA? He didn't recognize you, did he?"

"He did, actually." Hazel glanced at the floor, but she couldn't help a smile. "He said I was pretty, even back then."

"Well, duh! I'm sure you've always been drop-dead gorgeous!" Seles answered with a huff.

"You don't have to shout. No one is here except the two of us." Hazel sat down on the end of the bed, absentmindedly smoothing the wrinkles in the blankets. "When I thought you were angry with me, I was so afraid that we'd never have a moment like this again. I'm sorry I was so oblivious to your feelings… and sorry that I hurt you because of that."

Seles crossed her arms. "It's also my fault. I assumed you were feeling guilty, but I didn't do anything about it."

"You couldn't."

"Well, yeah, but…" Seles sighed and placed her head in one hand. "...that only makes my condition more frustrating."

Hazel was quiet for a moment, thinking over what she'd planned to say. The conversation with Song had muddled her thoughts, but they were coming back as Seles' voice triggered her memories.

"...ah, that's right. Zelos was saying that you've had some odd symptoms- things like muscle aches and tremors. Is that true?"

"Yes, but not all the time."

"I see…" Hazel shifted closer, reaching a hand out to Seles. "Hearing about your fatigue and vertigo, I assumed it must be a combination of situational depression and your chronic anemia. But those other symptoms don't match either. Has Veronica made any other diagnoses?" She caught herself as soon as she spoke the name, recalling Song's concern.

"No. At least, if she has, she hasn't told me."

"What medication does she have you on now? Do you have any with you-?"

Before Hazel could even finish the sentence, Seles slid over to the nightstand and plucked the dish off the top to hand over. "Here. This is what she gave me for tonight. It helps me sleep, so I haven't taken it yet."

Hazel accepted the dish with a nod and glanced it over. She frowned, set it down in her lap, and picked up one of the capsules so that she could examine it more closely. She had to squint and hold it up to the light, but she finally recognized it and gasped.

"S-Seles, are you supposed to take all of these?"

"Yes."

"Do you always take this many doses at a time?"

Seles leaned closer, examining which pill Hazel was holding. "That one? Not always. Veronica adjusts it as needed depending on how I'm feeling. But sometimes I do."

Hazel placed the capsule back into the dish. "So you're telling me that you take multiple doses some days and don't take any on others?"

"I mean, if I'm having trouble sleeping-"

"Seles!" Hazel interrupted her, clutching the dish tightly. "Of course this would help you sleep! A dose this large would put someone with a normal tolerance into a coma!"

"...what?" Seles froze, a frightened expression passing over her face.

"This is a painkiller for acute pain following surgery. It isn't meant to be used long-term. Extended use can cause tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Things like muscle aches and tremors are common symptoms of opioid withdrawal- symptoms that would certainly manifest if you were on a dose this high and were suddenly cut off."

Seles reached out with a shaky hand, taking the dish from Hazel and pulling it close to look. It wasn't as if simply staring at it would give her any more answers, but there wasn't much else she could do.

"All these symptoms… they aren't complications from surgery at all. You're addicted." Hazel continued breathlessly. "And by building up your tolerance and changing the dose abruptly, a person has the ability to control exactly what symptoms you'll present without your knowledge. Someone is keeping you on a cycle of sedation and withdrawal and calling it a disease so that they can just keep making it worse-"

"Stop it!" Seles yelled, tossing the dish to the side. It landed on the carpet, tipping over and spilling the pills along the floor. "I understand! I get it! What can I do about it?"

"...Seles…" Hazel spoke, her voice gentle. She left the bed and knelt down to pick up the medicine while she continued. "I'm sure this is frightening for you. It's horrifying for me. But as much as you might want to throw this medicine away, you can't. To prevent these horrible withdrawal effects, you'll have to be tapered off slowly. I can develop a plan for you to minimize withdrawal and-"

"And? You're not my nurse anymore. What if Veronica figures out what I'm doing and cuts me off entirely?" Seles closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't get it. Why would she do something like this? Is she trying to make more work for herself? Does she have a grudge against me?"

"It may not be you," Hazel murmured. "Maybe Doctor Lu was right. Maybe it's Zelos."

"Zelos?!" Seles sat up straighter. "What about Zelos? What did Doctor Lu say? Tell me everything."

"He didn't say much," Hazel began with a shake of her head, "but I'll tell you as much as I can. What he said was definitely… concerning."

Felix began first, speaking with a nervous stammer in his voice. "Look, this is not something my sister and I had anything to do with. We were against the assassination idea from the start. It must be someone else within the Church of Mana who took over in our absence."

"It's true." Margie nodded. "We've had no contact with anyone since Song took us in. Even if we had any say in the assassination attempt, the fact that it failed would have confounded any plans we'd have made in advance, and the attempt on Lloyd's life would've definitely been outside of our control."

"Hold on," Anna held up a hand to stop them. "Earlier, you said that the assassination attempt had nothing to do with the Church of Mana. We both heard on the radio that the would-be assassin spoke out in favor of the Alpha-Beta project."

"I heard that too, from direct sources." Kratos nodded, noticing Anna's balance starting to waver and placing a hand on her back to steady her. "Without knowing who the assassin was, we have no way of knowing whether it was a supporter of the project or a member of the church trying to frame their opponents for the crime."

"True, but ance these criminals found it 'at Lloyd's attacker in th' hospital was a church member, they immediately associated th' assassination attempt wi' it." Dirk broke in, scratching his chin through his beard as he thought out loud. "Was thaur talk ay an assassination within th' church afair ye tois sustained yer injuries?"

"Y-yes," Margie answered, "but only talk. We shot the idea down immediately."

Yuan looked over both of them with a skeptical glare. "Did you, now?"

"You don't believe us?" Felix held up his fists, but Song put a hand on one of his arms, and he lowered his hands again, allowing Song to speak.

"Was the suggestion made by someone who might have taken power when the two of you disappeared?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"Th-the woman you spoke to," Margie stammered, "Ms. St Martin."

"You mean, Seles' nurse?" Anna gasped.

Felix nodded. "Her intention was to use her position to get to the Chosen. She knew that he had a close friendship with one of the Alpha-Beta scientists and was worried he might speak in favor of the project. Her goal was to gain his trust and manipulate him into speaking out in favor of the Church of Mana- in favor of the Chosen system and the importance of mana- instead."

"Ah!" Anna drew in a sharp breath. Kratos flinched protectively under the assumption that she was feeling ill, but it was only a gasp of realization. "Veronica knew yesterday morning that they were going to plan a new speech! She would've realized that her plan failed and had the chance to make other arrangements."

Margie nodded. "If she failed to manipulate him with the methods we agreed on, she would've gone with her backup plan."

"To assassinate him-" Yuan began, but Felix shook his head and corrected him.

"To assassinate his sister."

"S-Seles?" Anna choked. "Why Seles?!"

"Why not Seles?" Felix replied, though he quickly offered an explanation as he noticed all the unhappy stared directed at him. "Sh-she needs the Chosen for her goals, so she'd never kill him! She's trying to use him as a puppet to influence the masses. But he's so close to his sister, if the sister were to die, he'd be devastated. His entire world would be destroyed around him and he'd be forced to turn to those closest to Seles for comfort."

"I see," Kratos murmured through clenched teeth. "Zelos, not knowing any better and still trusting Veronica, goes to her for the support that his own grieving friends are unable to provide."

"That's sickenin'," Dirk muttered.

"It's war," Yuan said. "Fighting is what happens when people support a cause and do what it takes to change the world around them. But eventually, when they face too much opposition, the end goal changes. Lives become nothing but tools. The only thing that matters anymore is winning. And that's when fighting turns into war."

Felix turned away, crossing his arms. "Hmph! Only a fool would lose sight of their goals like that. Veronica may be that kind of fool, but there are plenty of members who are not."

"Maybe so," Song began, "but under the leadership of a charismatic fool, even intelligent people can do foolish things."

Anna raised one hand. "Excuse me, but placing the blame on someone isn't what we need to stress over. I don't care who is responsible for trying to kill my son, I just want to get him to safety as soon as possible. Can we make that happen and then worry about bringing the would-be murderer to justice?"

"Anna's right," Song nodded. "Our major dilemma should be figuring out how to move Lloyd without hurting him any further. Right now he needs to rest so that his internal wounds can heal. But the longer he stays within the city, the longer Veronica has to realize that we're not on her side and the more likely she is to arrange a strike against him… or go to her back-up plan, which is to murder Seles."

"We should tell Zelos, then," Kratos said. "It'd be wrong to keep this from him."

"And since when are you concerned about the morality of witholding information?" Yuan asked with a teasing smirk.

"Oh, you're one to talk-"

"It's okay!" Song interrupted. "I have Hazel watching over Seles now. She's a nurse that I taught while she was a student, and I trust her to keep Seles safe while we figure out what to do about Lloyd." He turned and pointed to Margie. "Do you know if the city guards stationed at the gates have any members of the Church of Mana within their ranks?"

"I believe they do," Margie answered, "but maybe I could-"

"Then we'll scratch any idea of getting him out through the gates. Too risky."

"Noishe showed me a method tae gie intae th' city ben th' sewer system," Dirk offered. "If we had someain waitin' ootwith the city gates wi' a rheiard or other form ay transportation, we could sneak Lloyd out an' take him back tae our home near Iselia."

"I could go," Anna offered, "if Kratos thinks I'm still too much of a burden to work with the militia."

"That's not-!" Kratos began, but sighed. "I don't want to seem dismissive of your contributions to the militia. But if you're feeling up to it, this is perhaps a better use of your skills. I would get involved myself, but If I were to disappear from my position, people might get suspicious-"

"Suspicious of what?"

The question came from the doorway behind the counter that led to the staircase. The group turned to see both of the Sage siblings looking out at them with concern.

"What's going on? Suspicious of what?" Genis repeated. "You all came down here and we couldn't help wondering what was going on. What are you trying to hide from us?"

"I-It's not that we're trying to hide it from you!" Song stammered. "We just didn't want to take you away from Lloyd! And we didn't want to alarm you in front of him, but…"

"Alarm us?" Raine asked.

Margie stepped toward them, bowing her head. "I'm so sorry, both of you. We have received confirmation that the attempt on Lloyd's life in the hospital was organized by the Church of Mana. My brother and I were not involved, nor do we condone the actions taken, but we're still responsible."

"Huh?" Genis choked. "I thought that the assassin said-"

"We don't know the intentions of the original assassin, nor do we know what the church is trying to achieve with this," Kratos interrupted. "All we know is that a member of the Church of Mana approached Song and ask that he kill Lloyd in the same way they intended to do at the hospital."

"When was this?" Raine walked around the counter to join the main group, and Anna and Dirk both took a step back to allow her into the circle. "Song has been here."

"One of Zelos' servants spoke to me while I was at the manor. She's apparently working for the Wilder family with the intention of getting close to the Chosen, and we think she may be trying to destabilize Zelos by murdering someone close to him."

"Who?!" Genis demanded.

"If we tell you, you might go after her," Yuan replied. "Song bought us some time by agreeing to her request. We want her to think he's on her side as long as possible to give us a chance to get Lloyd to safety."

"I see." Raine nodded her head. "Moving Lloyd right now would be dangerous, so we have little choice but to wait a few days. In the meantime, perhaps it would be more advantageous if we search for evidence on the identity of the original assassin. My colleague, Professor Todd Low, left the event after the incident with the intention of bringing the assassin to justice. With her and Zelos' connections, we should be able to find out who it was and what intentions they hold."

"That sounds like a wise decision." Kratos spoke with a deep breath. "The militia, as well, will continue to search for the assassin."

Yuan stepped into the middle of the circle, pointing at Felix and Margie. "In the meantime, maybe we can use these guys to our advantage."

Felix bristled. "And what do you mean by that?"

"You want to atone for what your underlings have done, don't you? Go rejoin the Church of Mana and find out what they're planning. Bring the information back to us, that way we can prevent them from having any more deadly effects."

"Bring back the information… like a double-agent?! Do you have any idea what you're asking of us?"

Yuan didn't waste any time answering. "Yes. Believe me, I know everything there is to know about being a traitor."

Genis sighed and turned around to go back up the stairs. "I'm going to go talk to Zelos about this. He promised us earlier that he could help us find this mysterious Doctor Watson who's been causing trouble for people back in Sylvarant as well as Tethe'alla. If we find him, maybe we can find the assassin."

"Wait for me!" Raine ran after him, stopping briefly at the doorframe to look back. "We'll worry about finding the assassin, then. We'll be counting on you to take care of Lloyd."

"Trust us. We willnae let anythin' happen tae Lloyd. Nae again."

Raine smiled back at Dirk. "I do trust you."

Upon hearing that one of his servants was in league with the Church of Mana, Zelos demanded that Song tell him who. Song refused, giving the same explanation he gave to Genis, and while Zelos assured Song that he was "the best liar in Tethe'alla," Song refused again and told Zelos that he probably shouldn't say that sort of thing like it was an accomplishment.

Eventually accepting that staying too long with Lloyd could arouse suspicions, Zelos led the group back to the manor, just in time to appreciate the sunrise over the Meltokio skyline as they entered. Colette and Sheena had been talking the whole way home about how ready they were to get some sleep, so they headed upstairs as soon as they made it inside. Zelos was about to follow them, but he was stopped by Sebastian.

"I know you need some sleep, Master Zelos, but before you go, a letter was delivered for you this morning."

"A letter? At this hour?" Zelos asked, almost in a groan. Raine and Genis had started up the staircase already, but they stopped as they heard Sebastian's next statement.

"Were you expecting a correspondence from the hospital? The courier said that it's from a doctor. A… Watson, I believe?"

"Doctor Watson?" Zelos gasped, snatching the letter from Sebastian's hand. Sebastian bowed and took a step back.

"It seems clear this is a personal matter. I'll allow you to handle this. Call me if there is anything you need."

"...thanks," Zelos murmured, already ripping into the envelope. He stepped onto the first step as Raine and Genis stepped down to look over his shoulder. "Geez, talk about convenience. Right when we decide to look for him, he shows up. I don't like that."

"What does the letter say?" Genis asked, leaning closer to Zelos. "Is he taking credit for the assassination? Threatening you? Saying that-"

"Hey! M-move over and let me read!" Zelos pushed Genis aside and unfolded the letter so that he could read it. It was short, so he finished it quickly and then re-read it a few times. "...huh," he murmured, a frown forming on his face. "He says he didn't do it."

"Really?" Genis reached for the letter, and Zelos handed it over.

"Read it for yourself."

Genis did, aloud so that Raine could hear as well. "Most esteemed Zelos Wilder, I am saddened and appalled by the events that occurred during today's celebration. I want to assure you that the actions taken by this unnamed assailant are not indicative of the intentions of the scientific community. While I and my followers have taken extraordinary measures to spread scientific truth among our global community, we would never stoop to the level of taking a life. Rest assured, I will offer my full support in the pursuit of this criminal, and I hope that you will view me as an ally from whom you can ask for help in your own pursuit of justice. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to write back to my post office box. Cordially yours, Doctor J.H. Watson. Well! Isn't he an eloquent writer?"

"I was gonna say 'pretentious,' but yeah, I agree." Zelos shrugged his shoulders and reached for the letter. "I wonder if there's any way we can-"

"Hold on. Let me see that letter again."

Raine interrupted him, and so he handed the letter over to her. "Something looks odd about this. I want to examine it further."

"It was done on a typewriter, so we can't do a handwriting analysis," Zelos replied. "But we have the post office box, so that's at least a decent lead."

"I'm going to go speak to Professor Low."

Raine didn't even wait for Zelos or Genis to reply. She folded the letter up and placed it in her pocket, starting toward the coat rack. "W-wait!" Genis gasped, running after her. "Right now?"

"You don't have to come with me," she replied.

"That's not it, I was just thinking that Professor Low might not be awake yet-"

"Doesn't matter. Her servants will wake her up."

Zelos followed them and retrieved his own coat. "What's up? What is it about the letter that's so important it can't wait? Don't you want to get some sleep?"

"As I said, you don't have to come with me."

Zelos and Genis glanced at one another, both uneasy. Genis sighed and finally said "Don't worry, Zelos. I'll go with her. You go rest."

"I'm fine. I can handle it, remember?" Zelos tapped his chest. "If Raine and Professor Low are hot on Watson's trail, I wanna be a part of it."

Raine was already out the door, and Zelos and Genis had to scramble in order to catch up. She was walking fast, a silent look of determination on her face, and Genis was out of breath before they were even halfway there. Still, he and Zelos managed to keep up until they finally reached Low's mansion. The butler opened the door for them and, seeing Raine, assured them that he'd fetch the mistress immediately. He invited them in, allowing them to stand in the entryway until Professor Low arrived. When she finally did appear through the double doors across from the window, the tired look on her face broke into a relieved smile.

"Oh, Raine, Genis, Zelos! Thank goodness you're alright! I was so worried about you yesterday!"

"I'm glad to see that you're okay," Genis replied. "Raine said you took off after the assassin and we hadn't heard from you since. Did you find anything?"

"No, I wasn't able to. I searched, but there was too much chaos with the crowd, and-"

"Enough." Raine spoke, interrupting her mid-sentence. "We're not here to chat."

"Ah, sorry." Professor Low gave a nod and removed her glasses to clean them. "Did something happen? You look stressed."

Raine closed her eyes and retrieved the letter from her pocket. "Put your glasses back on. We're here because of this letter that Zelos received this morning." She pushed the letter to Professor Low before she could even reach for it, pressing it against her chest. "We're here to take you up on your offer, Doctor Watson."