I don't think I've ever written a story this fast. Maybe it's because I don't have school, but anyways…
Recap: Jaden and the gang are making battle plans to see Syrus; Zane is going slightly mushy, like a Popsicle in the fridge (I can assure you it won't last long); Syrus is having a little eye trouble.
Disclaimer: I think you can figure it out.
Warning: Physical assault, swearing.
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The ophthalmologic doctor shone a little light into Syrus's eyes, making small noises as he did so. "How much do they hurt? Is it a fierce, stabbing pain or a dull pain? When did this start?" Syrus answered as best he could, given that his head was still aching beyond belief. Can you stop the questions and tell me what's wrong?! He screamed internally. Why are doctors so secretive?
Hell Kaiser was lurking in the corner, watching the proceedings with narrowed eyes. The nurse had tried to make him leave the room so the doctor and Syrus could have some privacy, but he had looked so irate when she suggested it that she immediately backed off. His cell phone was vibrating in his pocket, but he ignored it. Probably his stupid agent calling again.
"Well, I'm done with my examination." The doctor straightened up and handed Syrus a pill capsule. "Take this with some water and get some rest." He walked out into the hall without even looking or talking to Hell Kaiser.
"Excuse me." Hell Kaiser followed him into the hall and cornered him against the wall, glaring. "Aren't you going to tell us what's going on?" The doctor, who was an older man with silvery hair, looked coolly in Zane's direction, none too happy with being bothered.
"It's too early to make conclusions, but I think this has to do with the concussion he sustained. I would like to have a neurologist look at him sometime in the near future."
Hell Kaiser almost exploded. "The near future?! He's not a machine that can wait! I want some answers now, if it wouldn't be too much trouble." He said this in a tone that clearly implied he was two seconds away from punching the doctor in the face.
"Too put it bluntly, Mr. Truesdale, your brother is most likely going to end up blind." Zane's jaw dropped.
"What?!" He grabbed the doctor by the collar. "What do you mean, blind?!" Hell Kaiser was practically spitting fire from his mouth.
"Put me down right now, before I call security." Hell Kaiser forced his fist to relax, letting the doctor drop to the floor. "Be reasonable now. Many vision-impaired people live perfectly normal lives. Your brother will have to learn to cope, is all."
"Cope." Hell Kaiser stared at him for a moment, no emotion flitting across his face. That uncaring, insensitive son of a bitch! Before he knew what he was doing, Zane lashed out and struck the doctor in the jaw with his fist.
The man stumbled back, grasping the wall for support. "You, you…" He too was mad and surprised to say anything. Instead of speaking, he spun on his heel and stormed off.
Hell Kaiser let out the breath he had been holding. What am I going to tell Syrus? As he began moving slowly back to his brother's room, he heard familiar voices.
"Zane!" Of course, just the people I wanted to see. He thought sarcastically. It was Jaden and his merry band of friends. "We're here to see Syrus, and you can't make us go away this time." Jaden stared up at the older teen.
"Fine. Go right ahead." Atticus opened his mouth to protest the expected refusal, but then he realized what his former friend had said.
"You're letting us go in?"
"Yes. Syrus just had a sedative, though, so he may be a bit tired." Hell Kaiser turned away from the group, intending to go find a quiet room where he could think. He heard the sounds of everyone walking away.
"Hey, Zane." It was Alexis, standing behind him. He turned back to look as her.
"What is it, Alexis?"
She hesitated for a second. "Well, is something wrong? You seem…upset."
"My parents are dead, my brother's in the hospital, oh, and he's losing his sight. What could possibly be wrong?!" He snapped at her, but wished he could take back the last part the minute he said it. "Don't tell Syrus, please."
She looked positively horrified. "He's going blind?" She whispered, looking over her shoulder to see if anyone was there.
"The doctor thinks so. Don't tell anyone, because it's not confirmed, and I haven't even told him." Zane sighed heavily. "I'm going downstairs."
"I won't tell anyone. I promise." Alexis said softly. She walked into Syrus's room, lost in thought.
--Syrus's room--
"I'm so glad you're okay!" Jaden grabbed Syrus and hugged him tightly. Syrus gasped in pain. "When do you think you'll be out of here?"
"I don't know." Syrus wheezed. "Maybe sometime in the next few weeks."
"Jaden, his ribs!" Chazz and Hassleberry removed Jaden's arms from Syrus's torso. Syrus decided not to tell them about his eyes; who knows how they'd react?
"Oops, sorry." Jaden grinned at his friend. "I was so worried…you've been asleep for days, and Zane kicked us out of the room when we came to see you."
"Jaden, ix-nay on the ight-fay!" Bastion's Pig Latin message was too late.
"He did what?" Syrus forgot about his eyes for a second. Everyone was suddenly interested in looking elsewhere. "He threw you out of my room while I was unconscious? I think I'll have to talk to him about that."
"Syrus, don't do that." Atticus said. "He was really upset, and I don't think he was thinking straight."
"Well, okay, but if he does it again I'll have to do something." Syrus rubbed his aching eyes. "Sorry, guys, I'm a little tired." He lied. "Alexis, what's up? You're really quiet." Alexis smiled strangely.
"I'm fine, Sy, it's…nothing. Everything's cool." Atticus raised an eyebrow; he could always tell when Alexis was lying. He'd probe her for information later, though. Maybe she and Zane are finally getting together! He thought gleefully. Maybe not…she's got a secret, and I'm going to find it out!
--Down in another room--
Zane was sitting in a small room that was reserved for people who need quiet time, or those in need of a place to swear/cry without being disturbed. He was holding a magazine in hand, but not reading the text.
I'm not going to tell him…yet. The neurologist still has to see him, and I'm going to get a second opinion…but how long can I put off telling before he figures it out? Syrus may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he'll be able to tell if he's going blind.
BRRING!!!! Damn phone! He thought. Hell Kaiser whipped it open. "For the last time, no photo shoots and no soppy interviews!" He shouted at his agent, who was on the other end.
"I haven't scheduled any interviews or photo shoots, but getting a picture of you and your brother would be great…" Hell Kaiser growled. "Okay, no picture! But I called to remind you that you have a duel scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. It's against Heather MacIntyre, that Scottish girl who has a sheep deck."
"I'll crush her and give you something to publicise. But tell all of my appointments for the next two weeks that I'm taking some vacation time, and reschedule them."
"You're so demanding!" She squealed. "But you're the big-shot, so I'll do what you say. Ciao!" She hung up, leaving him to wonder exactly when his agent turned into a fangirl.
"Mr. Zane Truesdale?" A woman in a white coat entered the room. "I'm Dr. Salin, a psychiatrist. Dr. Deir recommended that I speak to your brother. Can I just ask you a few questions about his personality, things like that?"
"Maybe later, I'm not really in the mood." Zane crossed his arms.
"I heard about his eye problems and I'm very sorry. But it's all the more reason to talk to him. Does he know yet?" Zane shook his head. "Here's my pager number. When the two of you feel ready, call me."
"What do you mean, the two of us?" Hell Kaiser put on his most intimidating look. "I'm not the one in the hospital."
"Maybe not, but you've also undergone a psychological trauma as a result of the accident. You can't keep it all bottled up on the inside, you know. It's not healthy." Zane stood up.
"I'm going to go see my brother now." He left her behind, hoping that his deliberate rudeness would deter her from bothering him further. He did not need mental help.
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This will probably be the last chapter I write before Christmas. Sorry if this hospital thing seems to be dragging on; I'll try and pick things up in the next chapter. Questions will be answered as accurately as possible. R&R!