[Bonapartre Park, Monoceros Keep, Foranea 9:50 PM, 25th of Umbral-Tide/Darktide, Year 426]

The loud circus performances had amazed the audiences. Shemlock Homes and Neil Ingrid Carter watched while they kept observing. The rest of the audiences cheered at the acrobats and loudly applauded the show. Shemlock looked crossed his arms and kept moving his head while Neil kept writing on his notebook on what he saw.

" Turn that frown upside down. Why so gloomy, good sir? " asked a creepily cheerful voice as a clown rode down the aisle past Shemlock on his way to the middle of the stage on his unicycle.

" I'm looking for Boris Kastronov. Is he here? " the Aldernian detective sternly asked.

The clown broke his nonsensical bike and pointed to the back of the stage, " Try the back. He might be on break till act 4."

Shemlock gestured the elven journalist as he nodded. They headed at the back of the stage and noticed a younger man who looked uncanny to the previous ring master, Hilden Kastronov.

" Mr. Kastronov, this is Shemlock Homes, " he introduced himself and the journalist. " This is my associate Neil Carter. It's a pleasure to meet you. "

As they approached the ring master, an Elandric clown with an oddly good physique wearing a loin cloth and cape stepped in his way.

" Neil, we are getting information about Kastronov's associate..." Shemlock reminded.

" Of course. "

" Woah pal! Not just anyone can bother the boss when he is on break, " he retorted.

The ring master pushed the clown aside and deadpanned, " It's all right, Boingo. I know who he is."

" Ah, nice to meet you Mr. Kastronov, " Neil said and shook his hand in greeting before turning his attention to the clown. " I'm a journalist from La Premier Foranéè. Is it okay that I ask a few questions? Don't worry, I won't be a bother much in your work. "

" Da, " the younger ringmaster nodded.

Neil said, turned his attention to the clown to ask his questions, and took out his notepad to write down. " Did you see any trouble or suspicious activity at that are as of late? "

A short and stout Foranean clown looked at Kastronov and Boingo and shrugged, " I guess ze boss can answer that. "

" Do know where we could find the boss? " Neil asked the fellow clown.

" Sacrè bleu, you are talking to him right now, mon'ami! "

" Gospodin Carter, you are obviously talking to me! " Boris loudly laughed and slapped his knees.

Shemlock facepalmed and sighed to his disappointment. Neil nervously grinned and chuckled. Just then, the ring master's laughter ceased and looked at the clowns, gesturing them to leave. The two men with strange make-up nodded and immediately walked away.

" Well... I need to talk to you, boys. Come with me in private..." Boris reminded.

" Sure, we'll follow, " Neil said to Mr. Kastronov.

Shemlock followed as the two men headed into his room. The young ringmaster closed the curtains and offered his two guests some seats. The detective and the elven journalist sat down.

" Mr. Kastronov, what is it you're telling us? " the detective asked.

" My father is very ill. Someone's controlling him, " the young ring master admitted. " I'm having a suspicion of his bestfriend. "

" What brought you to this conclusion? Do you have proof? " Neil curiously chimed in.

" He's managing the entire affairs of the circus which I was supposed to lead my father's people. He has taken all the income which we generate. Then, I'm afraid his associate is going to take over the circus instead of me and my father, Hilden. "

Neil started to write all the information down on his notepad and sighed, "He wants to take the family business from you? Also your finance? I'm so sorry, this is quite a horrible situation to be in. "

" Anything in suspicion, Boris? " Shemlock chimed in.

" This man...Sèvére Porcher..." Boris gestured them and lowly whispered, avoiding to be heard by anybody. " He's my father's best friend and associate, currently running the circus troupe. "

" This Sèvére Porcher, do you know more about his workers? Do you have any suspicious of what they're planning next? " Neil asked and wrote the name down.

" He has been a long time associate of my father when he started the circus. Porcher has been helping him ever since. There's something odd in him, " the ring master explained. " Umbral Magic..."

" Bingo..." Shemlock intently smirked. " I am having a suspicion. "

Neil continued to write down what Mr. Kastronov was saying before turning his attention to Shemlock. " You figured what's going on here, my friend? "

" I saw a middle-aged looking bearded man who wearing a suit speaking to us in Franken. That must be him who was welcoming us earlier, " the detective replied to the elven journalist and deduced. " He had rings on his both index fingers. Those rings have powers from the forbidden Umbral magic. "

" Porcher! Bozhe moi! " Boris exclaimed, snapped his fingers, and pointed at Shemlock. " You have exactly described him! "

Neil turned a page on his notepad and started to write all these down, " Nothing good happens with Umbral Magic. Do you know where we can find Mr. Porcher? "

Boris turned around and heard the next act from outside which he looked so apprehensive. Shemlock shot a glare to the young ring master and then turned his head around.

" I'm afraid it's his turn now..." Boris anxiously spoke.

" His performance, I take it? " the detective asked.

" My father called it, 'the grand finale.' "

Neil respectfully nodded at Mr. Kastronov, closing his notepad with all the gathered information on it. He cocked his eyebrows and intently heard what was going on. Shemlock turned to the young ringmaster and crossed his arms.

" Look, I'm gonna warn you two..." Boris interjected. " Porcher's finale is something that you don't want to hear or see. "

" So, is he going to perform a disappearing act? " Shemlock grinned.

" No...I can't describe that vile thing! "

" It must be that horrible from the sounds of it, " Neil said concerned.

" You two..." the young ring master held a seagull's feather and casted a spell to protected them from being controlled. The raven haired human instantly grabbed the elven journalist and stood beside Boris.

" What was that? " he asked.

" Protective spells from being mind controlled, " Shemlock answered.

" Thanks, " Neil said at Mr. Kastronov before smiling.

" You're welcome. We'd better find out what Porcher is doing, " Kastronov seriously reminded and gestured the two men under a magical shield.

"Yes, we must. I can't imagine what tragedy Porcher is planning next, " Neil said.

" I'm afraid. He's beginning to do it. " Shemlock surmised.

The three men looked at the audience and the performers under in a trance which a lanky Foranean man presented a head coming from the box. It had a decaying smell past beyond livor and rigor mortis. They covered their mouths and nose while witnessing it.

" We're too late. What should we do? " Neil asked anxiously.

" Observe, Neil..." the detective replied.

" Demerof!! " the man yelled.

The elven journalist observed for any suspicious attacks that were about to happen. Shemlock turned his head around and noticed the crowd were under hypnosis. He turned to the young ring master, implying him by his glare to be vigilant. Boris nodded and turned his attention to Porcher.

" Madames et messieurs! I introduce you, a man who got decapitated from several centuries ago! By the power of Lord Milo had revived him! " the Foranean bearded man proclaimed and turned to the head. " Now, oh great one! Speak in front of the audience! "

" This is disgusting. They resurrected this man and take away his free will? " Neil lowly said to his fellows who were not hypnotised.

" See? " Boris sighed.

" I don't think that man could be preserved more than a century..." Shemlock interject and suspiciously eyed at the dead man's head. " He died not so long time ago. "

" What do you mean, Shemlock? " Neil queried.

" I'll explain later. "

The head of the deceased man glared at the crowd and spoke up, " I am Imuthis...I had come all the way from Hetland and lived during the Period of the Black Sun! I saw the horrors of the Divine War when the Empire collapsed! You foolish children have wasted your time doing trivial things! It's your time to do a revolution as the end of Iliad is approaching! You shall forget everything you have learned and used to! Trust no one for they will condemn you! Bloodshed and tragedies are coming to you! Your loved ones will forsake you! "

" This is very bad, " Neil said as he wrote down all that has happened here in his notepad.

Imuthis continued, "You will never survive and end up into ashes! Not even your 'Holy Heavenly Gods' can save you! It's time to prepare for this coming...WAR! "

" Bozhe moi..." Boris anxiously muttered and saw the circus performers started to attack the audience.

" Oh, Bloody Hell! What the heck?! Innocent people are attacking each other. What do we do? " Neil said as he shocked to see what's happening.

" Neil, just don't go over to the riotus crowd! " Shemlock warned.

" I won't, but this is horrible! "

" I will get you two out of here, " Boris grabbed the human detective and the elven journalist.

" Okay, we'll follow, " Neil said quietly not wanting to be spotted.

The circus performers kept bashing their heads against their fellow ones as the audience did the same thing. The state of confusion and pandemonium had come. Porcher evilly smirked and gently patted his 'pet talking head.' He was so glad to see the chaotic environment of the Kastronov circus troupe and the circus goers.

" Just be careful, gentlemen! " Boris warned.

Suddenly, a group of circus clowns whom they met earlier were now under the influence of Porcher's hypnotic spell using the talking head. They were growling and hissing like a pack of wolves. Boris turned to Shemlock and Neil and remained anxious. Some laughed maniacally like a wild hyena. Neil took a deep breath before continuing to move slowly and quietly.

" Neil, you belong to the Dread Wolves Tribe. Perhaps, you can do something, " Shemlock suggested.

" You're right. What do you want me to do? " Neil asked.

" You're an elf. Perhaps, you are trained to do Divine War combat in your younger years..."

" Bozhe moi! I have heard about the tribe of nomadic elves! " Boris exclaimed.

" Do you have a sword? I can give you enough time to escape and get backup, " the elven journalist asked.

" There, you can use mine, gospodin Carter! " Boris handed his sword to the elven man.

Boingo the clown hissed like a wolf, impatiently waiting for his prey.

" I'm not hiding anymore! " Neil angrily said at Boingo the clown readying the sword to fight.

Boingo jumped at Neil and readied to attack him. Neil went for a jab awith his sword at the clown's shoulder and then a quick slash at his shoulder carefully in order not to kill him. Boingo yelled in pain and returned to his senses. when the Elandric clown became dazed.

" What the hell?! Who did this, Boss?! " he asked.

" I will explain later, Boingo, " Boris replied. " Come with us.

Neil stopped, noticed that Boingo broke out of the trance, and asked, " You're okay? "

" Y-yeah..." Boingo muttered anxiously.

" Everyone, they're retaliating! " Shemlock warned.

The clowns and acrobats surrounded the four men as they got cornered. Boingo and Boris looked at Shemlock. The Aldernian detective-mage snapped his fingers and casted a spell with a bright ray of light, making them blind. The other performers became dazed and confused. Boingo looked worried and saw the riot grew wilder and faster than it was. Boris took a deep breath and helped escape his fellow sane ones. Suddenly, he was being attacked and punched by the Chegarian gorilla man on his gut.

" Kastronov, du Lügner! (Kastronov, you liar!) " the gorilla man yelled and made the young ring master in a black and blue situation.

" Emil! Stop! Stop! " Boris fell down and cried, becoming bruised and beaten.

Neil rushed towards the gorilla man and attack him with the sword. He carefully jabbed and slashed the different part of his body, in order to break the trance.

" Boss, you okay?! " Boingo carried the injured young ring master.

" Not...good..." Boris moaned in pain.

" Was ist los?! Warum sind alle...(What's going on?! Why is everyone...)" Emil the Chegarian gorilla man fearfully spoke.

" Wir holen dich hier raus. (We'll get you out of here.) " Shemlock replied and aided Emil to stand up.

" I know how to break the trance, " Neil said to Shemlock and Boris.

" Good job, Neil, " Shemlock reminded. " We can't waste any time remaining in this riot. The Foranean Police will come here very soon. "

" We should gather the wounded, then bring them outside and wait for the police to come, " Neil said before handing Mr. Kastronov's sword back. " Here, your father would want you to hold unto this."

" Thank you, comrade..." Boris wearily smiled and received his sword, using it like a cane.

" You're welcome. I've learned my lesson, I should've bought a sword for situations like this. "

" Well, you are both a messenger and a warrior at the same time, Neil. The game is a foot for you, " Shemlock commented.

" Thanks, I haven't forgot my time training back when I was a Dread Wolf, " Neil smiled afterwards.

The group saw some injured people escaping from the riot. Some animals were being restless. The detective looked around and sought the strange bearded man holding a deceased man's head. He found nothing, but disoriented crowd fleeing for their safety.

" The mad hypnotiser has gone that fast..." he sternly spoke.

" P-Porcher?! " Boris muttered in fear. " Where is he?! "

" He's gone.... If only we found him sooner before all this happened, " Neil said and sighed.

" The Umbral Sphere Cultists must have taken him to escape his created riot, " Shemlock answered.

" We'll find Porcher and bring him to justice. "

" The Umbral believers are not easy to trifle with, Neil. They will have their time very soon. "

" You're right, we have to be patient. "

Suddenly, a carpool of ambulance from Monoceros Keep General Hospital and cars from the Foranean Police Department had just arrived from the scene. Shemlock sighed in relief and looked at them.

[Montmartre Residence 10:33 PM]

In the study room and laboratory, Amnon carefully examined under the microscope which it had a blood sample of Phinehas Earthwood. He wrote his observations which he discovered a black substance stained from his blood cells. It was similar as Nirvana's sample. He took out a drop of vitality serum and a holy water, making sure to remove the invasive and mutated substance. He checked at the microscope again and found the two compounds were instantly eliminating it and returning it to the healthy normal red blood cells. The general practitioner sighed in relief and wrote his conclusion for the blood sample.

Amnon drank his cup of coffee and noticed his pregnant wife coming to him. Glenda gently placed her hands at her husband's shoulders and kissed his cheeks.

" Are you getting some sleep? " she asked. " You need to start with your first day of work tomorrow.

" I got busied myself in the blood sample which we obtained from the dark elf, " he answered and kissed back his wife's cheeks. " I need to get some sleep after this. "

" So, what did you find? "

" A mixture of the Vitality Serum and Holy Water made an adverse reaction to the blood sample. This is proven effective, " the general practitioner answered.

" Two compounds to eliminate the black Umbral fluid, " Glenda commented and smiled. " Not bad, Cheesecake! You did a good job! "

" Merci beaucoup, ma cherie! "

" Perhaps, we can make some tests and develop a formulation. "

" We can patent this, Babe, " Amnon assured and held back his wife's hand.

Suddenly, a bright flash of light appeared at the physician spouses as they avoided looking at it and slowly peeked. It appeared to be the same female angel who Amnon had met back in his room at Odyssea Academy's Kosmos Building. She had a long fine and dark hair. Then, she was wearing a white robed dress. Amnon recognised her as his wife got startled to see the winged being.

" Amnon, who is she?! " she asked in fear.

" Glen, she's just a messenger of Lady Photis and a friend. Don't be afraid, " her husband calmly assured, turned to the angel, and warmly smiled at her in greeting. " Bonsoir, mon'amie. "

" Hello, there. Amnon, Glenda, " the angel greeted the physician spouses and smiled back at them. " I have witnessed everything. I am glad you have progressed and remained faithful, Amnon, despite all those trials and tribulations had transpired. You're no longer the depressive and listless one whom I have met. Your spirit have become more radiant than before. The Great Lady has blessed you and your family. "

" Thank you, friend. "

" So, you met and helped my husband? " Glenda queried.

" Yes, Glenda. I flushed out the darkness within his mind and heart. "

" Thank you for looking after him. "

" You're welcome. Your prayers are truly heard. I believe the both of you are anticipating for that birth of your daughter, Esmeralda, " the angel answered. " The Great Lady and Her Hosts asked me to look after you two as well as the child's coming out of the womb. "

" Yes, we are looking forward for her birthday. " Amnon replied and asked. " May I ask you something, friend? "

" Yes, Amnon. I will entertain to answer your questions along with your wife. "

" Well, it's just I was a chosen to be a mysterious warrior by the Dread Wolves Tribe. What does it benefit me? Does this exploit can be a long-term? "

The angel smiled and answered, " The elven people have chosen you to be the warrior which your late father and ancestors had been. Yet, we messengers of the Great Lady have come to observe and guide your acts as the Umbrals have brought such terror in your city. You are worthy to be the Blue Knight, but you can still live as a father and a physician as long as you can. "

The general practitioner nodded and completely understood as his pregnant pediatrician wife listened.

" However I need to warn you, " she continued. " On the days ahead, this nation will suffer such terrors created by our enemies. Your people will be succumbed by fear and hopelessness. "

" Foranea is like a bedridden patient with a terminal illness. " Amnon surmised.

" Exactly... "

" My goodness..." Glenda anxiously added. " What do we do about it? I don't want our daughter to witness tragedies. She's too young for those things. "

" There are things you can do, Amnon, Glenda. With the Great Lady's help and guidance, you and the Dread Wolves Tribe must protect the city and villages at all costs. The Umbrals have made their advances. They may continue as soon as possible until they succeed. "

" That's what I have heard in the news, " Amnon commented and turned to his wife. " I am thinking the Blue Knight should do this. "

" Definitely, " she nodded. " I am not ready to fight yet. We're still waiting for Emie's birthday, but I still have your support and see what I can do as well. "

" Got it. "

" Very well, you two, " the angel nodded in agreement and smiled. Then, she reminded, " As for you, Amnon. You need to brace yourself for the first day of work which you will start immediately. "

" Wait? What?! " the general practitioner exclaimed in shock. " My dear friend, I am supposed to start tomorrow morning. What do you mean by that?!

" Not as the Blue Knight, but yourself as a mortal physician. You will find it out in one phone call away, " the angel cheerfully mused and pointed at the telephone.

" R-Right. Merci beaucoup, Spasiba. "

" I shall see you again. Keep praying. Farewell and may the Lady bless you. "

The angel vanished as the physician spouses exchanged glances. Just then, there was another glowing feather left on the floor. Amnon picked it up and held the other feather from his study table. Glenda curiously looked at the both feathers.

" What are these for? " she asked curiously.

" They're keepsakes from our angelic friend, " her husband answered.

" Oh, like a memento. Wow, it was my first time to encounter angels! "

" Yeah, they're inspiring and encouraging. I wonder why our friend has told me that my first day of work has moved and wait for the call..."

Suddenly, the phone loudly rang when Amnon picked it up and answered, " Bonsoir? "

A deep male voice responded, " Bonsoir Montmartre. Je suis désolé pour l'avis tardif. Vous avez compris que demain matin commencera votre service, mais nous avons besoin de plus de médecins traitants pour ce soir. Nous avons de nombreux cas de blessés du Parc Bonaparte. (Good evening, Montmartre. I'm sorry for the late notice. You understood that tomorrow morning will start your duty, but we are in need of more attending physicians for tonight. We have numerous cases of injured patients from the Bonaparte Park.) "

Amnon was intrigued which his angelic friend gave him a foresight of the telephone conversation. He looked at his wife as she nodded. Then, he replied, " Donc, ce sont surtout des cas d'urgence, professeur McCoy. C'est bon. Je suis prêt à me conformer à ce changement de cimetière. (So, they're mostly emergency cases, Professor McCoy. It's fine. I am willing to comply for this graveyard shift.) "

" Merci. (Thank you.) "

" Je t'en prie. J'y serai, monsieur. (You're welcome. I'll be there, sir.) "

The call had ended when he placed down the phone's handset. Glenda turned to her husband and commented, " What a coincidence that the angel has told you of an instant first day of work which it turns out to be an ER duty. "

" I'm getting used to it, Babe, " he kissed his wife's cheeks and asked. " I assume you're going to visit your cousin and her wife? "

" Of course, they're all ready here. Odette has been confined at the hospital. Perhaps, you'll catch-up with us when your graveyard shift ends, " she replied and kissed him back.

" Sure, I'll see you later. "

[Monoceros Keep General Hospital 11:30 PM]

An Elandric clown was one of the several patients being admitted after the circus riot at Bonaparte Park. He ended lying on the stretcher when the medics assisted to the emergency room. He managed to smile and chuckle despite being injured.

The nurses tried to check and treated his wounds when a tall blonde doctor in his thirties walked over to them. They conversed in Franken which Wayne nervously gulped, found himself literally lost in translation, and then grimaced wincing slightly.

" I hope my fans made it out okay.." he lowly mumbled when a fancy hand fan materialized in his left hand and then vanished. While cleansing his wounds with an alcohol and an antiseptic, the pain shot through his body. Wayne loudly yelled, " YEEEEEOOOOOOUCH!!! "

The other patients and the other medical staff in the emergency room turned their attention to him. Wayne felt embarrassed and nervously chuckled, grinning at them.

" Sacré bleu! " a brunette male nurse in his twenties commented and asked." Docteur, est-il aussi mage? (Docteur, is he a mage as well?) "

" Oui. (Yes.) " Amnon sighed.

" Look, guys. I don't speak and understand Franken. I hope y'all talk to me in Neo-Ydrassi, so we're in the same shoes, " Wayne casually spoke and asked, still grinning. " Oh, by the way, never seen a visual gag before? "

Just then, a red ball with an eye blinking with a leather belt attached to it materialized falling to the floor rolling its eye unamused. The nurses ignored him and shared glances with Doctor Montmartre. They mentioned of the patient's injury. The general practitioner closely examined him and assessed the extent of the wounds on both legs. He noticed that the clown's left leg needed to more attention than the other parts of his body. It was wrapped carefully and protectively as Wayne needed a wooden crutch and a cast for it.

" Docteur, shall we cleanse and apply some dressing in his other wounds? " the female nurse asked him in Neo-Ydrassi

" Yes, " Amnon nodded at the nurse and turned to the clown. He deadpanned and stared grimly at him, " Oh for Gods' sakes, don't tell me you're from Odyssea Academy before you ended up in the circus?! "

" Well, nah. Odyssea Academy is too prestigious and expensive. So, I'm home schooled. My magic is rather old and passed down father to son, " Wayne remarked. Then, he winced and moaned as the nurses started treated his other wounds.

" Home schooled. Fair enough, " the attending physician replied and changed his topic. " You might consider taking an X-ray imaging of your left leg wound for any bone fracture that you experience. "

Suddenly, Amnon's hair messed itself up magically when a wave of energy passed him. The nurses, other attending physicians, and patients turned their attention to him. The blonde mustached doctor felt embarrassed and heavily sighed.

" Woops! Sorry, Doc! " Wayne exclaimed, removing a device from his pocket 'disa-ray' machine.

Amnon rolled his eyes in disgust and sighed. The nurses finished cleansing the other wounds as he nodded at them. Keeping his cool composure, he smiled, " Look, not disa-ray machine. X-ray machine. By the way, you will need to recover and soon start walking with crutches before you start physical therapy. Alright, anything else? "

" Doc, did the contortionist end up here too? She was bent out of shape during the riot. Her behavior was rather odd during the event, " the clown ponderingly said when a number 3 poofed into existence made out of popcorn.

Amnon cocked his eyebrows and heard his patient's question. He knew there were other attending physicians like him who attended a multitude of patients. The words: behavior and odd had sparked his curiosity and intently looked at the Elandric clown.

" I believe she's with you along with the others. I've seen that woman dealing with Dr. Glénat-Rousseau, " the Akrovian-Foranean general practitioner replied and queried. " Can you tell me, monsieur, what happened? "

Wayne thought hard looking pained. It took him time to recall what had transpired at the circus. Amnon waited for his patient to respond, wrote the further perscription and recommendation, and handed it to him. Wayne nodded and read it as he had an idea to answer.

" It was hard to think during the chaos. The gypsy fortune teller kept muttering head honcho order received while she was in a trance beating me with a chair, " he seriously answered.

" So, this is how you get yourself injured? "

" We never got along well, But ironically, she was rather gentle almost like she was fighting some Umbral force. Wayne recalled. " Seemed like quite a struggle upstairs if you get me."

" Umbral Force? Head honcho? "

" Yeah, I ain't joking, Doc. A talking dead man's head. It's freakish, isn't it? "

Amnon frowned and sighed as he understood what the clown had meant. Wayne changed topic and smiled, " Anyways, Doc. I'll be looking forward for that x-ray on my leg. "

" Of course, monsieur, " he nodded. " Just get some rest for now. I'll check you tomorrow. "

" Docteur Montmartre, " an attending human female nurse approached him. " Docteurs Balland and Allaire need a defibrillating spell from you to revive a male two hundred sixty-two year old elven patient who suffered from a cardiac arrest. "

" Another case of circus riot victim? "

" Oui, " she nodded and walked along with him. There were two attending physicians attempted resuscitate a scarlet haired bearded man.

A dark haired man with the same age as Amnon turned to him and sarcastically retorted, " Dieu merci, le garçon de l'Odyssea Academy est de retour! Peut-être que vos compétences en matière de défibrillation fonctionneront chez cet elfe expirant! (Thank goodness, the Odyssea Academy boy has returned! Perhaps, you defibrillator skills may work in this expiring elven man!) "

" Allaire, Se concentrer! (Allaire, focus!) " his older female supervising physician sternly reminded. " Notre patient perd! Son rythme cardiaque ralentit à 49 battements par minute! (Our patient is losing! His heartrate is slowing down at 49 beats per minute!) "

" A quoi sert ce satané défibrillateur, de toute façon?! Ça ne marche pas pour l'amour du ciel! (What's the use of this damn defibrilator, anyways?! It doesn't work for heaven's sakes!) " Allaire angrily spat and brought the medical equipment down.

The two physicians shared glances at each other and glared at the whining and irrate one. Amnon had let out a deep sigh and clasped both of his hands for Bio Shock. He placed them in the elven man's chest, reviving him. In every two minutes, he delivered four shocks to the patient. Suddenly, the tall scarlet haired elven man slowly opened his eyes and gained consciousness. Doctor Allaire remained speechless and saw his returning colleague revived a cardiac arrest patient.

" Montmartre...je..." he muttered to his embarrassment.

" Il est plus facile de ne pas se plaindre que de le faire. Croyez-moi, j'ai été là, Allaire. (It's easier not to complain than doing it. Trust me, I have been there, Allaire.) " Amnon sternly spoke at him. " Vous pratiquez la médecine, mais vous vous comportez comme un interne en médecine de troisième année. (You're practicing medicine, yet you behave like a third-year medical intern.) "

Allaire bowed his head in shame and slowly stepping back. Balland shot a glare at him as she felt disappointed to her subordinate. He exasperatedly sighed and walked away, looking for his next ER patient.

" What on Iliad am I doing here?! " the ruddy elven man exclaimed in shock. " I was supposed to be in the...."

" ....Circus, monsieur? " Allaire's supervising lady doctor named Balland continued the thought. " You almost suffered from a cardiac arrest in the circus riot. "

" Cardiac...what?! "

" Cardiac arrest, monsieur, " Amnon broke his silence and explained. " It's when the heart stops beating suddenly. The lack of blood flow to the brain and other organs can cause a person to lose consciousness, become disabled or die if not treated immediately. You experienced those symptoms. "

" I thought the elven race won't get the same disease as humans like you?! " the elven man replied.

" Monsieur, I believe no one is exempted for having a cardiac arrest, " Balland interjected. " Your lifestyle and diet can be some contributing factors as well as you ended up in the riotus crowd. "

" Look, I was hunting down some Umbrals at Kastronov's circus troupe while I was watching their performances. When I saw that damned head, I was starting to feel I had a heart attack. "

" Did you experience unbearable chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained fainting or dizziness, and fatigue? " Amnon queried.

" Yea, " the elven man nodded and heavily sighed. " I didn't know what happened afterwards. I felt like I was stranded in a vastness of void and going to a tunnel of light. Then, I saw Umbral Gods and their minions are chasing me. I ended up seeing a war in a very distant future. "

Doctors Montmartre and Balland knew their patient had experienced a near death scenario. The tall and gruff elf man looked at the physicians and said, " I know you rely on your science aside from mage and the wisdom from the Heavenly Ladies and Lords. I understood what Lady Merrill spoke about my sudden death and a series of Umbral Cultist raids. "

" Are you from the Dread Wolves Tribe? " Amnon asked.

" Yea, Doc. I have been a loyal tribe member ever since! The name's Arthas Vadum Thornwood. You two must be? "

" I am Doctor Madeline Balland, " the supervising doctor introduced herself and then to the blond moustached defibrilating general practitioner. " And this is Doctor Amnon Montmartre, our returning resident here at Monoceros Keep General Hospital. "

" It's nice to meet... " Arthas paused and exclaimed in shock, recognising the other doctor. " Wait, I remembered seeing you and your wife at the village! Those two human doctors! " Then, he gave Amnon a loud and hardy laugh and tightly hugged him. " It's a coincidence that I met Lady Merrill's chosen one who saved my life! Thank you, Doc! "

Balland softly chuckled when she saw the resident got bothered at their patient. Amnon widened his eyes in shock and secretly got annoyed at the gruff elven man, feeling too uncomfortable at his encounter. He felt like being choked, gave him a wry grin and uneasily said, " Y-you're w-welcome, m-monsieur Thornwood and it's n-nice to see you. J-just put me down, p-please. "

" Oh, I'm sorry, Doc..." Arthas nervously chuckled. " I didn't mean to hurt you..."

" First off, an injured weird clown. Now, an elven man with a sudden cardiac arrest..." Amnon thought and carefully parted away from the patient. Balland looked at him, implying the young resident a reminder and recommendation. Amnon nodded, wrote them on a paper and handed it to his patient. Then, he calmly spoke, " Monsieur Thornwood, it would be better if you should be confined at the hospital for a series of lab tests and examination. We still consider you under observation before you get discharged. "

" Blimey? Really?! " the scarlet haired elf man raised his voice in shock. " Look, I need to return to the village, Doc! I can't waste my time here! My son needs me and I need to report to anyone what's happening. "

" I understand, but your sudden illness could endanger you. It's better to remain and rest here. Remember, you are under observation. "

" Right...I guess. I have to follow doctor's orders. " Arthas sighed and read his recommendation for his treatment before giving any further treatment.

" Docteurs, should he get into the recovery room? " the attending dwarven female nurse asked.

" Yes, please, " Montmartre and Balland nodded.

The dwarven nurse gestured the others and assisted the patient to stand up and lie into the stretcher, heading to the recovery room at the second floor. Ballande looked at Amnon and said, " Montmartre, I still need you to handle the next patient after this. I will handle monsieur Thornwood as you can try to check him. " Then, she handed him the next patient file from the clipboard with the name written: Slash Indro.

" Indiqué. (Noted.) " Amnon responded and received the patient clipboard.

He headed to the next patient and saw an injured a dark haired Elandric man in his late twenties. His twin sister was just at his bedside as the nurse attended to them. Amnon read the file thouroughly and looked at the male sibling who was holding an ice pack to his nose and tilting his head upwards.

Annika the Leanan Sidhe nurse looked at her former superior in the clinic and said, " Docteur Montmartre, the patient received multiple slashes and wounds on the upper and lower appendices aside having a nosebleed. "

" What else? " Amnon asked.

" He had sprained right ankle when someone from the circus riot pushed him, " she answered.

The general practitioner checked the severity of the wounds and said, " The wounds are superficial. They haven't reached the subcutaneous fat into the muscles."

" Oh, thank Heavens..." his sister Fang sighed in relief and remarked.

" Annika, get a basin of water and soap. Let's cleanse the wound first, " Amnon ordered. " Also get another ice pack for his sprained ankle.

" Right, " the Leanan Sidhe nurse nodded and hurried to get the basin of water and soap. The human physician took out some antiobiotic ointment, cloth, gauze, first aid tape, and a 20ml tetanus toxoid syringe. Slash curiously looked at the doctor when Fang turned to him.

" Slash, don't move your head, yet. It's not even ten minutes, " she reminded.

" I'm okay, Fang. My nosebleeding just stopped, " Slash answered and noticed that the cold ice had ceased the flow of blood releasing from his nostrils.

" Are you sure? "

" Yeah. No worries, " he assured and smiled, feeling a slight pain in moving his right ankle. " Ouch! "

" Don't move yet, " Amnon reminded his patient and saw the swollen part of his right foot.

" Sorry, Doc..." Slash nervously grinned and placed down the ice pack for his face. Then, he asked, " So, what's gonna happen next? "

" You still got wounds on your both arms and legs, " the doctor reminded. " And of course, you can't walk that much with a sprained ankle. I take it, someone attacked you in that circus riot? "

" Yeah, it was pretty tough, " the young man replied and recalled. " A knife thrower attacked and made me bleeding. Then, some gorilla boxer hit my nose so hard and some guy from audience just tripped me. "

" Sacré bleu..." Amnon sighed heavily and commented.

" I had a damn night as my sister warned me not to go there. "

" Why would you go to the circus, monsieur? "

" I am a freelance mercenary. I was supposed to hunt down Kastronov, since I had heard rumours he treated those performers very badly, " Slash explained. " But my sources have told me that the previous ring master is very ill. His son Boris and his financer were both handling the circus show. I couldn't have a chance to find him, instead I was watching. Then, a dead man's talking head caused such ruckus at the show. "

" I should have warned you not to go there, " Fang sighed exasperatedly and spoke. " What if those Apex mercenaries or anyone from Mason could hunt us all over again?! I don't wanna be involved in taking innocent blood anymore for money! "

" Hold on..." Amnon paused and asked. " Were you part of Mason's people invading Darsan before? "

Slash and Fang shared glances and heard the doctor's question. They both nodded, sighed, and bowed their heads in shame.

" Look, I'm sorry. I don't mean to trigger you both, " he calmly responded. " I know you don't want to tell your story further, but Mason and his allies are no longer your concern. You two are safe now. "

" Doc, how did you know all of these? " Slash asked curiously.

" I had friends who had been there from that mission, " Amnon answered, refusing to mention himself being involved in that mission. " You don't need to hide yourself from anyone. Without telling your stories, I understood you found a new life and home in Foranea. "

" Thank you, Doc..." Fang sighed in relief and smiled sincerely at him. " But I'm still worried that my brother could meet someone in the circus and kill him, I won't forgive myself if that happens. He's getting married very soon. "

" I understand your concern, mademoiselle, " the general practitioner nodded at her and turned his attention to Annika who had just arrived. Then, he reminded his patient, " For now, we need to focus on your recovery. "

" Sure, thanks..." Slash nodded back.

The general practitioner and the nurse cleansed and treated the wounds as the Elandric mercenary winced and moaned in pain. Afterwards, Amnon carefully injected the tetanus vaccine on the patient's bicep. Just then, Annika held the ice pack and gently placed it on the right foot. Slash struggled in pain and felt chilly on his ankle.

" Take it easy, Slash, " his sister reminded and held her brother's hands.

" I might require to have an X-ray for your brother's foot, " the blonde doctor reminded at the siblings.

" Am I gonna have a broken foot or something? " Slash nervously queried.

" That could be one, but let's just hope and pray this is just a minor injury related to the ligaments, " Amnon took out a box from the Vilbian Isles which he kept for several days. Then, he opened it and carefully placed and wrapped the bandages on the patient's right ankle upto the foot.

" Doc, what are these? "

" Ouranist Clerical Bandages, they can recover your swollen foot for five days. "

" So, I will still wear it and get an x-ray scan? "

" Yes. Once I have the image, I can make an assessment if your ankle and foot are recovered or not. If we find a bone fracture or a dislocation, I may require you to consult with an orthopedic for surgery and a physical therapy. "

" Oh crap. I can't afford to have that treatment, Doc, " Slash anxiously muttered. " I hope this is nothing serious. "

" Just pray fervently for your speedy recovery, " Amnon reminded and wrote his recommendations and perscription, handing it to the patient. " Rest assured, you will no longer require surgery. For now, your wounds are treated and applied tetanus toxoid to prevent infection. So, tomorrow morning will be your scheduled X-ray. "

" Yeah, thanks doc, " the Elandric patient wearily smiled at him.

" You're welcome. "

[EIGHT HOURS LATER: DURAND-SINCLAIR'S RECOVERY ROOM]

Sitting back on the soft pillows behind her, Odette sighed lightly with worries of her terminal condition. Having enjoyed the pleasantries of her wife's assistance from one unique way, she smiled back to Wilma fixing up her scrubs.

" Snow ball, how was it for you of performing this for me? " She curiously asked.

" I am glad that you will be able to stabilize, " Wilma smiled. " Even you have less than a year to live. "

Odette gave her wife a half cocked smile, while extending out her hand and held Wilma's." You've learned well in making it so, my darling. And from how you done it, are you comfortable with it? "

" Yes, my dear, " she held her wife's hands.

Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door and shared glances. Odette getting curious of them getting visitors or a nurse, she looked to her wife.

" Could be the morning nurse, coming to check up on us? "

" Right, " Wilma nodded and saw a dwarven nurse named Olivia who had dark hair and wore scrubs.

" Docteur Sinclair, you have a vistor. It's Docteur Glenda Montmartre. Will you let her enter? " Olivia asked.

" Yes, please. "

The dwarven nurse nodded and let the pregnant pediatrician enter. She was a blonde short-haired woman with spectacles smiled and hugged her cousin.

" Glenda! I didn't expect you to come! Hi! " she happily exclaimed and greeted her. " You look very lovely along with Emie inside the womb! "

" I know there, cous! Thanks! I just paid a visit as Amnon has been too busy handling those ER cases since last night. What brings you here? " Glenda asked.

" Glen...Odette has to tell you something, " Wilma changed her tone into a sad and concerning one, looking at her ailing wife. Odette glanced over to her wife and nodded to her.

" Oh, okay, " the pregnant pediatrician nodded and sat down.

" Glenda, please do take this lightly..and for Amnon's sake for the hardships dealt with, for I have been diagnosed with cancer..." the retired physician sadly told to the pregnant woman. " With only a year left to live...but these remaining months will be hard for me, to continue my lectures on reminding him..." she held her wife's hand gently, as she told her.

" Odette, I'm so sorry to hear that. I know this is painful for you. We never expected that you will be terminally ill. " Glenda replied.

" Sometimes it's beyond our control...from what lead to this...I'd never regret a thing." Odette traced her finger up Wilma's arm, and smiled ." For having the best of friends, and a woman I fell in love with...this sickness wont overcome me."

" I know, Odette..." Wilma kissed her wife's cheek.

" Every step, my snow ball, you made me the happiest woman of all, " Odette would give her a firm kiss on her lips instead.

" I know..."

" Well, you may see Emie very soon, but not for long though, " Glenda sadly smiled.

" It'd be a remarkable day, Glen of seeing Amnon's pride and joy give a new life, and hold them both. I'll be there to witness it, no matter how weak I become, " Odette slowly stroke Wilma's side. " And maybe one day, you'll have a child as well, Snow ball."

" Really? How did you know?! " Wilma asked in shock.

" The beauty of childbirth is a wonderful experience. Once you hold that child in your arms, it's a sense of fulfillment of becoming a mother. You shouldn't spend your life alone. "

" I guess you're right, " Wilma nodded and turned to her cousin. " Glen, perhaps, Emie deserves a cousin. Just like we are. What do you think? "

" Yeah, Wilma, " Glenda nodded back and touched her large belly. " She will be happy to meet that child as well. "

Odette glanced over to her wife, nodded to her, and recalled to her wife's interest, " Coming to whom she chooses, she's mentioned an elf before or just out of curiosity."

" Just out of curiosity. "

" Oh, by the way, how's the trip? " Glenda asked and changed the topic.

Odette laughed as she was grinning to her wife and teasing her. Wilma slightly laughed and blushed to her embarrassment.

" St. Essa was gorgeous, Glen. It was truly a befitting honeymoon for us, " Odette enthusiastically explained. " We've spent more time outside than inside with seeing its famous art museum. Then, we did spending time at the beach. " Wilma had some trouble with the washing machine, as it shrunken her clothes." Odette decided to reveal her wife's embarrassing moment.

" Oh, Amnon could have told you everything about St. Essa except for 'one triggering thing'. It seems funny about your experience! "

" My fun of seeing Wilma attempting to put her clothes on, was gratifyingly arousing, " Odette slowly slid her fingers up Wilma's arm, teasing her.

" I see, " Glenda nodded and intently grinned at Wilma.

" Glen, stop teasing me! " her cousin bowed to her embarassment.

" Her pants were fine. It's only her shirt got a little too tight for her. From my perspective, it was the most gorgeous view," Odette furthered teased her wife's past predicament." And most satisfying."

" Oh, really..." Glenda smirkingly teased her cousin.

" Glen...please..." Wilma sighed to her embarassment.

Suddenly, there was a door knocking. The three women heard it.

" I wonder who he or she is, " Wilma turned her attention.

Odette rose herself halfway with using her elbows and smiled, " Must be Amnon, it will be a good sight to see him."

" I'll get it, " Glenda stood up from her seat and opened the door. Her husband in a white coat and blue scrubs kissed his wife and hugged her. Then, he greeted the other two couple.

" Amnon, it's great to see you under a different light. It looks like you've brightened up, or could be my eyes tricking me, " Odette waved to him with a widened smile.

" Despite the bad days, I get to adjust, " Amnon smiled back and held his wife's hand. They both sat down.

" So, how's the ER? " Wilma asked.

" I missed the days being assigned there. Very fulfilling. but very unexpecting. "

" It's unfortunate about the clinic...so many good memories there, even my day's of visiting Wilma, and surprising her with visits." Odette said.

" It's very saddening to see what had transpired, " he sadly spoke and sighed.

" The health inspector, what possessed him to burn it down?." Odette sadly asked, knowing her former student's pain.

" It was not a health inspector, but an impostor who happened to be a criminal. "

" A lunatic burning down a clinic for whatever reason, is despicable. For whatever purpose." The older woman held onto her wife's hand." Were the police able to subdue him? "

" They were able to find the madman's identity, but he was not related to my father's murderers. It was something else. "

" You're familiar with these type of monsters, the Umbra's, those vile dark worshippers? " Odette recalled his past events back in Odyssea Academy from what he elaborated with her.

" Yes, I encountered an Umbral before and almost died who happened to be Damocles, the prince of wrath. This time, I heard Umbral Cultists, that hostage taker was one of them. Quite perplexing that I met a clown from the recent circus riot who mentioned something about an Umbral Force. "

" An informant in a unlikely place, isn't no ties on him of being untrustworthy?" Odette asked while she was comforted by her wife's arms.

" You mean that Bonaparte incident from last night? " Wilma asked.

" Yep, we are having 20 to 100 ER cases. No deaths reported. Mostly injuries and a revived patient from cardiac arrest. "

" Oh my gods..."

" Well, if only fictional superheroes exist in our time, they could surely hunt down those Umbrals and protect the people, " Glenda mused, playing safe not to mention of her husband's secret alter ego.

" You believe in them, Glen? " Amnon asked and cocked his eyebrows, implying her not to disclose. " They just exist in books. "

" The police cannot comprehend, those wretched creatures...they lack the resources..." Odette remarked.

" Perhaps..." he nodded.

" Well, whatever they are, they surely have to meet someone their match, " Wilma added.

" You mentioned about a Paladin last time, her name is Valeera Graveheart? She was a close friend of yours? " Odette asked the exhausted doctor.

" Ah, yes. She's at the village helping out her family. "

" She's closer to being a superheroine with the powers of light, those darkened creatures would fear it, " Odette assumed while rubbing her forehead." This news must've reached them? "

" Of course..."

Glenda noticed her husband's prosthetic right hand which the bioelectric spark created a small flash.

" Cheesecake, you okay? " she asked with concern.

" Oh, nothing babe! " he wryly chuckled as the spark ceased. " I'm just too tired. "

" I believe so. She might be going there definitely. "

" Comparable to your sparking personality, Wilma has fashioned herself in ice magic, and is becoming adept in her skills." Odette admitted.

" Ah, oui. Wilma can be suitable to be the Ice Queen! " Amnon joked.

" Really?! " Wilma sighed. " Even you..."

" An Ice Queen, that's sounding better than Snow Ball." Odette chuckles and softly rubbed Wilma's right hand with hers." Snow Ball or Ice queen, which one you liking most, my Ice weaver."

" Well, thank you for flattering me, my dear. Even in times like this, " Wilma answered.

" I'm sorry? " Amnon looked perplexed. " Is there something I should know about Odette? "

" Amnon, our former professor in med school, she happened to be terminally ill, " Glenda answered.

" It's Lymphoma Stage IV as I have diagnosed. She's going to be under chemotherapy and palliative care. " Wilma added.

Amnon looked at his former professor and heavily sighed, " I wish I could have..."

" She's going to be in good hands, Amnon, " Glenda assured and held her husband's hand.

Gazing to her wife's chest, the older woman nodded gradually, " Wilma has taken it upon herself to see into my care, with our own methods, and it's proven to be both efficient and satisfying in one bowl."

" I hope you'll get stabilized even you're in end stage. Survival rate is very minimal for this condition, " Amnon replied. " But like my wife just said, you'll be in good hands. "

" Besides these startling events, We'll be fine at our manor." Odette grown confident of her wife's abilities." From how we're doing it, it's rather private and well delicious." She hinted, and smiles to her wife.

" It's good to know that she is still with you, " he nodded, looked at his wife, and said. " It's nice to talk you both after my shift. My wife and I need to be home very soon. "

" As we'll we, once I'm cleared, well take a safer path and get home." Odette slowly caresses her wife's waist, and smiles to her." What's your midnight plans, Amnon? "

Amnon and Glenda looked at each other and blushed while smiling.

" We'll be anticipating Emie's sudden false alarms anytime until the 9th of Before Witching, " he chuckled and answered.

" You know, I am reaching the full term pregnancy, " Glenda added. " Emie has been so excited to see the outside world and meet us. She's been awfully playful and responsive. "

" Seeing her sooner would be marvelous to witness her first steps. It is a wish I'd want to see come true." Odette said, looked to the couple, and smiled wholesomely.

" We will be looking forward for it to happen, " Amnon replied and smiled back. " Thank you, Odette. Get well soon. "

" We wish to see you up and about when you meet our daughter, " Glenda added and turned to her cousin. " Wilma, just let us know if you need help. "

" We will. " the platinum haired oncologist replied. " It seems like you need to go. "

" We'll visit you, " Amnon replied and waved at the two ladies. " See you next time! "

" Thank you, Amnon, Glenda, " Odette greeted as she and her wife waved back at the other spouses.

Leaving the room, the Montmartre spouses headed to the hallway. Glenda lovingly looked at her husband and held his artificial right hand. Amnon held back his wife's hand and smiled at her.

" So, you need more sleep from your first day of work? " she cheerfully mused.

" You don't need to tell me twice, Babe, " he chuckled. " We have been like this back in our internship and residency days. I am looking forward for bringing back the normal circadian rhythm by tomorrow morning. I'm assigned for the outpatient duty. "

" Right, " Glenda nodded and changed her topic. " By the way, can I whisper to you something? "

Amnon nodded back and responded, " Of course. Fire it away. "

The pregnant pediatrician placed her mouth into her husband's ear and lowly whispered, " I made sure not to spill the beans about you and the Blue Knight are the same person. No worries, your secret is safe with me. I don't want anyone to scrutinize you and your alter ego. "

The general practitioner sighed in relief and gently pecked his wife's cheeks. He lowly replied, " We'll keep on making excuses and let them know we hired a stay-out bodyguard and a butler. "

" Clever..." she chuckled.

Almost reaching to the elevator, an elderly man and his wife approached the younger physician spouses. Amnon and Glenda recognised them.

" Greg, Cynthia, Good morning, " Amnon greeted and managed to smile at the Lestrades. " What brings you here? "

" I'm sorry for being such a trouble, Amnon, Glenda, " the Aldernian psychiatrist sighed. " Cynthia and I have been looking after an unconscious young man at the backyard who we found in the other night. "

" It's okay, Greg, " Glenda nodded and asked. " How unconscious? "

Doctor Gregorius Lestrade recalled what the attending physician and neurologist and answered, " The patient is in a coma and severely wounded. He's been revived by a ventilator and a heart monitor aside from being using a dextrose under IV fluids. "

Amnon looked at his wife as she understood him and asked the other spouses, " May we see him? "

" Of course. He's at the intensive care unit, " Cynthia gestured as they followed.

Upon reaching the ICU's observation window, Amnon and Glenda saw a long dark haired man in a pressure chamber ventilator as he had some apparatus attached to the heart monitor and dextrose pole. Greg and Cynthia looked at the other spouses and then to the patient.

" Any chance of his convalescence and regaining consciousness? " Amnon asked them with concern.

" It remains 50-50 according to the neurologist. He suffered from a brain damage and internal bleeding, " Greg seriously replied. " The attending physicians thought of brain and abdominal surgery, however it depends if his body could endure those treatments. The only treatment for his recovery is the Vitality Serum done by your alma mater according to your correspondence. "

" Right, " he nodded and sighed while looking at the patient. " I haven't brought any of those samples and even Glenda's work. Perhaps, I'll make it a point to visit you tomorrow morning and administer it to his IV tube. "

" We hope and pray for it to happen, " Cynthia replied. " Greg and I need some answers from this lad. "

" Lady Photis and Her Hosts are all aware of it, " Glenda assured. " Just keep praying. "

(RP collab with Knightfall077, valorithsaga, and BjornGamR27)

(Boingo and Wayne Wilson aka Punchline by valorithsaga)

(Neil Ingrid Carter by BjornGamR27)

(Fang and Slash Indro, Odette Durand, Wilma Sinclair, and Lasher by Knightfall077)