[Montmartre Residence, Monoceros Keep, Foranea 2:39 AM,
9th of Umbral-Tide/Darktide, Year 426]

" So many choices... So many targets. But you..."

" The Astromancer is fun, but you are just annoying. I can hear you, uttering those little prayers to that wretched God of yours. And yet, I imagine up in that Heaven of hers; she does nothing but fiddle with arrogance and ignorance alike..."

" So I think it's time I make a statement against her. Worry not my friend, I won't be taking your life just yet. That'd be too easy. But for a man such as yourself... swelling with blind reverence... what I'm about to do might be worse than death..."

" And now, time shall resume as normal..."

Sleeping shirtless and in briefs and covering himself in a blanket, Amnon instantly opened and widened his eyes in shock, waking up from the nightmare from the Shuffler and sitting on the bed. He was intensely trembling and huffing when his wife heard him. Glenda in her maternity nighties turned on the lampshade at her bedside and noticed her husband becoming uneasy.

" Amnon! " she exclaimed in worry and instantly hugged him. " It's okay. I'm here. No one's gonna hurt you. "

" It's not...It's not okay...." he wept, anxiously muttered, and embraced his wife. " The Shuffler...He just..He just..."

" Amnon, please look at me..." Glenda calmly replied and rubbed his back. " I know you have a nightmare from your mission in Aulia. You have just come home safe and returned to your normal life. You're not doing those things anymore. "

Silently weeping, Amnon remained speechless and looked at his wife. The trauma from the previous mission had left him a nightmare which he couldn't forget. Glenda slowly stood up and held her large belly. She grabbed a pitcher of cold water and carefully poured it. She walked over to her spouse and let him drink. He instantly drank and emptied it, placing it on his bedside table.

" Remember what Greg asked us to do in therapy, before? " she reminded him. " Take ten to twenty deep breaths and hold them for ten seconds. Inhale. Hold. Exhale. "

Amnon nodded and followed his wife's instructions. He was inhaling, holding his breath for ten seconds, and exhaling. He repeated it to ten to twenty times. Until, he felt better and stood up, drinking his glass of water for the second time.

" How are you feeling? " she asked and sincerely smiled.

" Better than what I have seen earlier, " he calmly broke his silence and placed his glass down.

" I'm sorry that this had gotten into you, " Glenda held her husband's both hands. " I wish I could have done something more to spare you from that scenario. "

" It happened, Glen. I lost my right hand..."

" With or without your right hand, you are still my hero who saved my life back in the frontlines, " she sincerely said. " For me, you are still the strongest and toughest man I married and going to be our daughter's father. You can still function as a doctor and carry our child when that day comes. "

" Glen..."

" I'm saying this, because I'm still in love and caring for the boy who I first met in Odyssea Academy, " she cupped her husband's face. " I love you, Amnon. "

" I love you too, Glen. "

She sincerely smiled at him and asked, " Do you want to hear Emie's heartbeat before you return to sleep? "

Amnon nodded at her and placed his left ear at his wife's tummy. From the womb, he heard his little girl's heartbeat genty rubbed his wife, and slowly smiled at her.

" She hears and feels you, Amnon. She doesn't want to see or hear you that way. She loves you so much. When she's out of me and grown up, Emie will give you a big hug and cheer you up, " Glenda calmly spoke.

" We still have a month or less to wait until she comes, " he broke his silence and kissed his wife's tummy. " I can't wait to carry her. "

" I am really sure she will be pleased to meet you in person. "

[NINE HOURS LATER: Clinique familiale et diagnostique Montmartre, Monoceros Keep]

" Depuis combien de temps avez-vous des plaies rouges qui démangent sur votre peau? (For how long have you been experiencing itchy red sores in your skin?) " Amnon asked the twenty-seven year old scarlet haired woman who suffered from a skin irritation.

" Pas plus tard qu'hier, docteur. Je viens de rentrer du travail et j'ai fini par avoir des démangeaisons. (Just yesterday, doctor. I just came from work and ended up itchy.) " she answered.

" Peux-tu retrousser tes manches et puis-je voir la peau de ton avant-bras? (Can you pull up your sleeves and may I see your forearm skin?) "

The female patient nodded and followed, revealing the same crimson and watery spots on her face. Amnon examined it further and said, " Je dois prendre ta température. (I need to take your temperature.) "

" S'il-vous-plaît faites ainsi. (Please do so.) "

The doctor brought a thermometer, placed it on her armpit, and waited for sixty seconds. He carefully took it out and directly pointed it at the light. The lady's temperature had reached to 39.8°C.

" Vous êtes fiévreux et c'est votre deuxième jour de varicelle. (You're feverish and this is your second day of Chickenpox.) " Amnon explained and asked. " Où est-ce que tu as eu çà? (Where did you get this?) "

" Docteur, mon conjoint a la même infection cutanée que moi. Nous partageons le lit et la salle de bain. Il a aussi ça du travail. (Doctor, my live-in partner has the same skin infection as I have. We share the bed and bathroom. He has got this from work as well.) " she explained.

" Je vois. La varicelle est transmissible. Ce sera le mieux pour vous de vous reposer dans deux semaines et de vous mettre en quarantaine. (I see. Chickenpox is transmissible. It will be the best for you to rest in two weeks and quarantine. ) " he instructed and wrote a perscription, handing it to her as he was wearing gloves. " Maintenant, je vous ai donné une série d'acyclovir comme antibiotique, d'antihistaminique pour les allergies et de paracétamol pour la fièvre. Il y a un intervalle programmé pour votre abonnement. La lotion à la calamine peut vous aider après votre rétablissement. (Now, I have given you a series of acyclovir as an antibiotic, anti-histamine for allergies, and paracetamol for fever. There's a scheduled interval for your perscription. Calamine lotion can help after your recovery.) "

She intently read at the doctor's perscription and nodded, " C'est noté, docteur. J'achèterai ces médicaments après ça. (Duly noted, doctor. I'll buy those medications after this.) "

Amnon wrote a medical certificate and also handed it to her, "
Allez, Mlle Moureau. Vous devrez le soumettre à vos employeurs. (There you go, Ms. Moureau. You will be needing to submit it to your employers.) "

" Merci beaucoup, docteur. (Thank you, doctor.) "

" Se rétablir rapidement. (Get well soon.) " the doctor smiled and mused. " Au passage, hors sujet. Pourquoi ne vous mariez-vous pas tous les deux? (By the way, off-topic. Why don't you two get married?) "

Moureau helplessly chuckled and replied, " Quand mon petit ami et moi irons mieux, nous prévoyons de nous marier et d'aller à Beirun pour une lune de miel. (When my boyfriend and I get better, we will be planning to tie the knot and going to Beirun for a honeymoon.) "

" Je vous souhaite le meilleur! (Wish you all the best!) "

She smiled back and left the doctor's office as Amnon removed his sanitary gloves and applied alcohol to his left hand. Then, he disposed the soiled ones and changed into a new pair of gloves. Then, he took out his clipboard and called out the last patient of his shift.

" Makoto Shindo. "

A raven short wavy haired Beirunese man in his late twenties stood up from his seat and held his stomach. He was looking very uneasy from his condition and entering the doctor's room.

" Please have a seat, " the doctor offered him.

" Thank you, doctor, " he nodded and sat down.

Amnon looked at the records and then to his patient, " So, you're a mechanical engineer and working in nightshifts. "

" Hai, " Makoto bowed and grimaced in pain, holding his hand on his abdominal area. " I skipped meals to finish work on improving Foranean automobiles for their blueprints. My job is very demanding as the company asks me to do some overtime. "

" I see. What do you basically do aside from skipping meals? "

" Drinking coffee, " he said.

" Anything else? "

" I started to feel tremendous stomach ache just this week. "

" Let me check your heartrate and blood pressure, " the doctor held his stethoscope as Makoto nodded. Amnon heard and checked his Beirunese's heartrate for sixty seconds. He recorded as 109 beats per minute. " Your left arm, please? "

Makoto nodded and followed as he had let the attending physician place the sphygmomanometer and cuff on his left arm. He pumped with his right hand as the pressure on the gauge got up to 280 mmHg. Then, he slowly released the cuff as pointer got into 140 in systolic and 100 in diastolic. Amnon carefully removed the cuff.

" Doctor, did you find something? " the Beirunese engineer asked.

" Tachycardic and your blood pressure is above the
normal range, " the physician replied.

" Tachycardic? "

" Above normal heart rate, mind if you could lie down a bit? I need to palpate your abdominal cavity, " he asked.

Makoto nodded and lied down on the bed. Using his left hand, the doctor pressed the left side of the stomach, the middle and right. Then, he palpated the intestinal area as the patient loudly burped and became embarrassed.

" Sorry..." he sighed.

" I've ruled out the problem, " Amnon said. " I'll try to explain this in layman's term. So, you're acidic. If you intend to continue skipping meals, there will be a chance to develop intestinal ulcers or heart burn. "

" Is it bad? "

" Well, yes. Secondly, you're hypertensive. Drinking caffeine and staying up late at night can be a contributing factor, " he snapped his fingers. " You have a term in Beirunese, meaning 'work to death'. "

" Karoshi. "

" Spot on. I would suggest to talk to your supervisor and employer to change your work schedule. You need to catch sleep in 6 to 8 hours of sleep as your circadian rhythm needs to follow. You have been stressed and insomniac due to overwork. "

" I understand. So, doctor, are you giving me a treatment and recommendation? " Makoto asked.

" I am actually doing it in real time, " Amnon replied and wrote his patient's perscription and medical certificate and recommendation. Then, he gave it to Beirunese engineer. " A bottle 500 mg antacids. Drinking hot water can also help. Eat some unripe banana. Don't forget to use hot pack everytime you feel the same stomachache. Do not skip meals. "

" Are there any pain killers for this one? "

" Well, I would not recommend pain killers, only antacids. They have adverse reactions. Not safe for you though. "

" Noted. "

" Well, there is something that you can relieve pain, " Amnon took out a hot water bag to his patient. " I'll let you borrow and use this within five to ten minutes. "

" Thank you, doctor, " Makoto nodded and received the hot water pack, placing it to his abdominal area.

" There is an alternative that I want you to try, " the doctor watched his patient and wrote another recommendation, handing it to him. " Peppermint, Ginger, or Chamomile tea, they act as a natural pain-killer for an upset stomach and induce sleep. "

" I have never thought of that, doctor. "

" I have known some Beirunese people drink herbal tea, I presume. "

" Definitely, but mostly my grandparents do that. "

" If they heard of your stomachache, they would reprimand and force you to drink more tea and get more sleep, " Amnon interjected. " Besides, you will never get a girl and reach a long-life like your grandparents with that stressful lifestyle. "

Makoto sadly sighed and admitted, " Doctor Montmartre, my elf girlfriend and I just broke up because she found someone better than me. That's why I tend to overwork and ask my boss to take this graveyard shift. I felt like I am nothing. My fate is meant for working to death as I am hopeless. "

The doctor's face became serious and concerned as he heard the depressed Beirunese engineer. He looked at his last patient for his shift and deeply thought.

" I am sorry, sir. I had to let it off my chest. "

" I can tell you're heartbroken, " he said and crossed his arms.

" Yes..."

" Look, I'm not a psychologist or a relationship consultant. I have been there for several times, but suffered the worst case scenarios. Friendzoned and heartbroken. Met an accident before entering Odyssea Academy. Joined the war: physically wounded, almost lost a wife, and suffered from PTSD. Grieved for my late father and had a mother suffering from Alzheimer's. Remained homesick for less than a year. Tricked by Damocles and almost died. Did a lot of combat medic missions until I lost my right hand. Then, just this morning before I got to work, I had a nightmare of losing a right hand, " Amnon admitted and showed his right hand prosthetic.

Makoto was speechless upon hearing the doctor's confession as he deeply thought and asked, " I'm so sorry to hear those from you, but friendzoned, sir? Can you tell me more about it? "

" When I was in high school as a nerd and a bookworm, I got a crush with someone. She's an Akrovian-Foranean half-elf with crimson curly hair and very physically attractive and intelligent. Her name was Tamara Allard. She used to sit next to me in the classroom as I had let her to borrow some notes. Usually, she accidentally dropped her pen when I picked it up for her. "

" I knew that..." the Beirunese engineer chuckled. " I have experienced that one too, but go on. "

" Then, we started to get to know each other by conversing in Luski instead of Franken. We became study buddies and close friends, but I was starting to grow my feelings for her when I waited for the right timing to tell her. It was my birthday on the 4th day of After Mystery's first week. I admitted to her that I really liked her. Then she said, that she wanted me to be her friend and found someone else better who happened to be her long-time male childhood friend back in Akrovia."

" Shimatta..." Makoto sighed and muttered.

" What is it? "

" What a loss for you, doctor. You were also heartbroken. I'm so sorry if I sound hopeless and suicidal to you. I didn't know a person like you suffered a lot. I think I shall continue with my life and take care of myself more often. "

" There are several degrees of problems, trials, and mental distresses that can manifest physically, " Amnon replied. " In my case, I got a healthy relationship rebound by meeting my wife in Odyssea Academy. We studied and graduated pre-med, joined in the Foranean Army and got married, had psychotherapy, studied medical school, and passed the licensure exam. Now, I am a general practitioner and she's a pediatrician, and then looking forward for a child. "

" I guess I should find a suitable partner for a long term relationship just like you did," Makoto realized and returned the hot compress pack to the physician. " I am hoping to find one in this country. Perhaps, I shall start speed dating and meeting Foranean women. "

" If I were you, get well physically and fix yourself emotionally and financially, first. There is a lot of fish in the ocean to catch and just prepare for the right bait and perfect one. Who knows, you will find a large bluefin tuna or a swordfish who truly understands and loves you! " Amnon joked. " True love waits. "

" Definitely, not a whale, sir! " he laughed.

" Going back to the main topic, " the doctor reminded and took out a 20ml of green Vitality Serum syringe. " I guess this will work. "

" What is that? "

" Vitality Serum from Odyssea Academy, this is made of herbs, but works as an anaesthetic and pain killer. Trust me, it heals and recovers cells, tissues, and organs within seconds to minutes. Perhaps, it will work on your upset stomach and acidity. "

Makoto nodded as Amnon jabbed him on the left bicep. The Beirunese engineer nervously grinned and sighed after being injected.

" Just wait for 5 to 10 minutes for an effective adverse reaction. "

" Domo Arigatou, hakase, " he stood up and bowed with respect at the doctor.

" Pardon? "

" Thank you, doctor. "

" If your hyperacidity and upset stomach happen, please follow the perscription. Get enough sleep. "

" I will, " he smiled and bowed him once again, leaving the room.

" That ends well with 14 patients for today, " Amnon thought and sighed in relief.

A brunette woman with a ponytail in her late thirties came into his office. She was wearing a white lab coat and a green scrubsuit and approaching him. " You're done for today, Amnon? "

" Yep, " he nodded and picked up his belongings. " So, the medical staff is aware of the half-day operation, Amélie? "

Doctor Amélie Glenat-Rousseau replied, " Yes, they are. I guess we should close off for today and get prepared for the party. My husband Daniel is also invited. How about Glenda? "

" She'll be coming with me, too. "

" Docteurs Montmartre et Rousseau! Nous avons une urgence! (Doctors Montmartre and Rousseau! We have an emergency!) " a raven-haired female Leanan Sidhe nurse-receptionist in scrubs immediately rushed to them and called out.

" Annika, vous savez qu'il s'agit d'une clinique familiale et diagnostique et non d'un hôpital. Nous ne pouvons pas opérer les cas d'urgence. (Annika, you have known that this is a family and diagnostic clinic not a hospital. We can't operate emergency cases.) " Amnon explained.

" Docteur, ce n'est pas une urgence ordinaire! C'est une possession démoniaque! (Doctor, it's not an ordinary emergency case! It's a demon possession!) " Annika cried.

Amelie turned to her fellow doctor and said, " Oh, les cieux. Amnon, je pense que nous devrions référer cela à une religieuse ouraniste ou à un prêtre pour exorciser. Ils sont entrés dans le mauvais établissement. (Oh, Heavens. Amnon, I think we should refer this to an Ouranist nun or priest to exorcise. They came into the wrong establishment.) "

" Les Umbrals ont dû le faire, mais je ne veux pas être impliqué dans l'exorcisme. (The Umbrals must have done it, but I don't want to be involved with exorcism.) "

" S'il vous plait, Docteur Montmartre! Vous êtes mon supérieur qui a été à l'Académie Odyssea et qui est au courant ! Mes collègues infirmières et le personnel ont du mal à s'occuper de ce patient possédé! (Please, Doctor Montmartre! You're my superior who have been in Odyssea Academy and knows of this! My fellow nurses and staff are struggling to deal with that possessed patient!) " Annika begged.

The doctor frowned, crossed his arms, and deeply thought which his mind was in conflict of dealing the possessed person in his clinic. Indeed, he was never wrong that he didn't want to be involved with exorcism since it reminded him of his previous actions with his lot of people. He seriously looked at his fellow physician and the Leanan Sidhe nurse. Then, he heard a loud gibberish yell which it sounded like a schizophrenic patient.

" Oh pour l'amour de Dieu...(Oh for Gods's sakes...) " Amnon grew concerned, lowly muttered, and sighed. " Très bien, je vais vérifier ce patient. Masculin ou féminin? (Fine, I'll check on that patient. Male or Female?) "

" Femelle. Soixante-dix-huit ans. Aucun dossier de ses antécédents médicaux ici. Elle est avec son fils en ce moment. Ce n'est ni un symptôme d'épilepsie ni un attise. (Female. Seventy-eight years old. No records of her medical history here. She's with her son right now. It's neither a symptom of epilepsy nor stoke.) "

" Je dois la vérifier avant de faire un diagnostic correct. S'il s'agit d'une maladie mentale grave, je recommanderais à son fils de l'amener à l'établissement. (I need to check on her before I will make a proper diagnosis. If it's a serious mental illness, I would recommend her son to bring her to the institution.) "

" Fais juste attention, Amnon. Annika vient de dire que ce patient a causé beaucoup d'ennuis. (Just be careful, Amnon. Annika has just said that patient caused a lot of a trouble.) " Amelie reminded.

" Oh, how I wish Valeera's here. She can handle this one, " he thought and said to the two. " Je vais voir ce que je dois faire. Amélie, Annika, venez avec moi. (I'll see what I need to do. Amelie, Annika, come with me.) "

The other physician and the nurse nodded as they followed the head physician and clinic owner. The next thing they saw the possessed old woman struggled and violently punched and pushed them away. Amnon nervously gulped and witnessed her erratic and unstable demeanor.

" Neither, an epilepsy or a stroke. It could be a mental disorder or demonic possession, " he deduced and silently prayed. " Lady Photis, please help me on this one. "

The old woman loudly and angrily wailed as she glared at the doctor and spoke harshly at him in Neo-Ydrassi, " What do you want from me, you damned mortal servant of Photis?! Are you going to condemn me using her twisted ideologies and arrogance?! Don't you dare to intrude me! "

" No, I'm not here to condemn you, madame. I'm here to help you, " Amnon calmly spoke. " Please you are unwell, I need to give you a treatment. "

" Unwell? Unwell?! Perhaps, you are saying that to yourself! "

" Oh for Gods's sakes, this is pointless..." he thought and politely replied. " I may be unwell or imperfect, I'm trying to deal with you as soon as I can. With all due respect, please madame, let me check on you. "

" I have no use for a mortal physician like you! You are nothing of value, unless you want to join with me to serve Milo, Himself! Then, you can help in bringing and witnessing the end of this wretched world which shall take two to four hundred years for mortals like you! "

Amnon looked at the medical staff who looked anxious with this encounter and the possessed old woman's son with concern and thought, " She's influenced by an Umbral, not a sign of severe schizophrenia. I know exactly what to do. "

" Are you joining with me? " she asked.

" Madame, what would I benefit if I join you? Tell me, " the doctor played along as if he was casually talking to a patient.

" You will attain power and longetivity! "

" For what cost and purpose? "

" Joining the darkness means power and dominance! Asserting what's right for this world with the accordance of Lord Milo! Not your wretched god! "

" And if I attain it, what will happen? "

" You ask so many questions, mortal physician! " she heatedly growled and glared at him. " I have enough of your bantering! "

" It's just because I have found the right diagnosis and treatment for this poor old woman whom you possessed. But definitely, not you, Umbral. No, " Amnon intently grinned and held his bottle of Holy Water. " With that, I need to do my procedure: eliminating you out of her system! "

" Don't you even dare!! "

" WITH THE GUIDANCE OF LADY PHOTIS AND HER HOSTS, I ORDER YOU TO COME OUT AND LET HER GO!! "

The doctor opened the bottle and whisked the Holy Water, dropping to the old woman's skin as she yelled in excruciating pain. The Umbral possession had vanished from her system when the elderly woman slowly opened her eyes and hugged her son. Amnon sighed in relief and instantly stepped away from the crowd.

" That was quite a drag, " he thought. " I have never thought of doing it again. Perhaps, I shall not do that anymore, ever. " He watched Amélie and Annika taking some vitals to the now conscious old woman, " I'm glad this is over now. It's time to prepare and head for the party tonight. "

[Durand-Sinclair Residence, Monoceros Keep, Foranea 7PM,
9th of Umbral-Tide/Darktide, Year 426]

Attending the party, there were several guests from various races and nations. Some of them were physicians and other notable people in Foranea. Amnon wore an evening formal suit and sat beside his wife who was wearing a velvet maternity gown. Then, she looked at her cousin Wilma who happened to be wearing a cleavage gown. Her wife Odette was kissing and flirting with her.

Amnon ignored the two and took a sip from his glass of red wine. He and his wife were attentively listening to Mayor Gladius Fernal's speech about the spouses and congratulating them.

" Félicitations à vous deux ! Vous pouvez maintenant profiter du reste de la nuit! (Congratulations to the both of you! You may now enjoy the rest of the night!) " he cheered and applauded.

The rest of the party goers applauded and cheered at the spouses. After eating their meal, Doctors Amnon and Glenda Montmartre spent dancing in a sweet and slow jazz music, joining the others. He held his wife's waist as Glenda touched his broad shoulders and leaned on his chest.

" Oh, Cheesecake. I missed this..." she sweetly said.

" Same here, Babe..." he smiled and kissed his wife's cheeks.

" It reminds me of our time in Odyssea Academy when we were invited in the ball. You were laughing at me when I accidentally stepped on my dancing partners's feet, " Glenda recalled. " When you offered me to dance, you were teaching me during and days after the ball. "

" I didn't want my lovely other half to make mistakes. I'm glad you met and married me as your dance teacher. "

" I appreciate that, " she kissed him back.

" Nice moment, you two, " Wilma commented as Odette danced with her.

" Well, it's good that the both of you had your moment together, " Odette remarked. " Just like us. "

" Thank you, Odette, Wilma, " Glenda cheerfully smiled as they nodded. Then, she looked at her husband and said, " I am feeling exhausted, Cheesecake. I don't want to tire myself in dancing. You know what I mean. "

Amnon nodded and escorted his pregnant wife, returning to their seats. Then, the Ryliea spouses approached them.

" Smolder, Charlotte, " Amnon called and greeted them. " It's good to see you again. "

" Likewise, " Smolder grinned. " We are having a fine evening being invited. It's also great to see you again socializing. "

" Of course. "

" Glenda, you look gorgeous in your gown, " Charlotte cheerfully commented.

" Thank you, Charlotte, " the pregnant pediatrician replied. " You look pretty as well. "

" Thanks! "

" Charlotte and I were going to talk with the couple and enjoying swinging on the dance floor, " Smolder grinned and kissed his wife as Charlotte pecked her husband's cheeks.

" Have fun, " Amnon nodded and smiled back.

Just then, Smolder, Charlotte, Amélie, and her husband Daniel were seen talking to Odette and Wilma. Doctors Montmartre exchanged glanced and had their seats. Approaching the spouses, they saw a bespectacled bearded man with silvery grey hair in his mid-sixties and wearing a formal suit. Beside him, he was escorting his wife with brunette hair and same age as his. She was wearing a dark long sleeved gown with glitters. Amnon and Glenda both recognized the Aldernian couple.

" Greg? " the general practitioner called his old friend's name.

" Cynthia? " the pregnant pediatrician greeted. " Hi! "

" Oh, it's good to see you back, my Akrovian-Foranean chap! " Doctor Gregorius Lestrade happily exclaimed and gently patted his former patients's back. " I am so glad that we have reunited here! "

" It's more than a week ago that we visited Glenda and talked to her and your family, " Cynthia added.

" By the way, Odette was my former colleague back in medical school, " Greg interjected. " She was three years older than me. "

" More like an upperclass man? " Glenda asked.

" Yes, she was. "

" I have read your letter, Greg, " Amnon sincerely smiled and shook hands with his therapist-friend. " It surely helped me a lot. "

" That's wonderful! I am so surprised that you have responded that quickly when I received your letter on the post, mate, " Greg responded and looked at Glenda. " My precious, Glenda! You are getting lovelier than ever as Little Emie has grown inside the womb! It seems you are in brighter spirits in reuniting with your spouse! Soon enough, she will be meeting with you both! "

" Thanks, Greg, " she chuckled. " It's gonna be a month from now when Emie gets off me. Thanks to Cynthia, I learned a lot from her. Preparing for motherhood will be my next step. Amnon and I will be writing and publishing a book in relation to that. "

" Great idea, Glenda! " Cynthia commented. " You and your spouse will be doing it while raising a child. Your experiences will surely help to the other couple who expects a child. "

" Surely, it will. "

" Amnon, Glenda, I guess Cynthia and I will invite you to come over in our house in Aveline by next week. We'll have a chat with you both, " the Aldernian psychiatrist said. " Just like the old therapy days and some lunch together. "

" Thank you, Greg, " Amnon commented. " That will be wonderful. We will be seeing you then. "

" Of course, that's what friends do! Enjoy your evening with your wife. "

As the Lestrades headed off to their table, they noticed the Durand-Sinclair spouses were kissing at each other and got interrupted by a group of wood elves from Sangraea. Wilma and Odette were pleased to meet them and conversing to each other.

" Glen, I think we should leave by 11 pm, " Amnon reminded.

" Yeah, I'm getting too exhausted right now, " Glenda lowly whispered and wearily smiled at her husband. " Anytime soon, Emie needs her sleeping time. We can't stay up very late. "

" I hope your cousin understands. "

Drinking a glass of water, they watched the wives talking to the elves. One of them was an elf man with platinum blonde locks who stood beside his dark haired human wife. He was intently looking at Wilma. Glenda's cousin also eyed on him and turned to her wife, kissing the older physician's cheeks. Amnon intently looked at the brunette elf woman wearing a royal blue long sleeved gown with some chest armor. Looking at her, he started to have some flashbacks with Kintor.

[Few Months Ago: Peony's House, Arcane Stretch]

Doctor Montmartre spent 45 to 50 minutes in meditating as his electric sparks from fingers were noticeably seen. His homesickness had driven him to be static while he was inhaling and exhaling. He still had his eyes closed. Kintor having left the kitchen, was scouring through his book choosing which spells to study on. for a little bit, he set it down and tapped it's hard surface.

" If only I could see my family again..." he said in a soft whisper.

Amnon quickly opened his eyes and ceased his bioelectric current. He felt stunned than ever. Somehow, he was like an electric eel. He put on his glasses and white coat. Returning to the house, he placed his shoes off. He looked at Kintor and sensed the same homesickness as he had.

" Are you alright? " he asked.

" Reminiscing on old memories, mostly about my clan, " Kintor replied back." It's not troubling me. It's nice to think where we came from once in a while."

" Same here. I've been working in the Academy for 7 months now and still feeling the same homesickness for my wife, my mother, and the others. I've just received my letters that Glenda is able to bear a child and my mother is becoming too incapable and difficult to handle." he sighed.

" Amnon, your speaking to one who's has experience in being a father, I'd had my child when I was only 235, and I'm now 265. she's doing well back home, my clan is nomads. So where they are now, I attend on joining them to wherever the elements take us. I do have faith, you'll have the same blessing in having a child in those golden years, " said Kintor.

" I thought Glen and I couldn't have kids after leaving the Army. Perhaps, the Heavens answered our prayers for a decade. I'm glad you are able to raise one. Your daughter must be very proud of you as her father. "

" Valeera, that's the name of my daughter, a name passed down from my great aunt whom passed away centuries ago, my mate and I hope plan on teaching her in the ways of magic, ought to keep the tradition going. we're nomads, we've tried looking for a home. Only staying from one place to another. being a mentor for her, is the reason why I sought out to look for means of power, and help teach her to use her magic in time, should the day arrive when I can rejoin them. " Kintor replied. " Side noting that aside, I have been the best father and husband for my family. "

" That's what I really wanted to do when I will meet my future child for mentorship. "

Glancing back to his friend he placed his book away, " We've all had our difficulties of raising our families, with those Goblins out there. I had to end an entire tribe of them, once my daughter was kidnapped. I got her back though after wiping them out...since then, I always hated Goblins.'" Kintor said sternly.

" So, you're an overprotective one? I felt the same way for my wife back in the frontlines, before we left the army. She almost died, but I defended her and shot every attacking Chegarians back then. I was badly wounded in saving her life. Now, she's still living, but I feel sorry for leaving her in charge of everything while I'm away. I will return home and fulfill that promise of bringing her child to the world. Then seeing my mother for the last time, before she passes away. "

" The Burden must wait heavily on her shoulders, that makes two of us Amnon. My mate will be looking after our daughter as she does her duties for our clan. There's a positive note the keeper is doing all she can in ensuring it's safety. my mate's name is Fiona. and it pains me everyday of leaving them alone, I attend on keeping my faith in returning back stronger, to ensure they'll have a home someday." said Kintor. " That makes us both family men of this group."

" Now, that makes the two of us then...the feeling is mutual..." the doctor smiled. " I do have a question though. What do you do when you feel someone closest to you will die soon from a degenerative disease? Or do you feel worried for him or her? "

" How could I not, if one is shallow and doesn't express any emotions for losing one so close to them...would make them only a golem, I'd wish to do what I could save them, some in our tribe are adept in spiritual means to save such from a sickness. that's the difference that sets us apart, yet so similar, to really answer your question, I'd spend every minute to make it all memorable before they would pass if all else failed." Kintor admitted.

" Yeah, I would do the same thing. The one I am pertaining to is my mother who suffers from Alzheimers disease months after my father passed away. It's tough that you are in long distances, only phone and letters can bond you. "

" Communicating to your loved ones can be done one second, if you were talented in the arts, telepathy...isn't one of them for this mage. nor creating a magic mirror to see them..." Kintor replied." Trying my first attempt on teleporting was only done a short distance, and it nearly drained me...." he returned back to the topic at hand." Keep on sending those letter's to them Amnon, it will only bring them cheers as they know your doing fine in the manner. these missions will be challenging...we'll see the fruits of our victory, and share it with our family."

" Well, I know what to do..." Amnon smiled.

[A Few Weeks Ago: Hurokka]

" Nothing of my spells will heal these wounds..." Kintor glared at the Alkaid Knight as he had a bleeding stab wound on chest and lost his both arms." In someway, I'll laugh in your final moments, the darkness will eat you away."

" Kintor! " Amnon loudly yelled and rushed towards at the fallen mage.

The doctor wept and sat beside Kintor. He has seen so much danger and horror. He remained speechless. The memories of war reoccured to him as persistent bioelectricity sparked his both hands. He was full of anger in seeing his colleague dying.

Kintor's breathing became labored and slowly closed his eyes. " My people's village, I call home...I'd wish to see it again....if I ever could..."

" NO, IT'S NOT!! IT'S NOT OKAY!! " he angrily wailed and glared at the Alkaid as he snapped his Bio-Shock. The knight tried to dodge, but Amnon's sorrow infused lightning was too fast. It caught up and gave him a thorough damaging shock.

[Present Time]

" Cheesecake?! Hey! Hey! " Glenda gently shook her husband's shoulders and called his attention, noticing his sudden silence. " Amnon! "

Amnon returned to his senses and glanced at his wife, " I'm sorry. I just...."

" Have you been carried away of your overthinking? " she asked with a concern. " We were supposed to talk with our fellow physicians back in Monoceros Keep General along with Wilma and Odette. Is there something that bothers you? "

" Glen...that lady elf over there, " he pointed at the brunette Sangrean elf-knight from a distance. " She reminded me of someone. "

" Who? "

" It's my late colleague's widow. I really need to talk to her. "

Glenda turned to the female elf and then to her husband, " Maybe, I can help you to approach her to you. I'll go get her. Be right back."

" Thank you. "

The pregnant pediatrician stood up from her seat and walked over to the brunette elf with an olive skin. Her escorts looked at her. Glenda gave the trio and politely smiled, " Hi. Sorry to disturb your wonderful time, I'm Doctor Glenda Joy Sinclair-Montmartre. I'm here with my husband who needs to talk to you, as well as I need to know a lot of things from you. "

The elf woman whispered at her escorts which they nodded. She turned to the lady doctor and cordially smiled back at her, " My pleasure to meet you, Doctora Montmartre. I am Señora Fiona Graveheart y Silentwind. I am a knightess back in my clan: The Dread Wolves. "

" It's a pleasure as well, Mrs. Graveheart. It's also very interesting to hear that. "

" Tell me, Doctora? You and your husband need to see and talk to me, " Fiona asked.

" For some reasons, yes. " Glenda nodded. " We wish to do it in private. "

" Bueno, I would like to get to know more about you both. "

Fiona and Glenda walked over to the seat as Amnon slightly smiled at them. He clearly remembered of the conversation from Kintor about his wife back in the Arcane Stretch.

" Mrs. Graveheart, this is my husband, Doctor Amnon Joseph Montmartre, " the pediatrician introduced her husband to the elf knightess. " Amnon, this is Fiona Graveheart. "

" It's an honor to meet you, Mrs. Graveheart, " the general practitioner shook hands with her. " My sincerest condolescences to your late husband. "

Fiona sadly bowed her head and heavily sighed. She was composing her thoughts to respond upon looking the physician spouses which it took minutes. She calmly broke her silence, " Thank you, Doctor Montmartre. I would prefer to talk to the both of you in private if you don't mind. I know this is not the right place to discuss serious matters. "

" Madame, I'm sorry if I...."

" No, it's all right, Doctor Montmartre, " she sincerely said. " I believe you have something to say that I need to know. Your wife can join as well. "

The physician spouses nodded in agreement and followed the wood elf knightess. They walked away from the crowd unnoticed and headed themselves to the garden area. It was the right place for it is more peaceful and more uncrowded than the mansion's ballroom. There were ornamental bushes and trees which they gave the premises a relaxing ambience. Just beside the bench where they were sitting on, there were roses.

Fiona looked at them and asked, " What do you do for a living aside from being mages? "

Amnon and Glenda shared glances and thought of who would take their turn in answering. Amnon decided to let his wife answer the Sangraean wood elf's question first. Glenda nodded in agreement and gave her husband an implying look to answer on the next question, like they would respond alternately to each query to raise.

" Currently, we are working as licensed physicians, but we used to serve the Foranean Military around a decade ago, " she replied.

" So, you were warriors turned healers? "

" Yes, " Glenda added and smiled. " Well, it's a spot on, Mrs. Graveheart. "

" I see. How did you know about my late husband, Kintor? "

It was Amnon's turn to answer as he cleared his throat and replied, " I met him back at Odyssea Academy in my second term working as a head physician at Asclepius and the contractor's guild. He was a mage and a student, willing to expand his knowledge and practice in sorcery. Mostly, he had a special book which he kept reading and summoning some elemental spells. "

" I noticed that from him. He wanted to perfect those abilities. It was his decision to leave the Dread Wolves Tribe and enter Odyssea. "

" Madame, I noticed the same homesickness from him back at the Arcane Stretch when I talked to him, " Amnon admitted. " I learned from him that he missed you and your daughter a lot. He was reminiscing those old memories about your clan. He hoped to see you all upon his return. "

" He was a loving and a responsible man, doctor, " Fiona nodded in agreement, turned to Glenda, and asked. " Did you know more about my husband, doctora? "

" Yes, Amnon usually writes about his work and some people in his group, but there are some indirect statements which I found them questionable. Recently, I found out from my spouse that him and your beloved Kintor worked in a secret organization at Kosmos Building ," Glenda replied. " He mentioned about Kintor from his letters and could relate very well to him, knowing that they were having the same circumstances: being away from home for several months. "

" I see. He fought along with Doctor Montmartre in those missions? "

" Yes, Amnon admitted that they were perilous. I'm sorry if I have to tell this, Mrs. Graveheart. "

Fiona let out a deep sigh and said, " It's all right, Doctora. Now, I know...He was a hero by heart. "

" I healed your late husband several times and warned him several times on these, " the general practitioner added. " But he appreciated what I have done for him in the past months. He had said to me, ' You've done your best, Amnon...Consider this a thanks, from how much you've healed me.' "

Fiona smiled sincerely at him and responded, " He had been appreciative when someone came to help him in case he was in trouble. Yet, he was too heroic as he risked his life in doing the right thing. There was an instance that he got himself wounded after saving Valeera from the goblins. "

" He mentioned that to me before, " he remarked. " He was really overprotective on that. "

" Anything else that I need to know from your experience with him, Doctor Montmartre? "

" He used to have a sense of humour back then, " Amnon recalled and looked at the moon. " I was sleeping before the mission started as he was supposed to cast a spell on me with a splash of water. "

Fiona softly chuckled and replied, " He was like that before. Before I married him, he instantly awakened one of my tribe members by splashing them. "

" He did?! "

" Yes, " she nodded.

" That might be a crazy trick to do! " Glenda also chuckled. " I have never thought doing that when I was a kid! "

" You were trickster before, Doctora Montmartre? " the lady wood elf curiously asked.

" I was! My husband was my favorite practical joke victim back in our Odyssea Academy pre-med days. If I met Kintor before, he could have taught me some tricks! "

" No, no, no, Glen! Please! " Amnon facepalmed and sighed. " Don't you dare sharing your previous exploits with me!

" That might be interesting to hear of how you met each other. It would remind me of I met Kintor in the past, " Fiona smiled.

" But all I can remember from his was he was dreaming about the pleasant times with your family, " the general practitioner changed his topic. " Those words from him had inspired me to continue and return home. But I'll never forget his final words back in Hurokka, ' Everyone, you've shown me the greatest change of my life, to accept humans for not the savages they are, least I know my daughter Valeera will continue the legacy of magic...' "

Fiona remained silent and wept as she heard her late spouse's words from a former contractor guild's physician. Glenda hugged the widow in comforting her as Amnon gently patted her back. Just outside the ballroom, her escorts Christopher Knightfall and his wife Celine were both listening as he heavily sighed and sadly bowed his head. His wife hugged him.

" I'm sorry, Madame Graveheart, " Amnon sadly spoke. " I had to say this. Your late husband lived a full life until the end. He was a great warrior and a hero. "

" We decided to discuss with you. I read of Amnon's letter and learned about your loss, " Glenda added, still hugging the widow. " We give you our sincerest condolences. "

" Thank you for remembering him, " Fiona continued weeping and hugged back at the pregnant pediatrician. " He will be honored and remembered. I will also remember your kindness and thoughtfulness. "

Moments later, the three returned to the party along with the two escorts as they reached the middle to the ending part of Wilma's speech to his wife. Odette was smiling and intently listening at her.

" Anyways, we missed some parts of your cousin's speech. " Amnon whispered at his wife's ear.

" That's fine, Cheesecake. We knew they're madly in love just like us, " Glenda looked at him and sincerely smiled. " At least, we gave more time to comfort a widow. "

" I know, " he nodded and held his wife's hand.

(Introduction from the Shuffler by Kaiser Yoshikage)

(Smolder and Charlotte Ryliea, Christopher and Celine Knightfall, Odette and Wilma Sinclair, Kintor and Fiona Graveheart, and Gladius Knightfall by Knightfall77.)

(Makoto Shindo by BjornGamR27)