[Clinique familiale et diagnostique Montmartre, Monoceros Keep: 7:35 AM, 21st of Umbral-Tide/Darktide, Year 426]

Sitting on the chairs in the lobby area, Father Mar-Vell Agapov finished reading the Ouranist scriptures and brought out his morning newspaper, focusing on the broadsheets. There were important events happening across the continent of Altirus as well as the other parts of Iliad. He intently read the planned Foranean senate elections for next year and thought of praying for the next wise leaders of the country.

Just beside him, there was a mother carrying a fifteen month old child which she was awaiting for a specialist for the toddler's scheduled vaccination from Dr. Montmartre. On his left, a blonde dwarven man with long locks also waited for urinalysis results which Dr. Rousseau had ordered him to do so. Mar-Vell focused reading on the news article and flipped another page.

" Father Mar-Vell Agapov, " the female scarlet haired elven nurse called his name.

The Akrovian Ouranist elf priest closed the pages of his newspaper and stood up from his seat, walking over to the other nurse-receptionist's station.

" Cela vient-il de ma radiographie? (Is this from my X-ray?) " he politely asked in Franken.

" Oui père. Vous devez attendre les conclusions du docteur Montmartre. (Yes, Father. You need to wait for Doctor Montmartre's findings.) " she replied and handed him a large and an elongated brown envelope, indicating his name: AGAPOV, MAR-VELL and containing a piece of dark rectangular film. The elf nurse-receptionist reminded, " Attendez juste qu'il arrive dans vingt minutes. (Just wait for him to arrive at twenty minutes.) "

" Je vais. Merci. (I will. Thank you.) "

The elf priest-prophet returned to his seat and held his X-ray envelope. He looked at his watch which it was around nineteen minutes before eight in the morning. He thought of returning to his newspaper reading, but it would be a hassle for him when his doctor would arrive. From a distance, he looked at the married couple Ethan and Rina who were being assisted by Annika the Leanan Sidhe nurse. They were waiting for their psychotherapist Dr. Lestrade.

" You seem to be very observant, eh, church man? " the long haired blonde dwarven man broke his silence and called the priest-prophet's attention.

" There's nothing to do, but waiting for the doctor to come, " Mar-Vell replied.

" Yeah..." the dwarven nodded in agreement and leaned his back on the chair. " I have a serious problem in my kidneys said Doc Rousseau. I have been experiencing some constant lower backache and blood in the pee, you know? "

" That seems to be a very serious condition. "

" Right. I need to find out what's going on me insides. How about you? "

" A sprained left wrist, " the elf priest-prophet showed his clerical bandages on his left forearm. " I got it from painting on the church wall two days ago and twisted my left hand by accident while applying a second coat of paint. "

" That might be bad for you, " the dwarven man replied. " Me, I own a barber shop somewhere in this city. Cutting hair, shaving, and grooming to make men more handsome and presentable. Then, I get scoop from my customers and gain information. Sometimes, I spill the beans and open a can of worms in detail. Wanna hear some rumors and stories from me? I can tell you everything just in one sitting. "

Mar-Vell cocked his eyebrows in doubt and crossed his arms, " I think I shall pass, my friend. I'd rather not listen to any hear-says and barber's tales for now. "

" Why? "

" My concentration here is to talk to the doctor and I shall return to the church for some important things. "

" Well, then, church man. Suit yourself. "

Mar-Vell nodded and looked around as there were more patients coming. He eyed at the small group of men and women around thirties to fifties who happened to be suffering from stomach ache and overheard their conversation in Franken. He thought with concern, " This must be a prophetic vision that I have seen a week ago, a group of working people suffering from the same infirmity! I could have mentioned this to Doctor Montmartre yesterday! Oh, Heavens, I just concentrated on this painful wrist and my prophecy and rebuke to him! Maybe, it's not too late to tell this to him. "

Just then, a middle-aged Caucasian man with slick raven locks and deep purple irises on his eyes arrived and donned in a dark business suit. He was being aided by an attractive female human nurse with dark hair. Mar-Vell slowly turned his head at the two people on the entry and exit doorway. He cocked his eyebrows in suspicion and silently prayed to Lady Photis and Her Hosts.

" This is the Foranean Health Department! I am looking for Doctor Amnon Montmartre! " the dark haired man furiously growled in Neo-Ydrassi. " I need to speak to him right now! "

The patients waiting on queue and the busy medical staff paused their work, hearing the irrate and scandalous health inspector. While waiting for Dr. Lestrade, Ethan and Rina Hunter both exchanged glances and heard him. Mar-Vell Agapov remained calm and found him very disturbing. Annika Mercier the Leanan Sidhe nurse and Torsten Jørgensen the Palgish human medical technician were two of the clinic medical staff who had approached the health inspector. The others waited and prayed for a peaceful confrontation.

" Monsieur, Docteur Montmartre will be around in 5 to 10 minutes, " Annika calmly reminded. " You need to wait for him. "

" I DON'T NEED TO WAIT! " he heatedly stressed in reply. " THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE! "

" Sir, we had an inspector named Dr. Quentin Bonnehomme who had visited a week ago, " Torsten added. " Are you also his colleague? If you are, please you should call and schedule for an appointment first. "

" I DO NOT NEED A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT! I NEED TO TALK TO HIM RIGHT NOW! "

Annika and Torsten exchanged glances and turned to their fellow co-workers. They never expected to meet a scandalous health inspector to visit the clinic. Mar-Vell and the other patients overheard the conversation.

" Annika, this is unexpected, " Torsten lowly spoke.

" I know, Torsten, " the Leanan Sidhe nurse nodded and looked anxious. " Docteur Montmartre said that health inspector will visit again in two to three weeks time, but how come this one is too quick? "

" That I don't know..."

" ALL OF YOU ARE WASTING MY TIME! I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT KIND OF HEALTH CARE SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT IS THIS?! YOU HAVE VIOLATED SOME SERIES OF ETHICAL CODES AND SANITATION AND SAFETY RULES! "

" Monsieur, please wait for Docteur Montmartre. Perhaps, you and him should calmly sort these out, " Annika reminded.

" I AM NOT TALKING TO AN INCOMPETENT AND RUDE NURSE LIKE YOU! "

Annika widened her eyes in shock and heard the irrate health inspector. She was trembling in fear, hyperventilating, and weeping. Torsten became worried at his fellow co-worker and gestured the other nurse to bring her away from this heated conversation. He took a deep breath and remained pacified. The elven nurse immediately took her and let her remain at their station to rest.

" Sir, I think this is very condescending to say that to a registered nurse like her with all due respect, " he spoke and defended her case. " She's trying to remind you to wait for our superior who happened to be the owner of this clinic. It seems very unprofessional for you to just come here without any advice. "

" I am a doctor as well! " the man angrily replied.

" If you are a doctor, where's your license and IDs? I am doing this on behalf of my superior and anyone else here. "

" STOP QUESTIONING MY CREDIBILITY! "

" Sir, we are not shouting here, please lower down your tone, " the Palgish medical technician sternly reminded.

Just then, Amnon parked the car and immediately opened and closed the door as he forgot to bring his belongings. He rushed to enter the clinic. He saw the patients and the medical staff becoming tensed to see and hear the health inspector. He looked at Torsten who was confronting the difficult newcomer. Then, he turned to Annika who was tremendously suffering from a panic attack. The other nurses comforted her and gestured him to talk to the furious one. Amnon nodded and walked over beside the medical technician.

" Doctor Amnon, Sir, this is getting pointless, " he nervously whispered at the head physician and clinic owner. " I reasoned with him, but he refused to listen. "

" Who is he? What does he want? "

" He claims to be a doctor and an officer from the Foranean Health Department. I asked him for his IDs, but he's angrily cussing and arguing with me. He badly wants to speak to you, but we ask him to wait for you. "

" But we already spoke to Dr. Bonnehomme last week and had a refresher meeting about this one, yesterday. "

" I understood that, sir. I am having a difficulty to speak with him. "

Amnon nodded and understood, " Torsten, please help Annika and the other nurses for now. Advise the patients to wait or leave the clinic. Tell them to return later or by tomorrow. I'll confront this scandalous one privately. "

" Yes, Doctor. " Torsten nodded and left.

" So, I am expecting you to come, Doctor Montmartre, " the health inspector evilly scoffed and placed his both hands on his waist. " I have something to tell you. "

" Monsieur, can we discuss this privately? I mean a very important close door meeting, " Amnon calmly answered. " This is not the right place and timing to make a scandalous demeanor here. Besides, have you notified us beforehand? "

" I believe, yes. "

" If you responded yes, do you still have the documents to deliver it to us? "

The health inspector nervously gulped and felt cornered at the doctor's question. He glanced at the nurse who stood on the doorway. Amnon crossed his arms and waited for the man to speak up.

" Well? " he followed up.

" I...I forgot to bring it. "

" Goodness! " the general practitioner raised his voice to his dismay, facepalmed, and heavily sighed. " Look, I need to ask you as well. Did Dr. Bonnehomme ask you to come here? "

" I believe so..."

" If he asked you to visit us, you should have called us over the phone as we expect your arrival along with the documents. Secondly, you have not identified yourself nor you never showed your IDs that you work for the Health Department. Sorry to be blunt here, monsieur. This is a stupid thing to come here unexpectedly without any of the certificates or documents, " Amnon seriously pointed out. " I need to report this to Dr. Bonnehomme over the phone. You have wasted our time here. I'm sorry. "

The health inspector angrily growled, " IT'S NOT EVEN IMPORTANT! I AM GOING TO SHUT DOWN THIS CLINIC RIGHT NOW! "

" Strike Two. This is another Asclepius incident again. I have enough of senseless controversies and I am getting tired of those things! " he furiously thought and secretly rolled his eyes in disgust. Amnon let out a deep breath to calm himself and interjected. " Monsieur, your offensive demeanor is not benefiting us anymore. I've heard my nurse and medical technician tried to remind and warned you several times. You even caused her to trigger her panic attack as well as threatening the other medical staff and patients here. I am sorry it would be better to cut our conversation and report you to your superiors. "

" I AM NOT DONE HERE! "

" No, you don't get it. You'd better leave now, please. You have no purpose of visiting us here. You know, I'd better call the police if you continue threatening us. "

" YOU'RE NOT CALLING THE POLICE! I AM THE AUTHORITY HERE! " the health inspector heatedly yelled and released his pistol, pointing to Amnon and everyone else. " I AM GOING TO SHOOT ALL OF YOU! PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR! "

The medical staff and the patients were terrified as the child was loudly crying. Ethan and Rina Hunter were both hugging each other. Father Mar-Vell Agapov knelt down and prayed. From the outside, Dr. Gregorius Lestrade stepped out from the car and saw a sudden hostage crisis as he was shocked. Amnon followed and raised his hands.

" Okay, I get it out now..." the doctor calmly broke his silence. " You're not from the Foranean Health Department. You're a hostage taker and a robberer. You want anyone's money and steal our equipment? Go ahead, take them. Then, leave the clinic immediately. I won't call the police. Just don't harm anyone here. Do you understand?! "

" I AM NOT AFTER THE MONEY OR ANYTHING! " the madman yelled and pointed his gun at the general practitioner. " I AM AFTER FOR YOUR FAILURE AND DEMISE, DR. MONTMARTRE! "

The entire people inside the clinic were terrified as they saw Amnon being threatened. He took a deep breath and found himself sweating. The hostage taker was laughing maniacally and readying himself to pull the trigger. The nurse on the doorway was watching the scene. Just from the outside, Dr. Lestrade moved his head around and rushed to the bystanders asking for help. Lieutenant Ethan Hunter thought of defending his doctor from being shot. Father Mar-Vell fervently prayed for everyone's safety especially Amnon.

" Look, If I met you before, I really apologise for my mistakes or any misunderstandings, " Amnon calmly broke his silence and begged. " Please put down your weapon. It's not only me who will get affected, but everyone here. We can talk over this. "

" I DON'T NEED TO TALK! I WANT TO KILL THE ONE WHO JOINED ODYSSEA ACADEMY'S SECRET ORDER AND ENDED THOSE WHO WOULD CHANGE ILIAD FOREVER! "

" I am no longer part of that group anymore! I am not referring to that! I am asking you to stop threatening anyone here! "

" Annika, please call the police..." Torsten whispered at the Leanan Sidhe nurse as she nodded at him.

Annika huffed and grabbed the phone, but she saw the madman who was pointing his gun on her forehead. She was weeping and trembling in fear. Amnon's inherited and dormant bioelectricity spells slowly began to spark from both of his hands with his bluish white light.

" YOU DARE TO CALL THE POLICE! " he loudly yelled at her. " YOU'LL END UP SWIMMING ON THE POOL OF BLOOD! " Then, he shot a glare to Torsten and the others, " EVEN ALL OF YOU WILL JOIN HER! "

Witnessing the unexpected perilous hostage crisis, Amnon took deep breaths when his eyes both flashed in bluish white light. He brought forth all of the latent electrical energy stored within his body; accessing long dormant energy and accumulating it in his both hands. Finally, He casted Storm Grasp in calling forth a powerful lightning storm and siphoning it, as he sent it surging to the hostage taker and electrocuting him. The man was yelling in tremendous pain and feeling the unrelenting electric surge. It was making him suffer from third degree burns. He fell down unconscious. Half of his face and body was charred, but he was still breathing.

Amnon returned to his consciousness as his bioelectricity spells had to cooldown. He tremblingly looked at his both hands and anxiously muttered, " Oh, boy...What have I done?! "

" Dr. Montmartre...you just...saved us! " Ethan commented in awe.

" D-Did I? "

" Yes, sir..."

Mar-Vell interjected, " You did what you had to do, Doctor Montmartre. "

" Look, I d-didnt m-mean to s-send him into a third degree burn..." Amnon reasoned and paused. " It...."

As the people in the clinic were focused in Amnon's instant heroism, the nurse on the doorway was furious in seeing the false health inspector or hostage taker almost dying in a tremendous burn. She casted a teleporting spell to make her newly two-faced accomplice to vanish instantly. Then, she went to the x-ray room being unnoticed. Suddenly, Torsten instantly smelled burning and moved his head around. Next thing, they all noticed smoke and fire emanating and spreading from the x-ray room. They were growing intensely as all of them started to cough.

" FIRE!! " the Palgish medical technician loudly cried.

" EVERYONE, EVACUATE! " Amnon added and pushed the doorway.

The rest of the medical staff and the patients had immediately left the burning premises. Dr. Lestrade had returned after calling the police. Ethan and Rina Hunter quickly approached him.

" Goodness, what is going on?! " Lestrade raised his voice to his shock.

" You must be Doctor Lestrade? " the Aldernian Army officer asked.

" Yes, I am. "

" Lieutenant Ethan James Hunter, sir. And this is my wife, Rina. I believe we have talked yesterday over the phone, " he introduced as Rina wearily nodded in greeting.

" Yes, Doctor Montmartre referred me to you. It's nice to meet you two in person, " the psychotherapist replied and turned his attention to the sudden build up of fire and smoke. " Oh my Gods, we should leave now! This place is no longer safe to remain! "

" Yes, please..." the Beirunese woman nodded.

Upon the arrival of the police, firemen, and medics, the crowd from the fallen clinic were being aided. For Amnon, he had seen another stressful downward spiral case that would cause him to struggle once again. He remained speechless and blank which he didn't know what to react and to act. Suddenly, his irises had gone up when he instantly fell down on the ground into his sudden blackout. Torsten and Annika looked at the fallen doctor and tried to wake him up.

" Dr. Montmartre, Sir! Wake up! Wake up! " Torsten shook the unconscious doctor's shoulders.

" Torsten, he's still breathing, " Annika reminded saw Amnon's chest rising and falling and checked his carotid pulse. " He fell unconscious. "

" How about his car? " Torsten looked at his superior's car, nodded, and asked, " Can you see his car keys? "

" T-Torsten...I ...d-don't...t-think..."

" What do you mean?! Annika, this is a simple task! You just need to find his keys in his pockets!! I'm planning to drive his car and going to the hospital!" he argued. " I'm going to make it as a temporary ambulance! Now, I need you to palpate his jacket or pants!

" What are you crazy?! No, no, no! You don't understand! Torsten, I might drain his life force if I intently touch every male person! I don't want it to happen! " she yelled. " That's why I am afraid to deal with that hostage taker!! "

The raven-haired Palgish medical technician heavily sighed and muttered in his mother tongue, " Okay...det er ved at gå over styr! (Right...this is getting out of hand!) "

" Quelle?! (What?!) "

" Nothing...nevermind..."

In the midst of an adrenaline inducing chaos and argument of the two, a brown recluse spider crawled and jumped out from a police car and landed on the passed out physician. Torsten and Annika loudly cried in fear and unison, seeing the arachnid. It went further inside Dr. Montmartre's jacket and pulled out the car keys using his leg. The human med tech and Leanan Sidhe nurse were exchanging glances and becoming dumbfounded. The spider slowly transformed into a male humanoid in his late-forties appearance. He was a tall brunette and clean-shaven man, wearing a fedora hat and a trenchcoat with a business suit. He indignantly shot a glare at them.

" Je ne supporte pas que vous vous disputiez au milieu d'une clinique en feu! Vous ne pouvez pas utiliser votre matière grise?! (I can't stand you two arguing in the middle of a burning clinic! Can't you two use your grey matter?!) " the trenchcoated phooka spat in dismay.

" Nous sommes désolés, monsieur. (We're sorry, sir.) " Annika bowed her head in shame as Torsten became embarrassed and heavily sighed.

" Il s'agit de l'inspecteur Tier Sauveterre du département de police du donjon de Monoceros. (The name's Inspector Tier Sauveterre of the Monoceros Keep Police Department.) " The phooka police officer showed his badge and ID at them and threw the car keys to Torsten. " Vous deux emmenez le docteur endormi à l'hôpital et conduisez sa voiture. Fais ce que tu as à faire, mon garçon. Laissez-moi m'occuper de cet incident pour l'instant, compris?! (You two take the sleeping doctor to the hospital and drive his car. Do what you have to do, lad. Let me take care of this incident for now, understood?!) "

" Uh...Oui..." Torsten nervously replied as he was still learning and trying to comprehend Dr. Montmartre's language before he could get into a Foranean medical school.

[Moments Later: Monoceros Keep General Hospital's Emergency Room]

Amnon slowly opened his eyes and saw some blurry colors of the surroundings, hearing the random voices and noises of people coming and going. He kept palpating his pockets which he could only feel his wallet and eyeglasses. He wore his glasses into his face, instantly sat up from the stretcher bed, and clearly eyed at his fellow doctors and some nurses attending to some patients and survivors of the fallen clinic. This scene reminded him of his early residency days which it became nostalgic to him. Just then, he saw his wife Glenda and friends Greg and Smolder talking to Torsten and Annika as they had explained what transpired from the hostage crisis to a fire. Glenda saw her husband standing up and asked her companions that she would return. She walked over and talked to him in private.

" Amnon! Thank goodness, you're awake! " his pregnant pediatrician wife instantly hugged and kissed him.

Amnon tightly hugged his wife back and sadly spoke, " Glen...I'm sorry. We lost our workplace that we considered it as our second home. I didn't expect it to happen..."

" I know it saddened you a lot. I feel the same way too..." she replied somberly. " We have dedicated our work there for three years and made it possible. It's supposed to be our stepping stone in becoming our hospital. "

" I could have done to spare..."

" Amnon, what is more important? The lives of those people we have been dealing with or the physical establishment? We can still rebuild and transform it as a hospital, " Glenda gently cupped her hands to her husband's face and sincerely replied. " You can still practice in diagnosing and treating your patients whereever you are being assigned. Once Emie will be born after my maternity leave, I'll do my best to help you as we juggle our time as doctors and parents. Just keep on working, praying, and dreaming. Don't give up from this incident, okay? We can do this, together. "

Amnon nodded and understood as his fellow doctor friends approached him. Doctors Gregorius Lestrade and Smolder Ryliea walked over to the spouses.

" We heard what happened, Amnon, " Greg seriously empathised and gently rubbed the younger friend's back. " We're sorry that this happened to you. I know this is another struggle for you, but Smolder and I have your back. "

" Amnon, we'll do our best to help you back to work, " Smolder added and placed his hands on his friend's shoulder. " I will write a request to the hospital director for recommendation to bring you and your staff to be re-hired at the Monoceros Keep General. Just prepare your documents to be submitted and keep your lines open for interview and orientation. Surely, you'll get a job anytime this week. "

" I will, thanks, Smolder, " he slightly smiled.

" About that sudden clinic shutdown..." the medical professor turned to the Aldernian psychotherapist and asked. " Greg, you called the police when it happened right? "

" I did, chap. They immediately responded, but I never expected there were firetrucks and ambulance coming on site, " Greg answered and looked at the general practitioner. " Amnon, I need to tell you this. Aside from this job application and possible opportunity, you will be confronting a series of interrogation by the police since you are one of those witnesses of that incident. There are tendencies that your stress and anxiety will be heightened once again. Just remember what I have told you in our therapy sessions. Always be calm and truthful while answering them. You are now with your immediate and close support group. "

" Thanks, Greg, " Amnon nodded.

" Anyways, Smolder, Glenda, I shall keep going. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are waiting for me at the car, " he reminded. " I shall call you anytime. See you then, Cheerio. "

" See you, Greg, " Glenda greeted when she and the other two men waved goodbye at Dr. Lestrade. He left the hospital as Smolder broke his silence, " Perhaps, you guys wanna check my younger sister and her family before you go? "

" Sure, " Amnon and Glenda nodded in unison.

" Perhaps, this will divert your mind for the meantime, " he suggested and gestured the spouses going to the elevator.

A couple of minutes later, the three and some other people had come from the lift when its doors opened. Smolder and the Montmartre spouses arrived on the third floor where the nursery area and recovery rooms were situated. They headed to the hallway and reached at the designated room where Celine Knightfall was found. Smolder gently knocked on the door when his elven brother-in-law opened it for the newcomers.

" Smolder, Amnon, Glenda! " Christopher happily greeted at them. " My goodness! Come on in! "

" Sure, but Chris...I have to tell you something, " Smolder replied and whispered. The snow white haired elven heard and sadly sighed upon looking Amnon and Glenda.

" I see. Maybe, I will ask questions if they're needed. I promise to be sensitive and respectful. "

" It depends if he has to open up. "

" Understandable. " Christopher nodded and gestured the spouses to enter the room.

Entering the hospital room, Valeera was seen assisting her aunt and Fiona smiling at the newcomers. Amnon gave them a simple and slight smile as he and his wife sat down.

" Thank goodness, you remembered visiting us, " Celine said and felt pleased to see the spouses.

" I guess I have to unwind a bit, " the general practitioner replied, inhibiting his disappointment and frustration. " You know I have to check all of you. "

Glenda looked at her spouse with concern and added, " Yeah, we need to know how are you guys doing? "

" Ah, it's very pleasant and fulfilling to see my firstborn child. Perhaps, it will be very difficult at first, but we'll do our best to take care of her, " Celine answered and carried her daughter. " I believe you will be waiting when Emie comes? "

Amnon returned to his senses and heard the new mother's question. Then, he looked at his pregnant wife and gently held her back, holding her arm.

" The 9th day of Before Witching, " the general practitioner instantly broke his silence.

" Oh, yeah, that's Emie's birthday, " Glenda interjected.

" It's also our wedding anniversary as well, " Christopher commented and turned to his wife. " Isn't that right, Celine? We will celebrate it within less than a month. "

" It is quite fitting to celebrate two events! " she exclaimed.

" Uhm...yeah..." Amnon slightly smiled and agreed, hiding his sadness. " It's a coincidence, right? "

Celine, Fiona, and Valeera shared glances and looked at Amnon which they could sense his inhibited negative demeanor. Glenda, Smolder, and Christopher understood what happened.

" Doctor Montmartre, is there something wrong? " the bruenette Sangraean wood elf asked with him concern.

" Well...I..." he paused and looked uncomfortable in responsing.

" Mother, he seems to be reluctant to disclose, " Valeera reminded and turned to Amnon who was trying to compose himself. Glenda rubbed her husband's back. " I am so sorry, Glenda. We don't mean to implore his thoughts or feelings right now, but we are afraid that he can emotionally explode and affect himself just like what happened before in our missions. "

" I understand. He has seen another unfortunate case, " she responded and asked him. " Cheesecake, would you like to speak up or refuse? "

" Clinic..gone...hostage taker made it, " Amnon sadly spoke in tears. " I don't know what to do now. I passed out seeing it burning...."

Fiona, Celine, Christopher, and Valeera shared glances and felt sorry for the doctor. Smolder and Glenda both understood what happened. The pregnant pediatrician wife hugged her spouse in comforting him.

" I see, doctor, " Fiona heavily sighed and empathised. " You lost something that is very important to you. I am sorry for letting you speak up. "

" No, Mrs. Graveheart. It wasn't your fault, " he replied. " He came there, disguised as a Foranean Health Department officer, and threatened my staff and patients. Then, the fire just appeared and burned the entire clinic. I was brought here unconscious. "

" A hostage taker? " she turned to Valeera and asked. " Did you know who was this person? "

" I never knew that, mother. I have to find if that hostage taker belongs to the Umbral cultists. If he dares to hurt Amnon and his family and anyone else. I will hunt him down, " the paladin elf sternly spoke.

" Guys, I hope you must do what is needed, " Smolder added. " But definitely I have to warn everyone in the University as well as the Monoceros Keep General Hospital staff and management. They can be anywhere. My family also needs to be aware of these. "

" Well, I guess we have to keep an eye on everyone in this city and also warn the Dread Wolves Tribe. This means war, " Christopher sternly replied, turned to the other doctor, and assured him. " Don't worry, Amnon. We will bring justice to that evil doer. "

The doctor remained silent and nodded. Celine turned to Glenda and asked, " I know your condition is unable to do strenuous things, Glenda. Perhaps, in case something happens to you and your husband, we will be with you. "

" Thank you, Celine, " she sincerely smiled.

" There is something I have to tell you two, " Fiona broke her silence and turned to the physician spouses. " I know this situation brings you to us. Your family is very important to the Dread Wolves Tribe. Doctor Montmartre and Doctora Montmartre, with your kindness you have shown to my late husband and a few of my people , I declare you as honorary members of my tribe. Since your family is now one of us, the entire tribe will fight for you. I have requested this to Elder Merill as she has accepted it. My escorts, Christopher and Celine will support you. " Then, he looked at Amnon and continued, " But Doctor Montmartre, there will come a time that you will defend all of the races aside from continuing your work as a healer from this succumbing darkness. You will find what you discover one day. Elder Merrill has spoken this to me around a few nights. "

The physician spouses couldn't respond from what they had heard from one of the most respected leaders of the Dread Wolves Tribe. After all the tensions happened this morning, they couldn't believe nor expect that the Montmartre family could be deemes as one of the tribe members. Amnon and Glenda ended up thinking for what they had in store for them.

[Ouranist Church and Convent of Saint Isaiah, Monoceros Keep, Foranea 1:32 PM, 21st of Umbral-Tide/Darktide, Year 426]

Father Mar-Vell Agapov was sitting on a chair at his desk in his office. He spent writing a sermon to be prepared on the Start-Day's service. He had the Holy Ouranist Scriptures and some books beside him. The Akrovian elf priest-prophet hadn't opened his brown envelope for his X-ray image. He busied himself and thought of talking to Amnon very soon as he was looking forward to consult with him once again. Mar-Vell had done composing his sermon when he drank a cup of tea. Suddenly, he stood up and looked at the window when he started praying silently.

Meditating and praying, he frowned and saw darkness had spread across Foranea. In that vision, the people of mixed races were suffering and dying from the clutches of a severe Umbral influence. It was like an epidemic of a severe infectious disease as some tried to embrace it. The others desperately wanted to get rid of it. Mar-Vell looked behind when he saw a mound of skeletons lying on the ground. The elf priest-prophet was slowly stepping from behind and running away. Reaching the farthest point, he was being blocked by an Umbral creature and its minions. They were about to devour him as Mar-Vell loudly screamed in fear.

Just then, he widened his eyes in shock and panted when someone knocked on the door. He opened the door and saw a the same human nun who helped him in the garden several days ago.

" Père Mar-Vell, ça va? Je t'ai entendu crier dans ton bureau. (Father Mar-Vell, are you alright? I've heard you screaming in your office.) " Sister Minerva curiously asked.

" Vous ne me croirez jamais si vous entendez une vision des ténèbres et de la mort, Sœur Minerva! Je jure que cela arrivera très bientôt dans toute cette nation! (You will never believe me if you hear a vision of darkness and death, Sister Minerva! I swear it will come very soon in this entire nation!) " Mar-Vell exclaimed in fear. " Je vous dis que les forces des Sphères Umbrales se sont propagées partout! L'ange avait perdu son épée ce matin lorsqu'un démon était venu la voler et la détruire! (I am telling you the forces of Umbral Spheres have spread everywhere! The angel had lost his sword this morning when a daemon had come to steal and destroy it!) "

" Un ange et son épée, de quoi parlez-vous?! (An angel and his sword, what are you talking about?!) " she asked in confusion.

" J'étais là quand c'est arrivé! Le démon menaçait ces gens quand l'ange était venu intervenir! (I was there when it happened! The daemon threatened those people when the angel had come to intervene!) " Mar-Vell reasoned.

Sister Minerva widened her eyes in shock and heard the news of the sudden hostage crisis and fire in Dr. Montmartre's diagnostic clinic. She seriously looked at the Akrovian elf priest-prophet and surmised, " Dans votre vision prophétique, l'ange est le Dr. Amnon Montmartre et l'épée est sa clinique. Quand l'avez-vous vu? (In your prophetic vision, the angel is Dr. Amnon Montmartre and the sword is his clinic. When did you see it?) "

" Il y a presque deux semaines, je l'ai vu après avoir prié. (Almost two weeks ago, I saw it after praying.) "

The middle aged nun cocked her eyebrows and deeply thought when she crossed her arms. She turned her around and replied, " Je dois le dire à cette Mère Supérieure Dinah et aux autres du couvent. Peut-être que votre prophétie pourrait être un avertissement, Père Mar-Vell. (I have to tell this Mother Superior Dinah and the others at the convent. Perhaps, your prophecy could be a warning, Father Mar-Vell.) "

" En effet, ça l'est. C'est pourquoi je prépare mon sermon pour avertir tout le monde. (Indeed, it is. That is why I am preparing my sermon to warn everyone.) "

" Père, je crois que tu dois le dire à ton visiteur. (Father, I believe you need to tell this to your visitor.) " Sister Minerva reminded. " Elle a besoin de te parler. (She needs to speak to you.) "

" Laissez-la entrer. (Let her in.) "

The nun nodded and left when the Akrovian elf priest prophet prepared another cup of tea and some biscuits. Minerva had let the visitor enter. The female wood elven with raven hair long-sleeved scarlet dress politely smiled at him in greeting as the Ouranist priest offered her a seat.

" It's good to see you again, Lieutenant-General Agapov, " she said and sat down with her hands placing on her thighs.

" I prefer to be called 'Father' or 'Rabbi', Gospozha Merrill Anaedaere, " Mar-Vell deadpanned and again offered his guest a cup of tea and snacks. " I have left the Akrovian Air Force and became an Ouranist priest, if you can remember. "

" My apologies, Rabbi Mar-Vell, " Merrill chuckled nervously and said. " I've come here to pay you a visit. I believe you like herbs for your tea and some cooking condiments. "

The female elder of Dread Wolves Tribe brought him a box of medicinal and cooking herbs. Mar-Vell received and checked its contents when he warmly smiled and replied, " Spasiba, gospozha. I truly appreciate this. "

" Well, enjoy using those, " she replied.

" Anyways, how I can help and what brings you here? "

" I have heard the news from humans and other races of such disaster that happened this morning, " Merrill calmly answered and held her tea. " I presumed you were there at that time. "

" Yes, it was, " he sadly sighed and admitted." I have predicted this to happen since two weeks ago.

" Your prophecy from the Heavenly Gods? "

" Absolutely, it was fulfilled this morning. I saw the angel lost his sword in encountering a daemon. "

" This is an accurate metaphor for the young human physician and his place of work. I believe a human agent of the Umbral Spheres had created such havoc to him and his own people, " she interjected and carefully drank her tea.

" I was there, Gospozha Merrill. I witnessed how he struggled along with them, " he sadly sighed.

" What happened to that encounter, rabbi? "

" I prayed harder for anyone's safety especially that angel. I was too terrified to see the daemon terrorizing him and anyone else. He had unleashed his true ability, a dormant electrical spell and prevented him from taking someone's demise, " Mar-Vell recalled. " That daemon vanished when the fire just started. "

" It must be very difficult for the young doctor to experience this problem, " she replied.

" Certainly. I was supposed to consult him for my X-ray results on my left wrist. I guess I have to wait for him to come and talk very soon. "

" Rabbi, have you told him about your prophecy about his inherited gift and purpose? "

" I did, " he nodded and let out a deep sigh. " He never believed in me, but I rebuked him. "

" Do not worry, rabbi. Perhaps, you shall be visiting the village very soon, " the elder elf assured and gave him a cordial smile. " His true ability needs to be unleashed which it has inherited from his ancestors in the lost country of Robania. "

" But his real intention in creating the new sword and a shield, I think he will..."

" I can interpret your prophecy as the formation of a new hospital in this city, rabbi. For now, he can still practice his scientific healing arts and mage, but my tribe has something in store for him before he fulfills his true dream. "

" I see what you mean, gospozha, " Mar-Vell nodded in agreement. " I will come to pay a visit to your village soon. "

" Very well, rabbi, " she affirmed and changed her topic by asking him. " Do you have another prophecy? "

" Just recently, " he slightly huffed and looked at the window, recalling a vision. " I can see this entire nation was suffocating in darkness. The people will suffer in turmoil and die. They spread darkness like an infectious disease. Then, I have seen an Umbral creature and its minions who they are about to devour me. "

" They are starting to wreak havoc, Rabbi Mar-Vell, " Merrill seriously spoke. " We are going to brace ourselves for more terrors coming. Surely, the Dread Wolves Tribe will defend the nation. "

[Site of the Former Montmartre Family Diagnostic Clinic: 5:46 PM]

After the firefighters ended the smoke and blazing fire, there were some yellow strips wrapped around the remaining building poles with a written phrase as, BANDEROLE DE LA POLICE, NE PAS DÉPASSER. There were Foranean policemen who were investigating on the site of the crime scene and fortuitous event. One of them was a phooka police inspector who morphed into a wolf and sniffed around the area. He was trying to support his fellow policemen in gathering some relevant objects from the cause of fire and some evidences of the hostage taking. The phooka found a pistol and howled at his fellow human and elven policemen.

Then, he shapeshifted into his humanoid form when they approached him. Inspector Tier Sauveterre gestured, handed them the gun loaded with bullets, and seriously said, " Voilà, une preuve de la scène du crime progressiste. Aucune trace de sang sur le sol et les personnes décédées concernées. (There you go, an evidence of the progressive crime scene. No traces of blood on the ground and deceased persons involved.) "

" Donc, ça veut dire que les victimes de la prise d'otage s'étaient échappées quand l'incendie s'est produit? (So, that means the hostage taking victims had escaped when the fire happened?) " a human female subordinate curiously deduced.

" C'est peut-être le cas pour celui-ci. Nous devons interroger les témoins demain et n'importe quand cette semaine. (It may be the case for this one. We need to interrogate the witnesses tomorrow and anytime this week. ) " Sauveterre replied.

" This is obviously an Umbral cult terror case, my dear, Tier, " a serious and deep male voice with a smooth Aldernian accent echoed.

Tier looked around and saw the taller brunette man with dark coat. He was walking over the policemen and giving them a very awkward smirk. The Foranean phooka police inspector frowned in annoyance and told his subordinates that he needed to talk the newcomer in private.

" Shemlock Homes, what on Iliad are you doing?! " Tier indignantly asked in Neo-Ydrassi. " This is Foranean police business! An Aldernian detective like you should not meddle with our local affairs! "

" Inspector Sauveterre, I am supposed to visit an old friend and fellow alumni from Odyssea Academy, " Shemlock answered and deduced the area. " But unfortunately his establishment is ruined with fire after the hostage crisis took place. I couldn't find my dear friend, Doctor Montmartre on site. "

" Argh! You silly mages! " the phooka police officer angrily spat and pointed his right index finger at the human detective. " Look, this is no time for some happy reunions and such! We are investigating further in what went wrong on this place! "

Shemlock looked at the evidences gathered including Aldernian pistol and deduced them, " A hostage taker had arrived twenty minutes before eight 'o clock in the morning. He was terrorising the medical staff and outpatients. Dr. Montmartre came to intervene until the fire and smoke instantly emitted. "

" So, Dr. Montmartre started the fire? "

" No, " the detective sternly spoke. " The hostage taker has an Umbral accomplice in disguise. They definitely started the fire. "

" How did you know all of these? "

" By simply looking at the remaining evidences you gathered. Definitely, you're correct. You need to talk to the crime scene witnesses, at least the most reliable and truthful ones. Don't pick someone who was barely aware or unaware of the two incidents. "

" You don't have to tell me twice, Shemlock..." Tier deadpanned and glared at the detective.

Suddenly, they noticed a scarlet haired male elf who was gathering some information from the bystanders and other witnesses of the incidents. Shemlock and Tier both shot a glare and approached him.

" Oh, hello, gentlemen, " the elven man gave them a warm smile, politely greeted, and introduced himself with a high pitch and also a smooth Aldernian accent." My name is Neil Ingrid Carter from the le Pionnier du Foranea. I'm an investigative journalist and gathering some information before writing a story of the two incidents in one site. "

" Some nosy field newspaper reporter from the wooden elves race have come to write some stupid stories and sensationalise them, " Shemlock blandly retorted and deduced him. " You seemed to be visiting a future lawyer girlfriend, didn't you? "

" Sir, I beg your pardon..." Neil frowned, placed his pen and mini notebook into his trenchcoat's pocket, and crossed his arms.

" I can see it on your photograph attached at the back of your notebook. "

" You cheeky bastard..." the elven journalist furiously remarked and had his fists clenched, readying himself to punch the detective.

" Monsieur Carter, if you need more relevant information to your story, I suggest to come to the police headquarters as we conduct our interrogation starting tomorrow, " Tier diverted the sudden tumult and turned to Shemlock. " You will be coming as well if you want to help. Please behave like civilised people. "

The human detective gave the elven journalist a murderous smile. Neil rolled his eyes in disgust and heavily sighed.

[Montmartre Residence, Monoceros Keep, Foranea 10:40 PM,
4th day of Year Turn, Year 423]

While reading a medical journal, Amnon watched his wife sleeping on the bed and gently kissed her cheeks. He was about to sleep as he heard some music downstairs. The doctor left his beloved half and headed to the living room. Senator Jean Meir Montmartre wore a very serious face when his fingers passionately danced on the ebony and ivory keys of his piano, playing a melancholic to devastatingly drastic ballade in G minor.

Amnon sat on the couch, watched, and listened to his father's piano music. He waited for his father to finish his depressing instrumental and ended with a series of ascending fortissimo notes and with a base chord of G. Amnon applauded his father and smiled at him.

" Thank you, my dear boy, " Jean Meir smiled back, walked over, and sat beside him. " Are you supposed to sleep as you and Glenda have work tomorrow at the hospital? "

" Papa, your beautiful music enticed me to check on you. I'm also supposed to ask you that. I don't see you sleeping with mama in your room? " Amnon intently smirked.

The senator let out a deep sigh and seriously said, " Things are getting complicated these days. Preparing for the Foranean elections in two years, I am chosen as a potential presidential candidate. This is the crucial one. "

" Really?! "

" Yes, my continuous efforts for the Robanian refugees, and some series of meetings, interviews, and debates from here and there are pushing me to the limits."

" So, you have been stressed out, I take it? " his doctor son asked.

" Of course, son. I understood that you have been dealing with several outpatient works aside from emergency cases. Definitely, it's a difficult job for you, but being the future Head of State will be more difficult than yours. "

" Yeah, " Amnon nodded and joked. " I can imagine you will suffer from hypertension when your subordinates tend to demand you to do some several things for the entire country. Expect some maintenance medicines which I can perscribe! Trust me, you will be doing some state visits across Iliad. Then on my end, I will be flooded by the press for being a presidential son until your term ends. Can we just experience a normal and peaceful life like anyone else? "

" I know we are being scrutinized as we try to meet anyone's expectations! " Jean Meir smiled and laughed. " When I stepdown from politics, I want to do several things. "

" What is it, Pa? "

" Before reaching the age of ninety to one-hundred, I'm hoping to return to the academe as a professor or writing a book. Secondly, I want to end up composing music. Thirdly, I will help you to attain your own clinic or hospital as your part-time work or sideline business, but you have to fulfill your residency duties at Monoceros Keep General Hospital. "

" Right, I'll keep that noted, Pa, " Amnon nodded at his father. " How about the exiled Robanians or the people under low or middle income? Am I also be part of it? "

" That goes with my fourth bucketlist, creating a non-profit organisation for charity and welfare. I still have the passion for helping everyone in hardship. Of course, I need a junior associate to manage the institute. "

" What else, Pa? "

" Amnon, I really want this to tell you when you were younger, " Jean Meir sincerely looked at him and let out a deep sigh. " You will be left mind-boggling, but it's not the right time to discuss that matter. "

" What do you mean? "

" Remember when I told you the story of how I met your mother? " he interjected.

" Yeah, you met her at an official state visit in Akrovia when you were a mayor, right? Then, you two found out that you got a Robanian heritage. "

" Yes, " his father nodded and recalled. " I talked to Elder Merrill Anaedaere a week ago when I visited the Dread Wolves Tribe village. She spoke to me a couple of things in helping the people from the lost country and warned me of some corrupted politicians who will take down my life. There are several things that I need to tell you, but I was too focused on my duties. "

Amnon raised his eyebrows in doubt and reasoned, " Pa, that's not gonna happen. You still can try to convince them in order to help those people. Look, you're also a mage, Pa. You can defend yourself when someone gets you. "

" Son, sometimes, my magical abilities can't be used in politics. There are serious matters to be tackled like creating laws to be passed for everyone's benefit. They do not require to cast a spell to hypnotise, persuade, or attack people. Unlike you, you can utilise your bioelectricity spells and healing abilities for your patients' recovery, " Jean Meir explained.

" Right, I think I don't need to argue on that. "

" Son, If we have more time to visit that elven elder at her village, maybe we can talk to her. "

" Yeah, perhaps if Glen and I don't have much hospital duty. We can get there, " Amnon surmised and grinned. " As well as your schedule is not that too tight. "

" I believe so, son, " his father nodded in agreement and asked him. " By the way, just a curious thought, Amnon. Have you ever thought about encountering and fighting some strange beings and Umbrals even you're a doctor? "

" Papa, is this a rhetorical question? Please don't tell me..."

Senator Montmartre intently grinned and softly chuckled at his physician son, giving him a gentle slap in the back. Amnon cluelessly stared at his father and remained silent at the moment. He couldn't thought of answering at the elderly politician parent's question.

[Present Time: Montmartre Residence, Monoceros Keep, Foranea 9:40 PM]

Recalling a memory from three years ago, the doctor was concentrating on his discovery of the ultimate spell. The lightning surge in 900 to 1,000 kilowatts from his long dormant energy had charged Amnon's entire body in radiant bluish-white bioelectric radiance. He was on his strong and well built physique and wearing only in briefs. He spent taking deep respirations and meditating for more than an hour after dinner and washing the dishes until he had reached at this point to be extremely high volatile.

Going upstairs into their bedroom, Glenda was just finished talking to her cousin over the phone and knocking on the door. She waited for her spouse to open the door.

" Oh my goodness, why is he taking so long? " she anxiously thought and raised her eyebrows. " Amnon, you still there?! Hello?! "

Her husband did not respond nor come over to open the door for her. She kept knocking on the door and felt a slight kick from her daughter inside the womb. Glenda moaned in pain, held her protruding belly, and lowly said, " Emie, it's not your time to leave my tummy yet. I'm trying to call your father's attention to open the door. Perhaps, you can help me check on him. "

Emie slightly kicked again in response, making her mother grimace in pain. Glenda frowned once again and mumbled when she opened the doorknob. She saw her spouse in semi-nude appearance as his entire body was surging with bioelectricity spells. His eyes were flashing in bluish-white light. She took a deep breath, trying not to panic and composing her thoughts to call his attention. She remained on the same position and didn't dare to enter the room.

" Amnon, I know you're listening to me right now. I understood you have been totally upset of what happened this morning. Perhaps, you can remember everything what we have said, " she calmly broke her silence, empathising him. " You have no choice but to resort yourself this way casting in your ultimate spell. We need you to stay strong and keep on going no matter what. I just want you to know that Emie and I will always be there for you. We love you..."

" I love you too, Glen, Emie..." he spoke in a deep and static voice which it was unusual for him to sound like.

His ultimate spell of Storm Grasp had instantly ceased as Amnon returned to his normal senses and drank his glass of water. Then, he slowly turned to his pregnant wife who was sincerely smiling at him. He placed his empty glass of water on the side table and approached her.

" Can I check her heartbeat? " he asked as his normal tone of voice returned.

" Of course, you are a doctor and her father, " she softly chuckled at him. " Emie is very excited to feel you. "

Amnon carefully placed his left ear on his wife's pre-full term belly and listened at his daughter's heartbeat and movement. He smoothly pecked his wife's tummy, stood up, and smiled at her.

" See? She really feels you and cheers you up, " she mused.

" We still wait for eighteen days before she gets off from you, " he gently cupped his wife's face with his right hand and held his left hand on her tummy. " Emie is truly our bundle of love, joy, and hope. "

" We made her existence as possible. Now, my dear husband shall we have our slumber together? "

" I forgot one more thing..." Amnon paused and kissed Glenda's cheeks.

" Go on, before we shut our eyes, " Glenda laughed and blushed harder.

Amnon hugged her and passionately placed his lips to his wife as she threw her arms on him and kissed him back. Despite the disastrous and tiring day, the Asclepius Lovebirds had their amourous moment before heading to their slumber.

(Christopher and Celine Knightfall, Smolder Ryliea, Valeera Graveheart and Merril Anaedaere belongs to Knightfall077.)

(Azazel Barbier belongs to valorithsaga)

(Ethan James Hunter, Tier Sauveterre, Torsten Jørgensen, and Neil Ingrid Carter belongs to BjornGamR27)