At the hospital, Ms. Ipruk was paid some attention, since she was the one who was poisoned after all. Although, they let her leave quickly, not finding anything wrong. They remained at the hospital for most of the night, waiting to hear if Bradley had regained consciousness yet.
One of the nurses informs her, "Please go home and get some rest. You can come back tomorrow."
They did just that. Once they were home Sophia breaks the news to her mentor, "Ms. Ipruk."
"Yes?"
"My mother called."
She freezes in shock, "She called? That's who you were talking to earlier?"
"Yes. I hung up though. I wanted to tell her that she shouldn't come tomorrow but it's too late now. She's definitely going to come."
"I'll talk to her."
"She's going to scold us."
"Most certainly."
For the first time in this entire day, they both laugh. They laugh at how they're more worried about Sophia's mother than everything else that happened.
//How ridiculous are we now?//
"Well, at least we're okay so she can't be too angry."
"Haha. Well let's get some rest. Let's head to the hospital first thing in the morning and wait until he wakes up. We can deal with Charlotte later."
They got up early, not that Sophia could sleep much. She still feels so drained from yesterday. That doesn't mean she has to look as worn out as she feels. She puts one of her best dresses, designed by yours truly, and leaves her hair down.
When they arrive, they are fortunate to hear that he's finally woken up. The doctor tells them that they can see him but to be mindful.
"Little Bradley? Is that you? How do you feel?"
He stops staring at the ceiling and looks at Ms. Ipruk with a thoughtful gaze.
"You... saved me. Thank... you so much."
"You don't have to thank us. It was the right thing to do." Sophia spoke before Ms. Ipruk.
He moves his head slightly trying to see who else spoke. His face is covered in bandages, mostly his nose. She winces slightly but he doesn't catch it, "You're... Sophia?"
"The one and only."
"Thank you. I wish... I had something to give you for your help but everything I owned is gone now..."
"Don't worry about that, you can pay us back later." She winks.
"Yes. Just focus on recovering."
A silence stretches for a while before Ms. Ipruk speaks up again.
"I don't know how much you remember but we don't blame you at all. I'm sorry that we couldn't save something for you."
"I remember… most of it. I always kinda resented my dad for ignoring me most of my childhood. He was always more worried about other things..." He pauses and tries to catch his breath, "I always… wondered if he never let me see mom because he didn't think I deserved to. But knowing the truth is a lot worse. He really was horrible but I just don't," He takes another deep breath. "know how to feel about him. He was my dad, he loved me but he... used me. He hurt me and everyone around us. I think that's something that will take a lot of recovering from."
He pauses and reaches for something next to the bedside table. "They left me this. I'll be okay... someday at least."
It's the locket.
Madame Johnson and Darmae Farona really will always be watching over him.
"Here little one." She hands him some kind of letter. "Inside there's some information that will help you once you're out of here."
"What…"
"It's just some people who might be able to help you. Hide you and get you back on your feet. In case you need it. Also, we're here if you ever need anymore help."
"Thank you so much… uh ma'am?"
"Haha! Just call me Cecilia." She pats his head gently. He looks slightly embarrassed.
"We apologize. But we have to be going soon. I'm really happy you're okay though. I'm also thankful for your trust. Also, I apologize for punching you."
He actually smiles at that. "It's okay. I was punched by the legendary Sophia Fauve. I think I'll brag about it. Besides, you did what I've always wanted to do. Punch my dad in the face, so thanks for that too."
"Take care, Bradley." She gives him a quick pat on the shoulder and smiles as well.
"Listen before we leave, I want you to know that you will do better. Don't believe in a curse but believe in yourself. You've been given a second chance. Live a good life. And I hope to see you again."
He nods. "I will."
-
"Ms. Ipruk? I still haven't forgotten about the Spiritual Magic. I'm still kind of annoyed with you."
"Haha. I promise to teach you what I know, someday. I know you'll make it into something successful."
"Of course I will."
-
It doesn't take long for them to arrive at the train station to pick up Sophia's mother.
She looks tired and stressed, probably not from the journey. Once she spots them she says, "You two are going to be the death of me!"
"Hello, mother. How was your trip?"
"Don't try to change the subject, Sophia Fauve! Your faces are all over the news! You two almost got buried alive under a mansion?!"
"Yes, well um, Charlotte, let me explain."
She immediately shuts her down, "Master Ipruk. I do not want to hear your explanations."
//Ouch. Mother only calls her Master Ipruk when she's extremely upset. Just like when she calls me by my full name.//
"I see… I'm sorry then. Do not blame Sophia. You should be angry with me instead."
She sighs, "I'm angry with the both of you. I'm livid. But-" She pulls them in for a hug catching them off gaurd, "I am so relieved you two are okay."
"Mother, you worry too much. Of course we'd be okay."
"Hmph. It's not that I don't believe that but I still can't help but worry." She pulls away from them and looks less angry. Although, she doesn't let go of Sophia completely as she starts absentmindedly petting her head. She wants to complain that her hair will get messed up but now's not the time.
"I'm your mother. I'll always worry." she let's her go and turns to Ms. Ipruk, "And you Cecilia, I always worry about you too. You're my friend after all."
Ms. Ipruk looks slightly embarrassed, "Aha. Well. Um... I promise that I did have things under control, really! We're fine so don't listen to what they-"
"Cecilia."
"Yes?"
"We need to have a long discussion, when we arrive at your home." Not a question but a demand.
"Of course, haha." she looks nervous.
"Sophia."
"What is it?"
"I brought you a gift! You can open it later."
-
It's been almost a month since that case happened. Things settled down somewhat. Some strange customers still come by. But that's inevitable. At least, no more ghosts and horrible men! Bradley was discharged a long time ago, he sent flowers and a thank you card. But they have no idea where he is now. It's for the best. He needs to be somewhere safe and isolated.
For now.
Sophia is sitting at the front desk, to put it bluntly, bored out of her mind. It's almost noon and no one has come by the shop.
She also feels kind of lonely, Ms. Ipruk said she was going to be gone for 3 months! This is the first time she's been gone for so long. She didn't ask her to come along. Why? Because after receiving a harsh scolding from her mother, Ms. Ipruk decided to actually follow her advice and give Sophia a break!
A break to see her family.
Of course she misses them but she can't just leave!
///"Don't worry the shop can afford to close up for a few months, dear."///
//Don't dear me. This shop will fall apart without me! What if we miss potential important clients! What if something happens-//
She's shaken out of her thoughts when she hears screaming coming from outside.
Oh great.
It's the pests. It's the beasts. Normally, this is no problem for someone like Sophia but there's an unholy amount of Shadow Beasts roaming the streets! And she's still wary of dealing with them after the incident. Although, she can't just sit here and do nothing!
//I don't want to let others get hurt. It would be bad for our reputation!//
She grabs her staff and rushes out. Like a fool.
-
She's put up a good fight but this last little beast won't give up! Little but persistent indeed. Sophia barely manages to dodge its fangs and put a distance between them. She tries to use her staff but its too broken so she just throws it at its head hoping for a distraction. It does get hit and a little spark goes off!
The beast is temporarily blinded. Sophia dashes off. Her magic has been weakened from over exerting herself that she can't even summon her wings! How embarrassing.
She curses in ancient fae.
The little beast grabbed her ankle! How did it recover so fast?!
In this very moment, Sophia felt more offended than terrified. Her legend can't just end like this. She hasn't even started!
She won't give up.
She still has one trick up her sleeve. It starts dragging her to the dark alley about to tear her apart. Sophia tries to struggle out of its grip but it's no use. Damn. She's going to have to think of something else! Quickly!
She screams a little bit.
No shame in that.
//Okay. Before it tries to rip me apart I'll-//
Fortunately, she didn't have to do anything, the beast didn't even get a chance to raise its claws against her when something sharp and powerful flew towards the beast's face! It instantly dissolves into nothing.
Sophia was shocked. She was shaking slightly.
What? Who?
Someone grabs her hand, helps her up and pulls her away from the alley.
"Are you okay?"
She looks up to the stranger. They're a dragon?
What's a dragon doing here?
She quickly composes herself as best as she can, "I am... Thank you for the help. May I know your name?"
They look confused as if they weren't expecting her to ask that. "Hm. You may call me Mani."
To be continued...