Slowly opening his eyes. Loki found himself in an unfamiliar room. And in a tremendous amount of pain. Glancing down at himself. He saw that his abdomen was covered in various layers of bandages. And as his vision cleared. He realized that he was inside of a sterile white room. Which must have been some kind of medical facility.
Going to move. He found that both his hands were cuffed to the side of the gurney he was affixed to. Normally in this situation, a normal person would go along the lines of freaking out. But in the case of Loki. The first thing he did was look for something he could use to pick the cuffs. So he could free himself and escape this place.
The first thing he thought to use was the needle in his arm. That was allowing for the fluids in the iv's into his system. Which were most likely the reason he was still alive and kicking. At least that was what he thought.
It took him some time to finally gain his bearings, though his mind was still foggy. He squinted his eyes when he looked towards the ceiling lights that gave of a brilliant light that was almost enough to blind him. Though that was probably due in part to what had happened to him back in the factory.
The last thing he could remember was being taken out by a single hit. That was it. He couldn't even remember who had dealt the damage to him. Or even how he had even been taken to the hospital, was that a result of how much blood he lost? He didn't know, nor did he really care. The main thing that had his mind fluttering with worry, was the fact he was cuffed to the gurney.
Taking a deep breath Loki attempted to calm himself a degree, even if it barely succeeded. But in this case even a little bit was enough to keep him calm.
Earning his attention was the door to the room opening. Revealing the headmaster of Beacon. Professor Ozpin. Strangely enough he was alone, the only objects he had were his staff, and a clipboard?
Frowning Loki looked the headmaster in the eyes before letting out a tired breath. Not in the mood for any random bullshit, or in the best health to be able to even defend himself. Loki was at the mercy of the man in the room with him, whether he liked it or not.
"It seems you finally woke up. How are you feeling?" Ozpin asked with a modicum of worry evident in his voice. Something Loki was surprised to hear given the direness of the situation he found himself in.
"Like I almost died of blood loss, or was it from the fire? Don't know, and feel like crap either way. Why would you care?" Loki questioned staring the man down trying to get a read on him. The only thing he managed to barely scrape from the man. Was sadness.
"I care because you are a future student at my academy after all. The last thing we need is you dying when you could be treated. Though there are others who would rather you not being in tip top shape for my safety. But I hardly think that's fair, given how you risked your own life not only to save one of our students, but to save people you were with. Which is what we want to foster in this school."
"I only helped out because someone asked me too, though whoever said I need to remain suffering really knows a thing or two...Just say what you came here to say, and I'll accept whatever that should be." Loki muttered in a low tone of defeat, kicking himself as he thought about how he had been so easily taken down.
"Well, first of all. I need you to keep what you know about Kersay a secret, last thing we need is her to be targeted even more than she already is wouldn't you agree?" Ozpin spoke pausing for a moment long enough for Loki to respond with a subtle nod before continuing. "Second, I want you to be one of her bodyguards given your skills and how you handle yourself. It is quite impressive what you're capable of, and it'd be a waste if you were put in jail for only helping out. Given that she is a student at the school as well, you would be given one of the best scholarships to be a student in the school. The best deal that anyone in the entirety of Remnant could could get wouldn't you agree?"
"You...you're offering me a guaranteed spot in your school?" Loki questioned in surprise not sure how to process the words that were being spoken to him. Or even how he could accept the deal.
"Well it's either that or be watched for the rest of your life. I truly do believe that it would be the best move you could make. You would be placed on a team with Kersay making it easier for you to do your duty as her bodyguard." Ozpin answered the question with the reality he had to deal with in the situation.
"I..I want two others on the team alongside me, the two who were with me in the factory. Lilac, and a pink haired boy wearing a beanie."
Staring in surprise. Ozpin didn't know how to take the boys acceptance on the situation, even given the extensive background the boy had. Which was quite the shocking surprise given what he was connected to from Mistral. But if that was what it took to make the boy agree then he would gladly make the amendment.
"Consider it done. Speaking of which, let's get these cuffs off you." Ozpin said walking over to the young mane undoing his cuffs that kept him restrained to the gurney. Turning to the door with a satisfied sigh. "Alright you two can come in."
It was in that moment both Lilac and Carter busted into the room, both covered in a good amount of bandages along with the hospital gowns that they wore. The sight of it did something to Loki he didn't expect it to do. Especially for people he could care less about. He felt guilt.
"Hey...guys..glad you aren't dead." Loki spoke softly forcing his mind to steel itself to keep from letting those uncharacteristic emotions to flow, or take control of him in this moment. So he just opted for his defult stance.
"Of course I wouldn't be dead. Remember got some important hot girl shit I need to do." Lilac said in response before flicking his forehead. Seeing the emotion hidden behind her eyes.
"Yeah yeah...remind me to push you into a font later." Loki spoke softly before turning his attention to Carter.
"Hey don't look at me bud, she's the one who has been wandering around the hospital for so long. I am surprised that there is still a floor to be standing on." Carter spoke teasingly earning a slightly embarrassed look from Lilac.
"Shut up you!" So yelled throwing Loki's pillow at the young man.
"Now, now children. I do believe it is time we let Loki here get his much needed rest. You two will be good enough to start classes tomorrow. See you when you get well Loki, don't worry about the bill either. I already covered it." Ozpin spoke shooing the two teens from the room before glancing at Loki one more time giving him a small smile.
After they had all left the room. Loki sat there in a stunned silence, and now additionally fear. What was that man capable of? And just what did he know?
End of Volume 1