Swish! A curtain at the end of the lane of bed opened hastily and a young woman, wearing a black, high collared dress that reached all the way down to her ankles, was revealed. Laid atop the dress was a dark grey petticoat that fastened to the dress with two rows of brass buttons in front. She had the look of a goth teenager. Full of disdain and attitude but she had none of the edges that real life as an outcast gave to someone. Jack decided to call her goth poser #1.

She stomped her way over to his side of the hall. Only stopping to make a note on a wooden board in her hands every time she passed a bed. Silence filled the empty room. Jack turned back to Virtus and asked once more. Annoyance laced his voice. “Well? Where are we?”

The other man had been staring at the girl with a complicated look on his face. The question caused him to flinch back and return his focus to Jack. “Huh? Oh, this is the imperial infirmary. Whenever anyone without a private physician or skilled healer gets sick, they are sent here. Anyone in the palace complex is eligible for this service.”

Jack gave him an even harder look. He replied with a low voice.“Was I in the palace complex when I collapsed?” Jack could now see the circuits connecting in the other man's head. Yeah, you better figure it out.

Virtus hurriedly bowed to him once more. “I apologize for my mistakes Adjudicator, but you clearly had some kind of bizarre magical accident with your… Phoenix?” He shook his head in disbelief at the absurdity of the flaming chicken. “It was decided by all, including your friend, that you needed a skilled healer to check for hidden injuries and mana burn.” He ground to a halt at that. His visage was anxious when they made eye contact.

Jack deflated like a hot air balloon. When he was with Casper, the motion and the thrill of what was basically a giant game of hide and go seek, kept him focused. Now purpose had fled him and confusion surreptitiously stepped in to take its place. He was suddenly very tired and ready to… to what? He didn’t know. He just wanted to go anywhere, anywhere, but here and think. In the past finding a quiet place and holing up was what he did when in these moments like this. What am I supposed to do now?

“Ahem!” This came from right behind him. Jack rolled his eyes and turned around. He got the hint the same way a band liked their mic checks, loud and clear. He put on what he thought was a polite smile.

“Can I help you?” He asked with a strained voice. The goth nurse was scowling at him and it only deepened when he plastered on his saccharine smile. The smile went away.

“My name is Vera Stygium and I will be your nurse for today. If there is anything you need or any change to your condition please let me know immediately. If you are unable to get my attention then you may press the rune on the wall next to your bed and it will summon assistance.” It was obvious that this was her rehearsed speech. She had intoned it with the air of someone that had repeated something a thousand times and plans to say it a thousand more. “Now that that’s over I can see that you are completely fine and are ready for discharge.” She said in a bored tone. “There is a set of clothes over there for you to change into and…” she perused her clipboard. “Ahh, the imperial princess has summoned you for an audience in the Robin room after discharge.” At this, she spun in place and headed the way she came.

The lethargy he was feeling a moment ago, from his indecision, was now replaced with rage. The constant orders from people that he did not know, kept brushing against all of his hard edges. Who do they think I am? A servant to do their bidding. I came here to judge their deeds not the other way around! This was the moment Jack decided to truly take his life into his own hands.

Decision made, he spoke up before the goth nurse could run away. “Wait a second. Don’t I at least get a medical prognosis before you just kick me out?” Jack responded vehemently. “I just got here and this body is brand new. So I want to know what is going on!”

Vera shot him a murder stare that made Virtus take a step back. It didn’t come close to fazing Jack though. There weren’t any of the telltale signs of immediate violence, just a temper tantrum from a young woman that should have known better. So, he smiled again, only this time he showed his teeth.

That unsettled her enough to step back and forget her glare. That’s right, I have sharp teeth now. He had discovered this during his first inspection. A fact that had been just a footnote to him until now. Now it was awesome. “What is my prognosis?” He asked firmly.

She swallowed before reading out loud from her board. “Your body is very different from normal humans. First off you don’t have a heart. All the blood in your body flows through your core chakra point, so at first, we weren’t even sure you were alive. As best as we can tell you are in perfect condition. We recommend that you eat and rest for a day before any strenuous activity. Also, I shouldn’t have to repeat this, but no magic for twenty-four hours! None!” Upon finishing she needed a moment to get her breath back. She continued this time in her normal voice. “Do… Do you want a copy of your thing?” She waved his report.

Jack responded firmly. “YES!” He turned back to Virtus. “What exactly are your orders, Virtus?”

The guardsman was caught on the back foot and took a second to respond. “My orders are to escort you and to be your shadow. I am at your disposal.” He finished his statement with a bow.

“Well, I think it is time to get some answers and fulfill my role here as the Adjudicator. So take me to this princess.” He stopped to consider his priorities. It wrinkled to be ordered about like a slave. Then a memory from his dream came to the forefront. He smiled. “First I need you to take me to a fire. The biggest one you got.