Ray's eyes drooped open and squinted as fluorescent light burned his retinas. He ignored the sting and left his eyes open.
They slowly adjusted to the light and Ray looked around. He was on a slightly stiff bed in a white room with only one visible door leading out.
"What happened?" The last thing he remembered was…
"Shit! I accepted his deal!" Ray's head whipped around, searching for Onyx but he was nowhere to be seen.
Creasing his forehead, Ray strained to remember anything after he accepted the deal. A sudden thought struck him.
'Wait, where's fluid boy and Marcus?'
His eyes widened, 'I couldn't… right? Please tell me that I didn't kill them.'
The door to the room opened and a tall man in a lab coat walked in. His dull grey eyes landed on Ray.
"Hello, Ray Kress, I am Doctor Philip and I'm in charge of seeing you through a successful recovery." Doctor Philip was rather young and unimpressionable.
The Doctor kept silent as though waiting for Ray to speak or at least show a sign that he understood what had just been said.
Ray nodded, "Okay? But can I go home?"
Doctor Philip tilted his head slightly, "Not until we've confirmed that there's nothing wrong with you."
'That sounds like it'll take time. I don't have time or money to waste here.' Somehow, he had to convince him.
Ray smiled wryly, "I see. Can you tell me how I ended up here? I remember being at the park."
Doctor Philip's shoulders relaxed a little, as if he was relieved of something. "You were found by a passerby who called us. You and your friend were found in strange states."
That made no sense. Friends? Ray's breath ceased, 'Could he mean fluid boy?'
Ray didn't dare ask such an odd question; instead, he let him resume.
"You were fine, just unconscious while your friend… I'm sorry to say but he's unresponsive."
The world shattered beneath Ray's feet, "What?"
Doctor Philip quickly responded, "He's alive and conscious but he seems hollowed out. It's strange but we are investigating his case the best we can."
The Doctor squinted his eyes a little and walked closer to Ray, "Did you happen to see anything before passing out? Anything strange at all would help."
Behind Doctor Philip, a familiar figure slowly materialized until Onyx stood behind him, scanning the hospital room with curiosity.
Ray glanced from the Doctor to Onyx and back in quick succession, "Nope. Not a single thing." Sweat ran down his face but his words came out firm.
Doctor Philip sighed and stood properly, "Such a shame, it might have helped if we knew where to begin. Your blood test came out fine so you'll probably be free to go tonight. Just rest for now." With that final note, the left Ray to himself. Well, he and Onyx.
Onyx turned to Ray with the most terrifying scowl on his face, "You insufferable worm! How dare you burn me?!"
Ray flinched a little before biting back his fear, "Oh and you're one to talk? I accepted and what happened? I can't even remember! I knew it, I have no reason to trust you."
The two spent a few seconds glaring at each other. Ray knew he had yelled his retort but at the moment, he didn't care.
Ray lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Onyx stood at the foot of it, arms crossed, still glaring.
"You really don't remember?"
Ray shook his head.
Onyx's expression shifted—still angry, but something else flickered beneath it. Ill-hidden excitement.
"Well, that's interesting."
Ray turned his head. "Why?"
Onyx met his eyes. "And why should I tell you? I have nothing to gain from it. In fact, seems like the perfect revenge for scorching me."
Technically, Onyx had a point. With how annoying he was, it would be far stranger if he had been upfront about it.
Ray shrugged, "I don't need to know especially since your reason for not telling me is an imaginary attack on your core!" He flailed his arms around to emphasize his point.
Onyx's eyes darkened, "I swear that all you humans are the same."
For the first time, Onyx's words drew Ray's attention. 'All of us humans? He isn't human?' Obviously Onyx wasn't human but his wording implied him being a different species or kind of organism.
'Could that be the others that S.L. referred to in his journal?'
Onyx scoffed, "Whatever you're thinking of can not hurt me. Destroy my core and we both die."
Ray frowned, 'That information is useful. Though as he told me willingly, its credibility is likely non-existent.'
"Eventually, you'll accept me again and this time, there'll be no escape." Onyx seethed out and vanished.
Closing his eyes, he set his focus on his solar plexus.
The two cores came into view and Ray's jaw dropped. His fire core was significantly smaller—about half its initial size—but it now had a bright fiery light to it.
It was unmistakable, he had reached Tier 2!
A wide grin spread on his face from ear to ear, 'With this, I can start learning proper spells instead of just the elemental augmentation of Tier 1 cores!'
The door to his room opened and Doctor Philip walked in holding a piece of paper, "Good news Ray, you're cleared for release. Just need a signature."
Ray hid his smile as quickly as he could. Even he knew that it would be suspicious if your alleged friend became hollow and you were smiling. Especially since there wasn't a suspect yet.
Doctor Philip handed the paper to Ray and he signed.