Chapter 4.5: Some Hope

 “Dr. Farid! You’re back!”

Dr. Farid Stimo massaged his temple as he turned to face his auburn-haired student, who had a gleaming smile smeared across his face. No matter the gravity of the situation, Felix always greeted him with a beam.

“It’s been a while since I’ve heard ‘Dr. Farid’ come out from your mouth,” Dr. Farid smiled stiffly and cocked his hip, “Felix.”

“I always call you that.” The lie could not have squeezed through those pearly whites any quicker.

Dr. Farid fished a small notebook from his pocket and cracked it open. It was a collection of all the nicknames Felix had blessed him with. ‘Dr. Stimo’ was the correct way, but Dr. Farid had grown attached to being addressed by his first name. Felix raised his arms in mock surrender before throwing them wide open. They shared a brief hug.

“Sorry for cutting your vacation short, Teach,” Felix said as he guided Dr. Farid into an armchair and sat him down. “But I really need your help.”

Dr. Farid held up a hand to signal Felix that he need not narrate his problem. News of the new Aberrant had spread far and wide. Fortunately, they were slightly more pleasant than expected.

“I heard that you’ve brought back an Aberrant.” Dr. Farid cut to the chase, gesturing for Felix to sit.

“Have you read his files?” Felix asked as he settled into an empty armchair.

“Skimmed enough to get a good sense of what is going on.” Dr. Farid made a mental note to commend Lady Meng for her succinct writing afterwards. “Is the boy doing well?”

Felix pursed his lips and sighed. He was about to answer when Lady Meng stepped into the office. “He,” she sighed and plopped down into another empty seat, “is a bloody tough nut to crack.”

“Ah, Mo Wang, well done on the report. Much appreciated summary,” Dr. Farid remarked. “Well, if my two students hailing from two extreme ends of the emotional quotient cannot handle a young Aberrant, how could I be of better help?”

Lady Meng puffed out her chest while Felix grumbled. “Dr. Farid, you did bring in an Aberrant more than a decade ago,” she answered. “You’re definitely more qualified than both of us.”

Dr. Farid raised his eyebrows. Felix gathered himself quickly, explaining himself, “Ace locked himself in his room and refuses to come out. At this rate, he might just starve to death first before his powers suffocate him.”

“Let’s not worry too much,” Dr. Farid reassured the two sorcerers. “He’s the talk of the town. Just look at the bulletins; they are not exactly the most polite towards newcomers. Anyone would keep their heads low for the time being. Moreover, to acquire extraordinary powers and move overseas in under a day is more than just a shock. And of course, erasing the memories of his loved ones. He’s dealing with big emotions.”

“That’s why you should talk to him. You get it,” Felix said.

“I suggest getting someone in a similar age bracket to approach him.” Dr. Farid locked his fingers together. “Making friends is a good way to get him out of his shell.”

“I can’t do that,” Felix shook his head vehemently.

“Why not?” Lady Meng asked. “You mentioned that Leonhart has been helping you get food for Ace.”

Felix twiddled his thumbs. “She’s too excited about meeting him. I’m trying to keep her away as long as I can until he is finally ready to step out of his room. I don’t want her to scare him away.”

“But you haven’t tried!”

“She got expelled after blowing up the toilet when she was ten because she was made fun of! You know how desperate she is to make friends!” Felix groaned and buried his face in his hands. “Dr. Farid, could you just do me a favour? There’s no one else I can turn to…”

“As Headmaster, I should welcome every student who sets foot into the Sanctum,” Dr. Farid said.

“Sweet!” Felix leapt to his feet eagerly. “So… when do you want to do it?”

Dr. Farid raised his eyebrows and replied without hesitation, “Now, of course. We cannot keep him waiting. I shall get some leaves to brew him some tea first.”

Dr. Farid was about to step out of the office when Felix stopped him. Judging by the expression on his face, Dr. Farid had an inkling of what he was going to say. But one should never assume. “Is there anything you would like to add?” he asked.

“Try not to mention the Edgerunners,” Felix said in a hushed voice.

Dr. Farid chose not to question his student. However hard Felix tried to smile, his teeth were clenched under those upturned lips.

After all, the fact that they were exiled would likely be the last thing a grieving Aberrant would want to hear.