Axel Light Trilogy: Wands and Shield

Chapter 23-B

It seemed like it was the hundredth time that Axel had passed out. Each time, he wished that he did not wake up. But he always did.

Axel glanced around the room that he was in. He was alone. He got off his bed and searched the room for his clothes to change into. He found them in a cupboard, together with his bag. He changed into his clothes and checked his bag. Everything that he owned was inside.

Except his key and Ebony wand.

And his family photo, which was back in his room in Stirling. Elliot's room, to be exact.

He had no idea how long he had passed out. But he was sure of one thing – he would leave everyone and look for Cyrus Veldor.

He would not need protection anymore. Neither did he deserve to be with the Greens. Once he had found Cyrus Veldor, nobody would be in danger, and everyone could go back to their normal lives before Axel Light became a Magical.

He did not know where Cyrus Veldor lived, maybe he could ask around? Or just evade MaxPol until he got caught by the Elites?

Whatever. It did not matter.

While he was buckling up his bag, the room door opened.

It was Linden.

Linden walked in, staring at the sight of Axel in his own clothes and buckling his bag. Axel ignored him. He shouldered his bag, grabbed his Ash wand and made his way swiftly to the door, as if Linden was not in the room with him.

'Going somewhere?' asked Linden shortly.

Axel did not reply nor look at Linden. He continued to walk towards the door.

'Don't you want your wand and your key back?'

Axel stopped on his tracks. He turned sharply to face Linden.

His key – he needed it desperately, more than his wand. He had vowed that he would do anything to get it back. Without his key, he would be forever lost. But he did not want to give in to Linden. He did not want to ask him. He did not even want to talk to him. He hated him to the core. If Linden had not taken his key, he would not have come to Xeliq with Elliot, and Elliot would not have lost his leg.

Even if he got his key back, Elliot would never get his leg back.

They stared at each other for a good few minutes. None of them seemed like they were going to speak. None of them willing to make the first move. Axel struggled with himself while Linden watched coolly.

Linden gave a loud sigh and walked past Axel and to the door. He opened it and walked out of the room calmly. Axel watched Linden's back for a few seconds, and then he trudged grudgingly out of the room – and followed Linden.

Outside his room door, Stanley and Johnson were standing guard and they looked surprisingly at Linden. Stanley had glanced at his watch on his wrist. Probably they did not expect him to come out from the room so quickly. They were more shocked when Axel walked out of the room too but had recovered quickly and followed closely at Axel's heels.

They walked past hospital rooms – Axel wondered if Elliot was in one of them. When they reached the general waiting area and many people stared at Linden when he walked past. Obviously, they could recognise the Commissioner of MaxPol, and they must be wondering what had brought the Commissioner to the hospital.

When Axel appeared, there were even more eyes on him in addition to audible gasps and murmurings. Apparently, he was recognisable as well. Axel swore that he had heard them called his name and from the corner of his eyes, he saw them pointed at him openly.