The Academy: Detective Stories - Part II

Chapter 24. A Heart of a Dragon

The darkness enveloped Jackie, a prison for her consciousness. She sat in a cold, dimly lit room, trapped within its walls. No voice or light could penetrate the darkness that surrounded her. Hugging her shoulders, she waited, unsure of what she was waiting for. Suddenly, a flash of pink energy materialized before her eyes, swirling into a ball of Light. Jackie stood up, reaching out with numb fingers, but the ball darted away from her grasp.

Determined, she chased after it, the ball moving swiftly ahead of her. As she ran, Jackie realized that she was not in a room but a tunnel, the light at the end growing brighter with each step. Shielding her eyes from the blinding glare, she slowed her pace, allowing the warmth to envelop her. With each breath, her heart raced in anticipation. Finally, summoning her courage, Jackie opened her eyes.

Jackie found herself in her own room, the daylight streaming in through the ceiling above her. As she sat up, she noticed a lady in a white veil sitting on her bed. The veil obscured her eyes, but her smiling lips were visible as she donned her white gloves. The lady appeared young, perhaps around Jackie's age.

"Who are you?" Jackie's voice rang out, surprisingly strong.

"I believe you already know who I am."

Jackie's eyes widened in recognition. "A Healer?"

The lady nodded, placing a finger to her lips in a gesture of silence.

Jackie's heart raced with excitement. To have a person with such a unique Gift before her was beyond belief. Jackie couldn't resist asking, "Did Elisa summon you?"

The Healer nodded. "My husband and I were called here by Elisa, and we arrived just in time for the resque operation. You were teetering on the edge, Jackie, but now you will be alright."

Jackie lifted her nightgown, revealing a small pink scar that crossed her belly. It mirrored Elisa's scar, symbolizing a newfound connection on a deeper level between them.

The Healer lady gestured towards the scar. "You underwent a minor surgery to remove the memory crystal before I could perform my healing. The scar remains as a reminder of the remnants of my Gift that lingered after the wound healed."

Jackie shrugged. "A small price to pay for survival."

The Healer's expression turned somber. "It's more than just a scar. My Gift carries unforeseen consequences. Once you receive a new lease on life, you forfeit the ability to give life."

Jackie reflected for a moment. "That ship sailed long ago. No regrets."

"You possess great strength and fortune, Jackie," the Healer remarked. "Not everyone is granted a second chance, and there won't be a third, even with my Gift. From now on, live the life you've always desired."

Jackie regarded her with a tinge of sadness. "I wish I could follow your advice."

"You'll need time to process what happened. But I hope you find the answers you seek soon."

"Me too. How is Elisa, by the way?" Jackie inquired.

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" The Healer stood up and made her way to the door.

Elisa appeared at the threshold, observing the exchange. After the Healer departed, Jackie and Elisa embraced, and Elisa took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Thank you," Jackie said. "You saved my life. Again."

Elisa chuckled. "Oh, dear... Do you realize the impact you had on the chief's arrest?"

Jackie glanced down at her scar, concealed beneath her cotton nightgown. "What do you mean? Will they allow me to remain here and continue my studies?"

"Absolutely. They have already arranged for both of us to reside at the local Guardian House," Elisa revealed.