Love and Other Magical Adventures

twenty five

(a/n I changed this chapter and the next a bit, adding a scene to this one, so if you read these chapters right when they were posted, make sure you see the updated versions!)

That night I pulled the boy aside after we set up camp. As his apprehension was clear, I didn't mince words. "Forgive me if my wording offends in any way, but I believe I can coax your body into its true form," I said, the best I could explain it. At least I hoped I could. I felt sure the wild magic would lend a hand if need be.

The hope surrounding him was a sparkly forest green. "Really?" His dark eyes searched mine, brow knit into two lines.

I nodded. "I'm a healer," I said simply. Please, universe, do not let me disappoint this child.

"How did you know?"

"I learned when I was messing around in your brain," I joked, wanting him to feel at ease. "I can see how you view yourself, and how your present physical form doesn't line up with it."

"That's why you gave me a binding cloth, and allowed me to ride in the front."

I nodded; he wouldn't have wanted his chest pressed up against one of our backs.

"You are very kind," he said, choking up a little.

"Nonsense," I said, pleased that I hadn't messed up and made it all harder for him. "Would you like me to do it now?"

"Now?" he asked a little faintly. "Yes, okay. Now is good." He walked with me back to the fire. "Will it hurt much?" he whispered.

"No, it shouldn't hurt at all." A form of anesthesia accompanied any healings that would otherwise cause pain.

"Okay," he said again, sitting on the ground.

"Going to get a little extra healing in," I explained ambiguously to Sylvie, again keeping his business private. 

"Can I do anything to help?" she asked, setting her block of wood and knife aside. She had a pot of coconut milk simmering on the fire for cocoa, and Feebur sat in her lap chowing down on pieces of marshmallow.

"No, but thank you." I took a deep breath, nervous now that I wouldn't be able to do it.

She could tell, and reached out to catch my hand. "You've got this," she assured me, squeezing it. "We believe in you."

Yes, yes, and more importantly you'll never know unless you try, Grimmer sent impatiently. Now get to it. You'll do fine. I'll ready my ring but I doubt we'll have cause to use it.

Their confidence boosted mine and I moved to sit cross-legged in front of Sayid, placing my hands on his and closing my eyes. Immediately my magic began to address the things that needed changing, taking from here, adding to there, altering hormone levels.

I didn't need the wild magic though I did take a fair amount of Grimmer's strength to complete the healing, and when I was done I gathered the tendrils of my power from him and opened my eyes to find the boy was crying. "Did I hurt you?" I asked anxiously. "Are you in pain?"

He shook his head no, putting his hand over his face to try and collect himself. "I just--it just--I never imagined in my wildest dreams that such a thing was possible." His voice was thick with emotion and he sniffed, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand even as more tears fell. "Thank you. From the bottom of my soul, thank you." 

I waved him off, not wanting the praise, nearly as thrilled as he was that it had gone as planned. "You're more than welcome. It's truly my pleasure." It was indeed.