Rhodes Island's Psychologist

Ch 8: The Things An Experienced Traveller Must Do

The two of them stay in a deadlock.

It gives Nearl a headache when she looks at Shining. They have been comrades for many years, even before joining Rhodes Island, so she knows her companion well enough.

In Nearl's eyes, Shining only has a mature appearance but her mind is that of a little girl who never will grow up. She has so many naive thoughts which are always why she was so miserable in the past but too bad she needs to learn. While Shining listens to Nearl on most things, she is surprisingly stubborn about some weird subjects.

Such as now for an example.

"Why are you going this far for that liar?" Nearl asks her.

"That's what you think." Shining says, "I already confirmed his ability is real and I am sure Rhodes Island shouldn't let him go to waste."

"You..."

"What if I am right?" Shining cuts Nearl off.

"You want him to be a liar but have you ever thought for an instance that this can be real? You should know, there are many things we don't know in this world, secrets yet to be unearthed by us."

"That's just some wishful thinking," Nearl says.

 "After all, only you acknowledge him. The others, not only me, even the Doctor and Amiya know this ability can't possibly be real."

"That's why I said you are wrong, and I am not the only one." Shining turns around and picks up the banner that says "... Saved My Dog's Life." She shows it to Nearl, "Look, he is well received."

"... Sometimes I want to look into how your brain and see what is really in there sometimes, you know." Nearls sighs.

"I lost control." Shining says.

Nearl is stunned.

Shining looks at her bandaged hands. "I haven't fought much after joining Rhodes Island, so I didn't know just by killing a few Infected would make me lose myself."

Nearl couldn't believe what she just heard. While her voice is shaken she asks her. "You... You are infected too?"

"No. Not yet. You know my body type. I probably won't become an Infected." Shining shakes her head. "But I can still be affected by originium. My emotions are no longer as stable as before. That's how I know your pain, what you feel, Nearl."

Nearl is relieved to know Shining is not infected but she realizes something, "Then who saved you? Was it yourself? Or... "

"You should know the answer already," Shining says calmly. "I told you before, I am not delusional. I personally experienced his ability. Perhaps he doesn't think much about what he did, but I felt it. That is why I hope he can save you and everyone else in Rhodes Island."

Nearl goes silent.

In the dimly lit room, she looks into Shining's eyes and she can see her reflection from her clear eyes.

"You are not infected. What he did to you might not work on us." Neal says softly. Still being stubborn

 "But you are right. I should meet him at least once. Where is he now?"

Shining smiles.

"Give me your phone." Shining reaches her hand out.

"My phone? What do you want to do with it?" Nearl is confused but she still gives her phone to Shining.

Shining takes the phone and dials Rhodes Island's number.

"Fang? This is Shining. Can you help me locate a mobile device? Hmm. It is in Chernobog." Shining says, "The number is..."

Nearl is surprised, "You even remember his number? Where is he now?"

"He is going through an important test right now. It will help determine whether he can join Rhodes Island." Shining smiles confidently. 

"As for the number, an experienced traveler should be able to predict what the future holds and come up with countermeasures. That's why I memorized his number, so when you are here to look for him, we can use Rhodes Island's technology to locate him."

Nearl thinks for a moment before saying, "I appreciate your consideration but have you thought about just calling him? It is easier."

Shining's confident smile freezes.

In this awkward moment, Fang's voice comes through the phone, "I can't find the number."

"But how?" Shining feels that things have gotten out of control real quick.

"Hmm. That number is not in use, but..."

"But what?" Nearl asks.

"Are you looking for someone named Lin Ye? I hacked into Chernobog's communication system and found his number."

Nearl squints at Shining, "So that vet lied?"

"... I don't think so. Lin Ye's number is very similar to what Shining said. Only one digit is different, so I guess she made a mistake." Fang says.

"..."

"..."

Well...... This isn't awkward at all.

"Alright, I locked onto his position." Fang quickly says, "He should be at..."

{Rhodes Island's Psychologist}

Chernobog's Third Hospital.

Lin Ye stands in front of the hospital with Aesop. This is the closest hospital to his residence but it was shut down a year ago because of some medical accident. More than 90% of the faculty was evacuated, so the giant building only has a few clinics left. The staff that stayed are mostly old doctors and nurses who are here to treat minor illnesses but with the riots going on right now, they should have left already. The eerie silence makes the hospital look like a haunted house but Lin Ye has the feeling that Elan is here.

A girl who found out about her infection would naturally want to go to a hospital first. Even if she knew hospitals can't cure oripathy, she would still be hopeful.

"Listen." Lin Ye tells Aesop, "Wait here. I will go inside and look for her."

"Is big sis inside?"

"Should be. At least, I hope so."

"How about we go together..."

"Just listen to me." Lin Ye pats Aesop's head, "I'll be fine. So don't worry. I bring your Sis back to you. Have a little faith in me, okay."

Lin Ye's words had an effect on Aesop. His worried face was now gone, replaced by a small smile. Aesop nods his head.

So, Lin Ye takes a deep breath and steps into the hospital with his hand in the pocket, holding onto his python. Hoping he will not use it.

{Rhodes Island's Psychologist}

Draft by Demosama

Edit by Jaqqy10