Chapter 9: Chapter 9
They took a break and headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. Several eyes fell on them as Zeo floated in behind them. Murmurs spread through the room. Jesse glanced around the large room.
"It's alright," Mac said as they stepped up to a counter full of food trays. "We've heard of system guardians but never seen one until you showed up," he said. They each grabbed a tray and sat down at a table in the back of the room.
"Jesse, we'll take it slow, but today we'll work on your meditation and breathing," Mac said. "I'll need your assistance," he said, facing Ulric. "Zeo, can you monitor Jesse's vitals while we do this?" Mac asked.
"Yes, sir," he said.
After they finished eating, they went to a location on the outskirts of the training grounds.
"Jesse, remember that nobody will hurt you here," Mac stated sternly.
"OK," Jesse said after swallowing.
"I need you to get comfortable on the ground because we're going to experiment with some meditation techniques," Mac explained. Jesse chose a spot and sat down cross-legged. "Now, take a deep breath and close your eyes," he instructed. "Right now, focus on relaxing your body and mind," he advised.
Mac turned his gaze to Zeo and asked, "How are his vitals so far?" A low hum came from the gold sphere.
"Everything is in the normal range," he said. Mac refocused his gaze on Jesse and said, "You're doing good." A door slammed in the distance, making Jesse's breath hitch.
"Sirs, his heart rate just jumped," Zeo said. Ulric stepped up behind Jesse and lightly touched his shoulders. "His breathing is normalizing," Zeo said.
"Ulric, stay behind him," Mac said. "Your pheromones are soothing to him," he said. "I'm going to ask you a few questions," Mac said. "Don't speak." "Just nod or shake your head," he said.
Mac stepped forward and glanced at them. "Ulric, stay there, but don't speak," he said.
"Jesse, do you know where you're at?" Mac asked. Jesse nodded in agreement. "Okay, do you hurt anywhere?" he asked. Jesse shook his head. "Now, focus on your senses," Mac said.
"What do you hear?" Mac asked.
"Wind blowing, birds singing, and a heartbeat," Jesse answered.
"Good," Mac said. "What do you smell?" he asked.
"Fresh cut grass, pine trees, and your musky scent," Jesse said, turning around and facing Ulric. "It was you that calmed me that night when I had the nightmare," he said.
Ulric glanced over at Mac and then directed his gaze back to Jesse. "Do you remember what happened?" Ulric asked.
"Mostly feelings and smells," Jesse explained. "I felt sorrow, panic, anxiety, anger, and then relief," he explained. "I smelled saltwater and then a calming scent," he added.
"That's good," Mac said. "You were aware even when you weren't conscious," he said. "Let's stop for today and resume tomorrow," Mac suggested.
Jesse stretched his arms when he and Ulric entered their dorm room. "Is it okay if I take a shower?" Jesse asked.
"Sure," Ulric said, nodding his head. Ulric took off his boots and laid down on his bed. "Are you alright?" he asked.
"Yeah," Jesse said. "I need to warm up," he said.
"Yeah, it was rather chilly," Ulric said. Jesse grabbed a change of clothes and a towel and headed into the bathroom.
Jesse entered the bedroom ten minutes later, dressed and drying his hair. "I was going to grab something from the canteen," Ulric said. "Do you want anything?" he asked.
"A cheeseburger and a milkshake," Jesse said. "That is, if this world has them," he said.
"They should," Ulric said, chuckling. Jesse started to hand Ulric some coins but the blonde raised his hand and said, "It's my treat,"
"Thank you," Jesse said, putting his coins away.
"I'll be right back," Ulric said.
Ulric stood in line and waited to be served. Even though it was Monday, there were quite a few people. A muscular arm draped around his shoulder.
"Hiya, buddy," a brunette young man said, smiling at him.
"Go away, Chad," Ulric said, removing the arm. "I don't have the time for your nonsense," he said.
"Ah, come on," he said, pouting.
"I'm busy," Ulric said. "Leave me alone," he said.
"Do we have a problem here?" Mac inquired, taking a step forward. Chad backed away and left the area, fuming.
Jesse put the towel into the hamper, grabbed his book about spells and potions, and sat down at the desk. He had just opened the book when the message indicator flashed. Jesse clicked it and opened it up.
Ulric:
Yes, they do. What flavor do you want? They have chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
Jesse:
Great! I'd like chocolate, and thanks.
Ulric:
I'll be back ASAP.
Jesse closed the screen and started reading the book. He wanted to learn as much as possible before his first class, which was the next day. He had just finished chapter two and closed the book when the door opened.
"Lunch is served," Ulric said, carrying a large bag and a drink holder.
"That smells heavenly," Jesse said, taking the drinks and setting them on the table. Ulric opened the bag and handed Jesse his sandwich. He grabbed his sandwich and sat down beside him. "Did something happen?" Jesse asked. "You're quiet," he said.
"Nothing to stress over," Ulric said, smiling. "What were you reading?" he asked.
"My book for tomorrow's magic class," Jesse said.
"So eager to learn?" Ulric asked.
"I want to learn as much as I can," Jesse said.
Jesse ate his meal slowly because he wasn't sure when he'd eat another meal like that one.
"When can I see your wolf?" Jesse asked. With everything that had happened in the past few days, Ulric had forgotten that conversation.
"I'm sorry," Ulric apologized. "I totally forgot that you had said that you'd like to see my wolf," he said.
"If you don't want to, we can skip it," Jesse said.
"I want to show you, but not today," he said.
"I can wait," Jesse said, smiling. "I have something to wait for," he said.
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