Mana in the Modern World non illustrated version (21 page)

“Well yes, my name is Nora, this is my
daughter Nancy and granddaughter Abigail, and we need to speak to
someone knowledgeable about magical healing. Have we come to the
right place?” “Yes, I believe we can provide at least some answers.
I am Agent Reid and I believe you are the soldier’s Angel?”
“Please, I would rather not be known as a Heavenly Being, just
Nora.” “I fully understand Nora.” He continues speaking as he rises
from his desk, “If you all would follow me. We were hoping that you
would visit.”

Looking up with awe at his 6’ 5” height
Abigail exclaims, “Grams! He’s a Giant! Can I see your beanstalk
mister? Huh; Huh; Can I?” “Sure you can but later if that’s OK with
your mother,” laughs Reid.

“Guess you get that a lot from the kids,”
says Nancy with a grin. “Yes; it is still fun when the young ones
say it,” sighs Reid, “but a few older ones and some adults do it to
taunt and hurt. Anyway; please follow me. You will be meeting with
Kerrie, our resident researcher.” As they approach a door with a
bright red No Entry sign is lit beside the door handle when a
muffled boom is heard from within. “Ah, she just arrived,” states
Agent Reid. “Mama, I think someone just broke something big!”
exclaims Abigail. After a minute the light blinks to a green Come
In.

Agent Reid opens the door into a large room
with a desk and several large comfortable looking chairs in a group
well off to the side. Rolling toward them is a young woman in a
wheelchair. “Kerrie, I would like to introduce Nora, Nancy and
Abigail,” says Reid as he points to each, “and if you ladies will
excuse me I must return to the front.”

Abigail whispers to her mom, “Mom, I don’t
see what she broke.” Chuckling Kerrie, indicating the chairs says,
“Nothing broke Abigail. Please everyone, have a seat. I am very
pleased you came Nora. I have been attempting an extensive
information search about magical healing from ancient times but, as
I expected, haven’t found much. Mainly about Druids using herbs to
heal but will continue looking. Can you explain what you thought,
felt, etcetera if possible, anything may help my research.”

“Wait a moment Agent Kerrie, I have questions
first,” states Nancy. “Certainly Nancy, if I may call you that. I
am just Kerrie as I am not an actual ‘Mage’ type field agent,”
doing the air quote thing. “So; what is your question?”

“There was a small explosion and Agent Reid
said it was you arriving but I see no other way in or out plus it
seems a strange way of announcing your arrival.” “Sorry about that
but my transportation person Hiy-u, or as I call him H, was busy so
a bit late sending me as we did not expect you quite so soon. The
boom you heard was indeed my arrival via teleportation.” “See that
large circular rug with the nice design over there? That is where I
‘pop’ in and the sound is from the air being displaced like when
you pop a balloon. Next question?”

“So magic is real?” “O yes tho it was
referred to as Mana in ancient times. As yet we are still trying to
learn about this Healing process. Especially as it seems to be a
very recent development. Maybe due to the Mana’s continuing to
increase. So, as I said, I am not a Mage and so cannot demonstrate
but I can call someone if you would like to see a demonstration.”
“Not necessary Kerrie, I think I; we; are believers.”

Nora says quietly, “That’s the only
explanation that makes sense. Very well Kerrie I will attempt to
explain what I felt but please, no interruptions lest I forget
something. I also suggest you record this if possible; just in
case. You too Abigail, you must be very still while I concentrate
and speak. Can you do that for me?” Abigail swallows big, fiercely
hugs Nora and nods several times then goes back to her chair and
sets with her ‘serious face’ firmly on.

Nora sets, leans back with eyes closed and
tries to relive the moment it all began at the hospital. “I was
walking down the hall in the burn ward thinking about all these
soldiers that freely gave themselves to keep others safe, as my son
did recently. How they were of many different religions and
beliefs, and that I believe through it all they simply wanted
people to stop using religion as an excuse to force others to
believe as they do and kill those that refuse. My mind started to
feel …itchy is the only word I know that comes close. I now wonder
if that is what a telepath like on Star Trek would have felt? Very
shortly after that I passed by Randy’s room and he started
screaming.

I called out for help, ran back, rushed in
and grabbed his good hand because he was trying to set up enough to
use his teeth to pull out his IV. Randy’s grip seemed to almost
crush my hand and somehow I felt the need to pray for his pain to
be relieved so I knelt and did so. I think I felt, yes I did feel,
as if a million ants crawled down me, but they felt very soothing,
not at all creepy, onto my arms and on down to Randy. He quit
screaming and I think he said something to me but am not sure what.
That’s the last thing I remember until I woke up with a bad
headache, massive thirst and very hungry. When I again held his
hand I somehow felt he was still hurting elsewhere and then I felt
the ants again but not as many, then I was dizzy, sleepy and had to
set down. That’s about it.”

She opened her eyes to see them all staring
at her, Nancy and Abigail with mouths open, riveted by the story.
“What?”

“Nora; would you like to join IMS as a non
field agent like myself? I believe you would be an excellent
addition to IMS and the management has expressed an interest should
you want to join. Especially as things are heating up in the arcane
world. We have already encountered what we call Warlocks as they
use their magical ability for not so nice reasons. Especially one
that happened some time ago in England.”

Holding up a pause hand as Nora shakes her
head and starts to speak Kerrie continues, “I, well…. we, do not
expect an answer right away. In fact it is best if you discuss and
research this among yourselves and others you greatly trust. I
imagine this all is a lot to digest; it certainly was for me. Hiy-u
has already expressed his desire to chat with you over a cup of tea
should you be willing. Your healing ability, as has the magical
ability already has, may cause fear in some, jealousy in others and
religious hatred in certain people. So please be careful.”

“Yes Kerrie; I could be interested but do
need some time to think first. Plus I would need to know what the
duties for the position would be. My head is already abuzz with all
that has happened.” “Very good Nora. Here is my contact number and
email address should you have further questions. This is a very new
thing so we do not have an actual job description as yet so I will
see what can be built and very much welcome your input.

In fact you may be our first IMS Healer and
would have to continually update the job description, at least in
the beginning. As for what it would pay, I have no idea but should
you decide to do healing in the public sector I imagine you could
become quite wealthy.”

“No, I have never been concerned with wealth.
As you said, I will consider the offer and let you know soon. This
all has been a bit ….much?” Nora replies.

As they leave Agent Reid first escorts them
out back and grows Abigail a giant beanstalk to her immense
delight. She almost falls over backwards leaning back watching the
top grow up to where it disappears into clouds.

***

Pic here of Abigail and Reid as he ‘grows’ a
beanstalk into the clouds.

***

Her first day back at the hospital following
the incident makes her very nervous with everyone watching her,
staring and whispering behind her back after she passed by. She
decides to take a few days off from her volunteer work to research
the net and compare her findings with Nancy’s.

Surprisingly Abigail has the best response
and question; “Grams, did God make you so you can help the other
soldiers like daddy?” Nora’s son had been killed several months ago
flying a rescue mission in Afghanistan. “Maybe so Grandee; so yes,
I must do what I can too,” Nora answers with tears flowing. Having
made her decision, Nora immediately calls Kerrie and asked for an
appointment to speak with Hiy-u.

Hiy-u had emailed Nora and suggested they
talk over tea at a local Chinese restaurant not far from the
hospital. Inside the restaurant Nora confides that she is unsure,
even afraid, that she cannot do the healing as she has no idea how
she did Randy’s healing. After a moment’s reflection Hiy-u asks
permission try a spell to see what he can find within her.

Seeing her shocked expression he quickly
says, “It does not, well should not, hurt but it may tell me
something about the ability I believe you still possess.” At her
nod he says a short phrase and holds his palm toward her.
“Interesting. Not only is the ability is still within you Nora; the
energy is different and seems extremely strong in you. Have you
given any thou….”

Suddenly there is the sound of automatic
gunfire as bullets slam into the building and through the windows
where they are setting. Hiy-u pushes Nora to the floor yelling,
“Everyone get down!” Minutes later, when Hiy-u hears the screech of
tires fading down the street he peeks out the busted window to be
sure it is all clear. He helps Nora to her feet and they look
around to see seven wounded people. There were several doctors and
nurses there having lunch; three of which are wounded.

The doctors and nurses begin checking those
hurt, most are minor. As sirens are heard approaching one of the
doctors recognized Nora and called to her. He had opened the
nurse’s shirt and was trying to stop the blood pumping from her
side and he asked, “Can you help her? I don’t think she will
survive long enough to reach the hospital.”

Nora answers, “I can try,” as she walks
toward the bleeding woman. Kneeling beside the nurse she says to
the doctor, “Please remove your hands doctor.” “No, if I remove my
hands she will bleed out for sure.”

Nora’s head starts to glow and, looking
directly into the doctor eyes, she firmly says, “Move your hands;
…NOW.” Looking dazed, he immediately complies and Nora quickly
places both her hands over the bleeding wound. As soon as her hands
touch the wound the glow becomes filled with so many sparkles they
seem as one. Moving down her head and neck, the sparkling glow
splits, going down both arms, hands and recombining and flow into
the wound. The nurse becomes very still and sighs deeply.

Once the sparkles completely empty into the
wound the glow vanishes. Nora slumps and Hiy-u catches her, easing
her away and down to the floor. The blood is no longer flowing from
the nurses wound as the doctor checks that and her pulse. Looking
up he says, “That was amazing. Reasonably strong pulse; I think she
is asleep, the wound is closed and looks pink like it is well
healed.

But I do not understand how she,” indicating
Nora, “made me move my hands like that. It was like, ….like I had
no ability to refuse.” He moves over and checks Nora’s pulse
saying, “Pulse slow and strong; good Lord; I think she’s asleep
too!” Pointing he says, “What’s she holding in her fist?” Hiy-u
gently opens Nora’s clenched fist and a bloody bullet rolls onto
the floor.

Hiy-u, showing his IMS credentials to the
doctor, quietly asks him to please keep Nora’s name and identity
confidential as it may put her at risk. Especially that it looks
like the majority of shots were aimed at Nora’s window. “I realize
there is no way to keep what happened quiet but I hope to at least
slow down her identity getting out,” says a concerned Hiy-u. “You
got it and I will speak to the others and tell them that mum’s the
word,” replies the doctor.

Hiy-u then calls to instruct Kerrie to send
two agents in a small ambulance to transport Nora to ‘her’ room at
the hospital and contact her daughter Nancy to meet them there.
Also to inform Nancy that Nora is fine, just asleep from a
healing.

Hiy-u wonders about the randomness of the
shooting. He decides to keep an eye on the investigation and also
to see if any of his contacts cultivated over the years can provide
any information. The day after the shooting the FBI and local
authorities receive a tip and find the shooter’s car dumped in a
lake. Forensics were unable to find any evidence as the water
comprised everything and the car, reported stolen the day before,
had also been stripped and probably wiped clean first.

After three days Hiy-u’s contacts inform him
there is an open bounty ‘hit’ list on healers nationwide. The
amount offered is $10,000. Hiy-u puts out his own contract;
offering a $25,000 reward for proof of the person or persons behind
the bounty or any future bounties. He informs the FBI and other
authorities about the bounty and the reward for information. It is
also featured on America’s Most Wanted.

In the meantime IMS holds a video Brain
Storming meeting for ideas on how to safeguard present and future
Healers.

***

Some conclusions

It will be impossible to prevent a Healer’s
identity eventually getting out -

Most, if not all, will be unable to
adequately defend themselves -

Assigning bodyguard agents is impossible due
to insufficient agents especially with the hoped for increase of
healers -

Healers will be a big target from the rich
and powerful; the religious fanatics, and just crazies -

***

Possible Solutions

Continue the bounty for information for proof
of dangerous actions against Healers -

Build devices spelled with permanent
defensive spells - fly seems the best bet

Build devices with GPS type spells -

Build devices with illusions of different
‘people’ like Kerrie’s -