Chapter 17 - Love and Curses

Jason rushed to the Professor's side, who lay atop a dishevelled mound of robes. Though the Professor exhibited signs of movement, he was not rising to his feet. At that moment, the two guards who had been previously instructed to leave the room burst in, their apprehension evident as they reluctantly surveyed the scene. Not wanting to contend with the unfolding situation, they hastily retreated once more. Jason extended his hand to assist the Professor, who appeared to be in discomfort but ultimately unharmed.

"What happened," inquired Jason, his concern evident. 

"I attempted to unravel the curses, only to encounter a sophisticated trap, cunningly devised to ensnare any meddler," the Professor responded, his irritation palpable as Jason assisted him to his feet.

"Have you finished your work?" Jason queried, his curiosity piqued by the potential results of the Professor's intervention.

I can neutralise the lethal part of the curse without causing harm," the Professor boldly asserted. "However, I won't do so unless instructed."

"At least there's a glimmer of good news in this ordeal," smiled Danika, still grappling with her loss and impending 'punishment.'

Jason chuckled and exchanged a smile with Danika. "Am I really that deplorable?"

Danika raised her eyebrow and started to depart. While it wasn't a resounding endorsement, it was evident she didn't despise him entirely. Jason signalled his gods to return to their concealed state before following Danika out of the room. Descending from the ethereal heights and regaining their vehicle on the journey back to the office, Jason received a phone call from Mallory.

"Jason! I attempted to visit you in the hospital again, but they informed me you'd been discharged. What are you thinking?" she inquired, a disapproving undertone in her voice.

"I felt well enough to leave, so I did," he replied, clearly disliking being the subject of excessive concern.

"Very well. Are you available for lunch?" Mallory asked.

Jason glanced at Danika, who shrugged in response. "Yes, certainly. It'll need to be brief, though, as I only have an hour for lunch," Jason replied, inadvertently forgetting that she was unaware of his current employment status.

"You have a job already!? Impressive. The new you moves swiftly," Mallory commented, a trace of admiration in her tone. "I always knew you'd make something of yourself out there."

They conversed briefly, arranging a meeting in an hour. As Amber wouldn't return until later, she had requested that he write a report on his morning activities. Upon reaching the office, he promptly commenced his report, and soon enough, it was lunchtime.

Mallory had instructed him to meet her in a nearby café district, and there he stood on a street corner, waiting for her to arrive. As he gazed in the direction he expected her, Mallory turned the corner. Her magnificent blonde hair cascaded down in front of her, partially obscuring her face, she wore a pair of sunglasses, and her short black dress suggested she was dressed for a date rather than a casual lunch. Luckily, Jason was clad in smart office attire, ensuring he didn't feel entirely outclassed.

"Hello, Mallory. You look absolutely stunning in that dress," he complimented her, genuinely impressed by her dress, which complemented her petite frame.

"Oh, stop it, I just threw something on," she replied with a smile, though it was clear she was being modest. "You're looking quite dashing yourself. I'm pleased to see you've recovered so quickly," Mallory replied.

"Thank you. I even surprised myself," Jason replied, gesturing for them to head towards the nearest café.

"Have any of your memories returned?" Mallory asked, curiosity lacing her voice.

"Still nothing," Jason replied, attempting once again to access his past, but was met with a blank slate.

They entered the café, found a table, and sat across from each other. After placing their orders, Mallory inquired about his new job. Reluctant to reveal the specifics of his actual employment due to the myriad of questions it would invite, he claimed to be working as a salesman. Moreover, if she was indeed his killer, he didn't want her privy to his true activities. The conversation shifted to abilities, and Mallory alluded to her A-class power from the Gap, hinting at its potential benefits in her pursuit of a legal career. When she asked about his ability, Jason had to feign having only an F-class power, pretending to be disheartened when she inquired.

  Almost an hour passed, and Jason had to return to work. Just as he was about to bid Mallory farewell, an awkward pause ensued.

"Is everything all right?" Jason inquired.

"Jason, I need to tell you something," Mallory began, her tone shifting uncomfortably.

"Of course, what is it?" Jason asked, intrigued by her sudden change in demeanour.

Mallory came across as intelligent, kind, and considerate, and it was evident why they were friends. Although he barely knew her, after five years of going to school together she must have known him very well. This conversation was undoubtedly quite hard for her, having to pretend like someone you have spent so much time with doesn't know you. 

"Jason… Erm… Well… Before you lost your memory, we–"

Just as she reached the crucial part of her revelation, his phone rang. It was Amber. "I'm sorry, but I need to take this call," he interjected, answering the phone.

"Jason, can you return to the office as soon as possible?" Amber requested.

"Of course, I'll be there shortly," he replied, refraining from inquiring about the reason over the phone.

After ending the call, Jason stood up and looked Mallory in the eyes. "Mallory, I apologise for the interruption, but I need to get back to work," he said.

"Oh, okay… I just," she sighed, disappointment evident in her voice.

She fidgeted in her chair, avoiding his gaze. She appeared quite nervous, clearly having something she wished to share.

"You just what?" Asked Jason, probing into her disappointment. 

"I was hoping we could spend the afternoon together," she admitted, her voice trailing off. "I've missed you and wanted to spend time with you. I tried to give you space in the hospital to recover—we all did. But now that you're out, after nearly losing you, I want to be with you as much as I can," she sighed, acknowledging that her feelings were one-sided.

Jason wasn't sure how to respond; this situation must have been incredibly difficult for her. He had to remind himself that he wasn't the only one grappling with the consequences of his amnesia. Mallory stood up and moved closer to him, bringing them almost face to face.

"Perhaps we can see each other on the weekend?" Jason suggested.

"The weekend?" she replied, breaking into tears.

Jason was at a loss for words, unsure why she was reacting this way, but he stepped in and embraced her as she cried. Amid her sobs, she managed to utter a few words through her tears.

"Jason… I can't wait until the weekend… We were dating… I love you," she sobbed.