(Opening Scene: Headmaster Theron stands at the entrance of the infirmary, his presence immediately commanding attention. The tense atmosphere, thick with Eclipse's protective aggression and Master Elmsworth's restrained frustration, hangs in the air.)
Headmaster Theron's gaze, sharp and perceptive, moved slowly from the restrained healers to Master Elmsworth's faintly glowing energy shield, then to the menacing form of Eclipse coiled protectively around Zane. He finally settled his gaze on the unconscious boy, his expression unreadable.
"Master Elmsworth," Headmaster Theron said calmly, his voice cutting through the silence. "Report."
Master Elmsworth lowered his energy shield, the dark welts on his hand still visible. "Headmaster, the healers' attempts to restore the student, Zane, have been ineffective. When I attempted a physical assessment, his familiar reacted… defensively." He gestured to the shadowy tendrils still twitching slightly near Eclipse.
Headmaster Theron nodded slowly, his attention returning to the silent guardian. "This familiar… it possesses significant power." He stepped further into the room, his gaze unwavering as he addressed Eclipse directly, though no sound left his lips. A moment passed, and then a subtle shift occurred in the air, a sense of ancient understanding passing between the powerful mage and the shadowy being.
Eclipse remained coiled, its intense gaze softening ever so slightly as it regarded the headmaster. The palpable threat in the room lessened, though its protective stance around Zane remained firm.
Headmaster Theron then turned to Astrid, his expression softening. "Lady Montaigne, your… companion… seems deeply bonded to this young man."
Astrid nodded, her voice soft. "Eclipse has been with Zane since… well, since his abilities manifested. It is fiercely protective."
Headmaster Theron approached Zane's bedside, his eyes now focused on the unconscious boy. He extended a hand, not to touch, but to hover gently above Zane's chest. A faint, silvery light emanated from his fingertips, bathing Zane in a soft glow. He closed his eyes for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration.
When he opened them, his gaze held a new understanding. "His magical core is indeed depleted, but there is more at play here. There is a… foreign energy intertwined with his own, a deep resonance with what feels like… pure void. Our conventional healing methods are likely being neutralized by this inherent nature."
He looked at Eclipse. "This familiar understands this, doesn't it? It knows that our remedies would be ineffective, perhaps even harmful." Eclipse remained silent but seemed to relax its posture infinitesimally.
Headmaster Theron sighed softly. "It seems, young Zane's recovery will require a different approach… one that respects the unique nature of his power and his bond." He turned to Master Elmsworth. "Ensure the healers understand they are not to interfere further without my direct instruction. Lady Montaigne, perhaps you can offer him comfort while his… guardian… watches over him. We will need to observe and learn from his natural recovery."