It was like he wanted to get hurt

Joseph's face was still shocked as everything turned black around him. The last thing Joseph remembered was not falling on the hard ground he had been expecting.

Professor Thomas caught Joseph with one hand around his stomach and the other under his arms. He then carried him to the recovery ward, with the help of one of Joseph's friend.

Upon seeing them enter, Miss Anhao shrieked, "Thomas!! Can you go one year without beating a student half to death."

Professor Thomas said in a grave voice, "He's fine. I stopped inflicting much damage as soon as I realised something was wrong. Most of these cuts are just superficial."

Miss Anhao led them to a bed and asked as Joseph was laid, "Why did he faint then?"

Professor Thomas frowned his eyebrows, "He wouldn't have. I knocked him out."

Miss Anhao sighed and send the other student to call David. David came and was quickly done with the examination.

Miss Anhao looked worried, "What do you think David? Does he need the emergency ward?"

David shook his head, straightening up, "His cuts are not serious. Look, some of them have even stopped bleeding. Just clean and bandage them. We'll have to check for internal injuries, though I doubt there are any."

Miss Anhao eyed Professor Thomas as David went away to prepare some medicine for Joseph, "Looks like you did not go overboard this time."

She thought he would smile, but Professor Thomas frowned as he stared at Joseph. He then turned around without a word and walked out of the recovery ward.

Professor Thomas met Helen and Jacob just as he left the castle. Their injuries were nothing, Helen's was just a scratch which had made a tear in her dress sleeve, but Professor Iris had insisted on them taking a trip to the recovery ward.

Jacob was surprised as he saw Professor Thomas coming towards them, "Professor Thomas?" Helan was surprised upon hearing his words, "Professor Thomas? Is something wrong?"

Professor Thomas walked upto them and said, "I am glad you both are here. Come with me."

And he walked back in the castle, the two following, Jacob frowning and Helen worried. The only thing in both of their minds was that Aria had somehow again gotten into trouble and hurt herself.

So Jacob was very shocked when he saw Joseph lying in bed, all bandaged up. Helen smelled blood and pulled on Jacob's sleeve, "Is someone hurt? Is it Aria?"

Jacob said in a dazed voice, "It's Joseph."

Helen's hand dropped Jacob's sleeve as she stood in a daze, her body limp. Jacob put an arm around her, worried that she would faint, but Helen shook her head and said, "How bad is he? Tell me."

Jacob opened his mouth but Professor Thomas beat him to it, "He's not bad. It's all just cuts and scratches. Nothing serious. He'll be up and about very soon."

Despite her disturbed state, Helen did not miss the point, "Why is he unconscious then?"

Professor Thomas: "I.....I knocked him out. He was..."

Helen turned her head towards Professor and asked, "He was what?"

Professor Thomas exhaled, "He was acting strange. There was something bothering him. It was like Joseph wanted to get hurt."