A few moments later, Blaine stepped outside with his bag on his back and hers in his hand. He looked around but it didn't take much because she was muttering to herself about breathing as she was trying not to hyperventilate. He walked over to her and put her bag on her back.
With a hand on each shoulder, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, "just give me a minute more, please."
The door opened once more and the teacher stepped out. He noticed them, went back in and brought out a bottle of water. He handed it to Lana.
"You did really well today. I'll see you tomorrow." He then closed the door and went off toward the administration building.
Lana drank about half the bottle before her nerves were calm enough to continue. They marched back to her room. Her door was already open since they were all waiting for her to cook.
"Is this going to be a nightly thing?" Blaine asked.
Lana shrugged, "until we are off phase two. Then we can do this properly under a tree like civilized people."
Blaine laughed thinking she was joking.
Lana looked at him, "Do you want dinner or do you want to go to the dining facility?"
Blaine smiled at her, "well, you cook better than they do. I'd prefer eating here if it's an option."
Lana smiled, "after you," as she gestured for him to enter her room. In the kitchen, she emptied the food from her bag.
Dobin stood up and gave her a hug, "are you okay?"
She returned his hug, "yeah. Blaine and Sergeant Tanaka both worked together to make sure I got something without being overly scared today."
Dobin released his sister and put out his hand. "Thank you for looking out for her."
Blaine chuckled, "do you know how cute your sister is? I need to protect her from all those who wish to break her heart!"
Lana laughed as she began prepping a salad and soup.
Blaine looked at her, "why are you laughing?"
"Why are you making jokes that people would be interested in me?"
Blaine's left eye started to twitch. "Who said I was joking?"
She shrugged. "Can you go in that pocket there and get the seasoning out?"
Blaine did as asked and realized he made her feel uncomfortable. He passed over the requested items and sat at the table to talk to her friends. It didn't take long for the meal to be prepared and everyone to eat. Lana learned she had the same beast weapons teacher as Kattie and Almin. She wasn't sure how to feel about that because it meant her teacher was the permanent one. If he liked her too much, this may continue all year.
"Dobin, I forgot to tell you my Agricultural teacher said I needed to wait until phase 3 to discuss the science portion."
Dobin nodded, "makes sense."
"Science portion?" Blaine asked.
"I want to conduct some experiments with food. It looks like I might be able to but not yet."
Blaine nodded.
"How's your studying of your ability going, Dobin?" Lana asked.
"I have to say, I'm glad I took the earth ability instead of the other two. It seems like a good fit."
Lana smiled.
"Yes, you told me so…" Dobin chuckled.
"I wasn't going to say it." Lana smiled.
Dobin sobered up a bit, "I don't know if I'll ever be as strong as you but I will get stronger. I need to be able to protect you as you have always done for me."
Lana smiled and looked at her empty plate, "thank you."
"Since you cooked, I'll do the dishes!" Kattie got up and cleared the dishes away.
Dobin looked at all the males, "I think it's time we all got to our studies and let them do the same."
They all agreed in their own way – sure, sounds good, and the like, and left the room, closing the door behind them.
As Kattie cleaned the dishes, "are you going to do anything with that meat?"
Lan nodded, "yes. I'll cook in just a second. I want to prep some veggies first."
She got up and did just that. Before long, she got out the meat and closed her eyes for a moment as if trying to remember something. She nodded her head and went to work. Soon the kitchen smelled really good. She put the fresh-cooked meat and veggies on the wrap she made the previous night and rolled it up then wrapped it up. She cut it diagonally. Then nodded to herself satisfied.
She looked at Kattie, "hope this works!"
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While Blaine was having dinner with Lana and her friends, someone else was in his room. Chekof was holding a communications device. He was sitting on his bed in the corner up against the wall facing the door, listening for the beep which always preceded a roommate returning. Speaking into the receiver, "target has interest in a girl named Lana Plantwell. She has a twin brother named Dobin. They don't smell human. Blaine has asked me to help safeguard her. Apparently, she has some fear issues with beast weapons. Will update with further information but would like further inquiry into this Lana person. Chekof out."
He quickly stowed his device in his closet. He had advanced knowledge of where he'd be staying and a false bottom was installed in one of his drawers. He put his device there as well as a few other things which would not have been permitted to general students. After all, he wasn't a normal student.
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At the same time, Karlen was on the roof. He was in the Beast Weapons class so he was done while so many needed the extra class. He used this time to observe the campus. Specifically, he was looking for his roommate, Blaine. He watched as Blaine entered the beast weapons building. He continued watching as Blaine exited. He watched Blaine's interchange with that Lana girl.
Karlen knew Blaine didn't know this girl before coming here. While Karlen wasn't here to investigate Blaine specifically, he was curious about his roommate. He was here for a different reason. Attempts had been made in the past to gather information as a teacher but had never yielded any results. This time, the king chose to send someone younger-looking. Someone who could blend in with the student body. Information was critical to remaining on top.
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