"Is there any feedback on the program, how things went today?" Lana looked at everyone expectantly.
Sergeant Tabitha Rudy was the first to speak, "how did you come up with the exercises?"
Lana shrugged, "when I needed to get faster, more nimble, to run away, I started with some of these. We were taught them in school. Eventually, I looked at exercises to help with gymnastics and acrobatics and I incorporated aspects of those in there as well."
"And your motivation?"
"My roommate was on that list," Lana sighed, "I don't know if you've ever been in the infirmary when this is going on. It was brutal."
"Are you a healer?"
"I heal with plants. The doctor is allowing me to work with him on Fridays for experience."
"Well, Cadet Plantwell, I'd like to report that my people were quite tired and sweaty after the workout today. However, they seemed to enjoy the activities more than the prescribed plan we must do in these first four weeks."
"Why is it set up this way? Why not understand that there are different levels of fitness and work with the different levels?"
Sergeant Rage asked, "is that how you would do it?"
"I'd assess the class and break them up in four different groups based on fitness level and work on their weaknesses to get them up to speed. If some groups are bigger than the others then so be it but the current program suits maybe the middle or a bit lower in fitness level. Too many aren't getting anything."
The sergeants exchanged an unreadable glance. Lana doubled over in pain, screaming.
"Lana!" Blaine yelled as he knelt to her side. She was swallowing the pain, "Dobin." She took a deep breath and forced herself to stand up. "He's getting beaten up. Again." Next her head started hurting and she grabbed it. "I have to go."
Without waiting for permission from the sergeants, she took off running in the direction she felt her brother's pain in. She had years of experience in this game. She doubted her brother was as proficient in the hot and cold game their connection caused them to play when one got hurt.
She heard footsteps behind her and knew it was Blaine. She didn't know it but the teachers were watching closely as well. Dobin took a few more hits before she got there. When she did, he was surrounded by 4 second-years and one was beating him. He was on the ground and unmoving.
Lana instantly put out her roots. She heard, "get your brother," and did just that. She heard sounds of combat as she healed him well enough to get him mobile. Just as she got Dobin on his feet, she realized it was quiet.
The bullies were gone and Blaine was on the ground.
"No, no, no, no." She hurried to his side and realized he had a hairline fracture on his leg. "Dobin, I need you to help me get him to the doctor."
Without hesitating, he did just that. Since Blaine was closer to his height, he draped Blaine's arm around his neck and carried him that way. A sergeant came out of nowhere to confront them for not marching. Lana simply held up her ID that had medic as a privilege and they kept walking. The sergeant nodded in acknowledgment. He then fell in step beside Lana to ensure she got the student to the doctor.
"How did you come by this student?"
Lana explained what happened in as little words as possible, even why she was in PT gear instead of the normal uniform. The sergeant nodded and went back to his business once he saw them go into the clinic.
She didn't realize it but her helpful nature was getting her noticed.
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In a room in the Second-year administrative building, four sergeants and a major were sitting at a table discussing those new cadets deemed weak in their eyes.
"We have an anomaly. We have a level 6 who appears on paper to be strong but on the first day, she had to be given a medical exemption from using beast weapons. I'm looking for suggestions on how to deal with her."
"It says in her file she has a twin that has always been a weakness for her."
Major Angor Cruciatus stated, "we just tried that. She showed up with that blond boy who has been put at her side by those around her and he dealt with my men."
There were shocked looks all around the table. "I'll give you until tomorrow to come up with something. It's our job to make sure the weak get strong by the time they reach us as their teachers. Do your jobs. Dismissed."
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In the clinic, all but one bed was full. Without waiting for the doctor, they took Blaine to the empty bed. She changed out the bedding and cleaned up a bit before putting Blaine down. Dobin was quite thankful to be relieved of his burden.
"Dobin, let me finish healing you since he needs the doctor anyway."
Dobin didn't object and just sat in the chair next to the bed while she did her thing.
Once Dobin was back together, Lana looked at Blaine. The doctor still had not come in so she needed to see what she could do while they waited. They at least had passed off the gear she brought to the special session but she was happy she still had her backpack. She almost gave it to Kattie as well but decided against it. Old habits die hard.
She had not fully learned what she needed to know about breaks yet so she could do nothing about the leg. There was internal bleeding in his stomach and under his ribs. She didn't know if this meant there was a small fracture under there since she couldn't see it or not. But she needed to stop the bleeding so that was her first act. She placed her hand over the pot and grew her plant.
"Dobin, can you go to that vending machine and get some water or see if there's a bathroom nearby that's unlocked? He needs a wet cloth on his forehead and lips."
Dobin got up and went looking for his sister's request. While he was gone, Lana sat on the side of the bed and placed the plant at Blaine's neck. Using one hand, she held the leaves to his throat and pushed the medicine into him. Her other hand was brushing his hair from his face. He wasn't asleep but he didn't want to talk either. Everything hurt.
"Thank you. For what you did today, and yesterday and the day before. Thank you for helping me so much."
Blaine didn't respond. He didn't know what to say.
Lana continued, "do you think I will ever get to meet this other one? His soul is beautiful. Captivating." She smiled softly, "I'm not trying to belittle you in any way but you two have me so curious. I want to know your story. To know you."
She heard footsteps approaching and realized she had tears coming from her eyes and quickly wiped them away.
"I found a bathroom with some paper towel, so I found a cup and wet some towels for you."
Lana smiled at Dobin, "Thank you."
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