When Dr. Grace cleared Isabella from the infirmary, she was determined to walk. Or try to at the very least. Her leg did limp a little however, she refused to be carried. In her words, "I am not bleeding to death I can walk". Such a statement caused Chief to smile. He figures that was something the young girl got from her mother. Of course Jacobson had his moments.
They walk down the hall toward where the team is. Isabella holds onto John's hand as they walk. It is to keep her from getting lost and also a way of him to help her take some pressure off her sore leg.
As they walk, Isabella is looking all around her. Everything she sees fascinates her to no end. However she doesn't ask any questions. She knows that her countless questions can be annoying. She doesn't want to annoy Uncle John. Rather she wants to be on her best behavior.
"Is something wrong, Isabella?" John asks as they continue walking down the hall.
"I'm okay."
"You're not asking questions. Most kids in your shoes would."
"I didn't want to annoy you."
"Did I say it did?"
"No, but it annoys most people." She tells him.
"Well I am not easily annoyed. In fact I got used to it." John informs her.
"Because of dad?"
"Because of your dad. He asked a lot of questions, couldn't help himself. He always want to know the "why" of things. Like why had we been chosen to be Spartan 2s."
"Did he get hurt because of it? Mom always warned me that knowledge is just as deadly as any gun."
"He did unfortunately. But he never regrated it. He believed that people had the right to know the truth and that finding – the journey – was the best part."
"Oh. I think that exploring is fun. Especially when your with friends and family. But it will do one of two things. Bring you closer together or tear you a part. That's the scary part." Isabella says.
"I agree." John nods.
|…|
John did end up having to carry Isabella the rest of the way to the GYM where the other three Spartan 2s where. Isabella hated it and John understood. Despite being six years old, Isabella is already trying to be independent. She really is a Spartan's child.
"Isabella!" Kelly gasps from her place at the track.
The fastest Spartan alive makes a sharp turn and charges straight toward them. Isabella blinks then looks at John with a look of concern. John may or may not be inwardly laughing at the look of concern he is getting as Kelly comes to a stop a foot before them.
"Thank god you're awake." Kelly says making Isabella look at her.
"Sorry I worried you. But I did almost bleed to death." Isabella replies.
"Are you sure you're six years old?" Kelly asks stunned by the response she got.
Isabella nods and goes, "Born 2551 on May 4th. My mom was born the week after on May 10th so taking me home was her birthday present."
"Aww that is sweet." Kelly smiles. "So you're leg is still sore?"
"Yeah…" Isabella sighs.
"Don't worry it wont be sore for long." Fred says as he and Linda join them. "You're a Spartan's child after all."
"But that doesn't mean I'm a Spartan." Isabella argues.
"True." Linda nods.
"What Fred means is that being a Spartan's child gives you an advantage." Kelly explains.
"Oh. What other advantages do I have?" Isabella asks.
"We are so glad you asked." Fred smirks.
The Spartan 2s sit down with Isabella in John's lap. They all explain to her the advantages she has from her father. This brings Isabella to a greater understanding of the things she has done but could never explain to those around her.
"Can I learn how to effect…effectively use these advantages?" Isabella asks.
"We'd me more than glad to teach you. But heads up we're going to tough." Kelly warns her.
"I like a challenge." Isabella says confidently.
"Sorry in advance if we call you Jacobson." Fred then says.
"Do I act like him that much?" Isabella inquires.
The Spartan 2s look at one another before looking at her and go, "Yes."
"Does it scare you?" She asks giggling.
"No." The Spartan 2s answer.
"That's a lie your bodies tensed." She says pointing at them. "Also Auntie Kelly has a "caught in the headlights" look."
"No I don't." Kelly defends
"Don't lie. Spartans should never lie." Isabella says puffing her chest and crossing her arms. "Also Uncle John is smirking."
"Hey! You're supposed be on my side!" Kelly snaps at him.
John looks bewildered and goes, "Since when?"
"Oh you little…" Kelly glares at him while Isabella laughs.
"We are never going to be able to hide from her." Fred whispers to Linda.
"Clearly." Linda replies.