Saturday afternoon, Michael Harms is sitting on the couch in the room of his girlfriend, Jolene Dean, who is spread out with her feet on his lap. He is paging through a basic Anatomy book, stopping when he notices something. "Okay… here's one. Ankle sprain."
Jolene leans up for a moment to give him an eye roll. "They are not going to ask about a common musculoskeletal injury, Michael. I need to focus on the more complicated details they'll use to try and trip me up. They're going to ask about big things we can only have figured by hard work and time. That's how they weed you out," she reasons.
"Well, I think you need a solid foundation first," Michael counters. "And that includes covering things as basic as a cut, a burn, or perhaps an ankle sprain." She just lies back on the couch with a huff. "I'm still waiting for your answer."
"This is why I prefer to study on my own. Then I can employ my own methods." She sits up and snatches the book from him. "No offense."
"None taken," he responds honestly. "I just thought I'd help with all this free time I have these last few weeks."
Jolene doesn't look up from the book. "We've talked about this. You should still take the test."
"Yes, we have. The test only moves you forward the semester after you take it. I'm going to be gone at least a year, probably a few more. That would make the whole thing null and void. Literally pointless."
"But you'd feel really good about yourself and the time you've put in these past two years. It would be pointless to let that go to waste. Plus I know you want to know if you would have made it. Then if something happens-"
"It won't," he makes clear.
This makes her look up at him, eyebrow raised. "Michael Harms, I have been your girlfriend a few months and know some pretty important things about you. And one of them is that your friends won't want to let you go. This coupled with a magical book and there absolute inability to give up or back down makes for an interesting scenario is all I'm saying." She returns to the book while he just sits there for a long moment.
Finally he speaks up again, resigned. "Unless the Fairy Godmother comes out it isn't happening. They just need to learn to get by without me." His phone goes off and he rises upon seeing the text. "We have one. I know we talked about hanging out tonight, but-"
"Go," she smiles at him. "You don't have much time left. I'm always going to be around." He gives her a quick kiss.
"You're the best."
He goes to leave, but she grabs his arm. "Be safe, okay?"
He pats her hand. "Lori would never let anything bad happen to us. You know that." He heads to the door, but stops as he opens it. "Initial treatment is with ice, rest, and limiting the amount of walking and weight bearing on the injured ankle. The leg can be elevated to reduce swelling, and crutches are often recommended to avoid further trauma to the injured ligaments. Anti-inflammatory medications can be given to reduce local inflammation- granted the person can receive them. Severe injuries are placed in immobilization casts. Surgery may be needed for complete tears. Physical therapy programs are part of the rehabilitation process, incorporating strengthening exercises of the lower leg muscles," he rattles off expertly, flashing his girlfriend a smile.
"Somebody's a showoff," she responds with a proud smile.
"Ah, you love it."
He goes to leave again. "Michael!" He looks at her. "You owe it to yourself to at least try. Otherwise you'll always be wondering. And think of it as a practice run for the future if you want." He hesitates. "Just consider it. Talk it over with the others." He nods and heads out, leaving her studying. "God knows you'll listen to them before me."
XXX
So follow me down
Lori stands with the glowing Disney Encyclopedia. She sighs and pulls out her phone.
Where to?
Outta this town
Charlie examines his map and grabs his flashlight.
With you
Girl, you're movin way
Hannah is typing away at her computer.
Too slow
Caleb is right next to her doing the same, nudging her playfully.
So follow me down
Michael grabs his first aid backpack and throws it on his shoulders.
Which way?
Rachel is performing on stage when her phone rumbles in her boot.
Down, down, down
Ben looks at his phone, adjusting his tie.
I'll show you around
Kaity is drawing pictures of the group absently in her dorm room.
Okay
There's a place we gotta go
Finch puts the two fingers to her temple and her eyes glaze over.
Follow me, follow me
Lori, Charlie, Hannah, Michael, Ben, Kaity, Finch, Rachel, and Caleb are running through the preserve, freezing once on each of their faces.
Fa la la la la
Follow me, follow me
Fa la la la la
Lori comes to a halt and the others crash into her, sending them all to the ground.
Lori Disney? (Not Likely!)
Episode Seventeen: Flower That Bloom in Adversity
XXX
A while later, Michael is hiking through the preserve, first aid backpack on his shoulders, lost in thought with his two best friends Lori Fitzgerald and Charlie Prescott. She has the book tucked under her arm and glances at the phone in her jacket pocket when it buzzes. "We've got nothing in the gym and theatre. Rachel and Ben are on their way to join us."
They keep walking for a minute when she glances back at Michael. "What's on your mind, Doctor?" He just looks at her like she should know already making her scoff. "There's something else besides the obvious." He opens his mouth, but she raises a finger. "Don't even argue. This is us. We know. "
"It's true," Charlie pipes in.
"I'm thinking about still taking the big exam for the program at the end of the semester," he admits, causing both Lori and Charlie to look at one another confused before turning back.
"I thought we were already doing that?" Lori voices. "I mean you've been putting months of effort into it. It would quite frankly be dumb of you to just abandon it. And we're all very aware you're not an idiot."
"Jolene said pretty much the same thing."
Charlie pats him on the back. "We'll help you any way we can. We'll quiz you, coach you, and I can't think of a third thing to dramatically punctuate this," he admits, petering off.
Michael puts an arm around his shoulder, taking a brief moment to notice how tall he is now getting. "I appreciate it. I've got Jolene to help me though, and I should probably spend more time with her than I have been recently."
"We talked about ceremoniously benching you so you could not worry about all this your last stretch," Lori reminds him.
Michael shakes his head, pulling Charlie a bit closer to him. "No. No. I need… I want to be here with you guys. I want to spend as much time with the group of you as possible too. It just creates… conflicting interests." He hesitates before clearing his throat. "Can we talk about something else to get my mind off this? I'm getting really sick of talking about me," he admits with some humor.
"How about what's up with Caleb and Hannah?" Charlie offers for a topic, earning a sigh from Lori. "I know that's why you completely rearranged split-ups- something these days that takes like ten minutes to come up with pairings."
"You're telling me," Lori says with a degree of mental exhaustion present. "I think we've officially hit the cap on our Companion roster. I do not have the energy to keep track of any more of you."
"You're avoiding his question, Lores," Michael sing-songs.
"They had a fight… but like the adult kind of fight where they just need some time and space," Lori admits, trying not to be too specific for her roommate's sake. "She insists they can still work together and don't need to be benched as they are 'grown adults' but I didn't want it to be too awkward- so I put him with a still relatively relationship obtuse Finch who wouldn't ask any questions. I just hope they figure it all out soon. I really liked him from her."
She lets out a nostalgic sigh. "I remember when I didn't have to worry about relationship drama between my Companions either. Now I just feel like I have to log everything down like some sort of Human Resources and give speeches on how it can't impact your performance."
Michael raises a finger, having a qualm with this complaint. "Actually, I'm pretty sure the five of us had our fair share. Between my crush on Hannah, Charlie's crush on you, and that whole disaster of you and Ben-"
"That's right!" Charlie recalls. "Wow that seems like so long ago. Hard to see him without Kaity now."
"Point is it's just… more to juggle now. But it was always there. I'm sure when one of us finds our significant other you'll be more than happy to let them onboard for our sakes and sanity," Michael wagers. "After Shawn you've taken to the honesty policy." The group reaches the clearing to see nothing obvious.
"Nope. I'm putting a cap on right now. No more Companions. Not even if-"She hears a rustle and looks up into the trees, the other two coming in tighter around her. They are not tight enough to stop someone from coming up behind her and sending her flying with a kick onto her backside.
"Lori!" the both cry, running over to her. She looks up behind them and sees a confident Mulan standing where they were a moment ago.
"Is this like a common form of greeting in the Chinese Army?" she cracks as the two help her to her feet and see who it is as well. "Because your boyfriend liked to do the same thing."
Mulan just smiles. "I apologize," she offers sincerely. "I just wanted to see how far along you were, and his method always seemed to be the fastest way to do that." She steps up to her and bows. "It is truly an honor Lori Fitzgerald."
Lori can't help but break out in a huge smile. "No. It's an honor for me. You… you're one of my absolute favorite characters." At this moment Ben Prescott enters the clearing arm-in-arm with Rachel Ellis while Kaity Klingbeil and Hannah Frost follow a few moments later- both reacting very positively to whom they see.
"Who have we got?" Rachel inquires as she hears Hannah squeal in joy.
"Mulan," Ben answers. "Which means Lori's just going to end up hurting herself." Rachel laughs, giving him a solid punch in the arm.
Lori gives Ben a look for his comment, but is distracted when Mulan suddenly grabs her arm to roll up the sleeve and examine the skin. She lets out a sigh of relief. "It appears I have come just in time. Merlin promised I would be in the vicinity of my destination, but I was worried I would be too late." With those words, Lori becomes a little more guarded and yanks her arm back.
"You know, just a memo for you to spread when you get back, I really hate the cryptic shit," she admits with some bile. "I want straight answers as to why my arm apparently means you're in time, why I've apparently been to Wonderland-"
"Wait. You go to Wonderland?" Ben questions as everyone but Charlie and Michael look equally shocked as well.
"According to the Mad Hatter and March Hare she does," Michael fills them in.
"Hardly a credible source," Ben reminds them.
Hannah isn't ready to let it go so easily. "When did this happen?"
"Your birthday," Charlie chimes.
Hannah crosses her arms. "Why wasn't I informed?"
"Or the rest of us?" Rachel adds.
Lori turns to give them all a look, still riled up. "Because I was freaking out privately and didn't want to worry you when the source was as Ben said less than credible. I'm trying to keep everything together. It's harder these days. Beside the point I started with that I want to get back to." Hannah opens her mouth, earning a shake of the head from her roommate. "You can lecture me later!" She turns back to a surprised Mulan. "I have been pushed and pulled around by the group of you with your knowledge of my future, but I've had it up to here. I want some straight answers."
"You were much nicer the last time you greeted me," Mulan says under her breath, tucking some loose hair behind her ear.
"See! Stuff like that!" Lori shouts. "I bet that was all you were going to say about the subject, but I want details. I want to actually know things, especially where my future and the future of my Companions is concerned."
Mulan thinks on this for a long minute as everyone stares at her to back their leader up, before settling on something. "I can't say much-"
"Shocker," Lori huffs.
"Because things need to progress as they must," Mulan cuts back in, trying to gains some authority. "There are things- unfortunate things that must happen that you will attempt to change if you understood them." Lori just stares at her. "You must believe me that we are doing what is best for you. I was sent here to help you in the ways that we can." There is a long pause as Lori merely waits it out, Mulan finally offering what she can. "I was looking for burns on your hand."
"Hades was half a year ago," Lori informs her. "You're a little late. Besides, Finch took care of me there so I don't even have a scratch."
Mulan takes this in, schooling her features before nodding. "Then it appears I am too late." Lori catches something in her tone, but says nothing. "But I am here and will not be able to be sent back until I teach you. So I will continue as I was meant to. I am here to prepare you. To train you." She draws her sword from her side. "So you can do more than simply wave it around, but are instead trained in combat. This will limit the injury you receive in the future as you can properly defend yourself."
"So I'm going to get the dangerous part of the armed and dangerous?" Lori confirms, excited. Mulan nods and she makes the sword appear in her hand, pumping her fist. "Sounds like a good stress reliever. When do we start?"
Mulan guides the sword down with her own. "First, we put the sword away. We have a lot to cover before we actually use it." Lori reluctantly makes it vanish. "Anyone is welcome to stay with us."
Ben waves his arm. "I am going to clear the area before anything gets crazy. I have some homework to do anyway." Lori sticks her tongue out at him, causing him to smirk. "Love you too Lori."
Rachel wraps her arm around his once again. "I think I will join you. Something tells me I'm not going to be let into combat situations. You guys have fun though. I will send Finch and Caleb your way."
"Thanks," Lori says. "Everyone else?"
"Staying," Hannah says without a thought.
"I'm in," Kaity confirms too. "I spent your time with Hades cowering in a cold tub. Maybe I can learn how to really help you in those situations."
Charlie shrugs. "You're here, I'm here."
Michael looks down. "I think I'm going to do some studying… with Jolene." Lori nods in understanding, sensing something to his answer but not pushing. "So don't get hurt, Lores."
She nods at him, smiling. "Wouldn't dream of it Doctor."
The three start out of the clearing as Mulan addresses those who remain. "We will begin with some stretching. We must learn to be flexible while also being tough," she iterates with a hit of her fist to her palm.
XXX
About an hour later, Michael and Jolene are in the bedroom of the boy's room flipping through different books in silence. This is interrupted when Finch Hale sticks her head in, adjusting her glasses. "It does not appear Ben Prescott is here," she observes, glancing around.
"No," Jolene answers, a little annoyed by the distraction. "He went to the library to give us some study space… and quiet."
"You're not with Lori?" Michael asks, not catching his girlfriend's point.
"Lori Fitzgerald is not in danger with the current character and I have nothing to learn from the lesson she is teaching," Finch reasons. "I have several combat methods programmed and can defend myself and others excellently. Instead I thought I would ask Ben Prescott about some behavior I noted with Caleb Dean during our time together."
"He and Hannah are fighting and he's sulking," Jolene says quickly to get rid of her. "I don't think it could be more obvious."
Michael gives her a look before smiling at his fellow Companion. "But you also need to be kind and remember Finch is a computer program who is still grasping things such as human drama. But she is correct. They are having some issues, but I'm sure it will work out." Finch nods at this, staring at the two of them for a second.
"Are you studying for the test?"
Jolene groans, but Michael kindly humors her. "Yes. I gave it some thought, and have vowed to take it."
Finch sits on Ben's desk. "I can assist you if you desire."
Jolene puts a hand up. "I think we're fine."
"What did you have in mind?" Michael says over her. Finch looks at her arm and concentrates, two fingers from the other going to her temple. The pixels on it reform so a bone is visibly sticking out of her arm. Michael jumps up and runs over to her, concerned. "Finch!"
"It's merely a pixel simulation on top of my functional arm," she says gently to calm him down. "I assure you I do not feel it, Michael Harms. You may proceed in diagnosing and treating me."
"You're the best," he tells her, moving to look the arm over. He notices that Jolene has returned to her book. "Jolene? I know this involves the weird part of my life we don't talk about, but you have to admit this is a great study method." Jolene takes a beat, just staring at the projection, before rising and coming over as she shuts the book.
She joins Michael in looking the arm over. "This one looks like it may take surgery. How did this happen to you?"
"I was playing soccer and fell," Finch makes up, looking down. "It was a bad fall," she nods with a monotone that makes Michael laugh.
"Thank you for doing this," he is sure to say to her.
Finch gives him a thumbs-up. "It is not a problem. I am happy to be of service to you. Will it be multiple choice? I could present options."
"We're not sure, so well keep it like this," Jolene decides, returning to studying. "We're going to need some anti-inflammatories for sure."
"But I am like Lori Fitzgerald and cannot take medicine," Finch counters. "You must remember to ask that before you give me anything."
Michael writes that down. "Good point. I can't forget that."
"Sure it is," Jolene says with an aggravated huff. "I don't know if we need to get that detailed, okay… robot."
"Projection," Michael pointedly reminds her. "We need to be prepared for anything. Finch is just keeping us honest." He punches her in the broken arm, realizing his mistake with a grimace afterwards. Finch just laughs.
"I wouldn't do that to the patient either," Finch says with a shake of her head. Jolene just grimaces a smile and the two continue examining.
XXX
That evening, a sweaty Lori and Hannah return to their dorm room with Mulan following behind them. "I will pull out that sleeping bag," Hannah tells their guest. "I'm sorry we don't have anything more comfortable." She goes to the closet and grabs it from her top shelf, making a face. "I need a shower."
Mulan merely waves a hand. "You're forgetting I was in the army, Hannah. I will be more than fine. Thank you for your hospitality." They all head into the bedroom. "It almost seems like you run an army yourself, Lori. You have some friends who are very eager to help you out."
The compliment seems to exhaust Lori more than thrill her. "I know. It actually worries me more than is a comfort. I don't feel like I should be responsible for eight other people- the most eager of them a minor," she admits. "I try to keep them as far away from things as I can though."
"Despite our insistence that we know what we're getting into," Hannah reminds her with a shove. "And honestly without us- without me specifically even- you would have died several times by now." She grabs her pajamas from her drawer.
"That is certainly true, and it would have been awkward to put 'Drowned by Sea Bitch' on my tombstone," Lori jokes before becoming a little more serious. "Did Kaity ask you anything?"
Hannah tenses a bit but answers. "She did and I told her and she didn't judge me just like you suspected. It was a good fit. I got some weight off my chest and she felt like she was being let back in the loop again. Thanks for that, by the way. I just didn't feel comfortable."
"Don't worry about it. It's my job to take care of you," she says to her roommate's surprise. "Do you know what you're going to do about the whole… situation?"
Hannah knows her roommate well though, dancing around the situation. "Lori, I know you don't really do girl talk when it's not disapproving. Don't hurt yourself."
Lori crosses her arms, blocking the door. "I'm serious. He makes you happy. I liked you happy."
Mulan shifts uncomfortably as they just look at each other. "I will give you two a minute alone." She heads past Lori into the living room.
"I liked being happy too," Hannah says as if it's obvious. "But now… everything's just more complicated."
"Any guy is going to get complicated eventually," Lori shrugs. "You just have to be willing to take the good with the bad if you feel the good moments make you content. It's never going to be a fairy-tale romance because everyone has a bad day. Everyone has a negative quality- you're not excluded. But happiness with someone is hard to come by, and in my opinion if they make you as happy as Caleb does then you weather any storm for it," she says passionately, trying to get Hannah to see it. "I want to be you one day, Hannah. I want to find that person too. But I'm meant to wait and so I do. But you… you already have it. I would be so pissed if you threw it away."
Hannah seems to catch on to what Lori is implying and puts a hand to her mouth. "You… you think Caleb's the one for me… like THE ONE for me." Lori rolls her eyes.
"So what if I do?" she counters. "What matters is what you think about it." Hannah falls back on the chair next to her desk, processing. "Well, if you're not going to take a shower, then I am." She grabs her own pajamas and heads towards the door.
"I can't say how long you're going to have to wait, but… you're going to give him hell when he shows up," Hannah gives her a large smile.
"Damn straight I will," Lori nods. They both smile silently thanking one another before she walks out; peeking in the living room to see Mulan is on the couch. "You could have joined us for girl talk, you know. You might have provided some insights."
"I've found I'm not very skilled in that area," Mulan admits timidly. "I'm also not very skilled at boy talk either though, but I've improved since meeting my friends."
"Come on. You single-handedly saved China. I would worship any advice you provided. You're that awesome."
Mulan thinks for a long minute before thinking of something. "Hope is what makes you strong."
Lori blinks. "Excuse me?"
"That's what I want you to remember," Mulan says with some fire in her voice.
"Alright then." Lori walks towards the bathroom, mumbling to herself. "Maybe she had a point after all about the talking thing."
XXX
The next morning, Rachel is sitting on the stage in the theatre legs swinging absently. "You seem to be deep in thought." She recognizes the voice and turns to it as Finch crouches next to her.
"I'm wallowing," she admits, a little ashamed of herself. Finch just waits for her to add more, knowing she will. "I think I've been doing pretty well with keeping optimistic… about my career, being a Companion, and managing to just brush my teeth in the morning without depth perception."
"You have demonstrated great courage in how you choose to approach your situation," Finch confirms.
"But every now and then I just want to be miserable," Rachel admits. "I want to lament the fact that I am never going to be capable of doing some things. I will never be the Companion Lori Fitzgerald takes into battle. I will never be able to see my favorite Disney character in the flesh," she continues tearing up. "I will always need someone to guide me through that preserve. And despite the smile I force on my face… it's a sucky situation and I hate it."
"You could talk to Lori Fitzgerald-"
"Finch, you know she blames herself. The last thing I need to do is add more to the pile she's practically suffocating. So instead I give myself like an hour to wallow and then I emerge with a smile on my face, ready to be the Companion I can be."
Rachel sits for a minute before speaking in a quieter voice. "I'm scared. This is my first play I'm ever truly scared for. I'm scared I will screw up and bring the whole stage down. I'm scared they'll all laugh. I'm just scared." She groans suddenly. "I used to be the most confident person in a room. I didn't get nervous- I got excited. Now look at me."
"Your situation has changed," Finch says logically. "Thus you do. I am very well aware of the same thing happening to myself constantly, though on a somewhat larger scale." She puts an arm on her shoulder. "The performance will be fine though. You have to count on your fellow actors to have your back. You can trust them."
Rachel nods. "I can… especially you." She extends a hand and Finch helps her to her feet. "I think I'm done wallowing now. It goes a lot faster when you have someone to pull you out of it. I should thank you for saving me a few hours. How about we run a few scenes while we're here?"
"That should be fine," Finch agrees. "Lori Fitzgerald will be predisposed with Mulan and thus not in need of my assistance. I must admit I enjoy having time to myself to pursue my own interests since she is safe with the character."
"Honestly, I look forward to the day we're done with the book," Rachel admits as she takes her place. "We'll be free of the Disney characters and lesson while still having each other. It seems like the best of both worlds." She seems to sense the projection's hesitation. "You'll still be around of course. You own person."
Finch can't help but smile at that, clearly in agreement about the book which is pretty big for her. "My own person."
XXX
Meanwhile, Lori is spending the morning studying with Michael in his room. She flips through flashcards rapidly as a counter ticks down on her phone. "Anemia."
"Loss of energy, unusually rapid heartbeat particularly with exercise, shortness of breath and headache, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, pale skin, leg cramps, and insomnia," Michael says without taking a breath. Lori switches cards.
"Pregnancy."
"Missed period, headaches, tender breasts, nausea, and lower backaches."
"Depression." The timer goes off before he can answer. She counts the cards. "Fourteen in a minute. You, my friend, are on fire," she jokes, waving the cards at him to fan the flames.
"I can be faster though," Michael tells her seriously. "We have no idea if time is a factor on the test, so I not only need to know what I'm saying but be quick about it."
Lori punches him in the arm. "You need to have more confidence in yourself. Doctor, this is everything you've wanted since you were three. You have been waiting for this. You are ready for this."
"I appreciate the confidence," he says sincerely, taking a minute to recharge. "How are things going with Mulan?"
She grimaces. "All we did was stretching and I'm pretty sure my body bent in ways it was not meant to and refuses to again. My back is leading the protest right now," she says, bending it so it cracks. "She's trying to get me to move more like a warrior- be fluid or something deep like that." There is a pause before she speaks again. "It's weird to think about… me as a warrior? I never quite pictured it getting to this point."
"I'm just glad somebody's finally here to teach you," Michael disagrees slightly. "Maybe now you won't get hurt as much… which I would appreciate since I won't be around to patch you up. In that way I think she's almost here to give me peace of mind about leaving you," he admits.
Lori takes this in. "You think she's ultimately here for you."
"I think she is. That's why she's late. I was there for Hades. Instead she's here to tell me it's going to be okay. You're going to be okay. Doesn't mean I'm not going to have a panic attack every time I get a text about it being a villain, but I might be able to resist the urge to drive over."
"I'm glad then," Lori says with a sad smile. "Nothing is going to be as good as having your around, but I will do my best to not get myself terribly maimed… or burned as Mulan believes I should be."
Michael senses her tone. "You're suspicious."
"At this point I think I'm entitled to be," Lori defends. "I'm not sure if they have my best interests in mind."
Michael gives her a look. "Lori, they're Disney characters. Outside the villains I think that is a pretty safe guarantee they're not trying to get you killed. I know you're trying to protect us, but don't completely lose it. Please don't do that."
This seems to snap her out of it. "Of course. Anything for you, Doctor. How about one more run through before I head out to meet her?" He nods and she picks up the cards. "If I haven't said it yet today, I'm going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you too." She hits the timer.
"Depression."
XXX
Ben hears the door and peeks into the hallway to see Charlie switching shows in the closet. "Howdy stranger," he greets his brother, making him look up. "You must have the wrong room. You see only two people live here right now, but we do have an open bed." Charlie goes to say something, but he puts his hand up. "That was entirely a joke and thus you are not allowed to apologize or feel bad."
"I'm still sorry. It's just-"
Ben puts his hands on his shoulders. "Charlie, I just want you to feel safe. We're all okay with the arrangement… until you get too big for the two of you to fit on the bed. Which will be soon by how fast you're sprouting up now," he jokes, making his brother smile. "Maybe visit a little more though. We miss you. Especially since it will be the two of us next semester."
"It's a deal," he vows. "We should go do some boy stuff this weekend and tell the girls they're not invited! That would make Michael happy. We could even invite Caleb."
"I will clear my calendar because that sounds like a good idea. Let's brainstorm some things we can do later- granted another character doesn't pop up." Charlie nods.
"One day we'll have all the free time," Charlie promises. Ben gives him a surprised look. "I thought we needed the book to stay together. But we don't. So when the time does come maybe it won't be the worst thing in the world is all I'm saying. I still love the adventure of every character that comes out though. Don't get me wrong, okay?"
Ben hugs him. "I love you."
"I love you too." They pull away and he heads for the door. "I'm off to train with Mulan. I will be back for a while tonight though. I promise."
"Looking forward to it," his brother says sincerely as he heads back to his homework in the bedroom, but not before circling the next weekend on the calendar.
XXX
That afternoon, Mulan leads Lori, Hannah, Kaity, Charlie, and Caleb in some yoga. Caleb is clearly excelling while Lori is pushing the very limits of her flexibility. They finish and Mulan turns to them. "The rest of you can go through some of the combat motions we covered." Mulan draws her sword which makes Lori practically jump up and down. The others practice throwing some punches in pairs while keeping an eye on the two. "Lori-"
"Say no more," she says joyously, making the sword appear. "This is going to be awesome! What's first? Stances? Basic technique? I could learn-"
"Lori, your situation is very unique," Mulan gently cuts her off. "Or I should say your sword is. From what Merlin had told me, it knows how to fight. It knows where it needs to go and how it must move. What we need to do it teach your body to feel that and have the capability to respond."
"Okay… how do I do that?" she questions, a little less excited and more apprehensive.
"Practice," Mulan answers simply, thrusting her sword forward. Lori falls on her back avoiding it. "And now you're dead. You need to learn how to avoid me without losing your balance and crippling yourself." Lori rises, gripping the sword tighter.
"Well, it's not exactly saying anything," she counters with a glance down. "I'm just trying to stay alive."
"Listen harder," Mulan instructs. She charges again and Lori steps back, tripping. "Lori, you can do this. You need to be strong while still being flexible."
"You're a lot more patient that your boyfriend," Lori groans as she gets on her knees.
Mulan smiles. "I was you once. Thus I will offer you all the patience you require. I have faith that you will get this. More than you seem to."
"Well, that's easy when you know my future."
"No. I have never seen you fight," Mulan vows. "I just know the trust the other characters put in you and your abilities. You need to give yourself that same trust and extend that to the sword." She jabs forward, but Lori merely flinches and moves aside.
Mulan thinks for a long minute before glancing over at the others. "It also helps to remember who you're doing this for," she says with a nod. Lori looks at them. "Family drives us to do things that could never be imagined otherwise," she speaks from experience. "Trust the sword wants to protect them just as much as you do. It is an extension of you so of course it does. It always has." Lori turns back, more determined as Charlie gives her a cheer. "Trust," Mulan mouths. Lori nods.
Mulan suddenly goes to bring the sword down with a shout, but there is the sound of metal hitting metal as Lori blocks it horizontally, bending back. Mulan smiles as she pushes her sword up with a grunt and then twists out of the way, rising to her feet still a little shakily in a defensive position.
Everyone stares in awe and a moment later Lori drops the sword upon realizing what she has done. "That was awesome!" Charlie shouts as he tackles her in a hug. She is immediately thrown off balance and falls to the ground, staring up at a proud Mulan.
"That was a start," she agrees. Her look then gets determined again. "But we still have a lot to cover." Lori nods and rises, grabbing the sword and getting ready once again as Charlie steps back to observe. "Have strength and be flexible. And don't hold back." Mulan comes running at her and Lori brings the sword up to block it.
XXX
That afternoon, Jolene opens her door to find Michael with a stack of textbooks. "I got the afternoon off since it is Mulan and about Lori learning to use her sword properly. I thought we would lock ourselves away and study the rest of the day away. Finch even said she would come by later to-"
"I think we should study apart," Jolene says suddenly. "That came out wrong. I meant to sit down and be nicer about it, but obviously I'm not quite myself right now with all this stress."
Michael looks hurt and baffled. "What-why-did I do something wrong or-?"
"No," she assures him frantically. "It's just… I have my methods of studying. And they've worked all these years. They don't involve speed rounds or being overly detailed or a rob-projection having you diagnose it-her. Her. So I think we should study separately… without distractions." She sees his look. "I'm sorry."
He shakes his head. "Don't be. I get it, and it's really important that we both succeed. We'll find other ways to spend time together… and we have the week after the test." Jolene nods.
"Go study with your friends, Michael," she tells him gently, kissing his cheek. "Good luck."
"Same to you," he echoes the sentiment. She closes the door and he starts back down the hallway, hand scratching the back of his neck. "I guess it's always good to know where you stand in a relationship," he mutters. "And clearly it's after this test."
XXX
That evening, Lori knocks on a dorm door and it opens to reveal Caleb with a bag of ice over his left eye. He smiles at her and lifts it to show off a swelling black eye. "She got me pretty good, boss," he jokes, letting her into the living area.
Lori sits on the couch while he takes a chair. "She insists it was an accident. You looked at me and she was swinging. It has nothing to do with the current status of your-"
"I know," Caleb agrees. "She's not the violent type. I appreciate you stopping by to check up on me though. I think this is the first time it has ever been the two of us."
"I know," Lori frowns. "I used to guide the new Companions you know. I would make sure they were with me and learned the ropes. I'd get to know them. But I let you slip through the cracks and just left it to Hannah. That wasn't fair to you," she apologizes.
"Hey, it's okay," he comforts her. "You've been doing the best you can and that's all anyone can ask. You've proven yourself to be a leader I would follow into battle and that's all that matters."
She shakes her head. "What matters is that you know I care about you… separate of Hannah even. I care about Caleb Dean for Caleb Dean." He smiles at this and they sit there a moment. "How are you holding up?"
"Just… waiting for her to talk to me. I miss her." He smiles sadly. "She's quite the girl."
"Don't I know it," Lori concurs. She puts a hand on his shoulder. "It's going to be okay though. I have faith the two of you will work this out. You two deserve each other, and that is the highest compliment I can pay to either of you."
"Thanks, Lori." She pulls him in for a tight hug. "Thanks."
She rises after a moment, but then caps as she thinks of something. "You and I should have dinner the two of us! Maybe play some of those video games you love after. We can get to know one another- all the highlights like favorite color and food to eat when we're sick. I can tell you some of my life story and you can tell me about your fiancée if you're comfortable that is. Just saying you can tell me anything. Then I promise you'll get the real Companion experience."
"People might talk when they see me out with my girlfriend's roommate," he says coyly.
"Screw people. I've never been a fan."
He nods. "It sounds like a great idea. I look forward to it. I can see why they all love you so much if your house visits make people feel this good."
She puts a hand to her chest. "What can I say? It's a gift." She opens the door.
"I know Mulan's going to be leaving soon, but I go to the Yoga we have at the gym every Monday. It would be a good way to keep up with all this stuff and maybe get rid of some of that stress if you're up for it. Hannah's never been interested."
"I will see you on Monday." With that she is out the door, leaving a smiling Caleb who rests easier knowing no matter what happens with Hannah he still gets to keep his new friends.
XXX
Wednesday afternoon after classes, everyone has gathered in the clearing of the preserve. Mulan bows to all of them and they bow back. "Thank you for coming. I wanted you all to be here for Lori's final challenge as I believe your support to be crucial." She gestures for Lori to step forward as everyone cheers her on. "You have learned a lot and quickly. You will be prepared for what comes your way." Lori catches this but doesn't say anything.
Mulan then pulls out a blind-fold and puts it on her. "Why am I getting some Star Wars vibes?" Caleb comments, earning a smile from everyone but Finch.
Lori looks more concerned. "I can't-!"
"You can," Mulan disagrees. "Trust your instincts." She draws her sword as Lori makes her appear. "Balance," she iterates. Lori nods and then Mulan brings the sword up, Lori blocking it with a swift move of her hands. Everyone reacts with awe as Mulan goes for another blow that she blocks with a twist of her shoulders.
Things start in earnest then, Mulan swinging much more quickly as Lori blocks and the two of them begin to move fluidly around one another. Lori is visibly not on the same level as her teacher, but seems to be doing admirably well despite briefly losing her balance or missing the mark here and there. One such step nearly causes her to miss blocking the sword from hitting the side of her head as everyone gasps- Hannah clutching her chest.
Lori starts to fight even harder, moving to the offensive rather than defensive. The two continue to maneuver about the clearing when Lori takes a step back from the fight. Mulan comes in left, but she not only manages to block it, but knock the sword out of her hand. As Mulan goes to grab it, her sword hovers inches from her neck. Everyone cheers as she removes the blind-fold and takes in her handiwork with shock and awe.
Mulan bows to her proudly. "That is an excellent foundation."
Lori bows back. "I couldn't have asked for a better teacher. Thank you so much." She turns to the others. "Now I can really keep them safe."
She doesn't see Mulan's face, her having schooled it by the time she turns back. "It is time that I depart then. I have done what I needed to do and I find myself missing home." The others come up to them as she grabs her sword and sheathes it, Charlie handing Lori the book. "It has been an honor to meet all of you- the Companions."
"It was great to meet you too," Rachel speaks up. Everyone speaks up in agreement, Hannah and Charlie giving her a brief hug. Mulan responds in kind, though to some more than others. Lori watches the scene before opening to a glowing poem.
"Guys," she speaks up once they've died down. "Why don't we go get some ice cream? I'll meet you there in just a minute. I just have something I want to ask." The others catch her serious tone instantly.
"Sure," Hannah speaks for them. "We will see you in a few minutes." With a last wave they start heading out of the preserve, Charlie constantly glancing back at his best friend in concern. Mulan gives him a last wave as he is out of sight, unaware of how tense Lori is beside her.
"You weren't late," she accuses, instantly earning the warrior's attention.
"I'm sorry?"
"You weren't late getting to me," Lori iterates her suspicions. "You were never here about Hades. Merlin brought you at exactly the right time. This wasn't about Michael though I'm content to let him think it was. Which means that you're training me for something that's coming," she reasons coldly. "Something big. Something bad."
"Lori-"
"I know!" Lori shouts in frustration. "You can't tell me anything! And you didn't. But I still figured it out. You characters all give me a lot of credit about how brave I am and how well I'm handling this," she mocks, truly angry now. "But you still underestimate me and treat me like a pawn in all this. But you listen here, I'm not a pawn. I'm the king and this is my chessboard. I decide my destiny and what happens." She points where the group exited. "I will do what it takes to keep my family safe. I'm giving you one chance before I send you back to tell me who is coming and what happens that's so bad you can't even look half my Companions in the eye."
"You're so dark," Mulan say finally with such sadness. Lori wasn't expecting this and takes a step back like she's been shot. "And I apologize for the part we all played in making you this way. We are just doing what we think is necessary to protect you. I hope one day you see that. Given how you greeted me last time we met I think you do."
Mulan is on the verge of tears, but wipes them as she smiles at her student. "It's what gives me comfort looking at you now, that you won't always be like this. Bad things are coming Lori, but so are good things. Things that make you so happy you weather any storm for it." Lori recognizes her own words, and it seems to snap her out of the mood that she was in. She tries to step back again, but Mulan stops her with a hand on her shoulder. "Please don't forget that."
Now Lori is almost crying. "I'll try. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I-I didn't-"
"Don't be. We owe you so many apologies after all… for turning the college girl into a warrior she was perhaps never meant to be before us. You'll be full of light yet, though," she promises. "And that you persist is what makes you inspiring." She gently hugs her. "I have learned much and thank you for your hospitality."
Lori wipes her eyes as she pulls away. "Thank you for all your help… as much as you could give that is. I appreciate it sincerely." She looks down at the glowing poem. "Hope is what makes you strong."
Mulan nods at her earlier words, happy she has remembered them. "Hope is what makes you strong."
"Somehow I cannot hide who I am, though I've tried When will me reflection show me who I am inside?"Mulan vanishes and Lori shuts the book, hand going to her mouth. "Somehow I doubt there's any going back after what's coming," she admits. "Thanks for trying though." With that, she starts out of the preserve alone and lost in thought.
XXX
That evening, Kaity glances at the clock on Ben's desk as he types a paper. She puts the finishing touches on a sketch of Ben working and closes the notebook, sticking it in her backpack with a fond pat.
"I don't get to see it?" She looks up to see him staring at her.
"You will in the art show next year," she promises, earning a groan. She smiles and sits on his lap. "Wait until you see what I have planned for my art show. Oh boy do I have a plan. I have a grand plan. It shall be spectacular."
"I look forward to it." They share a kiss. "Heading home?"
"Yeah," she decides. "I'm on a slight valley so some sleep should do me good." She kisses him again, climbing off him. "Goodnight. I love you."
"I love you too. Goodnight." She heads out through the living room, stopping as she spots Michael asleep on the couch with his Anatomy book. She looks at him for a long moment before grabbing a blanket from a nearby chair and throwing it over him, gently tucking him in.
"Sleep tight, Doctor," she whispers sadly before heading out. She thinks on something Lori said earlier and frowns. "Maybe we're all becoming jaded."
XXX
Meanwhile, Lori rings the bell at the desk of the empty library. A tall gentleman with a mustache and beard emerges from the back. "What can I do for you?" he asks with a smile.
"I'm looking for the Anatomy textbooks," Lori inquires. "I found the space where they should be, but-"
"Ah, the test means we are pretty much out for the next month." Lori nods, feeling she should have realized. He just stares as if waiting for something. "If you are checking them out to study for the test, this is the point where you take a moment to let it hit you just how screwed you are to start studying now."
"Oh, I'm not taking it," she assures him. "I was just going to look through them to help one of my friends… Michael Harms."
The guy laughs, glancing at a book of names. "Ah, I think he is responsible for about half of those check-outs."
Lori laughs too before turning for the door. "Thank you for your help though."
"Listen, I'm going to let you in on a secret," he says, earning back her attention. "Each student librarian gets a book to give to the desperate person of their choosing. Usually at the cost of a date." He pulls one out from under the counter. "However, I see a pretty selfless person looking to help out a friend and that seems too noble to go unrewarded." Lori goes to grab it thankfully when he pulls it back. "If that indeed is what you're doing."
"Trust me; I do not have what it takes to be a doctor."
"Don't sell yourself short," he comments, looking at her with a hand on his chin. "You look trustworthy. You can have it." He pulls it back again. "One question though. Boyfriend?"
"No," she says quickly. "More like brother than anything."
"Good," he nods, handing it over to her.
"Good?" she smiles.
He takes her in. "You should smile more often. It looks really good on you." As she blushes, he takes her id to write it down. "Lori Fitzgerald. That name certainly fits that smile."
"Do you flirt with everyone who comes in here?"
"Yes," he admits. "It's how I pass the time. If I'm not here I have to be shelving, and that is a fate worse than death."
She laughs and takes her id back. "Oh. I see. I might have to come visit sometime to save you from that cruel fate."
"It would be appreciated." He sticks his hand out and she shakes it. "Ethan Sullivan. We actually met the first week of school… right here in fact. You didn't say a word to me."
Lori flinches. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I was… quite the different person back then. Don't take it personally."
"I won't," he promises. "Have a great night."
"You too." She heads out and sees his number scrawled in the front cover of the book. She takes a second before laughing and continuing towards the dorms.
XXX
Tune in next week as the depressing mood of Lori and her Companions gets a sudden upswing when someone living with Caleb has a very positive outlook that might just be able to remind them of a few things.