CHAPTER 3

Kanae found medical school tough. She knew what a skeleton looked like but not all the names of every bone in the body, and there were over 200 of them. Muscles, their names and locations, where tendons connected to, the circulatory and nerve systems. So far it was all memory work she was learning, and had to pass with high marks to complete the classes. There was no not remembering what anything was called or where it was.

Studying with Randy was a god sent. He was smart and quizzing each other, they stayed not only passing, but with perfect scores.

Tracy also let Kanae know that her ex-friends were getting out of the hospital and not coming back to college except to get their things. Tracy herself removed all her piercings except for the ones in her ears, and found a sorority to join, leaving Kanae in her dorm room by herself. Kanae did see her now and then, but they no longer spoke.

Kanae also noted that in the last week, others seemed to keep their distance. Rowdy boys she passed quieted down and let her go by before then resumed their teasing each other. Where possible, people going by would give her a wide berth. The only one who greeted her happily was Randy.

Meeting him before class, Kanae asked, "Ya got any clue why people are avodin me?"

Randy let out a sigh. "When one of those crazy girls came back to get her things, I guess she told anyone who'd listen that you made them beat each other and laughed while they did. Rumors grow around here. The last one I heard was from a guy I know. He told me to be real careful and break up with you since you were a real Witch who revels in the pain of others. I know that's bullshit, and I told him so, but that's what's going around. Supposedly, the staff won't expel you because they are afraid of you casting nasty spells on them."

"Figures," Kanae said with a snort.

"I try to tell them you're not like that, but no one listens," he offered. "They'd rather hear juicy bad things than the truth."

"That's typical," Kanae said. "Doan worry, I'm used to it."

"It isn't right," Randy said firmly.

"Nay but I ain't concerned with'em. My concern is getting good grades an being wit ya."

"As is mine," he agreed, offering her a smile.

.

Today they came in as another class was leaving. Down in front where the lecturer was, there was a man in a wheelchair. Curious, Kanae went down to see the man, the professor and another man in a white coat near him talking.

She looked at the x-ray posted up on the wall. "Brain tumor?" she asked.

Heavily, the professor said, "Yes, inoperable. He's only got a few more months to live."

Kanae looked at the sad looking man. "Tis a shame. May I try to help him?"

"He can't be helped," the man in the white coat stated.

"Aye, he kin. Me Mom showed me how ta git those out."

"Miss!" the professor said sternly, "This is serious, please take your seat!"

The man on the wheelchair looked up at her. "Please, if you can, help me."

"Aye lad."

"I will not put up with a charade!" the professor barked.

The man in the white coat held a hand up. "Wait! Miss, what's your name?"

"Kanae Kikumura, sir."

"Any relation to Kaede Kikumura?"

"Aye, she's me Mom."

The man in the white coat motioned her over. "Come closer let me show this X-ray."

Kanae went over to him. He pointed out the tumor and the nerve gaggle it was around. He explained any surgery, even the most thinnest they had, would do permanent damage to the man and most likely kill him. There wasn't instruments tiny enough to break the tumor up and not do damage to the surrounding brain tissue.

"We'll need his consent. I'd also like to get a fluoroscope to see what you do, if you're willing to attempt it."

Kanae nodded and went over to squat in front of the man in the wheelchair. Gently she said, "Sir, I ain't nay doctor. I have watched me Mom git rid-o things like ya got in yer head. I did get ta practice it once with me Mom right there. While I can't promise I kin save ya, I will promise I'll do me best."

The man replied, "If you don't try, I'm dead anyway. A month or two of living like this doesn't matter to me. Yes, please try, you are my only hope."

Softly, Kanae said, "Be assured, I'll do me best."

The man in the white coat was the man's doctor. He had a fluoroscope brought in. The man in the wheelchair signed his consent form and was gently put on the table. Kanae had to sign that she was taking sole responsibility for the man, neither the doctor or college held any responsibility if legal actions occurred from what she did.

Kanae was offered surgical gloves and a mask, which she waved off. The only thing she wanted was a towel that she put by the man's right ear. The scope was turned on to look inside the man's head.

To the side, the professor asked the doctor, "Why are you allowing this?"

The doctor eyed him. "Because I know this girl's mother has cured stroke victims and removed tumors we can't. One, I witnessed myself. I don't care how she does it, but they save people's lives who would otherwise die or be permanently disabled."

Kanae studied the scope picture and moved around to look at the top of the man's head, then the right side.

"No anesthesia?" Someone called from the seats. Kanae glanced at the student seating that was full. Many weren't in her class.

"Shouldn't hurt," she replied, and returned to studying the man's skull. The tumor was pretty big, this was going to take a while. Looking around, she saw a chair over in the corner. She drew it to her and sat down. "It'll take me a bit to get this out," she told the doctor.

Kanae focused on bringing her mind hands out and thinning them down to less than a hair's width. She went into his skull as gently as possible. Concentrating hard, she felt her mind hands enter his brain.

To everyone watching, Kanae was just gripping the man's head and staring at him. For a while, nothing seemed to be happening.

The doctor noticed it first. Quietly, he said, "Look here." and pointed to a spot in the image.

The tumor now had a tail coming out of it. The tail snaked up out of the brain and down the inside of the skull towards the right ear. Shortly, drips of a bloody substance came out of that ear.

"It tickles," the man said.

"Doan move!" Kanae warned.

Slowly the tumor shrank down and made it's way along the trail to his ear where it dripped out onto the towel. Everyone in the room watched intently, even the professor.

"She's doing it!" Randy cheered in a whisper.

It was way past time for class to be over by the time the tumor was gone and the last of the trail made it's way down to drip out of the man's ear. Shortly after that, Kanae sat back in a flop and let out a long breath. "Tis done!" she announced.

The room erupted in cheers. The doctor has his patient sit up and checked his vitals. The man giggled, "I can see fine!" He kicked his legs. "My legs work!" he cheered.

"Don't take it too fast," his doctor warned. "You will have much rehab to do, but that tumor is gone."

The man turned to see Kanae slouched in her chair. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.

Kanae forced herself up and smiled at him. "Be good ta others, that's the best way."

Seeing Kanae was wobbly on her feet, Randy got up and hurried down to put an arm around her. She put an arm around his shoulder.

"Kinda weak. That took a lot outta me," she said.

"I'll take care of you," he assured her. He then looked up at the filled seats. "Hey, everyone, you just saw Kanae save that man's life! Do ANY of you still think she's some evil Witch?"

"I'd say she's an angel," a blonde woman announced. Others cheered her assessment.

The cured man was put in his wheelchair to be wheeled out. The professor announced, "Class today was cancelled due to this amazing demonstration. However, You are all still responsible for anatomy lessons on pages 21 to 28!"

Randy led Kanae up the stairs slow enough so she could keep her balance. On the way, she got praises and claps on the back for her amazing feat.

Randy helped Kanae down to the cafeteria, he understood why she was ravenously hungry. He no more than got her sat down when another professor came in. The Dean wanted to see her, now.

Randy decided 'now' meant after Kanae had time to recover and get something to eat. The professor stayed right by them acting irritated until Kanae assured Randy she was strong enough to stand up on her own.

He still stayed tight to her side as the professor guided them into the admin building and up to the dean's office. Their professor was in the waiting room when they arrived. He had them sit, then told the secretary they were all there. They'd no more than gotten sat down, when the secretary announced the Dean was ready to see them.

The Dean was a white haired man with a red face as he watched them come in, Kanae, Randy and both professors. He eyed the professor he'd sent after them. "Why did it take so long?"

"Miss Kikumura decided she needed to have lunch, first," The man replied in a heavy tone.

"She was so exhausted she couldn't even stand up!" Randy countered quickly.

"Unless asked for you to speak, stay quiet!" the Dean barked at him. He then turned his wrath on their professor. "Mr. Chandler, explain to me WHY a first year medical student who's only been here a little over a month was allowed to practice brain surgery in a classroom."

Mr. Chandler held up the paper Kanae signed. "Mr. Ellis, the patient, did sign a waiver. Miss Kikumura did sign a statement of responsibility to accept any legal responsibility and cleared the doctor and the college from any repercussions. She took sole responsibility for her actions."

The red faced Dean slammed a fist down on his desk. "She's not medically qualified to even give aspirin! Performing ANY medical surgery is illegal in this state unless the one doing the surgery has the appropriate degree to do so! That paper she signed is worthless! She performed a surgery at THIS college, in your classroom without a degree, That makes YOU and this college legally responsible for her actions!"

Kanae asked, "Sir, what surgery did I supposedly perform?"

"Did you or did you not remove a tumor from a man's head?" The Dean asked in a growl.

Evenly, Kanae said, "I sat and watched'im closely. The tumor broke itself up and came pouring outta his right ear. I never touched him with an instrument. Everyone there kin testify ta that."

"That is the truth," Mr. Chandler said. "I watched the whole thing."

"You're telling me that this tumor just poured out of his head all by itself?" the Dean asked in a wail.

"It appeared so," Mr. Chandler replied. "I can't explain it, but I did see what happened."

"The room was full'a witnesses, ya kin call'em up and ask what happened," Kanae offered.

Glowering at her, the Dean held up a thumb and forefinger very close together. "You are THIS CLOSE to being expelled and having criminal charged put up against you."

"Really? Ya better have excellent lawyers, I do," Kanae replied. "You kin do as ya wish, but be prepared fer the legal suits that follow."

"You would threaten ME!" he roared.

"You're threatenin me with no proof whatsoever I did anythin ta that man," Kanae stated.

If the Dean's face could get any redder, he'd be bleeding.

"Sir," Mr. Chandler said firmly. "As I said, I do not have an explanation of how what occurred happened, but there was no surgical procedure performed in my classroom."

The Dean sat looking at his desk as he breathed and the redness from his face faded. Finally he looked at Kanae and asked. "Miss Kikumura, how did that tumor exit the patient's ear with no surgery?"

"Are ya gonna yell at me again?" she asked.

"I just want the truth." he stated.

"The best I can kin ya, sir, is I thought it out. I'twas a strain, that's why I was so tired after. Randy here got me sat down an made sure I ate something so I kin get me strength back."

"How did you think it out?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Kanae picked up his pen holder a foot off the desk. "Same way I'm thinkin those pens ta float in the air." She set the pen holder down.

The Dean's face went blank. "You're a real Telekinetic," he said softly.

"Call it what ya will, but aye, I kin make things happen if I think hard enough on it." Kanae stated.

"This is incredible!" the Dean whispered. "and you want to be a doctor?"

"Somethin like that. I wanna help people." Kanae agreed.

The Dean rubbed his face, then said, "All right, no one speaks about what we discussed here. If the government finds out about Kikumura's ability, they may try to find a reason to come grab her for research. If she wants to be a doctor, then we help with that and say nothing to anyone outside the college."

A chorus of, "Yes Sir's" sounded out.

"And no more doing that with everyone watching," the Dean said firmly, pointing at Kanae.

"Aye, Sir."

.

Although no one in the Dean's office said anything about that meeting, new rumors were flying around campus about the pink haired girl had 'spiritual healing' powers.

Heading back to the dorms, Kanae and Randy got stopped by a church group offering their support. Thanking them and slipping away and avoiding going to church with them, a paranormal group with a 'spirit catching camera', wanted to see if they could record Kanae's mystic energy. She politely declined. Seeing the dorms right in front of her, Kanae thought she was home free, but a robed group of young women stopped to let her know they knew she was a real witch and offered her a place in their coven. Again, she declined the invitation.

On the steps into the dorm, Kanae asked Randy, "Think I should color me hair ta hide?"

Randy laughed. "Probably won't do any good. At least your popular now."

"Aye. Ain't happy bout it."

"Maybe a bit happier when no one liked you?" Randy guessed.

Kanae giggled. "Maybe, see ya tamorra," She then kissed him. She'd meant a quick kiss, but upon meeting lips, they lingered. Pulling apart, Randy was gazing at her.

"See you tomorrow," he replied.

For some reason it was hard for Kanae to turn and walk up the steps. Opening the door, she looked back to see he was still watching her. She waved and went in. Yup, there was no doubt Randy really liked her. That thought put a smile on her face.

.

Calling home, Kanae talked to her mother and found that while Uzuki was still sad she hadn't known Karen was her true mother, she did accept why they were known as sisters. Her Mom also let her know that since she was going to be in Canada in a couple weeks, she would swing down to get Kanae before she headed home. Kanae told her about Randy and Kaede insisted on meeting him. She eagerly marked the Saturday her Mom would be there. It would be during the start of the winter break, so they wouldn't have any classes.

Heading out for class, Kanae met Randy with a hug and a kiss. "I got great news," Kanae beamed at him. "Mom's coming in three weeks, an she wants ta meet ya."

"Great!" Randy said, then it dawned on him who he was going to meet. His face fell. "Ahh, she's not mad about us or anything, is she?" he asked nervously.

Kanae giggled. "Nay, lad, she sounded happy. Doan worry, Mom ain't a monster, K?"

Randy nodded. "So she's coming from Scotland just to check up on you?"

"Nay, she's gotta go ta Canada fer a bit," Kanae explained. "See, quite a while back when I was a wee lass, Mom got the appointment from Queen Elizabeth ta be Governor of Canada. When King Charles took over after Elizabeth died, he never changed it."

Randy frowned. "Hold on, I thought Canada was a democracy? They got a parliament, Prime Minister and everything."

"So do England an Scotland," Kanae explained. "They are still all part of the British Empire an under the King's rule. From what I know, the Prime minister of Canada was doing things he shouldn't have and was bein corrupt, so Mom was put in charge'o Canada ta keep him on the straight an narrow. Mom lets'em do as they like, but keeps an eye on'em to keep'em honest."

Randy chuckled "So, basically, your mother rules Canada."

Kanae tipped her head slightly. "Yeah, guess so. She has the final word if she needs ta use it."

"Wow. Just wow," Randy said vacantly.

"It ain't well known, and everyone likes ta keep it that way," Kanae explained. "Officially, Mom doan have no ties ta any government, though she does do things fer'em."

Seeing Kanae was eager to talk about her mother, Randy asked, "I read that one of the things your mom is known as, is being 'The One'. What does that mean?"

Kanae stared at him briefly and asked, "How'd ya know that?"

"When you asked me to look up your mother, I did and learned all I could," Randy explained. "The only thing I saw that there was no information on, was what 'The One' was. Is it like the one most respected, or the one who can solve any problem?"

Kanae shook her head. "Mom'll have ta tell ya if she wants ya ta know."

Randy raised an eyebrow. "More secret stuff?"

"Doan know how ta explain it," Kanae told him. "All I kin say is, yer gonna hafta ask Mom."

If Kanae knew, she wasn't going to tell him. Randy shrugged with an, "OK." He didn't think it was important enough to keep bugging her about it.

.

The day went on normal enough until after their last class, Kanae got a phone call.

"Kanae."

"It's David Gilbert, meet me outside the south College entrance. I got another job for you."

"Aye, when?"

"Say in a half hour?"

"K, see ya then."

She hung up. Beside her, Randy asked, "News?"

"Aye, gotta go see someone," she grumbled. "Meet ya later at the cafeteria?"

"How about if we go out tonight?" he asked. "It'll be nothing fancy, but I'll buy."

Offering him a smile, she said, "Sounds good. Where an when?"

"Outside your dorm, say six?"

"Meet ya there," she assured him. They kissed and Kanae parted with him to head for the south entrance.

Kanae wasn't sure about meeting Gilbert so close to the college. After classes, students and faculty wandered in and out. She was sure if she was seen, more rumors about her 'with an older man' would start circulating. She was a bit worried those rumors would get back to Randy. She had only agreed because this was convenient for her. She had a feeling now that was a mistake.

The south entrance like the others had a tall arch over the road, side walls from the arch that sloped down to the sides and a 'welcome' guard in a little shack that had maps and information for people.

Just getting out of class, Kanae noted only a single car passing her to leave. Walking out the entrance, she looked for Gilbert. He was in the right side wall, watching traffic.

"Bad place ta meet," she stated in a low voice.

"Maybe, I have to show you something." he said and nodded to his car.

"Better not take long, got a date later," Kanae told him.

"Not long." he said. He looked at his watch, "It's 3:46 now, this should only take an hour or so."

Kanae got in the car with him. "So what do ya got?" she asked as he pulled out.

"Another of Donovan's gang. We got intel he's taking over. It's too much money for them to give up. He's not fully protected yet, he was in his car, black stretch limo, parked on the side twenty minutes ago. I wanted to show him to you. Got his address and info here." He handed Kanae an envelope.

Kanae looked inside. There was a picture of a black man with a tall hat and an overcoat. She studied his features and noted his address and the Chinese restaurant he worked out of.

They drove for a bit. Upon turning down another street, Kanae saw the limo parked to the side. A man that matched the photo was outside the car, talking to a few other men who bore suits. She rolled down her window. "That's him?" she asked.

"It is, with a couple hired guns and one of his cohorts." Gilbert agreed.

"Just keep driving," Kanae told him.

As they passed by, Kanae whipped out a mind hand and beheaded all the men. SPLAT SPLAT SPLAT SPLAT SPLAT. She handed the envelope back to Gilbert. "Nay longer a problem," she stated.

Gilbert looked in the rear view mirror. "What? There's a guy's head on the roof of that car!" … "They're all down, missing their heads, there's blood everywhere!"

"Told ya there ain't nay more problem," Kanae stated. "When ya take me back, doan lemme out right in front of the entrance. I'll walk a block ta git back."

Gilbert looked a little pale as he drove her back to the college. "We just drove past them," he said weakly.

Kanae cracked a grin and said, "Heard here ya got drive by shootins. This was a drive by beheadin. Quick, clean and by the time anyone notes'it, we'll be long gone."

"Christ," Gilbert whispered.

"Nay, Kanae." she replied.

.

Gilbert dropped her off a block away around the corner from the college entrance. He seemed a little off, so Kanae just got out and walked back to her dorm. She got some studying done, then picked out what to wear on her date with Randy. Her phone rang again.

"Kanae."

It was Gilbert. "20K has been added to your funds." he then hung up.

The amount was more. She figured a few of those guys were wanted. As least now, if Randy wanted to come home with her during the summer break, she could more than cover the costs of their expenses.

Leaving the dorm in her blue, low necked shirt with silver trim with a light, white sweater over it, tartan skirt and a proper tartan cap, she met Randy outside right at six.

Randy in his normal plain shirt and jeans eyed her like it was the first time he'd seen her. "You look so pretty," he breathed.

Kanae giggled. "Tain't nothin special." she said in a blush. "The skirt an cap's me clan colors."

"There's a Kikumura clan?" he asked.

"Nay lad, the Clan McLeod. Me Grandpa's the Chieftain. His clan sword is hanging on a post down at Rachel's Inn," she explained.

Randy clasped her hand as he got beside her. "Is there many in this clan?"

"Most'o the town. Even John and the dart champion Cameron are honorary members. Only true family's part'o the clan," she explained.

"They all wear wool hats?" he asked.

"Nay at home, lest they wanna."

"My family is all over the place," Randy said. "I got cousins, Aunts and Uncles I've never seen." He frowned a bit, "And a sister I wished I didn't see."

Kanae eyed him. "I take it ya doan like'er?"

With a wince, Randy said, "She's just, kinda my polar opposite. While I studied hard so I could get into college, she's the party girl. Both Dad and Mom were angry when she got pregnant at 16. She did keep it. The boy's name is Reggie and his father hasn't been seen since he found out she was pregnant. Me, I want a good lasting relationship. You know, simple things like get married before having kids. Actually loving and staying with the woman I chose and not do the 'one night stand' thing. She's also a liberal and thinks the government should take care of everyone, instead of working to take care of herself."

"Can't be easy fer ya," Kanae offered.

"It's not. Still, it's her life. If she wants to screw it up, that's up to her." he said with a sigh.

Putting an arm around him she offered, "Ya kin lead a horse ta water, but ya can't make'im drink."

Randy laughed. "That sound like something Dad would say." as he put his arm around her.

"Tis true."

"You like Italian?" Randy asked to get off the subject.

"Aye, just doan go Richie on me an order a pizza." Kanae replied.

Randy cast her a smirk. "Go Richie on you?"

Kanae rolled her eyes. "Ritchie's me eldest brother. Doan gimme wrong, he's a good guy, but he thinks going out means gettin a pizza. Gettin take out means bringin home a pizza. I'm surprised he ain't got pizzas fer the wheels on his truck."

Randy laughed. "I take it he really likes pizza."

"Aye. Odd thing though, he'll eat pizza all year long, but woan touch haggis."

Grinning Randy asked, "OK, I've heard of haggis, but what is it?"

"Basically sheep sausage. It's got barley in it and the best is made with a shot'o single malt in it too, she explained.

Randy paused, then asked, "You talking beer or ale? I know some people like a beer batter on their fish."

Kanae looked at him and burst out laughing. She hugged him a bit tighter as she chuckled. "Nay Lad! Single malt scotch! An ya doan put beer batter on fish! Ya put salt an vinegar on it!"

"You've got some strange tastes, hon," he said.

She poked him in the shoulder. "Nay, tis ya who doan know what's good. Tell ya what. Come home wit me, and I'll show ya some of the best stuff there is."

"I don't know if I can afford to take an overseas trip," he said.

"Nay worry bout it, I got enough saved ta git both'a us there an back an have some fun while we're at it," Kanae said and kissed his cheek.

He wanted to tell her he couldn't allow her to do that. He was the guy, he was suppose to pay her way. Seeing the impish smile on her face that looked so damn cute, he kept quiet. He liked Kanae being in a good mood.

Getting to the restaurant, they went in and got seated. Shortly the waitress came by and gave them menus. Kanae asked her, "Ya got any Glen Finnen?"

"We don't."

"How bout Glen Morangie?"

"Ah, I don't think so."

"Glen Livet?"

"I'll have to ask the bartender." the waitress said hesitantly.

Kanae frowned. "Kin ya see if ya got anything that begins wit 'Glen' ?"

"I'll ask. Can I get you something else to drink?"

Randy ordered a Pepsi. Kanae got water.

After the waitress left, Randy asked, "What's with the Glen thing?"

As if speaking as one of their professors, Kanae said, "This is important. Ya know there's whiskies like Johnny Walker, Chevas Regal and such that claim to be scotch. Aye, they're made in Scotland, true, but they ain't special. To have a name with Glen in it, the ingredients must be made with a single grain, and all the ingredients, including the water an peat used, must come from the local area, usually a valley. Only then can it be called Glen whatever. The factory in our town is in Glen Finnen, and they make a great single malt, so they can put that name directly on their scotch."

"I can tell you're serious about this," he said with a grin.

"Aye, it keeps the real stuff separate from the pretenders."

"So there's a real difference in the real scotch?" he asked.

"Indeed lad! If they ain't got any here, then when we git back, I'll sneak ya some of me private stash." she said firmly.

"You've got whiskey in your room?" Randy asked, surprised to hear she drank. "Hon, that's against the rules. They find it and you'll be kicked out of the dorms."

"Doan worry none. It ain't visible. Ya gotta try a bit."

The waitress came back with their drinks. She told Kanae, "The barkeep said they got Johnny Walker."

"Nay lass, I ain't inta pretenders. This water'll be fine," Kanae said in a huff.

They both ordered Lasagna. With the waitress on her way, Randy said, "You are serious about what you drink, aren't you?"

Kanae explained, "Me whole family is. Ya see, most people drink just ta git drunk. Ya doan go guzzlin good scotch. Ya'll miss the point. Wit a good scotch, ya drink ta enjoy it. Call it sippin whiskey." Kanae's face took on a look of partial bliss. "I know ya doan understand it, but specially here when I git a sip-o Glen Finnen, it's like I'm home. I swear I kin smell the burnin peat in the fireplace, taste the smoke if ya will. See the big fireplace in front'a me. Hear the voices of me kin. Doan matter where I am, it all comes back ta me clear as day."

"You miss being home," Randy concluded.

"Aye lad. I wanna share that wit ya too."

Randy didn't know what else to say except, "I think I'd like that." From they way she was telling about it, sampling Glen Finnen was nearly a religious experience for her.