Caroline Guye @ourword-againsthis - Tumblr Blog

[The Journalist stands before her, hurray! Leaning on their crutches, they give a short wave.]

Hey, kid. I'll just get down to business, any chances I could get my casts off? Awfully sorry for showing up announced.

[She did, in fact, not seem sorry.]

(She shrugs.)

Sure. I’ll have to ask for my teacher though. I’m not allowed to use the cast saw myself.

[The Journalist nodded dutifully and walked into the clinic, not waiting for an invitation in, sitting on the edge of an unoccupied cot.]

Perfectly fine, I can wait if need be.

How are the casts?

[Somebody was knocking on the clinic door, fast and rthymic. It continued for a few seconds before stopping. A familiar voice could be heard slightly muffled through it.]

Hey, healer! You busy?

(@imperium-news)

(The same girl opens the door.)

Oh. Hello.

[The Journalist stands before her, hurray! Leaning on their crutches, they give a short wave.]

Hey, kid. I'll just get down to business, any chances I could get my casts off? Awfully sorry for showing up announced.

[She did, in fact, not seem sorry.]

(She shrugs.)

Sure. I’ll have to ask for my teacher though. I’m not allowed to use the cast saw myself.

[Somebody was knocking on the clinic door, fast and rthymic. It continued for a few seconds before stopping. A familiar voice could be heard slightly muffled through it.]

Hey, healer! You busy?

(@imperium-news)

(The same girl opens the door.)

Oh. Hello.

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

(There’s a soft sigh and a girl maybe around 12 with a flat expression opens the door. She’s wearing an academy uniform with an apron on. She has blonde hair tied back in a ponytail with a black bandana with a medical cross stitched onto it and blue eyes.)

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

[There are two people standing in the doorway, one vampire, one earth contra. The earth contra is standing, but barely; they're leaning against the door frame incredibly unsteadily. Their face is quite frankly covered in blood, definitely from a broken nose, they're clutching their side, and an ankle is definitely bent at an angle ankle's definitelyshouldn'tbeat. The vampire stood behind them, glancing at the earth contra and then to the girl.]

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

[The Journalist essentially hobbles over to cot, aided by the vampire diligently standing next to them, trying to keep them from falling flat on their face. The Journalist inelegantly drops themself onto the cot. They flick their bloody face towards the vampire.]

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

[They trail off, maybe from blood loss, maybe from just not wanting to have to tiptoe around the topic. They weren't good at other people's emotions. They swallowed and shrugged, gesturing vaguely to their injuries.]

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

(She grabs a plastic bowl from off a counter and brings it over to the table next to the cot. She starts siphoning the blood off their face, collecting it into a ball before dropping it in the bowl with a splat.)

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

[The levity they seemed to be clinging onto seemed to dissipate entirely at this point. They brought one of their hands up to their face an buried their face in it, mumbling out what probably would have been a scream if they were alone.]

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

I healed them, but to be safe and let them heal a bit more, we can keep the casts on for two weeks and you can come back later to get them removed. It’ll probably itch but never stick anything in there to itch it. You can keep clean by having sponge baths and putting bags over the casts to keep the casts dry. A shower chair would be a good investment.

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[They nod along to the instructions, making a mental note of each of them.]

Alright, will do.

This is a stockinette.

(She holds up a roll of fabric up to them.)

I’m gonna put it on first but I need to roll up your pants, is that okay?

[They nod, gesturing down to their leg.] Go ahead.

(She nods, pulling their pants up and wrapping the fabric around their ankle to their lower thigh on both legs.)

There’s the stockinette. Now, I’m gonna put some cotton on top and then we can start putting the cast on.

(She grabs a roll of cotton and wraps it around before standing up and walking away to find the cast material.)

How do you feel?

[They shrug and adjust themself in the cot so they were sitting upright.]

Better, definitely. I mean, the pain is gone, what more could I ask for!

Is your side hurt? You were holding it when you came in.

(She walks over with a roll of something dark blue, a tub of water and some scissors.)

[They tentatively touch their side and wince.]

It's a bit sore, but honestly not that bad. I'll probably just sleep it off.

Hm. I’ll send you off with Ibuprofen.

(She rolls out a piece of the fiberglass, cutting it and dipping it in the tub before molding it to the cotton.)

[They shake their head, laughing to themself.]

No need- believe me, my bathroom cabinet is well stocked with that!

That works.

(She continues wetting and applying the fiberglass until both casts are done. She yawns.)

There, done..

[They drum their fingers against the edge of the cot as she works. Once she's done they swing their legs down off of the side of the bed.]

Am I okay to walk-? I need crutches or anything?

Crutches or wheelchairs.

Uh- I think I'll go with crutches.

(She shrugs, grabbing a pair of crutches for them.)

Stay safe.

[They nod, hopping off of the cot, taking the crutches and putting them into place. They adjusted them and for a second they looked relatively unsteady, but they pretty quickly regained their balance. They grinned and made their way towards the door.]

I'll do my best. Take care of yourself, kid.

I will do my best.

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[They nod along to the instructions, making a mental note of each of them.]

Alright, will do.

This is a stockinette.

(She holds up a roll of fabric up to them.)

I’m gonna put it on first but I need to roll up your pants, is that okay?

[They nod, gesturing down to their leg.] Go ahead.

(She nods, pulling their pants up and wrapping the fabric around their ankle to their lower thigh on both legs.)

There’s the stockinette. Now, I’m gonna put some cotton on top and then we can start putting the cast on.

(She grabs a roll of cotton and wraps it around before standing up and walking away to find the cast material.)

How do you feel?

[They shrug and adjust themself in the cot so they were sitting upright.]

Better, definitely. I mean, the pain is gone, what more could I ask for!

Is your side hurt? You were holding it when you came in.

(She walks over with a roll of something dark blue, a tub of water and some scissors.)

[They tentatively touch their side and wince.]

It's a bit sore, but honestly not that bad. I'll probably just sleep it off.

Hm. I’ll send you off with Ibuprofen.

(She rolls out a piece of the fiberglass, cutting it and dipping it in the tub before molding it to the cotton.)

[They shake their head, laughing to themself.]

No need- believe me, my bathroom cabinet is well stocked with that!

That works.

(She continues wetting and applying the fiberglass until both casts are done. She yawns.)

There, done..

[They drum their fingers against the edge of the cot as she works. Once she's done they swing their legs down off of the side of the bed.]

Am I okay to walk-? I need crutches or anything?

Crutches or wheelchairs.

Uh- I think I'll go with crutches.

(She shrugs, grabbing a pair of crutches for them.)

Stay safe.

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[They nod along to the instructions, making a mental note of each of them.]

Alright, will do.

This is a stockinette.

(She holds up a roll of fabric up to them.)

I’m gonna put it on first but I need to roll up your pants, is that okay?

[They nod, gesturing down to their leg.] Go ahead.

(She nods, pulling their pants up and wrapping the fabric around their ankle to their lower thigh on both legs.)

There’s the stockinette. Now, I’m gonna put some cotton on top and then we can start putting the cast on.

(She grabs a roll of cotton and wraps it around before standing up and walking away to find the cast material.)

How do you feel?

[They shrug and adjust themself in the cot so they were sitting upright.]

Better, definitely. I mean, the pain is gone, what more could I ask for!

Is your side hurt? You were holding it when you came in.

(She walks over with a roll of something dark blue, a tub of water and some scissors.)

[They tentatively touch their side and wince.]

It's a bit sore, but honestly not that bad. I'll probably just sleep it off.

Hm. I’ll send you off with Ibuprofen.

(She rolls out a piece of the fiberglass, cutting it and dipping it in the tub before molding it to the cotton.)

[They shake their head, laughing to themself.]

No need- believe me, my bathroom cabinet is well stocked with that!

That works.

(She continues wetting and applying the fiberglass until both casts are done. She yawns.)

There, done..

[They drum their fingers against the edge of the cot as she works. Once she's done they swing their legs down off of the side of the bed.]

Am I okay to walk-? I need crutches or anything?

Crutches or wheelchairs.

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[They nod along to the instructions, making a mental note of each of them.]

Alright, will do.

This is a stockinette.

(She holds up a roll of fabric up to them.)

I’m gonna put it on first but I need to roll up your pants, is that okay?

[They nod, gesturing down to their leg.] Go ahead.

(She nods, pulling their pants up and wrapping the fabric around their ankle to their lower thigh on both legs.)

There’s the stockinette. Now, I’m gonna put some cotton on top and then we can start putting the cast on.

(She grabs a roll of cotton and wraps it around before standing up and walking away to find the cast material.)

How do you feel?

[They shrug and adjust themself in the cot so they were sitting upright.]

Better, definitely. I mean, the pain is gone, what more could I ask for!

Is your side hurt? You were holding it when you came in.

(She walks over with a roll of something dark blue, a tub of water and some scissors.)

[They tentatively touch their side and wince.]

It's a bit sore, but honestly not that bad. I'll probably just sleep it off.

Hm. I’ll send you off with Ibuprofen.

(She rolls out a piece of the fiberglass, cutting it and dipping it in the tub before molding it to the cotton.)

[They shake their head, laughing to themself.]

No need- believe me, my bathroom cabinet is well stocked with that!

That works.

(She continues wetting and applying the fiberglass until both casts are done. She yawns.)

There, done..

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[They nod along to the instructions, making a mental note of each of them.]

Alright, will do.

This is a stockinette.

(She holds up a roll of fabric up to them.)

I’m gonna put it on first but I need to roll up your pants, is that okay?

[They nod, gesturing down to their leg.] Go ahead.

(She nods, pulling their pants up and wrapping the fabric around their ankle to their lower thigh on both legs.)

There’s the stockinette. Now, I’m gonna put some cotton on top and then we can start putting the cast on.

(She grabs a roll of cotton and wraps it around before standing up and walking away to find the cast material.)

How do you feel?

[They shrug and adjust themself in the cot so they were sitting upright.]

Better, definitely. I mean, the pain is gone, what more could I ask for!

Is your side hurt? You were holding it when you came in.

(She walks over with a roll of something dark blue, a tub of water and some scissors.)

[They tentatively touch their side and wince.]

It's a bit sore, but honestly not that bad. I'll probably just sleep it off.

Hm. I’ll send you off with Ibuprofen.

(She rolls out a piece of the fiberglass, cutting it and dipping it in the tub before molding it to the cotton.)

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[They nod along to the instructions, making a mental note of each of them.]

Alright, will do.

This is a stockinette.

(She holds up a roll of fabric up to them.)

I’m gonna put it on first but I need to roll up your pants, is that okay?

[They nod, gesturing down to their leg.] Go ahead.

(She nods, pulling their pants up and wrapping the fabric around their ankle to their lower thigh on both legs.)

There’s the stockinette. Now, I’m gonna put some cotton on top and then we can start putting the cast on.

(She grabs a roll of cotton and wraps it around before standing up and walking away to find the cast material.)

How do you feel?

[They shrug and adjust themself in the cot so they were sitting upright.]

Better, definitely. I mean, the pain is gone, what more could I ask for!

Is your side hurt? You were holding it when you came in.

(She walks over with a roll of something dark blue, a tub of water and some scissors.)

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[They nod along to the instructions, making a mental note of each of them.]

Alright, will do.

This is a stockinette.

(She holds up a roll of fabric up to them.)

I’m gonna put it on first but I need to roll up your pants, is that okay?

[They nod, gesturing down to their leg.] Go ahead.

(She nods, pulling their pants up and wrapping the fabric around their ankle to their lower thigh on both legs.)

There’s the stockinette. Now, I’m gonna put some cotton on top and then we can start putting the cast on.

(She grabs a roll of cotton and wraps it around before standing up and walking away to find the cast material.)

How do you feel?

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[They nod along to the instructions, making a mental note of each of them.]

Alright, will do.

This is a stockinette.

(She holds up a roll of fabric up to them.)

I’m gonna put it on first but I need to roll up your pants, is that okay?

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[They huffed out a laugh.] I'm not a child- I'll pass, thanks.

(She nods.)

(She gets up to get the materials for the cast making.)

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

Uh- hm- dark.

..Want me to draw anything on them?

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Their brow furrows. This is a very important decision.]

... blue.

Light or dark?

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)

Mhm.

[They inhale sharply as the ankle is set into place and healed.]

There we go.. all healed. We’ll still put the..

(She yawns.)

Casts on.

What color would you want..?

[Somewhere far outside, a vampire and her boss is sailing through the air. The vampire glances down at her boss as she dashes across the city.]

Are you okay? What the hell ha-

Just get me to a healer.

[And that she did. Somebody is knocking against Caroline's door, fast and loud. There's the sound of someone grumbling on the outside, and coughing up something that was probably blood.]

Yes?

(She says in a monotone voice.)

Hi, my friend here has gotten into a bit of trouble, any chance you might be able to help?

I am.. required to help. I’m a healing student.

[The vampire grins. The earth contra, decidedly, does not. They both speak at the same time.]

Brilliant! Oh for god's sake-

[They glance over to eachother, for a moment both of them glaring at the other. The vampire apparently wins, and looks over to the healing student.]

Ignore them- do you have anywhere I can put them?

(She points to a cot behind her in the medical room.)

There.

You are dismissed, Pestilence. Thank you.

[The vampire nods, and with that, they're gone. The Journalist now flicks their gaze towards the medical student, their eyes quite frankly too cynical for somebody in this situation.]

... aren't you a bit young to be a healing student?

Healers are needed. I have an interest in it. I was accosted a few months after my core manifested. I had to go here otherwise my family would have been hurt. 12 is the beginning age usually.

(She says with a sigh, looking for gloves and putting them on. She has the core of a freelancer.)

Oh. Well, that's- hm-

Anyway- lets get down to business, then. Do whatever it is you do. I've never understood healing magic-

[As she works they remain perfectly still, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot. They're relatively silent, occasionally grumbling vaguely about being "humiliated" and various swearwords.]

Do I need to pay for this, or-?

No payment is required as this is part of my education but a donation to the academy would be appreciated.

(She recites flatly, saying instructions.)

Hm, yeah, okay.

[They murmur out, somewhat freaked out by the kid's monotone voice.]

Pretty sure my ankles are broken aswell. And maybe one of my ribs.

And your nose.

(She shrugs.)

I’m going to snap it back and then heal it.

…If that is alright.

... I assume there's no other option here?

Well, numbing magic comes with the healing but I can add additional contra fire magic if that would make you feel better.

[They shrugged, more nonchalant than they felt.]

That would- that would be great. [They gesture to their nose.] Do what you have to. I'll try not to move too much.

(She hovers a hand over their nose, applying contra fire magic to it.)

[They tilt their head back and force their eyes shut as the magic is applied.]

Hm. Have you got a name, kid?

I’m not sure if I should tell you that.

[They cocked their head to the side, brows furrowing as they looked at her. Creepy goddamn smile on their face.]

Well, why not? Come on, there's no reason not to tell me, I don't bite or anything!

Patients sometimes get angry about the healing jobs we do or our bedside manner and try to slander us, so we’re not supposed to tell patients our names.

[They huff out a laugh to themself.] God- I understand that! You're just trying to do your job and people, for some reason, decide to get mad at you for it! Some people, my god-

Hm.

..I don’t have the best bedside manner, so it’s understandable, I suppose.

You've been perfectly nice to me so far! [The smile doesn't entirely reach their eyes. They're probably lying.] Besides, you're not a healer, not a therapist. It's not your job to coddle people.

(She shrugs.)

People need comforting when they are hurt.

Is your nose numb?

[They nod.]

Yes, thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m going to set it now. Is that alright?

[They shrug.] Go ahead, you're the professional here.

Not exactly but okay.

(She sets it in place and heals it.)

There. That’s as uncrooked as I could make it.

[They wince slightly as she sets it, but that's on instinct. Once she's done they reach up and tentatively touch it. Their voice is somewhat strained. A mix of angry and tired.]

That's- that's fine. Great. Just get the rest of it done quickly, would you?

(She reaches down, putting an arm under their legs and a hand on their lower back to turn them around and having sit fully on the cot with their legs spread out.)

..Well, that doesn’t look good.

(She says flatly.)

[The Journalist tenses as they are adjusted on the cot. They blanch, craning their neck to look at the freelancer.]

What? It can't be that bad, come on- nothing you can't handle, right?

I haven’t reset ankles before but I’ve read and practiced them.

Don’t look at them.

..Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with them?

[The Journalist starts staring at the ceiling. Wow, the ceiling of this room is really interesting.]

... sure. Not like today can't get any worse!

..So the right one is bent at a 90 degree angle and the other is bent.. straight towards your leg.

(She says, trying to be gentle.)

I'm going to burn that bar to the fucking ground, I swear to god-

[They forced themself to pull their hand away from their face and look atleast somewhat more composed.]

But you'll fix it, right? I get that you havent ddone this before but- hey- what's better than some on the job training! Even if it's at the cost of my ankles-

I’ll try my best, that’s for sure. I’ll have to readjust them first.. Or I might have to get my teacher.

..What bar?

Oh, the person who attacked me- or, well, it was more so her goons did the attacking- runs some dingy bar in the city. [They say with a shrug.] That's hardly important right now, though.

Alright.

..After I set your ankles, you might have to wear casts. Is that okay?

That's... fine. I'll just have to work from home for a little while, I guess.

I’m sorry. It’s just a precaution.

[They sighed.] It's fine. Do what you have to, healer.

(She smiles softly, bending down by their feet to apply contra fire magic to their feet.)

[They stay still, just staring at the ceiling. Still talking though. Probably to fill time, fill silence. Silence left room for regrets to slip in.]

Fire contra magic is pretty advanced. Your family must be very proud.

…I don’t want to be here. I want to stay home and help my dad with his shop. Had to come here though. ..It’s fine.

Ah, well, them's the breaks, and all that.

[They are not getting into all that. They go silent for a moment or so, fingers drumming against the edge of the cot.]

It can't be all that bad working here, though? I bet you've seen some interesting things!

Tons.

Can I readjust them now?

Go ahead.

Here’s something to bite on.

(She gives them a towel before gently pulling their left foot down into its regular position and healing it.)

[Their teeth clamp down around towel as she works. Their hands turned into fists, and the metal of the cot warped ever so slightly. The pain was dulled, yes, but instinct took over.]

... thank you.

You’re welcome.

Do you want me to do the casts one at a time or when they’re both in position?

When they're both in position.

Okay, second one. Get ready.

(She takes a deep breath to encourage them to do the same before twisting their right ankle back into place and healing it.)