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<12/31/1971 ~ 09:45 | Fronas, Gulop Region, Sprawn Valley>
The night passed on as if it were a normal day, but Danny and Taylor could detect only the atmosphere in Fronas. Whatever may be happening in Blue Port is still yet to be determined. The effects of the weather shift are expected to return to normal in all associated regions, but talk news was all over town. The incident even made national headlines on ProCom news.
School was never canceled, so that meant another class session was in for the morning of Friday. The sunlight in town was only half as intense as it normally was, accompanied by a thin fog that crept in overnight, and the people walking around were moving cautiously. Everybody must still be shaken up from what they saw. From Fronas, not much could be determined, but the same visual sighting from that blast in the sky was probably viewable from the entire Gulop region.
Danny and Taylor had to try and get things back to normal. They entered their class like everybody else did, expecting to meet up with Jane on the way to the desks. It was a longer walk with so much still on his mind. Danny slept okay last night, but it didn't help much with all he had to think about now. Eliza would still probably make them focus on their studies and training, but everything that happened yesterday was everybody's business. As for Francine's detour away from the private conversation, she ended up being distracted by more than what Danny planned for, until his return inside of the facility. He couldn't hide his emotions well last night, but what Francine thinks of it now doesn't matter anymore.
Walking alongside Taylor who was also silent, Danny wrapped his head mostly around the way he sounded yesterday. He remembered getting so angry with Jane, without much of a certainty as to why. Sure she lied, and to her, it was probably a tiny white lie as well when it came to the origins of the spell bomb. Jane didn't know anything herself, so how could she tell the truth? Using an unknown powerful spell bomb on herself in the middle of an illegal battle; that was Jane's thing now. Taylor only went with it because she trusted Jane. That's why she was so reluctant to agree to that fake battle yesterday. Taylor still trusted Jane's facade, so far as he remembered everything so clearly.
How could he not? Spawning some super powerful magic from the sky... No, the entire moon phased into some kind of auric beam. The very sight of it took his breath away. It somehow intentionally smashed down into Jane, as if done by design. Then Jane's energy scope was so messed up by the damage, obvious signs that it was no ordinary Leray magic. Even Eliza would agree with that much. And to think that all of this happened while he was looking at Leray weapons for sale...
"You okay?" Taylor tried to examine Danny's face for whatever he might be thinking. It was an easy guess as to what it was about, but Danny looked like he had lost his dog. That monotone expressionless face, it gave her the creeps. Though they were both walking to class together, the other students passing by in the hallways were all murmuring gossip about yesterday's events, particularly about Jane.
Danny looked up a little, skipping Taylor's glare. Everything about the hallways here were familiar to him, but he had only been enrolled at Dakota for less than two weeks. Even after learning much about the cool Leray magic he sought to discover, absolutely nothing could dissuade his thoughts away from Jane. The first time they met was in class, with that long and annoying stare down. Jane was strange, and certainly pretty for her age, so he followed her out of class to learn why she didn't care at all for Leray magic. And what did he find? "Sure..."
Danny gave his response finally, getting Taylor to be silent. He wasn't trying to ignore her, but the memories on automatic playback were unstoppable. It felt like Danny needed to revisit every single moment, so he kept on, right from where they really met. Jane left class to go train her skills to peak in the hallway. She could have used a dark room, or the great outdoors, but she must have done it in the wrong place on purpose. Jane knew he and Taylor would try to get to know her better, forcefully if necessary. At first, she was pretending to be the school bully. It's hard to see without all of the extra stuff in between that which he and Taylor both became such great friends with Jane. But why? Danny and Taylor grew up together by circumstance of placement, and it took years for him and Taylor to get along with each other this well.
Jane is another story. She's tough on herself, arrogant as hell, and carries around an energy that stuns everyone. Her anger can make a hardened criminal shy away. Her smile could cure any illness. And all at the same time, she's the most unusual, most annoying girl he's ever met! All she wants to do is go on some journey and have good friends? Then why does she have to be such a freaking idiot?!
"You're thinking about Jane still, aren't you?" Taylor could tell that Danny was in a trance, but she didn't want to be ignored, not today of all days.
Danny continued his thoughts first. Of course he was still thinking about Jane, but how? He and Taylor have known Jane for less time than they've known about Sprawn Valley. In one day, they began practicing together, training together, teaching each other, encouraging each other. It was only three or so nights before Jane had them both stop by her house and Taylor held her own sleepover with Jane. The moment felt so distant now, but for that night, everything was so blissful. It might even be easy to see how Taylor wasn't mad at Jane for much of a moment at all. Taylor always had trouble keeping the friends she made back home after a year of time. It makes sense to why she wants to hang on for Jane a little longer. "Who isn't thinking about Jane these days?"
His remark had evidence all around them. People were either talking about the flash of light, or about how Jane was collapsed after having been rushed here on Danny's back. It was incredible and relieving at the same time that nobody here was pestering Danny about the details, if they truly remembered everything right for their eyes. "Hm." Taylor faced forward again, realizing they needed to turn here since they were almost at their class already. Danny was right, but that wasn't really an answer. Taylor tried to remember the same sense of excitement she had so many times in a row before, but it was just diminished right now. Leray magic was a good part of life here, but Jane was the one with an incredible sense of adventure and determination, the only one who actually made Leray magic wonderful and interesting. It made Taylor comfortable in a way she could not describe, but after yesterday, all of those feelings hid away somewhere. Was Jane going to be like the same person in class today as she always was, and what are all of the other students going to say about her? Nobody missed it when Danny came into town, Jane unconscious and in serious health on his back while the medical team had to carry her in. She was okay last night after she woke up, at least she looked healthy enough. Talk about a speedy recovery. Knowing her, Jane could already be fully recovered by now, trying to forget that incident ever happened at all.
Danny walked through the door, already open from the other students. Class was still settling, even though it starts in only two minutes. At least five more people were not here yet, and the others were still situating, moving around from seat to seat as usual. Eliza was getting herself situated as well, setting up her things on her desk, but even she looked distracted and disenchanting. There was no doubt about it. The atmosphere of normality had been disturbed even today. The students were more quiet and melancholy, just as Danny was. Though they aren't really Jane's friends, they must still look up to her for inspiration. After those neat tricks she pulled Wednesday with the evasion therapy, how could anyone not be impacted by Jane's brilliance?
Taylor sat down next to Danny as usual. The one empty seat in front of her was reserved for Jane lately, and was still empty while the other late ones snuck in. It's not like anyone gets penalized for being late, so it made less of an entrance than one would have usually recognized in a normal school. Taylor forgot how lenient the school system is here compared to standard schools back in Kalamo. Just asking the wrong teacher to use the bathroom can become grounds for automatic detention. Wonder if they even have a detention here?
Danny studied Eliza's expression steadily. She looked just as messed up by this as he did. What kind of lesson was she about to pull out of her hat this time, now that everyone has all lost their mojo? Why even have school in session today of all days? A national level incident wasn't enough to call for a break here?
Eliza finally got herself prepared to speak to the class, just after the initial bells rang through the speaker systems. Eliza first glanced at the clock, making sure it was only ten A.M., and then she noticed that there was one seat empty. After a quick and careful count of heads, forcing her to let the class wait even longer, there was certainly a student missing today. As fate would have it, Jane was totally absent.
Normally, it may be practical for Jane to skip out on class and train some more instead of learning, but that only happened after checking in with Eliza first. This time, there was nothing of her presence. She had not seen Jane all day, even if it was early in the morning. After a short call yesterday night however, Eliza learned that Jane was discharged from medical. So her earlier condition shouldn't actually be a physical barrier either. "Does anyone have the whereabouts of Jane?"
Heads turned everywhere, with her very name super volatile with everyone in the room. Danny and Taylor exchanged glances as well. As far as they knew from this morning, Jane was discharged as healthy, and viable to return to her home as she did. Her parents were supposedly worried about her, but Danny and Taylor only heard of it this morning from Nurse Francine. Neither one of them had actually seen Jane, not even walking with her in school. So where the hell was she?
Eliza sighed, daring not to think of the number of reasons that would leave Jane out this time. "Very well then. That will have to go on her attendance." Eliza recalled the lesson plans she had for today, which were specifically altered from the original plans. "Today class, we will simply be engaged in free form training. Learn any skill you want, and brush up on the ones you know if need be. But make sure you're training for something. I don't want to see anybody wasting time. We'll head to the dark room as we usually would. Once class ends, you may find Lisa to brush up on your evasion therapy as planned this afternoon."
Taylor had forgotten about this in the earlier confusion. Evasion therapy class was supposed to be today, but due to the events, Eliza wasn't even taking part it in, nor was it being made a big deal as it should. Why even host school today if things are this bad? Every word coming from Eliza's mouth are totally depressing and degraded of all passion.
Danny couldn't believe this! No way was that the actual lesson plan in the original form. She changed it, sheared down today's events on purpose. Even their own teacher was way off from her normal mood. Eliza didn't even offer half the amount of enthusiasm she normally would with announcing a free-for-all training. The life's been drained out of everyone! Is Jane's absence too much to handle, that we all have to resort to free form loose training?
Taylor couldn't blame the teacher for the decision. There was no way that was part of the original lesson plan with how things were speeding up from the start of this week. But with Eliza far out of phase from the events yesterday, how the hell is she going to be on top of her own game today? Nobody was capable of being exceptional right now, though the dark room awaited everyone anyway.
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The dark room, just as large and oddly colored as usual. The students each lined up in their chosen workspace, aiming more spells at the walls. Most of them were already chanting them successfully, focusing on the ones that made use of glyphrings, but Danny and Taylor were far from the mood to practice anything. It goes without saying that they first needed to make sure that Jane was okay. Others around them failed to find motivation as well, but they hardly were willing or capable enough to try and find Jane by themselves.
Eliza was standing alone, performing little to no action at all near the entrance of the dark room. Both Danny and Taylor were in sync to follow her up and ask questions. Though Taylor went first. "Miss Eliza?"
The teacher turned to face both of them, certain that she was either going to be buying or selling information related to Jane Venn. "I don't even need to ask what this is about, do I?"
Danny simply began with the part of Jane's absence that made little sense. "Is Jane absent frequently?"
Eliza nodded, with her eyes widening in response that they didn't already figure that out. "No way in any dimension. It's rare to have any student absent for reasons other than illnesses or exhaustion. But Jane is the kind of person who wouldn't even let an attack like yesterday's get the best of her."
Taylor looked at Danny again, trying to figure out which one is the right question to ask. "I thought Jane checked out from medical last night, to go home in good health."
Eliza folded her arms, thinking about what that could really mean. "Though some nurses often overlook a complete recovery protocol, I got the call myself. Jane was in enough health to return home and rest. But her parents did most of the work. She could even be out from the continued need to rest right now... I can't blame her. If I got hit from a blast in the sky, you think I would show up for work?"
Danny began to see where this was going. He and Taylor were probably worrying for nothing, but it still isn't like Jane not to tell them about it, right...? Come again, Danny believed he knew Jane top down bottom up yesterday, until she went and performed a stunt like that. "I guess not..."
Eliza could sense it with her eyes, the worry on both their faces. She was worried too, but obligated as a teacher not to dwell into their private lives like that. Jane's parents would not let her stay home if nothing was wrong with her. Even though lots of people were worried for Jane, Taylor and Danny in particular were special. Jane accepts them into everything she does; she had ever since they arrived in Fronas. It's amazing to see how much she accepted them so quickly since their enrollment into Dakota. With friends like that, it can't be a bad idea to let them deal with the personal stuff.
Taylor didn't know what to say. Sure Jane may be tired, and Eliza also has a point. Still, Taylor was far from sure of herself. She picked up on it immediately, the fact that her own teacher just disclosed confidential medical information on a patient to people not even in Jane's biological family. It goes to show how much the teacher is aware of the pact they have with Jane, but it also goes to show how much Eliza cares too. With a student who always tries harder than what is physically possible, and takes love for Leray magic to a whole new level, Jane has to be Eliza's most favorite student. It's not hard to believe that Jane and Eliza were good friends too behind some scenes. But for this one thing, Taylor just had to be certain.
Eliza noticed a growing silence of anticipation. It's like they wanted to ask her for permission, but were too fazed to even talk about it. It would be the best way, and with friends like that, neither one of them were going to do well in basic practice with too much on their mind. "Very well," Eliza permitted. They both looked strangely at her for answering to something that didn't even leave their lips. "You both have my permission to check up on Jane's family. But that's it!"
Taylor could feel it, every sector of the muscles in her body relaxed more than they had all morning. "Thanks! I promise we'll be right back." Danny was looking at Taylor in agreement, ready to take off to Jane's house.
Eliza warned, "Take your time. Class isn't officially over today until two." Her two students nodded and left in a haste out the door. It was a little unusual to keep an early class going for so long, but there were grace periods, and the evaluation had to come up sometime. With those two in charge of Jane's situation, maybe she can come back and everything will return to normal.
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Chapter Theme Music: Calm ~ Aleksander Randjelovic (Genesis Rising OST)
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A passionate fire; burning so hot, young, and strong. Danny thought of a short poem verse that might describe Jane perfectly... Okay, it wasn't perfect, but it was still accurate. Jane was not only the center of attention in the entire town, but her very effort reflected in the eyes of her peers, even her friends. And that fire spread from person to person, connecting with Jane, only to burn out if ever she did. Is this the reason everyone is in a deterred mood today? Does Jane really control that much encouragement, that her very health and wellbeing determines that of the school and her friends as well? Danny missed that sensation. It wasn't long ago before he was watching Jane move so elegantly on Wednesday with her evasion training against her own teacher. Monday, he had his first battle ever against a low-level creature, but he won because of Jane's determination. It sparked just as much fire into him and Taylor as she had for herself. Sometimes it was even just the desire to outperform Jane at her own game that allowed him to focus so well. Even if Jane is always obnoxious and annoying, there is never a dull moment spent with or around her. She is the center of interest in town because she is so fired up all the time, and Danny could no longer pretend that all of it wasn't at least just a little bit fun. He missed that feeling around every corner. There is no way he was about to let that go away for good. If Jane is just moping around, we'll both drag her out of bed together. Whatever the case may be, he's going to find out right now!
Taylor was speed walking alongside Danny, noticing how quickly his stance and muscle tensing changed. He looked angry or edgy about something, but they were only a few more feet from Jane's house already. All they had to do was walk right up to the front door and knock. Even though it was early, and normally it could be a little rude, this was no time at all for over-polite manners.
Danny went first, giving the wooden door two solid consecutive knocks. Of course, it was going to take a few moments to tell if anybody was planning to open the door. The noises coming from the inside were really muffled out from the soundproof walls and ceiling. Though the house was made out of wood, it was very well built to be so sturdy and elegant.
Taylor heard the noise level increase closer to the door, indicating that someone did in fact hear the knock, and was going to open the entrance. Expecting to see Jane, Jane's father poked his head out to meet the knockers. They were immediately recognized, but it was automatically awkward since they were not exactly invited here.
Smith slightly slid his door open a little more, knowing that Danny and Taylor have been inside twice before and could be trusted thus far. But did Jane invite them here for something earlier? It didn't make much sense to have them here now. "Can I help you?" he croaked.
Taylor picked up Danny's momentum as well, standing strong to indicate that she wanted answers from Jane immediately. "Yes. We were wondering where Jane is?"
Smith exhaled quickly, "Jane's sleeping. You're not to bother her right now."
Smith was about to shut the door right in their face, but Danny stopped it with his shoe. That interaction seemed to make Smith glare at Danny with a dangerous confusion, while giving him plenty of chance to explain what this was about. "Please. We won't bother her. We just want to know if she is okay."
Smith's expression froze where it was, creating a silence that fell to question on him. The both of Jane's friends were standing right here. And all they wanted to do was check up on her? Why did they have to do this so personally?
"Are those Jane's friends?" Tiffany quizzed. She was currently taking care of their dinner table when she spotted some people at the front door while Smith was conversing with them. "Will you please let them in dear?"
Smith did as his wife asked him to, since it wouldn't hurt anything anyway. Danny and Taylor both found their way inside, but took their time to get around. They intentionally waited downstairs until they were given permission to see Jane upstairs, if that is where she really was.
Tiffany approached both of them first, "What can we do for you?"
Taylor felt her nerves calm, even though Jane must not have been well. After being in her house though, it almost felt like better days when Jane was showing the both of them around. The feeling of such happiness and wonderful memories flooded her mind just by what she could see here. Tiffany didn't look worried, but she really seemed to be in charge of Jane today. "I... I want to talk to Jane. I think she might be upset about yesterday."
Tiffany stood taller, forced to remember that scene. "If you're wondering about Jane's absence in school this morning, I'm afraid her mental state has nothing to do with it."
"Don't either of you be too pessimistic. Jane is sick," Smith summarized. "But she'll be fine. And I need the two of you to keep it quiet while she rests."
"Oh." Taylor felt surprised. When did Jane ever get sick? Was it something serious?
"It's probably a flu," Tiffany assumed. "She has a high fever, so we're keeping her out of school today and tomorrow if necessary."
Danny tensed to that sort of news. Jane was really sick, and here he was thinking it was just a morale issue with her today. "That's terrible!" he whispered, trying not to wake Jane up.
Smith and Tiffany both walked to where the sofa and recliners where. After sitting down there, Danny and Taylor followed the same actions, with Taylor sitting on the recliner, and Danny standing up. It was weird, having a sit down like this in front of Jane's family while she was upstairs and incapacitated.
"You two should be in class, yes?" Tiffany wanted to see how they felt about Jane in particular. She already knew they were friends, but Jane is often very selective with the people she wants to hang out with. "You'll miss training."
Danny nodded, and though Taylor seemed in agreement as well, he expressed his concerns before she could. "I can't worry about that right now. Not while Jane is sick like you say."
"You really worry about her, huh?"
Taylor studied Smith's reaction. It was like they were testing the power of the friendship they had with Jane, but Taylor was just fine with the end result. "Of course we do! Jane and us have been through a lot in just a couple of weeks. She's our training partner, so that makes her health our concern too."
In most situations, Taylor was being just a little forceful about that concept, but Jane's family didn't seem to mind it at all, quite the opposite in fact. "I'm so glad that Jane has such wonderful people looking after her," Tiffany expressed. Jane chose such wonderful people to follow her this time. They're like a new formed family! "And when she graduates to go on her journey, I'll feel so comfortable knowing you will be traveling with her."
Danny sent the same blessing. "For now, that is the current plan."
Smith seemed to lighten up. It had a lot more to do with chattering around than sitting on his couch. "You two like Leray magic a lot, don't you?"
"Well..." Danny took a pause in his answer. That would be hard to agree to. Jane is the one who loves Leray magic... So then why is he here, checking up on Jane? Why is he staying in Fronas to keep Taylor safe? Where does all of this end?
Taylor cut him off since he wanted time to think about it. There was no need to keep the truth from Jane's own parents, not right now. "We do, but we're still kind of new to it all. We're not originally from Sprawn Valley."
"How do you like it so far?" Tiffany quizzed
Taylor took the liberty to answer for Danny again, and her mood seemed to be lifting at the same time, just a little. "It's great here! We've only been in Fronas, and to Blue Port once, but things in Sprawn Valley are so different, as with the magic stuff too."
"Hm!" Smith exhaled in a confident utter. "Well Jane still wins hands down with her excitement for Leray magic. She was born for the stuff. I bet she's way ahead of you two put together."
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Danny didn't answer, and Taylor felt a little embarrassed by how high above them Jane was on a skill level. Jane really is so strong with Leray magic, and has the most unique understanding anyone has ever demonstrated before. "Well, when you say it like that..." Taylor could tell she was having just a little more fun than before. She and Danny had been talking and thinking about Jane all day, but with her family here to focus on the good memories, it certainly made her feel better about everything.
Danny came to a question he didn't want to, and since it regarded how he felt about Jane, kept it to himself indefinitely. Taylor looked around left and right, suddenly distracted by some certain detail bugging her. "Doesn't Jane have a sister? Where is she now?"
Smith felt his blood pressure rising again, but he tried to control his temper as best he could. "It's like Iona doesn't even live here anymore. I don't know what that one has been up to of late, but she won't come home. Only calling in every two or three days..."
Taylor felt a bit surprised. Sure, Jane's sister was the older one, and probably more of the trouble making type... But Iona is still Jane's family! "How could she? Does she even care about the stuff going on with Jane?!"
"Only over the phone deer," Tiffany finished. To her, it wasn't surprising at all. Typical Iona behavior these days was to brush off her own family only to call in every so often. Iona already heard of the news regarding Jane, but still refused to return home for a proper family night. It may still have much to do with the constant arguments Iona and her dad get into. Such a rebellious type for no good reason. It went without saying that Jane and Iona were opposites.
Danny could tell that Smith hated talking about Iona. It was obvious how tense he became in the last ten seconds, and it was best to leave that subject alone once again. "So, Jane will be okay, right?"
"Of course," Smith eased. "No need to worry. It could just be a cold."
"But..." Taylor knew it made little sense, the details from last night. "Why would the medical facility discharge her if she was so sick?"
Tiffany answered, "Well, the only symptoms of fever and weakness occurred this morning when we tried to wake her up. As far as the doctors are concerned, Jane was fine when they released her. Of course what do they know?" Tiffany worded her tone to make it sound as if the doctors didn't have the slightest idea what was going on with Jane lately. "But if her fever does not break, we will be taking her back there for treatment."
Danny ducked his head down slightly, again in deep thought... Sure, they think Jane will be alright. But Leray magic doesn't protect from illnesses. That's what everyone keeps saying anyway.
"You know, don't you?"
Danny perked his head back up, realizing that Smith was studying him like a bug. At least it didn't feel as creepy as it did before. Danny didn't think he had a crush on Jane anyway after his long thought process, but be damned if he was about to let anything bad befall her. Wait. What do I know? What did Smith just ask? "Huh?"
Smith continued, "I know you're both concerned. Jane is ill, bad enough as that may be. Leray magic has zero protection or effect on any aliments of sickness in Sprawn Valley, or anywhere else. But that doesn't mean that Jane is walking around with a deadly virus. At worse, it has to be a flu."
Just a simple flu? Don't certain flu strands kill people? It wasn't easy to be certain. All he could do right now is trust her father's judgment. "Yeah, you're right." Danny still wasn't sure, but this was their own daughter they were talking about. Not only are they biologically programed to love Jane, taking into account all they've been through since her birth, there is no denying the fact that even Jane's parents could be overlooking something deadly simply because it would be unbearable to consider. But it worked for him too. A flu sounds better than anything else does so far, because that means Jane will recover and be fine within a week or less.
"She's asleep for now, so you can't go upstairs to bother her," Tiffany ordered. "Either way, Jane has the best people looking after her right now, so you should be heading along now with your studies. I imagine class is still in session?"
Taylor thought about what all of them were saying. Jane probably was going to be fine, and so would Taylor just by hearing Tiffany's testimony. But she wasn't okay right now. Jane may be asleep, but Taylor had a flu once, a nasty illness if she ever did have one. Once a fever gets high enough, displeasure skyrockets, and hallucinations can even occur. Jane's parents had a lot to look after. They were certainly capable, but after all Jane has done for her, there was at least one easy way of returning a favor short hand. "Actually, I want to help out." Smith and Tiffany both looked at Taylor with curiosity. "You know, around the house, or just helping take care of Jane."
"Now - now, you don't have to do that..."
Taylor cut Smith off before he could finish. "I want to though. I know I don't owe you anything, but I just want to help out for Jane's sake."
Tiffany smiled helplessly. "You really care about Jane more than I thought."
"She helps us out in tight spots," Danny added. "And if it were me sick in bed, I know I would feel better having my friends looking after me from some kind of distance." Danny's choice of words made it sound like he was referring to any old friends, but in truth, he had none. Most of them back in Kalamo were just acquaintances, and being cool guys, they aren't the kind of people who watch other dudes recover from illness. Of course, he never could have made that comparison in his mind before coming here and learning as much as he had, but he did consider Taylor to be a good friend, while Jane another. It sounded like a lot of housework had to get done, but if Taylor was in, so was he. "I'll help out too - with anything you need."
"That's good to hear," Smith sounded. "For now we'll start with a little house cleaning, eh?"
They began standing up. Danny was already standing, but he felt that same familiar confidence he craved before. It was different this time, because all he needed to do was believe that Jane is going to be okay from this. While helping her family out was not a requirement at all, it was for some odd reason more fun than training with his Leray abilities in class. Helping out with house chores would not be too bad either. Jane's parents had to be trusting them more from this. Taylor must have also felt the same sense of greatness just by being in this house. Of course, it wasn't the house that was so special; it was what they were doing for Jane.
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Little time passed while Danny and Taylor began near the kitchen. Jane's parents already finished eating lunch, being that they are early birds. Little things like counter cleaning, sweeping, and dishes needed to be dealt with. Jane's mother and father were helping out as well, making small talk with Jane's friends in the process.
"So how did you first meet Jane?" Tiffany had asked Taylor about that moment, while she was putting away the dishes that Taylor was scrubbing.
The running water made it harder to hear, so Taylor spoke up when she answered. "Oh, that..." Taylor didn't forget, but it was so hard to believe that only several days ago, she hated Jane's guts. Since she was pretending to be smarter and better than her, (although Jane probably still thinks that today without saying it), it was inevitable to feel she was a rival. "Actually, Jane was bullying us to start." Taylor immediately noticed concern expressed on Tiffany's face, and realized it was bad paraphrasing on her part. "No, I mean, she was pretend bulling."
"Why on earth would she pretend to bully you?" Tiffany asked.
Taylor had to think of how to put that into words, since it made little sense herself. "She was testing us I think. Jane wanted to know how much Danny and I cared about Leray magic before doing anything else. But if you ask me, it's a strange way to make friends like that."
"Strange indeed," Tiffany responded. "But all things considered, it does sound like something Jane would do. So in the beginning, you practically hated her."
"Ah— no! Not that!" Taylor didn't mean for her story to come out like that. "I mean, I just didn't like her as much is all."
Tiffany laughed at Taylor's embarrassment. "You're lucky Jane isn't awake to hear you now."
Taylor laughed sympathetically with a nervous style. If Jane did know what Taylor was saying, even if she was just joking, a massive Fire Bolt to her face would be Jane's most lenient punishment. Taylor returned to scrubbing more plates. Her thoughts echoed back to the memories of her and Jane. "Still..." she continued, "It was that very day after when she offered to train us personally. We of course accepted, after seeing how skilled she really was."
"It's definitely something to be proud of." Smith's familiar voice was slightly unexpected. He had just come from outside, helping Danny keep the lawn tidy. Although, everyone's front and back yard in Fronas was practically the same as the lawn of the entire flat field which makes up the town. Danny was with him, returned from their last duties when he caught Taylor saying great things about Jane's physical persona.
Danny saw Taylor again, and waved a simple greeting. "Hey Tay." Taylor lifted her hand up and turned her head slightly in response. Seems like there was still plenty to do, and Jane was still the top subject today. Must be the top gossip lately for the school as well, though for other reasons.
Tiffany continued helping Taylor with what she meant to say, she already knew it herself. "Jane has always been trying her hardest to learn Leray magic. Ever since she was little, she dreamed of becoming a Leray master. Now it seems she's taken some of her own classmates under wing. You know Jane once tried to train two teens before?"
"How did that turn out?" Danny tested. He already knew that Jane mentioned it once before, but not with much detail. Therefore, he was about to learn something interesting, probably something that could embarrass Jane if she were here.
"They weren't listening to her because they didn't care about becoming Leray masters. The students only wanted to fly by on good grades no matter what it took without all the effort. So Jane just left them alone. And when there was no change in their attitude, she sort of exploded on them both."
From what Tiffany was saying, Taylor knew she heard about this before, most likely from Eliza, except for the explosion part. Now it seemed more appropriate that Tiffany meant Jane exploding with outbursts of rage and fury, but a magical explosion of energy could also live up to Jane's reputation too. Needless to say, they weren't very tight after that. Poor Jane. All she wanted were friends who would also spar with her. Now that she has them both...
Smith looked at Danny, then to Taylor. "How much have you successfully learned from her already?"
Danny went first, since Taylor was distracted at the sign of almost being done with her work. "Like everyone else, we first had to learn how to use Radial Stars. Jane showed us that. But then she showed us other powers as well. I can now use Fire Bolt because of her, and that's not something first years are good at learning with only two weeks of experience."
"Of course," Taylor mentioned, "Jane has several abilities she has yet to learn as well. She really gives it her all. I'm trying to learn Shadow Wave next."
"Taylor," Tiffany called. "Can you get the rag pack from the closet? It's getting time to check Jane's fever again."
"Of course." Taylor walked out of the kitchen, with the closet being located in the living room's edge.
That just left Danny with Smith and Tiffany, triggering another conversation. "So," Smith began. "You and Taylor seem like a tight couple as well. You two best friends?"
Danny felt like he was getting ready to sweat. Was Smith match making him and Taylor, or was his phrasing just a little off? "Yeah. Me and Taylor are good friends, since a long time ago. And we're both from the same parts in Kalamo, so it's hard not to bump into each other back home."
"Of course we didn't know anything about Leray magic back then," Taylor echoed. She had been paying attention too, already returned with an opened bag of small rags in her hands. They were meant to handle Jane, but Tiffany needed to wet them down first. "That didn't stop Danny from being a doof sometimes."
"Hey, I'm not a doof!" Danny took that insult defensively, but the others were close to chuckling at his reaction. Short tempered and predictable. That's what they must have thought of him now. "Besides, I'm not the one who would always chicken out of things back home."
"I didn't chicken out!" Taylor looked at Jane's parents in shame, realizing that she just lied to herself. There were hundreds of strange things Danny made her try, whether it was the spiciest food around, or just a simple skateboard ride down a slope. "Much..." Taylor felt the extra much was at least necessary.
Smith tilted his head in response. "I think I'm starting to get the picture." They were both still young after all. Danny and Taylor must rarely let up on childish teasing and arguing with each other over the stupidest things. One might begin to think they were brother and sister.
Tiffany folded over the complete rag, after soaking it in icy water from a container. She held it out, trying to make it fresh. "This one's ready, but first we should check Jane's temp again."
"May I?" Taylor held out her hands, offering to help out with this as well. It was obvious that she wanted a chance to see Jane's condition for herself. It was hard to believe at all that she was sick, and Taylor needed to see it firsthand to believe it so.
Danny felt comfortable that Taylor is still her old self as usual. She does things like this all the time. While concern for Jane is in the way, it's also true that Taylor won't be comfortable with bad news unless she can learn it from a more direct source. Somehow, by checking up on Jane, Taylor might feel better about the whole thing. But if she doesn't...
Tiffany hesitated with a pause, picking up on Taylor's intentions, but as long as she was going to take care of Jane in the process, there wasn't a problem with it. Tiffany handed the cloth to Taylor, along with the tint thermometer she was hiding in her hand. "Sure. Just keep it quiet and low if she's asleep."
Danny felt a little left out, but it was still no big deal. Jane was alive after all, and still somewhat recovering from that light blast yesterday... Come to think of it, Jane's incident from yesterday and this morning's illness are really close together in timing. What if the two aliments are related somehow?
"I will." Taylor took the instruments, and headed upstairs. Her shoes were a bit loud on the wooden built stairs that squeaked slightly with each step, but Jane's room was a bit of the way up anyway. Danny and the others were left downstairs to continue that chitchat.
Taylor slowly opened the room to Jane's door. Well enough she was there, but Jane was deeply wrapped under her comforter. She looked like she was trying to stay warm, but it wasn't even cold in the house right now. Courtesy of the fever she has?
The sunlight barely peaked through her window, partially blocked by random puffy clouds in the sky. Jane's room was still just a little bit messy as usual, but there was plenty of room to walk around in. Jane on the other hand looked like a totally different person. She shifted in her bed, now facing Taylor. Her face was pale, and it looked like she was wearing pajamas under the crack of the blanket. Taylor wondered what Jane was thinking right now, but as she approached Jane, it was as if she never took notice to register Taylor's entrance. "Hey Jane..."
Once Taylor got close enough, she could clearly see that Jane was literally sweating everywhere and shivering at the same time. Taylor first took the thermometer, and asked Jane to use it. "Here Jane, fever check."
Jane was staring off blankly, and her pupils were really small. Jane tried to whisper something out of her mouth, but her lips barely moved at all, making her sentence hard to understand. "I... Trick move. Ugh..."
"What?" Taylor mumbled.
"Fire Bolt..."
Taylor tilted her head. It was like Jane was dreaming with her eyes open, or she was in some kind of trance. Taylor moved her hand in front of Jane's face. Jane wasn't even coherent enough to know that Taylor was there. Even more strangely, the size of her pupils were unchanged from Taylor's hand blocking out more of the light. Confused, Taylor put the thermometer in Jane's mouth anyway, hoping not to get her saliva on her hand. Taylor then had to keep Jane's mouth closed with the other hand, since she was still sort of trying to speak. How could Jane be this badly out of whack?
Only a few seconds passed for the thermometer to report the temperature, and it rung up as 104.9o F on scale. Taylor was stunned. 104.9?! That's really high for a fever of any kind. Not to mention that thermometers are always a little bit off downside when used under the tongue, assuming that rumor is true. Taylor took the device out of Jane's mouth, and still she wasn't responding to her presence... Jane is hallucinating!
Taylor scrambled for that cold rag she brought up with her, placing it firmly on Jane's head. It took a moment for her to respond at all. Even while she was in a trance, Jane moved her right hand and pressed down on her forehead. It was like she still knew that a nice cold rag was there, but wasn't she just shivering a moment ago? Damn! The fever must also be giving her one hell of a headache. This is bad. Taylor wasn't expecting symptoms like this.
After taking a stress-relieving gulp, Taylor made sure everything around the room and around Jane was perfect. That warming comforter wasn't helping much, but what else could Jane do in this state? Her parents should know that the fever got higher. Jane wasn't even responding to anything Taylor did or said to her. She was technically awake, but too far out of it to understand. Taylor turned around, taking only the fever checker with her out of the room.
After passing back downstairs, Taylor faced all three of them, Danny, Tiffany, and Smith, but it was hard to say anything at first.
"How is she?" Smith requested.
Taylor took a short breath, and told them of the news. "Jane's fever is at one hundred and four point nine. She's hallucinating already."
Danny gasped silently, while Smith and Tiffany glanced at each other in synchronicity. Tiffany rushed to the closet on her feet, responding with an upset attitude while Smith thought of what to do next. "I'll put a cooling blanket over her. If her fever doesn't go down in the next ten minutes, she's going back to medical."
"We'll take care of her," Smith promised. He was currently talking to Danny and Taylor, but his body language immediately suggested that he and Tiffany wanted to take it over from here. "I think now is a good time for you lads to head home. There's nothing you can do for her here."
Taylor opened her mouth to disagree, but she couldn't. What could she really do to help bring a whole fever down? Even with a Leray Ice Ball, it isn't going to work on a fever like that. What Jane really needed now was her own caring mother, and the medical facility if her parents choose so. Most importantly, they both need space to take care of this. "Okay." Taylor felt disappointed, but more so worried. She continued down the stairs, dragging Danny along on signal. "Come on."
Danny knew this wasn't good. His first clue came when Taylor didn't come downstairs all carefree like he expected her to, but this was worse than he initially imagined.
"We appreciate the help." Smith didn't want them to think their visit here was for nothing. "Now all we can do is wait." Danny and Taylor both nodded in agreement with him, and then left the house through the front entrance. Smith then returned to his thoughts. He wasn't a doctor himself, but to get such a fever this high and so suddenly, it makes no sense.
Danny and Taylor shut the door on their way out, and put just a small distance between Jane's house and themselves on the field. Taylor felt even more depressed now, but what could anyone do anymore? Why was Jane so sick all the sudden? "Agh!"
Danny immediately noticed Taylor's frustration. "Want to practice some spells?" Danny's offer brought Taylor back to attention, but she wasn't sure why he was asking that now. "It helps me to unwind a little. Take your mind off this just a small bit."
"Fine," Taylor snapped. It was better than standing here doing nothing. Both Danny and Taylor walked away some more, putting some distance between each other and Jane's house as to not attract attention from them. This was their new common standard method of practicing old skills. Since they needed to learn how to dodge attacks as well as deliver them, Taylor and Danny would shoot off attacks at each other now, dodging each successful invocation if they could. Since Dakota was no longer taking evasion therapy seriously, this would still work out for them both.
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Chapter Theme Music: Homeless Life ~ Lorne Balfe (Beyond Two Souls OST)
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Taylor went first, quickly charging her MP energy into her newest learned attack skill. Creating a large red glyphring around her wrist with a flame symbol inside, Taylor cast off her move almost immediately, releasing her energy into a massive ball of fire heading for Danny straight away. "Fire Bolt!"
Danny jumped to the left out of the way to dodge, but he intentionally waited until the last second, like Jane knew to. Fire Bolt is the upgraded version of Fire Ball, and has homing projectile properties. Dodging at the last second is the only way to move out of its trajectory in time, which is exactly what Danny did. At the same time he was dodging, he was also charging some MP energy for his own attack.
Danny began forming the same red glyphring around his wrist. He then lifted his arm to aim, and hollered the spell "Fire Bolt!" Danny knew the skill now as well, as a large bolt of fire shot from his open hand without fail. Taylor dodged the Fire Bolt by spinning left to dodge at the last second. It worked equally as well as it did for Danny.
Danny waited for Taylor to fire off another attack, but while they had the field to themselves, he also tried to figure out Jane's condition. The strangeness about the timing was still there. "Tay? Do you think it's weird for Jane to have this mysterious illness only a day after she was hit by that light pulse?"
Taylor was about to send another attack over, but she stopped immediately, lowering her arms slowly in response to what Danny just said. Jane's illness and that light pulse, related? "Danny... If they are related, we have to tell someone, or fix it somehow."
"Yeah, but—"
"I'm serious!" Taylor hollered. "Jane won't recover without help if that's really the case."
"I hear ya," Danny pleaded. "But we don't know for sure if they are connected." Danny folded his arms, since it usually helps him think faster. Taylor was relaxed too, unable to continue training with the new thought on her mind. It was a little surprising that she didn't pick up on that already. Then again, neither did her family. "We don't even know what that spell bomb did."
"It doesn't matter," Taylor realized. "This has gotten too far off now. We have to tell someone what really happened. Only then can we figure out why Jane is sick."
"But we can't, remember?" Danny needed not remind Taylor just how serious of an offense it was to illegally use Leray magic. Taylor's name was attached to that crime as well, and moreover, Jane still wants them both to keep it a secret. "It's not a secret for us to tell, and Jane wants her name clear."
Taylor brushed her hair and took a deep breath. "Danny? If Jane's very life is still on the line, then illegal doesn't matter anymore. Making her better does. If we keep her secret now, and can't find out what's wrong with her, and then she dies, it will all be on us, on you."
Danny knew Taylor was guilt tripping him about it, but Jane specifically requested him not to tell anybody. And after hearing how sick she was, his anger towards Jane from yesterday had completely diminished. Now she was going to die? "Taylor, we can't—"
"We can't just let her die!" Taylor didn't want to cry right now. She managed to hold back the tears in her eyes, but she couldn't hide her croaking voice. It made Danny shudder in shame.
Taylor was right, but it still doesn't help Jane to tell everyone, right...? Still, if he really does nothing, and Jane does die, he wouldn't be able to live with himself. Matter of fact, the thought of Jane dying was out of the question. With a defeated sigh, Danny let Taylor have her way this time. "Okay. So what's our next step? What do we do, and who do we tell?"
Taylor took a lot of time first to think about it. The Leray agents would not know what to do. They aren't knowledgeable with what happened in Blue Port, and their very job is much like the same as the police force or detective agencies. Eliza was already on to them before... But being a teacher, and one so close to Jane already, she has to know a thing or two about the spell bomb that Jane used on herself. In fact, since it's related to magic, Eliza may be the best candidate to siphon information from, even if Danny went through all the trouble lying the way he did last night... Well, partially lying anyway. Taylor thought about it again; spell bombs. "That's it!" After immediately receiving Danny's ears, Taylor shared the plan to him. "We can ask Eliza about spell bombs. We don't have to tell them anything about what happened to Jane if we can at least learn what type of spell bomb she used."
Danny looked higher towards Taylor's face. What brilliance! "That's right! Nobody knows that Jane used a spell bomb. Because she wasn't quote, battling, there would be no hint of that. Which means, we can ask about spell bombs all we want without anyone getting suspicious."
"Well I am smart after all."
Okay Tay, let's not get carried away. Danny had to agree though that it was a good idea, and it was still some time away from hour fourteen hundred. Class would still be in session, so Eliza would still be in the dark room. But then, how to approach... "What about the symbol? Every spell bomb has a specific symbol that invokes like a glyphring when it gets activated, right? Do you remember what it looked like before the vortex of clouds got set off?"
How could she forget? It was stained into her mind, the way that the pink glowing symbol formed and unfolded in mid-air, high above Jane's head like that. Brimming with powerful energy, it was such a unique shape after all. "Of course I remember. I could even draw it again if that helps, and the secondary symbol on the orb sphere was some small kind of crystal. The two shapes obviously don't match. The crystal is the logo, and the activated symbol is the mark of the orb."
"Good," Danny replied. "Let's head back and see what we can find out."
Taylor already began moving with Danny, walking all the way back to Dakota. All they had to do was some additional research. Strange as the spell bomb may be, there had to be something about it somewhere. Eliza might even recognize the resemblance.
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Chapter Theme Music: SF Track 19 ~ Malfador Machinations Space Empires OST
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Just as expected, Eliza was still in the dark room with the others training. Not too much time passed anyway. In their rush to begin learning more about spell bombs, Danny and Taylor almost forgot to let their teacher know how Jane was doing in general.
"I was wondering when you would both return. So how is she?"
Taylor realized that the first reason for leaving was to make sure Jane was okay. Sadly, she wasn't doing all that well. "She's sick with a fever. So her absence was related to an illness."
"That's awful!" Eliza stamped. "Jane better be okay."
Danny offered Eliza some sentiment. "I think she'll make it. She is Jane after all."
Eliza was easy to read when relieved of so much instant pressure. She too worried a lot about Jane, and hearing that she was sick must have been terrible news.
"Eliza?" Taylor began. "What do you know about spell bombs?"
"Spell bombs?" It did seem like a random question, but there was still much in general she wasn't sure about herself. "Mainly what we discussed in class."
"Is there any way to browse for known spell bombs?" Danny tried.
"Yes..." Eliza sensed that there was something to this she didn't realize yet. "What's the sudden rush to learn about those?"
Danny quickly looked at Taylor, hoping to be capable of defusing any of Eliza's continued suspicions. Maybe they weren't really off the hook just yet. "We just want to keep learning more is all. We already trained a little outside, but now we want to know what kinds of spell bombs there are."
"I see..." Eliza had to think hard to remember where she kept any information on them. There was perhaps one old book in the library section of the school. "Try room 202. It's got books there filled with data. You would have to be searching for—"
"Um," Taylor cleared her throat, not exactly satisfied with the answer. Her interruption cut Eliza off. "I mean in general. Like what types are there and how do they work?"
"Oh." Eliza still didn't get what information they were after. Where to even begin? "Well, you all know that every spell bomb comes in all different sizes and color. But each and every one has a unique logo in the orb, helping to identify them. Orb color identifies magic and form type. For example, a spell bomb with a red colored top indicates an attack orb. Those are the only kind you have to literally smash open in the middle of battle, and it initiates an attack without your assistance against an opponent. If that same orb has an electric symbol or logo, then the attack will be electrical type in damage. With me so far?"
Danny and Taylor nodded down, allowing Eliza to continue. "Some orbs help the user in battle, either by restoring statuses, inflicting support auras, increasing attack power, and etcetera. Sometimes, special logos that aren't on the orb appear after its activation, right in the air as a neon light. It can look like a glyphring forming out of nowhere, but it's really just a common spell seal, an identifier."
"If I drew you an identifier symbol," Taylor went on, "like the ones that aren't on the orb, plus the brand that is on the orb, you think you could identify one?"
Eliza felt like she was being put on the spot. "That's what the book is for. Aeroglyphic orbs, volume six. That's all we have down there. I suppose I could go get it and search for a match. Do you already have it drawn out?"
"Not yet." Taylor wondered if she was on to something, but without Eliza knowing that her intentions was specifically for Jane's research.
"Tell you what. I'll go get it for you, and you stay here to draw it for me, if you can."
Eliza just made her a deal already, and Taylor didn't hesitate to accept it. "Got it." Eliza turned to leave the room, but she took her time. There was no reason for her to be rushed, though Taylor was trembling inside with anticipation.
"You think that went well?" Danny never could read Eliza too easily if she wasn't impressed enough for emotion, but Taylor seemed satisfied with the end result.
"Yes. I'll have to get my notebook and pen." Taylor went for her things, which she left behind in this room after leaving to check up on Jane. She was going to draw that same symbol she saw before Jane was hit with the blast of light in the sky. If Eliza could figure it out, it would explain exactly what happened to Jane. The spell bomb had to have worked, and with permanent effects settled into Jane's body, anything could have changed since then. Most permanent spell bombs were probably designed to enhance the maximum HP or damage tolerance, or boost some of the energy capacity levels. Maybe some even enhance damage at the cost of some defensive parameters. But this one spell bomb in particular, it's like it was designed to kill Jane, slowly and painfully. So it couldn't be right. Something had to be up.
After giving it ten solid minutes, Eliza returned to the room with the old book she spoke up, even though Taylor wasn't complete with the drawing just yet. She carefully sketched every arc and corner to perfection, knowing that pen cannot be erased. At long last, she had done it, copying the exact symbol she remembered earlier. Technically, it started out differently and then unfolded into the same match Taylor drew onto her page, but since this was the full power unleashed right before a white beam of light shot from the sky, this version had to be the peak of the spell bomb's power. Taylor left out the beam shooting part, since it would make it too obvious that the symbol was the cause of the light pulse from the sky.
Eliza finally took the drawing from Taylor patiently, scanning the book up and down for anything related at all. The shape here seemed interesting, and there was enough detail to go by. A large circle with a tiny circle at its center. No, actually the larger circle was a warped ellipse, but just barely by the looks of it. There were curved arcs going from one end of the outer layer back to the same shape in a different location, on both sides of the drawing. It looked like a planetoid with rings and a perfect circle at the core, but a portion of the larger ellipse was shaded inside, just a section of it. "By the way, is there a distinct color? It looks like you've seen this activation symbol before."
"Oh, it was in one of those Leray movies Jane had me watch earlier." Taylor knew she was making the lie up on the spot, but this was getting close to blowing her cover already. Where else could Taylor see a symbol like that and get away with it? Nobody in town would have used that one before, and if she gives any name, Eliza will just go and track that person down. At least this way, Eliza won't be able to interrogate a movie. Taylor left out the name of the film and the symbol's color on purpose as well, giving Eliza no chance at all to catch onto her game in the future.
"Hm..." Eliza flipped through the pages even faster. There was nothing like it so far, though she had not even reached halfway yet. Eliza kept the questions up while searching the book. "Well you sure did pick an interesting one. Why it has to be so specific I suppose I will never know."
Danny questioned, "What if it's not in that thing?" That symbol could be one nobody has ever seen before, or just uncharted in Leray studies. Would Eliza get even more suspicious by not figuring it out for them from this book?
"Well this is volume six," Eliza answered. "It's a less recent update to the known identifiers from spell bombs. But if I don't see it here soon..." Eliza paused after reaching hallway in the book, still with no matches. She continued talking while flipping as well. "Then it may be in volume eight, which is the most recent updated book of spell bombs. And if it's not in there, then the spell bomb just doesn't exist."
Danny winced at such confidence. "Doesn't exist? Can that even happen?"
"No," Eliza replied. "As far as we're aware of, spell bombs are only manufactured in Eldora and Gross, and are trademarked items that are impossible for anyone to copy. Though if the spell itself is uncharted or unmarked, then it just means the spell bomb is a prototype with affects left undiscovered as of late."
Taylor's head spun to the news. That could mean anything. Jane's spell bomb could really be unknown forever, and that may be bad. She watched while Eliza finally finished to the end of the book, closing it loudly in frustration.
"I found nothing," she reported. "This symbol doesn't come close to matching anything I've ever seen, nor has this text book."
"I see."
"Is there any particular thing about that spell bomb that's peaked your interest?" Eliza shifted. "I might be able to track down an eighth volume copy for you to buy later on."
Taylor shook her hands left and right. "No, no! I was just curious about the design is all. I can study other spell bomb markings too."
"Got it..." Eliza didn't sound so sure about letting them be on their way. Why were they suddenly so interested in one particular spell bomb? And while Jane was so sick? She had not seen their eyes so fired up today until after their visit to her house. Was it related? "Do I need to be concerned for Jane?"
Danny swiftly replied, "Jane will be going back to medical if her fever doesn't break down. If that happens, then yes."
"Huh." Danny and Taylor were now walking away from her, heading to their bags they had at their stations. It wasn't exactly what she asked in particular. Something wasn't right. Jane is sick, and so soon after what happened to her yesterday. Somebody isn't telling someone else the whole truth. Even after last night's horrible meltdown Danny had in front of her, these two are still up for questioning.
Of course, what could Eliza do at this point? Danny and Taylor both defended themselves and Jane when accused earlier, and they did so well. But that didn't prove they weren't lying about something. Maybe another talk with agent Foster could give her an answer, though there was another four hours before class ends today, so it will have to wait.