Chapter 11 - Helper

Kora: (Flips back and forth in bed) Can't - sleep - at - all. (Sighs)

Kora thoughts: I can't believe I would be staying in bed even here. I really wanted to tell Ken that I am completely, PERFECTLY fine. But from my experience in the hospital, he's probably just going to give me those "yes I know now just get to bed" adult smiles.

Kora thoughts: This is so boring... Maybe I should read a book-- No wait this is not my sickroom there are no books provided for me. Then how about counting how many wood planks there are? Yea, that will do. I'll think of something else to do when I finish counting.

(Kora starts counting the planks in a dull tone, she goes from the floors to the ceiling, one by one. When she gets to the number 78, she hears people talking from downstairs again. This time with a familiar young girl's voice)

Kora thoughts: ! Emili!

(Kora rushes downstairs)

Emili: --Kora! You woke up. Are you feeling better?

Kora: Better than ever! It was so boring upstairs... Did you finish your new recipe?

Emili: Oh. About that, um...

Ken: (Shows Kora the kitchen) Sorry Kora, you see the kitchen is all a mess now. I'm afraid it's nearly impossible to make anything!

Kora: Oh. It's okay then, it can't be helped. (Touches Emili's hands) *Smile* You can always make me something next time.

Emili: (Touched) Kora~~~!!!! You're the best! Just wait, I'll make you the best food I've ever made in my entire life for you once the kitchen is fixed up! Dad, you have to help too! This is for Kora, it has to be perfect!

Jek: Woah woah woah, are you guys starting a feast or something? (Looks at Kora) Who is this kid?

Kora thoughts: --Woh... A man that I never met before. He looks a bit flirty for some reasons... Like those kinds who don't take things seriously? Although he's not flirting with me or anything.

Emili: She's Kora, my newly hired food taster and my savior! Kora, this is Jek. A soldier from this kingdom, although I think he's still kind of a newbie. The battle from two days ago was probably his first battle.

Jek: Hey! What's with that introduction? It makes me sound so irrelevant. If it was Dan standing here, you would've said something totally different.

Kora thoughts: Dan--! That person that Emili desperately wanted to find before. So this man... Jek? Knows about Dan too, then I'm assuming he's a friend of Emili?

Kora: He-hello, Jek. I'm Kora. Nice to meet you.

Jek: Heyllo kiddo, nice to meet you. (Gets closer) Have you heard of my heroic records on the battlefield? The story of me slaying 100 Defus in 1 minute.

Emili: (Pulls Jek back) Okay okay, enough of your nonsense. Didn't you come to help my Dad?

Jek: The hell, when did I ever say that? I just came along with Dan cuz I was bored! (Scratches head) You know what, whatever. I'll just help along since I'm a loner and has nothing to do.

Emili: Thought so. Dad, Jek will be helping you today. Call him for anything okay?

Ken: Really? (Smiles) That would be great! Come along with me my hero Jek, I'll hear your story!

Jek: Ken, you're the only one that understands me. (Pats chest)

Emili: Be careful though, Dad. I believe Jek was hurt too.

Jek: (Turns head) Nah, those Defus use swords made out of cotton. It doesn't hurt a teeny bit.

Emili: Come on, stop now! It's important to stay safe.

Ken: That's right. (Turn to Jek) You checked with the Medics, right?

Jek: (Sarcastically) Yea, yea. I even stayed at the clinic for like 5 minutes. It was that serious. Now Ken, ready to hear my story?

Kora: --Excuse me, you've went to the clinic before?

Jek: Hmm? What's wrong what that?

Kora thoughts: The clinic... Emili did talk about it when I brought up the hospital. Although she told me most of them have bad conditions, but I've never actually seen one before.

Kora: I was just... wondering. Emili told me clinics aren't that good of a place to get a treatment so.

Jek: Hah, don't worry, it's different for us. I mean, we are soldiers protecting this kingdom, they can't treat us like how they treat those on the West street.

Kora: The West street?

Emili: (Knocks on Jek's head) Ahem!

Ken: That's right, you came here to help me, my child. Let's get to work, shall we?

Jek: Okay, okay! Geez. (Goes in kitchen with Ken) So, about me slaying 100 Defus...

Emili: (Turns to Kora) Kora, the West street isn't a safe place. You can't go there, okay? Especially when you're still not fully recovered.

Kora thoughts: Emili's stare... It's scary. I really want to go check what the clinics look like but I'm afraid if I say so she is not going to allow me to go... I'll just consent with her first. Maybe she'll let me go when I get better.

Kora: O-okay.