"Since I know your secrets, I'll tell you a bit about mine." She began. "I tell people my ability is plants but it's way more complicated than that. Unlike how people learn their ability when they get older, I was born with mine. I have been able to speak to trees for as long as I can remember. I think I told both of you the three different aspects of my ability? Anyway, the combat portion I'm keeping a secret for now. Even my friends here don't know how I use it, just the roots and vine that I use as a whip. I'm being honest when I say I don't understand parts of it as I am still learning, and it requires a lot of time reading about plants. I credit the trees with me being alive. They saved Dobin and I more time than I can count."
"Who is Pucket?" Quinn asked.
"A rapist." She said barely above a whisper.
The boys looked at each other. "And what was that about just now?"
"My guess is he's after me and just tested my ability looking for a way to get round it."
Quinn replied, "But why would he be after you?"
She took a deep breath, "he's from the same orphanage. I'm still a virgin. I'm the only female that got out in this state since the new management was put in place when I was 5 or 6."
"EXCUSE ME???" Vorden shouted. His energy changed to Raten and it looked like he was ready to kill. Quinn didn't look much better.
Lana shrunk into herself trying to make herself as small as possible. "It was around that time I started to teach myself gymnastics and acrobatics. It helped me escape the monsters."
Quinn took a deep breath, "but there have been no incidents."
"That's not true," Raten said. His anger was about ready to burst. Lana found herself trying to console him.
"Vorden, I got out. We are working to try to resolve this. Avoidance on my end so far has kept me safe but I don't know for how long. This is why I wanted to learn to fight, remember? Am I improving?"
Vorden took a deep breath as he took back control of the body. "You are but I still don't like the idea of you being out there alone or even with your friends."
"You can't protect everyone. Look. I earned enough today, plus my money that I have not spent for months, to buy Almin and Alto both a new ability book to get them to the next level. I'll continue working my stall and keep buying books when I can. I purposely have not bought any new blankets so I can get my team stronger."
"What about your brother?" Quinn asked.
"Well, to be honest, I stole the book he just finished learning from the boy who beat him up…" She smirked.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Quinn went to answer it. "If it's Dobin, tell him I'll come to his room in a few minutes," Lana said loud enough for him to hear. Dobin just nodded and walked away.
Quinn returned, "how did you steal a book?"
Lana laughed nervously, "I have my ways. I'd like to take books from other bullies since the earth bullies seem to work as part of this corrupt system. Also, I need to make this clear. I'm not trying to get you guys involved and I'm certainly NOT asking for help. I just thought you deserved an explanation."
"Does anyone else know about this? Dr. Hayley, anyone?" Vorden inquired.
"No." She looked Vorden in the eyes, "my past has taught me that adults cannot be trusted. In fact, if they are really powerful, I tend to cower and if they attack, I run away. Soon after I started working for Dr. Hayley, a bald blind man came to see me to do an assessment to place me in a combat class. Dobin had to talk to him for me and work a deal that I would learn combat from fellow students. He still wants to do the assessment, though. He could come back any time but I'm terrified of him"
"Is his name Leo, the Beast Weapons teacher?" Quinn asked.
She nodded.
"I advise you work on that fear. He won't hurt you."
Lana gulped, "I'll try. I think I'll go talk to my team now. I've taken enough of your time and I'm sure it's close to curfew," as she looked at her watch to confirm that information.
She left and knocked on the next door down. Dobin answered. Grabbed her arm and pulled her in then gave her a big hug. "What's going on?" he whispered in her ear.
She whispered back, "I had a visual overlay of the park with people on it while you guys were in there. Speaking to trees got an upgrade. They gave me a map this time."
Dobin nodded then they walked further into the room where everyone else was waiting for an explanation on what was going on.
She looked around the room then Lana began her brief explanation. "I stopped by next door to give thanks to one of them for giving us a huge tip at my stall today. His contribution lead to us getting those new books. While there, I received news that something was off in the park. That was when I contacted Dobin. After much deliberation, I was able to determine it was Pucket again."
She took a deep breath, "I believe tonight was a test of my ability to see if he could circumvent it. I'm sure he learned something I didn't want him to know. Kattie, what I need you to know specifically is this guy isn't just a psychopath, he's a rapist. Since he knows you are my friend, he may target you. Never leave without Sven unless you have no choice. It's also why I said to travel together. He could teleport away with you guys just as he did with me. We are stronger in groups. I'd prefer it if we didn't go in the park unless we have to at this point. Let's get stronger first. If you do find yourself in the park and under attack, get to the willow if you can. It will protect you."
"So that's it? We just tuck our tail and run? What about other girls out there. He could attack them."
An evil grin appeared on her face, "Do you think I'm just going to let him off forever? I promise, he will get his."
Just then, the curfew warning went off on all their watches.