The Medallion

A crowd of soldiers and spirit manipulators gathered by the side and were shocked when they heard what Rocky had said. Disbelief was written on their faces, and they exchanged looks, as if saying that Rocky had overestimated his skills.

"Did I hear that right? Rocky claimed that he could treat and cure Commander Marin's spirit-manipulated beast? He has to be lying! Everyone can see that it is hurt beyond any help. Even Sheridan has said that it is incurable, and he knows what he is talking about because he has seen and healed so many cases of severely injured spirit-manipulated beasts. Then, who does Rocky think he is, to say that he can do what Sheridan says is impossible? He is simply showing off to feel big!"

"I agree with you. I bet he wants to ingratiate himself with Commander Marin. And he is doing that because he is desperate that she recalls him to the spirit manipulator squad from the beast farm.

"If he can cure it, then so can I."

All of a sudden, everyone started protesting and the atmosphere at the training ground quickly turned tumultuous. It became crystal clear that no one present, believed an iota of what Rocky had claimed he could do - that he could treat and cure Verdanim.

Marin, who had always relied on Sheridan to make her war-damaged spirit manipulated creatures healthy, and ready to go to another battle, was no exception. She too, like the others present, had misgivings about Rocky's claim.

"You don't believe me, do you?" Rocky asked Marin. He didn't care about what people thought of him or what he said, but he respected Marin, and wanted to know what she really thought.

"Rocky, can you really help Marin, to make Verdanim well? I hope this is not a false claim." Sheridan, who had been silent all this while, asked, as he was surprised at what Rocky had said. Although he knew that Rocky came up with novel ideas from time to time, not knowing how truthful or skilled Rocky was, he was genuinely intrigued and wanted to know how he planned to cure Verdanim, for, in his eyes, that was a formidable task.

"Yes, but what I have in mind is untested and can be dangerous. Yet I think, I should try my approach. It is possible that it might endanger Verdanim's life even more. However, in my opinion, that is the only option we have at this point," Rocky said in a serious tone. His way was to operate on Verdanim, and that came with risks. Also, till then, Rocky had performed surgeries only on small spirit-manipulated beasts, not on any gigantic creature, like Verdanim was. This being his first, it would surely be a high-risk procedure.

"How can I trust you? Even Sheridan said that he could not help Verdanim, as his condition is beyond help," Marin said sceptically.

"Well, it is up to you to trust me or not. Obviously, it is your call," Rocky spoke calmly. It seemed that he did not care whether or not Marin believed that he could treat Verdanim and restore his health.

trust Rocky. In her heart, she did not believe that Rocky knew what to do to make Verdanim regain his health and strength. Finally, she looked to Sheridan for help,

Rocky and observe his body language. Sheridan found that Rocky's demeanor spoke of confidence, and did not communicate any hesitation at all. Seeing that,

try, he might succeed where

his care since Sheridan had said that she could trust him. But she would never forgive him if there was a slightest problem, and Verdanim's condition worsened because of Rocky's treatment.

and make Verdanim well?" Rocky asked, smiling, with

you one wish - you can ask for anything, and I will give it to you," Marin said, after hesitating, briefly. If Rocky could do what he had claimed he could, she would do anything for him. Moreover, she knew that he would never make unreasonable

Marin to get some soldiers to carry Verdanim to the beast farm. Further, saying, "I'll be back soon," Rocky turned around

artery had caused. Rocky knew that if the pressure in the abdominal cavity were to increase any higher, it

had to start the surgery on an urgent basis, without any delay, as Verdanim's condition was quickly becoming alarming. But as it was a gigantic creature, Rocky understood that he would

instruments he needed for the operation, from the lab. Once there, he gathered

Verdanim to the stable, by the time Rocky reached the beast farm. There he saw that many people, including Marin, had formed a circle around Verdanim, surrounding

afar, "Sheridan, ask them to leave the stable,"

shout at me

you, want me to make Verdanim better for Marin?"

tense as he was not aware of what Rocky's method would be. Having known Marin since she was a child, Sheridan's heart ached at seeing her so sad. For her happiness' sake, he wished that Rocky would succeed in treating Verdanim.

happy now? I told everyone to disperse. Look, they have gone," Sheridan

see one person standing there." Rocky pointed at Marin,

is possible for her to leave?" Sheridan rolled his eyes at Rocky in exasperation, sure that Marin