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.

believe that Rocky knew what to do to make Verdanim regain his health and strength. Finally, she looked to Sheridan for help, for being in a state of panic, she could not decide what to do - give Rocky

the way Marin was looking at him that she wanted to know what he thought and whether she could trust Rocky. Then he turned to look at 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, it seemed to him that Rocky

say, let him try, he might succeed where I cannot," sighing, Sheridan said

told him that she was entrusting Verdanim in 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

Verdanim well?" Rocky asked, smiling,

you," Marin said, after hesitating, briefly. If Rocky could do what he had claimed he could, she would do anything for him. Moreover,

of the people who were with Marin to get some soldiers to carry Verdanim to the beast farm. Further, saying,

cavity were to increase any

it was a gigantic creature, Rocky understood that he would not

for the operation, from the lab.

time Rocky reached the beast farm.

Rocky shouted from afar, "Sheridan, ask them to leave the stable,"

Show respect. How dare you shout at me and order me," Sheridan

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

she was a child, Sheridan's heart ached at seeing her so sad. For her

now? I told everyone to disperse. Look, they have

there." Rocky pointed at Marin, who was standing

her to leave?" Sheridan rolled his eyes at Rocky in exasperation, sure that Marin would not leave until she had seen that