The Warrior- Laila Nomon

12. Tweenager

'I guess that's it, I'd told you, Lita.' Said Nora.

'It's not morning yet; all of you, turn in.' Nora said as she turned around and the three Leaders and the Warriors parted ways.

'I'd be more than glad to,' muttered Fedrick, taking back his sword. Laila didn't mind him; she was more than happy to have received a tour with all of the Leaders even if they didn't seem to notice it- she ready to bet she was the first to have it. The other fully-trained dispersed, too.

When they reached the landing, none of them stopped to say goodnight, heading straight for their different chambers. Laila sat down on the bed and thought about how in a matter of few days, her life had changed completely. As she thought it over, the sleepiness became too much and she soon fell back asleep, coat and all. She actually almost regretted that- when she woke up with a neck cramp the next morning, and even ice packs wouldn't help.

'Ugh, screw this.' Laila had already tried taking a hot bath, applied herbal cream, done those yogic poses that Rosalie had always tried (and failed) to make her do before, tried everything to un-cramp her neck, but to no avail- she didn't want Erika or anyone, not even Zoppy for that matter, to see her like this. Leaving the last bit of self-respect in her chamber, she walked downstairs for breakfast, her head at an awkward angle, where everyone'd already gathered there and a few were filing in.

Immediately, she spotted the three she'd been half looking for and half avoiding to ask for help. There was Fedrick, looking like he'd just faced an earthquake- bed hair standing up on all sides, showing he'd woke up not very long ago; sitting adjacent from him, Helena, looking bored as ever; and Mr. Cheerful, munching on some fries from God-knows wherever he got them from.

Of course, being the eighth wonder of the world, everyone stared at her as she entered. It's just the second day, they'll get used to me...eventually. She reminded herself. Nick waved at her to invite her over.

'Look who finally got into that long-awaited fight with Erika.' Helena said, as Laila sat down.

'I'm really not in the mood for sarcasm right now.' Laila snapped.

'I wasn't being sarcastic. And, anyways, I'm not in the mood to handle Newbies right now. Fedrick, can you see what the kid wants?'

'Everyone here calls me a kid, what is up with you people?' Laila asked, hands on her hips.

'Says the girl who's been overthinking about asking someone for help with her broken neck.'

'It's not broken!'

'Yet.' Helena shot back.

'Oh, stop talking if you don't want to help me.' Laila said, dejected, as a line of pain shot up the side of her neck.

'Ask for it,' Helena crossed her arms.

'Come on, you two! Stop bickering like kids! Helena, shoo; Laila, follow me.' Fedrick said, standing up and walking out.

Laila expected some sort of protest, but surprisingly Helena went back to her blacksmith business. She wondered if she should use breakfast as an excuse to stay or give up her pride and just follow. Considering her odds, she decided to follow. 'Where?' She enquired as they left the room.

'The medic, of course.' Fedrick responded matter-of-factly, wiggling his eyebrows.

'I've tried everything medical in my chamber. And that means something because there was a lot of ointments there. I'm not going to waste time there.'

'There wasn't anything medical in that room other than fever, cold and a few cut- healing mortal pills and ointments. What're you talking about?'

'No really, there were other pills in my bag and there were more in my chamber.' She lied.

'Stop lying. Lita and I went through your bag before we arrived.' Fedrick said.

'Damn. What about my chamber? You went thought that too?' Laila asked confidently, knowing he didn't- and couldn't- since only she had the code to open it.

'Nah, I specially set up your room. Lita thought you'd be my age so she let me.' Fedrick smiled. 'Who knew we'd end up with a tweenager?'

'I'm shifting my stuff to another floor tomorrow.' Laila said, side-eyeing him as she ran ahead of him.

'Wait up! You might get lost, you don't know the way, do you?' Fedrick called as he just fast-walked, trying to catch up. Laila wasn't exactly short; she was just running slow- more like jogging.

'I could always look through your head for the directions!' She shouted back before she taking a right turn and running face-first into a wall.

'Laila, there's a- shoot!,' Fedrick exclaimed as he heard the thud of her face and the wall colliding and ran for her. She was just about to fall after tripping over her own feet when he turned the corner and caught her- by the head.

'Please tell me you didn't break your nose. Damn, only two days since ya got here and you've already managed to... accomplish much.' He chuckled, choosing his words as he leant down and examined her face, tilting it at angles to see if there were any bruises.

'You know you don't need to pretend to know how to use your powers, don't you, Laila? It's all right to learn at your own pace. It takes time.' He asked as he steadied her.

'You don't need to act all Master Oogway; you know that right?' She retorted as she broke free of his grip. Soon after, they started walking again. And this time Laila didn't mind tailing behind Fedrick.

A/N: Hello, Lemons! You're enjoying the story right? Then do vote for, comment on and read fully the chapters. I've put a lot into what may seem like a two-minute scroll for you, so please take 2 seconds out and vote for and comment on the chapters. That would mean a lot, thankyou.

About the story, Laila might seem borderline annoying right now, haha. But she has some good, slow and meaningful character development in the future coming her way, so keep reading!