Elements of Earth: The Element Trials

Synchronous 3; An exploration of subcutaneous memories: Trait enhancement

Estrellita took a deep inhale of imaginary breath as she re-merged with the copy she sent into the memory.

"What biological function does Silicon affect in the human body?" The teacher asked a still standing 4. Estrellita did not have to pay attention to know that 4 would not give an answer to the satisfaction of the teachers question. She had seen this memory many, many times. During the re-mergence she was experiencing the internal memory all in a few microseconds. So even while simultaneously feeling of the torture of Kira, the pain of developing her trait and the shock of killing of the facilitator, Estrellita knew that several rows behind her 3 was waving her hand and bouncing in her seat like she had to go to the bathroom. This 3 was not Kira. After developing and proving the power of her new trait she had regained her rank as a 5 of silicon's ten. This 3 was a healer, though she could only heal herself. She knew all too well the biological importance of Silicon in the body. "14-5," the teacher addressed Kira directly. "Your 4 does not seem to know. Let us see if you, his superior can do better.

Kira closed her notes and stood slowly, remaining at attention. "The science and technology we have available today shed little light on the function of Silicon in the body. However through my own research and observations of 14-3, our healer, I can say the following with confidence. Silicon is important in the growth of skin, hair, and fingernails. It is also a facilitator in the use of Vitamin D, glucosamine and Calcium. Both Vitamin D and Calcium play a factor in the growth and repair of bones. Vitamin D also regulates Phosphorus levels, which are needed for growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues and cells. Glucosamine is involved in the building of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Because her microbes can control the use of silicon in her body, she can also use them to accelerate those processes, previously noted, in which silicon is involved. Of course, as the healer, 14-3 may be able to state it more eloquently."

The teacher raised an eyebrow. "14-3, do you have anything further to add?"

3 stood at attention but all of her earlier enthusiasm evaporated. "It makes me heal really fast."

The bell rang, signaling the end of class and the end of the teacher's authority over Kira's ten. Her ten filed out of the oversized classroom. Kira was unexpectedly shoved by 3.

"Hey!"

"Sorry." 3 helped Kira up and together they picked up her dropped notes and textbooks. "You just didn't leave anything for me to say. I'll probably get a demerit."

"Sorry 3. The teacher caught me off guard. I was kind of distracted in class today."

3's face reddened as she picked up Kira's notebook. It was open to a loose page with an unfinished drawing and she held it up. "I can see why..." Kira's face turned absolute crimson.

"Give that back!" She swiped for the notebook, but 3 slipped away. Twisting and spinning she danced away from her hunter.

"I just want to critique your art." 3 stopped evading Kira and palmed her head like a basketball, holding the shorter Kira well out of reach as she evaluated the drawing. "I think you got the right shade for Dak's butt, but you missed the dimples." Kira stopped swinging her arms at 3 and bore holes into 3 with her eyes. Kira growled. "How do you know what Dak's butt looks like?"

"Just cause you don't peek in the showers doesn't mean-" A new voice interrupted the mayhem that would have soon erupted. "Are you girls talking about my butt?" Dak smiled widely as he walked around the corner.

"Dak! Hey, check this-" The momentary distraction was enough. Kira grabbed the arm holding her back, twisted, turned and threw 3 over her shoulder. She snatched the notebook out of 3's twitching fingers and spun around to face Dak, keeping the risque drawing behind her back.