Scene 1: The Nosebleed Pandemic
The Academy infirmary had seen Livia Descartes seventeen times in the past month.
Dr. Kurogane was starting to get concerned.
"It's the same symptoms every time," Dr. Kurogane said, reviewing her medical tablet with clinical frustration. "Sudden onset epistaxis—nosebleeds—with no underlying physiological cause. Blood pressure spikes. Elevated heart rate. Flushed complexion."
Livia sat on the examination table, tissue pressed to her nose, looking anywhere except at the doctor.
"Have you been training too hard?" Dr. Kurogane asked. "Overexertion can cause—"
"It's not training," Livia said quickly. Too quickly.
Dr. Kurogane's eyes narrowed. "Then what triggers these episodes? They're happening with alarming frequency. Three times this week alone."
Livia was saved from answering by another student entering the infirmary. Serx, holding his hand at an awkward angle, probably dislocated something during combat practice.
