Chapter 9: Library

"Beep, beep, beep." Theo groans as he cracks his eyes, shutting his alarm off. He forgot he had set it. The dim glow of the light posts coming in through the narrow slit of a window indicates it is early in the morning. His head throbs, and he slowly sits up.

He won't be making the mistake of eating food cooked by Scott again. The mushroom's effect lasted a few hours for him, leaving both Scott and Resha concerned. The remainder of last night's tour was a blur, although he was positive, he remembered where all the important buildings were.

He rolls off the cot, stiff from the lumpy mattress. Blearily, Theo reaches for one of his bags, which he just threw on the floor when he stumbled into the dorm room. He starts taking things out, searching for his toothbrush and toothpaste. When he finds them, he places them by the tiny sink that serves as his bathroom sink.

Theo sighs. This dorm room is tiny and kind of feels like what he imagines a prison cell would be like. Everything needed to function as a human being is present, but its scale is minuscule.

Fifteen minutes later, he felt much better, having finally refreshed himself. Grabbing the jacket of the black uniform he was given, he put it on as he opened the door and stepped into the narrow hallway of the boy's dormitory. His head is tucked under his arm like a ball.

He made his way through the building, carefully navigating his way to the front door. He doesn't see anyone else, which makes sense since he gave himself extra time to search for edible plant life growing in the cave. First, however, he wants to stop at the library to find a book on plants common in this type of cave.

As he walks up to the large house of books, he realizes he doesn't even know if it is open this early. With trepidation, he pushes on the door, and it swings open with ease.

Inside is a large lobby, with multiple signs posted around it giving directions to specific sections that must be visited frequently. Engineering, Mixology, Mythology, Weapons, etc. The Mixology one confuses Theo briefly before he brushes it aside, deciding he has more vital things to focus on.

A gentle voice comes from down one of the hallways. "Good morning, rookie. I'm surprised to see you up two hours before the roll call."

Theo glances at the woman taking in her appearance quickly. She has curly black hair falling past her shoulders. Blue cat eyeglasses rest on her nose, and her uniform tells him her rank and position.

"Good morning, Lieutenant," Theo says respectfully. "I came here to find a book on the plants that grow in this cave. I need to cook for myself asap for a reason I would rather not disclose." Not out of embarrassment but because he doesn't want to get Scott in trouble.

She nods, "Good. Most rookies rely on their mentors for food for the entire six months. It's nice to see you taking the initiative when you're new." She points down a hallway. "The books on plants are down that way, third door on the left. I have things I need to prepare for today. Otherwise, I'd help you find the one you need."

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Theo waits for her to pass by him before heading down the hall. The room she told him about had three rows of bookcases, and Theo was grateful to see a sign on one labeling the books on edible plants.

After searching through them for several minutes, he finally finds one that looks promising. Taking it off the self, he flips through it briefly, taking note of several plants. That's when he realizes that he doesn't know if this library allows soldiers to borrow books or if he has to read the entire thing now and attempt to memorize what the plants look like.

Theo doesn't remember seeing a reception desk, so he heads back to the lobby, looking around again. Finally, he spots a small cutout in one of the walls, with a small sign reading checkout.

He walks over and sees that there is currently no one there. He frowns, stumped on what to do. That's when he hears shouting from outside. "THEO! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

He shakes his head in disbelief before heading to the door and leaving the book at checkout. Opening the library door, he is met by the sight of his mentor barreling through the cave, searching for him.

"Scott!" He calls out, "Over here!"

Immediately, the satyr comes speeding to a halt, his head snapping to stare at Theo. "Why are you already up and out? I was going to come get you this morning, but you weren't in your dorm."

Theo sheepishly scratches at his neck, thinking for a moment before replying. "I wanted to do some research before the training for the day began."

"Research?" Scott tilts his head. "You don't have a library card yet, and no man's at the checkout desk until an hour from now." Scott has now reached Theo, and they both enter the library.

Theo grins at Scott, an idea starting to form in his mind. "Can you check this book out for me? I need it today, and I can't wait."

Scott looks at the book, raising an eyebrow. "Was my cooking really that bad?" He asks, a hint of hurt on his face.

"Scott, look at me for a moment," Theo says, wanting his mentor to understand. The satyr does so, and Theo continues. "Your food tasted great, but I was high for hours cause of that mushroom."

Scott giggles, "Yeah, that was funny to watch. Normally, it only lasts half an hour."

"Well, it wasn't a fun experience for me." Theo groans, "My head still kind of hurts."

"Sorry, Theo." Scott looks genuinely apologetic, so Theo forgives him.

After checking the book out for Theo, Scott declares, "I'm going to come with you if you're going to search for edible plants. Some poisonous ones mimic the appearance of edible ones, so I'll teach you how to tell the difference."