Mia in vet attire

Also I went to Portland the other day and I FOUND ELKS!!!

....and a lone buffalo 🦬🦬

They're ( elks) a mix of both moose and something else I don't know.

Anyway

One day, Mia was locked in her room, looking at her old badge. She smiled and brushed a speck of dirt off it, and looked back into the box. Awards, tools, and her coat. All there.

She took her coat and tools out and put them on

" The doctor is in the house!" She said in a hight pitched voice.

Blackie looked up lazily. " Oh, no," he said sarcastically. " You're gonna do surgery on my brain! I better run for it!"

He made a great effort, going slow. Mia giggled and also slowly inched her way to Blackie.

A knock on her door startled them. Blackie yowled and shot into the air, and Mia caught him.

" Mia?" Jay asked, knocking again. " Are you there?"

" Oh, Jay!" Mia said, hastily putting her things away and shoving it in the closet. " You scared me!"

" Sorry, but there's this person on the phone who wants to talk to you. Something about an animal."

She froze. And animal?

Mia shot out of the room, Blsckie hanging onto her shirt for dear life. He dug his claws into her dress and prayed he would be okay.

Mia grabbed the phone from Kai, mouthing a ' thanks' before saying into the receiver, " hello? Who is it?"

" Are you Mia Walker?" The person on the other line asked.

" Uh huh. What seems to be the problem?"

" Well, I heard about your experience with animals and thought to call you. There's a herd of elks which don't really appear well."

Concern washed over her. " What are their symptoms? Their actions?*

" Well, some are heaving, and others are just lying down."

" Don't worry, I'm on my own my way!" 

Mia’s heart raced as she slammed the phone down, her mind already working through the possibilities. She quickly grabbed her coat and tools, which had obediently flown into her hand at her command.

“Looks like we’ve got work to do, Blackie!” she said with determination, her voice no longer playful but filled with purpose.

Blackie, still clinging to her shirt, let out a resigned sigh. “Why do I feel like I’m about to get dragged into another one of your adventures?” he muttered, but there was a glint of fondness in his eyes as he adjusted his grip.

Mia didn’t waste any time. She dashed out of the room, Blackie barely managing to keep his balance on her shoulder. As she passed by the others, they couldn’t help but notice her determined expression.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Jay called after her, noticing the familiar look of resolve on his sister’s face.

“Emergency!” Mia shouted back, already halfway down the hall. “Some elks are in trouble, and they need my help!”

Jay and Kai exchanged glances, knowing there was no stopping Mia once she was on a mission.

“Be careful!” Kai called out, but Mia was already out the door, heading to the courtyard where Sapphire awaited.

With a quick whistle, Sapphire landed gracefully, and Mia wasted no time climbing onto her back, Blackie settling into his usual spot. The majestic dragon took off with a powerful leap, her wings spreading wide as they soared into the sky.

As they flew, Mia couldn’t shake the feeling that this was going to be more than just a routine check-up. Something about the way the caller described the elks’ condition troubled her deeply. She was determined to get to the bottom of it and do whatever it took to help them.

“Hang on, everyone,” Mia whispered, her grip tightening on Sapphire’s reins. “The doctor is on her way.”

------

When Mia and Sapphire arrived at the location, the scene was far worse than she had anticipated. The air was thick with a sickening odor, and the ground was littered with patches of fur and matted earth. A few of the elks were lying motionless, their sides heaving with labored breaths. Others were stumbling around, their eyes glazed over with pain.

Blackie yowled in distress and immediately darted behind Sapphire, his usual bravado gone. Sapphire, sensing the severity of the situation, let out a low groan before retreating to a nearby bush, where she promptly vomited.

Mia’s heart sank as she took in the dire situation. She knew she had to act fast. She knelt beside the nearest elk, gently running her hands over its body to assess the extent of its injuries. Its fur was matted with sweat, and it flinched at her touch.

“Poor thing,” Mia murmured, her voice soft but determined. “I’m going to help you, I promise.”

She glanced back at Blackie, who was still cowering behind Sapphire. “Blackie, stay close but keep your distance if you need to. This might be tough.”

Blackie peeked out from behind Sapphire, his tail puffed up with fear, but he gave a reluctant nod. “Just… be careful, Mia.”

With a deep breath, Mia reached into her kit, pulling out the tools she needed.

Mia pulled her stethoscope out, placing it gently against the elk's chest to listen to its heartbeat. "I need a blood sample," she murmured, more to herself than to the elk.

The elk huffed weakly, its large eyes filled with fear and uncertainty.

Sensing its anxiety, Mia gave it a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'm certified! I took a blood sample from my cat the other day, and he didn't even notice!"

From behind Sapphire, Blackie’s ears perked up, and he hissed in surprise. "You did what now?!"

Mia chuckled softly, glancing over her shoulder at Blackie. "Relax, Blackie. It was just a tiny prick. You were too busy napping to even notice."

Blackie narrowed his eyes and muttered under his breath, "I’ll be double-checking my naps from now on."

Mia knelt beside the elk, her hands steady as she reached into her bag for the necessary tools. The elk's breath was shallow, and its eyes flicked nervously toward her. Sensing its unease, Mia gently stroked its fur. "It'll be quick, I promise," she murmured soothingly.

With practiced ease, she pulled out a small syringe, a clean vial, and a soft cloth. Her movements were calm and deliberate, ensuring she didn’t startle the already anxious animal. "Just a little prick," she whispered, her voice as soft as the breeze around them.

As she prepared the syringe, she reached into her bag once more and retrieved a shiny, red apple. "Here, this will make you feel better," she said, holding the apple up to the elk’s mouth. The elk hesitated for a moment, then slowly extended its neck, its large teeth gently gripping the fruit. The crunching sound of the apple being chewed filled the air, a small sign of trust between the elk and Mia.

Mia watched as the elk munched on the apple, her heart swelling with affection for the creature. She knew how crucial it was to keep the elk calm during this process. Gently, she wiped the area where she planned to take the sample with the soft cloth. "You’re doing great," she praised, her tone light and encouraging.

With the elk distracted by the apple, Mia carefully inserted the needle into a vein in its leg. The elk flinched slightly but continued to chew, too absorbed in the sweetness of the fruit to be overly concerned by the small discomfort. Mia’s hands were precise as she drew the blood into the vial, her eyes focused intently on the task.

As the vial filled with the dark, rich liquid, Mia’s thoughts were a mix of determination and concern. This sample would tell her what was wrong with the herd, and she needed to be quick in her analysis. The elk’s condition was worsening, and time was of the essence.

"Almost done," Mia assured the elk, her voice low and calming. She carefully removed the needle and pressed the cloth against the small puncture wound, making sure no blood was left behind. The elk let out a low grunt but continued to nibble at the apple, seemingly more at ease now that the most uncomfortable part was over.

Mia held the vial up to the light, examining the blood with a critical eye. "This will help us figure out what's going on," she said softly, though more to herself than to the elk. She placed the vial carefully into her bag, ensuring it was secure.

The elk finished the apple and nuzzled Mia’s hand, its earlier nervousness replaced by a calm, trusting demeanor. Mia smiled, stroking its head. "Good job, you did so well," she praised, her voice filled with genuine affection.

Blackie, who had been watching from a distance, finally padded over, still eyeing the syringe warily. "I suppose you did a decent job," he remarked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the lingering tension in his voice.

Mia laughed softly, reaching out to scratch behind Blackie’s ears. "Thanks, Blackie. Your support is always appreciated."

Blackie huffed but leaned into her touch, his earlier irritation melting away. "Just don’t try that on me again," he warned, though his tone was more playful than serious.

Mia chuckled and gave him a gentle pat. "I wouldn’t dream of it," she replied with a wink, though the mischievous glint in her eyes suggested otherwise.

With the blood sample secured and the elk now calm, Mia stood up, brushing off her knees. "Alright, let’s head back and see what we can find out," she said, her voice filled with resolve.

The elk gave a low grunt as if understanding, and Mia gave it one last affectionate pat before turning to Blackie and Sapphire. "Let’s get this sorted out, team," she said, her tone determined yet hopeful.

Okay, so what happened is I made a mug

It didn't turn out well.

I decided to put an imagi on top of it and this is the result.... 😅😭😭😭😭🤣😂

As Mia and Blackie prepared to leave, Sapphire trotted up to Mia with something clutched in her mouth. Her large, blue eyes sparkled with pride as she gently dropped the object at Mia’s feet.

Mia looked down and gasped in surprise. "My microscope kit!" she exclaimed, crouching down to pick it up. The kit was one of her most cherished tools, essential for analyzing samples like the one she had just collected. Sapphire must have known she’d need it for examining the elk's blood.

Mia beamed at the dragon, her heart swelling with affection. "Good job, Sapphire! You’re amazing!" she praised, rubbing the dragon’s nose affectionately. Sapphire let out a pleased huff, clearly proud of herself.

Blackie, not wanting to be left out, sauntered over and gave Sapphire a playful swat on the nose. "Well, well, look at you," he said in his usual sassy tone. "I guess even dragons have their moments."

Mia laughed, standing up with the microscope kit in hand. "You and Blackie are getting extra treats tonight for this," she declared, ruffling Blackie’s fur. "I couldn’t do any of this without you two."

Sapphire flapped her wings happily, and Blackie, trying to maintain his cool demeanor, simply flicked his tail, though his eyes betrayed his delight at the prospect of extra treats.

Mia smiled at her companions, feeling incredibly lucky to have them by her side. "Alright, let’s get to work," she said, her voice filled with determination.

Mia carefully placed the blood sample in a petri dish and slid it under her microscope. Leaning in, she adjusted the focus until the tiny, magnified details of the blood cells came into sharp view. Her brows furrowed as she scanned the sample, something clearly off about the composition.

"Blackie, can you hand me that chemical bottle over there?" Mia asked, pointing to a small vial filled with a clear liquid.

Blackie, lounging nearby, sighed dramatically but complied. "This one?" he asked, pawing at the bottle before nudging it towards Mia with his nose.

"Yes, that’s the one. Thanks, Blackie," Mia said, taking the vial and carefully adding a few drops of the chemical to the petri dish. The blood began to change color, shifting from its natural red to an ominous shade of green.

"Now, I need you to compare this color to the chart over there," Mia instructed, nodding toward a piece of paper with various colored swatches on it, each labeled with a corresponding chemical compound.

Blackie trotted over to the chart, his eyes narrowing as he studied it. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Uh... it's eight."

Mia froze, her eyes widening in shock. "WHAT?!" she exclaimed, almost knocking over the microscope in her haste to double-check. She leaned over Blackie's shoulder, peering at the chart, and her heart sank.

"Oh no..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "These elk are poisoned!"

Blackie’s ears flattened, and even his usual sass seemed to vanish in the face of this revelation. "Poisoned? But how?" he asked, concern creeping into his tone.

Mia shook her head, already thinking ahead. "I don’t know yet, but we need to act fast. If we don’t figure out what’s causing this and treat them quickly, they won’t survive."

She stood up, determination etched on her face. "Let’s get back to the monastery. I need to analyze this further and find an antidote."

With that, Mia swiftly packed up her equipment, her mind racing with possibilities. Sapphire, sensing the urgency, crouched low, ready to take flight as soon as Mia and Blackie were on board.

"Hold on, you two," Mia said, climbing onto Sapphire’s back with Blackie securely in her arms. "We’ve got work to do."

And with that, they were off, soaring through the skies back to the monastery, where Mia would do everything in her power to save the poisoned elk.

When they arrived home, Mia shot to her room, locked the door, and pressed a button. Her room shifted into a lab.( Like that one corner in that Mickey mouse clubhouse thingy.)

She shuffled to her desk, took out a few other chemicals, and separated the blood into three Petri dishes. In the first, the added a blue tablet. The blood changed again, from green to black.

Mia took the card matching the color. Her heart sank more.

" Poisoned. From what, I don't know. But they were poisoned bad."

She whipped up an orange tablet, and dunked it in.

The green blood stayed the same.

" What?! So it's their food source?"

Then, she looked closer. " No... It can't be!"

She ran to her computer and searched, brown and green in her medicine journal.

A section came up. She skimmed through.

" Soda!" She exclaimed. " They've eaten soda grass! Contaminated grass!"

Blackie was already busy on the third

" Uh .. Mia? If blood turns black, what does it mean?"

Mia looked up.

" They need medical attention."

Blackie.gulped.

" Blackie, take the Bounty and drive it to my location! I'll take Sapphire!"

Blackie.nodded and ran to the elevator.

Meanwhile, Mia slid onto her dragons back and urged her on.

"We've got to save them, Sapphire," Mia whispered, more to herself than to the dragon. Sapphire let out a low rumble of agreement before taking off into the sky.

-------

When Mia and Sapphire arrived at the location, the scene was even worse than before. The herd of elk lay scattered across the field, their conditions deteriorating rapidly. Some were on their sides, struggling to rise, while others were heaving or barely moving. The once lush grass was now scattered with signs of distress: broken branches, trampled plants, and scattered remains of food.

Blackie, driving the Bounty, screeched to a halt near the most affected elk. The vehicle’s tires kicked up dust as it came to a sudden stop. Blackie hopped out swiftly, his usual bravado replaced by focused urgency. He immediately began to help load the elk onto the Bounty, coordinating with Mia who was already working with the remaining elks.

The elks were in a pitiful state. Their fur was matted with sweat, their eyes dull and pained. Some elk wobbled on their feet as Blackie and Mia gently guided them onto the vehicle, their legs trembling with every step. The once majestic animals now seemed frail and weakened, their breathing labored.

Mia worked with practiced efficiency, checking each elk’s condition as they were loaded. She used her stethoscope to listen to their hearts and lungs, her face etched with concern. "Hang in there," she murmured softly to each one, her hands steady as she examined their symptoms.

One particularly distressed elk, a large male with a patchy coat, struggled to stand as Blackie gently but firmly helped it into the Bounty. The elk's legs buckled, and it let out a low, mournful cry. Blackie steadied the animal, speaking in soothing tones, "Easy now, just a little further."

Mia quickly moved to assist, carefully guiding the elk into a resting area of the Bounty. She placed a supportive blanket beneath it and offered a gentle pat on the side. “You’re doing great. Just hang tight.”

Despite their efforts, the elks continued to wobble and shift uneasily. Mia checked her watch and looked at Blackie, worry evident in her eyes. “We need to hurry. We have to get them to the lab as fast as we can.”

Blackie nodded, his own worry evident as he glanced at the ailing herd. “Got it. Let’s make this quick.” He turned to the Bounty, starting the engine with a grim determination.

Mia climbed back into Sapphire’s saddle, the dragon shifting nervously as Mia adjusted the reins. “Okay, Sapphire, we need to move fast. These elks are in really bad shape.”

Sapphire responded with a low, encouraging growl and took off, her wings flapping powerfully as she soared into the sky. Mia kept her eyes on the Bounty below, her mind racing with thoughts of what to do next.

-----

As Sapphire touched down in the monastery courtyard, Mia jumped off swiftly, her gaze fixed on Blackie who was unloading the last of the ailing elk from the Bounty. The once pristine courtyard was now a flurry of activity as Mia, her heart racing with urgency, directed the care for the injured animals.

“Hurry!” Mia shouted, her voice sharp with concern as she quickly moved to the Bounty’s loading area. She gestured for Blackie to follow her lead. The elk were in dire condition, and every second counted.

Jay, standing nearby with the others, saw the commotion and approached with a look of concern. “Do you need help?” he called out, his eyes scanning the scene.

“No, but thank you!” Mia replied, barely looking up from her task as she helped Blackie guide the elk into the monastery.

Kai, also rushing to the scene, glanced at the large herd of elk and asked, “Where did these elk come from?”

Mia barely paused, her focus solely on the task at hand. “Just help me bring them to the medical bay! Hurry!” Her tone left no room for argument.

The others quickly sprang into action, forming a chain to move the elk from the courtyard into the monastery’s medical bay. Jay and Kai and Cole and Lloyd and Nya and Zane, working side by side, gently guided the elk through the hallways, their expressions set with determination.

Inside the medical bay, the room was set up with examination tables and various medical supplies. Mia’s team worked in unison, quickly setting up spaces for each elk. The medical bay, usually a quiet place, was now bustling with activity as Mia checked each animal’s vitals and assessed their condition.

Jay, still catching his breath from the frantic activity, looked over at Mia. “Are they going to be okay?”

Mia’s expression was a mix of worry and determination. “Yeah, they’ll be okay. But I need your help with something.” She turned to face the group, her eyes intense. “If you could go out, all of you, and pick a lot of leaves. Ten pounds, at least.”

Jay blinked in surprise. “What?! Leaves?”

Mia nodded firmly, her focus unwavering. “Yes, leaves. They’re part of the treatment. The elk need them, and we don’t have much time.”

The others looked at each other, then at Mia, understanding the urgency in her voice. With a quick nod, they headed out to gather the necessary leaves, their footsteps echoing through the hallways.

Meanwhile, Mia continued to work diligently, her hands moving with practiced precision as she treated each elk. She administered fluids and medications, her concentration unbroken despite the chaotic surroundings. Blackie, ever by her side, offered quiet support, occasionally helping with the more delicate tasks.

As Jay, Kai, and the others gathered the leaves and returned, the medical bay was a hive of activity. Mia took the leaves, preparing them for the elk with care. Her face showed a blend of relief and exhaustion, knowing that the worst was behind them but still needing to see the treatment through to completion.

A few minutes later, the team returned with the leaves, and Mia’s face lit up with relief. She quickly took the leaves from them, making sure they were fresh and unblemished.

“Hello, everyone. Thank you so much for gathering the leaves,” Mia said, her voice a mix of gratitude and determination. “I need to feed them to the elk, but first, I need to make some medicine. Cole, with me.”

Cole nodded, his expression serious as he followed Mia to the makeshift lab in the corner of the medical bay. The space was set up with various tools and ingredients for creating medicinal remedies. Mia and Cole began sorting through the herbs and leaves they had collected.

“Cole, we need to crush these herbs and leaves into a fine powder,” Mia instructed, her hands already busy preparing the necessary equipment. “This will be a key ingredient in the medicine for the elk.”

Cole got to work, carefully grinding the leaves and herbs with a mortar and pestle. The rhythmic sound of the grinding filled the room as Mia prepared additional ingredients and set up the mixing area. Her movements were precise and efficient, reflecting her experience and focus.

As Cole crushed the herbs, Mia started mixing other ingredients in a large bowl. She glanced over at Cole, checking his progress. “How’s it going over there?”

“Almost done,” Cole replied, his voice steady. “Just a few more minutes.”

“Great,” Mia said, nodding approvingly. “Once we have the powder, we’ll mix it with the other components to create a potent medicine. It should help the elk recover faster.”

Cole finished grinding the herbs and handed the powder to Mia. She took it and added it to the mixing bowl, combining it with other ingredients. The mixture began to take shape, a rich, earthy blend that would soon become the medicine needed to treat the poisoned elk.

As she worked, Mia’s focus never wavered. “We need to make sure the dosage is right,” she said, carefully measuring out portions of the mixture. “Too much or too little could have adverse effects.”

With the medicine prepared, Mia and Cole returned to the medical bay, where the elk were still resting and recovering. Mia began administering the medicine to each elk, making sure they received the correct dosage. Cole assisted, helping to ensure the process went smoothly.

Mia’s hands moved with practiced ease as she distributed the medicine, her eyes scanning each elk for signs of improvement. The room was filled with a sense of quiet urgency as the team worked together to provide the best care possible.

Once all the elk had been treated, Mia wiped her brow and looked around at her friends, a mixture of relief and exhaustion in her eyes. “Thank you, Cole, and everyone else who helped. We’ve done everything we can for now.”

Cole nodded, giving Mia a reassuring smile. “You did great, Mia. They’re in good hands.”

Mia in party 🎉🎉🥳 mode

Should I do scared Mia?

At least, her face?

Bcz I don't think I can make her on a couch, screamed.
Anyway...

I found this somewhere

Lol

Anyway

The morning sun had barely crested the horizon when Mia burst into the medical bay, her eyes scanning the elk in distress. The scene that greeted her was disheartening; the elk, once showing signs of hope, now appeared worse. Their breathing was labored, their movements sluggish.

Mia’s heart sank as she approached the first elk. She gently touched its forehead, feeling the heat of fever. Her mind raced through every possible scenario, trying to figure out what could be wrong. She checked the others, each showing similar symptoms. It was clear that despite her best efforts, the situation was deteriorating.

As she paced back and forth, her frustration and worry mounted. She had spent hours researching and administering treatment, only to see the elk’s condition worsen. Her hands trembled as she picked at the eyebrow hairs, a nervous habit that had developed during high-stress moments. The tiny hairs fell to the ground as Mia continued her anxious grooming.

Jay and Cole walked in, noticing Mia’s distressed state. Jay’s eyes widened as he took in the scene. “Mia, what’s going on? They don’t look any better.”

“I don’t understand,” Mia said, her voice cracking with stress. She picked at her eyebrows more frantically, nibbling on the tiny bits of hair she’d plucked. “I followed the protocol. I did everything right. But why aren’t they improving?”

Cole stepped closer, his expression one of concern. “Mia, maybe we missed something. Is there any other symptom or detail that we overlooked?”

Mia stopped her nervous habit and looked at Cole, her face pale. “I don’t know. I’m missing something. I thought the poison was identified and treated. Why are they getting worse? I... I can’t lose them. Not after everything we’ve done.”

Jay placed a comforting hand on Mia’s shoulder. “You’ve done everything you can, Mia. Let’s take a step back and reassess. Maybe there’s something new we can try or a different approach.”

Mia took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. She knew Jay was right. Panicking wouldn’t help the elk, and she needed to focus. She grabbed her notebook, flipping through her notes and research, searching for any clue she might have missed.

“Okay,” Mia said, her voice steadying as she spoke. “I’ll review everything again. There must be a different treatment or a new approach we haven’t tried yet.”

Cole nodded in agreement. “We’re here to help. Let’s take a systematic approach and see if we can find anything that we might have missed.”

Jay and Cole began to assist Mia, who was now focused and determined. They reviewed the symptoms, the treatment administered, and the results. The process was methodical, but Mia’s anxiety remained palpable as she continued to pick at her eyebrows.

After several hours of intense study and discussion, Mia had a breakthrough. “Wait a minute,” she said, her eyes lighting up with realization. “The initial tests showed contamination from soda grass. But what if there’s another contaminant?”

Jay and Cole exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting their hope. “What do you mean?” Jay asked.

Mia continued, “If there was another toxin mixed in with the soda grass, it could explain why the treatment didn’t work. I need to run another test.”

With renewed energy, Mia dove back into her work. She collected new samples and prepared fresh tests, her movements more focused and precise. The hours ticked by, and eventually, Mia saw the results she needed.

“Found it!” Mia exclaimed, her voice filled with relief. “There’s an additional toxin. It was masking the effects of the initial poison. No wonder the treatment wasn’t working.”

She quickly formulated a new antidote, based on her findings. With Jay and Cole assisting, they administered the new treatment to the elk. Mia’s hands were steady as she worked, her earlier stress replaced with focused determination.

As the sun began to set, the team watched anxiously. Slowly but surely, the elk began to show signs of improvement. Their breathing steadied, and their movements became less labored.

Jay looked at Mia, a proud smile on his face. “You did it, Mia. You figured it out.”

Mia exhaled a deep sigh of relief, her face relaxing as she took in the positive changes. “It was tough, but I’m glad we got it in time. Thank you both for your support. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Cole patted Mia on the back. “We’re a team, and we’re here for each other. Let’s keep an eye on them, and they should be back to their old selves soon.”

With the elk on the mend and her anxiety subsiding, Mia finally allowed herself a moment of rest. The hard work had paid off, and the team had managed to save the day once again.

Or so they thought.

The next morning, the elk's condition was worse. Mia's heart sank as she saw them lying weakly in the medical bay. Their breathing was shallow, and their eyes were dull. The treatment she’d administered was not having the desired effect.

Mia felt a pang of anxiety twist in her chest. She knew she had to act quickly, but as she stared at the struggling elk, she felt overwhelmed. Without a word, she shut the door of the medical bay, locking it behind her to keep everyone out. Her face was set in grim determination, her brows furrowed deeply.

She turned to the elk, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for the first one. She began checking their vitals meticulously, her fingers moving with practiced precision. Every beep of the heart monitors, every labored breath of the elk, added to the mounting pressure she felt.

The hours ticked by unnoticed as Mia worked tirelessly. She refilled syringes with medication, adjusted dosages, and administered treatments. Her movements became almost robotic, driven by an urgent need to find a solution. She glanced at her watch occasionally, only to realize that time had slipped away. The morning sun had turned into the afternoon, and then into evening. Still, Mia didn’t stop.

Her eyes grew red and tired from lack of sleep, but she didn’t let up. She muttered to herself, her voice a mix of frustration and determination. “Come on, Mia. You can’t give up now. They’re depending on you.”

She set up a makeshift lab in the corner of the medical bay, pulling out all her available tools and equipment. Petri dishes filled with blood samples lined the counters. Mia poured over her notes, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the puzzle.

“Maybe it’s not just the toxin. Maybe there’s another factor,” she said aloud, her voice strained. She mixed new solutions, performed test after test, and observed every reaction carefully. Her hands moved with purpose, though her mind was frazzled.

She worked late into the night, her exhaustion evident. The once-bright lights of the lab now cast long shadows across the room. Mia’s hair was unkempt, and her clothes were disheveled. She rubbed her eyes, which were sore from staring at the microscope, but she refused to stop. She had to find the answer.

As the hours dragged on, Mia's sense of time was lost in the haze of her work. She adjusted the doses, tried new combinations of treatments, and even consulted old medical journals, desperately searching for anything that could help. The elk, though weak, seemed to respond slightly to the new treatments, giving Mia a glimmer of hope.

Just as the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, there was a soft knock on the door. It was Jay, Cole, and the others, who had been anxiously waiting outside.

“Mia?” Jay’s voice called through the door. “Are you okay? We’re worried about you. Please, let us in.”

Mia’s shoulders slumped. The exhaustion was catching up with her, and her determination was wavering. She knew she needed help but was reluctant to admit it.

“Just a moment,” she said hoarsely, her voice barely audible.

She finally unlocked the door and let them in. Jay, Cole, and the others looked at her with concern as they saw the disheveled state she was in. The medical bay was cluttered with used syringes and empty containers, evidence of the relentless hours Mia had put in.

“Are they going to be okay?” Jay asked gently.

Mia nodded, though she was clearly exhausted. “I think so. The new treatments are showing some improvement. They’re still weak, but there’s a chance.”

Cole placed a reassuring hand on Mia’s shoulder. “You’ve been working non-stop. You need to rest. We can help with the treatments.”

Mia shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “I don’t want to leave them. I need to make sure they’re getting the best care.”

Jay took her hands gently. “We’ll take over for a bit. You’ve done an amazing job, but you need to take care of yourself too.”

Mia sighed and finally allowed herself to be led away. As she left the medical bay, she glanced back at the elk, hoping that her efforts would be enough to see them through. With the support of her friends, she could finally rest and regain her strength, trusting that the elk were in good hands.

Despite her exhaustion, sleep eluded Mia. She tossed and turned in her room, the weight of the elk's condition pressing heavily on her mind. Her worry was compounded by the faint sounds of distress that drifted from the medical bay. After several restless hours, she decided she couldn't stay away any longer.

Wrapped in her blanket, she quietly slipped back into the medical bay. The sight of the elk, still weak but stabilized, brought a wave of relief. Mia chose a spot on the floor near them and carefully placed one of the blankets on the ground. She then set her other blanket up as a pillow and lay down, her body finally giving in to the exhaustion.

As she settled in, she heard soft, reassuring sounds from the elk. One by one, they slowly rose from their resting positions and gathered around Mia. Their presence was gentle yet firm, creating a protective circle around her.

Mia felt the warmth and softness of the elk as they nestled closer to her. Their breathing, once labored, had become more rhythmic and soothing. In this makeshift bed among her patients, Mia finally allowed herself to close her eyes.

The elk’s protective instincts were evident. Whenever anyone approached the medical bay, the elk would shift slightly, ensuring Mia remained undisturbed. Their subtle movements and gentle nuzzles were comforting, offering a sense of security.

Mia slept deeply, her blanket cocooning her in warmth and safety. As the sun rose, bathing the room in soft morning light, she awoke to find the elk still around her. Their condition had improved remarkably overnight. Their eyes were brighter, and their breathing more steady.

She stretched and sat up, smiling as she noticed the elk's attentive gazes. They seemed to sense her relief and gratitude. Mia gently patted the nearest elk, her heart swelling with affection.

Jay, Cole, and the others arrived soon after, looking concerned but hopeful. They saw Mia resting peacefully among the elk, their protective stance a testament to her care and dedication.

“How are they?” Jay asked softly, seeing the improvement.

Mia stood up, her eyes reflecting both fatigue and satisfaction. “They’re doing much better. I think we’re through the worst of it.”

Cole and Jay nodded, relieved. “You’ve done an incredible job. It’s time for you to rest now,” Cole said, offering a supportive hand.

Mia glanced back at the elk, who seemed to be watching with contentment. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. “For everything.”

The elk gave gentle, encouraging sounds, as if to acknowledge Mia’s thanks. With the help of her friends, Mia finally left the medical bay, knowing that her patients were in good hands and that her efforts had made a significant difference.

------

The day to release the elk had finally arrived. The monastery grounds were bustling with activity as Jay set up his camera equipment, eager to capture the momentous occasion. News crews arrived, their cameras and microphones ready to document the successful recovery and release of the elk.

Mia stood by the entrance to the enclosure, her heart pounding with a mix of joy and sadness. One by one, she approached the elk, each of them showing signs of recovery. With gentle care, she kissed each elk on their heads and wrapped her arms around them in heartfelt hugs.

“Thank you for everything,” she whispered to each one. “You’ve been so strong.”

The elk responded with soft nuzzles and affectionate gestures, as if they understood her gratitude. The sight of them regaining their strength and vitality filled Mia with a profound sense of accomplishment.

Finally, the oldest elk made its way toward Mia. This particular elk had been the most affected by the poisoning and had been with Mia through the toughest times. As the majestic creature approached her, Mia’s composure faltered. She dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

“This is the hardest part,” she said through her sobs, her voice trembling. “You’ve been so brave. I... I’m going to miss you.”

The oldest elk nuzzled her gently, its presence both comforting and bittersweet. The connection between Mia and this elk was deeply personal, and letting go was proving to be an emotional challenge.

Jay captured the poignant moment with his camera, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by a somber respect for the bond Mia had with the elk. The news reporters, sensing the gravity of the scene, kept their distance, allowing Mia the space she needed.

The oldest elk stood by Mia, its head resting on her shoulder as if to offer solace. She hugged it tightly, her tears soaking into its fur.

After a long moment, Mia slowly composed herself. She gently released the elk, wiping her tears away and taking a deep breath.

“Go on,” she said softly, her voice steadier now. “You’re free.”

The elk looked back one last time, then joined the others as they made their way out of the enclosure, heading back to their natural habitat. Mia watched them go, her heart heavy but full of pride.

Jay placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You did everything you could, Mia. They’re going to be okay because of you.”

Mia nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the elk disappeared into the distance. “I know. I just hope they remember how much they mean to me.”

Jay smiled and picked her up. " I think they already know