Division-A

Episode Twenty Seven. (June 18th, 2123. Division-A, South District.)

Cotton unwrapped around Asuka's forearm as her bandage was removed. She winced slightly, her eye twitching as the stickiness of the adhesive tugged on her skin. Kiku watched from the other side of the infirmary, groaning and squealing at the sight of her older sister's bruised, moist forearm. Asuka pulled her white t-shirt back over her head, sliding her arms through the sleeves as the nurse stepped back.

"Thank you, doctor," Asuka said, pulling her shirt down to her hips as the nurse nodded.

Kiku peeked through her fingers, repulsed. "A-are you sure it won't get infected and fall off?"

Asuka giggled, scrunching her nose and shaking her head as a rebuttal. "No," she assured her, "we don't have to worry about that kind of stuff anymore."

The nurse walked up to Asuka, handing her a slip of paper. "Your regeneration should be able to handle the rest of the injury, but if you think you need time off, turn this slip into the Prime Secretary and he'll excuse you from any Omega activities for another week, okay?"

The corners of the redhead's mouth uplifted as she made eye contact. "Thank you, doctor, but I don't think I need this. I'd like to get back to fighting as soon as possible."

Kiku balled her fist, leaning up from her chair in a protective fit of anger. "Sis, it won't be healthy if you lose your arm again! I can do the fighting for us both!"

"I'm aware," Asuka confessed, sliding off the elevated patient bed, "but you still have a lot to learn before you can fend for us both." She lifted her arm up, flexing her muscles. "See," she said with a proud grin, "I'm as good as new."

Leaning over, the nurse cupped her hand around her mouth and whispered into Asuka's ear. "I've heard from coworkers that the administration is working on a new prototype for the core. Maybe, getting the surgery could reset your body and fix your health problems."

Asuka reached for Kiku's hand as she started heading out the door. "I'll look into that," she fibbed, ushering her little sister through the exit. "Thanks again, doctor."

"No problem," the nurse said, waving goodbye. "Don't forget about the slip!"

The sisters walked down the tiled hallway, entering into the carpeted main hallway who's walls towered seemingly endlessly over their heads that graced chandeliers, bathing them in warm, glistening light.

The Grand Hall was open and the district had finished repairs a few days before. Nonetheless, the government building was crowded with people of all kinds. Although reporters were not allowed inside the facility, one could definitely pick up on that fact judging from how much commotion there happened to be inside the building. Instead of exiting the premises in front of a swarm of camera ready journalists, the two turned into one of the many guarded back exits.

They opened the door to an impressively massive backyard. Cliques of Omegas fooled around and trained together as a way to pass their free time during the day- of which they were kept captive on the premises due to the over publicity waiting outside for them. Asuka stood by the door as Kiku ran into the field, shouting as she reached over to a shelf of fake weapons. The elder stepped down, walking over to a tree for some shade as her little sister threw plastic blades at a fellow Omega. This amused her since the opponent was equipped with a gun, of which Kiku and her blades would stand no chance.

Resting her head against the girth of the tree, Asuka began to close her eyes. She lifted her bruised arm over her face, sheltering her from the sunlight peaking through the leaves above her when suddenly she heard her name. She opened an eye, noticing the sneakers of someone standing in front of her.

"Asuka," Akino repeated, "you remember me, don't you?"

She pushed herself off the tree, sitting upwards. "Yes, what are you doing here?"