The Splintered

Splintered

The next few days consisted of me getting my strength back, the transformation turned me into a physical hollow shell even with the upgrades. The pigment of my tan-like skin started to return once I ate more, and started working out as well. This was also needed since learning to be a man now was not easy, I had to watch for things not only in my vision but my thoughts too.

"Hey, take it easy it's only been a few days-"

"I take it easy, I will be alien food. No thanks."

I snapped back at Dex, I said hitting the punching bag. Connecting my fists in more integrated patterns. Sweat drenched me, flashes of my pain specifically emotionally started to flash over me. Whenever that would happen, I would punch the bag harder.

"Just because I told you abominations are mutated humans turned into alien monsters, doesn't mean I wanted you to fight them."

"So what? I'm supposed to stay here and brood. Sob about my life?"

Catching the bag I panted but finished.

"No. I want to replay you. That means helping get rid of abominations and helping others like me."

"Like you? What do you mean?"

Moving to my desk, I unwrapped the bandages on my knuckles elaborating.

"I have a hunch there are more people that didn't die from the alien virus. Or turn into an abomination."

"Yeah about that, for those who are still transmitting on radio, they're calling you the Splintered."

"Splintered huh? Has a nice ring."

I muttered throwing away the bandages, chugging down some cold water. Dex was giving me this look but spilled at least.

"Splintered because they are no longer human either, just in a different way. Developing abilities but losing themselves in the process, they become a shade of who they once were."

"Okay."

I replied nonchalantly, throwing away the water bottle I started to drink another one but Dex gripped my arm.

"This doesn't bother you-"

"No, it doesn't. I want to become powerful enough to protect people. And I can't do that and still be my old self."

I cut him off, but Dex sighed and enunciated.

"You don't get it, do you? It isn't just suppressing its the complete annihilation of who you are."

Deciding to ingest what he's saying I concluded.

"I know."

Finally, Dex let my hand go, as I chugged down another water. My samurai training was supposed to start today, Dex didn't want to push it but I was getting impatient and needed something to keep me busy. What could be better than learning how to defend myself.

"Steady stance."

The old man easily broke while wacking bamboo to my weak legs, once I got used to that pattern he would go for my stomach or arms. Eventually, I did start to stay steady.

"Good."

I never complained, feeling the gazes of the different warriors on me. Some were judging but most were intrigued since most saw me as a girl coming in. The old man passed me his bamboo stick, while he grabbed a wooden sword. It felt weird to me, but I didn't question it-

"Two hands!"

The old man screamed charging and swiping the wooden sword at me, I finally did put two hands on the bamboo stick just as his strike landed above my head. I was blocking it but he had the upper hand.