" YUANFEN " genji shimada.

viii | comfort

yuanfen.
act three, chapter eight.
"comfort"

_

THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE medbay was oddly comforting as Dahlia stepped inside behind McCree. The plain white walls and bright fluorescent lights matched the coolness of the rest of the large building, so unlike the warm tones found in her dorm, yet she was surprised that she didn't feel intimidated by the copious amount of high-tech devices that filled the open area. A soft floral aroma filled the room, clashing with the tang of alcohol and other medicinal chemicals.

McCree called for Dr. Ziegler, who was nowhere to be seen. A moment later, Dahlia began to hear soft mumbles coming from a room off to the side. The door was wide open, and she could just barely catch a glimpse of the doctor, dressed in white scrubs with thick-rimmed glasses resting on the bridge of her nose, scrambling to her feet. She appeared in the doorway, looking flustered, though she relaxed upon noticing McCree and Dahlia, and a warm smile appeared on her face.

"Dahlia, you're looking better. How are you feeling?"

Dahlia didn't respond right away. Although Dr. Ziegler was nothing but kind to her since her arrival, the warmth behind her words still surprised her. "I'm okay," was what she settled with, her voice laced with discomfort. The doctor crossed the room to stand in front of her and McCree.

"I'm pleased to see that I get the honor of working with you first." Dr. Ziegler seemed to notice Dahlia's uneasiness, for she reached out and placed a soft hand on her shoulder. Dahlia pulled away almost immediately, startled by the jolts of electricity that shot down her arm at her touch.

McCree left them shortly after, though not before wishing Dahlia luck with a tip of his hat and a warm, crooked smile shot in her direction. Dahlia liked the cowboy. He was friendly enough, and although she still wasn't certain she could trust him, she was thankful for his kindness.

Once alone, Dr. Ziegler gestured for Dahlia to follow her. She did so, sticking close to the doctor as she was led towards a desk near the entrance to the medbay. A single, sharp pain shot through her head, and Dahlia instinctively reached up to rub her fingers over the scars on her temples. She was reminded of the absence of her mask, once again feeling a surge of panic.

"Dr. Ziegler?" She called out, her voice small. The doctor hummed a response, glancing over her shoulder. "My mask. Where is it?"

Dr. Ziegler stepped behind the desk, drumming her fingers on the surface as she shot Dahlia an almost apologetic look. "I left it back at the old location. I wanted to separate you from your identity as Vixen. I believe this will help you recall your old life, dear."

Dahlia understood where the doctor was coming from, but hearing that her mask, the one thing that brought her comfort during her time with the Reaper, was at a completely different location- perhaps even across the world- was unsettling. Not only was she in a completely foreign place surrounded by strangers and confusing memories, but she was now without the one sense of security that she had.

Dr. Ziegler seemed to sense her panic. "I'm sorry, dear. If you are too uncomfortable with this, I can always send a team to retrieve it-"

"No," Dahlia interrupted with a shake of her head. The doctor was right. She had to separate herself from the persona created for her by the Reaper. If she truly wanted to be rid of him, she had to get rid of everything that tied her to him. "It would be unfair of me to ask that when there are more important things for you to do."

"Right," Dr. Ziegler agreed, smiling softly. She seemed almost pleased by her response, and Dahlia couldn't help but wonder if it was some sort of test. Before she was able to question it, however, the doctor continued: "Do you have any experience in medical training?"