Spawn

Chapter 3: Symbiotic Strength

Dawn broke over the city, the early morning light filtered through the rain-soaked window near Tejima's bed.

The steady tapping of raindrops mixed with the distant sounds of chirping birds and croaking frogs, creating a peaceful melody.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder and closer until they stopped just outside Tejima's room.

The door creaked open, revealing the silhouette of a young man who moved silently toward Tejima's bed.

He pulled up a chair and sat beside him, leaning forward slightly, watching as Tejima slept soundly. His arms rested on his knees, and his head tilted forward in quiet contemplation.

Outside the room, more footsteps approached, quick and urgent. A figure stopped at the doorway, peeking inside with a mixture of surprise and concern.

"Kaiser, there you are! I've been looking all over for you. What are you doing here?" The newcomer's voice was a mix of relief and confusion.

"Shh, keep it down, Marco. He's asleep," Kaiser replied, his tone unusually serious.

Marco stepped inside, lowering his voice. "Alright, but do you know this guy?"

"Yeah, I do," Kaiser nodded, his voice softening. "He's a good friend from college. I heard he got into a fight with a symbiote and came to check on him."

Marco glanced at Tejima, then back at Kaiser. "Well, he seems to be doing fine now."

"It's all my fault, I allowed to go on his own and get hurt," Kaiser said suddenly, his voice trembling as tears welled up in his eyes.

Marco placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, it's alright. You can't blame yourself for everything."

"I shouldn't have left him. I shouldn't have let him go on his own," Kaiser continued, wiping away a tear.

"He's alive, Kaiser. That's what matters," Marco reassured him.

"Yeah, you're right," Kaiser sighed, trying to regain his composure. "Anyway, I came looking for you because all the CPA Field Operator captains have been called to a meeting by the 06 council.

It's probably about how we let several civilians get hurt during our last mission."

"Alright, let's go," Kaiser said, standing up from the chair. They both left the room quietly, closing the door behind them.

Hours later...

"Tejima, wake up," Raisaka said, raising his hand, ready to karate chop Tejima.

Tejima's eyes opened faster than the speed of light as he jolted awake. "Hey, hey, I'm up! There is no need for that!"

Tejima said, his voice tinged with mock fear.

"Good. I don't want you injured before our training. Not that it matters since you can just heal anyway," Raisaka teased.

"So, what's the plan for training?" Tejima asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"You'll find out tonight," Raisaka replied with a cryptic smile.

"Tonight? Why not now?" Tejima asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

"Because I'm a doctor, remember? I still have to pay bills," Raisaka explained.

"But I thought you lived here," Tejima said, raising an eyebrow.

"Nah, I've got my own place. Besides, I'm not the strongest soldier anymore, and I'm done fighting in the field," Raisaka said, a hint of something unspoken in his voice.