Origins: The Absolute

Chapter 8: Toll Of The Void

A dim haze enveloped my senses as I drifted in and out of consciousness, the world a blur of indistinct shapes and muffled sounds. It was as though I were trapped beneath a heavy shroud, my mind sluggishly clawing its way toward wakefulness. Fragments of memories from the battle in Sector 14 flashed through my mind, the terrifying moment Rhen held Anika, the darkness of Finite Void, and the agonizing exhaustion that followed.

Slowly, the haze began to lift. I became aware of the soft hum of machinery, the rhythmic beeping of medical equipment, and the faint, comforting murmur of familiar voices. My eyelids felt impossibly heavy, but I forced them open, blinking against the harsh light.

Shapes and colors gradually came into focus. I was in a sterile white room, the ceiling a checkerboard of tiles and fluorescent lights. Medical monitors lined the wall, their screens displaying a series of jagged lines and numbers that meant little to me in my foggy state.

To my left, I saw a small figure curled up in a chair, her head resting on the armrest. It took a moment for my groggy mind to register that it was Anika, her dark hair a tangled mess as she slept, one hand clutching a well-worn stuffed animal. Next to her, Neela sat in another chair, her eyes closed but posture tense, as though even in sleep she was ready to spring into action.

I tried to speak, but my throat was dry, and the sound that came out was a raspy whisper. “Anika… Neela…”

Neela’s eyes snapped open, immediately alert. She leaned forward, her gaze locking onto mine with a mixture of relief and concern. “Aza! You’re awake,” she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. She gently shook Anika’s shoulder. “Anika, wake up. Ms. Aza’s awake.”

Anika stirred, blinking groggily before her eyes widened in realization. She scrambled out of the chair, nearly tripping over her own feet in her haste to reach my bedside. “Ms. Aza!” she exclaimed, her voice a breathless mixture of joy and worry. “You’re back!”

I managed a weak smile, my hand reaching out to gently pat her head. “I’m back,” I said, my voice still hoarse. “How long… have I been out?”

“Two weeks,” Neela said, her expression a complicated mix of relief and anxiety. “You’ve been in a comatose state since the battle. We were so worried, Aza. Dr. Ward said it was the strain of using your new skill, combined with the injuries you sustained.”

I nodded slowly, trying to piece together the fragmented memories of that day. “Is everyone… okay? What happened after…?”

Neela’s gaze softened. “We managed to drive the Acolytes back. Your Level 4 skill was… incredible, Aza. It turned the tide of the battle. After Rhen lost his hand, they retreated. The sector is still in recovery, but we’re rebuilding.”

Anika’s small hand gripped mine tightly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “You saved me again, Ms. Aza. You’re a hero.”

I squeezed her hand gently, the warmth of her touch grounding me in the reality of the moment. “I’m glad… you’re safe,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “That’s all that matters.”

The door to the room opened, and Dr. Ward entered, a tablet in his hand and a look of deep concentration on his face. His eyes widened in surprise and relief as he saw me awake. “Aza!” he exclaimed, setting the tablet down and rushing to my side. “You’re awake. This is… remarkable.”

I offered him a weak smile. “Hi, Doc. I’m guessing you’ve been busy.”

“Busy would be an understatement,” he said with a wry smile, his gaze softening. “We’ve been monitoring your vitals closely. Your body underwent significant strain, but it seems you’re on the mend.”