Another Life

Mercy wiped a drop of sweat off her forehead with the back of her gloved hand even as her eyes remained fixed on the man in front of her. Every surgery was hard of course, but she felt such great pressure on her just for this one man. Sure he came from a wealthy family and sure she wanted him to continue on with his life, as with every other. He was a handsome young man she supposed, one with much potential and charm that could carry him far in life. However, these were only memories now, memories that she forced from her mind. In a surgeon's work, there was no room for hesitation, emotions, or distractions. Every second matter, especially when the case was so dire. At that moment, the man in front of her was less of a man than half a corpse at best. But regardless, she knew that she could not give up, not while he was still breathing and she was still standing.

At last, she was done. She could only take a few steps back and glance nervously between the many machines that assisted her in her work and the patient in front of her. She watched as the body moved gently, in soft breaths as the machines told her that his vitals were stabilized. With a long sigh of relief, she approached him and ran her hand over his body. It was no longer the body of a man, but of a machine. Only his face remained visibly human, though even then it was covered by a layer of bandaging to prevent further damage and infection. She gritted her teeth as she held his hand, begging that he would make it through even as all her emotions and stress finally caught up to her. They were cold steel hands that showed neither warmth nor life in them, yet she knew that he was still there, fighting to stay in this world.

As she stood there, she felt a tingle on her skin that climbed up her arm and ended at her right shoulder. As she looked, she saw the faint green glow that resembled the shape of a dragon. A mighty dragon that most likely was one to be feared from the stories of the old, brought down to such a small form and on its last breath. Yet as she watched silently in awe, it stood up by its tale and looked at her with eyes that she could not see in the glow yet can feel intently on her own face. Then, it spoke a single word before returning to the man on her table in a small trail of green vapor. It was a word that she had learned long ago, one that tied her so closely to this man. It was a word that he had personally taught to her.

"Arigatou."

Some years in the past

The moon brightly lit up the cloudless night sky, shining down beautifully on the city below. In its light, the city's inhabitant wandered this way and that, all wearing festive clothing on the occasion of the Lunar Festival. It was a big event in Japan after all, plus who did not want to show themselves off in their own yukatas. All over the streets were stalls here and there, showing their wares to those interested. Many allowed people of all ages to challenge themselves with classic yet rather enjoyable games. Others simply sold various food products, filling the street with their sweet aromas. Lights filled the street, illuminating every last corner, person, and item presented there. It was a night where anyone can feel safe simply walking around, whether alone or with friends. Some were couples and some who came looked for their own partner. After all, the pleasant mood provided an excellent opportunity to do so.

Angela walked through the streets, a soft smile on her lips as she gazed around her thoughtfully. She absorbed in every last detail that was presented in her sight, from the people to what each were doing. This was her first time here in Japan, and perhaps her last until who knows when. She was eager to travel the world, a wish that was made possible by her parent's wealthy and influential background. With their work bringing them to Japan, Angela was more than happy to accompany them here, especially during such a festive time. While she already knew much about their culture and traditions from her readings, going out was a whole new exciting experience for her. It was a great way to see everything that she had learned about in person. Plus, she got this beautiful outfit from her family as a souvenir from Japan, she figured she might as well use it where it was meant to be used.