Hollow Genesis

Chapter 12: Change of Direction

Chapter 12: Change of Direction

Hazy images were in his sights. A bright light framed silhouettes of unfamiliar figures as it assaulted his opening eye. Voices were echoing in his head, but he couldn't make out any of the traded words. His body ached of stiffness as his head spun in confusion. Electronic beeps were ringing in his ears, distinctively standing out from the voices. The scent of cleanliness flowed throughout the room like an ocean. Tall curtains of white surrounded him. Blurry images slowly came into focus, familiar figures stood around him. Faces of relief, concern, or worry were pasted on each individual. 

"Jun you're okay," Lunette sighed, she placed her hand on her chest. 

"Gave us quite the scare when you blacked out in the arena," Jeht said, his voice sounded especially deep to Jun. 

An unfamiliar voice asked Jun, "Do you feel any pain?" 

Jun looked around to find the owner of the voice, a man clothed in a white coat examining a paper sized sheet of green, that projected from a silver brace, filled with quick moving numbers and data. "No.." Jun answered in a low voice. 

"Good, the treatment worked then. Try getting up," the man advised, his eyes looked at both Jun and the green sheet. 

Jun sat up to notice the white bed. He was still equipped with his gladiator gear, but the bandages have been removed with no trace of blood on him. Wounds were closed, but faint scars remained on his body. "Where am I?" he asked. 

"The Colosseum's infirmary. We usually just treat Malvice, but with your actions. We treated Batonio, Argis, Wavita, and Malvice. Kind of entertained us actually," the man answered, a subtle hint of graciousness could be heard in his voice. 

"Are they okay?" Jun asked. 

The man nodded. He scanned over the green sheet again and said, "You're good to go now too." Before any reply, he wandered away from the group. 

Jun finally noticed the absence of Borus and Syren, automatically asking, "Where's Borus and Syren?" 

"Toishi took them back to Jeht's house while you blacked out," Kar answered. 

"Yeah, apparently Syren is 'traumatized' with all of the blood," Loren scoffed. 

Jun let out, "Not surprising.." 

"I know right?" Kar agreed. 

Jun moved himself to the side of the bed and let his feet touch the ground. Jeht opened his suitcase and gave Jun his clothes and said, "Here, change. We'll be on the other side of the curtain." He guided the group out of the curtain walled room. 

Jun slowly changed into his normal clothes, still trying to get over his stiffness. When he finished he opened the curtain and found the group sitting in blue, padded chairs that rested in a grey carpet room. Curtains were set up all around the room, bearing patients behind them. Jun gave the gladiator gear to Jeht after examining the room. 

"How does it feel to be champion?" Pent asked, a wide smile was on his face. 

"No different.." Jun responded with a shrug of his shoulder. 

"The media was swarming earlier, they wanted to interview you, but they left the arena. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if they're actually outside of the Colosseum waiting for you," Toishi informed. 

"They'll be there for the award ceremony tomorrow along with the dinner that follows soon after," Jeht said, "this is the first time that a gladiator could attend, so know that the media will be all over you."