Adamantine

Recovery

"After what happened with the first prototype three days ago, we've made sure to properly reinforce this model's joints and flexibility." A man in white, apparently an engineer in this real world hospital, tightened a few screws on her metal wrist and nodded approvingly, "But keep in mind, Miss Violet, these prototypes are barely a week old, so please try to be careful while we continue developing your prostheses."

Violet hardly heard the doctor's advice, as her mind still spun from the hasty explanations of the past two years and the nearly fatal malfunction that only recently destroyed her limbs. Despite the whirlwind of information, her thoughts were stuck in one place.

"Where?" she croaked. Her voice was scratchy from two years of silence and she couldn't finish the sentence, but she needed the information now and if she couldn't ask in writing with the delicate, metal monstrosities she had for hands, she was willing to risk her voice.

The engineer put away his tools as he gave her an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, sweetheart, but your dad had to be escorted out—"

Violet shook her head fervently, "Major."

He paused to look at her quizzically, "Pardon?"

She cleared her throat and spoke slowly, "Gilbert."

"I'm not sure what you're asking, Miss Hodgins, but I ask that you please rest. Your nurse should be in shortly with lunch. I'll be back again tomorrow."

"But—" She coughed feebly, trying to get more words out while her muscles fought against the proper syllables, but he was out the door before she could continue.

+++

"It has been two weeks since hospitals across the area reported the players held captive in the deadly VRMMORPG, Sword Art Online, regaining consciousness. The few patients who have been cleared for immediate interviews have confirmed the completion of the death game at about 15:00 hours on Thursday, November 7th."

Violet watched the news ticker make its way across the lower half of the screen, its blocky, white font reporting the names of her fellow survivors.

Momoko Akatsutsumi. Tsuboi Ryotaro. Chiaki Nanami. Yuichiro Hyakyu.

Just how many were left?

"With approximately six thousand recoveries currently in progress, hospitals and other facilities hosting SAO players will continue to be closed to the general public. All families with surviving players will be contacted about visiting hours and/or regularly updated on player conditions by phone or email based on their location."

Six thousand out of the original ten. It was a miracle.

Tamaki Yotsuba. Ryota Watari. Koharu Honda. Eiji Nochizawa.

But thousands or not, all that mattered to Violet was one.

"Until all surviving players are completely accounted for and investigation units release an official statement, we ask that you please remain patient. For the sake of our survivors, we must put everything we have toward ensuring their full recovery."

Miki Takekasa. Kazuto Kirigaya. Hatsuharu Sohma. Maou Sadao.

"Violet?"

No Major. No Major. No Major. No Major.

"Violet."

She startled and turned, meeting the gentle gaze of her father. They had been reunited just the week before, but Claudia still looked at her as if she had awoken mere minutes ago and would fall unconscious again if prompted. She took a moment to quietly hum her acknowledgement, being mindful of the doctor's plea not to strain her voice so quickly.