Waves crash against splinter pieces of wood, mixed with long rip fabric linings from the ship. An endless darkness expands out across the whole ocean. Ryo clutches onto a large plank, his left eye closed, blood dripping down from a gash above it. His grip weakens from the cold chill stiffening his body. It becomes harder to stay on the surface with constant weight of water-soaked clothes. Muscling up the last of his immediate strength, Ryo pulls himself halfway onto the plank. He glances around the area to look for help.
Darkness glares back at him. A defending silence fills his ears. Unknown tension fills his body, one that Ryo isn’t familiar with. In front a huge wave rises in front of him, it towers into the sky. Any noise catches in the back of his throat, the wave roars down towards him.
Ryo’s vision blurs between his heavy eyelids. A wooden ceiling shifts into view, illuminated by the morning sun. Unable to move, he turns to see where he is. To his right, an empty desk sits under the window and a dresser right next to it. The weight of lead prevents his body from any big movements. Down at his side, Sera lays asleep, curled up into a ball. Unsettled, he attempts to lift himself up but sharp pain shoots through his body into his head. Ryo flinches, collapsing back onto the bed. The world spins a bit, but his attention turns down to his left arm in a sling. Most of his upper body is exposed with medical wrap around his chest, arms, legs, neck and head.
Distant muffle voices break Ryo’s stare. Light knocking on the bedroom door announces the presence of other people in the house. Axel swings it open when he enters. From behind another elderly individual follows him in. The older man wears a long white coat, brown slacks, and polished shoes. A stethoscope hangs from his side on a waist belt.
“Ah, it seems that our patient has finally awoken.” The man says. Cheerfulness hides beneath his husky, raspy voice.
He settles in a seat beside the bedside for an update examination. “Seems like all of the life-threatening injuries have been taken care of. Vitals are normal. He still isn’t full out of the woods yet.”
Behind him, Axel leans up against the door frame, crossing his arms. Suspicion remains on his face.
“Now Axel, if you’re trying to play the tough guy, you may scare our guest.” The doctor says, continuing is check up on Ryo. Axel’s concentration breaks almost sending him forward onto the ground. The doctor chuckles.
“I’m not playing. We don’t even know who this is, Doc. Could be a soldier from Lunestra for all we know.” Axel responds back.
Ryo glances at them, remaining silent.
“Anyways, young man. You may call me Doc. Can we ask what your name is?” Doc says, his attention falls back onto Ryo.
Silence downs out the room. Ryo eyes fall back down to his bandaged right hand. “I…don’t know.” He mutters.
Axel leans forward a bit. “What was that?”
Ryo glances back at them. “My name…I don’t remember it. I don’t remember…anything.”
“Oh my.” Doc sits back.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Axel straightens himself out. “You don’t remember? You can’t possibly mean EVERYTHING?”
Doc ponders to himself, resting his hand underneath his chin. “This may be a result of his head injury mixed with a traumatic experience. He was found in rough shape. In the medical books the diagnosis is referred to as amnesia. This could be a serious case if you can’t even remember your name.”
“Hold on Doc, you mean to tell me that he could even be a threat to us right now?"
“Don't jump to conclusions Axel." The Doc turns back to Axel, exasperated.
Axel’s move off to the side, and shuts his mouth.
He proceeds to retrieve a old damaged shoulder bag from the top dresser drawer. “I found this a short distance away from where you washed ashore.” The bag lands on top of Ryo’s legs. From the side pocket, a pendant falls out. It’s silver flame-like body glistens from the natural light.
Drawn to the pendant, Ryo picks it up and rubs his fingers over the surface, clearing the dirt and smoke stains. Flipping it over the engraving sticks out on the back. He runs a thumb over it.
“Ryo Astral?” He reads. “My name?”
“Who knows.”
“Axel.” Doc’s curt voice interrupts, shutting Axel up. “It seems that its all we have at the moment. Let’s assume that it is your name. We can’t keep call you just ‘he’ or ‘you’.
Pain shoots from Ryo’s head, causing him to drop the pendant on to the floor. His fingers shudder unable to close properly. All around the room spins, his vision fading into blurriness.
“That’s enough for now. Ryo just woke up and doesn’t need any more external stresses. The book also says memories and other information may come back with time. That’s all he may need.” Doc stands from his spot, straightening up his coat.
Prepared to leave, he takes one last look at Axel. “You found him, its now your job to looks after him. After he recovers a bit more take him outside. I’m sure some fresh air will do him some good too.”
Ryo rests his head against his right hand, trying to focus his vision on the doorframe.
Doc proceeds to leave the two alone. Everything falls silence between the two, only faint chirping sounds come from the slightly open window. Time ticks by slowly but finally Axel manages to open his mouth. “Looks like you still won’t be leaving for a while. I did make some lunch; you should probably eat something.” His tone cold, and defensive. He turns to leave the room.
“Not hungry." Ryo’s short response echoes behind him.
Axel turns trying to hide his annoyance behind a force smile. “Oh, and let me introduce myself. I’m Axel Reyes. A proud resident of Nebuor Island.”
He quickly exits, leaving Ryo to his own thoughts. Still processing everything that happened, Ryo glances towards the window.
“What happened to me?” He mutters to himself.
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