The evening sun shone through the hospital room's large window, and Ellia remained by her friend's side, reading a book. Delle's sharp fingers twitched ever so slightly, then her entire hand. Eyes with purple centers opened quickly, and the witch sat upright to stretch her limbs. *yawwwwn* "That was a good nap." "Delle!?" Ellia flew from her chair and into the arms of her friend. The two hugged each other tightly in the orange glow of the sun. "I thought you weren't gonna make it," said Ellia with teary eyes. "I'm fine...better than fine actually."

Delle stood out of bed in her hospital gown and performed more stretches. "I haven't felt this great in a while." Still concerned, Ellia warned, "Hey, slow down. You might not be as good as you feel." Without worry, Delle removed the needle from her arm and spun in place. "Nope. I can't explain it, Ellia, but I feel really good now."

The pixie couldn't abandon her concerns, but smiled anyway. "I'm just glad you're awake. Your parents called a few times, said they'll be here soon." "Guess I better get dressed then." Suddenly the hospital room's door opened behind the patient. Gren and Komo made their entrance and froze with wide eyes. Delle stood facing away from them in her gown, unaware of her exposed rear. "AAHH!!"

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SMASH! Dusty's body gets crushed against the garage's concrete floor by the giant, armored beetle. "Come on, cowboy," his deep voice spoke, "Can't be a sharp shot if you're unable to shoot." Another immense punch forces him down again, and Pamda can't stand it. "BABY!!" She twirls her bamboo staff and strikes at the girl with a stitched, doll outfit. Two staffs collide, and Pamda loses control of her body. The masked acrobat flies back against the wall, unable to fight the intense gravity pressed on her.

A mighty axe swings across at Vik, but he blocks it with his gauntlet. Electricity charges as he aims it at his opponent, but the gladiator woman smacks his face with her small shield. The teen spins and hits the floor, turning his face to see the incoming beetle. His giant javelin crashes into Vik's back, with an impact that shakes the entire garage. No break is given, however, as the dancing doll's staff begins to glow and lift the teen into the ceiling, then back down again. The red outline around Vik flashes three times, and the buzzer from his watch sounds off. "Be thankful this was a Symulation," the gladiator woman says, "All of you would've perished on the first blow."

Dusty and Pamda are thrown against Vik, who fearfully shouts, "Wh-who are you freaks!?" The gladiator removes her helmet, revealing a tan woman in her 40s with light-blue hair underneath. Her right eye bears a scar, barely noticeable under the black patch. Crimson armor with gray and gold clothing she wears, all in the likeness of stone. "My name is Kronia," she says with authority.

Kronia's axe pointed towards the giant man in polished, blue armor. He stood much taller than the average man, even taller if he wasn't slightly hunched. Large, orange eyes like an insect's looked down on his inferior opponents, with a beetle horn rising his helmet's face. "You will call him Stag," said Kronia, who then pointed at a much smaller female, "And her, Doll Face." Compared to the gladiator, Doll Face appeared physically weak and skinny, always swaying. Her stitched dress featured several shades of white and gray, including her mask. Instead of eyes, there were large, red buttons, and a stitched mouth always smiled. Vik was unsure if her orange hair was real or not, but it didn't really matter.

With names given, Kronia makes one last introduction, "We are here for one purpose and nothing more. To be Jang's Hand." Vik finds the courage to stand and ask, "Jang's Hand? What does that mean?" The large Stag answers in a thunderous voice, "Years ago, we were chosen to be Jang's apprentices. When he defected from the state, we followed to carry out his vision." Doll Face sways back and forth as she adds, "Master Jang told us to stay hidden if he was captured, but when we heard of his return, we tried to reunite." "A little late for that," taunts Dusty, also beginning to stand, "Jang was put back in jail the same day we broke him out."

Kronia nods. "We had scattered across the globe. Locating one another and remaining out of sight proved to be difficult, given our appearances." Pamda holds onto Dusty's arm as she asks, "So why are you attacking us?" "That was just to get your attention. We're recruiting you to fulfill our mission." Losing his fear, Vik steps closer and looks Kronia straight in the eye, equal in stature if not for her boots. "Recruitment suggests we have a choice, but I don't think you're giving us one." The gladiator chuckles and replies, "You catch on quick."

"And what's this mission?" Dusty asks, "Break Jang out again? Good luck with that." Sparks fly off of Kronia's shield, as she sharpens her axe across it. "Jang will be released afterwards. First we must complete the primary task he sought to achieve a decade ago..." The blade of the axe slams down into the tile floor, starling the gang trio. "...Destroying the state's current power, starting with its Symbiolic protectors."