I opened my eyes slowly. Machines read my heart rate. Darkness poured out from the windows. 

I sat up, wincing  at the sudden ache coming from my body. My right arm was in a cast, and my left hand looked like someone had tried turning it into a mummy. 

How am I supposed to eat now? 

I dragged myself into the hallway, dizzy and slow.

 From what it looks like, I’m back home. 

But how did I get back? It wasn’t a dream.

 Fluorescent lights lit my path, and the smell of disinfectant burned on my nose. A nurse looked up from her desk, then she suddenly got up in surprise. 

“You’re not supposed to be out of bed,” she scolded. She escorted me back gently.

“Nurse, how did I get here?” I asked, wincing at the pain coming from my throat. 

“No question. I’ll call the doctor and he’ll answer your questions.” I nodded in silence. 

How long have you been here? 

Is Rei alright?

 Did the bastard get away? 

Just what the hell was he? 

I groaned at the sudden throbbing in my head. Maybe I should just stop thinking for a while. 

A knock on the door jolting me out of my thoughts, and the doctor came in with a wide smile on his face, with alarming white teeth that are seen in ads. 

“How are you feeling? The man asked as he began his check-up.

“I am not going to lie, but I feel like a truck ran over me,” I told him. 

He chuckled, “At least it’s a truck and not a train.” I didn't find that funny 

“How long was I out for?” I asked him, changing the subject.

“I believe a whole week.” A whole week?

“My eyes widened.”I was on a mission with my friends. How are they?” Worry slowly began to eat me alive.

“They are fine. The girl woke up in three days, even after being seriously injured, and she’s already training. The success rate with the Mani does wonders. The boy is still asleep, but he should be awake soon.”

“Can I go see her?” I asked, earning silence. He looked me up and down, then sighed out loud. 

“You can go, but take a nurse with you and don’t push yourself,” he said. I smiled at him and said my thanks. Once he was gone the nurse’s gentle hands helped me the whole way. 

The training room was huge, with light purple colored walls, no windows, different weights, machines, weapons, dummies, and many more were against the walls around the room. 

Reika was in the center of the room. Her hair was in a high ponytail, a gray baggy shirt, and gray joggers. Sweat dripped from her forehead onto the floor. She was concentrating on her handstand style, push-ups on her right hand. Her left hand was still bandaged up, which was behind her back. 

She hadn’t noticed that she wasn’t alone anymore. 

“Reika,” I called out. She turned her head towards me and her eyes widened in surprise. She quickly got on her feet, then ran to me and engulfed me in a bone-crushing hug. 

"Sorry!"

“When did you wake up?” she asked me. 

“Just now,” I smiled at her, “how’s your hand?”

“It’s fine now. The doctor told me to keep it in the bandage for a whole lot longer just in case.” I nodded along. The door behind me opened to reveal Caleb coming in. 

“Ari! You’re finally awake!” he said, his voice echoing against the walls. 

“Hey, Caleb,” I greeted as I winced at the throbbing headache in my head. 

“You scared me when we found you like that. Thank God you weren’t seriously hurt.” 

Seriously hurt?

 My arm SNAPPED like a twig, but sure, okay.  Caleb glanced at Reika, then frowned at her. 

“Did you finish already?” he asked her, sounding serious. Reika laughed nervously, “No, sir.”

“Then get to it, exorcist.” Reika went back to the center of the room and began her push-ups hand-stand style.

“Are you torturing her?” I inquired, narrowing my eyes at him.

 Caleb gave me a smirk, "Don’t worry, you’ll be next.” A chill ran down my spine, making me shiver. I was already dreading it. 

_______

HEYYYY AUTHOR HERE!!!! 

How are you guys??? I hope you liked the lighthearted moments in this chapter.  Please don't forget to like and comment!  I don't have any questions this time. But I wanted to say guys please comment. I dont mean so I can get more notice it's so I can see what you guys like and what I should improve upon. Please, share the excitment with me! Your comments are a way of knowing if my work is actually good or still needs to be imporved so everyone's voice matters.

Thank you once again for reading and I hope you all stay in for the long ride!!! Next Chapter will be released on Monday!!!