A strange ceiling… What happened? I sat up in a rush. Where am I? I looked around the unfamiliar hospital room. In the rush of adrenaline, I almost spilled out of the bed. Ugh. What is this? My vision was strange. The world felt more… vivid? Like someone grafted a full-sense™ goggle permanently onto me, it was blinding.
Then the door slid aside and a raven-haired woman in medical scrubs appeared, the extra limbs protruding from her back pushing me back down. “Boy. Relax. Lotus Claw brought you to me.” She said coolly, her mouth unmoving. She sat herself on a stool beside me, eyes then zoomed in on me. Literally. “Patient’s fever: reduced. Temperature: 37 Celsius. Returning to normal temperature. Time: 09:10AM.” She spoke to herself, as if logging it down. How long have I been out?
“Excuse me, where am I?” I groaned, finding my voice hoarse and sore. Ugh, I’m so thirsty. I tried closing my eyes, but even then, I could see… very faint outlines? It was very strange. Sure, I’ve heard about the alt-sight™ product lines. But this wasn’t thermal or night vision. This was different and it was overstimulating.
“Do not use your neural-IO yet. Not full-eye conversion. Here.” She gave me a mirror and I stared hard at my reflection. Gone were my normal browns, instead, my iris was almost amber with dark concentric black rings in it. Very creepy.
“Layer replacement. Procedure: Flawless but Brand: Unknown. Retina-burn risk therefore unadvised.” Her robot-like voice projected. She then pulled from her pocket an inhaler bottle which she promptly handed to me. “Standard bioware medications. Take if you feel pain. Or not. Choice is yours. Consent is important.” She stood up. “No taxing activities until ready. You have visitors. Press button if need help. All fees paid for.” Without another word she left. Her footsteps echoing into the hall.
Instead, another pair of feet popped in my room, leaving me no chance to even recollect myself. Atleast, it was someone I did know: Huang the Lotus Claw receptionist.
He took a look at me and then gave a deep sigh. “I must apologise for the intrusion Mr. Huy, as we speak, the Lotus Claw is finding out immediately who did this. Not even the SGPD can guarantee that within three weeks, the criminals will be found. We can.” He looked confident. As if he was stating the obvious like the sky is blue. “If the Krash didn’t happen we could’ve just reviewed Sky-eye footage to catch them. But now we can only rely on brick CCTVs and classic detective work. Still, three weeks guaranteed. .” He offered me a plastic bottle of oolong tea, the Lotus Claw logo proudly displayed. “If it’s alright with you, Can you tell us what happened?”
I took a deep breath and sipped on the tea, it did wonders to soothe my throat. What happened? I wondered.
As I took a look at myself again through the mirror, mentally, I traced yesterday’s path.
I remembered meeting some highschoolers. A delinquent girl. Arriving at Auntie Kon’s and receiving the shock-glove. I glanced at my hands, I still had it on. I closed my eyes and tried my best to ignore the outlines. Trying to recall the latest memory-
Then, I remembered it. Vivid and surreal. The Things. Insectoid wings and razor-like teeth. The feeling of razors on my body. I shuddered. They- they crawled into my eyes. I shook my head, trying to erase the feeling of wrongness that I remembered.
My breath hitched as I remembered the pain, my body lurching over in phantom pain as if reliving it. I remembered screaming myself hoarse as yet they kept burrowing deeper. Were these things still inside me? Were they… no no… I couldn’t. If the doc found something then they would’ve told me. I refuse to think of it, pushing the intrusive thoughts back. Be Logical. But that was it. There was nothing logical about it. It wasn’t a bad dream the way the very air seemed to distort and pulse proved that.
I must have made quite the scene as Huang gave me a firm squeeze on my shoulder.
Breathe in. 4 seconds… Breathe out. 4 seconds. Repeat. I inwardly counted, forcing my breathing back into rhythm. Pushing all the thoughts deep down, refusing to give it another thought, not now.
He gave my shoulders another firm squeeze. “As you know, when the Krash happened things were… chaotic. So? For those living in this district we banded together as Lotus Claws to protect this community. Whoever did this to you. They will be found and brought to justice within the confines of our power.” He gave me an assured smile, staring at a flower pot of Adaline flowers at my bedside, eyes glazed in the way old-folk usually do when remembering things. Quick Recovery and Health in Flower. A relatively new strain, and not native to Saigon. I recalled, my breathing steady now.
I took a deep look at the man. He seemed to truly believe in what he was saying, and perhaps there was truth to it. Yet, I also knew that many of the deadliest underground groups in Saigon now started off with more noble intentions and I also knew that fear of the Lotus Claw was not unfounded. Still. They were willing to help. It was kinda fucked up that the person who’ve been most willing was actual gangers. But hey, it’s Saigon.
I opened my mouth but hesitated. What the hell am I supposed to say? That something straight out of a fairy-tale attacked me? I could see it in his eyes, a sort of pitying look. If I told him what really happened it was doubtful he would believe me. No. I wouldn’t be able to tell him about it. This is a stupid decision. I told myself. But what else could I do?
Instead, I shook my head.
“I… I don’t know how to explain it. One moment I was just walking and another I was in a sort of pain and couldn’t walk. They punked me then.” I wasn’t lying, I didn’t like to lie if I could. I just… wouldn’t be describing the whole detail. I ignored that half-truths were in fact, Lies.
Huang gave a slight frown. Still, he nodded. “Thank you, Mr Huy for your information and please be assured. This won’t happen again.” I nodded. Hoping that was the case.
Before he could leave, I stopped him with a question. I had meant to ask this for a while.“Why are you doing this?”
“What do you mean?” He asked, seemingly confused.
“I do not expect this kind of care to be… standard. So why… Me?” I had noticed the looks. A part of myself told me that this wasn’t normal how I was being treated.
“Ah…”
“Indeed.”
“The truth then?” He asked, leaning back on the stool, relaxed and poised.
“That would be preferable.” Right now, I did not know why they were pampering me. If I knew what their angle was I’d be more comfortable. I could even make it both extra beneficial for either party.
“PR and connections.” I blinked. Yeah I kinda expected that. I just didn’t think it’d be the whole reason. “You see, the Lotus Claws has a certain reputation, You know it. I know it.” There was a smile now, wolvish and predatory. I could only nod in agreement.
He adjusted his stool. “The only reason we have been permitted to exist is because of three reasons I will illuminate to you.” He raised three fingers then. “First, we are not the biggest concern. From refugee camps to the state of the economy, this city is still reeling from the Krash and the Corpos are too busy consolidating their holdings, too busy to really give a damn.”
I could still recall it. I remembered the massive lines outside the banks. News after news of companies going bankrupt or getting bought out or other. I remembered the rounds of emergency policies which led to City-hall seats being held by suits.
“Secondly, the Government has lost power. The SGPD is a joke as you can see. No. True power lies in the hands of the S-110s- the Chaebols and Zaibatsus etc.” Saigon’s Top 110 companies. I mused.
“Last but most importantly. We keep things in check.” I crooked my head questioningly at that. “Glasgow-Yard has no incentive to take District 4 as theirs. Not enough profit in the population. So that leaves SGPD.” I winced. He nodded. “As long as we keep the streets clean from low-crooks, the S-110s and by extension: City-hall, they won’t care too deeply about us as long as we don’t get cocky. That’s why we’re serious about your predicament.”
He continued. Eyes boring into mine. Giving me a sly smile.“Thing is, this “Goodwill” is not permanent. If City-hall says bark, we bark. We’re expendable. So we gotta have an… incentive of sorts before it ends.” He leant back, arms spread and a roguish smile etched wide. “Hence, we have to flag that we are more useful than trouble. You’re an outsider and a ‘Corpo’ to boot, so you’re the perfect banner to wave our ‘sincerity’ from the rooftops”
“I see.” I had mixed feelings about being a glorified banner for ganger agendas. Still, it wasn’t unexpected. Besides, I was made for this, to be a banner for the company that sponsored my birth. Furthermore, I wasn’t losing anything. “So what do you prefer me to do then?” I asked, cool and composed, resolved to roll with the flow.
“If I’m to be honest…” He gave me a thoughtful look. “Word is already out on the street. ‘SGPD turns away good citizen, Lotus Claw helps!’ that sort of thing. ’Sides! You’re not very… subtle you know?” I flushed at that. Hey! I tried to be at least? At least I didn’t go flaunting like the new-cashers tend to do! “However, it would be delightful if more knew about our ‘abilities’. Perhaps your close circle?” He chuckled at that. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I didn’t have a ‘close circle’. So instead, I merely sighed.
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Taking it as a cue, Huang stood up with a clap. “In the meantime!” Huffing out a sigh. “You have a visitor! Young Highlight wanted to see you! I’ll be taking my leave, the Lotus Claws will get back to you soon” At that, he promptly turned and left into the hallway.
Yet, before I could even get another breath in. A blur of shiny green came barreling in. “BOSS! Are you alright! Oh no your eyes! It’s not right! What they did to ya! Also! I’m sorry about Yana! I swear-” I sighed even harder.
“Not so loud. Please.” I closed my eyes. My new eyes made him look even more bright. Way too bright.
“...Oh Sorry boss. Uhhh- I wanted to check up on ya and also apologise for Yana’s actions. Damn. Your eyes… they got you good huh?”
I brushed past the mention of my eye. I didn’t want to dwell on it. “The delinquent girl?” I could visibly see him ‘wince’, even as my eyes were closed. It was weird.
“Boss I apologise for her behaviour, she’s a good girl- it’s just-”
“I assure you I do not hold any ill-will towards her.” I held my hands up stopping him before he could go on a tirade. It wasn’t as if I wasn’t curious. This just wasn’t the time, yes, Highlight was a good lad but for the sake of my headache another word and my head was gonna fry.
“Dang boss, what are you 80?” He muttered cheekily.
Disregarding the doc’s advice, with a mere thought, I pulled up my neural-IO to display my bio-monitor to see that nothing else was wrong physically. “Say. Highlight. Can you help me up? I would like to leave this place sooner than later.” Through my closed eyes, I knew he was looking at me, attempting to voice his disapproval so I merely shook my head shutting down his arguments. “I’d like to get some fresh air.”
With a small bit of effort and Highlight’s help I managed to keep myself steady enough to sign myself out. It was a simple affair, there wasn’t even anyone manning the desk. Just a note with a set list of instructions on how to sign yourself out. I had Highlight signed it off for me.
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It’s a warm day. I could feel the warm heat of the sun and the light breeze brushing. Yet something was strange. I could see… a pattern flowing. I could see a… net? Of sorts, silk-like and tidal, ebbing in and out, flowing upwards like a reverse waterfall. I tried to open my eyes slowly then. It was blinding. But I held it open as objects came into focus.
I found myself on an empty street with only a sign board saying: Jurogumo’s Rep’Nic. I could see crates stacked high up against the walls. I pointed at the strange reverse waterfall. Almost transparent and silk-like flowing upwards in midair right in front of us. “Can you see that?”
“Oh! Ahem! Pharmaceuticals, insulin and stuff like that but cheaper than the current market. Lotus Claw’s main export!” Highlight motioned at the crates. Are you supposed to even tell me that? I wondered inwardly. But my attention was elsewhere.
“No, I mean- nevermind.” I still had pain just looking at things, it was too bright. Too colourful. Yet, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. It was oddly beautiful. So I reached my hands out. Fingers slowly reaching the edge.
It was a strange sensation. It wasn’t solid, so I couldn’t exactly grab hold of it. But I could ‘influence’ it. So I put my whole hand into it. It felt warm? Like a hot spray of mist. Yet the warmth came inwards flowing out. It was difficult to describe, but I couldn’t help but feel… invigorated at the mere touch of it.
“Uhh Boss? Are you alright there?” I snapped back to reality when a hand patted me on the back. My headache was cleared. No more overstimulation, it was as if my eyes had always been born this way. The strange phenomenon was gone, but in the distance and everywhere really, I could see the same transparent silk-like lattice floating aimlessly like clouds. Sometimes long and joined, others short and small.
With my newfound vision, I took a new look at my surroundings.“The Pagoda is close by right?” I could see the massive red building overlooking the entire district from here. The oriental roof directly intersecting a large flow of said ‘silk’. “Let’s head there then.”
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It wasn’t that hard. With less cars to worry about, the road was more pedestrian friendly and steadily, I was getting used to the strange twisting footpaths of District 4. Still needed Highlight to show me the way though. Our walk was silent as my voice was still sore as hell.
On the way, the strange phenomenons (as I took to classifying them as) kept appearing in strange locations without rhyme or reason- it just was. Every time we passed through one (without Highlight noticing) I felt warm and invigorated, but also strangely… insulated? Like the world and my body at that moment in time existed in two different places.
Regardless we made our way to the pagoda, once again skipping the praying area. Huang wasn’t there manning the desk this time, instead another member of the Lotus Claw was.
“Purpose of visit?” A girl in Lotus Claw colour asked tentatively, clearly new to the duty.
“Top of the tower please! For viewing, it’s for business purposes!” Highlight stepped up for me. Like I said, he was a good lad.
She gave us an apologetic look. “Access denied. No one is allowed on the 20th floor for today. Sorry.” Came the reply.
Highlight leant over and whispered. “That’s strange, usually the top floor is accessible for all.”
Before we could turn around and leave the Lotus claw girl gave a suggestion however. “Ummm, if you want to take a view, you could always go to floor 16th instead? There’s even a free-trial for our dojo today!” She squeaked out.
Highlight looked at me, to which I merely nodded.
“Alright we’ll head to floor 16 then! Thanks for the help!” Highlight gave the girl a wink and I swear I could see the girl blushing. Oh my, I did not know you had it in ya kid. I shook my head with a smile tugging at my lips.
“Um Thanks! I can’t wait to tell pops how awesome of a job I did!”
I bowed slightly, almost just a nod in thanks.
The elevator ride to the 16th floor was quaint, although I was too busy distracted by my musing on what the phenomena was.
Yet, before I knew it we were here. It was just a small room with chairs to sit at, truthfully, it was rather plain.
“Hah!” I could hear shouting and the sound of sandbags being hit. “Hah!”
“That’s good! Now give me 20! Left roundhouse!” A voice roared from beyond the paper door.
Curious, I popped my head in. It revealed a large open space with doors leading to the balcony held open revealing the landscape of district 4 below, and a level view of the skyscrapers of district 1. It really reminded me of just how massive the pagoda was. There was a boxing ring in the middle of the room, and on the left, a row of sandbags hung from the ceiling where a few people drilled on the sandbags.
“Ho there Highlight! Your sister just scooted!” A bassy voice exclaimed loudly. “And friend! Are you here to sign up at the dojo?” The owner of the booming voice ran over like a child at a candy store, eyes glittering in hope. He was a big man in his 50s or so, his muscles clearly showing through his… diving suit?
“Apologies, I just wanted to take a look from up here.” I managed to speak up, a bit intimidated. Feeling like a mouse before an elephant.
Disappointment flashed through his eyes briefly. “Ah! I see! Well then please don’t mind us! You’re welcome to try hitting the bags if you want!” At that he turned back to the other students whom I noticed were of a younger age than I thought. “C’mon! Just a bit more before we do stretchin’!” At that he received a couple of ‘aww’ and ‘ugh’s.
With the bear of a man heading back to drilling, I sneaked past the curious stares of the kids to the edge of the balcony. Highlight decided to give me space and instead talk to the man aforementioned.
It was a wondrous view, District 4 did not have the engineered look of an efficient and throughout city, nor were there skyscrapers or art installations. True. But I thought that there was a certain charm to the way the houses organically sprung up, a passover from the 2020s perhaps, when the city was still finding its footsteps. Regardless, I found it warm even as the cold wind brushed me.
However, this view only confirmed my hypothesis. The phenomenons (I noted that I need to name it soon) was everywhere. They floated in the air, spilled from the walls and flowed upwards from the streets. In some places, there was a constant ‘flow’ and in others the phenomenon fizzled in and out. In the skies, there were long lines connected as far as the eye could see- like an aurora borealis. Yet, there was no panic or reaction from anyone else as far as I could tell. Hence, it seemed only I saw it. Am I going insane?
I traced my fingers over my eyes, knowing that what I had seen in the mirror was proof enough. That I had changed, and that change has led me to see these… things. I bit the inside of my cheek to see if I would wake up. Nothing, the strange phenomenons is still there. Yes I was still sceptical, perhaps I was hallucinated and had a forceful surgery? Perhaps I was still in a dream now, more outlandish theories popped in my head. Still, I could not know for certain, but I knew I couldn’t stay passive and do nothing. If anything, I needed to know more.
With a sigh, I closed my eyes and crossed my arms to think- wait. I was able to see it? I opened my eyes again. Closed it. Then I opened it again. I gripped the faux-wood railing tightly, knuckles white.
The outlines I have been seeing all this time with my eyes closed were… the phenomenon? Wait wait. What? That didn’t make sense? Then why was I able to see Highlight with my eyes closed?
I whipped my head around so fast that I thought any faster and I would’ve strained my neck. I had to really really take a deep look. Yes. I could see it, it was faint but it was there. The object of my verification, was, in a sense, attached to Highlight. In fact, I could see it in the other students too, faint as it may be. What I saw next surprised me the most.
Whereas the other dojo students were stretching. The man was sitting a ways away just meditating. Now it wouldn’t be shocking if it wasn’t the fact that he was… drawing in the phenomenon into his core as he breathed in and out.
Without thinking, I walked over to him and plopped myself right next to him. Waiting for him to finish.
“Huh, Can I help you?” He opened his eyes as his meditation came to an end, eyes not hiding his shock.
Oh, sorry! I might have been too close staring. Bad! You’re not a common animal! manners! “Ahem. I’d like to ask you what you were doing?” I was a tad bit embarrassed but I cooled my expression- hiding it with a poker face.
“I was meditating.” He scratched his head in confusion.
“Did you feel anything? Like a sense of warmth, invigoration or even insulation?” I tried slowing down, but it was hard. I was a tad (more than a tad) bit curious.
“No? Not particularly?” He answered me back.
Politely, I asked him to meditate again under the guise of “Oh I want to know how to meditate.” Still he told me he truthfully felt nothing out of the ordinary.
Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and clean the dojo.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help you with… what you were looking for. But in terms of Meditation, you should just start with the basics first and go from there! You’ll feel much better day to day!” The man roared out with light laughter in his tone.
“Hm.” I agreed. Seizing the chance, I rummaged through my back pocket, hoping I still carried it with me. There it is. I looked the massive man in the eye and held out the flyer I’d been given a while ago. “I’d like to join your Dojo.”