Little China

April 15th

2069

Sophie woke slowly, staring up into the dark room. Everything was silent except an occasional beeping machine and the faith sounds of traffic in the city. Her body still ached and everything felt stiff.

Her attention turned to the feeling of her new arm. It felt…alien, like something wasn’t quite right. That’s the truth of it though, I guess. Still, the prosthetics of this world are leagues better than what I had in my first life. The differences between her new arm and the prosthetic leg she had used for a decade were immense.

It was that experience that told her the alien feel of the new limb would pass. Eventually, it would just become another part of her life. She flexed her new fingers, watching the metal joints respond just as her flesh digits once had. While part of her felt disturbed at how calmly she’d accepted the loss of her limb, another part couldn’t deny the practicality. Once she had the eddies, she’d be able to upgrade it, adding another tool to her arsenal.

Her thoughts turned away from the sensations in her body, to Misty and Vik. She shouldn’t have been surprised by their kindness; it was displayed many times in the game. But feeling it in person? She couldn’t quite figure out how to process it. Especially when she’d tried to put as much distance between herself and others. I mean, I hadn’t even met Misty until yesterday. Why’s she being so kind to me?

Deep down she desperately wanted to connect with people, specifically those like Vik and Misty. On the other hand, her past experiences told her that if she got too close to them, they’d get hurt. Just like her squad did in her first life and just as Mia did only a short few months ago. That thought was sobering.

No. I’m not ready yet. Not for what they’re offering. But maybe…maybe I don’t have to be too distant. Talking with someone every so often…surely I can allow myself that, at least.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Vik appeared, carrying a tablet and a coffee mug. He glanced over, noticed she was awake and gave her a nod. “Morning, kid. Glad to see you’re up.”

Sophie slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position. “Morning,” she replied, her voice slightly raspy after not having drunk anything overnight.

Vik set his mug down on the counter and walked over. “How’re you feeling today? And don’t give me that ‘fine’ routine. I’ve patched up enough people to know when they’re lying.”

She absentmindedly flexed the fingers of her new arm as she replied. “I’ve been worse.”

“That’s not saying much,” Vik said, his voice carrying a hint of exasperation. “You’ve made it through the worst of it, but you’re not out of the woods yet. You need to take it easy for at least a week. No fights, no heavy lifting, no running around the city like you’re invincible.”

Sophie frowned slightly. “And if I don’t?”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“You’ll be back on that chair, or worse,” Vik said bluntly. “I’m serious, Sophie. Your body’s been through the wringer, and that new arm of yours? It’s not something you immediately get accustomed to. You need to get used to it, learn its limits,” he paused. “And your own.”

She nodded stiffly, her face betraying nothing. Anytime she’d taken her foot off the accelerator, it had been forced on her, mostly through injury. With Vik’s directive, this time would be no different. Still, she understood that pushing herself too soon could end badly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good.” Vik crossed his arms and studied her for a moment. “I’m discharging you today, but I mean it, kid. Take it easy.”

Before Sophie could respond, the door to the clinic opened, and Misty walked in, carrying a bag. “Morning, Vik,” she said brightly before her gaze shifted to Sophie. “And morning to you, too. You’re looking...Well, better than you did last week. And last night.”

Sophie looked at her blankly as the older girl approached. Misty placed the bag on the counter and smiled. “I brought you something. Just some basic supplies; water, snacks, and a little first-aid kit. I have a feeling you’ll need it.”

“Thanks,” Sophie said quietly. She wasn’t too surprised at how kind Misty was but she was definitely stunned that she was being so kind to someone she barely knew.

Misty waved a hand dismissively. “No need to thank me. Just trying to help.”

She pulled up a stool and sat down across from Sophie, her expression softening. “Look, I know we don’t know each other well, but I meant what I said last night. If you ever need anything, whether it’s help, a place to lay low or just someone to talk to: I’m here. So is Vik, but I’m not sure you’d want to chat with an old timer like him.” The comment garnered an indignant cough from the man in question but he didn’t interrupt.

Sophie’s eyes flicked to the floor. “I’ll... keep that in mind,” she said.

Misty tilted her head, studying Sophie for a moment before continuing. “I’m serious, Sophie. And just so you know, I’ve decided I’ll give you a call every week or so. Just to check in, make sure you’re doing alright. So don’t go doing anything stupid, okay?”

A faint twitch of Sophie’s lips appeared briefly, though it vanished as quickly as it came. “I’ll try.” I feel like I haven’t made the best impression on Misty. Does she think I need constant supervision or something? Like a toddler?

Misty sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. “Well, it’s a start.”

Vik walked over with a duffel bag, setting it down beside Sophie. “Here’s your gear. Everything you came in with, cleaned up as best as I could manage. And Misty grabbed you a fresh set of clothes. We figured you wouldn’t want to go back out there in just those bandages or your bloodstained rags. And don’t even think about paying for everything. Pay me by taking care of yourself.”

“I...Thank you. Really.” Sophie said. She reached for the bag and hesitated for a moment before picking it up. She unzipped it, causing a disgusting scent of blood and detergent to erupt. Both girls looked at the man. He turned his gaze away and scratched his cheek before perking up again.

“One more thing,” he said. “I noticed a bike parked outside Misty’s place the night you showed up. Covered in blood, just like you were. I wheeled it into the back of the clinic. Figured it was yours.”

Sophie nodded. “It is.”

“I made sure the control chip is still in your head, so it’s waiting for you when you’re ready to head out,” Vik said. “But remember what I said. No pushing yourself. It’s a miracle you survived this time. Don’t waste this second chance you’ve been given. Third, you mean. She didn’t state the unwanted thought, aware it may cause them to worry about her more.

Misty stood, giving Sophie a warm smile. “And if you need anything, you know where to find me. Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

Sophie looked between the two of them. The looks on their faces clearly showed how serious they were and she found it hard to outright refuse. She gave a small nod and spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll think about it.”

Neither Vik nor Misty pressed her for more, sensing that was as much as they’d get from her for now. As Sophie stood and slung the duffel bag over her shoulder, she could feel their gazes on her. Their hope that she'd listen to the advice they’d offered was obvious and she knew that if she stayed, she’d find herself making promises that couldn’t be kept.

As she crossed the gate to leave, she turned back around. “Um, sorry for yesterday Vik. For yelling at you.” With that, she left the clinic without another word, not waiting for a reply. Her bike waited for her in the alley, still covered in a significant amount of blood. Sophie paused for a moment, looking back at the clinic before shaking her head and mounting the bike.

She found herself lost in thought as she slowly made her way back to her sewer home. The larger scale Tyger hunt had been a clear mistake, and she needed to reflect on where, exactly, it had gone wrong. It had cost her an arm and nearly her life. Yet at the same time, she had a feeling it had possibly put her back on a brighter path.