Chapter 2: Alpha

'Where am I?' Glossing over the sense of déjà vu, Hit looked around.

A rather quaint room greeted him. Faded walls, marked floors, a general sense of neglect. Dust sparkled everywhere, tickling his nose. He rested on a small bed, a light brown duvet covering his body. Looking down, he saw that he had been resting his head on a pillow stained with red splatters.

'Whose blood is this?' It couldn't be his, for purple blood flowed through his veins, its distinct colour resulting from a differing respiratory pigment.

Straining his ears, faint tweeting could be heard far ahead. Light cascaded from the right-hand side of the room, revealing a window that was partially blocked by a canvas curtain.

'First things first, I need to find out where I've ended up, and what dangers await me'. Hit then proceeded to get up to see the outside world.

'What the...?' His vision blurred, stiff body falling towards the hard ground below. Instinctually, hit activated his time skip, except this time the events around him continued to rush by at the same pace. 'WHAT?!'

A swift crash ensued and Hit saw stars. An alien emotion coursed through him: panic. 'Ok, calm down. Remember what that blue prick said.' A moment of thought and some breathing exercises later and Hit calmed down.

'This is a completely alien body, completely alien physiology, and anatomy. I will need time to adapt. I guess I may have forgotten what it's like to be weak, after all'. He sighed.

To his left stood a shiny metallic object: a mirror. 'Good, I can examine my condition properly. I should be able to walk at least.' Almost losing his balance a few times, Hit waddled towards the reflective surface and positioned himself before it. One word came to mind when he gazed at his visage.

'...Fuck...'

A malnourished, haggard creature stared back at him: pale skin, red eyes, thin body. He was dressed simply with greyish shorts and shirt. Raising a spindly arm upwards to his head, soft amethyst purple hair greeted his twig-like fingers. 'I look like one of those saiyans, or... humans. I think that's what those weak creatures were called.' It was strange how those savage powerhouses could look nearly identical to such comparatively weak beings. The humans Hit had encountered thus far did not appear anywhere near this sickly, suggesting something was seriously wrong with him.

'Well, at least I'm still somewhat the same. Bipedal, check. Forward facing eyes, check...'

Looking down, he saw a small mammal skitter across the ground, aiming for what may have been a crumb of food. Alas, it was only a clump of dust, and the creature went on its merry way, its mind only on survival.

Hit gritted his teeth. A tick mark appeared on his forehead at the memory of the priest's brief warning. 'Sentient, check.'

'...Oh well, could be worse.'

Looking down at his arm, Hit pondered something. 'But why am I not starting out as an infant? I suppose that bastard did say the process was completely random.'

Looking up, he could see a small gash on his temple, likely from his fall; crimson liquid leaked down from it. 'I guess that blood on the pillow must be mine... Odd. Those saiyans also had red blood, it is likely also the case for humans. Have I become one of them?'

*Crash*

Hit spun round and raised his fists, or he attempted to. Unfortunately, Hit only managed to make himself dizzy and flail his arms woefully. Before him was a stout elderly lady with greying hair. She wore an apron covering her many layers of warm clothing. Below her was a destroyed vase, fragments forming a shattered pattern all too familiar to the former assassin. 'I didn't sense her until she was directly behind me. Pitiful. I must train my reflexes and sensory abilities, or a light breeze could kill me.' His head was still ringing. 'Ears, check'.

"H-Hitch, are you really awake?" Tears streaked down the woman's puffed up cheeks.

"Who..." Before Hit could finish his sentence, he was engulfed in an embrace.

"They told me so many times to let you go. I'm... I'm so, so glad I never gave up on you." The stranger held him in a deceptively strong grip.

"Fho re yuu" a muffled voice came from below her.

Wiping away her tears, the elder gave the boy some space. "I'm so sorry deary, you must be completely overwhelmed. What is it you just said?"

"Who... are you?" A quiet murmur came from below, sounding as if the speaker was surprised by their own voice.

"It...It's me, deary, matron Mary! Do you not remember me?" The Matron's relieved disposition slowly fell to worry.

Hit shook his head.

The lady faltered a little but reassured herself and dampened down her growing anxiousness. "You must be dazed... In any case, I'm glad you're awake, Hitch".

Hit came to the obvious realisation that he was somehow currently residing in the body of a person called 'Hitch'. Looking up at the newcomer, a radiant smile greeted him. Hit had never had to deal with such an attack before; and so, 'hit the infallible' once again admitted defeat, something he begrudgingly admitted was happening rather often recently. He would have to play along for now. How could he tell this sweet old lady that her potential grandson was dead, and an alien assassin was puppeteering his corpse. A swift trip to the loony bin would be the likely outcome. In any case, he could hardly resist in his current condition.

"I'm sorry, you must be feeling tired after sleeping for so long, let me put you back to bed and give you a quick check over." The short lady then showed surprising strength, or he showed worrying lightness, as she picked him up gently and tucked him back into bed.

The feeling was not unfamiliar to hit. He could barely remember his mother's face, but he cherished some memories that had not yet faded over the centuries.

"Now then, let's see how you're doing." After some minor analyses; temperature checks; vase clean-up; and a pillow change, Mary was satisfied. "Are you feeling a bit better now, deary? You gave me quite the fright just now..."

"Even I was beginning to think you would never wake up", she added, quietly. Mary looked at the bloodied pillow beside her, face twisting in worry. "How is your throat? Were you coughing when you woke up?"

Once again, Hit forced his new body to speak. "N-No. However, I feel weak".

A growl reverberated throughout the room. "...and hungry"

'Dammit. Maybe I should have refused this second life, at least I would be spared from this embarrassment', thought a red-faced hit.

Mary chuckled. "Of course you are, little one."

Getting up, the matron dusted her apron and headed for the door. "Let me get you something tasty to eat and call the doctor for a proper check-up. Please wait here, Hitch".

As her footsteps faded away, Hit was once again left on his own.

'What to do... What to do...' Hit realised this was his chance: he would either have to continue with this charade or escape through the window somehow. "But what then?"

Even if he escaped, where would he go? Just how powerful were the beings in this world? Ever since he woke up, he hadn't sensed an inkling of ki from any source. Opponents whose ki could not be sensed were always difficult targets, thrilling to fight, nonetheless. No, he needed to learn more about his surroundings, strengthen this pitiful body, and regain as much of his former strength as he could. This 'Mary' lady seemed friendly enough; he should be safe here.

After a brief respite, Hit's nose started to twitch. Something smelt amazing.

"Here you go Hitch, fresh chicken soup!" Once again, Mary entered the room, carrying a tray of delicious smelling food. Carefully, she placed it on the boy's lap.

Being one to always be cautious of poisons, Hit gave the soup a cursory sniff.

"Go on, it's for you", the matron encouraged.

Satisfied, Hit tentatively picked up a spoon and tried a bit. His eyes widened at the flavour. 'Delicious.'

In a blink of an eye, the soup was gone, leaving nothing behind but an empty bowl.

Mary giggled. "Oh my, you really were hungry! Let me get you some more".

A tall man wearing a white coat stepped into the room, in one hand a briefcase with a red cross, and a wide-brimmed hat atop his head. Hit tensed himself. Yet again, he could sense absolutely no ki from him.

Mary seemed to recognise the man. "Oh, hello Dr Smith! Thank you for coming, I have incredible news!"

The stranger removed his hat, revealing a soft face and gentle demeanour. "Yes, I could hardly believe it myself when your secretary told me." He addressed Hit next, a smile on his face to put the little patient at ease. "Hello Hitch! It has been quite some time since we last spoke."

Silence followed...

'Ah, yes. I remember he was quite a quiet boy, hardly ever spoke.' The doctor decided to take a more active role. "You seem a little tense, are you in any pain, Hitch?"

"No", came Hit's brief reply.

"I see, I see. Good." The Doctor then lifted his briefcase onto a nearby table, removing specific items with practiced ease. "I'm going to give you a brief series of examinations to make sure you're all better. Is that ok with you, Hitch?"

"Do what you must". The boy spoke with no emotion.

'Hmm. More serious than I remember', thought the doctor. "Excellent! I shall now begin."

As the dear doctor stated, a series of procedures ensued, involving various medical instruments. Hit kept a close eye on the man's hands and movements, ready to move at a moment's notice.

After the examination was completed, the man put away his tools and smiled at the boy. "Thank you, Hitch. I must say, I'm quite pleasantly surprised. All signs of your previous condition have receded. You seem to only be suffering from minor fatigue and malnutrition; some proper rest and plenty of food should fix you right up."

Mary clasped her hands together and beamed at the doctor. "Oh, that's fantastic news!". Looking down, she congratulated Hit. "You'll be right as rain soon, Hitch!".

Hit ignored her, maintaining his gaze on the doctor. With a monotonous voice, Hit asked him his first question. "You mentioned I suffered from a condition. What were you referring to?".

The doctor looked puzzled. "Your condition? Surely you must remember..."

"I do not recall anything prior to my awakening here mere moments ago", Hit supplied, worryingly.

Mary trembled. "Hitch? Don't you remember me? ...Or Dr Smith?"

A shadow spread across the boy's face, red eyes appearing as fine dots. "I do not".

Mary flung herself at the bed, sobbing. "Oh Hitch, what happened to you!? Please, you must remember!"

"Now, now Mary. You're suffocating the poor lad. I'm sure we can get to the bottom of this." Dr Smith consoled the poor lady and rescued an exasperated Hit.

"Sorry..." Mary sniffled. "But why can't he remember anything? Could it be related to his condition?"

The doctor ruffled his hair in thought. "I don't believe so". Turning around, and putting himself at eye level with the boy, he sought to get to the bottom of this. "Hitch, can you truly not remember anything before you woke up? Can you tell us where we are? Who we are? Anything at all?"

Hit resolved to remain tight lipped about his origins; he would never have believed such a far-flung tale himself. Not wanting to be thrown into an asylum, or risk revealing any information on himself, Hit gave his simple response. "No. I cannot remember anything except for my name".

A sob escaped Mary again. "So, it's true..."

"Hmm. That is concerning." The doctor got up. "You are likely suffering from a temporary state of amnesia. It could be that your prolonged stress has affected your psyche somewhat".

The man looked hopeful then. "But you do remember your name, correct? If so, your memories are likely still within you."

Hit realised his mistake. 'Ah, whoops. I guess I'll have to roll with this. Just until I can get out of here.' He decided to give a vague reply. "Perhaps."

Mary wiped away her tears. "So, there's still a chance?"

The doctor crossed his arms and turned towards the bed. "Maybe. Ok Hitch, I'm going to give you a run down of preceding events. Hopefully that'll jog your memory".

Hit straightened himself; he had been waiting for this.

"We are currently at the Hilltop orphanage, in your room on the East wing to be exact. This is where you have largely been for the past three years". At Hit's puzzled look, the man went on.

"You have always been a sickly child, and this was eventually confirmed eight years ago when you were diagnosed with a genetic disease, possibly mitochondrial in its nature. Without sufficient energy, your body gradually shut down and you fell into a coma, never waking up. Until now. If it wasn't for dear Mary's faith in you, I must admit, we would have given up long ago."

Mary smiled at this, tears gathering in her eyes.

The man reached into his suit and looked at a silver pocket watch. "It is currently 11 o'clock on the 15th of March; a Sunny Tuesday morning."

'That is a month on the Earth calendar', Hit noted. 'Is that where I am? Or an alternate version of it?'

Clicking his fingers, Dr Smith remembered something. "Oh! And you should turn fifteen years old in a few months."

'Fifteen!? Great...' Hit slumped down.

"Are you ok Hitch?" A concerned Mary asked.

"It is difficult to believe." Hit spoke, partially to the matron and to himself.

"Haha! I'm sure you'll get used to it soon enough!" The doctor patted his patient on the shoulder.

"Dr Smith! Be gentle with the boy!" Mary showed her fiery side as she jabbed a finger in the man's chest."

"Ow! Ok, ok! I've learned my lesson not to make you mad after these long three years." The doctor backed away, hands up in surrender.

"Hmph. You better have". She looked down her nose at the defeated doctor, quite proud in her decision to never give up on the lad. A brief glimpse of Hitch looking around wondrously at anything and everything around them, brought a tear to her eye.

A few snaps brought back everyone's attention as the doctor packed his case. "If that's all, I should really be on my way."

"Good! Off with you!" Mary shooed him away.

"Alright, alright!" He chucked, putting on his hat. Before exiting, he addressed the boy. "I really am glad you're back Hitch. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to come see me". A small wave and he was gone.

Hit swung his legs out, making to get up. "I must survey the outside".

Mary exclaimed, "Oh no you won't, mister! You're resting here for today."

Hit looked a bit miffed; he was curious what planet this was. "Surely..."

Unfortunately for him, Mary tucked 'Hitch' back in. "No! You're to rest here and eat your lunch."

Hit huffed; it was quite tasty. "...Fine..."

Turning to the exit, Mary dusted herself down. "Good. Maybe I'll show you around later if you're really feeling up to it." The door creaked as she closed it behind her, giving Hit some privacy.

Hit sat, shellshocked. 'So, this is my life now... Unbelievable.'

He picked up the bowl of soup next to him and couldn't help but look at himself in the reflection. An image of a guffawing grand priest and his circle of angels stared back. Surprised, Hit shook his head. He looked again; they were gone. "Am I losing my mind?"

Hit grasped the spoon beside him, forcefully, and tucked in to his meal. 'If I ever see that blue demon again...'

A few hours later, Mary opened the door to Hitch's room. Inside, the boy was sitting on the bed rather oddly: cross-legged with his hands linked. His eyes were shut, and he appeared to be in deep focus.

"Hitch?", Mary asked, worried. "Is everything ok?"

Hit peeked an eye open. "I am meditating".

Mary blinked, not sure how to react. "Oh...Kay?" Shaking her head slightly, she carried on. "Well, you seem to be feeling better, at least. Would you like come with me to look around the orphanage?

Hit jumped up and off the bed, and stood straight, only slightly wobbling. He looked quite excited to finally get out. The boy looked down and tested out his new body, opening and closing a palm. 'Good, I seem to have more control now.'

Mary gasped at the act. "Goodness, you really are feeling better". Opening the door fully, she directed behind her. "Let's be off then".

Hid nodded slightly and walked out into the unknown, hands placed firmly in his pockets, a characteristic frown marring his young face. 'Finally. Let's get started.'

Author's Notes

So sorry about any formatting issues. I can't seem to put line breaks in to sepearate my paragraphs. However, I can now add long lines to separate chapters! A start. Other stories here don't seem to have single line breaks (something I have never noticed as I read on mobile) so maybe it's okay. The editor says to press shift + enter, but that doesn't do anything :( AO3 doesn't seem to have this issue... I will continue to update the chapters now, using this formatting.