Blaze's footsteps echoed softly as she entered the medical ward of Rhodes Island, her gaze sweeping over the rows of beds occupied by operators in various stages of recovery. The air was thick with the faint, sterile scent of antiseptics, and soft beeps punctuated the quiet.
Approaching Rosmontis's bedside, Blaze noticed the young operator's concentrated expression as she scrolled through her tablet. The room was filled with the soft beeps of monitors and the quiet shuffle of medical staff tending to the wounded.
"How are you feeling?" Blaze inquired, pulling up a chair and settling beside Rosmontis.
"Getting better, slowly," Rosmontis replied without looking up. Her fingers paused on the tablet. "Where's Dr Kal'tsit? Isn't she usually around?"
"She's tied up in surgery right now," Blaze explained. "FrostNova's condition escalated. Her Oripathy flared up badly due to the overexertion in the battle. The Doctor made a deal with the Yeti Squad to get her treated. They've had to induce a coma to stabilise her vitals."
Across the ward, Roland lay quietly on another bed, unconscious and vulnerable. One arm was encased in a heavy plaster cast, and the absence of his usual mask revealed a surprisingly ordinary face, contrasting sharply with the ferocious warrior they had witnessed in combat.
"It's almost surreal," Blaze continued, her gaze fixed on Roland. "Seeing him like this, after the power he unleashed out there... It makes you wonder about the depths of strength we carry inside us."
Just then, Ch'en stepped into the ward, her presence commanding immediate attention despite the understated clink of her sword. Her coat was slightly open, revealing bandages wrapped around her torso.
"How is he?" Ch'en asked, nodding towards Roland.
"Still hasn't woken up," Blaze answered, eyeing Ch'en warily. "Did Wei send you to check up on things?"
Ch'en smiled slightly. "Not exactly, though he's definitely keeping a close watch on everything. We both know how much he wants to keep Lungmen safe. He's under a lot of pressure to make sure everything looks controlled, especially with the Yan censors watching."
Her tone then shifted, lighter this time. "You know, if we managed to 'borrow' Roland from you, it would surely show that we have a viable countermeasure to further attacks from these monsters."
Blaze chuckled, the tension easing further. "Wei would have to get past Ace first. And good luck with that."
Their laughter mingled with the beeps and soft murmurs of the ward, a momentary respite that lightened the heavy air.
"You know, seeing Roland out there..." Blaze began, her voice a mix of awe and concern, "it was unlike anything I've witnessed. His transformation, that surge of power—it was terrifying and impressive all at once."
Ch'en nodded thoughtfully, her eyes flickering towards Roland's still form. "I've heard stories of Operators experiencing profound changes to their Arts under extreme stress, but Roland... he's different. The sheer magnitude of his abilities..."
Blaze leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. "Exactly. And what he did out there, it wasn't just about strength. There was something deeper driving him. I mean, to push back that abomination single-handedly..."
Ch'en's expression hardened slightly, a flicker of professional curiosity shining through. "Yes, his actions likely saved many lives today. But at what cost to himself?"
The conversation paused as both women considered the silent figures around them.
Ch'en sighed, her gaze drifting. "Still, we do what we must. Lungmen, Rhodes Island... we're all fighting the same battle, just on different fronts. And as for encountering something we can't handle," she paused, looking directly at Blaze, "we adapt. We always have."
Blaze smirked slightly, her usual fiery demeanor peeking through. "Adapt, huh? Sounds about right. But back to Roland—do you think he'll change after this? After tapping into something so... intense?"
Ch'en shrugged lightly, her gaze returning to Roland. "Only time will tell. But one thing's certain: his demonstration today will have repercussions. Wei Yenwu is already talking about measures to ensure we can harness such power."
The conversation turned then, as Blaze brought up the broader implications of the day's events. "And the civilians? The city? This battle took place right in the heart of Lungmen. The public's reaction won't be mild."
Ch'en's face grew stern. "We'll manage the public's reaction. Wei's already planning a series of press releases, and we're tightening security measures city-wide. As for Rhodes Island's role..." She trailed off.
Blaze chuckled. "Don't worry, we're not going anywhere. We've got our own share of problems, but leaving Lungmen to Reunion isn't an option. Not when there's so much at stake."
Ch'en nodded, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards in a semblance of a smile. "Glad to hear it. Despite everything, it's good to know where we stand. Allies, after all."
"Yes, allies," Blaze agreed, standing up and stretching. "And speaking of allies, I better check on the others. Keep me posted on Roland, will you?"
"Will do," Ch'en replied, watching as Blaze walked away, her steps resolute and purposeful.
Rosmontis, still absorbed in her tablet, continued to scroll through her notes. She read on about how her powers had gone haywire, and how a Maylander agent had pulled her from the debris of a collapsed Columbian laboratory. The agent was a white-haired woman who had effortlessly deflected her projectiles and calmed her down amidst the chaos.
She called herself Angelica.