Chapter Text
Dude... my head hurts. What the hell happened?
I groaned, shifting in my sleep before slowly opening my eyes.
Above me was a worn-out ceiling, its paint long overdue for a fresh coat, with a dim light hanging directly overhead. The faint smell of antiseptic lingered in the air, mixed with something medicinal I couldn't quite identify. Pressing a hand against my throbbing head, I slowly pushed myself upright and glanced around the unfamiliar room.
The room itself looked old and cramped. Shelves lined the walls, cluttered with bottles, boxes, and medical supplies that looked like they had been shoved wherever there was space. Curtains separated a few beds nearby, and I could barely make out quiet breathing from somewhere further inside.
...Where am I?
"You're finally awake."
The sudden voice nearly made me jump.
"Please don't move too much."
I turned toward the sound and immediately froze.
A massive figure was standing nearby, a clipboard tucked under one arm and a surgical mask covering the lower half of his face. Long white hair was tied loosely behind him, a few strands slipping free around his face. His shoulders were slightly hunched, and dark circles sat beneath tired eyes that looked like they hadn't seen proper sleep in days.
Despite his size, though, he moved surprisingly carefully as he approached me, almost like he was worried about startling me.
"...Does your head hurt?" he asked quietly.
I stared.
Wait a minute...
Long white hair...
Built like an absolute giant... Wears a mask...
Why does he look so familiar...?
I narrowed my eyes. Then my brain suddenly caught up. My eyes widened.
WAIT.
WAIT WAIT WAIT-
IS THAT
"BALAM?!"