The infirmary was a cold, sterile space, its white walls and faint hum of fluorescent lights creating an atmosphere that felt more like a morgue than a place of healing. Marya lay in the narrow bed, her ribs tightly bandaged. A monitor beeped steadily beside her, its rhythm a quiet reminder of her vulnerability. Her dark hair was loose and tangled, framing her pale face. Her golden eyes—so like her father's—stared at the ceiling, her expression a mix of exhaustion and simmering frustration. The faint scent of antiseptic hung in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of blood that still seemed to linger despite the cleanliness of the room.
The curtain slid open with a soft hiss, and Aurélie stepped inside. Her silver hair, cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight, catching the harsh fluorescent light. Her gray eyes, sharp and piercing, swept over Marya with a practiced calm. She carried a leather-bound notebook under one arm, its edges worn and frayed, and a small, unmarked paper cup of tea in her other hand. She looked as composed as ever, her tailored coat perfectly fitted, her expression as stoic as marble, though there was a softness in her eyes that only those who knew her well could detect.
"Marya," Aurélie said, her voice low and even as she approached the bed. "I see you've managed to make a mess of yourself."
Marya turned her head, wincing slightly at the movement, and met Aurélie's gaze. "Nice to see you too," she muttered, her voice dry.
Aurélie set the tea on the bedside table and pulled a chair close to the bed, sitting with her usual impeccable posture. She crossed her legs and rested the notebook on her lap, her fingers tapping lightly on its cover. "Taking down a Vice Admiral is no small feat," she began, her tone measured. "But it appears that it came at a cost."
Marya raised an eyebrow, a flicker of pride breaking through her exhaustion. "Thanks. I think."
Aurélie's lips twitched, the ghost of a smile. "Don't let it go to your head. You still got yourself injured, which is… disappointing. A true warrior doesn't leave a fight with scars unless they're absolutely necessary."
Marya's jaw tightened, and she looked away, her fingers picking at the edge of the blanket. "She mentioned my father," she said quietly, her voice tinged with a mix of anger and shame. "I wasn't expecting it. Thinking about it, I surprised myself with how I reacted…I lost focus."
Aurélie's gaze sharpened, her gray eyes narrowing slightly. "Ah. The great Dracule Mihawk. A shadow that looms large, even in his absence." She leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "Emotion is a luxury you cannot afford in battle, Marya. Your opponent saw your weakness and exploited it. And you let her."
Marya sighs, returning her gaze to the ceiling. "Yeah," lifting her sword hand, she flexes her fingers. Becoming lost in the memory, her voice drifts, "I felt my blood burn. It was so hot. It wasn't until I was near death that I was able to bring my emotions under control again."
Aurélie's eyes narrowed, considering what she heard. "Your father is a legend," Aurélie interrupted, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "And that is both your greatest strength and your greatest weakness. Your opponent knew that. She used it because she saw it as your Achilles' heel. And you proved her right."
The words stung, and Marya flinched, her chest tightening. For a moment, the room felt too small, the walls closing in as the weight of Aurélie's words settled over her. But then Aurélie reached into her notebook and pulled out a sheet of paper, its edges slightly crumpled.
"Here," she said, handing it to Marya. "I wrote this for you."
Holding the paper, it reads: In the garden of despair, we grow like weeds, Turning pain into the milk of cows, Strength, like the roaring of quiet meads, Not letting past woes, make us bow. Our hearts, like rusty old gears in a clock, Tick-tock in the stormy breeze, Resilience is a sock without a pair, But we wear it, with awkward ease. Future's a catfish in a bathtub, Swimming past the moldy scars, We don't let yesterday's shadow, Determine the brightness of our stars.
Marya looked up, a small, incredulous laugh escaping her lips. "Um…." Noting her mentor's proud poise, she feigned a smile. "This is so great." Aurélie sits a little taller with the praise. "I truly feel inspired."
Aurélie's lips twitched, the ghost of a smile. "I am sure the message was clear."
Marya strains a nod, "Oh yeah. Crystal!"
Aurélie's tone becomes focused, "You cannot let your emotions control you, Marya. Not in battle, not in life. Your father's legacy is a part of you, but it cannot be a chain that binds you." Noting Marya's slummed shoulder, Aurélie's voice softened for the first time. "What will you do?"
Marya was about to reply when the current flew open with a dramatic whoosh, cutting her off mid-sentence. Nao Itsuki Makino swept into the room like a storm, his tailored coat flaring behind him. His sharp, angular features were set in an expression of exaggerated concern, his hands already gesturing wildly as he spoke. Himari Chinatsu Nomura followed close behind, her bubbly laughter filling the room as she tried to keep up with his long strides.
"Marya!" Nao exclaimed, his voice booming with theatrical urgency. "Thank goodness you're awake! I came the moment I heard. What were you thinking, getting yourself into such a state? This is precisely why you need me—someone to ensure you don't throw yourself into harm's way!"
Marya groaned, sinking deeper into her pillows. "Nao, I'm fine. Really. You don't need to—"
"Nonsense!" Nao interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "You're clearly not fine. Look at you! Hospitalized! Injured! This is unacceptable. As your guardian, I insist you return to your studies with me as soon as possible. We can't afford to waste any more time."
Himari giggled, her hands clasped in front of her as she beamed at Nao. "Oh, Nao, you're so dedicated! It's really amazing how much you care."
Aurélie, who had been sitting in stunned silence, finally stood, her notebook clutched tightly to her chest. Her sharp features were set in a scowl, her defensive walls slamming into place. "Who do you think you are, barging in here like this? Marya doesn't need your overbearing nonsense. She's perfectly capable of making her own decisions."
Nao turned to Aurélie, his expression one of exaggerated disdain. "And who, pray tell, are you? Some self-proclaimed poet who thinks scribbling bad verse makes you profound? Marya needs real guidance, not… whatever it is you're offering."
Himari giggled again, though her cheeks flushed slightly as she glanced between Nao and Aurélie. "Oh, Nao, you're so passionate! It's really inspiring!"
Marya sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Both of you, stop. I don't need this right now. Nao, I appreciate your concern, but I don't need a guardian. And Aurélie, your poetry is… fine. Just… let's not do this here, okay?"
Aurélie's cheeks flushed, her stoic demeanor cracking under the weight of Nao's arrogance. She sat back down, her notebook still clutched tightly, and glared at Nao. "Fine. But if he starts lecturing again, I'm not responsible for what happens."
Nao huffed, crossing his arms. "Well, I see my presence is underappreciated. But mark my words, Marya, I will ensure you're properly looked after. You can't stop me."
Himari clapped her hands together, her giggle breaking the tension. "Oh, Nao, you're so dedicated! It's really admirable!"
Harper burst in like an eruption of confetti, his vibrant green hair styled into an artful, tousled masterpiece that seemed to defy gravity. His sequined jacket caught the light with every movement, sending tiny rainbows dancing across the walls. He carried a bouquet of exotic flowers in one hand and a designer tote bag stuffed with what appeared to be skincare products and a few glittery accessories in the other. His makeup was flawless—sharp winged eyeliner, a dusting of iridescent glitter on his cheeks, and a bold plum lip color that perfectly complemented his flamboyant energy.
"Darling!" Harper sang out, his voice melodic and full of flair as he zeroed in on Marya. "I heard the news and simply had to come. How are you holding up, sweetheart?" He paused, glancing around the room, his eyes landing on Aurélie. "Oh! Aurélie, my dear! Fancy seeing you here. Don't tell me you've been reading your poetry to poor Marya. You know how I feel about those tragic verses of yours."
Aurélie, who had been sitting stiffly in her chair, rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smirk. "Hello, Harper. Still as subtle as a neon sign, I see."
Harper gasped, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. "Subtlety is overrated, darling. Besides, someone has to bring a little color into this dreary place." He turned back to Marya, his expression softening. "Now, sweetheart, tell me everything. Are they treating you well here? Do you need anything? A moisturizer? A lip gloss? A sequined pillow? I brought options." He held up his tote bag as if it were a treasure chest.
Marya chuckled weakly, her exhaustion momentarily lifted by Harper's infectious energy. "I'm okay, Harper. Really. But thanks for the offer."
Nao, who had been standing near the window with his arms crossed, let out an exasperated sigh. "And who, pray tell, are you? Another self-appointed caretaker? Because I can assure you, Marya doesn't need any more distractions."
Harper turned to Nao, his eyes narrowing as he took in the man's tailored coat and pretentious demeanor. "Oh, honey, I'm not a caretake. I'm Harper, the fabulous beautician and, more importantly, Vaughn's better half. You know, Vaughn? Marya's team leader? The absolute dreamboat currently recovering down the hall? Ring any bells?"
Nao's eyebrows shot up, but before he could respond, Himari giggled, her hands clasped in front of her. "Oh, you're Vaughn's boyfriend! He's so nice! And your jacket is amazing, by the way. So sparkly!"
Harper beamed at her, clearly pleased. "Why, thank you, darling! You have excellent taste. Sequins are a lifestyle, not just a fashion choice." He turned back to Nao, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And you must be… oh, let me guess. The overbearing academic who thinks he's the center of the universe? Charmed, I'm sure."
Nao's face flushed, but before he could retort, Aurélie interjected, her voice dry. "Harper, play nice. We're in a hospital, not a runway."
Harper waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, please. Hospitals could use a little more glamour. Speaking of which—" He turned back to Marya, his expression earnest. "Once you're out of here, I'm giving you the full Harper treatment. A facial, a haircut, maybe even a bold new lip color. You'll feel like a new person, I promise."
Marya smiled faintly. "Thanks, Harper. I'll keep that in mind."
Harper's attention then shifted to Aurélie, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And you, my dear, are long overdue for a makeover. I'm thinking a bold red lip and maybe some highlights. You've been looking far too gloomy lately."
Aurélie raised an eyebrow, though the corner of her mouth twitched in amusement. "I'm fine, Harper. But I'll let you know if I ever need to blind someone with glitter."
Harper laughed, a bright, melodic sound that filled the room. "That's the spirit! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on Vaughn. He's probably bored out of his mind without me." He leaned down to give Marya a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Rest up, darling. I'll be back soon with more glamour and possibly a snack. Hospitals never have good snacks."
With that, Harper swept out of the room, his sequined jacket catching the light one last time as he disappeared into the hallway. The room fell into a brief silence, the energy shifting once again. Nao looked thoroughly annoyed, Himari was still giggling, Aurélie was shaking her head with a faint smile, and Marya… well, Marya looked a little less burdened, if only for a moment. Harper had that effect on people.