[Sadrain]

December 2nd, Chicago; Base.

Yesterday's fight did not quench Aiolia's wish to get better and learn, to develop and become something more than a drag down. After being patched up, she had helped Elek with jobs around the Base, but her thoughts were restless. It was either to swallow her pride and go back to Eve, or train on her own. Aiolia decided to find a middle way, in her own style.

Next morning, she was waiting outside Eve's house, arms crossed across her chest, eyes narrowed. It was clear that she was determined to reach something, whatever that may be. Few people sent awry gazes her way, but Aiolia ignored them fully.

December 3rd, Chicago; Base.

The doctor had finally allowed to take Ryan's arm out of the metal support that held it in the air. He was very glad he was finally allowed to move, although he still needed some help to get in and out of the wheelchair. The doctor had given him a long lecture about how he had been careless and that's why it had come this far, and Ryan had just nodded every now and then in silence.

Pains often bothered him, but he had managed to move his fingers more for the first time this morning, and it felt like a big accomplishment. The doctor and nurses said that he was recovering remarkably fast and Ryan certainly wasn't complaining. Especially now that he could visit Alice. Nurse wheeled him to Alice's room and put him next to her bed. He asked for a radio, but apparently, there was horrible reception down in the sewers (as expected). Ryan was a little upset at that, but decided next time he would get some other music player or a book to read. When the nurse left, his full attention turned to the girl on the bed.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Ryan asked with a smile. "As you can see, I am getting all better quickly." He was truly happy that he wouldn't have to endure long days in loneliness anymore, even if Alice wouldn't talk much.