Chapter 1: Awake
"Okay, Zale. You're all set. Take it easy for a while. We don't want you back on the surgery table," the doctor said with a wink.
Zale nodded silently, his luscious blond hair swaying. He turned and looked at himself in the office's mirror for a moment. Clean-shaven, dark circles under his eyes, and a thin and frail body. He recoiled at the sight still. "Don't worry. It'll only take a few months of daily life for you to be back in good shape. Spending several weeks in a coma will do that, but if you have other problems, do not hesitate to return."
Zale took a deep breath, and a wide smile spread across his face. "Thanks."
He shook the doctor's hand and picked up his duffel bag of personal belongings. He left the hospital with the closest thing to a spring in his step he could manage. For the first time in what felt like months to Zale, he walked the streets of planet Earth. The city's pavement baked in the last of the summer's heat as he carefully walked. People passed him. They listened to music or rode bikes down the sidewalks. Unlike at the hospital, though, no one even noticed him or his condition. He felt relieved and continued slowly along.
The billboards were the same familiar sight as always, massive screens strapped to high rise buildings or support structures. They showed off the hunters' glorious lifestyle, the hard work of crafters, and the limitless benefits granted to the blessed. Some advertisements were about the latest magic technology that Zale wasn't so familiar with. Zale gave a small smirk when he saw the images of the alters for the God of Blessings that were ever-present.
He made his way through the late lunchtime crowds to a Starbucks down the street and ordered a black coffee and a smile slice of cake. When he ordered, the cashier noticed the shine of a hunter's badge on Zales duffel bag. The man gave a small nod and cut off a slightly larger piece of cake, saying, "I respect you hunters for what you do to keep us safe from monsters and the disasters."
Zale thanked him for the compliment and took a seat by the large window wall. He pulled out his tablet while his coffee cooled off.
Zale
Hey. I just got out. Got my first coffee in forever.
Starbucks
Meru
lol
that's good to hear. It's the one down the street right?
I can be there in like 5
Zale
Ok. see you soon.
The cars passed less frequently as the lunch rush died off. The cafe emptied out as well. When Meru arrived, they were the only two left, and Zale was sipping his coffee. She ordered a mocha latte and peeled the lid off to let it cool. As she set her bag down, Zale stared intensely. His lips tilted up in admiration. She was a short and thick woman. Her dress showed off her toned legs muscles, but the black hoodie hid everything else.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone