The blackness was shattered by an incessant beeping... It started quiet, barely noticeable. As he became aware of it, however, it seemed to grow louder and louder, invading his peace and quiet. He wished it would stop... What was it, anyway? That thought started him thinking again. Something was beeping... Where was he? Why did he feel so... groggy... Peeling his eyes open, he felt his face pull into a pained expression.<br/><br/>His surroundings slowly slid into focus... and he panicked. He couldn't put a finger on the reason why, but he knew one thing with absolute certainty. He had to get out of here. NOW. He couldn't be seen here. He looked down at himself and found bandages, an IV, bed covers over his legs... and... a girl. She was dozing with her head against his bed. He blinked in absolute shock. A girl? Do they provide those in hospitals now? Some sort of... parting, 'get well' gift? He highly doubted it. She must be confused. Gritting his teeth, he pulled the IV out of his arm, slid his legs off the side of the bed away from the girl, and placed his feet gingerly on the floor.<br/><br/>With great difficulty he retrieved his boots from the cabinet next to the bed and put them on. The pain in his head made moving extremely difficult, and his leg still would not support his weight. Finally, he hopped awkwardly toward the door. Peeking out the window, he saw the empty corridor outside.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Seems as good a chance as I'll get...</span>he muttered, and crept out the door in search of the exit.