Chapter 2 - a first taste

“Self regulate....self control...”

Mia had gotten in the habit of talking to herself since the incident. The doctor wasn’t kidding when he said weight gain was possible. Mia’s cravings hit her the second she stepped foot out of the hospital a week ago, and talking herself though her urges was all she could do to prevent herself from bingeing. She had slipped one already this week, getting take out after passing a street vendor, the delicious smells of the deep fried whatever being sold was too much, and Mia had paid the price.

Not only did she have cravings, but she couldn’t stop herself once she started eating, and once she started eating, her body converted all she ate to soft jiggly fat. She had gorged herself until she couldn’t move, pants unbuttoned, stomach bloated and aching. And just that one binge had put her up nearly 5lbs the next morning. 5lbs in one night. Mia knew she was in for a rough ride.

“Self control...I don’t need it...”

Mia walked through the plaza in little Japan. She speed walked past the many, many street cars selling intoxicating greasy food, past the vending machines selling everything from burritos to booze. She had been good today, opting to take vitamin tablets and water instead of eating.

It was then that she received a message. It was from a blocked number, an unknown fixer, the middle men of the black market. How this person had gotten her number was a mystery Mia didn’t have the time or energy to solve at the moment. The message was a bill. For the services of a mercenary. “What!? I didn’t hire a merc!”
Mia promptly responded to the unknown number, asking for an explanation. They responded almost immediately with a text; “for services pertaining your rescue and the termination of exactly 36 individuals known as ‘reapers’ to facilitate said rescue.”
Well shit. She texted back; “I didn’t hire the merc, someone else did, why am I getting the bill?”
They responded; “you’ll have to take that up with the merc personally.” The message was followed by the merc’s contact. Mia rang them.
A woman in dark sunglasses answered. “Yah who’s this?”
Mia paused for a moment. She recognized that voice...”uhm...I was just sent a bill for. Your services from a mutual contact.”
The woman seemed annoyed “So?”
“I can’t pay your fee. And I didn’t hire you to being with”
There was a pause “I think we may have a problem. I’ll be at your place in 10. Meet me there.”
“Wait what!? How do you know where I live? 10 minutes? What’s-“ the merc hung up

Mia wasn’t about to leave the mystery merc waiting. After rushing home and opening the door to her apartment Mia was shocked to see that the woman was already there waiting for her, lounging on her couch.
“How did you....what did...?”
The merc held up her hand. She stood. She was a tall woman, extremely muscular and attractively tanned. It seemed to be a natural glow, as she had a few blemishes as scars running along her arms. Bright teal hair was hanging in front her face, hiding strong, yet feminine features and an annoyed glare. She was dressed head to toe in shiny black combat gear, and heavily armed with multiple firearms strapped to her body. “The name is V. I got a message about a week ago telling me to go some some dumpy building and bust you out. I figured a worried friend or relative had sent word to one of my fixer contacts so I sent you the bill. But if it wasn’t you who sent it....”
There was an awkward pause “well I don’t know” Mia said
“I wasn’t asking you, I was thinking. Until we get this sorted out I’m not letting you out of my sight, got it? Don’t leave town, I will find you. I am going to get paid one way or another”
Mia swallowed nervously. “Yah...got it..”
V then left, dramatically hopping out the window and crawling down the fire escape, despite the obvious open door.

Mia felt her stomach tighten, demanding food. “I suppose one more meal wouldn’t hurt too much...”