NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: Chapter 29
Step Three: Rehabilitation—Weeks Seven to Twelve
After weeks of rest and gradual movement, Zedd had reached the stage where the real work began. The synthetic tissue was now fully integrated into his body, but the process of adapting to his new, modified self had only just begun. Zedd understood that the synthetic material might be stronger than flesh, but it was still foreign to him—still alien to his mind and body. It needed to be conditioned, strengthened, and fused with his natural movements, just like any muscle that had been left dormant for too long.
The first few weeks of rehabilitation had been slow and cautious. Zedd had worked primarily on small movements, testing the limits of his left side, making sure that the tissue adhered correctly, stretching the synthetic muscles in his arm, and simply learning to balance objects. Now, the real challenge began. It was time to push himself, little by little, testing not only his physical limits but also his mental resolve.
Zedd stood in front of his mirror, examining his reflection for the first time in weeks. His once bandaged left side, now free from the tight wraps, was exposed. His left arm—once pale and unnervingly white—was still slightly foreign in its appearance, though it was starting to look more natural. The edges where the synthetic tissue met his flesh were now smooth, almost indistinguishable, as if it was always a part of him.
Taking a deep breath, Zedd lifted his left arm slowly, feeling the strain as his muscles, still weak from inactivity, fought to cooperate. He could feel the foreignness of the synthetic tissue in every movement. There was a stiffness in his left shoulder, a sensation that was hard to shake, but it was nothing he couldn't overcome.
Time to get to work, Zedd thought. He wasn't one for unnecessary emotions, but the challenge ahead was a daunting one. The next few weeks would be crucial. If he didn't push himself now, there was no telling how long it would take for his body to adapt—or if it ever would.
Week Seven: Basic Conditioning
Zedd started slow. The first day of rehabilitation was all about assessing his current strength and ensuring that his left side could bear the load of even the simplest movements. He began with push-ups.
His right hand planted firmly on the ground, his left hand trembling slightly as he placed it down. The synthetic tissue didn't feel the same as his flesh—it lacked the flexibility and responsiveness of natural muscle. But as he lowered himself into the push-up, the left arm held its own. The pressure was manageable. A few repetitions later, he stopped, panting slightly, feeling the sweat building on his brow.
This is just the beginning, Zedd thought. The push-ups, while difficult, were a reminder that his body was capable of more than it had been just a few weeks ago. But there was still a long way to go.
Next, he moved on to sit-ups, trying to engage his core and bring his body into motion. He could feel the strain in his abdomen, the slight pull in his back. The synthetic tissue in his left side wasn't quite as responsive as his natural muscles, but it was sturdy. He could sense it working as he pulled himself up with his right hand, his left side lagging behind. But he wasn't giving up.
Week Eight: Increasing Intensity
By week eight, Zedd was beginning to feel the difference. The synthetic tissue was responding better, though it still felt stiff. To speed up his recovery and push his body further, Zedd incorporated shadow sparring into his regimen. It wasn't about the speed or strength of the movements—it was about getting his body used to reacting, to moving without thinking.
Zedd would throw a punch, feeling the resistance of the synthetic tissue on his left side as his fist connected with the air. He'd pivot his body, feeling the shift of weight and momentum, testing how well his left leg could keep up with his right. Every strike, every movement was a small victory. He was no longer just lifting objects or balancing cups. He was learning to move like he had before, but now with a new body—a body that he had to learn to trust.
Week Nine to Twelve: Full Body Workouts
Weeks nine through twelve marked the full-fledged phase of his rehabilitation. Zedd now moved into more complex routines, focusing on building strength and mobility. He incorporated weight training, targeting his entire body. Each day, the exercises grew more intense, and the weight of his movements started to feel more natural.
Squats, lunges, and deadlifts were part of his routine now. He'd begin each day with a set of stretches to limber up, then move onto exercises targeting his legs, back, chest, and arms. The synthetic tissue on his left side felt more like flesh each day, though it would still catch, resisting in some places. The constant testing and pushing had begun to pay off, however, as Zedd's body was becoming more responsive. He could now feel the left side responding to the movements, the tissue stretching and adjusting to the exertion.
One morning, after a particularly grueling set of squats, Zedd stood in front of the mirror once more. His left side was now fully functional—his arm could move with ease, his body no longer hindered by the stiff synthetic material. The discomfort from his earlier days was gone. He was ready to push himself harder.
As the weeks went by, Zedd could feel his body growing stronger. The synthetic tissue had fused seamlessly with his natural muscles. He was beginning to feel like his old self again—only better. The synthetic side of his body was faster, stronger, and more resilient than before. But he also knew the limits. The feeling of foreignness would never truly go away; it was something he'd have to live with for the rest of his life.
But even as the rehabilitation process progressed, there were moments when Zedd found himself reflecting on the changes. The sheer determination it took to rebuild his body, the countless hours spent stretching, sparring, and strengthening—it all felt like a second chance, though he would never allow himself to think of it as such.
His mind often drifted back to his life before—the murderer, the fugitive. The person he used to be. But now, as he stood taller, stronger, and more in control of his body, he wondered how much longer he could keep up the façade. How long would it take before someone—Elara, Reina, or anyone else—started to see through the lies?
As much as he tried to focus on his rehabilitation, the doubts would always linger in the back of his mind.