...the time has come...

Welcome to The Styrax.

You may have a lot of questions.

You may be worried about the rumors.

Rest assured, your stay will be restful and relaxing.

You will be rejuvenated, restored, and renewed.

Even if you never return to the field,

this island of tranquil wonder is now your home.


 
     

Getting Settled

The first thing you will notice is that you have no electronic devices. All phones, tablets, pagers, WispNavis, and other items have been confiscated for your own safety, protection, and relaxation. If you are here, you are likely recovering from some traumatic experience. We do not want dangerous transmissions, or even just the stress of the outside world, to affect you as your body and mind attempt to reenter their previous serene state.

   
clothes

Clothing

You may also realize that you are now clad in loose-fitting clothing that is lightly colored. The reason for this is to help you feel as comfortable as possible. We do not utilize hospital gowns that leave you exposed and vulnerable. Instead, we provide garments that complement your figure nicely. They are available in long and short-sleved shirts, long and short pants, skirts, dresses, sweats, sweaters, and more. Particular attention is paid to the materials and textures used. Your exact measurements are accommodated so that nothing feels too tight or too loose. Your comfort is our utmost priority.

   

Environment

Entering the facility, you will notice a lot of light blues and other calming hues. We do not provide the bright white, sterile, and hostile aura that most medical facilities exude. We pride ourselves on making this place feel comfortable and cozy. We want it to seem nostalgic and safe. We do not want you to feel unwelcome or unwanted. We also do not want you to feel trapped or burdened. We want you to feel serene and free, because you are.
  We also have lots of comfortable cushions and carpeted areas. Most facilities such as this are furnished with industrial flooring due to the fact that quick cleanup with bleach and a mop is often required to keep things sanitary, but we at The Styrax care more about your comfort than convenience. Though differing from the norm, every surface in this facility is neat and clean. We still take proper measures to keep everything up to par. We disinfect it all. It is more costly to utilize the methods we do and to hire the amount of staff we employ, but it is all worth it to make you feel at ease, because you are.
  Our experts pay special care and attention to every aspect of your experience and the environment that surrounds you. Meticulous thought is put into curating the temperature of the room, the textures of every surface, the scents you smell, the sights you see, the colors used, the lighting levels, the sounds that resound in your ears, and everything in between. Each potted plant and art piece is chosen specifically with you in mind because your well-being matters to us.
  It is perfectly comfortable to walk barefoot around the facilities, or with socks or slippers, if you desire. If you would like a robe, one will be provided. We want you to feel comfortable. Never too hot and never too cold. We adjust every aspect of your experience to help you feel at home, because you are.

   

Cuisine

The eatery here is another thing we would like to make sure you feel at home with. We do not want you to feel as if you are in a traditional hospital filled with bland 'healthy' foods. We would like you to feel at home. We have breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks that are full of flavor and nostalgia. These foods will help you to be nourished and calm. Their subtle scents and enjoyable flavors will make you forget where you are.

   

Nature

Nature is found everywhere around The Styrax, in both indoor and outdoor areas. Plants adorn the buildings, and lush gardens grow all about the island. In addition to bright, lively green plants and wondrous wildlife, you will find that water is a steady fixture here--not just because the island is surrounded by it. There are fountains, ponds, and other installations scattered throughout the place as well. You will find that the sound, smell, and sight of water is nearly everywhere you go. Water brings tranquility, peace, and revitalization. We want you to feel safe here, because you are.

 

How Did You Get Here?

The Styrax itself has existed for a very long time. Its buildings and facilities are state-of-the-art. Everything looks new because it is constantly being updated and remodeled for the safety, protection, and comfort of its guests.
  Admission into The Styrax is a scary process for agents to think about but, once it actually happens, most agents don't even remember how it happened. You don't remember either, do you? This is primarily because the agent who is admitted is most often unconscious during transportation to the island.
  When an agent is severely injured in the field, several things can happen.
  If the agent was working with a partner who was not as severely injured, that partner may call for backup or attempt to transport the agent away to the best of their ability.
  Either of these occurrences will result in the agent arriving at one of various W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. medical facilities. These are more typical hospital-like establishments that issue standard care. This is not to say that the procedures provided are subpar. W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P.'s staff, equipment, medications, and facilities are always considered the best of the best. But, if the injuries are worse than life-threatening, or if highly reconstructive surgeries are necessary, it may be best to outsource the agent to a specialized facility such as The Styrax.
  The doctor responsible for the injured agent performs an evaluation on them. They take stock of any physical and mental damage done to the agent. They make a calculation and estimation on what needs to be done to bring this agent back to health. If it is determined that the agent may not be able to return to the field, the doctor will say so in the report.
  Sometimes, agents are declared Dead on Arrival, or later perish from their injuries. Sometimes, the agent is comatose or paralyzed. In these cases, the doctor swiftly files the report. Once the report is posted, the agent's Commander will be one of the first to lay eyes on it. It is at this time that the Commander can choose to make an executive call to send the agent to The Styrax for a last attempt at rescue. However, the Commander does not have the final say. Their petition is then reviewed by several Higher-Ups within a matter of minutes. At last, when a thorough review of the agent's career at the organization is taken into consideration, the Higher-Ups take a vote on whether or not the agent should be sent.
  If you are here, that means, congratulations! You did an excellent job on the force and many W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. Higher-Ups agree that you are an excellent agent. They decided to send you here in hopes that our specialized team can fix you up back in shape to return to the field.
  You may not remember what happened to you. Did you die? Were you revived? How were you injured? What happened to your partner? Has your body been reconstructed? How long have you been unconscious? Did you fail your mission? Will you get written up for making a mistake? We are here to tell you right now that you can dispel all those thoughts from your mind. None of those questions matter. You don't need to know any answers. You are here. You are alive. You are safe.   Now, you may have heard rumors that no agent ever returns from here. We will assure you that is a lie. You may have heard rumors that we will erase you here. But, now, you feel calm and at ease. You are safe. You no longer need to worry about those silly rumors. Falsities have no room at The Styrax. You may have been out of it for a few days. You are just now waking up. Take a deep breath. Doesn't that feel good? You are already on your way down the road to recovery. Pretty soon, you may be headed to a rehabilitation facility here on The Styrax island. You may even return to the field. but, even if you don't, rest assured that you are safe here. This is your home. The Styrax will always be there for you when you need it, and you clearly need it now.   Welcome home.
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Comments

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Apr 24, 2025 20:24

I am simultaneously frightened and comforted, which is a really unsettling combination.

From The River to The Ocean, a civilization grows up. Under them both lies The Deeps.
Apr 25, 2025 07:51

Yeah, I’ve heard about the Styrax... to be honest, even if I were mortally wounded, they wouldn’t send me there. I could never recover in a place with 'soothing' colors and water features... no, sir! They would just patch me up and send me back into the fray! Otherwise, they know I’d probably cause some collateral damage just because I’d be bored to death!
The rumors? Hmmm, it could be interesting to find out how they would try to get rid of me. On the other hand, island facilities are quite expensive, so I don’t think they would take that risk. Oh, stop whining!
— Agent Night-1, while he tapes up an unfortunate comrade.

Once again a great read!

Have a look at my entries for:
A lot of unofficial Challenges
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