A pair of hands gently shakes me awake. My eyes are blinded by the sunlight flooding through the transparent roof, forcing me to squint.

"Doctor, it's not good for your body to sleep here." An unfamiliar voice enters my ears.

When my eyes adjust to the brightness, a young woman in a white dress, sporting a pair of ears reminiscent of a fox stands before me. Behind her is a younger girl with dog-like ears whom flash me an adorable smile when she catches my gaze.

Instinctively, I ask, "What time is it?"

"It's 8 o'clock in the morning."

I sit up, feeling a slight strain in my neck as I move it. A small price to pay for the best sleep I've ever had in ages.

"Why were you sleeping here, Doctor?" the woman asks.

Last night incident creeps slowly into my mind but I quickly shake them away with an honest response. "I couldn't sleep."

The woman hums in affirmation. "Doctor, could you spare a moment? I'll brew some tea for you." I nod.

I'd prefer coffee but it'll be impolite when she's kindly offering me to brew a drink. It just felt right since I'm an impostor. And the free time could be used for planning and freshen myself.

The dog-eared young girl returns to attending the flowers. I watch the woman brew my tea. Her gentle step, the way she delicately handles the flowers she picked. If elegance and grace could take human form, they'd embody this woman before me. Her ears twitch intermittently, adding an endearing charm. I notice a pair of human ears under her hair.

It's tempting to ask the voice in my head about it but changed my mind. Given I'm basically up against an eldritch entity straight out of H.P. Lovecraft books using magic pages that turn fiction into reality, I suppose I can pretend that people having animal ears are normal occurrence. Less headache that way.

"Here, Doctor. Have this drink." The woman hands a me a small cup of tea on a saucer with a warm smile. The aroma is refreshing. I gently accept and takes a sip.

The tea's effect is immediate. It's like a powerful mint that instantly chills my throat. Clarity washes over my sight and thoughts. It's like having a healthier alternative to a line of cocaine. Every sip I relishes as I watch the dog-eared girl watering the plants while humming catchy, cheerful melody. The woman that had served me the tea patiently waits outside my view until I finish drinking.

"Thanks." I hand over the empty cup to the woman.

"You are welcome," she responds with a soft smile before heading toward a previously unnoticed section of the garden that is a pantry.

I rise from my seat and stretches my body, feeling my joints crack with relief.

My stomach grumbles. So, I step out of the garden and heads to the of Form

As I walk through the facility, the operators passing by offer sincere smiles, which I reciprocate with a nod. Their glimmering eyes seems to have a sense of admiration and respect as they look at me. I convince myself that my responses are merely acting in place of the body's original owner.

Entering the cafeteria, I find Rhodes Island members scatters about, enjoying their breakfast. Approaching the counter, I'm greeted by a blonde-haired bear girl, her features resembling a mix of Russian heritage.

A variety of food sits beneath the counter, seemingly Earthly and recognizable, yet I feel slightly disappointed, expecting something otherworldly. I ask, "Is this the menu for today?"

"Yep. Yakulevich red sausage with garlic, boiled beans, soft oatmeal bread, and fermented yogurt."

While I don't recognize 'Yakulevich', red sausages and the rest of the menu seems rather straightforward. I decide, "I'll have that."

"Sure thing!" the girl chirps, skilfully arranging the meal on plates atop a tray before placing it on a counter.

I balance the tray in my hand. I spot an empty table at the corner of the cafeteria when a voice calls out to me.

"Doctor, over here!"

Turning towards the sound, I spot Amiya waving in my direction with an empty chair sat beside her. On the same table sits two cat-eared girls; one's a child and the other an adult that has a feminine body figure males most males would lust after. Honestly, I'd rather sit alone at the empty table I saw earlier but that'll certainly raise questions.

I suppose I can start taking notes of the names to keep up this act.

As I placed down the tray on the table, Amiya asks me. "Did you have a good rest, Doctor?"

"Yes." I answer.

"Are you feeling okay, now?"

"Yes."

"Do you need anything?"

"No."

Amiya's ears droop slightly down at my disinterested replies. Naturally, the conversation dies down.

What a killjoy I am. How long has have I been trapped in the Dark Place to the point I can't even hold basic conversation?

Fortunately, the mature cat-girl redirect the conversation, "Amiya, about the upcoming party for the new operators. You'll be the one performing for the secret performance, aren't you?"

Amiya's cheeks flushed as she nods. "Will you perform with me?"

"Is a chainsaw's good musical instrument though?"

"Maybe? You can adjust the speed of the chainsaw's motor or manipulate the cutting motion to create pitches, tones, and rhythms…" Amiya continues.

The mature cat-girl chuckles. "I'm just teasing you. You needn't worry about messing up in your performance. The new operators will appreciate your gestures anyway."

"I love listening to your Violin, Amiya they sound good." the young cat-girl adds, closing her eyes as if imagining Amiya's upcoming melodic tunes.

"Thank you, Rosmontis." Amiya smiles.

As their conversation flowed, I still could feel the weight of their attention lingering, the corners of their eyes occasionally glancing in my direction. So, I quickly eat to finish my meal, swallowing some bits of food without chewing.

Finally finishing my meal, I blurt out, "I'll take my leave now. Where should I put the dishes?"

The girls give me curious, perplexed look. Perhaps my unfamiliarity with such a basic task or my social awkwardness prompts their behaviour. Regardless, Rosmontis points at a conveyor system near the counter that saves me from squirming, "Put them on that conveyor belt."

As I'm about to stand up, Amiya calls out again, without meeting my gaze. "Doctor, Doctor Kal'tsit suggests to see her for an examination at her office."

"Got it. Thanks," I replied then proceeds to stow away the dirty plates before leaving the cafeteria, intentionally avoiding any glance back at Amiya or her companions.

I anticipated the 'interview'. The manuscript had warned me of Kal'tsit's next action. If I ignore Kal'tsit's 'suggestions', she might stick to a more forceful measure.

I've never interacted with Kal'tsit and she gives off the aura of the stuck-up in the ass scientist. The idea of facing a stubborn scientist worries me. But my mind keeps dwelling on hypothetical outcomes.

If I tell lies, will she be able to detect it? If I tell the truth, would she believe me? Will I be put inside into the brig? Will I be dissected? God forbids if she's a mad scientist.

"Where's Kal'tsit's office?" I ask the voice.

'Near ours. Just take the right. It's at the end of the hallway.' The voice replies.

Following the directions, I find a door labelled 'Doctor Kal'tsit' in English hanging above it. Stepping inside, Kal'tsit is engrossed in her paperwork until she notices my entrance, her gaze locking onto me. Instantly, my guard goes up, feeling like a prey stepping into a lion's cage.

"You should knock next time you enter," Kal'tsit notes, gesturing to a chair before her desk. "Take a seat."

"You should knock next time you enter." Kal'tsit beckons at the cushioned chair in front of her desk. "Take a seat."

"I settle into the plush chair, sinking slightly into its comfort.

"I heard you were sleeping in the Convalescent Garden. Did you have a good sleep?" Kal'tsit asks.

"Yes. Never been better."

"How are you feeling?" Her eyes hold an intensity that seems to delve deeper than mere curiosity. Her knowledge of my whereabouts startles me. The voice in my head remains silent.

"I'm fine," I answer quickly.

Her gaze intensifies. "Are you sure? Because you seem rather distressed last night."

"How'd you know? That's a breach of privacy!" I counter. I totally didn't expect that line of questioning. I thought the Radiant Knight would keep that as a secret with her being a honourable knight. Panic surges. I couldn't afford to go against my reluctant ally's word. It's too—

"Privacy concerns are indeed important, but in this scenario, your well-being takes precedence. Doctor, your response concerns me."

Her body postures changes into a more assertive stance, straightened back and leaning closer to the table. "I'm not oblivious to the strain that accompanies our responsibilities on Rhodes Island. However, this display of distress doesn't correlate with the standard fare. I understand why you decide to sleep at the garden. However, you need to understand that the Convalescent Garden is for healing physical and emotional wounds, not concealing deeper afflictions."

I notice Kal'tsit's subtle yet persistent line of questioning. Sensing her approach, I assert, "Do not deflect the conversation, Kal'tsit. You breached my privacy!" It's a weak defence. Kal'tsit knows that too.

"Please understand, my intention is to assist you in overcoming any challenges you might be facing. Could it be possible that what you're experiencing isn't a result of external forces, but an internal struggle that goes beyond what we conventionally understand?" Kal'tsit responds calmly.

I find the idea of Kal'tsit caring about my well-being oddly amusing and reply, "Doctor Kal'tsit, I understand your concern for my well-being, but I assure you, there's no need for alarm,"

The horror sets in as I realize my mistake too late. I should've focused the conversation at Kal'tsit's attempt at deflection.

Kal'tsit seizes the opening immediately, "There is a need for alarm. Your well-being affects not just yourself but the entire operation of Rhodes Island. As a leader, your decisions shape Rhodes Island. Lives hinge on your decisions," she asserts.

Checkmate.

The mention of the original body being a leader catches me off guard. The mere thought that my deceit could be responsible for the loss of innocent lives sends a shiver down my spine and causing the words from my mind to disappear. I refuse to dwell on the thoughts. The plans the voice had outlined depends on me. I couldn't afford to lose my only chance of getting back to Alice.

But as I attempt to conjure other defences for the verbal standoff, the voice in my head pipes up. 'Kal'tsit's mind is sharp. Keeping up this façade is a waste of time. She'll find out about our situation sooner or later.'

"Take you long enough to reply. What do you propose?" I whisper to the voice. Kal'tsit's cat ears twitches, seemingly overhearing my words.

'Tell her everything.' The voice states.

End Chapter Song: Wide Awake (Ft. Jaimes)

In the dark
Miles apart
Made a promise that I'm coming out alive
Raging heart
Went too far
I will never lose myself again
Oh I

I was calling you
Did you hear me?
I lost my way

I was trapped in a thousand nights
With no escape
Nightmares taking me over
Now I'm wide awake
Oh I died like a million times
Through the waves I break
The nightmares finally over
And now I'm wide awake

Blinding lights
Burning eyes
I can see myself and I don't need to hide
My foolish pride
Paid the price
I will never leave again I'm by your side