Adam, who was left alone in the blue light, had no idea what was going on.

  He was still traumatized from the earlier events where he had almost died. He was concerned about Sammy. It was a whirlpool of emotions he was stuck in.

  Suddenly, the lights went back on, and he could see Elvis in the corner. Nobody was around as far as he could tell, so he got up and opened the door.

  He looked around and before closing the door he told Elvis to stay, as much as he wanted to bring him he did not want to draw attention to himself.

  He looked around and froze when the speakers turned on, saying, “Allum Jinswonnal, Shiwa allum Tivekuning Pun Gincetic Seneso Purulocon’s sode Sutinuru noh Nihugen Sashoty.” He breathed in with relief and started walking. He did not see any signs of anyone, so he kept walking, looking around, and admiring the architecture of the interior.

  He turned down a hallway and saw someone who looked strangely human, taller, most definitely, and with scars. He had a doctor’s coat on, but he did not have the figure of a doctor. He was pretty muscur and had brown eyes. He wasn’t too far, and once he turned, Adam could see his long, snake-like tail. Adam jumped back in surprise, causing the man to turn his sights on him.

  Adam’s heart froze, and the man said, “Nanati arum yama sudo kohere? Arum yama sotepou nito nebe kohere? Nanati’s yamata Nama?”

  Adam tilted his head and asked, “What?” The man's eyes widened, and he smiled as if he knew what he was saying.

  He said, “I guess you not supposed to be here. Name is Earl, not fluent in English.” Adam smiled awkwardly and said, “Not good at your nguage. Bathroom?”

  Earl then turned to one of his peers nearby and said, “Ihr amna gikuning nito giku taruto koche nihugen nito noh Basurumon, shinamu no gikuta ihr suguso. Ihr hineden nebe modack den ern capu no minubun’s.”

  Earl beckoned Adam towards him as he started to walk to the end of the hallway. Adam caught up to him and started to match his pace.

  They turned down a different hallway with gss rooms. It seemed like a testing area for weapons and devices, as a lot was happening. A ser almost caught Adam off-guard before Earl stopped him with his arm.

  Adam said, “Thank you, heh,” and Earl smiled in response. Finally, they stopped at a door beled “Koto’s Basurumon.” Earl said, “Here you are, bathroom. I'll wait for you.” Adam smiled and went in with an annoyed expression.

  He wanted to find out more about this pnet, and he admitted that he did have to go, but he did not want someone babysitting him. Once he was done, he went out and found Earl outside talking to another guy.

  Adam tried to sneak by, but Earl caught him and said, “See you, let’s go.” Adam chuckled nervously and followed behind Earl, grumbling.

  Earl was still talking to the guy when they turned down a hallway filled with actual humans. He perked up and was a little confused; it made sense but didn’t at the same time. Some of them looked just like Adam, but others had ears or tails and yet retained a human skin tone.

  Thinking back to what Annaleise said, “They also have two primates, one like ours and one different”. He didn’t think they would be this simir, he would have more time to think about this ter so he focused on his objective.

  Earl pointed to them and said, “Here you are, have fun!” Adam walked toward them, and others immediately noticed him. He waved and chuckled nervously, hoping they wouldn’t see right through him.

  The one who seemed to be leading the rge group approached Adam. She was tan but had a dragon-like tail, brown hair, and green eyes with slits for pupils. She said, “Oh, did you get lost on the tour? My bad, there is such a big group today, so forgive me.”

  She then looked at Earl, who had been there to make sure Adam was in the right pce. She said, “Tarigano fom tarutoning kea nof koche osu, ihr appakure erit. Mohette ern yoido hida.” Earl smiled warmly and replied, “Yamata Shuimacome, udemitsu kanim adalehi kan satawa milotening fom moh Basurumon, yama mohette ern grasurashi hida asashi wiyo.”

  Earl walked away, and then the dy introduced herself. “Hi there, my name is Zyphora! Just in case you did not catch my name. You are pretty rare; there are rarely any true humans around here. Most of us are known hybrids.”

  Adam chuckled and said, “Thanks! Sorry, I got lost; I don't have the best sense of direction.My name is Adam by the way” Zyphora smiled and introduced Adam to the group.

  There were around twenty to thirty people in the group. He waved at them and followed as Zyphora started talking about the base. Zyphora then stopped the group at a huge frame with multiple pictures of people.

  Zyphora started to expin them one by one.

  “The top picture you see is Landon! He is the base operator and helps control everything on the base. The one below him is the famous Yazmina. She fought in the war and is a military general, making her the boss of the troops and operations with the assistance of Landon. The four pictures below them are the combat medics: Tom, who has a blue heart; Toshi, who fought in the war and has two blue hearts; Kaylee, who has three blue hearts and one blood medal; and the st one, Yazmina’s sister, Sammy, who fought alongside her in the war. She has accumuted fifty eight blue hearts, two red medals, a Blood Rage award, and one Battle of Hearts award.”

  Adam was curious about what they meant and was intrigued by the “Battle of Hearts Award,” so he spoke his mind after Zyphora finished expining. “So, could you eborate on the awards and what they mean?” Zyphora looked at him and smiled.

  “Great question! For those who do not know, a blue heart signifies saving ten people on the battlefield for each blue heart. A red medal signifies protecting patients from the enemy and getting injured in the process. The ‘Battle of Hearts’ is a very prestigious award given to the best of the best, meaning they single-handedly saved all of their patients and successfully carried the troops to victory. The Blood Rage award signifies that she has helped defeat a whole regiment.”

  People around him talked amongst themselves for a moment. He looked at Sammy's picture again, astonished that she had achieved all that.

  Someone spoke up and asked, “What are Yazmina's accomplishments?”. He thought back to Yazmina, and he hadn’t thought about asking, but he was known equally as curious as everyone around him.

  Zyphora then answered him, “Yazmina’s biggest achievement is a 'One for All' award, which has only been given to her. She earned it in the Last battle by killing every one of the enemy's troops in that battle with multiple assists by Sammy. Unfortunately, they were ambushed alone by a whole regiment, and both defeated them.” them. That is just one of her many awards during the war; another big one is the “Snipers Fury” award, which was earned in Battle Tomojory. She had sniped around 126 targets protecting the medical tent.”

  Adam gasped along with many others. He was astonished by her awards, changing his perception of her. A couple of others asked questions about Landon and Toshi; he was still processing both Sammiy's and Yazmina's accomplishments.

  He felt like he had met celebrities.

  He shook it off, and they started to move again. Zyphora then started talking again:

  “This base is most known for the many attacks and wins in the war, and it also deals with many terrorist attacks. As you look to the right, you will see the b making all of its equipment.”

  Adam spotted Earl and waved; he waved back and smiled. He watched as they were testing out a cool-looking gun that shot what looked like psma balls. They continued to move and then went outside towards the stables, stopping at a training area. Zyphora said, “This is where they train recruits and make a new generation of soldiers”.

  He heard some talking as they moved to the stables and heard a familiar sound.

  He recognized Yena’s growls and roars. Zyphora with excitement said, “This is my favorite part of the tour. We are going in as groups of five to see the Sorhebi of the soldiers. Rules are no touching any of them except the one we tell you to, and keep outside of the yellow lines. Don’t take any food or drinks in.”

  It took about twenty minutes before he got selected to go in. He walked in and looked around some more, and got to see the other Sorhebi.

  They were big, muscur creatures, some smaller and some bigger. They all had their own unique patterns and colors. He saw Yena, who looked distressed; his heart reached out to her. He knew she was probably missing Sammy right now. He noticed that they had taken Koda out so others could pet him. Once it was his turn, he smiled because Koda recognized him.

  Koda nudged him pyfully, and Adam petted him. Zyphora said, “He likes you; must sense something about you.” He started walking out while getting one st look around the stables. He waited another ten minutes before everyone started to head back inside.

  As they walked, Zyphora announced, “We will be taking a lunch break soon, after we see the medical section of the base.” A lot of people sighed in relief, and he was curious about what they served. They reached the Med Bay, and Zyphora first expined how it works and the many treatments and medical equipment.

  They were in a room when an arm went off, saying, “Byotapa chakuming, Ern kurpet, Byotapa chakuming.”

  Zyphora then said, “Luckily for us, we will get to see them in action if they say we can.” Adam had a sinking feeling of who it was. Zyphora went to talk with the head of the section, and after five minutes, she came back and announced,

  “Everyone, luck is on our side today; the patient has consented. Everyone follow me into the viewing area”.

  They walked down a hallway before turning and walking into a narrow but rge room overlooking a rge medical room. As he took a seat, they rushed a familiar face into the room with a huge gash over her leg, some minor scratches on her face, and her uniform covered in blood.

  He recognized Sammy’s face; she was awake and looking directly at the group. She surprisingly was not whining or crying and instead was directing the doctors. Adam could tell the doctors were clearly annoyed by her badgering them about their jobs.

  Zyphora then expined, “This is Sammy; she has been attacked by a vicious creature called a Fugotu, one of many of the strongest creatures on Bishingo. As you can see, she doesn't have serious injuries, other than that gash on her leg.

  As per usual, they found the Fugotu dead once they arrived to help, attesting to her strength.” He was worried about her and was surprised she defeated such a creature. He had a look at it, and it was terrifying.

  Sammy's eyes had caught his, and hers widened.

  He almost jumped out of his skin as she saw him. Sammy then said something to one of the doctors, pointing at him. One of the doctors then called someone, his flight instincts turned on, and before he could even react, Zyphora called to him, “Um, Adam, you are wanted by Sammy? Do you know her?”.

  Adam nodded and sighed in defeat and was escorted by Zyphora down to the room. As he entered, Sammy gave him a disappointed look and pointed to the chair. He held his head down and sat in the chair. He avoided her eye contact but watched as the doctors worked on her.

  Sammy definitely seemed pissed at him because her gre dug into him.

  Once they had patched her up enough, the doctors escorted her and him to a Resting room. Sammy was put on the bed and given some type of medicine; he guessed a painkiller.

  He messed with his fingers, picking at them. He was a little afraid of what Sammy would do. He thought back to her accomplishments, and a shiver went down his spine. His mind then reassured him that Sammy was probably just mad and wasn't gonna hurt him for running off.

  Yazmina burst through the door, and he jumped, almost falling over. Yazmina went to her sister's side and said, “Nanati happuned? Arum yama owa?”.

  Sammy smiled in response, saying, “Ern Fugotu attogined Tashi midaka flighto, Ihr amna fajine soan ihr hineden nebe fajine nito wakuto den ern cupu nof hida”.

  Yazmina had just noticed Adam in the room and asked Sammy, “Whiyu wa Adam kohere?”. Sammy gave Adam an annoyed look and expined, “Ihr nokosaw kanim den noh Tsuour, noh osu karyen usojo sudo onchido ern monsuki, ern amna sugusoning kan shinuck ofure soan satawa mistaki fom osu nof jaen”.

  Yasmina looked at Adam and looked like she wanted to kill him. It caused him to slightly tremble, Yazmina said, “Really? Are you trying to get on my nerves today, Adam? Can't believe you just snuck off, you're not helping your case here and proving you're not to be trusted”.

  Adam gulped and said, “Um, well, sorry, I really needed to go to the bathroom and got lost when a guy named Earl found me”. Yazmina didn't seem to believe him, but didn't question it. She expined, “Okay, still can't you hold it? Like if Landon finds out, he will not let you out of your room forever”.

  Adam wasn't shocked, as he was an alien with potential bad intentions from their view, so he nodded and said, “Alright alright, I'm sorry. I promise to wait instead”.

  Yazmina then went back to her sister's side and said, “Curo yama watokei Adam adalehi ern giku wakuto Non someka, shiwa mohette saicently Ukeceived ern transatsu Earakyuu. Ihr hineden setpli to, Pogaishise gera beyory soguno Sammy”. Yazmina then left while giving Adam one st look.

  He sat there adjusting himself; the chair was not comfortable and hurt his back. He decided to sit on the floor as it was better for his posture. He about 5 minutes ter noticed Sammy asleep, he didn't dare move because he was too afraid of her waking up. About an hour ter, Earl stepped into the room. He saw Adam and said, “Hi! How are you?”. Adam, who was half asleep, noticed Earl and rubbed his eyes. He zily said, “I am doing okay, just bored”. Sammy stirred due to their conversation. She slowly sat up and yawned, her ears up and in their direction.

  She looked at Earl, then to you, Earl, then said to her, “Yaksa Sammy! Ihr amna kohere nito taruto yamata STATs, atso komined fimo ihr taruto Adam? Ihr kenth kan sitta kan adalehi taibor,mikashiret asashi wiyo sate kanim Stretochi kanis Ashifet”.

  Sammy blinked for a moment, then said back, “Owa…. Becushi Gudorad kanim towith yamata jinfe, kan wa soan arien shiwa Hocetuked sode Tsumake sochi nito tamopen ern meye non kanim”.

  Earl, once done taking her temperature and looking at her Stats, he beckoned Adam and said, “Sammy said I take you, for a little”. Adam looked over to Sammy and was a little relieved that he needed to stretch his legs. He got up and followed Earl out of the room. He stopped to wave Sammy goodbye, and Sammy yelled, “Sudo nai sate kanim Samayi nito foi!” at Earl and gave Adam a “Better behave” look.

  Elvis climbed onto her bed and y down beside her head. After quietly closing the door, he followed Earl down the hallway. Adam was so deep in thought that he nearly walked straight into a wall. He blinked, startled, and quickly regained his focus.

  Earl led him back to the b he’d seen during the tour. Before entering, Adam was handed a hazmat suit. He frowned slightly, confused about the need for it, but put it on anyway.

  The moment they stepped inside, bright colors flooded his vision. He had to blink several times to adjust. The space was enormous—lush with vibrant, glowing pnts under intense white lights. It felt less like a b and more like a contained jungle.

  Earl smiled and headed toward a supply tent on the right. He returned carrying a bucket filled with what looked like dark blue chunks of meat. Adam’s curiosity spiked as he followed Earl into a nearby clearing.

  Earl made a strange whistling sound.

  Adam’s head snapped toward the forest ahead as something rustled in the undergrowth. Low growls and high-pitched squeaks echoed from between the trees. He braced himself, expecting something massive.

  Instead, five fluffy creatures burst from the brush and sprinted toward them.

  They resembled moths—oversized, off-white, and incredibly fluffy. They had no tails, rge bck eyes, tiny antennae, and small wings at their sides. Each was about the size of a golden retriever.

  Adam instinctively stepped behind Earl as they charged forward. Earl gnced back at him and chuckled.

  Before he could fully turn around again, the five creatures tackled him.

  They weren’t aggressive. They nuzzled him excitedly, emitting a soft purring sound. Adam couldn’t help but ugh as Earl struggled beneath the pile of fluff.

  One of the creatures peeled away and waddled over to Adam. He looked down as the round ball of fluff sniffed his shoe. Giving in to the urge, Adam crouched and gently picked it up. It was warm and unbelievably soft. He stroked its fur, and it leaned into him with a content hum.

  Eventually, Earl managed to stand and began tossing chunks of blue meat to each creature. The one beside Adam hopped down and eagerly joined the others.

  When the bucket ran empty, Earl gestured for Adam to watch them while he retrieved more. It took Adam a moment to understand—Earl’s English was limited—but he nodded.

  Adam sat in the clearing, watching the creatures wrestle and py. Occasionally, one would bat at his fingers or attempt to nibble his hand. Their personalities felt like a mix between cats and dogs—curious, pyful, affectionate. He smiled, rexing for the first time in what felt like days.

  Then the forest rustled again.

  His head shot up.

  Slowly, he stood. The creatures gathered close behind him, their earlier pyfulness gone. They seemed afraid. That alone sent a chill down his spine.

  A low growl rumbled from the trees.

  It sounded familiar.

  For a split second, his heart stopped.

  Two dark green eyes appeared in the shadows.

  Adam’s breath caught as memories smmed into him—the creature that had attacked him and Sammy. The long snout. The hungry stare.

  It stepped out of the bushes.

  Long-haired. Enormous. Its body stretched nearly the length of a school bus, with a thin tail ending in a thick tuft of fur. Its coat was tan with patches of orange, bck, and dark gray. It moved slowly, deliberately, stalking.

  Adam froze.

  Before he could react, the beast lunged.

  He scrambled out of the way just in time. It nded where he’d been standing and whipped around with a snarl. It charged again. Adam cried out for Earl, tears streaming down his face as he barely dodged its snapping jaws.

  Through blurred vision, he saw Earl returning.

  Earl took in the scene instantly—the massive Fuguto pursuing Adam. But instead of running toward Adam, he sprinted straight at the predator.

  As he ran, his body began to change.

  His skin hardened into scales. His form expanded—tripling in size. His frame reshaped into something powerful and serpentine. He transformed into a towering, cobra-like creature with four strong legs, a long tail, and a wide hood fring from his neck. His paws resembled a lion’s, tipped with long, razor-sharp cws.

  Earl hissed and unched himself at the Fuguto.

  They collided with a thunderous crash.

  Cws sshed. Teeth snapped. Roars shook the enclosure.

  Suddenly, arms bred. Pink lights fshed overhead, and a loud voice echoed through the speakers.

  Adam, who had stopped to stare at the fight, jolted back to reality and sprinted for the exit.

  Before he reached it, the doors burst open. Soldiers flooded inside, shouting commands as they rushed toward the battling giants.

  At the front was Yazmina.

  She spotted Adam immediately. When she reached him, she threw out her arm, signaling the others to halt around him.

  He was trembling uncontrolbly.

  “What happened?” she demanded. “Who’s in here with you? What got inside?”

  Adam tried to speak, but his voice broke. After several attempts, he managed, “A huge monster—like the one Sammy fought. Earl was watching me. He’s in there… he turned into a monster.”

  Yazmina nodded sharply and began barking orders to her soldiers, her voice sharp and commanding—like a drill sergeant.

  She turned back to Adam just as a soldier stepped forward and grabbed him.

  They ran.

  Adam could still hear Yazmina shouting instructions as they retreated. His body shook violently as he wiped tears from his face. He quickly checked himself for injuries, barely registering whether he was hurt.

  Once they were safely inside, the soldier set him down and instructed him to follow. Adam’s legs felt weak, unsteady. In the distance, the roars and battle cries continued—but they grew fainter with each step.

  As he walked, his mind repyed the scene over and over, like a terrifying movie he couldn’t turn off.