Resting and learning more about Jade's life

In the end, I decided to stay here and rest for now, this body still hurt and moving was painful. And it wasn't like I really cared about the other researcher anyway. In my eyes, they were just one of my torturers, nothing more. Jade was a lone wolf as well, she didn't really have any friends at the lab, and I had no intention of changing the status quo for the time being.

I closed my eyes and quickly fell asleep, only to be awakened about an hour later by a knock on the door.

“Ms. Jade, are you awake?”

I yawned and got up. “I am, yes.”

The nekomata nurse walked in and delivered me a plate of mashed potatoes with a vegetable soup, and a vial containing a reddish potion. “Here, you must be hungry after all this time. You've been sleeping for three days, after all.”

“Three days? Is Lady Flora aware of my situation?” I asked as Jade would while drinking the potion.

The nurse nodded. “She is. She sent a message earlier saying that she would return tomorrow.”

Lady Flora was Jade's mentor and someone she really looked up to. She was a powerful and eccentric human mage with fiery red hair and deep blue eyes directly serving the duke of this region, and she took Jade under her wing after discovering her talents in alchemy and research. She had a passion for monsters and loved to study them, and was the owner and director of the laboratory Jade worked at. Despite being a human in a kingdom so suspicious of them, she was trusted by most. She already proved she had no loyalty towards the human kingdoms numerous times, she was one of their most hated enemies. From what Jade heard, she was apparently banished for conducting some experiments the kingdom she originally served didn't approve of, related to necromancy, but Jade didn't trust these rumors. She's always seen Lady Flora as someone who despised necromancy.

She left the city on a research trip a week ago, and wasn't supposed to return for a few more weeks. Hearing that she would be back tomorrow made me slightly nervous. I wondered if she had any way of suspecting me? From Jade's memories, she seemed really powerful and versed in numerous forms of magic.

I smiled awkwardly at the nurse, trying to calm down. “I-I see, thank you.”

“How are you feeling, Ms. Jade?” The nurse then asked.

“My body still hurts, but I'm glad to be alive, I guess?”

“What befell you was terrible, but the church is there to help you.” The nurse said, giving me a reassuring smile.

This hospital was managed by the church of the goddess of life and beauty, Vinistra, as indicated by her emblem being all over the place. She was one of the most popular deities around here, understandably so. Her followers had the duty of helping those in need, of protecting the weak, and fighting against injustice.

“I will let you rest, the captain will arrive shortly.” The nurse said as she took my now empty vial and plate and walked away. “Call us if you need anything, we'll let you rest.”

“Thanks.”

On that, she left the room, leaving me alone with my now growing anxiety as I laid back on the bed. The idea of meeting Lady Flora was nerve-wracking, even if I knew I could perfectly imitate Jade. Her personality felt like mine, her memories came so naturally that I was indistinguishable from her should I want to be, and there was absolutely no external trace of my presence inside her body.

It'll be fine… It'll be fine.. I repeated over and over in my head until I somehow managed to doze off.

I was awakened by a gentle shake from the nurse. “Ms. Jade, the captain is here.”

Behind her was a tall and strong elven man, wearing a suit of armor with the emblem of the city. He had a few scars visible on his face and seemed to have lived for a long time, as his hair was starting to turn gray. He was looking at me with compassionate yet stern eyes.

“Ms. Jade, I'm sorry about what happened to you and your colleagues. I sincerely wish I could have been there to prevent it.” He spoke, bowing slightly at me.

I looked away. Had he been here, maybe all of this wouldn't have happened, and my kind would still be imprisoned and tortured. I was glad it wasn't the case, but I had to hide my true feelings for now.

“You… couldn't have known.” I timidly replied

“I'm sorry to bother you so soon, while you're still recovering, but could you tell me exactly what happened?”

I timidly nodded. “I… I was in the third lab room, studying a dead cocatrix, when I heard multiple explosions. I ran out, hearing the screams of the guards and workers, but a blast from an explosive spell sent me flying against a wall, making me lose consciousness. I briefly woke up after the attack was over and tried to leave before falling **** a second time near the exit.”

“I see. We saw you when my team arrived. You fell before our eyes. I had two men give you first aid and carry you here.”

“Thank you, captain.” I replied, smiling at him to show my gratitude.

After writing my short testimony down, he stood up. “We will avenge those who have fallen, do not worry. A team of scouts is tracking down the mercenaries as we speak. They won't get away with this. I wish you a good recovery, Ms. Jade.”

On that, he left the room, with the nurse following him. I closed my eyes again, trying to fall asleep. But it was hard. I was so afraid of what might happen tomorrow with Lady Flora. I didn't want to be found out, to be killed, or tortured, or dissected. I was finally free from being a lab experiment, I wanted to live.