I chuckled, watching him roll around and getting his fur all wet with morning dew. I knew I was going to need to dry him off before bringing him back inside. Brother didn't like messes in the house, even though he always left messes everywhere. 

I sighed, pushing my thoughts away as I looked down, seeing Optimum laying on his back, looking up at me with a goofy grin. His tongue dangled out of his mouth as he panted happily.“Silly boy.” I giggled before plopping down beside him, ignoring the dew soaking into my clothes and the smell of wet dog as I hugged him close.

He licked at my cheek, earning another laugh. “I love you Opti.” I whispered to him, gently raking my fingers through his long, red fur as the birds sung their morning songs.

Suddenly I jolted awake, a wave of nausea crashing into me as I emptied my stomach onto the concrete floor. I stared down at the mess, panting softly as I tried to remember what I had eaten. All I could make out were small bits of fur and a few bones.

What did I eat? What happened? When did I fall asleep?

The gears in my mind slowly began to turn as I remembered the dream I just awoke from. I frowned before slowly standing up.

He was the only thing I remembered before I was brought here…he was the only memory I had that wasn't filled with pain. Filled with needles and screaming and blood and bright lights and…

I grumbled softly, slowly walking down one of the dark hallways as my thick tail dragged along behind me. 

It's all over. It’s not going to happen again, I won't let it. 

I slowly entered a large, open room. In the back of the room there was a huge hole in the ceiling, branches of a tree sticking into the opening from outside. I walked over, feeling the sun's rays beaming down on me through the tree branches. 

I knew looking up would lead to a world of pain for my sensitive eyes, so I kept my gaze low as I plopped down, beginning to soak up the sun's heat.

It felt nice, however I still couldn't shake the uneasiness from yesterday. I haven't let my guard down since, which is why I was surprised when I had managed to fall asleep without meaning to.

I remained there for a while, listening to the faint sounds of the birds singing. It never got too loud in here, which is why I decided to stay after…

Suddenly I was on my feet, eyes narrowing as I heard something down the hall. It was probably some rat, or even a stray cat, however those thoughts were sent 6 feet under real quick when I  heard…a whine? 

I was on edge, slowly making my way over to the entrance of the huge room, peeking into the dark hallway. I looked left and right, trying to figure out where the sound came from, or if it was just in my head. However I heard it again. Left.

I began walking in that direction, a little faster than usual. The whines continued on, and suddenly I found my way into a large corridor.

I never really ventured to this part of the facility. After all, I knew just what was behind those many doors, and despite the scent of the air being that of a damp cave, the stench of decaying flesh was all my brain let me smell as I walked deeper down the hall. 

How could I be so sure this noise wasn't just me losing my sanity? What could be whining all the way down here? Animals knew not to come in here, especially since most don't tend to come out. So for something to get all the way down here without my knowledge had me puzzled.

I made it to one of the doors near the end of the corridor, the wooden door wide open and barely hanging onto its hinges. 

I entered the room, looking around at all the broken glass and stained floors. Like all the other rooms in this corridor, this was a small lab. 

One wall had a huge window, giving a view of a large, bare room. There was a large, heavy metal door that was wide open, leading to the room. Just the sight of that window made me agitated. Why was this sound so important..? 

I slowly maneuvered over the broken glass shards, careful not to step on any as I made my way across the room and towards the door. 

The whining grew louder as I neared the metal door. I peeked into the room, not seeing anything at first before I froze. 

There, in the corner of the small room, was a puppy. However it seemed a little…off. Its massive eyes were unblinking, remaining glued to me as it continued to whimper.

Loud sounds usually triggered me, but I was too focused on the small puppy. I slowly made my way deeper into the room, my mind trying to piece together the puzzle pieces that were my confused mind.

Before I could make it to the puppy, a loud slam came from behind me, causing my heart to sink. I whirled around, my eyes snapping to the door. It was closed! Fuck! 

“Caught it!” A voice beyond the door shouted. I began to freak out, my eyes darting around the room I was locked in. 

I couldn't think straight, my mind overwhelmed with panic as I heard cheering outside the door. 

People? In here? Why?! Why was I locked in here?! No! Not again! This can't be happening! 

My eyes frantically searched for a way out. There was usually a vent in these rooms! There was one in mine! In…mine… After I escaped mine all those years ago I swore to never be locked in one again.

I kept hearing voices outside the door, I looked up at the huge window, seeing 2 people. What was going on? I began to hiss and snarl, going into a bit of a rage as I clawed at the door, bashing my body and tail against it. However it didn't budge.

After what felt like hours I stopped, panting heavily. My body ached in pain, some of my claws chipped and bloody. My mind was still racing with thoughts, however my body refused to stay worked up any longer. I calmed down a bit, finally able to listen in on what the people outside were saying.

“Woah…that thing is wild…” “What do you expect? Have you seen all the others?” “Yeah but all the others weren't this bad! Bit surprised that it got fooled by that stuffed dog though.” “Stop complaining, You heard Sophia. We need to get it out of here before the cops show up to investigate that guy's disappearance.”

A sigh came from beyond the door before I heard footsteps approaching the window along with the sounds of shoes crushing glass. 

I stayed where I was by the door, trying to hide from the human's vision, but it was no use. 

“Woah…look at ‘em. No wonder Sophia wanted us to take more people.”

I refused to look at whoever this person was. My rage was slowly turning to fear as realization set in. There was no way out…

“And yet you didn't listen. One day you're going to get us killed.” The other person spoke, voice thick with displeasure.

“Oh shut up, we're fine. Now how are we supposed to get it back to the base?” The first person asked.

Back to the base? What base? What was going on?

“Blake said this room was used for new subjects. Also mentioned gas was used to subdue them. There should be a button or a lever or something around-” The second person explained before suddenly being cut off. “Like this one?” 

Suddenly I heard a low hiss from all around me. No. No no no no no no no! I began to slam against the door again, snarling and roaring in anger and fear. I needed to get out. I NEEDED TO GET OUT!

However, just like before, the door didn't budge. My vision grew blurry and my body grew weaker as my attack on the door turned to small scratches and thuds. Soon I couldn't even stand as I plopped down, vision growing darker and darker before everything went black.