GATE: First Encounter

Chapter 12

Amid the silence, as I was questioning my decision, that familiar cold voice echoed in my mind once again.
"I can help you. Just give me control of your body."

The words stabbed into my consciousness like a threat.
Every time I weakened, it made the same offer—uninvited, unnerving.
And every time, I gave the same firm answer:

"You know my answer. Leave me alone. I'd rather die than let you take over my body."

I thought it, maybe even louder than necessary—just so it would feel it.

But this time, it didn't seem to care about my resolve.
When it spoke again, its voice carried a sharp, frosty menace.

"As stubborn as a dwarf and as witless as a goblin, child. I've been patient—gentle, even. But I'm running out of that patience."

Its words became a buzzing in my head.
"From the moment I entered your body, you stopped having a choice.
Eventually, this body will be mine—
and when that day comes, I won't be merciful."

The threat pounded in my skull, evolving into a vicious headache.
Each word echoed like a scream inside my brain.
I pressed my hands against my temples, trying to push the pain away.

"Get the hell out of my head!" I thought, but it refused to stop.
Its presence weighed down on my mind, every syllable another dagger.

I battled the pain for what felt like an eternity.
Trying to regain clarity.
Trying to endure.

Eventually, the voice faded.
The pressure in my head began to lessen.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
For now—just for now—my mind was mine again.

But exhaustion settled over me like a thick fog.
It seeped into my bones.

Maybe sleep would help clear some of it away.
But I didn't want to sleep.
Closing my eyes felt like opening a door to that infinite void,
giving the unwelcome guest inside me another chance to take over.
As long as I was awake, I had more control—
and that made it easier to shut the voice out.

I was still lost in my thoughts when the sound of the door opening startled me.
Another interrogation.
I didn't even bother to look.
I knew the routine.
But this time, I decided to keep my silence once more.

I listened carefully.
Only one set of footsteps this time.

Whoever entered paused just beyond the threshold, like they wanted to keep a distance.
I could feel them watching me.

Curiosity finally got the better of me.
I lifted my head and looked at the figure.

White skin.
Two black stripes under one eye.
Bright blue eyes that locked onto me.
Their tail was swishing rapidly with excitement.

When they noticed I was looking, they lifted a hand and gave a small wave.
"Hello," they said, smiling.

There was a hint of shyness in their voice—
but the excitement was stronger.

Unlike the cold, mechanical tones of the other interrogators,
this voice was softer.
Higher-pitched.
It sounded... feminine, maybe.
But I wasn't sure.

I couldn't take my eyes off them.
And suddenly, I recognized the face.

It was the alien who had beaten me into unconsciousness.

A surge of anger exploded inside me.
I clenched my fists without thinking.
The urge to retaliate roared inside me.

But I had to be smart.
I took a deep breath and slowly unclenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm.