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A strange mix of relief and fear washed through them as Intern stepped into the fluorescent lights of the hospital. The smell of bleach, anti-septic, and maple syrup became overwhelmingly apparent. They’d dressed plainly, a hoodie and a pair of long pants that’d keep them comfortable throughout their first shift. More importantly, however—
—it was modest and covered.
It covered their spiked up fur, the unnatural texture of their skin, everything feeling too jagged and sharp. The way their legs would jerk and spasm without warning, their bunny ears twitching. Intern’s last few days had been spent holed up at home, staring at themselves in a mirror, willing their body to just act normal.
Because a few weeks ago, something had happened. Something horrible and unexpected that changed Intern in unimaginable ways. Now, their teeth were small razors, their hands protruding claws, and worst of all, there was always an urge to consume.
Which is why they’d hoped to find answers here, at a hospital. There was a small hope that somehow, working here would give Intern a way to cure himself. They would never outright tell anyone about their predicament however, with the looming threat of being killed right on the spot.
But maybe this hospital would be different.
Intern walked up to the counter carefully, flashing their badge and waiting to be noticed. The room inside was dark and seemingly empty, the hospital waiting-room in a similar state as well. Intern sighed and slumped forward, trying to calm their nerves and stop their leg from bouncing.
When they looked up again, however, two bright-yellow feline eyes met their own.
Intern blinked.
The eyes blinked back. Suddenly the lights flashed on inside and caused Intern to recoil.
When their eyes opened, a tall, black cat stood in front of them: professional, dressed in a well-ironed suit and tie, with a face that seemed to be constantly observing the most minute details.
The cat stared at them for another second before clearing his throat and inspecting their badge.
“You must be Intern.” He said in a calm, rather deep voice. It took a moment for Intern to find their voice again before they responded.
“Y-yes! It’s my first shift.” The cat’s ear flicked to the side.
”I know. I was assigned to watch you.”
”…” How awkward… Trying to keep the conversation going, Intern asked, “So, what should I call you?”
”Secret Agent.”
“Ah…okay.” Maybe this guy just wasn’t much of a talker. “What’s my first task?”
Agent seemed to think for a moment before gesturing for Intern to come inside. “We simply wait for patients to come in, treat them, and eliminate those who are considered ‘anomalies.’ I’m sure you are aware of them.
Intern suddenly felt nauseous, taking in these revelations. “But uh… can’t we cure them? Isn’t that our job?” They stepped forward into the room.
Apparently it was the wrong question because Agent’s gaze hardened, honing in on them. “Unfortunately, trying to treat these ‘anomalies’ jeopardizes other patients’ wellbeing. They have an insatiable need for flesh, and will often disguise themselves as regular animals.” The cat pulled something out from his pocket. “That’s why we need to deal with them swiftly.”
Intern paled at the sight of a gun in Agent’s hands. They felt sick, as if they were just doused in water. They thought about their own clawed hands, sharp teeth, their pointed skin. If someone were to find out then—
“Of course, I would ensure your safety. I’m very skilled at determining anomalies from patients, so don't worry too much.” Agent interrupted their spiral, seemingly thinking that their anxiety was due to safety concerns about working in such an environment. Intern took a deep breath and tried to calm their heart, steady their legs, and focus on their feet on the ground.
It’ll be fine, it’s fine. I need this job for the money anyways. Maybe I can figure out a way to cure myself before somebody finds out. I just have to remain calm and do my job. It would be suspicious to back out now. I’m ready.
“Okay, right. I’m ready, we can start working!”
————
Intern was not ready.
The first few patients were simple, yet stressful nonetheless. Intern felt waves of anxiety crash over them as Agent hovered over their shoulder, eyeing every animal who walked by, taking in every detail from the security cameras to the photo present on their counter. Everytime, Intern would glance up at Agent before letting an animal in; Agent would nod approvingly before they would lead the patient into a specific room to be treated.
Slowly, Intern was starting to relax, letting their guard down. They’d settled into a routine of Agent showing them the ropes, guiding them to where all the items were stored, demonstrating how to treat and heal patients. Occasionally, they’d both swap roles, leaving Intern at the reception while Agent was busy treating the animals.
That was their mistake.
The entrance bell rang as a pink deer staggered in, seemingly in a lot of pain. Her limbs twitched and her eyes felt hollow, as if she was staring past everything. Intern simply stared back, feeling their heartbeat pick up. Oh… this was…
“… I’m here… to check in…” Her voice was quiet and haunting. Intern was about to say something, to do something before Agent could—
A shot rang out. The deer dropped dead as she transformed momentarily. Her teeth bared out as blood spilled from the wound. A sickening, feral wail sounded from her lips. Her eyes seemed to look towards Intern, as if pleading for them to spare her, before they closed again. She twitched for the last time before going limp.
Intern couldn’t breath anymore, taking in the metallic scent of blood and something else. Agent appeared at their side, saying something, but Intern couldn’t hear anything past the ringing in their ears and the nausea coming back full-force. Their mind screamed at them to run, to escape the sheer amount of terror invading their senses. They were falling, drifting away and away until they couldn’t think anymore.
She was alive a moment ago, now she’s not. She’s limp and sticky and covered in blood. Her body twitched and her eyes were hollow. Her fur stuck out sharply, her claws protruded and her teeth were small razors. She was no longer there; instead it was Intern’s own body, lying in a pool of blood in the anti-septic smelling hospital. A gunshot tore through their side and caused pain to ripple throughout their body. They were no longer human, only something akin to a monster who deserved to be shot the moment they walked in, with the depraved urge to consume animal flesh—
“—rn… I—ern, Intern!” A voice rang out in their ears. Intern was on the floor, knees locked painfully on the hard marble. Their jaw clenched as they hiccuped and looked around, taking in their surroundings.
They were inside the small office, curled up into a corner. The coffee machine rumbled next to them. Secret Agent had a paw on their shoulder, tapping rhythmically and speaking in a soft tone.
“—kay, you’re okay.” Intern gasped and squeezed their eyes shut, feeling more tears spill out as they desperately gulped for air. Shakily, they took Agent’s paw and latched onto their fur, finding the fluffy texture soothing.
It took time that felt like hours before Intern stopped shaking. Instead, they were left feeling exhausted, fearful for their life, and horribly mortified at their breakdown. Agent remained quiet for a few moments before clearing his throat— a habit he seemed to do frequently— and speaking.
“Are you feeling a bit more calm now?” Intern nodded slightly. “That’s… that’s good.”
”…”
The cat’s eyes were kinder than usual, missing their normally colder and calculating expression. “It happened to me on my first day at the job as well.”
Intern wasn’t sure they believed the notion until he continued, “It’s true. It felt wrong to hurt, even downright kill patients with lacking evidence. However, with experience, you learn to try and understand the danger of anomalies and the risk they pose to other patients. It’s still hard sometimes. You get used to it after a while…” Agent paused, looking forward as his face morphed into a more somber expression.
”… Although, sometimes I also wish there was a better option, to have the ability to cure them. It’s normal to have such a reaction.”
Agent turned back to face Intern, a hint of a smile appearing on his face before he ruffled their hair, a soothing gesture. “You’ll be alright, though. I’ll make sure of it.”
And Intern felt… safe for the first time in their entire shift. That fear of death and discovery was still ever-present, but it was overshadowed by the sheer amount of care Agent seemed to hold in those words, anomaly or not. Intern took the offered hand and stood up, feeling their legs waver before steadying themselves on the counter. The hospital was empty, only the lights flickered on-and-off ominously.
“Thanks, really.” They turned to Agent and smiled genuinely.
Agent’s ear flicked once as he turned away. “Don’t mention it. It’s my job as your mentor.” His tail gave him away as it swished up high with the praise. Intern had half the incentive to tease him before the entrance bell sounded.
They stepped forward, only to be stopped by Agent. “Take some rest, I can handle the remainder of the shift.” It was said in a matter-of-fact tone, as if there was no room for argument.
Intern, although reluctant at first, was grateful for the opportunity to rest and collect their thoughts. When the clock chimed as an indicator for the end of their shift, Intern gave further words of appreciation to Secret Agent before exiting the hospital. He had merely glanced up from the clipboard and nodded, but the cat’s eyes sparkled with something akin to friendship, maybe something else.
Which compelled Intern to immediately pull out their phone once they were safely home and sign up for the following week’s shift.
They weren’t done with Secret Agent just yet.