There was a sudden movement on his left. The creature, whatever it was, was low to the ground and heading towards him quickly.
Francis tried to see in the darkness, but got into a defensive stance, listening for the right moment to strike the creature.
When Francis went still, the creature paused. It was mere inches in front of him, and he would be able to feel its breaths on his arm.
The creature hissed and leaped at him, trying to wrap a sleek tail around his torso. From the distance, there came the sound of padded feet. More were coming.
Francis punched the creature, though he wasn't sure where, as it was hard to see, but he managed to get out of the grip of its tail.
The creature hissed as his attack made contact. It weaved its way through his legs, trying to trip him.
The creature choked, and its attacks grew weaker immediately. After a minute or so, it went limp in his hands. "Well done," the voice said. "You have completed your test. You will be escorted back to your cell now." The door he came through opened, where his guards were waiting.
He looked at the ground, crossing his arms in frustration. He walked to the guards reluctantly, going back to his cell.
The doors closed behind him when they returned to the cell, leaving him alone in the gloom once again. Time passed before his next test. The guards had taken him back to the door outside the experimentation room, and as they entered the room, the guard gripped Francis' arm. Inside, Poppy was hooked up to the headband. Her grey eyes were wide and bloodshot and she was staring at nothing, tears spilling over her cheeks. Her body bucked within the seat, and she was shuddering, terrified of an enemy that only she could see. Miss Burgendy looked up when he entered, and carefully studied his reaction.
His face tried to remain stoic, but his eyes looked horrified, and he shot Miss Burgendy a deadly glare. "Stop this right now."
She didn't respond and instead turned her attention to Poppy, cocking her head slightly. Poppy gasped, and screamed, covering her face with shaking hands.
Miss Burgendy looked at him for a moment before reaching over and pulling off the headband. Poppy blinked and shuddered. She hadn't noticed him. Her hands came to her face, and she sobbed into them quietly, her shoulders trembling. She seemed much smaller than usual, her whole body shaking. His handcuffs were unlocked, and the guard, still holding his gun, tucked them into his pocket. Everyone in the room was watching him, monitoring his behavior.
