Free Project Ouroboros by Kseniya Makovetskaya

the floor below. There are lots of huge rooms. I cannot describe everything in detail, but I have seen so many things wrong... it's incredible... — Aleph paused for a moment. — Most of the time I slept or was under the influence of drugs on the operating table. And I remember almost nothing. I remember that human-like animal with big ears and kind sad eyes. I saw it only once, then... Is it alive? I would like to take it from there... I saw a lot of strange instruments ... and there was a dump. Like a closet. Used tools some body parts... and mostly — bones.
    — Why didn't you tell me anything?
    — Nobody knows anything. Even Tharsis.
    — He was not with you?
    — No, he was immediately released. I think he knows that I did not fall down the stairs, but we never discussed that. I heard them say that the others were not needed. I was enough. They said I was the key to the tree. Or it was a dream, I do not know...
    — Fell down the stairs?
    Aleph drank coffee in one gulp and began to undress. He took off all his clothes and stood in front of the agent, allowing him to see his thin body. It was almost completely covered with cuts, burns and scars.
    — You had to tell me! — Agent abruptly jumped up from his chair and stared at the frail body, riddled with fresh scars and scratches.
    — I do not remember anything. My mind exists only for a few months, and I want to understand who I am and why I'm here so much. If I am not human, then what am I? — Usually quiet and indifferent Aleph's voice became higher, but the young man immediately wilted. — I didn't know what to do...
    Aleph dressed.
    — Come on, — El’Athar rose — I have to show you something. Something that only I know.
    The agent finished his coffee and left the kitchen. The young man automatically reached for his cup, but there was only thick — pellet stuck in the throat, Aleph coughed. However El’Athar did not even turn to see if everything was fine.
    A minute later, the young man followed the agent. He himself could not understand why, but he was a little scared. As if something important was going to happen that day. The most important thing of all that had happened before.
    Aleph stood at the entrance to the room, leaning against the doorjamb and watched El’Athar boot the computer and drop into a chair.
    — Ready? — The agent turned.
    — Yes — Aleph came and sat down beside him.
    El’Athar launched a strange video, at the first frames young man's blood literally froze  in his veins. Video lasted only two minutes, but when it ended, Aleph could not recover for some time. There was a lump in his throat, his chest was filled with horror — so strong was the emotion for the melancholic nature of Aleph that it was unbearably difficult and painful. In the end, the young man overcame his fear:
    — I need to see the video several times. I think I can understand what they say ... Where did you get it? — The last question broke suddenly.
    — Archives of the Ministry, the expedition "Merkhaba" — as calm as ever, said El’Athar. — No one knows that I have a copy. I really want to understand what has happened then.
    — Now I understand why Dr Lugal behaves that way... I'm sorry, I am sleepy ... I'm so tired. Can I go? Tomorrow I'll watch it again.
    — OK, let's go.
    They silently entered the Lamashtu's room. El’Athar pulled out of the closet pillow and blanket, and began to spread Aleph's bed.
    When El’Athar left, without even wishing good night, Aleph laid down, but soon realized that he couldn't fall asleep. As soon as he closed his eyes, there was an image from the video, the voice, so well-known and close, but somehow terrifying. Being alone was unbearable, but the young man had to find the courage to decide to go to the agent's room.
    El’Athar laid in bed, idly surfing the TV channels and did not notice that someone was standing at the door.
    — Aleph?..
    — Can I sleep here on your couch?
    — Of course.
    —