[Having this much backup that treats her well is going to be a new and strange experience for her. She welcomes it. It's enough to take the edge off this situation and make it seem bearable, if not particularly pleasant.]

I'm glad you're real, too. Although I knew it wasn't a normal dream when you got me to snap out of Creature mode. In my nightmares, I get stuck like that.

[The name 'Creature mode' wasn't coined by her, but it does not occur to her to question the nomenclature. Instead she simply states it like it's obvious that's what it's called and moves on with the conversation.]

I guess you could argue I've been taken over a bit, in a way. But it's different than mind control. And you know how to get me out of it. I'll try to help make sure your mind stays your own and mine stays in human mode, and we'll take everything else as it comes. [Not like she has much choice. They can't exactly plan for this ahead of time.]

I haven't even gotten weird looks yet. I guess my eyes aren't jarring to people here. Everyone talks to me like I'm just some girl. [Li isn't sure how to feel about him not having support from home. It's not ideal, but at the same time, she can't imagine wanting anyone he cares about here.] Maybe that's for the best. If they were here, you'd be worried about them all the time. At least this way you know they're safe back at home.