It has been a week, and since then, Lynsithea had been busy piecing the fragments of her memory together. She searches for clues about the mission that brought her into the portal to Æsir. Comfortable with the cosiness back in Calyx amidst her family, neither the comfort nor familiarity of her surroundings reassure her that it is truly over. She has spent hours in the palace library, poring over ancient texts and documents in a faint hope that there may be some mention of her past mission.
The pressure of not knowing gnaws at her, and she cannot help but feel that the mission might have been critical to both her homeland and whatever situation she found herself in in Æsir. At times, she goes back to that photography book she brought with her, as if there might be something unseen between those covers. Each day, Lynsithea grows more determined to remember what she was to do before stepping through that portal, the answer to which could be the key to the understanding of her mission and whatever happened in Æsir.
At that, Lynsithea sits in the library of the palace and reads intently. Queen Rosalia slips silently behind her into the room, trying not to raise a single noise, and her daughter looks up from the ancient book that had hitherto been commanding her attention.
"Lynsithea, dear," Queen Rosalia says in a soft voice with an ironic undertone of haste, "I know thou hast been restless, searching for something misplaced in thy mind. Do you wish to know your mission?"
Lynsithea hesitates, holding her mother's eyes with her own as her heart races wildly. "Yes, Mother," she says finally. "I need to remember; it feels too important to be left forgotten."
Queen Rosalia nods and steps closer to her, laying a hand on Lynsithea's forehead. "Let me help you, then," she says in a quiet tone. And with that, the Queen begins to chant in a spell, the words so ancient and stirring. And while speaking, Lynsithea feels a warmth spreading in her mind, and suddenly fragmented memories start to rise to the surface of her mind.
"You were sent to get the Quantum Crest," Queen Rosalia explains as her voice echoes through the now vivid memories. "This is no mere artifact of our world; it's the power to travel dimensions by means of magic or technology. It has been stolen, and such a theft could mean unimaginable consequences."
Images flutter in Lynsithea's mind, where the Quantum Crest ignites with an eldritch energy and a silhouette who gets away with it.
"You gave chase to the thief across dimensions," the Queen continues, "and finally you managed to catch up with them. But in your struggle, something went wrong. The portal opened, and you both found yourself in the same world: Æsir, the world where you met Zane."
Lynsithea's eyes widen as the memories run over her-the mission, the chase, the confrontation-it is all so clear now. And there was one thing bothering her mind. "Who was the thief, Mother? Do we know their identity?"
Queen Rosalia's expression darkens. "The thief's true identity is well shielded, and your restored memory does not reveal that. But now that you remember your mission, perhaps it shall be clear what the next steps shall be."
Lynsithea feels a new fuel within her. The mission that had eluded her was finally obtainable. She knows the Quantum Crest must be recovered and the thief brought to book. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wonders if Zane might somehow be connected with it all.
Lynsithea's eyes flicker with sudden realization as more memories resurface, cast by the Queen's memory-link spell. A sharp, vivid image flashes in front of her-a fight. She sees herself in a fierce fight with the culprit, who is clothed in a long, white coat. The details of the fight rush back, the sound of clashing forces, the struggle, the determination to retrieve the Quantum Crest.
But there is more, while Lynsithea tries to remember the criminal's face, her memory fails. The only thing she clearly remembers is the white coat the figure had on, with various symbols or letters stitched upon it.
She tries hard to recall what was written, but in vain-those letters were in an alphabet she didn't know at that time.
Suddenly, that memory skips, and she remembers a blow to her head. Then, pain; then disorientation; then nothing-blackness. Lynsithea now remembered that this blow had caused her to black out, leading to the amnesia which had plagued her ever since.
But then, there is more to this revelation. Images tumble in her mind, of herself, lying in some darkened room, bound, and her mind fading in and out of consciousness. She remembers being injected with something medicinally that put her into a deep, dreamless sleep. All this had seemed like an eternity but in reality was 20 long years.
Her breath catches in her throat as she realizes the weight of what she has just remembered. Two decades incarcerated, kept unconscious, and suppressed of memories, forgotten of her mission.
As the memory unravels further, she finds herself waking up into a cold, sterile environment-likely a lab of some sort. Dazed yet compelled by some innate will to survive, Lynsithea starts investigating the lab. She makes her way through the dark hallways, her heartbeat quickening while passing strange equipment and glowing screens displaying information she can't quite understand.
The lab seems incredibly deserted, yet there is almost an overwhelming feeling of something-someone-watching her. As she looks around more, the more piecing together fragments of lost memories fall into place.
She finds several notes and documents, some written in the same unknown alphabet as on the culprit's coat. She can't read, but surmises they hold the key to understanding what happened to her and why she was kept asleep for so long.
She became more and more determined with each step to find out the truth of her being imprisoned, of finding the thief, and what this mysterious Quantum Crest was. With every minute, she felt her mission far from over and that the answers might still lie buried somewhere in this lab.
She is very careful in every step she makes in the lab, her senses very alert from a sense of urgency. Her heart jumps as she sees a man in a white coat move down the lab, frantically rummaging through many containers and equipment. The coat was unmistakably similar to what the culprit in the two-decade-old fight wore.
Without warning, Lynsithea tackles the man to the ground with an unbridled determination in her eyes. She hopes that if she can recover the Quantum Crest or, at the very least, an explanation, she will understand her mission in its entirety.
However, after a small but fierce struggle, she learns he is not in possession of the Quantum Crest. The frustration wells up inside her, but she wills herself to calm down. There is more important things to attend to now.
Lynsithea renews her examination, this time surveying the structural composition of the lab. Indeed, there is a staircase rising to an upper level. Tugged by curiosity and the desire to discover all other clues still remaining, she begins to ascend.
The steps crackle, squeaking under her weight, and in the most insecure moment of her climb, one part of the staircase collapses under her feet, almost causing her to fall.
Lynsithea barely regained her balance, scrambling up the remaining steps, in attempts at casting the fear from her mind. There was an echo of frantic screaming down the stairwell-the silence of the lab pierced with this chilling shriek.
The hesitant desperate cries for help make her investigate. She runs downstairs frantically, reaching the source of the screams.
There she sees Zane, semi-conscious, clutching the edge of the ruined staircase, obviously standing at death's door, failing in strength.
As Lynsithea draws closer, her heart pounds with a mix of concern and confusion. Outstretching her hand in an attempt to communicate, the words she speaks come out in a language that means little to Zane. Undeterred but frustrated, Lynsithea focuses on the task at hand.
She doesn't show any hesitation and clasps Zane's hand with all her might, tugging with all her strength. All those experiences and training give her the strength and will to do so. She gives one last, strong heave and lifts Zane out of that precarious position onto the safety of the staircase.
Panting and exhausted, Lynsithea looks up at Zane with a mixture of relief and concern. Though she can't communicate with him through words, her actions speak volumes. She helps him steady himself, her eyes searching his face for some sign that he is aware of, or at least understanding, of her.
Lynsithea suddenly realizes that this might have been more than just a chance meeting. Zane, somehow, is connected with her mission, and she knows now that their fates are inextricably intertwined. With determination renewed, she pledges to find the truth and to keep him safe from harm, whatever dangers may be forthcoming.
With the restoring memory spell finally complete, Queen Rosalia stands in grief while her daughter Lynsithea simply sits, crying profusely. It is too much for her to bear to remember it all-the battle, amnesia, long years of imprisonment. The Queen approaches her with composure and gently lays a comforting hand on Lynsithea's shoulder.
"My dear, I'm really very sorry for what you have had to bear," Queen Rosalia says softly. "I wish I could have spared you from all this."
Lynsithea looks up, her eyes red, full of anguish. "I..... I remember everything now," she weeps, trying to talk between sobs. "The fight, years of imprisonment and medicating. It's too much."
Queen Rosalia pulls Lynsithea into a tender embrace, her own eyes moist with sympathy. "You are so very courageous to face it all," she whispers.
"But since you do remember now, you are able to recapture your past and step forward. Together we will find the answers, and take necessary care that the Quantum Crest returns."
Lynsithea clings to her mother for warmth and love. Memories, though painful, have cleared up so much for her: She knows she is not alone-that her mother is behind her and that she is determined to relive the pain of the past for a better future.
---
Within the green gardens of the palace, I'm plunged into practice, focusing intently on the practice of my swordplay. The rhythmic clang of my blade slicing through the air-that is the only sound that matters at this moment. Every move is closer to perfection, for which I am certain to get right.
Azalea, my teacher, watches me with an appraising eye. Her own sword is silent at her side, but her presence speaks volumes about the level to which I should aspire. She approaches me, her calm and commanding bearing instructing me in the subtlety of using techniques.
"Remember to spread the balance of your weight accordingly," she says, demonstrating proper stance with fluid grace. "Your footwork is as important as your strikes. It's what keeps you both solid and prepared."
I awkwardly readjust my stance to mirror her movements as closely as possible, but I can tell my strikes are still off. I know this, and Azalea does too; her corrections have been spot on, her tone even and reassuring.
"Good, now keep your guard up and follow through with your strikes," she advises me on how to maintain fluidity and power in my striking.
With each kernel of input, I could feel my movements begin to harmonize. The clumsiness of the first rounds faded into more measured and assured motions.
Azalea refines my form with her comments, and despite the ache of growing weariness, I draw on a deep well of determination: a determination to defend loved ones, to be stronger in battle.
By the end of the session, Azalea steps back, a proud, accomplished smile on her face. "Excellent work today," she says. "You're learning quickly. Keep this up, and you'll be an even more formidable swordsman."
I wipe sweat off my brow, a surge of gratefulness welling up in my chest. "Thank you, Azalea. Your guidance has made a big difference."
While I'm catching my breath from this extra-intense round of practice, Azalea's eyes wander to my wrist. I can practically see the curiosity well up in her eyes at the sight of the Nova Watch strapped there.
"That's quite a unique device you are wearing," she says, her tone replete with interest. She takes a step closer, examining the watch in a mixture of fascination and admiration. "I have never seen a clock that you can wear on your wrist before."
I catch the Nova Watch, a little amused by her reaction. "It's called a Nova Watch. It is not purely a timepiece but is fitted with different functions. It aids me to monitor time, yet also has other features such as a communication device and even a navigation system."
She bends down, eyes sparkling as she peers at the watch. "That's great. We don't have things like that in Calyx. Most of our time-telling contraptions are stationary or part of greater devices. To think something can be so advanced and yet so small is a marvel."
I smile, happy about her excitement. "It's pretty convenient. This type of technology was nothing out of the ordinary where I'm from, but I realize this may be new to you."
Azalea nods, her fingers brushing against the surface delicately. "That's impressive; I'd love to know how it works inside, if you are willing to share."
I nod, a sense of camaraderie coming with the request. "Sure, I can show you how it works. It's a bit complex, but I'm sure you'll find it interesting."
As I begin to tell her about the Nova Watch, Azalea's eyes grow wide with excitement. But then, without warning, the Queen's voice cuts through, right in the middle of my explanation. I turn hastily to face Queen Rosalia as she approaches us with a formal air about her.
"Zane," she says with a warm tone but remarkably commanding gaze, "I would like to bring it to your attention that there is a banquet planned for tomorrow evening."
I nod, somewhat taken aback by the sudden reminder. "Yes, Your Majesty, I remember. Thank you for reminding me."
The Queen smiles, relief at the back of her eyes. "I just wanted to make sure you did not forget. It is an important event, and we are looking forward to seeing you present."
Azalea bounces her gaze between the Queen and me, the mention of the banquet obviously piquing her interest. "I'm sure it will be a grand affair," she says with a respectful nod toward the Queen.
Queen Rosalia gives a warm smile to Azalea, then turns back to me. "Indeed. The banquet is an opportunity for us to greet you properly, and for you to be able to meet some of the figures of Floralia that matter. I trust you will find it a memorable experience."
I nod my head in gratitude. "I appreciate the invite, Your Majesty. Of course, I'll attend."
She gives one last, reassuring smile and nods as she starts to leave. Indeed, her presence has left in its wake an air of expectation. I turn back to Azalea as she leaves, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity about the upcoming event.
As my training session draws to a close, I wipe the sweat off my brow to find Snowy, Lynsithea's snowy owl, contentedly perched on my right shoulder. Its soft feathers rub against my cheek as it shifts in her seat for comfort.
"You really like my shoulder, huh?" I say, smiling, reaching over to pat Snowy's head.
During my quiet moments, such thoughts come to my mind,
What are the secrets still maintained around me? Both the invitation from the Queen for dinner and the splendor of Floralia fascinate me, but I must confess that, in my heart of hearts, the only question would be-are there humans of my breed residing here?
So far, the people and technology here are unlike anything I've seen. Advanced technology, ambient environments filled with an essence of magic, so different from my world, yet the gnawing curiosity couldn't help but surface.
Is there anyone else from my world still alive, or am I just the last human who left behind?
And, yet, the questions assail my mind, while the presence of Snowy makes me remember that, despite the strangeness of this place, I am not entirely alone. With Snowy by my side, and with the support of new friends like Lynsithea and Azalea, a new sense of hope rises in me.
I will continue to be vigilant in observing for any other human life, as I teach myself to adapt to this new world. For now, I enjoy the companionship of Snowy and the possibilities that this chance may hold.
With the banquet for tomorrow, I realize it is time to seek out something to wear that will be fitting. Stepping out of the palace, I am rather eager to explore the city and see what Floralia has to offer. Lively streets teeming with vendors, bright market stalls, and chatter in every direction greet me at each turn-a drastic contrast from the silence in the palace.
I make my way down the busy streets; suddenly, I see Leo, one of the staff at the palace, pushing his way through the crowd, walking with a sense of determination in his gait. I call out to him, waving to get his attention.
"Hey, Leo!" I greet him as he draws closer. "It's good to see you again."
Leo looks happy with recognition. "Zane! Good to see you too. How's everything going?"
"Pretty well," I return. "Actually, I was looking for a shop where I could purchase some clothes for tomorrow's banquet. Do you know of any good places?"
Leo nods, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Yes, there's a great shop not too far from here that has a wide selection of formal wear. I can show you the way if you'd like."
I thank him, and together we start working our way through the busy streets. He leads me to a small shop between two larger buildings; the front of the shop is nicely displayed with several different types of clothing. This looks hopeful.
Leo motions to the entrance. "This is the place. They have everything from traditional attire to more modern. I'm sure you'll find something fitting for the banquet."
I nod in appreciation, relieved at how smoothly this has gone. "Thanks for the help, Leo; I really appreciate it."
"No problem whatever," he says with a friendly smile. "If you need more or need any other help, just let me know."
With that, I enter the shop, ready to find the perfect outfit for the evening. Going through the racks, I could not help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness over the banquet and the opportunities it may bring.
Browsing through the rack of clothes in the shop, I turn to face a figure that stands out from the crowd. The shop owner-straight tailoring, with a tuxedo that is seemingly expensive and of high taste-struts towards me with confidence. What catches me by surprise is a pair of binoculars that he is clutching onto and seemingly using with purpose.
"Good day!" he says with a warm and inviting smile. "I'm the proprietor. I couldn't help but notice you're looking for something special. Do you prepare for an affair? "
I turn to the binoculars for a moment, puzzled to see them there. "Yes, I attend a banquet tomorrow, and need something suitable. I am hoping to find an outfit that fits for the occasion."
The shopkeeper's eyes brighten with eager interest. "A banquet, you say? Well, you came to the right place! We pride ourselves on having the finest clothes for whatever occasion. Allow me to assist you."
He puts down the binoculars; they are irrelevant anyway. He nods toward the part of the store that contains a collection of formal wear.
"Let me show you some things that may be what you need. We have a selection of suits and tuxedos, highly impressive, sure to impress."
He keeps chattering amiable as he walks me through the racks. "It's not often we get someone from outside our world looking for such classy attire. If it needs adjustments or special fittings, we can do that, too. Just let me know."
I follow his lead and look at the expensive clothes he points out. This is generally a kind of fun experience-the keen eye for detail the shop owner has, along with his friendliness. It's just that I feel a little more confident now that I'll be able to find an outfit for this banquet because he's here to help me.
As I go through the exclusive range of outfits, I turn to him and ask with a tint of uncertainty in my voice.
"Since you are the expert here," I start off, "do you have any recommendation of something that would be especially worthy for a formal banquet? I'm not entirely sure what would be considered proper."
The owner's eyes light up with excitement. "Absolutely, I'd be delighted to help. You cannot go wrong with a classic tuxedo for the formal banquet. It is timeless and always makes a strong statement. If you want something a little modern, then a well-fitted suit with a nice vest can look really sharp."
He points to a section where a number of tuxedos and suits are neatly hanged. "This tuxedo here is one of our bestsellers. It's made from high-quality fabric and comes with a matching bow tie. It's perfect for making a sophisticated statement."
He chooses a very luxurious dark suit that seems to shine a bit. "Or this suit is a bit more modern. It's classic, yet not as formal as a regular tuxedo would be. You can also wear a waistcoat to give it an added elegance."
I pay closer attention to the two options, thankful for the minute details in craftsmanship and quality materials. The suggestions of the shop owner are definitely helping me be more confident that I really choose an outfit that will suit the occasion perfectly.
"These both look great," I say, nodding reflectively. "I think I'll go with the tuxedo you recommended. It seems like it's the perfect fit for a formal event."
The owner beams, seemingly in delight. "Splendid choice! I shall tailor and fit it according to your body size. If you need any adjustments or whatever, just inform me."
I thank him and leave his shop with a little more confidence in the suit I chose. Assured now by his expert opinion, I am quite certain that I will be adequately prepared for a dazzling look at the banquet.
I exit the shop, holding my new tux, when Leo comes up to me and says, "Did you find what you needed?"
I smile; I don't regret the purchase. "Yes, I did. I got a tux for the banquet tomorrow."
Leo looks curious. "A banquet? That does sound important. What's it for?"
I explain as we walk. "It's a formal occasion whereby I get to meet some of the key figures here in Floralia. I wanted to make sure I had something appropriate to wear."
Leo nods, clearly interested. "Sounds like it'll be quite the occasion."
We continue deeper into town and reach the blacksmith shop. The clanging of metal against metal is easily recognizable from inside. He is Enzo, a blacksmith, and he waves cheerfully at us.
"Zane! Leo!" Enzo calls as we approach. "What brings you here today?"
I nod in greeting. "Hey, Enzo. I'm here because I need an upgrade for my weapon. Do you think you can help me with that?"
Enzo's eyes light up with curiosity. "Of course! What kind of upgrade are you looking for?"
I reach into my bag and pull out my Nova Watch, holding it up. With a few quick adjustments, I turn it into my "Aether" sword. The blade shimmers with a sleek, futuristic design as it materializes.
Leo's eyes light up in surprise. "Never saw that anywhere! Your Nova Watch turns into a sword?"
I nod, enjoying the look of his surprise. "Yeah, it's a versatile piece of technology. I was hoping Enzo could enhance it further-make it more durable or add any special features that might be useful."
Enzo looks closely at the sword, clearly impressed. "This is incredible! I have never worked with technology like this before. But I'm confident I can make some upgrades. I'll see what enhancements I can add to improve its durability and performance."
I thank him and feel reassured by his expertise regarding the matter. "Appreciate it. Just let me know how long it will take."
Enzo gives a smile. "I'll get started right away. I'll make sure it's ready as soon as possible."
As Enzo begins upgrading my Aether sword, I turn to Leo and say, "By the way, Leo, is there a shop around here where I could find some gifts? I'd like to pick up something nice."
Leo's face brightens with a smile. "Yeah, there is an excellent shop for jewelry here in the neighborhood. Some old lady runs it; she is really nice and has some amazing items that are not commonly found anywhere else. I can show you the location."
We work our way through the dynamic streets of Floralia to the shop selling jewelry. The shop is small and cute, with display cases warm from sparkling gems and intricate designs.
As soon as we enter, the soft jingling of the bell above the door greets our arrival. The store owner, an elderly woman with a kind smile and a twinkle in her eye, greets us warmly.
"Hello!" she says in a soft tone, "How can I help you today?"
I smile back at her. "Hello. I'm looking for a gift and thought your shop might have something special. Do you have any recommendations?"
Interest lights up in the eyes of the old woman. "Of course! We have a range of beautiful necklaces to bracelets to rings. You're looking for what, exactly, or do you need help in choosing?"
I turned towards Leo, who nods encouragingly at me. "I'm looking for something that would make a thoughtful gift. It doesn't have to be extravagant, just meaningful."
The old woman nods sympathetically, leading me to another part of the shop with several pieces of high quality. "Allow me to show you some of our most unusual items; I am sure we can find what you are looking for."
She guides me through the selection, and I am impressed both by the variety of jewelry and the craftsmanship involved. Each one seems to have its own charm and character; I really feel quite hopeful that I will find the perfect gift here.
She pulls out from the case an ornate silver necklace and extends it for my view: a beautiful necklace on a delicate, inscribed silver chain that holds a lotus-shaped pendant. The pendant is hollow, but from its middle a soft blue light glows softly, sending rays in every direction in a hypnotic dance.
"This" she begins rather reverently, "is one of our most treasured pieces. This is a silver necklace with a lotus flower pendant. The lotus comes to represent purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, pretty often associated with spiritual growth and overcoming adversity."
She points at the pendant, showing the soft, blue light issuing from it. "The light you see inside the lotus is magical. It symbolizes inner peace and hope and is said to bring calmness and clarity to the wearer. This necklace is not only a beautiful piece of jewelry but also a symbol of strength and renewal."
I take in the details, appreciative of the symbolism behind it. It truly does sound like something so well thought out and meaningful. "It's beautiful," I say. "I think it would make for a great gift. How much is it?"
The old woman smiles warmly. "It is priced at a decent value, considering the craftsmanship and enchantments. I assure you, it's worth every bit."
I nod, sure it is the one. "I'll take it. That's just what I've been looking for."
She wraps it carefully, her movements deft and practiced. "Thank you for choosing this piece. I'm sure that means much as a gift. If you need any more assistance, just let me know."
With the necklace secure, Leo and I ready to go back, well contented with today's purchases and looking forward to the banquet.
Leo and I return to Enzo's shop, with the present nicely wrapped and feeling quite smug about our successful shopping trip. We enter the blacksmith shop. Enzo is giving the final touches to my Aether sword.
"Perfect timing," Enzo says, looking up with self-satisfaction, "I've just finished the enhancements."
He then reveals the Aether sword but in an upgraded version; sleek and modern with further modifications. "I have done considerable improvisations. The sword can transform into a dual-wield mode. You will carry one piece as a sword, while the other piece will be a dagger. That way, you shall have more flexibility with it."
Impressive changes, if I do say so. The new configuration of the Aether sword allows it to split into two separate, functional weapons, a sleek sword and a sharp dagger. It was what I had in mind.
"Brilliant," I exclaim in amazement as I admire the dual-wield setup. "This will most definitely come in handy. Thanks for all your hard work, Enzo."
Enzo nods proudly. "I am glad you like it. It was quite a project, but I enjoyed working on it. Just take good care of these weapons; they aren't just functional, they are very special, too."
Leo's eyes widen in astonishment as he looks at the transformed weapon. "I never thought that it could change like that. Pretty cool!"
I nod in agreement, with this new feeling of confidence. "It really is. Thanks for all the help today, Enzo."
I already have the improved Aether sword in hand and the necklace safely packed; ready for whatever comes next. With a nod, Leo and I start to head off to finish our day in anticipation of the banquet tonight.
With Leo and me headed towards the palace, Snowy suddenly swoops down from the sky onto my shoulder. That owl always feels reassuringly present, but this time, it feels urgent in its manner.
Snowy makes a soft Hoot noise and flutters her wings to catch my eye. I turn to Leo, who raises an eyebrow at Snowy's antics.
"Looks like Snowy wants us to follow," I say, a sense of intrigue rising in my voice. "Let's see what it needs."
We follow Snowy as it takes off once again. The owl flies along, a little way ahead of us, in fits and starts, and even turns around every now and then to make sure we are following. Eventually, the owl leads us through the winding lanes and streets of Floralia to the quiet part of the city.
Snowy finally lands on a nearby rooftop, and I catch up with Leo to see what the owl was trying to show us. Snowy perched there, seemingly waiting for us to arrive. All I could think about was the fact that there was something he'd like to tell us.
Leo looks around, half puzzled. "What do you think Snowy is trying to tell us?"
I shrug slightly, not removing my eyes from the owl. "I'm not sure, but it's my feeling it's leading us to someplace. Let's see if we can figure it out."
As we get to the rooftop, Snowy lets a soft hoot and flutters its wings toward some sort of concealed doorway of a building a little ways off. The door is only half-concealed, really easy to miss unless one pays proper attention.
I turn toward Leo with interest. "It looks like Snowy's onto something. Let's go check it out."
We cautiously approached the hidden doorway, and our curiosity was piqued. Snowy continued to watch us from its perch, as if guiding us toward whatever lay beyond.
Snowy points the way to a rather nondescript apartment building. The owl flies in through the entrance and heads straight for the third floor. I turn to Leo, who raises an eyebrow but nods in agreement to wait outside.
"Wait here, Leo. I'll check this out," I say, nodding toward the building.
Leo gives me the thumbs-up, and I move inside, following the cat's lead. I go up to the upper floor, the soft echo of my footsteps in the stairwell. By the time I reach the third floor, Snowy is already sitting on a landing waiting for me.
I step out onto the third floor and see Snowy flutter down to land on the body of a woman. She is clad in normal clothes, and what stands out most about her juxtaposed with everything else around her is her black hair. What greets my eyes is totally unexpected.
Shocked, my eyes go wide.
"It's a human!" I shout out, beyond my control.
She lies there, unconscious or injured. Snowy looks up at me, almost in pleading, as if wanting to say, "Do something to help!" I promptly get down beside her, feeling for a pulse and checking her over.