The next morning at Misty Springs Inn began with an air of anticipation. Felix had been looking forward to exploring the village, imagining quaint shops, scenic paths, and perhaps even some local delicacies. The rising sun painted the sky in soft pastels, and the scent of dew and bamboo wafted through the open windows of their room.

Felix stretched lazily on the plush futon in his human form, his silvery-white hair falling in soft waves over his shoulders. Sorath and Virgil were arguing over who got the last ricecake from the breakfast spread they bought from a pastry shop axross the inn, while Albrecht combed his sleek blonde hair fussily and dithered over what to wear for the day. Thel was already by the door, his expression one of impatient expectancy.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

But their lighthearted morning was interrupted by the sound of hushed, panicked voices drifting in from the lobby below.

“What’s going on?” Felix asked, stilling slightly at the tone of distress.

“Only one way to find out,” Sorath said, tossing the last ricecake into his mouth and heading for the door.

The group descended the wooden staircase to find a small crowd gathered near the check-in desk. The innkeeper, Mr. Hart, stood with a furrowed brow, trying to calm a distraught young woman. Beside him, his wife also looked pale and worried.

“What’s the matter?” Felix asked, stepping forward, subconsciously exuding his A-Rank Regal One aura which immediately commanded attention.

The young woman turned to him, wringing her hands together. “It’s Clara,” she said, her voice trembling. “My s-sister, sh-she hasn’t come back. She said she was going to explore the outskirts of the village yesterday afternoon, but… she never returned. I thought she might’ve stayed out late, or maybe stopped by the local pub but now…”

Mrs. Hart who had been speaking with Mr. Hart chimed in. “I told Amanda’s sister not to go near the forest. Strange things have been happening there.”

Felix’s gaze sharpened, and his humans exchanged uneasy glances.

“What kind of strange things?” Thel asked, his tone calm but probing.

“Disappearances,” the old woman whispered, lowering her voice as if the word itself might bring ill fortune. “People—both tourists and locals—go into the forest and don’t come out. Some say it’s the mist—gets into your head and leads you astray. Others say it’s something… unnatural.”

Virgil pulled out his phone, quickly navigating to local social media pages. “Let’s see if anyone’s posted anything helpful,” he muttered, his thumbs moving rapidly across the screen.

Albrecht, noticing Felix’s concern, stepped forward. “We’ll help search,” he declared. “Standing here worrying won’t bring the young lady back. Felix?” He turned to their master, waiting for confirmation.

Felix nodded. “Of course. We’ll do everything we can.”

Virgil frowned at his screen. “Nothing except rumors about people disappearing near the forest,” he reported. “Some vague warnings, but no concrete details.”

“We’ll have to rely on the old-fashioned way then,” Thel raised an eyebrow. “Let’s split up into pairs and cover as much ground as possible.”

The young woman hesitated, still wringing her hands. “Are you sure? It could be dangerous…”

Felix offered her a reassuring smile, though unease prickled at the back of his mind. “Don’t worry. I’m part of Mzia’s Combat Division. We’ll be careful.”

The eyes of the young woman, Amanda and the Harts brightened in surprise and hope.

“Oh! Officer, this, this is such good news! We are much more reassured now!”

Felix smiled awkwardly, now almost regretting letting that information slip. “There’s no need to call me ‘officer’, I’m only a trainee.”

So the group headed out, their earlier plans abandoned in favor of the urgent task at hand. The village, so peaceful the night before, was bustling with activity during the day. Locals and tourists mingled, and strangely enough, no one seemed to spare the news that a young woman had gone missing other than a brief word of gossip here or there.

Felix and Albrecht took the lead, heading toward the forest’s edge where Clara was last seen. Virgil and Sorath veered towards the neighboring shops and establishments, and in particular the local pub, questioning anyone they encountered, while Thel stayed behind to coordinate with the innkeepers and gather more information.

Felix and Albrecht walked through the bustling village, warm from the mists wafting from the natural hot springs that ran underneath the village. 

“This isn’t how I imagined our morning,” Felix said, his voice low.

“Life rarely goes as planned,” Albrecht replied, his tone one of pompous wisdom. “But my dear is handling it well, like a true officer of the Combat Division.”

Felix glanced at him, a faint blush dusting his cheekbones. “If I didn’t know you any better I’d have thought you to be sarcastic.” In fact, if those words had come from Thel’s mouth, Felix would be positive that the man was indeed being sarcastic about his earlier slip of the tongue.

Albrecht smiled down at him, “My dear, what kind of pet would I be if I showed such disrespect for my master? I am not a ruffian like some.”

“…” By some, Felix had a feeling he was referring to three conspicuously absent men. He side-eyed the pleased expression on Albrecht’s handsome face at having managed to subtly put down the others in front of Felix.

Felix felt it was better to let Albrecht—and the others for that matter—to think they have managed to be quite sly and cunning.

Before long, they passed by the village square, Felix sniffing the air instinctively. His heightened senses distinguishing among faint traces of human scent, to something darker mingled within—a faint sweetened metallic tang that made his incisors sting.

“Do you smell that?” Felix asked, his voice tightening.

Albrecht frowned, taking a step closer to Felix. “I don’t, but as a Regal One your senses are much keener. Lead the way, dearest.”

Forgoing the earlier plan to head towards the forest edge, Felix followed the scent, his steps quickening as it grew stronger. His mind raced with possibilities, none of them comforting.

Meanwhile, Sorath and Virgil had little luck with their inquiries. Most villagers were tight-lipped, their answers vague and evasive. Frustrated, Sorath muttered under his breath, “They’re more scared of the rumors than they are of someone actually missing.”

“Can you blame them?” Virgil replied, his eyes scanning the horizon. “If people are really disappearing, they probably don’t want to be next.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a call from Thel. “Felix and Albrecht might have found something. Head towards the local clinic.”

Sorath and Virgil exchanged a glance before turning in that direction.

*

The sweet metallic scent wafted through the air like a ghostly whisper, tugging at Felix’s heightened senses. It was faint yet distinct, lingering just enough to make him uncomfortable. He paused mid-step on the cobblestone path behind Misty Springs Village’s local clinic, his eyes narrowing.

“It’s him,” Felix murmured, his voice barely audible over the distant hum of villagers going about their day.

The small clinic looked cheerful and inviting from the outside, painted in soft pastel hues with flower boxes under its windows. A handmade wooden sign that read “Misty Springs Clinic” swung gently in the evening breeze. The warm lighting from within should have been comforting, but to Felix, it felt like a façade masking something sinister.

Sorath stepped up beside Felix, pale eyes scanning the building. “You’re sure? The doctor?”

Felix nodded, raising his nose slightly to take a deeper inhale. “That scent—it’s coming from the clinic. It’s stronger here.”

Virgil crept closer in curiosity and peeked through one of the windows, cupping his hands around his face to block out the glare. “Looks normal enough. Clean, organized. Maybe a little too perfect. Reminds me of Thel’s ocd ways.”

Thel crossed his arms, his expression unreadable as if he didn’t hear the offhanded dig. “Appearances can be deceiving. Still, we can’t act on a hunch alone.”

Just then, the clinic door swung open, and Dr. Elias Hart stepped out, whistling a jaunty tune as he locked up behind him. He looked every bit the affable village doctor, his white coat swapped for that plaid coat and slacks combination they had seen yesterday. He glanced around the empty street, his smile as bright as ever, before strolling off with an easy gait.

Felix stiffened. The scent intensified as Dr. Hart passed by, the sweet metallic tang clinging to him like a second skin.

Sorath smiled carelessly, but his fingers tapped a restless rhythm against the side of his leg. “He’s definitely up to something.”

Thel frowned, his voice low and measured. “Suspicious, yes. But we need proof before jumping to conclusions. Felix, are you certain it’s him?”

“Yes,” Felix said firmly. His tone carried an edge of certainty that made the others exchange glances.

Albrecht adjusted his fine wool coat, his gaze following Dr. Hart as he disappeared down the path. “Then we shall follow him.”

The group trailed Dr. Hart from a safe distance, their footsteps careful on the cobblestone path that wound through the village. The cheerful ambiance of Misty Springs seemed to darken the farther they walked, the hum and chatter of villagers fading into the background.

Dr. Hart meandered through the village with a practiced nonchalance, stopping occasionally to greet passersby. He exchanged pleasantries with a shopkeeper, chuckled at a group of playful children’s antics, and even paused to observe a chipmunk that crossed his path. Yet something about his movements felt rehearsed, like an actor playing a role.

“Is it just me, or is he trying too hard at a normie act?” Virgil whispered, his voice barely audible.

“It’s not just you,” Sorath replied, his hand twitching slightly and his eyes flickering slightly to the hilt of a dagger tucked into his right boot.

When Dr. Hart turned a corner and left the bustling part of the village behind, his demeanor changed. His cheery whistle faded, and his pace quickened. He glanced over his shoulder, his warm smile replaced by a cold, calculating expression.

“Whoa, psychopath alert,” Virgil muttered under his breath.

The group picked up their pace, careful to stay out of sight. Felix’s sharp eyes and sensitive ears kept them on Dr. Hart’s trail as he took a detour around the outskirts of the village, avoiding well-trodden paths.

“Where is he going?” Albrecht pursed his lips, his tone a bit annoyed.

The answer came when Dr. Hart veered off the path entirely, slipping into the dense forest that bordered the village.

The forest was a different world. Tall, ancient trees towered overhead, their gnarled branches forming a canopy that blocked out the moonlight. The air was thick with the earthy scent of moss and damp leaves, but that faint sweet metallic tang still lingered, guiding Felix better than any beacon or compass could do.

Dr. Hart moved with purpose now, his earlier casual stroll replaced by brisk, deliberate strides. He didn’t bother to conceal his path, crushing leaves and snapping twigs underfoot.

“He’s getting sloppy,” Sorath remarked, an almost wolfish grin spreading across his face. “Probably thinks no one would dare follow him out here.”

“Stay focused,” Thel said sharply. “We’re not here to provoke him—just to gather information.”

Felix, leading the group, raised a hand to signal them to stop. He crouched low behind a bush, his head tilted slightly as he listened with intent.

Ahead, Dr. Hart had come to a stop in a small clearing. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial of dark liquid, holding it up to the faint sunlight trickling in through the leafy canopies above. Felix’s stomach churned as the sweet metallic scent grew overpowering.

“What’s he doing?” Virgil whispered, leaning closer.

Dr. Hart muttered something under his breath, his words too quiet to make out. He uncorked the vial and poured its contents onto the ground. The dark liquid seeped into the soil, and for a moment, nothing happened.

Then the ground trembled.

Felix’s hair stood on end as an unnatural energy rippled through the air. The shadows around Dr. Hart seemed to deepen, writhing like living things. The faint glow of his warm smile was long gone, replaced by an eerie, otherworldly aura.

“What the hell is that?” Sorath hissed, his hand gripping his dagger.

“Something unnatural,” Felix said, his tone grim. His instincts screamed at him to act, but he forced himself to stay hidden.

Dr. Hart stood motionless for a moment, as if waiting for something. Then he turned and began walking deeper into the forest, his movements swift and unerring.

Felix rose slowly, his eyes locked on the retreating figure. “We need to follow him. Whatever he’s doing, it’s not good.”

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Thel gripped Felix’s shoulder firmly but gently. “Careful. If he senses us, we’ll lose any advantage we have.”

The group exchanged tense nods before continuing their pursuit. The deeper they went into the forest, the stronger the unsettling energy became. Felix’s heart did a funny little jump as they approached what felt like the center of the disturbance.

Whatever lay ahead, he knew it would be nothing short of trouble.

The moon hung high above, its silvery light filtering through the thin veil of mist that clung to the bamboo surrounding the hot spring. The gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze harmonized with the soft trickle of water spilling over the stones. The small private spring, just outside the sliding doors of their inn room, was nestled into the landscape like a hidden sanctuary. Steam rose in lazy curls, meandering around the edges of the natural pool and giving the setting an dreamy quality.

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In his full cat form, Felix stretched languidly on a smooth rock at the edge of the spring, his sleek, silvery-white fur glowing faintly in the moonlight. The heat from the water and the cool touch of the night air created a perfect balance, lulling him into a state of utter relaxation. His tail flicked lazily, dipping into the warm water occasionally as he listened to the chatter of his humans. 

Sorath leaned back against the edge of the spring, his muscular arms stretched along the edges. His long shaggy dark hair was tied up in a knot, and he wore an easy grin, clearly enjoying himself. “This,” he declared, his voice echoing slightly in the enclosed space, “is what I’m talking about. No dishes, no arguments, just bliss.”

From across the pool, Virgil splashed lazily, his legs kicking up ripples in the water. “And no chores either,” he added with his own mischievous grin, tossing a small pebble at Sorath, which bounced off his chest with a plop into the water. “I could stay here forever.”

“See? Isn’t this better than worrying about training schedules or fighting evil for a night?” Albrecht cooed, leaning his chin on his folded arms resting on the edge of the spring. His bright blonde hair flopped into his eyes, for once loosened from their usual slicked back style, and his typically arrogant demeanor had relaxed, his features softened in the soothing warmth of the water.

“I guess,” Felix murmured, flicking his tail dismissively. His voice had a sleepy lilt to it, though the tip of his ears twitched in agreement.

Virgil swam over in probably what he thought was a sneaky manner, a wet hand reaching out to flick water droplets at the medium sized silvery white cat. “You’re way too uptight, Felix. Look at you—you’ve turned into a fluffy puddle of stress. This is why I keep telling you to chill more.”

Felix cracked one ruby eye open to regard his annoying human. “Sure, Virgil. If only your idea of chilling wasn’t sending others into stressful knots with your antics.”

Virgil laughed brightly, sending ripples across the surface of the pool. “Hey, I was entertaining everyone. There’s a difference.” He splashed some water in Felix’s direction, the droplets gleaming like liquid silver in the moonlight.

Felix hissed softly, leaping nimbly to another rock to avoid the spray. His white fur puffed out slightly, making him appear like an annoyed cloud. “Stop that. Or I’ll land on your head next time and we’ll see if you won’t go bald prematurely.”

“Gasp! Felix! You wound me!”

Thel, seated against a backdrop of a thick cluster of bamboo, quirked his lips up slightly in a manner that was either amused or condescending. But then again that was the norm for the youngest of Felix’s human pets. He was resting with his arms crossed, his eyes closed but clearly still engaged in the conversation. “Don’t waste your energy on him, Felix. You’ll only encourage him.”

“Oh, come on, Thel,” Virgil retorted. “You’ve to admit that without me to liven things up it’ll be so boring.”

Thel opened one sharp, carnelian eye, his smirk taking on a mean little twist. “Hardly.”

“Enough bickering,” Albrecht demanded from the far end of the pool. “Anyone up for some wine?”

At some point, he had brought over a tray with a porcelain wine jar and small cups, which now sat on a flat rock within arm’s reach. Carefully, he poured a refreshingly chilly cup of plum wine and held it out to Felix with a flourish. “Here, dearest. Try some of their plum wine. I heard it’s quite tasty.”

Felix turned his head lazily, blinking at the offered wine. He transformed briefly, his form shimmering until he appeared as a young man with silvery-white hair, pointed ears, and that large fluffy tail. Taking the cup, he muttered, “Thanks, Albrecht,” before sipping the wine, his shoulders visibly relaxing. “I needed this. No more wilderness simulations, no more survival drills. Hah~”

Albrecht sat perched on the carved stone at the edge of the water next to Felix, a towel neatly folded over his lap. His attentiveness hadn’t entirely dissipated, even in this relaxed setting. In fact, Felix felt as if the attention of all his humans were even more unnervingly focused on him than usual. 

Thel’s gaze always settled on him when not closed in meditation. Sorath and Virgil would also glance over under wet lashes too often to be casual. And Albrecht was even clingier than usual. Case in point—

Albrecht glanced at Felix’s damp fur critically. “You’ll need a proper grooming session after this,” he said, looking like he was already mentally cataloging the brushes and oils required.

Felix groaned. “I’m fine, Albrecht. I don’t need a full spa treatment every time I get wet.”

“That’s debatable,” Albrecht replied primly.

Sorath chuckled. “Leave him be, Al. He’s finally unwinding, and you want to ruin it by brandishing a comb?”

Thel, sitting upright with perfect posture in his own submerged stone seat, sipped his wine with deliberate refinement. He glanced at Virgil, who had taken to floating on his back, arms stretched out like he was drifting in a lazy river. “If you keep guzzling water and lounging like that, you’ll look like a bloated corpse.”

Virgil’s eyes sparkled, “How did you know I was trying to do an impression of a drowned man!”

Felix choked on the sudden laughter. He looked up to meet Virgil’s bright twinkling eyes, a playful smile splitting the other’s face.

Sorath and Albrecht rolled their eyes in long-suffering exasperation. Thel only snorted.

It was a testament to the hot springs’ relaxing effects that no one picked at the opening Virgil gave and launched into a new volley of insults and banter. Instead, conversation lulled into a comfortable silence as the group settled further into the hot spring. The water lapped gently against the edges, the soothing heat seeping into their muscles and calming their minds.

Felix stretched languidly on his rock, his fur damp but drying quickly in the warmth. His ruby eyes drifted shut, and for the first time in what felt like days, his mind was at ease. Work and training still weighed heavily on him, but for now, he allowed himself to let go.

Thel poured a ladle of warm water over his shoulder, the sound breaking the silence softly. “This place has its charms,” he admitted.

“Not bad for a discount booking,” Albrecht added with a hint of pride.

“Still doesn’t explain why it was so cheap,” Sorath said, casually paranoid like a good heir of an affluent family. “I get the feeling there’s more to this place than meets the eye.”

Felix’s ears twitched at Sorath’s comment, and a faint unease crept into his otherwise relaxed posture. He couldn’t quite place it, but something about Misty Springs didn’t sit right with him. He sniffed the air absentmindedly, catching a faint metallic tang that made his nose twitch and ears flatten against his head.

Virgil noticed his subtle change in demeanor and splashed him again lightly. “Hey, don’t start brooding already. This is supposed to be a getaway, remember?”

Felix batted at the water with his paw. “I’m not brooding,” he muttered, though his tone was distracted.

Sorath reached over and gently scratched behind Felix’s ears in apology, eliciting a reluctant purr. “Virgil’s right. Just enjoy the moment. I’m probably just being paranoid.”

The group lingered in the spring for a while longer, the tranquil atmosphere working its magic. Eventually, the chill of the night air began to creep in, prompting Thel to stand and drape a towel over his shoulders.

“We should head back inside,” he announced. “Dinner will be served soon, and I’d prefer to eat without worrying about catching a cold.”

The others reluctantly followed his lead, stepping out of the water and drying off with the soft towels provided by the inn. Felix transformed back into his human form, his damp silvery-white hair cascading over his shoulders.

As they made their way back inside, Felix cast one last glance at the moonlit spring. The faint unease lingered, but he shook it off. For now, he chose to focus on the warmth of his humans’ presence and the promise of a hearty meal waiting for them inside.

*

Like the rest of the place, the dining hall of Misty Springs Inn was a cozy haven of rustic charm. Exposed wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and walls adorned with faded landscape paintings added a touch of homeliness. Tables were arranged with simple linen cloths, and the warm glow of hanging lanterns cast soft shadows across the room. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs, inspiring an increased appetite in all who entered.

Felix and his humans made their way to a table near the center of the room, where a small vase of daisies provided a cheerful touch. The group settled into their chairs, the remnants of steam still rising from their skin after their soak in the hot spring.

Virgil stretched his arms over his head with a contented sigh. “Man, if the food is half as good as that soak, I’m gonna roll out of here.”

Sorath smiled contently, scanning the room as a server approached with glasses of water. “This is my kind of ambiance. Nothing worse than posh pretentiousness when trying to eat.”

Albrecht arched an eyebrow, clearly disagreeing, but he replied diplomatically. “Both fancy restaurants and simple family-owned diners like this one have their merits. I’m confident the meal will be satisfactory.”

Thel, seated with his back perfectly straight, glanced at the handwritten menu provided. “Rustic and straightforward. Looks like there will be a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.”

Felix only leaned his chin on one hand. He was quieter than usual, still basking in the relaxation of the hot spring. His silvery tresses, slightly damp, framed his face as he glanced over the menu. “Everything sounds good. Let’s order something to eat and turn in early tonight.”

As they waited for their food, the murmur of conversation from other tables filled the air. Felix’s head tilted slightly as snippets of nearby discussions reached him.

“How many has it been so far,” an older man whispered to his companion at a corner table. His voice was low but tinged with fear. “Just vanished without a trace. No footprints, nothing.”

“It’s the forest,” another man muttered, shaking his head. “They say something’s not right there. I warned them not to wander too far, but these kids don’t listen…”

Felix glanced toward the source of the voices but said nothing. He caught Virgil’s curious expression as the young man leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

“What’s all that about?” Virgil whispered, nodding toward the nearby tables.

Albrecht shrugged carelessly, swirling his water in its glass. “Sounds like local superstitions. Small towns always have their ghost stories.”

“Disappearances don’t sound like a ghost story to me,” Thel interjected, his brow furrowing slightly. “It might be worth keeping an eye out just so we don’t get taken off guard.”

Felix nodded his head slowly. It might just be rumors in the end, but it didn’t hurt to exercise caution. Especially when he couldn’t shake the faint unease that crept into his mind.

Their attention shifted when the doors to the dining hall opened, drawing a few greetings and cheerful calls from the other guests.

A slight, well-dressed man entered, his presence friendly and approachable. He wore a plaid coat over a casual shirt and slacks, and his warm smile instantly lit up the room. His tawny hair was neatly combed, and his kind brown eyes scanned the hall as if greeting each person individually.

“Dr. Hart!” an old woman near the entrance exclaimed, her face brightening. “Good to see you!”

The man chuckled softly, waving a hand. “Good evening, Mrs. Bailey. How’s your knee feeling?”

“Much better, thanks to you,” she replied, her gratitude palpable.

The dining hall seemed to shift as more guests and locals greeted him warmly. He moved slowly from table to table, exchanging pleasantries and checking on the well-being of others.

Sorath, observing the scene, leaned closer to Felix. “Quite the popular figure,” he remarked, his voice laced with curiosity. “Local hero, it seems.”

“Elias!” A chiding call from the proprietress who had welcomed them earlier could be heard from across the room. 

“Sorry, mom, got held up back at the clinic.”

Felix found his gaze lingering on the man, now known as Dr. Elias Hart, the local village doctor and son of the innkeepers of Misty Springs Inn. There was something about him—a subtle aura Felix couldn’t place. His senses, sharper than his humans’, picked up on a faint metallic scent emanating from the doctor. It wasn’t overpowering, but it clung to the air around him, distinct and unsettling.

Felix’s brow furrowed as he tried to pinpoint the source of his unease. The metallic tang reminded him of blood, though it wasn’t quite the same. It was just a bit off with a hint of a sugary sweetness.

“Felix?” Thel’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Something wrong?” Intense dark eyes watched Felix with an unwavering gaze.

Felix blinked, shaking his head quickly. “No, it’s nothing. Just spaced out for a second.”

Thel’s sharp gaze flicked toward the good doctor before returning to Felix. “You’re tense,” he observed. “If something’s bothering you, we should discuss it.”

“It’s fine,” Felix said, offering a small smile. “Let’s just eat and enjoy our stay.”

Their food arrived shortly after, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Virgil and Sorath debated whether they could convince the cook to share the recipe for the roasted garlic bread, while Albrecht marveled at the perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables.

Yet Felix couldn’t shake the odd feeling Elias Hart had left behind. Even as the doctor exited the hall, bidding everyone goodnight, the sweet metallic scent seemed to linger. Felix kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to alarm his humans, but the strange whispers of the locals and the unsettling presence of the doctor weighed heavily on his mind.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

As the group finished their meal and made their way back to their room, Felix couldn’t help but survey his surroundings closer, his instincts tingling. Something wasn’t right, but he pushed the thought aside for the moment. He was supposed to be on vacation. Felix only hoped he wouldn’t be that unlucky.

AN: Felix: Is a nice relaxing vacation too much to ask?!

Author: Yep. U.U I too enjoy slice-of-life but sometimes a bit of trouble is needed to keep things interesting 😆