Wrong Place, Wrong Time

Within the storehouse, there were shelves upon shelves of junk metals and old rusted tools. In one corner, there was an old workbench, and on the other, a decrepit cabinet. Awning windows were installed high on the walls, close to the ceiling, allowing in light while ensuring that it would not be easy to peek inside.

Theodore sat in a discreet corner, next to the cabinet, so that he would not be discovered quickly if someone were to enter. From his bag, he produced a stack of crackers, wrapped in waxed paper to protect from moisture. He had anticipated that he might spend a longer time than expected in the sewers and had therefore prepared some food for the journey.

The crackers were stale and dry, but with Theodore's hunger, they disappeared within a moment's notice.

After filling his stomach somewhat, Theodore climbed into the cabinet, which turned out to be empty and just spacious enough for a ten-year-old. Once hidden within, pulled out the small vial hanging around his neck.

Within the vial was Albatross's blood. Healing magic had been applied to it constantly to keep the cells alive so that the parasitic worms in Theodore's body would think that Albatross was still around and won't proceed to feed on Theodore's insides.

Pulling out another vial from his pouch, Theodore proceeded to open both vials and poured the contents of one into the other. What was poured into the smaller vial was a healing potion, used to keep the cells alive whenever Theodore needed a break. This particular potion concocted by Kalman himself was a powerful one, enough to keep the cells alive for up to half a day with but a single drop. Theodore added two drops, just in case.

Upon resealing the small vial, Theodore shut his eyes and proceeded to take a nap. He was worn out and would likely be hard-pressed to keep awake for long. And while it would be vigilant of him to remain alert, forcing himself to stay awake may cause lapses in judgment later when he has to make his escape.

Trusting in the 'Stealth' behavioral matrix sewn to the back of his robe to keep him hidden, Theodore shut his eyes and let his consciousness drift away.

When his eyes opened again, Theodore had a brief panic when he found himself in a dark, enclosed space. He had a dream that he was still stuck down there in the sewers, trapped in that narrow crevice.

Taking a moment to gather himself, Theodore quickly remembered where he was and calmed down.

Slowly and carefully, he opened a gap in the cabinet's door and took a peek outside. Once he made sure that no presence was in that storehouse, Theodore climbed out of the cabinet and started stretching his body.

All things considered, he had a relatively good sleep, perhaps too good. Looking at the lighting available through the awning windows, Theodore found it not too different from when he initially found this place. The only change he could spot was that the dim sunlight was coming from a different direction and was getting dimmer by the minute.

Theodore had slept from sunrise to sunset.

In a couple of hours more, Theodore planned to make his move. His heart was pumping at the thought and his stomach churned. He had no idea where he was in the city and he would have to gradually find his way around. Unlike in the sewers, there was a risk that he might be discovered. And as he had found out just last night, the sewers weren't exactly as safe as he thought either, so he had reservations about simply jumping into a manhole he was not familiar with.

If he succeeds in returning, this would prove to be a valuable experience, but if he doesn't, his action up till this point will be nothing but a big mistake.

It all came down to his performance on this night.

An hour passed. Nature called and so Theodore returned to the sewers briefly.

Two hours passed. The sky was dotted with stars and the moon. From what Theodore could tell through the awning window, no clouds were in sight. It was going to be a terrible night for sneaking. Even so, Theodore had to try. He had only accounted for a day's worth of food and he was not keen on waiting for a dark night while stuck in this storehouse. Not to mention that if Kalman suspects that Theodore was dead, he might begin to change course prematurely.

It was going to have to be tonight. In that, there would be no compromise.

As Theodore prepare himself mentally for the journey back, the sound of footsteps entered his ears. When he poked his head out earlier in the day, he found this to be a rather secluded area, tucked behind several buildings. It was likely so by design, in order to better hide the entrance to the mother slime.

Taking precautions, Theodore hid himself in the cabinet once more, settling just as the door to the storehouse swung open. The footsteps of someone entering could be heard.

"Is anyone here?" the voice of a young woman called out. "Lady Felicie? I came as you asked."

No one replied to the young woman, least of all Theodore who wished not to be discovered and that the girl would go away sooner rather than later.

"Ah, you're here, right on time," another voice, this too sounding like a young woman's, eventually answered after a brief delay. For some reason, the voice came from behind the first girl.

Theodore was beginning to have an ill foreboding about this situation.

"Oh, Lady Felicie! Y-you have something to speak to me about?" Small trembling could be heard in the first girl's voice. Her breathing too, sounded rugged. Was she fearful? Or perhaps she was excited. Theodore could not tell from sound alone.

"Indeed," Lady Felicie replied, her voice clear as bells and soothing like a soft breeze. "I wanted to meet with you. Alone."

The lady proceeded to move closer to the first girl, causing her to back away in either fright or embarrassment. Theodore could not tell which was which. However, he did understand that the first girl was backing into the storehouse.

Alarm bells rang in the back of Theodore's head. In his guts, he felt that he needed to leave this place as soon as possible. Yet, if he made his move right then and there, he would surely be discovered.

As Theodore was contemplating his next move, the sound of flapping wings could be heard. Something had flown in through the window.

"Hoot, hoot," it went. It was an owl.

As the owl entered the building, Felicie closed the door behind her. Though Theodore could not see her, she was approaching the first girl with an alluring smile.

"I have someone I want you to meet," said Felicie as the owl landed on a shelf behind the girl.

Then, a crushing sound was heard by Theodore, followed by a scream that was muffled almost as soon as it came out.

Theodore dared not move. Sitting there in the dark, he listened to the horrible crunching noises as the room was filled with a heavy scent of metal.

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End of Chapter 97

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