STF Carynthos Facility, Sublevel
Kite and Chu-Chu followed Harry down a narrow staircase. The hiss of steam and the clank of old pipes echoed faintly from below. At the bottom stood a large iron door, sealed with a turning wheel and rusted bolts.
"What's downstairs?" Kite asked, curiosity lighting his eyes.
Harry's tone turned firm. "You don't need to concern yourself with that. Just know—it's a restricted area."
"…Alright," Kite replied, unsatisfied but respectful. The seriousness in Harry's voice made it clear: no further questions.
They moved through a labyrinth of dimly lit halls. Candle sconces flickered against the walls, revealing locked wooden cabinets and glass display cases. Inside were curious artifacts: jagged minerals that shimmered faintly, tools with unknown purposes, and parchments covered in indecipherable symbols.
At a long desk stood a blonde woman in a fitted waistcoat and gloves. Her posture was sharp, her attention fixed on notes scratched into her ledger with a fountain pen. Across from her, a young girl—no more than seven—sat on a stool, visibly bored, her feet kicking at the air.
Harry and Kite paused, unsure whether to interrupt.
The girl noticed them first and dashed over, grinning widely to reveal a missing tooth.
"Mr. Mather! Are you here to play again? Who's the stranger?"
Harry chuckled. "Not this time, Harley. We have a guest."
Kite crouched down to her level with a gentle smile. "My name's Kite Lighthart. And this little guy is my friend, Chu-Chu."
Chu-Chu climbed onto Harley's shoulder, prompting a delighted giggle. "Hey! He tickles! My name's Harley!"
From across the room, the blonde woman looked up and noticed them. She approached quickly, a grin matching her daughter's.
"Oh, you must be the new specialist! I'm Audrey Holland—mad scientist, resident genius, and proud mother of this little gremlin."
Kite offered a polite nod. "Nice to meet you. As you said, I'm Kite Lighthart, the replacement specialist."
"She's always like this," Harry said with a wry smile. "You'll get used to her."
Checking his pocket watch, he added, "It's getting late. I should show you to your dorm. A maid will bring your dinner."
Kite nodded, but Audrey frowned.
"What?! This kid's going to be living alone? Absolutely not! Kids his age need proper supervision. He should come stay with us! Right, Harley?"
"Yeah!" Harley echoed.
Harry sighed. "When you say 'responsible guardian,' you mean yourself?"
"Oh… haha," Audrey laughed sheepishly. "Okay, fair. But still! I'm taking him in even if I have to kidnap him."
"Fine, fine… You win."
"Victory!" both Audrey and Harley cheered.
Kite chuckled softly, then glanced at the night sky through a nearby window. Stars blinked above the silhouette of Carynthos.
Maybe… I've found a place for myself. Fate is cruel—but sometimes, it's kind. It gives you hope, only to follow with despair. But sometimes, just sometimes… it gives you shelter first.