Next morning I woke up with a hangover, after drinking with Noiry. My head was spinning, it felt like a swarm of bees was buzzing inside. I forced myself to sit up and closed my eyes for a few minutes, massaging my temples. Gonna remind myself to go easy on alcohol next time. But for the time being, I need to get some information, otherwise I'll simply go crazy. I felt like Emma would know something, but at the same time it didn't seem like the brightest idea to ask her. I have to search for another sources of information.

First of all, I wanted to know, where Zach and Jim are, I haven't seen them for a while and it was making me worried. Sio said, that she had no idea, who they are, even though she is one of the medics in this place. Perhaps the rest of the medical personnel might know something. Anything.

I went straight to a doctor's office, hoping, that they're not too busy. Distracting them from the important matters was the last thing I wanted. I knocked on the door, covered with thin layer of old white paint. One of the medics opened it for me and I recognized the face from yesterday - it was the same lady, who took care of me, after I have returned from the expedition. She had dark, long hair and bright blue eyes.

- Joker! Welcome back! How are you feeling today? - She asked with welcoming smile on her face.

- I'm fine, thanks.

- That's good to hear. So, what are you here for, my dear?

- I need to ask you a few questions, if that's alright. - I locked my hands together, a feeling of nervousness suddenly washing over me.

- Come on in then.

I stepped inside a spacious office and nestled down on a wooden chair. She softly closed the door and took a seat behind her desk.

- I'm listening. - She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

- Do you know what happened with Zach and Jim, by any chance? - Our eyes met, a soft smile slowly left her lips. - We came here together a few days ago. Zach was in pretty bad shape.

- Why is that?

- They got attacked by monsters. I helped them, but Zach took some serious beating.

- I see... - Medic looked away, tapping her finger on a table. - I'm really sorry, but I don't know them.

I stared at her in confusion, my fists clenching on their own. How is this possible - two doctors and they know nothing? The disappointment grew with each passing second and I was about to give up, but I collected myself at the last moment and murmured another question.

- Maybe you know someone, who took care of them? Please... - I didn't recognize my own voice. Shaky, laced with hope.

- I'm sorry, Joker. - I could see, that she is getting uncomfortable. - Listen to me now... - her voice became serious. - You should think more about yourself and your health. Leave this topic behind and don't come back to it.

- But why? - I asked, feeling even more confused, than before.

- Trust me... - With sharp inhale she stood up. - You should leave now.

An awkward silence was pressing on me like a heavy weight, an intense stare of blue eyes adding to it. Any further questions would get ignored, so I bid my farewell and left the office. Something was off, really... really off. She chose to tell me nothing. Why?

With a head full of different thoughts, I slowly made my way to the place, that Zadie has shown me before. I needed some peace and quiet, to think, what to do next. I sat down on the stairs, it was pleasantly warm from the sun. I took off a chain with the ring on it from my neck and squeezed it in my hand, bringing the fist closer to my lips.

- I wish you were here, El... - I whispered to myself.

The sound of footsteps immediately made me glance over my shoulder. At the top of the stairs was Thea. She noticed me and waved, descending.

- There you are.

- Were you looking for me?

- I need your help with getting supplies from the Desert Town. And it's an order from Emma.

- Desert Town? Sounds like a far away place.

- It is. - She nodded. - But don't you worry, we have motorcycles, they will shorten our journey significantly.

- Motorcycles? I... I'm not a good driver, I'm afraid. - I laughed nervously. Thea smirked and placed her palm on my shoulder.

- That's okay. I will drive and you can sit behind me.

- Sounds good. When do we leave?

- Today in an hour, so go get yourself ready. - She went down and stopped on the last step. - And thank you... for helping Aven to get back home.

- Aven? You know the guy?

- Yes, he is my friend and I was afraid, that I will never see him again.

- Oh... well, I'm happy I could be of help.

She shot me a smile and I was left alone again. I felt warmth in my chest. It made me happy, knowing, that I've helped someone. Made me feel, that not everything, what I'm doing, is worthless.

I was waiting near the gate, fully equipped, thinking about what can happen, after we will leave this place. I saw Thea, slowly making her way to the gate, then Zadie briskly stopped Thea to give her something. Thea accepted the gift and softly patted her sister on the head, while saying goodbyes. Eventually she came up to me, checking, if I took all the necessary things. Satisfied, she whistled to Noiry to bring her a motorcycle. I wasn't feeling positive about the upcoming journey and I knew for a fact, that Thea did not like me and now we have to go on a mission together. I bit my lip, getting lost in a hurricane of thoughts. I was afraid, that something will go wrong. Thea noticed my wandering gaze and snapped her fingers in front of my nose. I shook my head and sat behind her on a motorcycle.

- Are you ready? - She asked.

- I guess so... - I felt nervous, never was a fan of riding motorcycles. They always made me sick.

- You better hold on tight, unless you want to get your ass on the ground as soon as we start moving. - She said with a cheeky smile.

I didn't need to be told twice, so I did what she said and securely wrapped my arms around her waist.

We drove for about two hours and as if that wasn't enough, it started raining. I struggled to see anything because of the rain, at least Thea had a pair of glasses on. I greatly missed my goggles at times like these. We both were getting cold and wet, but she didn't wanted to stop, because we were still far from our destination. I had no idea where we were, the only things I see are trees and stones. Thea seemed to know her way around here so well. Impressive.

- Something is wrong with the bike! - She said suddenly.

- Huh? What's wrong?

- Something with the engine. We will have to stop for a moment.

I felt a bit happy hearing this, not gonna lie. Finally I can open my eyes.

- We are near the old Botanic Garden, so we can stop there.

When we got there, I gasped. It was a big building with lots of tall, beautiful windows, some of them having stained glass. We found a place under the little roof, perfect for the bike. Meanwhile the rain got stronger and the air even more colder. I rubbed my hands together, shivering from the cold. Wet clothes stuck to my skin, sucking out the warmth. What would I give for a cup of hot drink and spare clothes right now. Thea stayed strong and didn't show any signs of discomfort. She kneeled down next to the bike and started tinkering with the engine. All I could do was to just stand next to her and watch. Thea glanced at me with pity.

- Are you cold? - She asked.

- Um... Yes, but I will be fine. - I lied. I wasn't fine, I felt like I'm going to turn into a cube of ice any moment.

- Come on... your whole body is shaking like a leaf. You should go inside.

- I don't... - I stopped myself. - Alright. But what about you?

- I will see what's wrong with this and then I will join you.

She returned to the bike and I went inside the Botanic Garden. The place looked even more amazing inside, despite it being old and mostly damaged, rain droplets falling down on the glass floor. Plants have occupied most of the space. I stepped carefully, trying not to slip and looking for a place to sit. Luckily I noticed a little bench, surrounded by overgrown fern. I sat down and started squeezing water out of my clothes.

A few minutes later Thea joined me on the bench.

- Did you managed to fix the bike? - I asked.

- I think so.. yes.

- So... we can go now? - I wasn't happy to ask this question.

- Let's stay here for some time... at least till it stops raining.

I was glad and agreed with her, I didn't know for how long I would be able to tolerate such weather.

- Joker, tell me something. - She said to me.

- What is it?

- Why do you want to find your brother so much? - She asked. - Zadie told me, that you are here for him.

- He can be in danger and I don't want anything bad happen to him.

- Wasn't it like fifteen years ago, when you last saw him? He might be already dead.

- I understand, but... I know he is alive. - I paused, frowning. - I have to find him. What you would do, if Zadie was gone?

- I... - She turned her head away from me.

- You would protect your little sister no matter what, and I will do the same for my brother.

- But it's been fifteen years, don't you think it's a bit too late for that?

- It's never too late.

I was stubborn about finding Shaun, I believed that he is alive and when we will reunite, everything will be back to normal.

- Alright! - She got up suddenly. - Let's look around more, perhaps we will find something interesting.

She sounded more optimistic and while grabbing my arm to move me from the bench, she gave me a little smile. She tried to change the mood, I can appreciate that.

We are walking through corridors, room after room and there really wasn't much to see. Thea gestured to go to the top floor of the building. When we arrived there after way too many stairs, my eyes went wide. The room was round, filled with decorated windows, flowers, a couple of old, broken pieces of furniture lying around. From the windows we could see the big forest and the sky, covered with dark clouds.

- The rain won't stop anytime soon... - Thea sighed, crossing her arms. - I guess we are stuck here.

Suddenly, something crashed behind us. With the speed of light we had our weapons ready, pointing in the direction of a sound.

- I think it came from that bookshelf. - She said quietly.

I tightened the grip on my knife and tried to step as quietly as I possibly can.I slowly peeked behind the bookshelf, holding my breath and noticed a dead body on the ground, covered in blood. I called for Thea and quickly scanned the area, making sure, that there are no more guests, then I crouched next to the body.

- What happened to this guy? His body is shredded to pieces. - I said, making a grimace.

- Probably a monster.

I looked up at Thea and my heart dropped. I saw a big, black monster, hanging from the ceiling right behind her. I got up quickly, pushing her away. Thea yelped, clearly confused. The monster jumped down, growling, it's glistening eyes locked on me. A giant hand grabbed me with ease and sent me flying across the room. My back met the wall, an impact knocked the air out of my lungs. I think Thea screamed my name, everything got blurry. I barely got up from the floor and heard Thea's gun, every shot ringing in my ears. The bullets didn't do much damage, just made this creature more angry. The monster snatched her with a roar and did the same thing like with me before, throwing her at the nearby wall. I grabbed my bow and arrow, took aim. Shoot. The arrow didn't do any damage as well. If I would use my powers, then for sure, it would do more, but I didn't wanted Thea to see, that I'm not a "normal human". The monster's body shifted towards me. I braced myself, fingers curling around the handle of my knife. Swing. Creature's arm blocked my attack. It pushed me away, making me to almost loose my balance.

The following moment happened fast or so it seemed to me. It's hand turned into a black spear and with a strong, fast move the monster penetrated my body with it.

The pain was unimaginable, but I couldn't even make a sound, mouth agape in a silent scream. I felt, that I'm loosing a lot of blood, consciousness leaving me. My eyes caught Thea. She threw one of her little grenades and it landed near the legs of the monster. Surprisingly, the blast was huge, blowing away the creature and me out of the window.