Chapter 4.

As Alister walks to the local police office he comes across Haven academy. He sees that it is currently under repairs, with all the machines and people working in the construction site. He cannot get a good look inside. "Something big must have happened. I heard the headmaster was murdered. Some soldiers were talking about it back home I happened to overhear them while out buying cat food. If there is anyone who can take out a headmaster, they must be powerful. Come to think of it the headmaster for Beacon was killed during the fall of Beacon too" Alister thought to himself as he continues walking.

Alister shrugged as he continues walking and eventually, he finds the local police office and he walks inside. He explains what happened at the bar and shows the officers his huntsman license, gives a statement and waves as he leaves the office. "So now that, that's out of the way. I should go to the hotel that Maggie pointed out. Hopefully, I'll get more information and if I'm lucky a timeframe between Dimitri getting kicked out and him going missing, mostly likely near the Academy" Alister said to himself as he walks back past the Haven academy construction site. Alister's curiosity about what happened was getting to him, but he walked on knowing that his job was his top priority.

He finds the hotel that Maggie pointed out. Alister was standing in a Zen garden with many colourful plants, small bridges that go over lakes with all kinds of fish that glide through the clear water. Alister sees a couple feeding the fish, a family walking through the garden while enjoying the scenery. Alister was amazed as he looks around then he looks at the hotel itself "Holy shit this place is fancy, it looks like a huge temple. The same design style as every other building here but like way prettier" Alister said out loud. Alister shakes his head "No, dumbass you can go sightseeing later. The job is more important" He said as he walks inside the temple and finds a receptionist working at their desk. Alister walks up to the receptionist with his hands in his pockets.

The receptionist looks up at Alister "Welcome to The Grand Temple Hotel, how can I help you sir?" The receptionist asked with a kind but nervous tone as they looked just as nervous while looking at Alister's mask. Alister showed them his huntsman's license then he took his scroll out from his pocket then he brings up the picture of Dimitri. "I'm looking for this guy, I heard that he came to stay here. He's gone missing and I've been hired to find him" Alister replied with a calm tone of voice. The receptionist looks at the photo "What was his name, sir?" they asked as they looked at Alister, surprised that he was not some lunatic. "Dimitri also went by the name "The Bloodhound". He too is a huntsman and I want to find him as soon as possible. So, did he stay here?" He asked while looking around at the reception area. It was just as breathtaking with many pieces of art, statues of dragons and a memorial for Haven Academy's headmaster.

Other features that stood out were the pristine white tile floors, the fancy chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The receptionist was typing on their computer to find Dimitri on their records "Sir? Dimitri stayed here for a week. Can I see that picture again?" Alister nods and shows them the photo of Dimitri. The receptionist stares at the photo "Yes I remember him now, on the last day he looked rather nervous. He kept looking over his shoulder, as soon as I was done signing him out, he said "She is everywhere, everywhere I go I can see her" then he left". Alister folds his arms as he turns around and leans on the desk "He was being stalked? Did he say anything else, like where was he going?" he asked but the receptionist shakes their head. "Right, well thank you for helping me out" Alister said as he walks out of the hotel. Alister puts his hands in his pockets and walks back out into the streets of Haven. "He was being stalked and was taken during the day?��� Alister looks around and sees how busy the streets were with all kinds of stores being open. "And it was near Haven, how can someone just disappear like that? Maybe someone witnessed the kidnapping" he thought but his train of thought was quickly interrupted by his scroll ringing "Hm?" He takes out his scroll and sees that it is Wrench calling him. Alister Answers the call "Hey Wrench, what's up?" he asked, he was surprised but happy that she called. "Nothing just thought I'd call and see if you got there safely" she replied.

While Alister was on his scroll, someone was watching him from an alley way "Oh my, he's just as interesting looking as mistress said. He'll be fun, just like that other one" The mysterious figure giggled as they continue watching Alister. Alister was none the wiser as he hung up and walks to a food stall that was selling different kinds of street food. Alister was getting hungry, it was a while since he last ate. Alister looked at the menu while the owner looks at Alister with a smile "Find anything interesting?" She asked the owner had a bright smile, some adorable freckles on her face, long white hair and she matched Alister's height. Alister looks at her and chuckled "Not going to lie to you, everything on here sounds rather good. But I think I will just have a burger with some fries" he replied. The owner smiles happily as Alister paid her "I'll get right on it. Oh I'm Noki by the way. Say did you go to the bar where Maggie works earlier?" She asked as she put a rather big meat patty on the grill

Alister nods "Yeah I'm Alister, why do you ask?", Noki she looks at his mask with a curious look "well she said that someone with a strange mask came in and asked about that jerk that harassed her. She has always idolized huntsmen and huntresses ever since she was little. I hope this isn't rude but why do you wear a mask?" Noki asked as she was cutting up some onions. Alister looks down for a moment then he looks back at Noki "I'm just too shy to show my face around other people. You would think people would be freaked out by a guy wearing a mask. But nope, my guess is they just think it is a part of my gear" Alister replied.

Noki finished making the burger and fries for Alister and puts it on a plate she hands the plate to Alister, Alister took the plate then he detaches the bottom on his mask and begins eating. Noki notices his teeth but she does not say anything as Alister ate her food with a smile. Noki takes great pride in her work as a food vendor the simple act of eating her food with a smile fills her with joy. So much joy that she cannot help but smile and hum a happy tune while gently tapping her feet. She knows that Alister is a faunas and but her smile quickly disappears when she sees the branding on his cheek. She clenches his fist behind her back. As Alister hands her plate back, she smiles at him while he puts the bottom of his mask back on "Thanks and tell Maggie I said hi" he waves as he leaves and goes back on the lookout for Dimitri. "Alister be careful. There have lots of people disappearing recently. Some huntsmen and random townsfolk have gone missing" Noki yells out to Alister. Alister waves as he puts his hand in his pocket "Don't worry about me, once I've finished my job I'll come back and have another burger" he yells back as he disappeared into a crowd of people.