Baron looked back at Haru, her form slowly shrinking as they gained more distance away from her.

It was one of their more interesting cases. Certainly a great adventure to write down for their files.

A human girl saved a cat's life and in thanks the entire kingdom goes out of their way to give her gifts to show their gratitude, even going as far as to propose marriage to her.

But Haru? She didn't do it for the gifts or for the chance to enter the royal family. She did it because it felt like the right thing to do.

He couldn't help but admire her for that. She really does speak from the heart.

''Think we'll ever see her again, Baron?'' Toto called above the wind.

''I hope not. Chicky got herself in enough trouble.'' Muta grumbled.

''You're the one whose going to be in trouble if you don't keep your mouth shut.''

''Go fry yourself ya big chicken!''

And another lengthy argument ensued afterward.

But then the air seemed to grow still. The wind, although still there, was quiet. Time slowed into an almost echoing halt.

A flash of vivid purple and an echoed crack suddenly rose above them from the sky, restoring time as it reverted back into its normal pace quickly. A loud scream erupted and something hurled into him and upon impact, he was torn off of Toto's feathered back.

Now falling with whatever had hit him off of Toto, one hand grasped his hat and the other around the waist of the girl.

Girl?

''BARON! HANG ON!'' yelled Toto. He dove underneath them, and then opened his wingspan allowing Baron and the figure to reposition themselves onto his back.

The girl was clinging to the lapels of his coat, her head buried into his chest.

''Toto, bring us back to the Sanctuary as easily as you can. She's not well.''

''She?''

''Yes. She's unconscious, but she seems to be alright.''

''Roger that, Baron.''

He glanced down at the girl. She had her red-aurburn hair braided into a bun and her slightly swept bangs were clipped to one side with a little bow-barret. She appeared to be about Haru's age, maybe even a little younger.

She looked delicate, with her somewhat pale complexion and soft demeanor. Of course she was unconscious, so that might be only be the case so far as to what her personality might be.

But something about her seemed familiar.

''...Where did you come from?''

Toto landed on the grounds of the Sanctuary and soon the young girl was resting on the sofa, a blanket draped over her petite form. The lights were dimmed for the obvious headache she was bound to have when she woke.

''How is it that the kid is so small anyway? Ain't she supposed to be human sized?''

He never thought about that. The fact that she appeared to be human in everything but hight seemed to have escaped his thought.

''Maybe she has magic of her own, right Baron?''

''Perhaps. But where did she come from? We were miles up in the air, and she appeared seemingly out of nowhere.''

''What about that big light? And that weird noise?''

''You're skills of deduction never seese to amaze me, lard ball.''

''Watch it, you birdbrain!''

''Honestly you two!'' Baron chastised. ''Go and take your quirrel elsewhere!''

While Muta and Toto were busy outside, Baron began to make a fresh batch of tea.

He poured himself a cup from the newer liquid and nearly spit it out from the horrible taste. Glancing down confusedly, he dumped the bad tea down the drain.

He started again...

And again...

And again...

By the seventh batch he finally got it right and by now, many hours had passed...and she was now starting to awake.

''...Dad? Is that you?'' she groaned, her voice holding a little bit of an english accent.

''There-there now. You've been asleep for nearly 5 hours now. You've got quite the large bump on your head.''

''I-I had this terrible nightmare. I dreamt that I was falling. I dreamt about time travel...''

''Well miss, I can assure you that you are indeed on solid ground. In fact you are in my Bureau.''

''...Bureau?''

''Yes. My name is Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, owner of the Cat Bureau. We help people with their problems. What is your name, Miss?''

''W-why do you keep calling me that?''

''Calling you?''

''Calling me 'miss'.''

''I thought it would be appropriate, seeing as you look to young to be married and I see no ring on your finger. That is, if you don't mind me being so bold. Here, let me turn up the lights.'' Using his magic, the lights came to life bringing a warm glow to the small office.

''You are-you're a- you-''

''Ah, yes. I'm sorry if my appearance frightens you. I swear on my honor that I will do no harm to you Miss...?''

''Shizuku...It's Shizuku...''

''Shizuku? I knew someone by that name a long time ago. She helped bring me to life.''

''Really?''

''Yes. In case you haven't noticed, I have human shaped hands and feet unlike that of a normal cat. In fact, I am a creation made out of wood and paint. You see Miss Shizuku, when someone creates something, with all of their heart, that creation is given a soul.''

''Now Miss Shizuku, I must ask you how you came to be falling through the air with no sign of a plane or such.''

''Oh...um...magic gone wrong, heh. You know how faulty portal spells can be if not translated correctly.''

''Ah...I see. Would you care for some tea? I'm afraid it's a bit different every time, so I can't guarantee the taste.''

He poured her a cup and she smiled after taking the cup from him. Her smile was almost...cat-like...and all so very familiar. And her eyes. They too were familiar! Perhaps he had seen her before or-

''It was, nice to meet you, Baron, but I should be going.''

''Yes, of course. Will you be needing any help getting home?''

''I'll let you know.'' she said cryptically.

''Well, if you ever need our help, please look for my associate, Muta.'' Just then, the large white cat entered the room.

''I heard my name?''

''Ah, here he is now. Muta this is Miss Shizuku-''

''Like the kid from-''

''I don't believe this is the very same Shizuku.''

''Alright.'' He shrugged.

''Miss Shizuku, the doors to the Bureau will always be open to you...be it day..or night."

He could suddenly see him telling Haru that very same phrase while on the roof-top.

''Thank you, Baron. Nice to...meet you, Muta.''

''You to...Uh,''

''Miss Shizuku.''

''Just Shizuku.''

''Whatever, missy.''

She smiled politely, still with the cat-grin, and then left. Muta tilted his head, a sort of puzzled look on his face.

''Think she might be related to Chicky?''

''What makes you say that?'' Baron looked up from washing the tea cups.

''She just reminded me a lot like Chicky, that's all...Although she smells funny.''

''Muta-''

''I know-I know, it's rude to sniff people. But Baron, she smelled kind of like a cat.''

''Are you sure?'' he asked confusedly, his brow furrowed.

''Yeah-well, I don't know. Maybe I'm just getting old.''

''You and I both, Muta.'' Baron chuckled. ''I think I'll get started on Haru's file now. Better sooner rather than later.''

''I'm going to take a cat nap at the crossroads. See ya.''

And the Bureau was back to it's normal, quiet, self and all you could hear was the scratching of Baron's quill and the tick-tock of the grandfather clock as time passed.

Day Two: Time Travel.

There is so much I want to do with this story and I just had to make this a short story instead of a oneshot like I originally planned to. It's not pre-written so I'm afraid you'll have to wait for me to finish the next chapter, sorry about that.

Tomorrow is crossover day...I think.

Thanks for reading and please R&R.

~R.M.R.