Just as you may have read last chapter, the music had a soothing effect on those that hear it. However, I didn't exactly go into that much detail at the time, since it was 2 AM at the time that I had finished that chapter, and I was very tired. This is a good opportunity to make up for that error.

The music had echoed all around the snow tower and affected everyone within. It had sounded like it had come from a very soft piano, and it was actually gentle enough to calm angered individuals. In fact, there was another tourist arguing with Roger in the background, no doubt about how he was addressed. However, when the music started, the anger subsided almost immediately! The earlier stress that Professor Layton endured had also melted away. For the brief moment that the music played, it was as if every moment of agony and bitterness that one would endure just didn't matter anymore. The professor and his companions couldn't help but close their eyes and listen with pleasure until the beautiful music had stopped playing about five minutes later.

When it had ended, everyone was in an almost euphoric state. Especially Flora, who was nearly about to shed tender tears, "That was the most beautiful melody that I've ever heard! Professor, is this why you go to opera houses?"

"Ha ha, well Flora, that is true under normal circumstances. There was, however, a mystery that began at an opera house at one point. Although, operas normally have vocal music and would also come from a large orchestra, but what we have heard sounded like it was done solo and on a piano."

"Professor, could I go see the opera someday?"

"That would be a truly memorable experience for a young lady. Of course, you may!"

Flora let out a cheerful smile, squinting her enormous eyes, which caused the professor to chuckle. It was time to leave this tower and examine the well that Mrs. Grant had mentioned. Just as the professor and his companions were leaving through the door, they heard a deep guttural voice come from outside the door, "What do you mean, you don't allow animals? I don't see that rule anywhere on your precious entry fee sign!"

The employee sounded confused, "Uh, I know that. But the only ones allowed through are people, and you're not a person, you're an animal."

"And that's supposed to mean something? Do I act like an animal? Do I crawl like an animal? And, by the way, why can't animals be people too!"

"Well, uh... I'm not sure, but the rules clearly say 'No pets allowed'.

"I'm not a pet! I'm just like every other human here! I get dressed, I buy food, I pay bills... In fact, I'm even able to pay the admission here. Legally, I'm... an... ADULT! Or is my money not good enough for you, blue boy?!"

"Please don't make a scene. I'm just trying to do my job."

"And your job is to refuse service to anybody that doesn't have flesh and a hairdo like you, isn't it?! Fine then, bigot! If you weren't some so called 'civilized citizen', I'd rip your head off!"

The professor and his companions had just saw the cause of the commotion. The person trying to gain access to the snow tower looked like a panda bear. He (well, at least the professor believed it was a 'he') was about four feet tall, wore clothing that looked like lizard scales, and walked upright like a human being. Also, judging from the conversation they overheard, he could speak as well. This panda walked in what had looked like a narrow alley, and the professor and his companions followed.

The professor was, of course, curious about this talking animal, "Is something the matter, sir?"

The panda looked up at the professor and rose an eyebrow, "Yea, what do you want?"

"Ah, so you can speak..."

The panda gave a sarcastic tone, "Ah, so you're observant!"

Luke was immediately insulted at the way this panda spoke to the professor, "Hey! Don't be so rude to the professah! He's just trying to help!"

Professor Layton interrupted, "Now, Luke... I don't believe it's his intention to cause trouble. He's simply frustrated at the people in this city treating him differently. May we be of assistance?"

"Huh? You're not gonna scream 'Rabies!' at me, or call some freaking government agent to capture me?"

The professor started to gain sympathy for this panda, "I assure you that it is not our intention to harm you."

The panda seemed visibly shocked, "Well, that's a relief... Every day, I'm getting screwed over just cause I ain't made of flesh. Anyway, it's nice to know there are some worthwhile people, for once."

"You seem like you're in a difficult situation. Would you like to tell us what is bothering you?"

"Well, as you mighta saw from outside that tower, that freaking 'blue boy' won't let me in. I mean, I'm old enough, and I got money. You'd think it'd be America of all places where everyone's treated the same. 'Land of the Free', huh? Ppffhh!"

"I'm sorry to hear that... My companions and I are investigating a mystery involving this tower. We may have to return here at some point. If you would like, would you care to join us?"

"Wow... Usually, I gotta prove I'm like everyone else for hours before you people even start talking to me. But how are you gonna get me in that tower anyway?"

Flora now spoke to this panda, "Well, I came to this country in a suitcase. It was a tight fit, but maybe we could squeeze you in?"

"A... suitcase? Sigh... fine... It'll have to do..."

The professor gave an approving tip of his hat, and the panda joined the professor and his companions. The panda spoke to the professor, "Hey, top ha... er, professor. Is that right?"

"'Professor' is acceptable to me."

"Yea, well anyway... Are these your kids?"

"To an extent, Luke and Flora are under my care. Luke is actually an assistant of mine, and my apprentice. He wishes to learn the ways of a 'true gentleman'."

The panda looked at the professor, "You're gotta teach a kid to be polite? Did he come from 'juvey' or something?"

Luke was extremely offended, "I did not come from a juvenile center!" He then made a hand gesture, pointing upward, "I'm Professor Layton's assistant, number one! "

The panda rolled his eyes, "Uh-huh..." Then, he turned to Flora, "And you, uhh, Flora, was it?"

"That's right! Professor Layton adopted me as his daughter. Nice to meet you!"

The panda shook Flora's hand, "Likewise!" After that, the panda had just realized something, "Wait a second... Professor?"

"Yes."

"You put your daughter... in a suitcase?! What's wrong with you, old man!?"

"Oh my... I assure you that I would never willingly put Flora in such an uncomfortable position."

"Willingly... So what, you were high or something?"

"What do you mean by 'high', Mr. Panda."

Luke interrupted this time, "Professah! He means 'intoxicated', like with alcohol or illegal drugs."

The professor was then horrified, "Good heavens, no! Flora joined us out of her own will. I had tried to warn her of any possible dangers here, but she had shut herself in my suitcase without my knowledge until it was too late."

The panda seemed somewhat relieved, "Oh..."

The professor was caught up in this topic, he had almost forgotten an important lesson as a gentleman until now, "By the way, I had almost forgotten to ask you your name."

"Huh? Oh, I'm Travis."

"Last name?"

"Just Travis."

"Very well, Travis. If I'm not delving to far, Travis, why is it you wish to enter the snow tower?"

"I'm trying to find something called a 'White Atlamillia'."

"White Atlamillia? I don't believe I've ever heard of such a thing."

"Yea, well anyway... There are these stones called 'Atlamillia' that are supposed to be around places of otherworldly power. Y'know, places with ghosts or demons or... something."

Luke seemed to understand first, "Ah, I've got it! You believe that this snow is caused by supernatural power!"

"Yea, that's it."

Flora interrupted for once, "But if there's a place full or ghosts or demons, why would you want to go there? It sounds dangerous!"

"No problem there! I've already killed a few ghosts and demons. They're not as tough as you humans make 'em out to be."

"K-killed them? But... how?"

"It's how I make my living. I'm what you'd call a 'Supernatural Hunter'."

Well, I've introduced the first major original character here. Next chapter should cover a bit more about Travis, and maybe that well that was mentioned earlier. As always, feel free to post a review.