Chapter 1: Earth Realm
I had been in the Earth Realm for almost a month. My quest thus far has not been fruitful. While my successes in capturing the escaped beings has been practically nonexistent, attacks across Seattle were becoming more evident. People were on high alert.
I maintained communication with Amira often using the looking glass provided to each warrior on their missions. It allowed us to communicate regardless the realm one resided. Callan and Cynane were also unsuccessful on the eastern terrain of the Earth Realm. Despite our shortcomings, we were determined locate these being and reestablish the peace.
I discovered shortly after arriving in this realm the need to blend with the humans. While comfortable wearing my warrior's uniform, I stood out very much. The looks of passersby everywhere I went became all too frequent. I had been asked on many occasions who I was dressing as for something called 'Comic Con." I've yet to discover what that is. Nonetheless, blending in became priority. In truth, the Earth realm was the one realm I had never been. I studied their mannerisms, their language, their relationships, common fashion trends. I soon realized perhaps residing in a Motel was not the norm. Finding a more permanent shelter was something I was soon to explore.
I had seen an advertisement seeking a female roommate in downtown Seattle. My research indicated this location was central to where most attacks, missing persons or unexplained phenomenon were occurring. I sensed much success on the horizon should I be able to procure a room at the advertised address.
I had spoken to a woman, an Alice Cullen, whose number was indicated on the advertisement about the room available for rent. I learned the third bedroom in their condo recently became available after her third roommate moved in with her new fiancé. I was unfamiliar with the term at the time but soon learned this form of relationship which existed between these humans.
The dynamic of the variations of relationships in this realm was much different to that which I had become accustomed to in Aezarant. Warriors were not all female. Warriors of the opposite sex did exist. But relationships were determined by the fates. Relations did not exist unless you were matched. I have yet to be assigned a match in the centuries I have lived in Aezarant. I stopped dwelling and accepted that perhaps for me a life of solitude is what was destined. But here, on the Earth Realm, it did seem as though mated matches determined the level of intimacy which existed between two consenting individuals.
In any case, Alice shared some photos of the condo with me prior to arranging a final look before decisions were made. For me, it did not matter what the location looked like. I would continue to seek shelter in the Motel if it did not appear suspect to those I encountered in my time here.
It was what led me here, standing in front of a door with the number '607.' I knocked, waiting for Alice to answer.
I was surprised when it was not Alice but a rather tall and muscular man stood towering over me looking rather amused. He would be befitting a warrior had he not been human.
"Edward's not here right now," the male started. "I can tell him you stopped by."
"I do not know Edward," I started, taken back. "You don't sound like Alice…" Understanding morphed in his features.
"Ah, you're looking for '605'," he told me. "It's right across the hall and over one." I looked in the direction he pointed.
"Of course," I said. "My mistake. Thank you."
"The pleasure is all mine, believe me." He smiled. Dimples appeared on either side of his cheeks. "I'm Emmett, by the way."
"Isabella, over here!" A high-pitched voice called from across the hall. I turned to see a short haired pixie like woman smiling in my direction. Interesting. Such an uncanny resemblance to the fae but the distinction of her being human was unquestionable.
"Emmett." I nodded and turned to meet Alice at the correct condo.
"See you around, Isabella!" He called to me.
"Don't scare her off Emmett!" Alice scolded.
"Wouldn't dream of it," he laughed. "Tell Rosie I'll be by later."
"Tell her yourself!" She rolled her eyes and stepped aside to let me in. "Sorry about Emmett! He's the biggest flirt but completely harmless."
"He seemed fine," I assured her.
"Rose apologizes for not being her to officially meet you. She was called in on an emergency for a client." Alice apologized.
"I hope everything is alright," I expressed. I had determined showing sympathy and remorse with humans was a good sign.
"It should be," Alice smiled. "She's pretty good at straightening things out. She has a no bullshit tolerance."
"I see," I replied.
"Anyway, this is the place. As you see we have plenty of room to spread out around here." She started taking me around to show me the space. "My room is there, right next to Rose's. The third bedroom is down that hall. It does have its own en suite."
"En suite?" I asked.
"Bathroom adjourning to the bedroom…you've never heard of an en suite?" Alice asked, surprised.
"I'm unfamiliar with that term," I replied truthfully. "I will be sure to remember."
"Right…well in any case, we're gone most of the day. Rose at her shop and me at the studio. Sometimes Emmett will make an appearance when he's trying to get in Rose's pants. And Edward tries to hide out here from his nightly conquests early in the morning."
This Edward—it being the second time his name was mentioned in my presence—appeared to be the type of human being all too friendly with others.
"He hides from his conquests?" I asked.
"Sometimes, yes," Alice sighed. "He thinks some get too clingy. You'd think he would just settle down and find someone to commit himself to. I'm not sure what he's so afraid. It's not so bad. My Jasper and I have been together over two years now."
"You and this Jasper are matched?" I asked.
"Matched?" She asked, confusion marring her features.
"Fated to be together? Soulmates?" I clarified.
"I feel that way, yes," She smiled.
"Well, good then." I stated. Finally, something made sense in this odd realm.
"Do you have someone you are….matched with?" She asked, showing genuine interest in what I had to say.
"No," I smiled. "I have not yet been matched."
"How about someone you spend your time with? Any suitors who may be knocking on the door?" Alice asked. "We don't care if you do…lord knows Rose and Emmett had their share of night caps."
"Are they matched?" I asked. She gave me an odd look.
"I'm sure Emmett wishes they were." She laughed. "Rose likes to keep him on his toes. I'm sure one of these days she'll come around."
"I see," I thought about this. "It's interesting to learn more of these dynamics."
"They're not too complex," Alice smiled. "But what do you think? Of the room, the place?" I took in the room we had walked into. It had high ceilings and was of a moderate size. My dwellings in Aezarant were much smaller. To sleep it did not matter the size of the chamber. Though in this realm it did seem to hold some importance I'd found.
"It's quite nice," I smiled. "I am interested if you have not yet made alternative arrangements."
"Of course not," Alice smiled. "I made arrangements with you today. I had a feeling this would go swimmingly. Let me take out the paperwork. We had our landlord draw up some updated forms in the event you'd say yes." She led me back out to the common area and handed me the paperwork which had been laid out on the counter of the kitchen.
"My name is already printed on these," I noticed. I looked at her questioningly.
"Like I said," she smiled. "I had a feeling." Her feeling did not get lost on me. I'd made a mental note to keep a closer eye on Alice and what she may or not be capable of. As I was reading through someone stormed into the condo in a quite the rush.
"Rose, you're back!" Alice exclaimed. "Perfect! Isabella meet Rose. Rose, this is Isabella." We shook hands as we exchanged pleasantries.
Rose was quite beautiful. Much like Alice with his pixie like appearance, Rose possessed unique fae type qualities. She carried an elegance around her that was quite impressive. Reminded me slightly of wood nymphs. Beautiful creatures.
"I never made it to the shop," Rose expressed. She appeared quite frustrated.
"The shop?" I asked.
"Yes, I own a shop that restores antique and vintage cars." She answered. "I never made it because major roads are blocked off. There was a terrible accident. I'm sure it'll be all over the news."
"Another accident?" Alice asked.
"I don't know much," Rose started. "People around the scene were whispering something about missing children. They were seen with the elderly couple who were in the accident."
My attention was immediately peaked.
"Where was this?" I asked.
"About three blocks North of here," Rose told me and she shrugged out of her jacket. "It may be blocked for some time. So if you needed to head that way, I'd think of an alternative route."
I nodded, acknowledging her advice. I looked down at the paperwork Alice had handed me before Rose came back. I didn't read it. I knew it was advised to but I had no time to play the role of the diligent human. I signed the papers. I slid the envelope which contained the predetermined amount for rent.
"Oh perfect!" Alice smiled. "Welcome, roomie! Rooms ready for you as soon as you're ready to move in."
"I'll bring my things tonight," I told them. "I need to take care of a few things for work but I should be back in the evening. If that's ok."
"Of course," Alice said. She slid a key in my direction. "You'll need a key of your own."
"What do you do for work?" Rose asked, grabbing a beverage from the refrigerator. "Would you like a beer?"
"No, thank you," I smiled. "I'm a collector of sorts."
"Oh? Like what?" Rose asked, genuinely interested. "Cars?"
"No," I answered. "I track down different items that are lost. Like antiques."
"So what are you currently searching for?" Alice asked.
"Not sure yet," I replied. "That's what makes it special. I'll know when I find it."
"I have no doubt you will," Alice smirked.
"I'll see you two later?" I asked. They nodded.
"We'll do dinner…celebrate!" Alice smiled.
"Celebrate?"
"Well of course," Rose smiled. "We're roommates now. It's your first night. It's something to celebrate. Maybe we'll invite the guys over."
"Does 'guys' mean Emmett will be here?" I asked. Rose's smile faded.
"You've met Emmett?" Rose noted.
"I mistook his condo for this one. He answered the door," I told her. "He said to tell you he would be by later. Thought you'd like to know." She seemed hesitant.
"Relax Rose," Alice laughed. "She's not into Emmett."
"Oh," I exclaimed. She thought I was a potential competitor. "I must second Alice's notion. I hold no romantic feelings or otherwise towards your prospective match."
"Match?" Rose asked, confused. Of course I confused them. Humans would not understand. But it felt wrong to refer to such pairings as anything other than what they were.
"Don't ask," Alice laughed.
"Either way, rest assured." I repeated, ensuring my intentions were clear. "Forgive me but I must be going if we're to celebrate tonight." I grabbed my bag.
"See you later Isabella!" Alice called.
Three blocks north. That is what Rosalie had said when she returned. What I needed was eyes on the scene from above ground. I thought a moment. I could not take flight. Not in this realm. Not in this busy city. Especially not with so many witnesses within the area. I could, however, access the scene from the rooftop. These buildings were high enough for me to remain undetected and get close enough to see and hear what I needed to confirm my suspicions. I headed towards to the stairwell, bumping into someone on my way.
"Where's the fire, gorgeous?" a man called. I paid him no mind. Time was of the essence and I had a mission to complete. I took the stairs two at a time until I finally reached the roof. Looking around, I set my sight North and took off.
If my suspicions were on point, the black eye beings were behind these particular attacks and I was finally close enough to pinpointing their hunting grounds.
It was only a matter of time now.