I own only Cate in the following story. Well, Cate and her friends, at least.

Why is this still happening? Shouldn't there be something to stop it? There are too many people in the world for everyone to be disappearing this quickly. The guardian owls are all disappearing, one by one, though the great snowy owl seems as solid as ever.

I met someone new today...and I'm not sure what to think of her.

Yes, her. A curly, blonde-haired girl with a tongue as sharp as that of...others I know. But, despite that, I find myself liking her. In another time, we could have been sisters – we've both got the same incredibly curly hair, though mine is darker and longer. She refuses to tell me anything other than her name – Minerva.

I think we all know who she is, then. She is not a loved person – not by far. She's still here, yes, so that is evidence that some people out there like her. However...she is afraid. Even someone with a great intellect isn't perfect, and in the end we're all kids, aren't we? No one speaks to her, other than me. She's been termed a Sue, though there is little information out there on her.

She's afraid of what everyone's afraid of. Unlove, hate, apathy. And she's fading away, little by little, day by day. Yesterday she wasn't bright by anyone's standards, but today she's transparent. The owls went transparent before they disappeared, and as I think back, that one set went transparent as well. I don't understand anything, because I thought that they were still cared for. Maybe not...

I wish I knew what to do. Maybe someday I'll stumble into someone who will know what to do. Maybe one of those characters – I know there's about one in ever story, the wise old one – will know what to do. If they're already out there, I might as well take advantage of their wisdom.

I rose to my feet, yawning and stretching, then proceeded to go about preparing for a day of writing and lounging around. I love those days, 'cause there aren't any expectations on me. Minerva was there, sitting on the edge of my bed, waiting. She was still pretty pale and transparent, but getting to know her seems to have helped – there's a bit more color in her cheeks, and her clothes were colored, however dully.

"Do you know of anything I can do to help? I mean, as much as I love all your stories, obsessions come and go, right? What if it ends up being my fault you're gone?" I asked her as I pulled on socks and slippers, then a housecoat.

"I can only ask you do what you can – anything is better than death." she shuddered, and I tossed a blanket at her. She gave me a trembling smile, and wrapped it around herself. "I understand about obsessions, but when you get to know someone, it's different. I guess that's what I'm hoping for – to be friends, not just an obsession, or even an acquaintance."

We walked downstairs together, greeting those we bumped into on the way. My family was out shopping, a sport I only engage in occasionally, so I had the house to myself, for a few hours at least. I took stock of who was still around – the snowy owl was still around, as well as the different owls I had come to know as Soren, Gylfie, Twilight, and Digger. Most of the others were either gone or hanging around outside. They weren't a lost cause, at least, but I was beginning to worry.

The exceptionally beautiful people were gone, but it was no loss to me – I was very much over them. In addition to the owls, there were Ripred, the rat, and Artemis, Holly, and Butler. They were civil enough to Minerva, but I felt the tension between them, and sighed. I wouldn't pry – that wasn't my job, but I wished there were some way I could resolve it. Good old Butler was above it, and was kind to Minerva, but no one does well in an uncomfortable environment.

We convened in the living room to discuss what could be done, but none of them seemed to have many brilliant ideas – Artemis was lost in thought, and I didn't dare disturb him. What Minerva had said earlier came to mind, and I decided that it was the best course of action, at least for now. Maybe I could enlist the help of my friends, the ones I trusted the most, at least. Niki, certainly, and possibly Jamie and Mari. When one is a bookworm, one tends to make bookworm friends, so I was lucky in that, at least.

When most of the people and animals had wandered off, I gave up on discussion and brought out my laptop, settling into a chair and swinging my legs over the arms. I would write – it didn't matter so much what I wrote, but it helped me get my thoughts in order – at least, it did sometimes. Minerva stayed close by, and I eventually put aside my writing in order to acquaint myself better with her. I learned a lot about her family, and as she talked, I swear I saw her become a little more corporeal, a little more flushed, a little less floaty.

Ripred wandered in a little later, and Minerva excused herself. The rat settled himself on the floor, and watched me.

"So. What's your plan? You have one, right?" he cocked his head at me, then crossed his paws, looking as elegant as a 8-foot rat could.

"I don't know. I want to get to know you all better – and I have some friends that might help...but beyond that? I have no idea. Do you have any suggestions?"

He yawned unabashedly, then said, "You could ask Jeremy Thatcher. He knows a bit about getting mythological creatures where they're supposed to go – and Ms. Priest and Mr. Elives may have some good advice. Just go walking somewhere you've never been – you'll find the magic shop in no time."

"Great. Thanks. Only...will you come, too? I...well, I get lost pretty easily. We moved not too long ago, and I don't drive, so there was no reason to learn the roads, so I have no idea..." I shuffled my feet, embarrassed in spite of myself.

"Hmm...I suppose so. But the fact that you don't know where you're going helps. We'll find it all that much faster. Come on..." he started to amble away, but I stopped him.

"I may be partially insane, but there is no way I'm going walking in my pajamas, as comfortable as they are. Give me five minutes, and I'll be ready." I raced upstairs, hearing his muttered complaint.

"Women..."

It's been a long time since I worked on this story - a shame, because I love the idea. Ah well. I'm trying to remember/figure out where I was going with this, so bear with me while I write.

I'm bringing in some Bruce Coville! Yayness. I love his Magic Shop series...good stuff.

I honestly never take that much time dressing - it's overrated, I think. Sure, I like to look nice, but...it doesn't have to take that long. Maybe I just care too little. Ah well. Until the next chapter!

~SLS