AN: Before we start, I'd just like to point out if it wasn't already clear that the characters of Haru, Baron, Toto, Muta, and the humans in Haru's life belong to Studio Ghibli. William and all of the characters in the Dog Kingdom are my OCs. Anyway, on to Chapter 4!

Ch 4: Investigation and Hearing What You Shouldn't

Baron and Toto are flying over a bustling town. Dogs of various breeds and ages are able to be seen below going about their daily (or nightly in this case) lives, a few pointing at the large crow flying above them.

Surrounded by the town is a large stone castle. Unlike the Cat Kingdom's castle (a grand and luxurious looking structure), the Dog Kingdom's castle looks more secure and battle ready.

Toto lands near the front gate, Baron hopping off right after.

"HALT!" screams one of the Dalmatian guards.

"State your business!" requests the other as they both point their spears at Baron.

The well dressed feline Creation removes his top hat. "We've come for an audience with the queen."

Toto has to keep himself from flinching. 'We never asked the king if he even has a queen right now!'

"The queen is not accepting visitors right now!" the first Dalmatian reveals.

'Baron's luck is astounding.'

The tawny Creation places his hat back on his head. "I've already met with the king and heard of the tragedy that has occurred from him. I merely wish to offer my services to the queen in this trying time."

"Why?" asks the second Dalmatian.

"Because losing one's child is a most horrible experience. I wish to keep the queen from losing herself in her grief."

"What would you offer?" asks the first Dalmatian.

"Well, as a start, I could make your queen some tea. I have a rather unique blend that can leave quite the impression."

The second Dalmatian looks to the first. "The queen does like her tea, Riley."

"That she does, Chancey."

They both look up at the nearest tower. "OPEN THE GATE!"

Whoever is up there does something to allow the gate to rise up.

Another guard appears at the opening. "Follow me."

Toto shrinks down and catches up to land on Baron's shoulder as the guard leads the two through the castle.

The castle, of course, is huge for Baron and Toto. It's meant for housing dogs, so the cat Creation has to go at a rather swift pace to keep up with the escort.

After seemingly forever, the guard finally opens a door. "Forgive me for this, My Queen, but you have visitors."

A tired sigh comes from the room. "I told you and everyone else that I just can't handle a visit from anyone right now."

"They insisted and claimed to be able to…assist you."

The same female voice scoffs. "Assist? Who can assist me now? The world has lost all meaning to me!"

Baron decides now is the perfect time to step inside. "Forgive us, Your Highness, but we simply had to meet you."

Sitting at a large table in a giant kitchen is a very elegant Saluki in a dress. Compared to her Siberian Husky husband (a noble and powerful male), the queen's a most graceful and proper lady. However, the aura of despair around her quite understandably lessens both qualities. Still, the Saluki can't help but stare at the sharply dressed feline man standing in her kitchen as well as the crow who's perched on his shoulder. "Who are you?"

"I am Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, Your Highness," the Creation says while removing his top hat. "I lead the Cat Bureau, an organization dedicated to helping those in need. The crow on my shoulder is my most faithful companion Toto."

"A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," the crow gargoyle says with a nod.

The Saluki returns the gesture. "I am Ruby, Queen of the Dog Kingdom. I'm curious as to what purpose has brought you here at this time."

Baron puts his hat back on. "Your husband, the king, has already made me aware of what has occurred. The other three members of the Cat Bureau have joined him on the hunt. Toto and I wished to see you and help in any way we can."

"And how do you propose to do that?"

"To start with, I have a unique blend of tea."

"Alright. Go ahead and make this 'unique' tea."

Using a spell, Baron grows to a size more able to use the kitchen (Toto does as well so he can perch on a chair close to the queen). "I must warn you that, as this is my own blend, I cannot guarantee the taste."

"I shall let you know what I think once I have sampled it." Queen Ruby takes the offered cup once the tea is finished and sips. "This is delicious."

Baron places his top hat on the table and drapes his jacket over the chair he chooses to sit in. "Your Highness, if I may ask, how long have you and the king been married?"

The Saluki finishes her next sip, swallows, and places the cup down on the table. "We've been married two years."

"Did you two know each other before the wedding?" asks Toto. "Or was this a union that was politically motivated?"

Baron glares at the crow. "Toto! That is not an appropriate question!"

"It's quite alright," Ruby assures the feline Creation. "Ronan and I were friends as young pups. Horvath was our friend as well."

Both Baron and Toto latch onto that last sentence. After all, understanding their possible enemy is crucial.

"We met Horvath," Toto informs the queen.

"He did not seem particularly fond of us," says Baron.

Queen Ruby grimaces. "Most dogs are not that fond of cats in general. Horvath has been especially distrustful of outsiders." She suddenly smiles. "Even as a pup, he would hide behind Ronan and I whenever strangers were nearby. Since Horvath was the apprentice of the Kingdom Wizard at the time, Tanner, he couldn't always be around to play with us. It would often only be myself and Ronan. As we grew, Ronan and I fell in love. It hurt Horvath when we revealed our relationship because he'd had such a crush on me."

Baron and Toto glance at each other. 'A possible motive.'

"Once I talked to him though, Horvath was alright with Ronan and I."

'Was he really?'

"He has been such a wonderful friend to Ronan and I. When old Tanner passed away and Horvath was named Wizard in his place, he oversaw my pregnancy. I owe so much to him. I, at one point, took ill and Horvath used every spell and concoction to keep me alive. Unfortunately, three of the pups I had been carrying were lost due to the sickness. Milo was the only survivor."

Baron and Toto glance at each other again. They both suspect Horvath might've been the one to cause the illness and kill the three unborn pups in the womb.

Ruby starts crying. "Why? Why did Milo live through that only to be taken from us by a monster? He was so young. He was just learning to talk! Milo called me Mama two nights ago! He hadn't even called Ronan Dada yet! IT'S NOT FAIR!" The Saluki bawls.

Baron quickly places a hand on the queen's shoulder. 'If Horvath is responsible for all of this, then he is the most vile monster I have ever encountered.'

The door to the kitchen opens and a Yellow Lab steps in. Seeing the scene in front of him now, he stops. "Oh, I'm sorry, My Queen. Should I come back another time?"

Queen Ruby straightens up and wipes away her tears. "Not at all, Benjamin. What is it?"

The Yellow Lab looks embarrassed. I was just…going to make myself a sandwich."

"Go right ahead. Don't stop on my account."

The Yellow Lab named Benjamin passes by and begins making his sandwich.

Both Creations sense magic from the Yellow Lab.

"Who is he?" Toto asks Queen Ruby.

"Benjamin," the Saluki answers. "He is Horvath's apprentice."

The Yellow Lab sits at the table to eat his now completed sandwich. He quickly looks up when he finally notices the magic coming from the two visitors. "Are you Creations?"

"Yes," the crow and feline man answer.

Benjamin stands and leans in to get a closer look at the two. "Amazing. Right in front of me. I've always wanted to do an in depth study of Creations, but Master Horvath has told me it's a waste of time."

"Perhaps once you become the Wizard," Queen Ruby assures the Yellow Lab.

Feeling time is not to be wasted, Baron speaks up. "Your Highness, please forgive me for this strange and possibly insensitive request, but my companion and I wish to see…that room."

Queen Ruby stares at the feline Creation. "You mean…Milo's room?"

"That's right," says Toto. "With your permission, of course." 'If we don't get the queen's permission, we'll just have to sneak through the castle and look for the prince's room.'

The Saluki thinks it over. "If you wish. I must warn the two of you though, you'll find it a horrible sight. I'll never enter that room again. Benjamin, once you finish eating, please escort our guests to that room."

"As you command, My Queen," the Yellow Lab says with a nod. He scarfs down the rest of his sandwich before standing up. "Follow me." He heads for the door.

Baron gets his jacket back on and places his hat on his head, tipping it to the queen. "My sincerest gratitude for this, Your Highness." He follows after Benjamin, Toto coming to perch on the feline Creation's shoulder.

Ruby is confused by Baron's parting words, but her grief doesn't allow her to think about it for too long.

"Benjamin?" Toto asks the Yellow Lab after some distance has been placed between them and the kitchen.

"Call me Benny," the apprentice requests. "All my friends do. Well, they would if I had any. I know you two won't be staying long, but while you're here, would it be too much to ask?"

Baron gives the Yellow Lab a smile. "Not at all, Mr Benny."

"Oh no, you don't have to be that formal with me."

"Actually, he does," Toto informs Benny. "Baron is basically an old time gentleman. He only drops formalities with those he's either very close to or those he hates."

"No offense, Mr Baron Sir, but you don't look the type who's capable of hating anyone.

The feline Creation frowns. "It's a rare occurrence, but in all my years of existence, I've met an individual or two despicable enough to earn my contempt." 'Horvath will be added to the list if all of our suspicions of him are proven true.'

"What's Horvath like as a master?" Toto asks Benny.

The Yellow Lab grimaces. "He's really strict. Master Horvath orders me around a whole lot and makes me do chores all the time while he gets to do all the magic and potion making. It's hard not to feel like I'm his servant instead of his apprentice." Benny shakes his head. "I've got to stop thinking like that. It's all to build up my character. Still, I wish Master Horvath would go easy on the hurtful names he has for me."

Baron and Toto glance at each other. 'A slave in all but name.'

Benny reaches a door and grips the handle. "This is it. The prince's room. Be ready for the cold. We haven't gotten around to fixing the hole yet." He opens the door.

What clearly was once a nursery now appears as if a tornado tore through the room. Toys and furniture lie strewn about, most broken beyond repair. The stones that came from the broken wall are just as scattered, a rubber chew toy sticking out from beneath one. A portion of a mobile from a crib can be seen nearby, the rest of it lost amongst the wreckage of the former nursery.

Baron frowns. "Toto. Never describe this room to Haru."

The crow gargoyle shakes his head. "She'll never get a peep out of me."

Both of them know the human might break down completely if she ever realizes just how young the late Prince Milo was by human standards.

Baron approaches the giant hole as Toto flies around the room looking for possible clues. 'I wonder.' The feline Creation performs a sensory spell to detect all magic that was used in this room recently. 'The majority are attack spells most likely sent at the creature…if it ever actually was in this room in the first place. On the other hand…' "Toto, I've just confirmed a suspicion I had."

"What suspicion was that?" the crow asks as he continues searching around the room.

"This wall wasn't destroyed by something breaking in. A spell was cast to pull the stones out of the wall and into here."

"What are you saying?" Benny asks as he approaches.

Baron had already forgotten that the Yellow Lab was here. "Well…you see…"

Benny does his own sensory spell and confirms what he just heard. "I don't understand."

"I found blood," Toto interrupts.

Baron heads over and sees the stain in much better clarity due to his feline eyes. "I don't believe blood is generally purple." He creates a ball of light, illuminating the room and showing the stain on the wall is indeed purple.

Benny comes over to look as well. "That looks like potion." The Yellow Lab produces a flask and uses a spell to make the dried stain become liquid again. He brings the liquid inside of his flask and uses a stopper to seal it. "Come with me."

Baron and Toto follow Benny through the halls of the castle until they reach a study.

The Yellow Lab goes over to a small cauldron set on a desk and pours the flask's contents inside it. He uses a spell to start a fire underneath, then grabs a nearby bottle and roughly shakes it. "This'll tell us what the potion is." Benny uncorks the bottle and pours a clear liquid into the cauldron with the unknown potion. He then quickly uses a stirring rod before casting yet another spell to intensify the fire.

Soon, the mixture inside the cauldron bubbles and smoke rises from it. Symbols form in the smoke.

Baron and Toto don't recognize the symbols.

Benny, however, stares at them as if they've shattered his entire worldview.

"Benny?" Toto asks the Yellow Lab.

"What is it?" Baron asks when there's no response from the apprentice.

Benny turns to the two Creations, horror written on his face. He reveals what that potion is.

Baron and Toto join in on being horrified. They'd suspected Horvath to be evil, but they didn't count on just how twisted and depraved he really is.

Not long after…

The hunting party has stopped to take a rest.

King Ronan, Horvath, and General Ripper were against stopping, but Haru told them how she noticed many of the other dogs were exhausted and that they either give the pack time to rest or else she'd give a command to make it happen. Not wanting the embarrassment of being given such a command in front of his forces, the king ordered the pack to rest himself.

Haru has been informed by Muta about the suspicion he and William have about Horvath being the true culprit in Prince Milo's death (it had to be Muta who told her since Horvath likely already knows William suspects and Haru would have had a target on her back if the empath was the one to approach her). For now, the brunette will continue to pretend she's helping to hunt the beast that King Ronan is too consumed with grief to even consider is innocent.

The human has been gradually transforming due to the Dog Kingdom's magic. She now has light brown fur, floppy dog ears, and even a tail. While Haru is worried since she has no real sense of time in this eternally nighttime kingdom, she has faith that Baron will come back for her before the change becomes permanent.

Muta and William are currently sitting under a tree.

The fat cat smirks at the sweater vest wearing feline Creation. "I know your secret."

William stares at Muta. "What secret?"

"Don't play dumb. The one you're hiding. I'll whisper it so nobody overhears." The fat cat leans in.

Hearing Muta's words, the brown eyed Creation flinches.

"Told you," the large cat says as he leans back.

"How'd you find out?"

"Too many clues, Kid. It's real funny how the birdbrain hasn't figured that one out."

"I'd rather he never does. The same goes for anyone else. Learning the truth could have consequences."

"Don't worry about it. I won't blab. You know, you've been working really hard to keep Baron from kicking Chicky out."

William groans. "I know. I wish he wasn't so terrified of losing her."

"That comes with love, Kid. Lucky that I'll be helping now."

"Really?"

Muta smirks. "Yeah. I like having Chicky around. I also know it'll end really bad for all of us if Baron acts on his stupid idea of kicking her out for her own safety."

One of William's ears twitches and the brown furred Creation gasps. "Oh no." He looks off to the side with Muta following his gaze.

Standing close by, devastation written clearly on her face, is Haru. "What? Baron wants me…gone?"

"Chicky…" Muta starts out.

"We can explain…" William says as he stands up.

Haru turns and runs into the forest.

"Wait!"

Muta gets up. "We gotta go after her."

"I know."

"MUTA!" comes Baron's voice from the sky.

The fat cat and William look up to see Toto's flying towards them at breakneck speed, the white suit wearing Creation on his back.

The crow gargoyle lands with a slight stumble due to how much he rushed it. "We've got to stop the hunt."

Baron jumps down to the ground and looks around. "Where's Haru?"

William and Muta stay silent out of guilt.

"Where is she?" Still not getting an answer, a now paranoid Baron grabs the other feline Creation. "What have you done with her?!"

Muta separates the two. "Baron, stop! It's my fault! The kid and I were talking and I let it slip that you wanted to kick Chicky out of the group."

"She overheard that and ran off," William adds in.

Baron looks down at the snow covered ground. "Now of all times."

The sweater vest wearing Creation points into the forest. "Haru ran that way."

A nearby passing beagle overhears that last part. "Uh oh. Let's all hope that girl's able to be careful out there."

The others turn to the beagle.

"She can be clumsy," Muta reveals.

"Not now, Fatso," Toto murmurs to the large cat. He focuses back on the beagle. "What do you mean?"

"That way leads to Howler's Point," the beagle explains. "Pups of a certain age head out there during a full moon to show they're becoming mature. To finish their right of passage, they howl at the moon while standing at the edge of the cliff."

At that last word, Baron feels terror completely consume him. "No." He turns and starts sprinting into the forest. "NO!" The others call after him, but the tawny feline doesn't stop for anything. 'The cliff. My vision. I have to find her. If I don't, she'll…' "HARU!"

AN: Hmm. This isn't good. So, any guesses as to what the potion was that was discovered in the prince's room and why it means the hunt desperately needs to stop? Before we go on, I'd just like to say a few things concerning some of the dogs. First, King Ronan was made a Siberian Husky because that's a breed I've never had but always thought looked so cool. Second, Horvath was made a Poodle because that's a breed I've never liked and felt making it the villain would take it down a peg. The two Dalmatian guards Chancey and Riley were named after dogs I used to have. The same goes for the late former Wizard of the Dog Kingdom, Tanner (he was a yellow furred Retriever-Lab mix). Lastly, Benny is named after one of my current dogs. Next time, will the hunt be stopped? And will Baron be able to save Haru from the fate in his visions? Find out Saturday!