Chapter 19: Unchanged but unnoticed

Wake Louchette

The strange and utterly new environment welcomed our sight as we arrived in Layvanna. When we went down from the tube-sized floating transportation, we immediately walked straight towards our accommodation. Exclusive security officers guarded our surroundings to ensure our safety. They were wearing the same black uniform as imposed by the company. Not to mention, almost all of them looked the same with their customized eyeglasses on. These formulated accessories were adjustable regardless of the weather condition and season.

The wind bumped against us as we moved forward on the way. As a routine, I walked ahead of them. Lance was on my right while Hisha was on the left side. Gabriel walked with Alexis while putting on his fancy pink eyeglass. Right beside him, Alexis applied her favorite matte peach-orange lipstick. On the other side, Elaine and Aniela walked in chorus. Elaine was busy greeting the guards with her welcoming facade even though they were not allowed to respond, while Aniela was with her transparent, wireless Bluetooth headphones on. And for the last one, Christian walked with his hands on his pockets. He looked bored and not interested in those high profiled people who welcomed us, clapping their hands as we approached the facility. For sure, they were rooting for the work's success.

These were the impressions we gained as part of Mystica. 

When we finally entered the most expensive hotel here in Layvanna. Those staff and workers right away assisted us towards our room. They grabbed our small languages. Our guards clear the way, preventing those non-officials go near us. 

"Enjoy your stay. May you have a memorable visit with the nature we had." One female staff welcomed us as she smiled before we stepped upstairs.

As expected from a rural area and not so civilized environment, the crowd was not that many. 

This truly freakish hotel had even a few guests. 

The walls were not concrete. 

The floor was stuck together in varnish with bamboo sticks. In which, it looked old. 

The lights, barely made from a plastic bottle, gave minimal brightness. 

There were no elevators, only stairs made from disoriented cuts of dead trees.

Well, in this place, this hotel is the most expensive. And we can't do anything about its outdated style. 

"Ok, so for now, you guys may relax and start your task tomorrow." Our head suggested after all of us entered the room. Hisha jumped into a humble sofa in the middle while Lance went directly to bed. The other members separated their ways towards their bed to arrange their things. 

"Copy, sir." We all replied in chorus. Afterwhich, Mr. Steeven left, wishing us a successful accomplishment. 

I went towards the only bed that was left for me to fix my things as well. I sat beside the bedsheet and removed my shoes as well as my socks. 

"This is cool!" We glanced at Alexis who was bouncing on her bed while sitting. She was facing outside in front of a transparent glass door. These were connected, and even though I was quite far, I can say that this glass isn't stable and can easily be broken. 

Then I focused back my attention on my things. I just listened to my members' conversation.

"The splashing of that small waterfall sounds awesome!" It was Hisha.

"Yeah right, and look, we can tell that these plants are properly taking care of. Oh, hey there little birdy!" Elaine commented. I saw her waving her hand when a tiny bird landed in front of the backyard door.

"Hm... As I carefully examined these plants without a proper investigation, I formulated an initial observation." Gab started. At this time, I finish arranging my things and went back to the bed to chill.

"What?" 

"Duh Alexis, as if you don't know me well. Anyways!" Gabriel stood up, went nearer to the glass door with his signature walking style. He clapped his hands first as he was facing back to us. My eyes were focused and my ears became sharp to hear what he was about to say. I guess, this sounds interesting. 

"These plants bring a different energy compared to those ordinary plants we usually see." He said while making a gesture. 

"What do you mean?" Aniela asked while sitting on a couch just in front of Alexis.

"Duh!" Gabriel rolled his eye. "Can't you see how those color shades bright? It's different from those dull freaking dead-like plants we had in the city."

Because of what he said, I changed my posture. I became more interested so I sat down in a butterfly position. I think I knew what he meant. I also glanced towards the environment outside just like what the other members did. The plants had the same feel like those that of growing recently in the city. In comparison to those ordinary plants we had before the sudden appearance of nature in Prisila, the plants we used to have been simple and a bit dark when it comes to color.

Gabriel's quick observation made sense. 

I was thinking maybe the hotel doesn't know about this but I suddenly remembered what their staff said a while ago. "Enjoy your stay. May you have a memorable visit with the nature we had." When she said, "we had", she was claiming that they had a different environment that other places do not have. So probably, they knew all of these things? 

I also remembered the time when I had a visit here in Layvanna a few months ago. However, I haven't noticed how the plants look like. At that moment, it was the fresh air that caught my attention.

"So you're saying that the event that happened in Prisila has something to do with these plants?" Alexis asked while checking her face in a small mirror she was holding.

"Hm...Maybe? Or it can be the other way around. These plants have something to do with Prisila."

We all stopped the things we were doing and focused all of our attention on Gabriel's statements. To be honest, we can use his observations as our first step towards accomplishing our task. 

We were here to investigate Sarah's case. In connection, these phenomenal events happened before and after her supernatural appearance in news: and there is a possibility that these plants, and everything, have something to do with Sarah.

I can't believe that Mr. Steeven gave this task to us. I felt a little bit relieved for the reason that I already knew Sarah, and for sure I am not a stranger to her family anymore especially for her. I am just hoping that everything goes according to what has been transpired as plan. 

I wish Sarah is easier to deal with at this time.