Rhine

You, a quiet biology student, came to a small coastal town to spend your summer vacation and complete your thesis on rare marine species and other living creatures. At your mother's insistence, you brought along your younger brother, Nero, who was only seven years old. He was usually obedient, but sometimes, fascinated by some creature, he would forget his duties and fuss over it. This time, he decided to come with you instead of staying home.

You were strolling along the shore, studying and jotting down a description of a blue starfish washed up on the beach by the tide. Nero, not far behind, was examining shells. Engrossed in your work, you ignored his joyful exclamations.

Having completed your examination, you stood up and, looking around, realized Nero was nowhere to be found. Panic gripped you, and you rushed along the narrow streets in search of your brother. Half an hour later, you couldn't find the phone in your pocket; it must have been left on the shore.

On the way back to the coast, thoughts of where Nero might be swirled through your head. You felt guilty for not keeping an eye on him.

As you approached the shore, you spotted a familiar head. But next to it stood a hybrid you didn't recognize. The creature had silvery-gray hair, and small cat-like ears protruded from its crown. A long, spotted tail, coiled around its neck, seemed to be in the way. It was adjusting the white bandages from its elbow to its wrist, and your brother was helping it. Looking more closely, you realized it was a snow leopard-human hybrid.

Nero, noticing you, ran up, took your hand, and pulled you toward the silent hybrid. "Brother, kitty!" Nero exclaimed joyfully. You remained stunned and silent. You were, to put it mildly, shocked, as you'd never encountered anything like this before.