Interlude n°1

 

          Made by Fujinagin

Kaoru and Tenko had left Val Habar to set out for a new world, venturing beyond anything they had seen before. They carried enough supplies to last several weeks, allowing them to survive any threats they might encounter along the way. Unlike when they were part of that other group, they managed to keep themselves fed and found various places to rest and spend the night; ultimately, it didn't prove to be much of a problem. Kaoru was beginning to understand human behavior, and she also noticed that people looked at Tenko with great curiosity—viewing him more as an ordinary cat than a Palico. This led some people to tease Tenko about his appearance, forcing Kaoru to step in so they would leave him alone. All that pressure made Tenko wonder if this new life as a Palico would truly be worth it in the long run. He had only Kao by his side...

It wasn't until one night—while Kao slept and Tenko gazed out the window, recalling that past adventure and pondering what would come next—that the thought struck her. Him life as a monster hunter was over, and there was no longer any threat on the level of Shagaru Magala... perhaps it was time to try something new, or perhaps it was time to keep hunting monsters... but she also wondered what she would do about Kao. She didn't want to leave her alone in other worlds, and she needed her help, too. Another night, she lay awake for hours, unable to sleep as she weighed her options: follow Kaoru, or seek out an adventure of her own?

Several days passed, and during their journey, a storm broke out; both of them ran to take shelter in a cave...

Kao: —she was wet from the rain— Phew... thank goodness Tenshi didn't cause this; otherwise, I would have told her to stop the weather.

Tenko: —he was just sitting there, watching the rain—

Kao: —she looked at Tenko and crouched down beside him— Are you okay?

Tenko: —even though he could hear her, he didn't turn to look at her—

Kao: —that expression made her wonder if he was truly alright— Hmmm... Tenko?

Tenko: —at one point, his gaze dropped slightly—

Kao: —she sighed softly, sat on the ground, and settled Tenko onto her lap— You don't have to look at me, but I feel like something is bothering you.

Tenko: —upon hearing her, he simply pressed himself against her, as if in need of comfort—

Kao: I know we haven't had a huge adventure these past few weeks—like when we defeated Shagaru—but things have been much quieter lately.

Tenko: ...

Kao: I won't deny that I miss those times, but the reason I wanted to leave Heaven was to explore other worlds... —she gazed at the cloudy sky— ...even though I have felt a bit bored...

Tenko: —he felt very calm in that position—

Kao: Hmmm... if Tenshi were here, we’d do something fun... but...

They both fell silent, simply feeling the rain and completely ignoring the weather—

Kao: Tenko... do you miss hunting monsters?

Tenko: —upon hearing her, he shifted slightly, a sign that he did indeed miss all of that—

Kao: I see... —she thought for a moment— I know... things have been a bit dull, to be honest... and I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but I have noticed that you aren't the way you used to be—full of excitement for adventure or willing to take risks—and for that very reason...

...I'm sorry...

Upon hearing that, Tenko began to feel a bit uneasy. While she missed those days, she had to admit she was growing bored with the current situation; he wanted to have fun like before, yet Kao had been a huge help, and she didn't want to abandon her. But things had reached a point where perhaps both of them needed to pursue what they truly needed... separately.

There came a moment when they locked eyes, though it wasn't a look of confidence... it was a look suggesting that perhaps... both of them knew what had to be done... at least for a while.

Kao: —looked at Tenko in silence and quickly realized what he meant—

Tenko: —looked at Kao in silence and noticed that Kao had no objection—

Kao: —without hesitation, she hugs Tenko as if he were family— Tenko... I know we’ve shared so many moments, but if this is what you want... I won’t stand in your way.

Tenko: —feeling Kao’s touch, he immediately presses close to her, as if wanting to experience that sensation one last time—

Kao: Just promise me... that once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you’ll come back to me... okay?

Tenko: —unsure how to answer, he simply nods and lets out a soft meow—

Kao: Tenko... I’ll always be with you, wherever you are... remember that~

Tenko: —her words made him feel that support, yet he couldn't help shedding a tear... he knew it wouldn't last forever, but it was something they both needed—

That night, the two slept held close together, as if wishing for the moment to last all night long; but, like every moment, it had to come to an end.

The next morning, Kaoru left the cave with Tenko.

Kao: Alright, this is where we say goodbye.

Tenko: -looks at her; he was ready to face his new challenge-

Kao: Remember... when the time comes, you can come back to me, because I feel like I'll have everything sorted out by then... okay?

Tenko: -nods-

Kao: And... -looks aside and sighs softly- just... try to survive, the way we always have.

Tenko: -looks at him curiously-

Kao: ...Ah, whatever! Come here! -she holds out her arms-

Tenko: -doesn't hesitate; he leaps toward her for a hug, and Kao catches him-

Kao: -strokes him gently- I'm going to miss you so much. Don't forget me, okay?

Tenko: -meows softly, as if to say he won't-

Kao: Well, it's time. -sets him down- See you... when the time comes.

Tenko: -nods and says a quick goodbye, then starts running aimlessly, like a free cat-

Kao couldn't stop watching him as he walked away.

Kao: Well, it was necessary... at least this way he'll see what needs to be done. —Suddenly, she looks the other way.— I suppose there's only one thing left for me to do now...

Their journey was still ongoing, but...

Meanwhile, in another world...

Without warning... a certain long-haired, blue-haired Celestial triggered a massive earthquake, causing... a shrine maiden in a red outfit to lose her shrine...

To be continue...