Love Far Beyond the Ashes

Owl and Cat

Mumei pov: I sat around waiting for Kiara, Zeta, and Calli to show up. I was ignoring what was going on with Kronii and Fauna for the time being, despite Kronii's cry for help.

Soon enough, Zeta, Selen, and Finana showed up.

"How the fuck did you get here before Calli and Kiara?" I asked

"Fair question," Zeta said.

"Also, why did neither of you have Sana portal you here?" I asked

"Fantastic point," Zeta said.

"So how did we beat those two?" Selen asked

"I am confused," Finana said.

"Oh yeah, you're here," I said.

"Don't mind her; she just got here." Selen said

"Where is Kaela?" I asked

"Right here, senpai!" She said

"Please don't strain yourself!" Zeta cried out.

"I won't beb!" Kaela replied

"Look, Zeta, you really should watch her more closely." I said

"I am!" Zeta cried out.

I sighed slightly. I know she is trying her best, but at the same time, Kaela really needs to be monitored well and needs to be watched all the time until she gets better.

"I think I'm going to throw up." Kaela suddenly said

"I'll help her, senpai!" Zeta said she ran over and gently rubbed her back.

Selen glared at me, and I glared back. "What is your problem?" I asked

"Nothing, you are just so caring," Selen said.

"I'll curb stomp you." I said

My papa walked over to me, and I saw him smile. "So this must be Selen," he said.

"Correct, that's my rival, and over there is Zeta, the cat I was telling you about," I said.

"I only let you call me a cat, Mumei-senpai!" Zeta yelled

"She doesn't like to be called a cat, despite being one," I explained.

"I'm legit, not a fucking cat!" Zeta yelled

I giggled and heard my papa let out a loud laugh. "I'm happy you have good friends," he said.

I smiled too. I am also happy that they are my friends. Zeta got done helping Kaela and walked her to me.

"Why did you need us here, Senpai?" Zeta asked

"Well, I needed to give you something, but I need to give it to you in private," I told her.

She seemed confused, but she nodded.

"By the way, Senpai, there are blob fish in the mystical forest!" Zeta told me

"Are you calling me a blob fish?" Finana asked.

"No, legit blobfish lived in that body of water we fought in," I said.

"You two fought?" I asked

"Yeah, she tried to drown me for no reason," Zeta said.

I laughed as I knew they clearly got off on the wrong foot; they both didn't really seem to get along much, but I'm sure in the end they'll come along after all; they're both friends with me.

"Sorry, we're late..." Calli panted

"How the fuck did you four get here before us!?" Kiara asked

"Did you get lost?" Zeta asked

"No, how did you get here before we answered the question, you little shit?" Kiara said

"Kiara, it's not that big of a deal!" I said

She looked at me and sighed.

"You are right, but I just want to start problems," she said.

"Then go to Pomu and free her from the rock you put her under." I said

Kiara gulped and remembered she put Pomu under a rock so she couldn't follow her, but she forgot to tell anyone to lift it afterwards.

"Pomu, I'm coming!" Kiara yelled

"I hear those words a lot," Calli said.

"Calli, I would hope not because then I'd be cheating on you with Pomu." Kiara said

"Well, maybe you are," Calli said.

The two of them stared at one another in awkward silence. I cleared my throat, hoping the tension would dissipate, but it didn't.

"Go away..." I mumbled

"Okay, I'll see you soon," Kiara cheerfully said.

I finally got a good look at Zeta and noticed her attire. "Really?" I asked.

"Oh, your cloak. You knew I was wearing it because you listened in on me telling them I like to smell your cloak," Zeta said.

I sniffed my cloak and tilted my head to the side. "It doesn't smell," I said.

"Yes, it does, Senpai; it has your scent infused into it; you can't tell because you don't know your own scent," Zeta said.

"What do I smell like?" I asked.

"I have no clue; all I know is that I like it so much," Zeta said.

"See, I told you it's fucking creepy!" Selen said

"I don't think it is," I said.

Selen glared at me as her jaw dropped. I laughed. "It's a bit odd, but Zeta is cute," I said.

Zeta seemed happy that I called her cute; her thoughts ran rapid. I am embarrassed that I am her oshi, but what can I really do? She already is a fan of me; I can't pretend like she isn't.

"You look good in brown," I told Zeta.

"You think so?" She asked

"Yup," I told her.

Selen wound up next to me and punched me in the arm. "Ouchie," I said softly before decking her in the face.

"Owwww!" She hollered

"Sorry, that was a reflex!" I lied

"I don't believe you," Selen said.

She had caught my bluff, and I was happy that she didn't really trust me. After all, we are rivsls, so this is pretty much our job.

Zeta pointed out that Kronii was trying to talk to Fauna, who was now ignoring her.

"What did I miss?" I groaned

Maybe I should have stepped in sooner, but I'm more focused on this right now.

"You know what, Zeta? Follow me. I'll give you the thing. Now only show this to Kaela, okay?" I asked

"Sure," Zeta said.

I trust her. Zeta always follows instructions, so I won't have to worry about anyone that isn't her or Kaela seeing the item I give her.

We went to the private location, and I rummaged through my bag before grabbing the object.

This was an early gift, but who cares?