The next morning, the King of Cats prepares the portal back to the human world. It's been set up in the center of the city, a large, red torii gate just like the one I came in through. My father and I stand at the gate, his arm around my shoulders. Next to us are Rei, Tatsuki, and Tama, along with many of the other Strays. I smile at the sight of them, all safe and sound.
- Good morning, everyone. Before the portal is fully operational, I'd like to take a moment to speak to all of our human friends. I can't apologize enough for the treatment you received at the hands of the witch Yama, the King says. My father squeezes my shoulder, and I lean against him. I look over at the guys, remembering how they all fought with everything they had in Yama's chamber.
- Tatsuki and Tama both fought so bravely. Rei even sacrificed everything for us, I say in my head.
- If I have not already granted your wish, please speak to me before you return to the human world. It's the least I can do to make things right between our two realms. In addition, you are welcome to return through the portal should you ever wish to pay us a visit, the King says. The King looks down, a rueful expression on his face.
- Though, I suppose many of you may not wish to relive your experience here, the King says.
- I wonder how many humans will actually stay here. Though my time here has been difficult, I made so many memories, I say in my head. I stare at the gate before glancing over at Rei, Tama, and Tatsuki once more.
- I've even fallen in love. And now I have to leave that love behind, I say in my head.
- Without any further ado, the portal is open. Please take care on your journey back home, the King says. The King steps away from the front of the gate, and many of the people around us immediately step through it. I turn back, looking at the Strays behind us.
- Rei, Tatsuki, are you planning to go back now, I ask. Rei sighs, looking conflicted.
- I'm going to go back to the hideout first, just to get a few things, Rei says.
- I'll help. I'd like to make sure everything's in order before I go, Tatsuki says.
- What about you, Tama, I ask.
- I'm going back to my apartment, too, Tama says.
- Well, Dad and I need to go see my mom, I say. As I look between the three Strays, a bittersweet feeling settles in my heart.
- It's so hard to leave them. But I have to go and see my mom. I'll figure out what to do next after that, I say in my head.
- I know the time we've spent together has been difficult in a lot of different ways. But I'm so glad that I got to spend it with the three of you, I say.
- So am I, Kira, Tatsuki says.
- Me too, Tama says.
- Yeah, Rei says.
- I'm glad my daughter had brave young men like you looking after her while she was here, Dad says.
- We were glad to, sir, Rei says.
After I give each of the guys a hug, my dad and I prepare to exit through the portal.
- Are you ready, sweetheart, Dad asks. I nod, looking up at my dad.
- It's time to see Mom again, I say. As we step through the gate, I hear a voice say, see you soon, Kira, but I'm not sure who spoke. But I have a guess.
Slowly, everything changes around us. The now familiar scenery of the cat city transforms into the streets of my hometown. When I turn to look behind me, I can only see the shrine that I remember from the day I came to the cat realm.
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The adventure in the cat realm
FantasyWhen your mom falls ill, you suddenly remember the legend of the cat realm, a place where all wishes comes true. You follow the calico cat through the torii gate, and you find yourself in a new place. A woman offers to cure your mom, but all magic c...