Supernatural Beings: Strive Survivors Vol. 3 [Steady Update]

Strive 201: Decision making

Kibishi's POV

 I wonder sometimes...

Why was I spared from the attack by the creatures?

Sure,

 I'm alive and well right now, but when I was a kid, that wound really hurt my chest.

 I don't understand how I managed to survive such a bad injury. Any normal kid would have died the moment those heavy claws struck. Now I know I'm not normal. But still, it doesn't change the fact that I survived all of that. Should I be thankful or angry? I'm not so sure.

One thing is for certain: whatever lies ahead won't be friendly. This urge to fight alongside my friends won't go away. But at least now I know I can trust them.

My mind has been busy lately. Everything seems to change when that person attacks the creature. It's strange that someone else besides us is up there. How can this be? What do they want?

Well,

 whatever they want, we can't let that stop us from achieving our goal!

"Kibi? Hey! Earth to Kibi!" A familiar voice pulls me back to reality. I blink and realize I've been lost in thought. "Yo!" A hand touches my shoulder, making me flinch. It's Kuma, wearing her pink apron over casual clothes. Kuma stands nearby in a white t-shirt and black tights, her white diamond earrings sparkling like tiny stars.

"Hey! Are you listening to me?!" Kibi asks, her frown showing concern. "S-sorry. I was spacing out," I admit, feeling cold sweat trickle down my forehead as I try to smile. 

Kuma sighs heavily, arms crossed. "Didn't you ask me to teach you the basics of cooking?"

"Hmm? Didn't you suggest this so I could get closer to Tao?" I tilt my head, trying to lighten the mood. "Good point." Kuma smiles softly. "Still, it's important to learn how to cook. You need to eat to survive, Kibi. This will take you places."

"I see," I nod slowly.

"At any rate, let's continue with the lesson!" Kuma says cheerfully as she picks up a bowl and grabs a wooden spoon. I peer into the bowl and see chunks of meat alongside some flour—simple ingredients with potential. "Right. But uh," I begin but pause when Kuma looks at me curiously. "What is it?" she asks while tilting her head. "Why are you wearing those clothes? Nothing wrong with them; I'm just curious," I say.

"Aahh!" Kuma beams at me. "I'm heading to the shower afterward! Plus, I rushed in here to get everything ready for us!"

"Really?" My eyes widen in surprise at her eagerness.

"Yeah!" Kuma sets down the bowl and pumps her fists excitedly. "I want to help you get closer to Tao however I can! And luckily, cooking is my specialty!"

"Cooking, huh." I pick up a bowl and stare at it before starting to stir slowly.

A few hours later...

I place a plate on the table with pride. It holds a blueberry cake adorned with pink frosting—crafted for our gang's afternoon snack. Next comes breakfast: fluffy eggs paired with savory sausages and mashed potatoes that Kuma helped prepare. Finally, there are her homemade pancakes! "Finished!" I declare triumphantly with my arms crossed over my chest. "Nice! I've got to hand it to you, Kibi; you're not a bad cook! This is your first time making stuff, right?" Kuma asks while tilting her head at me with an encouraging smile. "Yup! This is my first time," I reply proudly.  "But I followed your instructions step by step."

"Great! Now then, help me bring it out to everyone!" Kuma rushes toward the dining table with several plates already in hand.That's a lot of plates!

"Wait up, Kuma!" I shout as I pick up the remaining plates and stack them carefully on top of each other. The last thing I want is for Kuma to have to make multiple trips; she deserves all the help she can get!