"Ms. Ina, let's go…"
"W-who is that? Ms. Ina? I-is that my name?"
"Mama, wake up."
...
Pant Pant
I woke up, sweating and breathing heavily. It was just a dream. The vision was vivid yet blurry, so I couldn't remember anything or anyone who appeared in it. The only thing I remembered with absolute clarity was the name, Ina. It felt so enthralling and familiar. I knew, deep in my heart, that this was the name I had forgotten.
It was just a name, a small clue, but it meant there was a real chance I could regain my entire memory someday. Small steps, but I'll get there. I have a feeling about this.
After waking up and regaining my composure, I looked around. I was inside a tiny, wooden, normal-looking room, lying on a bed. A calm, respectable old man with a long gray beard and matching hair was standing near a window. He was slightly hunched over, leaning on an old wooden cane. He noticed I was awake and slowly approached me.
"Oh, you're finally awake. You were sweating in your sleep," the old man said, his voice gentle.
"W-who are you? Where am I?" I asked, still disoriented from the sudden awakening.
"I'm Satur, the Chief of the village you just saved," he answered with quiet dignity.
Oh, yeah, I remember. Komraad and I came here to save the villagers. The last thing I remember is defeating the demon, and, yeah, I changed into something else. A woman! I turned into a woman!
I quickly looked down at myself and noticed I was a cat again.
"Oh... I'm back to normal," I mumbled, a little deflated.
After checking myself, I noticed Fae sleeping soundly right beside me on the bed.
"She stayed by your side all week," Chief Satur informed me warmly.
"Really? W-wait? A whole week?!" I yelped in shock.
"Shh… Fae might wake up."
"Ooh, I'm sorry…" I whispered, retracting my shout.
"To answer your question, yes, you've been asleep for a week now. Fae had already told us everything that happened. She also confessed that she was the one who accidentally brought in the demon and that all of it was her fault," Chief Satur informed me gently.
I was shocked that Fae had even told the Chief about the part where she took care of the demon.
"P-please don't punish Fae. She didn't do anything wrong," I pleaded.
Chief Satur gave me a genuine, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we won't. All of us in the village owe Fae and her grandma a great debt. They always helped the villagers when they were sick or in a bad condition. We only managed to survive this long because of Fae and her grandma's generosity."
I see. I'm glad Fae has people who care for her, but now that her grandma is gone, I hope she still continues to help others and just be herself.
"Ugh, my head hurts. Oh, yeah, have you seen Komraad anywhere? He's a small man with a loud voice," I asked, trying to shake the fog from my brain.
"If you're referring to the man from the Beastkin Tribe, he is outside helping rebuild the village," Chief Satur answered.
"Oh, I see. Then I'm going to head out and help as well," I decided, trying to get up.
"Thank you, but it would be better if you could rest more. You've already done enough for this village. You saved our lives, and for that, we are in your debt," Chief Satur said sincerely.
He then bowed his head low, showing deep, formal gratitude.
"Oh no, p-please Chief, you don't have to do any of that," I stammered, flushed with embarrassment.
"This is nothing compared to what you've done for us. If there's something you want, please tell us. We'll gladly provide you with anything you need as long as it's within our power," Chief Satur offered, straightening up.
Before I could answer, Fae suddenly stirred awake.
She rubbed her eyes, then shot straight up in pure joy. "M-Ms. Cat? You're finally awake!"
"Yes, I am. Good morning, Fae," I responded happily.
Sob Sob
"You were asleep for so long. I-I thought you wouldn't wake up anymore," she choked out, snot and tears running down her face.
Fae is such a crybaby, how cute. I feel so happy that she cares so much for me.
"I'm awake now, so don't cry anymore, Fae," I said, trying to cheer her up.
She nodded.
"Mhm... Thank you, Ms. Cat. Thank you for saving our village," she said genuinely, quickly wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"Teehee, glad I could help," I responded with a small smile.
I suddenly remembered Fae seeing my human transformation before I passed out, and my curiosity peaked. I was hoping the description might trigger some memory.
"Uhm… Fae, can I ask you something? Do you remember what I looked like when I turned into a human? Can you describe it to me in detail?" I asked eagerly.
"Oh, right! I remember it clearly. Your skin was pale, and you were pretty tall," Fae recounted, putting her hand on her chin as she thought. "Your hair was black with silver streaks on the front. It was smooth and long. I think it reached all the way to your feet. Also, you were wearing a black dress, and it was flowing and moving like a flame at the edges. Lastly, you had crystal-like purple eyes, just like you have right now. Sorry, Ms. Cat, but that's all I remembered. You immediately poofed back as a cat when you passed out," Fae explained in clear detail.
"That's more than enough, Fae, thank you so much," I said, truly grateful.
Fae's description was incredibly detailed and helpful, but still, I didn't remember a single thing upon hearing it. I had hoped that knowing what my human form looked like would trigger something, but I guess things wouldn't come that easily.
Seeing that I was finally awake and okay, Fae went outside to help the others after our conversation. As soon as she left, I revealed the real reason for my journey to the Chief.
"Chief, would it be fine if I take your offer right now? Actually, there's a reason why I came all the way to your village. The thing is, I don't remember anything about myself, where I came from, or what my purpose is. It's all blank. I was hoping I could find answers here and maybe ask for assistance on that matter," I confessed, looking at him with hopeful eyes.
...
"Hmmm. If it's your Identity that you seek, then we're sorry, but you can't find any answers here," Chief Satur responded solemnly. "We are but a small village in this vast forest. If you seek answers, then perhaps traveling to other places might help. The only thing we could provide you with is a map, food, and a carriage," Chief Satur suggested thoughtfully.
"I see, that's more than enough, Chief. Thank you," I politely accepted.
Yeah, he's right. I won't find any answers unless I widen my knowledge about this world. The best way is to explore it.
"Actually, Chief, I want to travel as soon as the village is back to normal. Would that be okay?" I asked, feeling a surge of impatience.
"Very well. For now, please rest and eat until you're well enough to go," Chief Satur said, and then he walked out of the room to help the villagers as well.
I knew the Chief wanted me to rest, but I felt restless. Might as well head outside and sniff some fresh air.
I got out of bed and walked out of the Chief's house. The moment I stepped outside, I saw all the villagers helping each other rebuild the houses that were destroyed during our battle with the demon.
The villagers who were once stripped of their freedom were now stronger than ever. Even with all the damage, I knew it would take months before everything was back to normal.
...
I was looking for ways to help when I saw Komraad sitting alone in a corner, all sweaty while aggressively munching on a snack.
"Hey, Komraad," I greeted him as I approached.
"Oh, Cat! It's you! You're finally awake," Komraad responded while loudly chewing his food.
"How are you feeling?" He added after gulping it down.
"I feel great, actually, completely replenished."
"Of course, you do. You've been sleeping for a whole week now."
"How about you? How are your wounds?" I asked, remembering the gruesome injury.
"It's fine. I heal fast," he answered casually, as if broken bones healing in days was normal.
"Anyway, I want to help out as well after you eat," I said, looking around for tasks.
"Yeah, sure. A small cat like you… help rebuild the village? Fat chance!" He responded with heavy sarcasm.
"Grr… this dog!" I growled under my breath.
After Komraad ate, he went back to assist in any way he could to ensure that the villagers would be able to stand up again after the incident. I, too, looked around and offered to help to the best of my ability.
...
It took months, but finally, the village was restored to its original state. Not only the place but also the well-being of the villagers. Now that the village was back to normal, I was finally ready to move forward and travel in the hope of finding my memories and identity.
Komraad and I were sitting together on a bench in front of the Chief's house, reminiscing about everything that had happened since we met. It had been short but intensely memorable.
"Aah... I'm finally going to leave tomorrow, huh? I guess we'll be saying goodbye to each other soon," I reminded Komraad, a heavy tone in my voice.
"What are you talking about?" Komraad asked, confused.
"I'm finally going to travel on my own and find answers about me," I answered simply.
"Huh? Are you kidding me? Of course, I'm coming with you," he answered with zero hesitation.
"I thought you'd only join me until we reached this village? After that, you were going to go back to the forest," I questioned, surprised.
"After all the fun I had? Why would I want to go back to that boring forest again?" he scoffed.
"Things are a lot more interesting when I'm with you, so I'm going to stick around until the end. I can't wait for what's next for us," he answered with overwhelming excitement.
"With that small and fragile body of yours, you'd need all the help, so just be thankful I'm staying," he added, a smug look on his face.
T-The audacity!
"I can handle my own, plus I can just turn into a human again if I ever get in a tight situation," I boasted, puffing up my chest a little.
"Ha! You can't even control your powers, let alone transform into that form again. I'll be your bodyguard, and in exchange, show me something fun and interesting," Komraad offered, challenging me.
This boastful son of a… Ugh, fine. He's right. It's not that I can't control my powers, though. It's just that I don't know that much about it.
I spaced out during our conversation, deep in thought.
"H-hey, don't be sad, that's so unlike you," Komraad assumed, giving me a rare, concerned look.
"I'm just thinking about the future, and yeah, maybe I'm a bit sad that we'll be leaving this village, especially because we'll be saying goodbye to Fae soon," I admitted, a hint of genuine sadness in my voice.
"Yeah, she belongs here, and we don't know what danger awaits us, so she's way safer here," Komraad agreed quietly.
He's obviously concerned about Fae. I'm concerned too, but I'm just sad that I won't be able to see her anymore.
Komraad and I were conversing about our future plans when the Chief suddenly interrupted us.
"Excuse me, the preparations for your departure tomorrow are complete," he informed us, approaching slowly. "The carriage is ready with rations that can last for months, and here's the map. You can ask us if you don't know what route you'd take, but for now, please allow us to show our gratitude by throwing you a farewell celebration."
"Hell yeah! Food and booze!" Komraad jumped up in joy and excitement.
"Chief, you didn't have to, but still, thank you," I said, feeling both embarrassed by the attention and incredibly thankful.
We gathered at the center of the village to eat and drink to our heart's content. Everyone was celebrating without a care in the world. I was happy for them. I kept looking all over for Fae, but she was nowhere to be found. I wanted to say goodbye, but I guessed she was asleep now. It was already late in the night, after all.
...
Komraad approached me hours later, completely drunk after celebrating with everyone.
Hic Hic
"Hey, Cat, why are you all alone here? Come and drink with us, or would you prefer milk than beer?" He slurred, his words laced with sarcasm.
"I'm not in the mood. I'm excited and sad about tomorrow's departure," I responded with a heavy tone.
Hic
"Ugh… Don't worry, you got me!" He assured, swaying dangerously before falling right onto the ground.
"Yeah, right," I muttered, an unsatisfied look plastered on my face.
Komraad was so wasted that he slept soundly on the ground.
How can this guy sleep so soundly? Ugh, I gotta stop overthinking.
Yawn
I guess I'll go to sleep too.
I fell asleep on the bench near Komraad, and the party started to settle down soon afterward.
...
Morning came, and everything we needed for departure was fully prepared. All that was left was us. I was checking the map when the Chief approached me and offered some help. "Would you like some help determining your route?" He offered kindly.
"Actually, I don't have any idea about the places on this map. There are so many, and I'm not familiar with them," I confessed.
"I see. If you want to find a lead about yourself, I suggest you go to the Witch's Isle. You can find people who can use magic like you. Maybe you'll find answers there," Chief Satur suggested.
"It's the closest place you can get with a carriage. It will take you three weeks to get there if you follow the main road," he added.
Witch's Isle, huh? A place full of magic. I might find someone who can help me fully understand my powers, and maybe someone can help me remember my memories as a bonus, I thought with a rush of optimism.
...
"Yeah, I've decided! Our first stop is the Witch's Isle."
Komraad was already settled in the carriage, ready to set off.
The carriage wasn't anything fancy, but it was sturdy enough to trust that it could take us to our destination, safe and sound. It was built from rough, splintering wood, its frame crooked and patched in places with mismatched planks. A faded, threadbare cloth stretched over the top in a rounded arc-like shape, flapping gently in the wind. The carriage was being pulled by a pair of horse-sized, two-headed lizards. Unlike the big one that tried to eat me, these two were tamed, with a meek look and gentle demeanor.
"Hey, Cat, what are you waiting for? Get in already!" Komraad called out. He was already in the front seat, ready to drive.
"Y-yeah, coming," I responded, a hint of worry and regret clinging to me.
I was about to climb into the carriage when I suddenly stopped.
"Hey, why did you stop?" Komraad asked, looking back.
"We never got to say goodbye to Fae," I responded sadly.
"Maybe she's just sad that we're leaving. She can't face us right now because maybe she's just afraid of how painful it is to say goodbye," Komraad assumed, trying to rationalize it.
"B-but, it's sadder that way," I said with a disappointed look on my face.
"Then would you like to find her?" He suggested, relenting slightly.
"Y-yeah, let's go look for her."
We were just about to go look for Fae when someone suddenly shouted. It was her.
Huff Huff
"Heyyyyy!!! W-wait! I'm sorry for being late. I was packing my things and was so excited for today. I overslept and didn't notice the time," she shouted with overwhelming excitement.
"Fae? I was looking all over for you! I actually wanted to say goodbye last nigh—"
Before I could finish my sentence, I immediately realized what she had just said.
"W-wait, what did you just say? You were packing? Why? W-wait, are you telling me you'll?"
"Yes, I'm coming with you!" Fae revealed, beaming. "It was actually my dream to travel the world and discover more herbs and plants so that I can help more people with medicine. I want to record new discoveries in the book my grandma left me and become a doctor, just like her!"
"R-really? You're coming with us?!?" I asked, my voice high with excitement.
"Yes, if it's okay with you," she said, her eyes begging for a yes.
"O-of course! There is still room for one more," I confirmed, with an overjoyed look on my face.
"Is this really okay? Her traveling with us?" I quickly asked the Chief, making sure we weren't taking her away against his wishes.
"Yes, she actually told us last night not to tell you a single thing about it. She wanted to surprise you both," Chief Satur revealed, smiling fondly. "One last thing, please protect her at any cost, and please help her achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. She's the pride and joy of this village."
"Yes, we'll protect her at any cost. Thank you, Chief. I promise you, she's in good hands, I mean paws," I responded with firm resolve and confidence.
"Yes, I trust you completely. Once again, thank you for saving us," Chief Satur said in gratitude for the last time. The other villagers, seeing our departure, did the same.
"Tee-hee, it's nothing," I responded with a humble smile.
"Oh, by the way, are you all sure you'll be just fine?" I asked everyone, genuinely worried about their safety without us.
"Yes, the enchantment our founder did to our village will never fade. As long as it's here, no creatures will ever dare to come in," Chief Satur assured me.
"I see, then this is farewell. Thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality," I said genuinely.
...
We got in our carriage and said our final goodbyes to everyone.
"Goodbye, everyone!" Fae called out, bidding farewell to her one and only home, but knowing she had a new one, us.
"Ms. Cat, let's go see the world together."
"Gladly!"
"Actually… I have a name," I revealed, looking at them both.
"Huh? I thought you couldn't remember anything about you," Komraad asked, confused by the sudden announcement.
"I wasn't sure at first, but it kept appearing in my dreams in the past weeks, so now I'm sure of it. Someone kept on calling me by that name, so there's no mistaking that it was mine," I responded with confidence.
"So? What is it?" Komraad urged.
"Starting now, you can call me Ina," I informed them.
"Ms. Ina, I like it. It has a nice and warm feeling to it," Fae responded with a bright smile.
"Ina, huh… It's a fine name, I guess. Oh, do you remember anything besides your name?" Komraad asked, already thinking ahead.
"No. Apparently, my name's the only thing I can remember right now," I responded.
"Guess then that means we really have to find answers if we want you to retrieve your memories," Komraad suggested, looking determined.
"Yeah, that's why, for now, let's set off to our first destination, the Witch's Isle."
"Let's go!!!" We shouted in unison.
This is it, huh, the start of a new beginning, a new adventure! Whatever awaits us, we'll face it head-on, together!