“Ms. Ina, let's go…”

“W-who is that? Ms. Ina? I-is that my name?”

“Mama, wake up.”

...

*Pant* *Pant*

“Oh, you're awake now. You were sweating in your sleep, you were having a nightmare.”

“W-who are you? where am I?” I asked in confusion.

“I'm the chief of the village you’re currently in,” he answered.

“Oh yeah, I remember. Komraad and I came to this place to save the villagers. The last thing I remember is that I defeated the demon and yeah, I changed into something else. A woman! I turned into a woman!”

I looked at myself and noticed I'm a cat again.

“Oh... I'm back to normal.”

After I looked at myself, I saw Fae sleeping right beside me.

“She stayed all week by your side,” the chief said.

“Really? W-wait? Did you just say a week?” I shouted in shock.

“Shh… Fae might wake up.”

“Ooh, I'm sorry…”

“To answer your question, yes you've been asleep for a week now. Also, Fae told me everything that happened. How the demon's appearance was her fault and how you saved all of us from it.”

I was shocked that Fae even told the chief about the part where she took care of the demon.

“P-pls don't punish Fae. She didn't do anything wrong.”

“Don't worry, we won't. All of us here owe Fae and her grandma. You see, Fae's grandma is a medical expert. They always helped the villagers when they were sick or if we were in a bad condition.”

“I see. I'm glad Fae got 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, where's Komraad? Is he safe?”

“If you’re talking about the man from the beastkin race, then yes he is. He’s outside helping rebuild the village,” the chief answered.

“Oh, then I'm gonna head out too.”

“No, you should rest more. You've already done enough for this village, you saved our lives and for that, we are eternally grateful.”

The chief bowed down and showed gratitude.

“Oh no, p-pls chief, you don't have to do any of that,” I said while stuttering in embarrassment.

“This is nothing compared to what you've done for us. If there’s something you want, please tell us. We'll gladly offer you anything you want as long as it's within our power.”

Before I could even answer, Fae suddenly woke up.

“M-Ms. Cat? You're awake!”

“Yes, I am. Good morning Fae,” I answered happily.

*Sob* *Sob*

“You were asleep for so long. I-I thought you won't wake up anymore,” she said with 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 to cheer her up.

*Nod* *Nod*

“Mhm... Thank you, Ms. Cat. Thank you very much.”

Fae cried her heart out until she fell asleep again. As soon as she fell asleep. I told the chief about the real reason why I came here.

“About your offer chief. Actually, there's a reason why I came here. The thing is, I don't remember anything about me. I was hoping I could find answers here and maybe ask for help.”

...

“I see. If it's your Identity that you seek then we're sorry, you can't find any answers here. We are but a small village in this vast world. If you seek answers then maybe traveling to other places might help. The only thing we could offer you is a map, food, and a carriage.”

“I see, that's more than enough chief. Thank you,” I politely replied.

“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 wanna go travel as soon as the village is back to normal.”.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

“Very well. For now, please rest and eat until you're good enough to go,” the chief said as he walked out of the room to help the villagers out.

I looked at Fae sleeping comfortably and it made me happy that she was safe and sound.

“Might as well head outside and sniff some fresh air,” I thought.

I got out of bed and came 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 the battle. The villagers that were once stripped out of freedom, are now stronger than ever. With this damage, it'll take months before everything will get back to normal.

...

I was finding ways to help when I saw Komraad on a corner eating.

“Hey, Komraad.”

“Oh, Cat! It's you! You're awake now,” He replied while munching down some food.

“How are you feeling?” he added.

“I feel great actually, I feel replenished.”

“Of course, you do. You've been sleeping for a week now.”

“How about you? How are your wounds?” I asked.

“It's fine, I heal fast,” he answered as if it was a normal thing.

“Yeah right, a broken bone healed in a week, pretty surprising. Must be in their genes.”

“Anyways let's help out as much as we can after you eat.”

“Yeah sure,” he answered.

After Komraad ate, we assisted in any way we could to ensure that the villagers would be able to stand up again after the incident.

...

It took months but finally, the village is restored back to its original state. Not only the place but also the well-being of the villagers.

Komraad and I were sitting together reminiscing about our adventures. It was short but memorable.

“Aah... I'm going tomorrow huh? I guess we'll be saying goodbye to each other soon, I still have a lot of questions that I want answers to.”

“What are you talking about?" Komraad asked.

“I'm gonna travel on my own and find answers about me,” I answered.

“Huh? Are you kidding me? Of course, I'm coming with you,” he answered with no hesitation.

“I thought you'd only join me until we'd reach this village? After that, you're gonna go back to the forest.”

“After all the fun I had? Why would I wanna go back to that boring forest? Things are a lot more interesting when I'm with you so I'm gonna stick 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.

“Tsk, 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.

“Ha! You can't even control your powers, let alone transform into that form again. I'll offer to be your bodyguard, and in exchange show me something fun and interesting.”

“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 and was deep in my thoughts.

“H-hey don't be sad, that's so unlike you,” Komraad assumed.

“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.”

“Yeah, she belongs here and we don't know what danger awaits us so she's way safer here,” he added.

“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 is complete. 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 gratitude by throwing you a farewell party.”

“Hell yeah! Food and booze!” Komraad jumped in joy and excitement.

“Chief you didn't have to, but still, t-thank you,” I said looking all embarrassed.

We gathered at the center of the village to eat and drink to our heart's content. Everyone was celebrating like no care in the world, I'm happy for them. I was looking all over for Fae but she was nowhere to be found. I wanted to say goodbye but I guess she's asleep now, it's already this late in the night after all.

...

Komraad approached me drunk.

*Hic* *Hic*

“Hey Cat, why are you all alone here? Come and drink with us, or would you prefer milk than beer?” He said sarcastically.

“I'm not in the mood. I'm excited and sad about tomorrow's departure.”

Don't worry, you got me! *Hic*

“Yeah right,” I said with an unsatisfied look on my face.

Komraad was so wasted he slept 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 afterward.

...

Morning came and everything was ready for departure, 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?”

“Actually yeah, I don't have any idea about the places on this map. There's a lot and I'm not familiar with them.”

“I see, if you wanna 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,” the chief 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 answers about how my powers work.”

...

“Yeah, I've decided! Our first stop is the Witch’s Isle.”

Komraad was already in the carriage, ready to set off.

“Hey Cat, what are you waiting for? Get in already.”

“Yeah, coming.”

I was about to ride the carriage when I suddenly stopped.

“Hey, why did you stop?” Komraad asked.

“We never got to say goodbye to Fae,” I replied.

“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 said.

“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.

“Y-yeah, let's go look for her,” I responded.

We were 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.”

“Fae? I was looking all over for you, I actually wanted to say goodbye last nigh-”

“W-wait, what did just say? You were packing? Why? W-wait, are you telling me you'll?”

“Yes, I'm coming with you guys. It was actually my dream to travel the world and discover more herbs and plants so that I can help more people with medicine.”

“R-really? You're coming with us?!?” I asked excitedly.

“Yes, if it's ok for you.”

“O-of course, there is still room for one,” I said with an overjoyed look on my face.

“Is this really okay? Her traveling with us?”I asked the chief.

“Yes, she actually told us last night not to tell you a single thing about it. She wanted to surprise you both.”

“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,” the chief said with a warm smile.

“Yes, we’ll protect her at any cost. Thank you chief. I promise you she's in good hands, I mean paws.”

“Yes, I trust you completely. Once again, thank you for saving us.”

“Tee-hee, it's nothing.”

“Oh, by the way, a-are you sure you'll be fine here?” I asked everyone. I worried about their safety.

“Yes, the enchantment our founder did to our village will never fade. As long as it’s in here, no monsters will ever dare to come in.”

“I see, then this is farewell. Thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality.”

…

We got in the carriage and said our goodbyes to the villagers.

“Goodbye, everyone!” Fae bid farewell to her one and only home but this time, she got a new one, us.

“Ms. Cat, let's go see the world, together.”

“Y-yeah, let's do this. Actually, I have a name.”

“Huh? I thought you can't remember anything about you,” Komraad asked in confusion.

“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 it.”

“So? What is it? Your name that is,” Komraad asked.

“Starting now, you can call me Ina.”

“Ms. Ina, I like it. It has a nice and warm feeling to it,” Fae replied.

“Ina huh, It's a fine name I guess. Oh, do you remember anything besides your name?” Komraad asked.

“No. Apparently, my name's the only thing I can remember right now.”

“I see, then that means we really have to find answers if we want you to retrieve your memories,” Komraad suggested.

“Yeah, that's why for now, let's set off to our first destination, the Witch's Isle.”

“Let's go!!!”

“This is it huh, the start of a new beginning, a new adventure. Whatever awaits us, we'll face it head-on together.”