A New Home

It is morning and the early sunlight crept into Reiji's home, and he woke to find himself staring at the ceiling. His thoughts immediately drifted to the little girl, and he thought, "Around this time is when that little girl–"

But his reflection was cut short as the door burst open. Tatiana's voice rang out, "Wake up, Rei-eni! Time to give you some agendas."

Reiji jolted upright in bed, his eyes wide with surprise. "Tatiana? Hey?" he exclaimed

Tatiana strode in and settled into a seat at the central hearth. But first, let's eat our breakfast," she said, her tone matter-of-fact.

Bobbin trailed behind, setting the ration down near Tatiana's seat.

Reiji hesitated, responding, "Uhm... okay…" as he made his way to the remaining seat.

As Reiji approached, he began to speak, "Kid, look. I think I owe you an apo–"

But before he could finish, Tatiana cut in, her voice soft. "I'm sorry for overreacting." She glanced away, avoiding Reiji's gaze.

Reiji's expression softened into a gentle smile. "No, kid, it was my fault," he said. 

"I was insensitive and took things too lightly. I know you'd planned everything out, but you still weren't fully confident in trusting me. So I apologize." He added.

Reiji's gaze shifted to Tatiana, who was struggling to hold back tears once more. Her eyes welled up, and she slowly began to tear up again.

Reiji's thoughts turned sympathetic. "No matter how intelligent she is, her emotions are a reminder that she's still just a child," he reflected.

"I'd like to ask what's behind this fear and worry, but today doesn't seem like the right time to discuss it," Reiji added, choosing to prioritize tact over curiosity.

At this age, what could this girl have experienced to express that uneasiness?"

Trying to inject some levity into the atmosphere. Reiji asked, "Hey, since it looks like you've got tasks lined up for me, I've got a request: can I get a bath? I saw the village's facilities, and a refreshing soak sounds amazing right about now," 

Tatiana whispered under her breath, "Yeah, right, you're stinky."

Reiji feigned innocence, asking with a grin, "What was that?"

Tatiana shot back with a playful smirk, "I said, you reek! This place smells pungent enough without you adding to it. And don't worry about clothes, I've arranged for some Felinial attire to be lent to you - they should fit you well, given your slender build."

Reiji replied with a proud grin, "Don't be deceived by my slender build - remember, I took down a charging beast on an empty stomach."

Tatiana snickered, "It's not a beast, Rei-eni, just a mere animal. Even Bobbin could take it down, no sweat."

Reiji raised his hands in mock defeat and bowed, a grin still playing on his lips. "Okay, okay, I surrender.

Tatiana beamed with pride, a warm smile spreading across her face. She reached out to pat Bobbin, gently stroking Bobbin's furry arms.

"Alright, all is well," Reiji said with a smile, taking his seat. "Let's dig in!"

As they finished their meal, the group's conversation was filled with playful teasing, warm laughter, and an atmosphere of joyful camaraderie.

Right after their meal, they strolled towards the village, the warm morning sun casting a gentle glow over the landscape.

Reiji turned to Tatiana with a curious expression. "What's your role in this village?" he asked.

Tatiana's face lit up with amusement, and she smirked mischievously. "Hehe... I thought you'd never ask."

Reiji chuckled, a low, amused sound. "Here we go again."

Tatiana's expression turned serious, her eyes locking onto Reiji's. "A serious question, Rei-eni: what do you really make of these people?"

Reiji's response was blunt and to the point. "They're a bit too dodgy, if you ask me."

"Because they're fragile, and their only redeeming quality is their speed. As for strength and durability, they're severely lacking – their ability to withstand a hit is practically non-existent." Tatiana explained.

Tatiana's expression remained somber as she continued, "Their history is marked by abandonment and rejection. They were cast aside to the fringes of the kingdom, deemed the most useless of all the races. Their sole protection is the wall built by the one they reverently call 'Master'."

Reiji came to understand. "Now I see why she reacted like that," he thought to himself.

He then looked around, his gaze sweeping across the landscape. "But I don't see any walls here," he said, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"The wall was over 500 years old, and without proper maintenance, it eventually crumbled. Now, the only section that remains standing is the one behind the hut where you were staying." Tatiana pointed out.

Reiji nodded thoughtfully. "It makes sense. That chunk of boulder did look out of place."

Tatiana's eyes shone with conviction as she concluded, "That's why I decided to become the wall that protects these people. I vowed to safeguard them, in return for sparing my life and saving me from my nightmares."

With a warm smile, Tatiana gestured to their surroundings. "And so, we're here. This will be your new home in Caitstown. You'll be joining me, Bobbin, and the Felinials – a quirky little family, but one that's happy to have you. Welcome to the family, Rei-eni!"

As Tatiana finished speaking, the Felinials began to gather around, their faces filled with shy smiles. They murmured welcomes and apologies, their soft voices weaving together in a gentle chorus.

"Welcome, Tati's brother!" one of them said, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Welcome to our little town!" another added, waving a hand in greeting.

"Sorry about yesterday," a third Felinial apologized, looking down at their feet.

A final voice piped up, "Feel free to stay – you're more than welcome here!"

Reiji's emotions swirled in a mix of surprise and gratitude. The warm welcome from the Felinials brought him to the brink of tears, and he couldn't help but wonder, "Is this what it feels like to have a family?"

As he gazed at the smiling faces around him, his eyes locked onto Tatiana's. He reached out and gently patted her head, his voice filled with sincerity. "Thanks, kid. I wouldn't be here without you."

Tatiana smirked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I know, I know."

She chuckled, then gestured to the house behind her. "By the way, that place is yours now. You'll finally get to smell like a proper human."

Reiji's face broke into a genuine smile, and he shared a warm laugh with Tatiana and the Felinials.

As the months passed, Reiji felt his shoulders relax, his mind finally at ease with the extraordinary circumstances that had brought him to this new world. The warmth and acceptance of his new family had given him a sense of purpose he never knew he was missing.

In quiet moments, Reiji couldn't help but reflect on his old life back on Earth. "I had everything I could have ever wanted – wealth, security, comfort," he thought to himself. 

"But it was all so... empty. This life, as crazy and unpredictable as it is, feels more real. More fulfilling."

A small, contented smile crept onto his face as he concluded, "It's not so bad here, after all."

"THE END"

Reiji's smile grew mischievous as he thought to himself, "Kidding! This is only the beginning of my epic journey in this world. My story is far from over. Remember I've got an insatiable hunger for knowledge, and I won't rest until I uncover the secrets connecting Earth's history to this world."

His eyes sparkled with determination as he mentally declared, "The adventure has just begun! Stay tuned, folks. This is going to be a wild ride!"

- KOKOSHI REIJI