Here is the second part of the double chapter.
Again, I do not own Love Live.
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
A long sign came out of Rin's mouth as she rest her head on the balcony rail outside the headquarters on a sunny day.
Right now, the Neko was bored and alone, with the rest of µ's out doing their own thing.
What's wrong, Koneko-chan? Mutsu said, who was the size of a normal cat, walking on the wooden rail to her.
Oh, Mutsu, It's you, Rin said. Well, there's nothing to do, so I am bored out of my mind, nya.
Hmmm, that's strange. Normally, Koneko-chan would run around and find things to do when she get bored, Mutsu said, putting his paw on his chin. You look more worried to me. Do you perhaps have something on your mind?
R-Rin is not worried, Rin said, who was acting shy, which was rare to the [Kizuna]. Rin is just thinking about yesterday, nya.
Yesterday? Mutsu said, tilting his head to the side. Did something happen?
Like his [Host], Mutsu has a habit of moving from place to place when bored.
Well, that's…..
While hanging out with the other girls the day before, the subject of their futures was brought up out of the blue. Their work as µ will continue as long as they are [Host] to the [Kizuna], but it's does not clear them from their prior obligations and goals. Somehow, hearing everyone talk about their plans made Rin realize that she never thought about her own.
Everyone else has something to do in the future, but Rin has no idea what Rin wants to do, nya, the Neko said, looking dejected. At this rate, Rin will be left behind.
Ho? So your friends have decided on their paths, Mutsu said. I'm curious about what they said.
According to Rin, most of the girls were taking over their respective family business.
Maki running her family's hospital.
Umi taking over as lord of her territory as well as her parents' particular arts.
Kotori becoming the next ruler of the Southern Kingdom.
Eli managing her family's estate and business in Russia.
Hanayo working with her parents in making medicine.
Honoka working at her family's sweets shop.
Nico is working hard every day on her idol debut in the country.
Nozomi was….
Hm? Now that I think about it, Nozomi didn't say anything, Rin said.
It's possible that she is in the same situation as you, Mutsu said. Since you are free, why don't you have a one-on-one talk and even get some ideas from her? I can accompany you as well.
That's not a bad idea, but is it ok to leave headquarters with no one here, nya? Rin said.
I doubt there won't be too much trouble, especially with the triple threat down there, Mutsu said as he was pointing down at the base of the headquarter, where Izumo and Miyagi and Shikoku were taking their afternoon nap.
Finally convinced by her [Kizuna], Rin took what she could carry on her bag and set off to where Nozomi was, with Mutsu on her shoulder.
[Two hours later]
Rin-chan? and Mutsu, too? What are you doing here?
Nozomi was sweeping the stone pavement of the shrine that she volunteers occasionally in RocketTown with a broom, when she was met by her friend.
Rin was able to reach Tanuki Territory in good time with the help of Mutsu.
Anno ne, Nozomi. The thing is….
Rin told Nozomi what she talked about with Mutsu.
So you are worried about your future? Nozomi said with a sincere expression.
I have no idea what to do, so I wanted to ask you about your plans, nya, Rin said.
The Tanuki never mentioned her plans like the others.
Me? Hmmm, I do have a few ideas although it's too early to tell, Nozomi said.
Really, like what nya? Rin said.
Well, I always had an interest of traveling around the country about like my dad. I also like to perform miko services like my mom. My current interest is photography and writing, but it may change later on, Nozomi said. Although there is one thing I know I will do for sure.
And what is that, nya? Rin said.
…..I want to be a bride and marry the one that I love, Nozomi said.
Rin blush while Nozomi was fidgeting slightly from the unexpected answer.
Rin hopes to do that as well, nya, Rin said who was smiling shyly.
S-Speaking of which, have you visited your family yet, Rin-chan? Nozomi said, trying to change the subject.
No. Why do you ask, nya? Rin said.
Well, why don't you go ask your family? You can learn more about what they do and even find something you like, Nozomi said.
Hmmmm. I never really thought it like that, Rin said.
You should a few days off to spend some time with them. I can let the others know where you are, Nozomi said softly before speaking firmly. Don't worry about so much about the future and just do what you like, Private Rin.
Thanks, Captain Nozomi, nya, Rin said, who makes a salute.
Saying their goodbyes to the Tanuki, Rin and Mutsu makes her way to her hometown.
It's the first time we are meeting. My name is Mutsu, a [Kizuna] of your daughter. I hope to be in your care, the cat said while bowing gentlemanly in front of Rin's family in the living room. There was Rin's parents, Akira and Miyuki, older sisters, Ayane and Karen, and grandfather, Gen. Mutsu heard about them from Rin.
Due to the work during the aftermath of the Arc incident, Rin never had the chance to introduce her [Kizuna].
It's nice to meet you, Mutsu-san, Miyuki said with a gentle smile.
It's a talking cat! Ayane said.
It really talks, Karen said.
That's what you are excited about, nya? Rin said, showing a wry smile from her family's laidback reaction.
The women in the family went closer and proceeded to touch the [Kizuna] all over his body from his ears to head to paws. In contrast, the men was still astounded by their visitor.
Ladies. Ladies. We'll have plenty of time to know each other, Mutsu said, who does not seem bothered by the attention.
When all the excitement subsided, Rin told them about her recent thoughts.
I see, Gen said, closing his eyes while nodding. So Rin is thinking about her future. You have grown so much.
That's really adult of you, little sis, Ayane said, looking impressed.
Really! It's so unexpected, Karen said.
What do you mean by that, nya? Rin said, who was pouting.
You normally just eat, sleep, play, and run all day, Ayane said. We never saw you do anything else.
R-Really, nya? Rin said who was surprised by the obvious, but surprising information.
And you want to come to our workplace and see what we do? Miyaki said. That's fine with us.
That's what Rin wants to do, nya, Rin said.
That aside, since everyone is here, why don't we all go out and celebrate, nya? Akira said.
That sounds good, where should we eat? Miyuki said.
Ramen, nya! Rin said.
That night the whole family and Mutsu went to eat at Rin's favorite ramen place.
For the next two days, Rin went with each of her family and observe their work.
Miyuki works at a craft shop while Akira make fireworks.
Ayane, the first daughter, works as a fashion designer while Karen, the second daughter was a photographer. They sometimes work together, like now when they dress up their little sister and take cute photos, much to Rin's embarrassment.
Even at his age, Gen still operates a furnace as a blacksmith of weapon and tools while training others in the art.
According to the father, both Akira and Gen have apprentices working under them, so they don't have to worry about their successors. In the first place, none of the daughters were interested in their work.
Rin can see the level of commitment and passion in what they did, giving her a better appreciation of other's work.
In the end, Rin didn't become interested in anything particular.
The following morning, Rin left the house after saying goodbye to her family. Mutsu said that he wanted to talk to her grandfather about something, so he would meet with her later. So now, Rin was walking slowly at the outskirts of her hometown.
While it was nice that she was able to spend time with her family, it didn't help her any more in figuring out what she want to do.
Isn't there anything that Rin can do, nya? Rin said, who feel more dejected. Mou, why can't just someone give me an answer, nya?!
Just as Rin was shouting into the sky. Something lands hard, inches from the Neko, bringing dust into the air.
BOOOOOMMM!
NYA!
The tremors caused by the crash was strong enough to knock the Neko off her feet.
Darn it! I miss the landing, a voice coming from the impact.
When the dust cleared a small hole in the ground, where a man with the appearance of an Ookami with red hair and green eyes was standing in front of the Neko.
Maki.. chan? Rin said, squinting her eyes.
Sorry, but I'm not a Maki-chan, the Ookami said bluntly while brushing off the dust on his clothes.
W-Who are you, nya?! Rin said, now fully aware of the stranger.
Sorry. Sorry. I didn't miss to scare you, miss. My name is Red "The Flash" from the Ookami tribe, the man said. Even so, I'm never thought I would run into you.
Really? Have we met before, nya? Rin said, regaining her composure.
Maybe? I'm usually the one delivers mail and packets to µ's headquarters, Red said.
Oh? Oh! Now I remember, Rin said. What are you doing here, nya?
Well, I was on my way to drop off a package, but the wind was off, so I landed roughly, Red said. I would like talk more, but I have a schedule to keep up. So please excuse me.
Wait, Rin wants to come too, nya, Rin said as she starts to run after the Ookami, who was continuing his run.
Why? Red said, looking confused.
Just because, nya! Rin said.
Well, try to keep up then, Red said with a smirk as he was increasing his speed.
Seeing the Ookami rush in front of her sparks Rin's competitive spirits, causing her to pick up her pace. Soon, it became a race across the woods, alternating between running on the ground and jumping on top of the trees.
Eventually, both of them reached the nearby town in Neko Territory.
Ha….Ha…
Despite both of them running together, Rin was not able to pass Red by even once throughout the race.
Rin was hunching over, her hands on her knees as she was panting.
You run…. really fast…. Rin said, catching her breath.
You're not bad yourself. I'm surprised that you were able to keep up, Red said.
Running is Rin's favorite thing to do, nya, Rin said, lifting her head. More importantly, how can you run so fast?
Running is not just speed. There is also pacing and breathing to think about, Red said. Oh. And practicing on a daily routine, which is easy to do when you are a courier.
All this running made Rin hungry, Rin said, her ears drooped slightly.
In that case, why don't we have a lunch break? My treat, Red said.
Really? Yada! Rin said with a grin.
The two walk into the heart of the town while making small talk, with Red leading the way. After making his delivery, the two head off to get something to eat.
This place is…. Rin said as she saw his choice for lunch. It was a typical ramen shop.
My friend's parents own this place, so I come here every now and then, Red said.
Rin knew the place. As a child, she has explored all the ramen shop in Neko Territory and tasted their food.
The two went in and sit down on two available seats.
Master. Can I have my usual? Red said.
Oso! The Neko facing away from the entrance grunted.
What should I get, nya? Rin said, looking at the menu above.
While Rin was figuring out what to order ….
Hai, here you go.
Nya?!
A dark red bowl three times the normal one was brought in front of Red.
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
On top of that, the delicious aroma coming from the bowl was able to make Rin's stomach growl.
What is that, nya?! Rin said with an excited and curious look.
That's the green-light special that they serve here, Red said.
Really?! But I have been here a few times and I never saw something like this, nya! Rin said. Could it be a secret menu item, nya?!
That's right. Unlike the ones in the regular, the ingredients are furthered concentrated in this bowl. As a result, there is an intensity of flavor and nutrients. This is great for people who are moving a lot and needs a quick meal in one setting, Red said as he split the chopsticks to start eating. Ma, this is only made every Saturday, so I can't get it everyday.
So that's why! Master! I will have what he's having! Rin yelled.
Oso!
After a similar bowl was placed in front of Rin, the two started slurping up their bowl's contents.
After finishing and paying for their food, the two walked out of the restaurant.
I'm so stuffed, but it tastes so good, Rin said, who was patting her slightly enlarged stomach.
Ne, Rin, Red said.
What is it, nya? Rin said.
I think It's fine to be a 'stray' Red said.
While eating, the two talked about stuff and the matter with the future came up as well.
A stray, nya? Rin said.
It just means that you are free to pursue be whatever you want to be. You don't have to decide on one thing. Plus, you have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do, Red said.
That is what Nozomi-chan also said, nya, Rin said. A stray cat, ha?
Sure, there are people who know what they want, but the same can be true when your calling comes to you when you least expected. It was the same for me, so my advice to you is don't stop looking, but have fun with it, Red said. Maybe you can be the next leader of µ's if you wanted to.
Hehehe, Rin said not used to the flattery.
It's about time for me to get back to work, Red said, looking up before facing the Neko. We can talk again if you need to clear your mind.
I will, nya. Thanks, Red-san, Rin said with a smile.
After separating from Red, Rin leisurely walks across town.
Koneko-chan!
When Rin saw her [Kizuna] coming towards her, she waves at him.
Mutsu! You done talking with grandpa, nya? Rin said.
Hai. You seem cheery. Did something nice happen? Mutsu asked as he perches on Rin's shoulder.
Sure did, Rin said. Oh! I just remember. Kayo-chin should be done with work at her home. Let's go meet her there, nya.
Then Neko starts running to meet up with her friend to talk about her experiences.
Stay tuned for the next update.
Reviews, suggestions, and comments are welcomed.
Thank you for reading.
