Tsukumo arrived home, her mind still reeling from the day's events. Her parents had called and promptly came to retrieve her. She chose not to mention the feline entity that had come to her aid, doubting the reality of her experience. Although the kidnappers had survived the accident, they were injured. Tsukumo let out a weary sigh as her phone vibrated, displaying several messages from concerned friends inquiring about her well-being and offering to visit.

She would insist that she was alright and preferred solitude. Leaning back on her couch, she reached out her head to... she paused, glancing at the spot she was about to touch. It was the vacant space where Kuon would curl up, instantly brightening her mood upon sight. Tsukumo sighed, fighting back tears. Unbeknownst to her, her reincarnated cat was observing her from a tree close by.

"Tsukumo..." she murmured, eyes fixed on her owner.

The next day,

Tsukumo stepped out of her shower and dried her hair. As she passed by her TV, which was broadcasting the news, an ongoing event caught her attention.

"The enigmatic shark attacks have persisted three days following the most recent hunt. The cause of these attacks remains unknown. The state has issued a beach warning, advising people to avoid deep waters, and plans to shut down the beaches until the attacks cease."

Tsukumo sighed, relieved that she had opted out of a beach trip today. The news of shark attacks had unnerved her. She felt fortunate that her parents had not selected a beach house. Heading to her room, she changed into fresh clothes and began preparing for the day, reaching for the cat food as she started her routine.

She paused, reminding herself that Kuon was no longer there. She had waited as she promised, but Kuon did not come back even after nine days. Some friends had suggested getting a new cat, but Tsukumo declined. She filled the bowl with cat food and walked away. In her absence, Kuon slipped in, recognizing the food her owner used to buy for her. She remembered it was both healthy and costly. Despite being picky, she would still consume it. Kuon approached the bowl, bent down, and began to eat.

Upon returning to the kitchen a few minutes later, Tsukumo was surprised to find the cat bowl empty, having just missed the sight of a tail disappearing out the window.

Later,

Tsukumo was in disbelief over where her friends had taken her. Tsurimu, a girl who was her complete opposite, was notorious for neglecting her pets. Her previous pet, a rabbit named Alice, had not been an exception. Tsukumo had her reasons for disliking her and always kept her away from Kuon whenever she insisted on visiting.

"Well, hello, Tsu," she said, approaching.

"Tsurimu," Tsukumo corrected, crossing her arms.

"Still crying over that stupid cat?" Tsurimu asked, looking somewhat smug.

Tsukumo glared at the other girl.

"Kuon was more than just a cat, Tsurimu. She was my best friend!" she exclaimed.

"Please, they're just animals. They don't listen to anything," Tsurimu retorted, scoffing.

"What do you know? You always mistreat the pets you're given! Have you ever considered what would happen if people got fed up with your mistreatment of your pets and decided to cut you out of their lives?" Tsukumo shouted back.

"Said the girl who refuses to move on!" Tsurmiu shouted back.

"Okay, both of you, that's enough," Marcus interjected, stepping forward.

"Why are you defending this nobody?!" Tsurmiu demanded.

"Because unlike you, I care about Tsu's feelings!" he retorted.

"Please, you've been trying to win over this 'cat-girl' for years! Your concern is only because you desire her!" Tsurmiu accused.

"At least I don't mock her cat! I may have never met it, but I understand its passing is significant to her," Marcus said, his glare intensifying.

Tsurmiu scoffed before walking away. Marcus sighed, then turned to Tsukumo.

"Don't let her get to you. She forgets we're also part of the animal kingdom," he told her.

Tsukumo sighed. Although she wasn't particularly fond of Marcus, she appreciated his understanding of her feelings.

"Thanks, Marcus," she said with a smile.

"Anytime," he replied, secretly hoping for a kiss.

However, he knew it wasn't the right moment to ask for one.

"So, are you okay? I saw you were kidnapped yesterday," he inquired.

"I'm fine," she responded.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help you. By the time I saw them, they were already pulling you into a van, and all I could do was call 911," Marcus explained.

"It's okay, Marcus. It was my fault for not being more vigilant," Tsukumo admitted, sighing again.

"Tsu..." he began.

"I was too distraught to notice someone might kidnap me. I suppose I'm just..." she trailed off.

"Don't start that again!" Marcus interrupted, startling her.

"You need to stop being so hard on yourself, Tsukumo. I understand you lack self-confidence, but it's important to stop belittling yourself. My intention isn't to win your heart out of love, but rather because I'm weary of seeing you demean yourself. You've just shown courage by standing up to Tsurmiu in defense of your cat," he said to her.

"But..." Tsukumo began.

"Come on, Tsu. Do you really think your cat would like to see you this way?" he added.

Tsukumo looked at him, taken aback.

"I know I mentioned I've never met her, but from what you've told me, you care deeply for your cat and would defend her," Marcus said.

"Her. Kuon is a female," Tsukumo corrected.

"My apologies," Marcus said, hoping he hadn't offended the cat.

Tsukumo chuckled. Unbeknownst to them, Kuon was nearby, overhearing their conversation. A smile graced her features, relieved to learn that the boy harbored no intentions of pursuing her owner. She stayed hidden in the shadows, wishing for her owner's safety.

Kuon was unaware that she was not the only reborn pet keeping vigil over her owner. Concealed within a thicket, a peculiar rabbit also observed.

"How dare she! I will prove to her that her affection for me is paramount! Then, she will caress me once more!" the rabbit declared, burrowing further into the thicket.

Alright, I thought I had extended this further, but it seems this will suffice. As depicted, Kuon stays near her owner, constantly vigilant. I've also referenced two of the game's bosses. In total, there are eight bosses. The initial four are encountered in the first chapter and can be challenged in any sequence. Similarly, the second set of bosses appears in the second chapter and can be tackled in any order.

The bosses you will encounter in this story include Galvestone, a shark that was killed for consuming numerous humans. Alice, a rabbit who passed away and yearns to be reunited with her owner, albeit with a distorted perception of love. Hint, the girl I created. Stuart, a lyrebird who has no desire to return to the mortal realm, intoxicated by his own might. Lastly, Moenna, a lizard, stands out as the sole boss you can spare upon meeting her, as she never initiates an attack. Nonetheless, you must defeat her at least once.