VS Sandstar Raw, Part 5

―For how long could she have been gone?

As she basked in the rain that poured down on her, Serval simply walked through the dark gloomy forest. Step after step, she felt that she had gone so far out that the Library had disappeared into the darkness, and yet she did not turn her head back. She would strongly persuade herself to not look back.

(Kaban-chan…)

Although she had seen her in "that state", Kaban continued to treat Serval with the same kindness she always had. For that exact reason Serval felt extremely guilty in her heart, feeling that she could not go on like that more and more.

She couldn't stop herself from the momentary thought of "she seems tasty" in regards to such a kind friend. Kaban didn't have sharp claws or fangs, while Serval did.

…She was a dangerous being. Why had I not realized it sooner, she thought.

(Kaban-chan… She was having a nightmare…)

During rest, while Serval closed her eyes next to Kaban who invited her, she tried to fall asleep. However, she was wide-awake instead, unable to go to sleep.

Being nocturnal was not her only reason. The warmth on her back would've usually given her a comfortable sense of security, but it was terribly disturbing Serval's heart. The warmth of the hug with Kaban would reawaken Serval's negative emotions she bore. Serval tightly shut her eyes, and what her ears picked up on as she continued to forcibly disregard the disturbance in her heart, was the long sigh as Kaban was unable to sleep well. Out of concern, she got up and looked at Kaban's face, realizing that she was in anguish from a nightmare.

(This is… Definitely because of me…)

Kaban's attitude stayed the same as always. However, Serval was sure that she was suppressing the considerable amount of fear she felt. That's because she was sensitive to getting eaten.

"..."

That's why the two can't be together. They cannot. She was scared that she'd take advantage of Kaban's kindness and eat her. Although thanks to Professor, Gray Wolf, and the others she was able to return to sanity, she could hardly say that she wanted to become wild a second time. She wouldn't be surprised if it happened once again. Frantically reasoning like that to herself, she quickened her pace into the forest. All the while she would single-mindedly suppress her emotions.

…Whether it be because of her trying to control her emotions, the tempestuous rain, or the difficult battle was wearing down her nerves, her large ears, which were sensitive to even faint sounds, would completely fail their purpose.

―She was completely unable to notice the presence coming from behind her until she felt the indication of something being right behind her and turning her head.

"―!"

Once she realized it, it was already too late. Upon catching that shadow in her vision while turning her head, she could not suppress her surprise and sprang up. Having no time to support herself, they got entangled and fell down onto the wet ground.

(Damn it, I can't let myself regret this.)

Serval subconsciously closed her eyes as she laid face up with a strong force pinning her shoulders. Although she had her eyes closed, a thought went through her head, that if she were to be killed by her assailant right there, then at least she wouldn't have to think about anything hard.

However, no matter how long she waited, the assailant who pinned her down and breathed raggedly did not hurt her. Serval slowly opened her eyes and saw…

"―…! Kaban-chan…!?"

An unexpected person overlooking her looking like she was about to cry while exhausted.

"Finally… I've caught up with you…"

While Serval was stiffened and staring at her blankly, Kaban took a deep breath to relax her breathing and emotions, and forcibly smiled.

"...This time I'm the winner of the hunting game."

Serval was pinned against the ground. On top of her was Kaban. Their positions were completely reversed from the usual.

"Why… Why are you in a place like this…?"

"That's my line."

Serval, being unable to understand the situation, threw out some words, while Kaban spoke in a slightly more serious tone.

"What are you doing in a place like this, Serval-chan? ―Where were you planning to go?"

"..."

Seeing Serval once again avert her eyes, Kaban tightened her grip on her shoulders.

"...Serval-chan, you've said it yourself at the Lodge. Since up to now we've always been together on our adventure, we can't be leaving each other behind."

Serval's ears twitched. Feeling her back become damp from the rain, Kaban shakily breathed in through her mouth.

"―Until now we've always been together on our adventure! At this point, we can't be splitting up!" She repeated Serval's exact words.

Silence followed for a short while. While still averting her gaze from Kaban, Serval finally spoke.

"But I do want to be together with you and the others… I really do… But, I'm pretty sure that it's no good now…!"

Serval put her arms over her face to hide her eyes from Kaban.

"I'm a clumsy weakling, so I'll definitely get hurt again, go wild, and even endanger you…!"

Kaban carefully listened to Serval's shaky voice.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry…! Earlier, before Wolf and others healed me, I thought that you… looked tasty…! Funny, isn't it…?! You are my very very dear friend, after all…!"

From underneath her arms covering her face, Tears flowed from the corners of her eyes to the ground. Kaban had once again felt a sharp pain in her chest as Serval cried non-stop.

Serval would willingly distance herself, react differently, and even silently leave, all to not hurt her. She must've been the most afraid of herself due to Sandstar Raw being able to corrupt people's psyche and make them act upon their instincts against their will.

Seeing Serval suffer mentally and from becoming wild, made Kaban feel stupid once again for stopping out of fear. Recalling Serval in such a state, even if it was just in a dream, Kaban regretted rejecting her.

What could Serval do, if the closest person to her, the one who's been with her the entire time, doesn't accept her? Since she had been helping her up till now, then this time she'll help her too.

Kaban prepared herself. She took her hands off of Serval's shoulders and straightened out. Serval was still crying while laying on the ground underneath Kaban.

"Serval-chan."

She called out her name, and although Serval herself didn't move, her large ears twitched. Kaban took a small breath and spoke in a gentle embracing voice.

"If it's Serval-chan... Then I won't mind being eaten."

Kaban felt as Serval's body stiffened for a moment as she was on top of her. Serval set her arms covering her face aside and sat up like a spring. She brought her face close to Kaban's, to the point that their foreheads were almost touching.

"I… I won't eat you!"

Serval's eyes were still filled with tears as she tried to deny it with all of her power, while Kaban's eyes were staring straight at her. They both gazed at each other for a long time.

"Don't I look delicious?"

Kaban was glad about the long eye contact and put on a slightly devious smile. Serval tremblingly shook her head.

"I-I'm not thinking anything like that now! You don't look tasty, at, all!"

"Okay. In that case, it's fine."

Saying it nonchalantly, Kaban stood up and held her hand out for Serval. Although she had frozen up from the completely bewildering situation, Serval hung her head down from conscience.

"B-But… like I said earlier, if I were to become strange again―"

"You won't."

With a singular short powerful word, Serval raised her face.

"You're not weak. If you were to be wounded again, I'll quickly treat it. If you were to go wild again, I'll snap you back to your senses."

Kaban took a step forward, bringing her extended arm closer to Serval.

"No matter what state you're in, you'll still be Serval-chan, my friend. I've decided to always stay with you, even if you say you're against it." A selfish and stubborn remark, which would've been unimaginable from Kaban up till now. And yet, it was overflowing with kindness and warmth.

Although Serval's face wrinkled up and looked like she was about to burst into tears, she gulped down hard and tightly grasped Kaban's hand.

"...―Just like always, you're amazing."

Pulling on Kaban's arm, Serval stood up. The two looked at each other and laughed like they always did.

At last, a familiar atmosphere hung around the two of them―

Hello, this is said the thing! And oh boy can you take some lines here out of context.

Anyway, since FF doesn't like any kind of link anywhere, I'll instead leave directions on how to find the original work.

First method is to search for "「けもの」の本能" and find the link that leads you to a Japanese site called "kakuyomu".

Alternatively, you can go to the kakuyomu site and add "/works/1177354054882921926" to the domain.