Wanted: Purrfect Cat Guy 74 Tell Me About I

How dare you take away that plaything! 

Perhaps it was how loud her meows went or how ferocious she was while s.n.a.t.c.hing the ball of yarn, but it didn't take long for her to s.n.a.t.c.h it back. Satisfied, Mina brought her yarn and played with it while rolling around the floor. 

Purring with happiness, she stretched the thing, bit it, and rolled around until her furry body was entangled with the thread. Mina was about to twirl the red thread on her paws became longer and furless. Her eyes widened as she saw them transform into her human hands.

The sudden change alarmed Mina and put her on high alert.

The red thread tightened across her body.

Mina tried shouting for help but before she could make a sound, something dragged her into a void and all she could do was brace her fall. 

***

Mina expected to feel some pressure when she finally landed on her feet but there was nothing.

Slowly, she opened one eye. Finding it difficult to figure out where she was, she decided to just open both eyes.

Still unused to the sudden change surroundings, she 

"What?" Mina meowed with hesitation.

"Welcome back!"

Mina gave Kino a blank look. Detecting her unusual mood but ignoring it anyway, the monkey did not hesitate to pry about Mina's business.

"What happened since you left?"

The enthusiastic voice finally made Mina realize what was happening.

She was back in the pod. 

"Why am I here?" Mina meowed while squinting. 

"Aren't you supposed to be the one to tell me why you're here?"

Kino was sitting on a comfortable chair with his feet placed on the edge of the table. Mimicking a lazy boss, the monkey leaned back comfortably. 

"Can't I access this pod at any moment?"

When Mina hissed, Kino moved the wheeled seat away from. All the while, his eyes focused on Mina's flickering tail. 

"How do I end up here every time I nod off?" 

You wanted to be here.

Aren't you supposed to give a notice when you drag me here?

But you're here now? 

Do you even know what you really want me to do?

Of course, I do! 

Kino stared at Mina and cleared his throat but the cat continued to wear a sour look while grabbing the collar. Realizing what could be happening, Kino stood up from his head, making sure to make as little noise as possible. 

Mina suddenly looked at the monkey who was now on his feet while trying to push the cleaning cart.

"This collar is useless! It's highly intrusive, it couldn't even help me with my mission."

With eyes constantly straying towards the opening of the pod, Kino spoke with caution. 

 "What would you need its a.s.sistance for? You're already doing great!"

Wary of Mina's pointed stare, the monkey spoke again before Mina could reply.

"For someone who's not actually part of the Network."

Mina looked sideways before mumbling something in reply.

"How could that be? I did nothing yet." 

"Now, now, buddy, you're a cat and all but you are still alive and ... actually useful."

Useful. Hmpf 

"Shut up!"

Kino gulped air, he took a large step towards the exit when Mina hissed. Seeing that the cat grabbing the collar with much greater force.

"Want a drink?"

"Forget that drink."

The monkey eyed the doors with longing while studying the cat tugging on the collar. 

"Make this collar behave."

Kino's eyes widened but he answered anyway.

"I can't."

Mina could sense the collar laughing at her when she heard those two words. She was about to forcefully take it off through any means when she saw a fury, human-like fingers stop her.

Startled, she looked up to see Kino in front of her.

"This collar is special. It's the only way to help you access this place from the human world. You need to keep it with you at all times."

Realizing how close he was to the cat who emitted killer vibes a few seconds ago, Kino slowly backed away while trying to act like his usual self. 

"Now, now, you must have something you want to learn when you decided to come here."

You said take me to that plaaaace

You're still unreliable

You're welcome. 

Kino raised an eyebrow while studying Mina as if waiting for her to speak first. After calming down and ignoring the collar's quips, Mina tried to catch the monkey's eye but Kino seems to be avoiding her stare.

Mina waited for Kino's gaze to settle on her but to no avail. 

This time, Mina couldn't help but make some noise and clear her throat. 

"Kino!"

The cute meowing sound made Kino, who had a hand over his chin, pay attention to the creature inside the pod. 

"Could you tell me something about Serket?"

Under Kino's studious gaze, Mina shifted her weight from one foot to another. The monkey finally looked at her, this time Kino's human-like eyes held a lot of meaning and Mina saw his teeth appear as his lips curved upwards. 

"I could. But... I want something in return."