Chapter 38 Rain (1/2)

Rain drenched the ground making the path out of the inn muddy sludge. Eiji had hoped they were able to search the area for Tama, but with the rain coming down hard, it would be difficult. Who knows where she would have fled to?

Their search within the inn had proved useless with no one saying that they had seen a small kitten running around the place. Even if they did, it was likely no one would tell.

Eiji held the wicker bag tightly in his arms, determined to keep looking for her despite Tyne's order to make for Kei's car.

His head ducked and dived around holes, box openings or gaps a cat would likely take shelter as they walked through the paved streets. Some mice darted for his face when he was up close to their hiding spot near some crates against a food cart. He was too crestfallen to notice the weird glances some shopkeepers gave him when he passed their stores.

”I'm sorry.” Tyne patted his shoulder with the same feeling of remorse for Tama.

”Probably for the best. She's probably found a clueless kid or delinquent to take care of her.” Kei brushed off.

He hurried into the car, stroking the dashboard with a blessing. Nishigawa-sama had been good on making sure his baby was untouched when they were at the inn.

Eiji sighed, his head downcast in the rain with sadness. Tama was the one that gave them a chance to be something other than enemies. She was their comrade and friend. Tears slipped from his eyes.

”Eiji.” Sean called out to him from within the car.

He nodded and went to step around the boot for his side of the door. A pitiful mew stopped his hand on the door handle.

”Nya, nya.” The soft mewing became louder.

Eiji tipped his head to one side, so he could see under the car.