74 Tell Me About I (1/2)

Mina was playing with some red yarn in her dream and rolling around gleefully on a warm mat. Unfortunately, something snatched her plaything and she hissed in annoyance.

How dare you take away that plaything!

Perhaps it was how loud her meows went or how ferocious she was while snatching the ball of yarn, but it didn't take long for her to snatch 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

\”Wha-at?\” 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.