It was all my fault that he died. Not much talk happened in the dining hall for a few days. Everyone went to his funeral, including the Director. We took his body to his hometown all the way down to Funan (short for Funanori no machi). Seems like he had saved a few people, because a lot of people that I didn't recognise showed up. When we arrived, it was already night so we all managed to find a place to stay for the night. It didn't rain the next day, so don't think that it did to set the mood. Actually, it was a bright and sunny day. When the buses (yeah, we take buses like normal people) were taking us back, we drove past the sea. People were happily playing around in the sand and waters. It wasn't fair for us, seeing people being cheerful and happy. It wasn't their fault though, we all knew that. But can you imagine how painful it felt? You probably can't. And you never will unless you have lost someone you had just met. I still don't know what I had done to the mist creature, and maybe it's better for all of us if I never knew. I asked the Director (who was riding on the bus with me). She was silent for a few minutes and didn't answer immediately. It was kind of awkward. "... I..." She whispered softly. "... I used to feel powerful..." I looked at her. I had no idea what she meant. "... And it was then, when I felt powerful..." She paused, took a deep breath, and continued. "I saw my best friend in the forest. I had called out to her, and she waved to me. Something flashed through my vision and headed towards my friend. I had barely enough time to shout to her, to warn her, but I was still too slow. Sharp thorns pierced through her body... She died later that day" Her voice trailed away. I know this tone. It was a tone of a defeated person, one that was near suiciding. I met a man in the alleyways before. He sounded exactly like that. The sadness, anger and guilt had been drained out of her voice. In time, she'll just sound hopeless and depressed, which is what she sounded like now. It wasn't a good sign. I knew that I wasn't the only person who felt sad. I felt angry with myself for moping this long. And I felt determined. I took a short breath and stood up quickly. "It wasn't your fault!" I said firmly. "Most people would've reacted like that! So just stop wallowing in your guilt and keep pushing through!". We were close enough to the city, so I hopped off the bus and ran towards the city, now filled with hope and determination. I knew these streets well, so I weaved in and out, between alleyways and roads. I don't know how, so don't ask me, but when I took a stop to rest for a bit, I noticed that, somehow, I had changed a little bit. By 'little', I mean a lot. My vision was still the same as ever, but that was all that was the same. I looked down. Dark, furry paws were resting on the ground. They were mine. So... After a brief check of myself, I had apparently turned into a cat. I thought about turning back, but I had no idea how. "Okay then..." I muttered. "Let's try this..." I thought to myself to turn back. I closed my eyes tightly. I waited for a few seconds before opening my eyes. I had changed back. Well... At least I won't stay stuck like a cat though. I could prank someone though. But let's not continue this topic. Anyway... I wandered the streets for a while, remembering my time as a cat. Those times were rough but those days helped me establish my instinct. I passed a corner and walked on a busy street. I saw some other cats that I recognised. Ha. Let them attack me for all I care. I once got beaten up pretty badly when I poked my nose into their business. The only reason that they left me alone when I nearly got killed, was because I was pretty young at that time. I was left in the alleyways bleeding from my claw wounds. It wasn't very fun. I felt bold and approached them. I blended in pretty well in the crowd, because most people wore black shoes these days. It was until I was a few paces away that I was noticed. The leader muttered something to the others and backed away. I was certain that I was being surrounded, because they haven't changed their fighting style at all. I rushed forward and broke through their line of defence calmly. The leader stepped forward. "What business do you have with me?" He meowed with vigour. I stared him straight in the eye. "Let me ask you something first." I replied. "Do you remember me?". He surveyed me and shook his head. "I guessed not." I mewed. "I was still a kit when I met you.". He furrowed his brow (which looked very silly on a cat) and thought harder. "Jog my memory, won't you.". I cocked my head sideways. "Keywords, a small black kitten about a couple of months old. Was left lying in a cold and muddy alleyway. Ring a bell?" He nodded and sat up straight. "Ah yes. A arrogant little kit who always poked his nose into adult business. It does ring a bell. And what are you planning to do, eh? Avenge yourself?". I felt the blood rushing to my head but held my gaze. "Nah. Just wanted to say hi. I'll be going now." He raised a paw. "Oh really?" He sneered. "Did you think that it'll be that easy to escape like last time? You'll end up going to see the Spirit Guardians at this rate.". I looked at him coldly. "They're just some myths made up by dreamers. Nothing more. And so, you, a gang leader, still believes in them?". I batted him with my tail and strode off. I heard the other cats yowling in anger but was cut off. "They are real! You'll be punished for not believing them!" He called out to me. I just flicked my tail. They weren't real. Or so I thought. Thinking about the Spirit Guardians made me remember something that I just couldn't clearly think about. What was that weird pixel? And who was that girl? Those thoughts spun in my mind. They can't have something to do with the old Spirit Guardian myth, can they? Of course not. I thought at that time. Boy, was I wrong. In many ways.