Charlotte’s P.O.V:

‘After 6 Months, I am finally reunited with Hikari again. I can’t seem to stop crying,’ I thought to myself as I continued to hug Hikari, who seemed to be crying just like me.

After we calmed down a little and finally released each other, we sat on the grass, enjoying the beautiful scenery of this new world. Towering trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets of the land. The distant sound of a waterfall added to the tranquility of the moment.

I leaned my head on Hikari's shoulder as she petted my head, causing me to purr gently. Then, she said, “There is a lot we need to talk about before we head back to the city. I need to explain this world to you at the very least,” she paused for a moment, her expression turning serious yet concerned, “and there is another very important question I need to ask you, Char. The only way for you to come to this world is if you died in our previous world. How did you die?”

The question I was scared to answer the most was just asked, but I needed to be honest. “I...I...killed myself... I’m sorry, Hikari. I tried to stay strong, I tried to not give up after you passed away, but I had to move back in with father, and the bullying went to another level. If I hadn’t met you before that day, I would have given up a long time ago…”

A purple aura started emanating from Hikari as she pulled me even closer. “Those bastards drove you to kill yourself, they deserve divine punishment.” Seeing the anger and pain in her eyes reminded me of the day we met. I placed my hands on her cheeks and moved in closer, giving her a gentle kiss to calm her down. “Hikari, remember violence is bad, let's let the past go. I am here with you again, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. So please calm down, nyaa.”

Hikari calmed down, her purple aura slowly fading away, and then she giggled aloud as she rubbed my ears, "You really are too sweet for your own good, Char, but that is one of the things I love most about you."

“You always were one to protect and stand up for others, and I love that about you, nyaa,” I said with a slight blush as she continued to rub my ears, causing me to purr and relax even more into her chest.

Hikari looked at me with a warm gaze before her expression turned serious again. “Speaking of being protective, I should explain this world to you. But first, do you know your status?”

“Status, nyaa?” I repeated, my cat ears twitching curiously as question marks appeared above my head.

Hikari took a deep breath, her gaze distant for a moment as if recalling memories of the past. “So precious...ahem, I mean, a status is what tells you the skills you have here in this world, and your stats such as strength, agility, intelligence, among other natural abilities.”

“My mother told me that as her daughter, I would have abilities that would help me heal and protect you, and also help us gather allies. And as a cat girl, I would have the strength and agility to traverse the world.”

“So she didn’t tell yo... wait, mother?” Hikari asked, completely perplexed by the statement.

I giggled at her surprise and answered with a sense of pride, “Yes, the Goddess Amara told me she was my mother in the other world, and she is also the goddess of reincarnation as well.”

“I did always feel you were special even in our previous world. To think you were the child of a goddess... That’s so cool. Though I should warn you that there are many in this world that worship Amara, so if it gets out you are her daughter, there may be people that try to worship you as well.”

“Nyaa, I don’t think I would enjoy that. Let's keep my heritage a secret for now then,” I shyly stated, hiding my face in my six tails. ‘I don’t do well with lots of attention after all.’

“I know you have trouble with other people, my love,” Hikari replied while petting my head, seeming to read my mind. Then, she continued, “the thing is, we might not be able to keep it a secret if we want to check what your skills and stats are. Plus, there is something I need to reveal as well.”

“What is it?” I asked, feeling a sense of nervousness as my tails swayed back and forth while listening to Hikari.

“When I was reborn here in this world by your mother, the Goddess, I was told I would get to keep my memories of you and my past life if I became a hero for this world and saved it from the demon king and their army. So we may have to go up against very dangerous foes. This world can be dangerous if you are not prepared. So I would like for us to go to the church in the capital of the kingdom I am staying in and check your status and abilities,” Hikari explained, a sense of worry and seriousness showing on her face as she looked at me.

“Hikari, no matter what we must go against, or situations we find ourselves in, I will stay by your side no matter what, and I will support you in everything you decide. I love you, nyaa, and I no longer want to stand behind you to be protected. I want to stand shoulder to shoulder with you as your partner, nyaa,” I replied, standing up, my tails wagging with gumption, before I reached for Hikari’s hand and said, “Let’s go to the capital. You can explain about the different countries and beasts as we walk.”

Hikari laughed and then showed a bright smile as she replied, “You got it, and if even someone tries to cause you problems, I will take care of them, my lovely partner.”

I giggled and said, “Sounds good, though maybe no violence unless necessary.”

We both laughed as we started walking to the capital, our hands interlocked with one another's.

As we walked towards the capital, Hikari began to recount tales of the various countries that dotted the landscape of this new world. Her voice was animated, painting vivid pictures of each kingdom and its unique culture.

"The kingdom we're currently in is called Aveloria," Hikari started, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "It's known for its lush forests and majestic mountains. The capital city, where we're heading, is called Lumina. It's a bustling hub of trade and culture, where people from all walks of life come together."

I listened intently, absorbing every detail she shared about Aveloria. It sounded like a vibrant and diverse place, filled with opportunities for adventure and discovery.

"And then there are the creatures that inhabit this world," Hikari continued, a hint of excitement in her voice. "There are goblins, mischievous little creatures that lurk in the shadows, always causing trouble. And horned wolves, fierce predators that roam the forests, hunting for their next meal."

I shivered slightly at the thought of encountering such creatures, but Hikari's reassuring hand on mine gave me comfort.

As we continued our stroll towards the capital, the sun cast a warm glow over the landscape, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Hikari's hand felt warm and reassuring in mine, and I couldn't help but steal glances at her radiant smile.

"Hikari, do you think we'll find some delicious treats in Lumina?" I asked, my stomach growling at the thought of food.

Hikari chuckled, her laughter like music to my ears. "Of course, Char! I heard they have the most amazing pastries in all of Aveloria. We'll have to try them all!"

My tails wagged excitedly at the prospect of indulging in sweet treats with Hikari by my side. "I can't wait! But first, we have to check out the church and see what my status is."

As we walked, Hikari pointed out various landmarks and sights, regaling me with stories of her adventures since arriving in this world. With each tale, I found myself falling more and more in love with her, admiring her bravery and determination.

Suddenly, Hikari stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in excitement. "Look, Char! It's a group of baby horned wolves!"

I followed her gaze and saw a litter of adorable wolf pups playing in a nearby clearing. My heart melted at the sight, and I couldn't resist letting out a soft "aww."

Hikari grinned at my reaction, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Do you want to pet them, Char?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if it was safe to approach the wild animals. But when I saw the pleading look in Hikari's eyes, I couldn't resist. "Okay, but you have to come with me!"

Together, we approached the wolf pups cautiously, their tiny tails wagging excitedly as they sniffed at our outstretched hands. Hikari's laughter filled the air as she gently scratched behind their ears, while I marveled at how soft their fur was.

"They're so cute!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my joy.

Hikari smiled fondly at me, her gaze softening. "Just like you, Char."

My cheeks flushed at her words, and I buried my face in her shoulder to hide my embarrassment. "Stop it, Hikari! You're embarrassing me."

But deep down, her compliment made my heart soar, filling me with warmth and happiness.

As we continued our journey towards Lumina, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the precious moments we shared together. In this vast and unfamiliar world, Hikari was my guiding light, my anchor in the storm. And with her by my side, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, as partners and as lovers.