A new companion

In the morning you arrived at the AWIO building. You signed in at reception and walked down the hall. You were stopped by the cat girl from earlier.

“You’re Luke, right?” She spoke softly. She was fidgeting in her pockets and biting her lip, she was obviously nervous yet her voice showed none of that. This was the first time you looked at her closely. She had brown hair which turned to deep blue at the bangs. She was average hight around 5’9 with a petite frame that was covered by a deep blue hoodie. Her most striking features where her two cat ears atop her head and white cat tail sticking out of her pants. To say she was cute would be an understatement.

“Yes. Do you need anything?”

“I want to go with you,” She said sternly.

Taken aback by her sudden demand you replied “Why? We’ve barely talked to each other. I don’t even know your name.”

“Allissa.”

“Okay Allissa. Why do you want to come with me?”

“Ask Rachel.” She replied, clearly blushing.

You continued walking down the hall, Allissa refusing to leave your side. When you reached the room with the portal you opened the door and looked inside. Rachel stood there, looking impatient.

“Finally! What took you so lo- oh.” She stopped when she saw Allissa, her expression of frustration turning to that of understanding.

“Allissa we talked about this.”

“Yes we did. I’ve decided I’m going.” She replied sternly, still surprising for her looks.

“Look, we don’t even know if it will work.”

“I don’t care.” She said sterner than before. “I’m going. I’ve been here the longest and no one took me. I was too ‘meek’ or ‘small’. There’s nothing for me here. It wasn’t my choice to come through anyway.” She looked somber. You could tell she was on the verge of tears.

Rachel sighed, “Luke? What’s your take?”

“My take?” You replied confused.

“If she goes in there alone she won’t last long. She needs a companion to go with her. The only one available right now is you. Will you take her or not?”

You looked down at the meek cat girl, now twiddling her thumbs. You didn’t know what task Rachel wanted you to do but you imagined it wasn’t safe. Still, Allissa didn’t look too happy here. You doubt she’d fare well staying here, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a companion.

“She’s coming.” You said.

“Fine” Rachel replied, annoyed,

Allissa looked calmer now. She held on tight to your arm.

As you walked over to the portal you looked back at Rachel. “You said you had a job for me?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. Good luck Luke. Find a better life.”

“I will.”

With Allissa still holding tight to your arm you picked up your bag of gear and stepped toward the portal. With one final look at Rachel, you stepped in.