Author’s note: This is a continuation of last week’s article, which was the fifth installment of this story. Any comments are welcome. This is an episodic story, which means you as the audience have an opportunity to influence some things. If there are any events you want to happen or prefer to avoid, do say so. This tale may just go in that direction. Now, back to the story.

“Not understanding,” Kyumi said as in front of him on the ground was a sleeping feline of some sort. At least, he thinks it is a feline. Not like he has seen this species before. There are many things unique to this place, Kyumi is finding out. He’ll have to increase his estimates for how long—

“I told you, this is a bounty giver. You do what he, she, it tells you, I don’t know, it’s a cat, and you get rep. Rep means people won’t try to steal your lunch money.” Vise tells him for the third time.

“And why is this the best one again?”

“Because I look at it and I see something about myself in it. Now say hello to the cat with face tentacles and make nice-nice.”

It is at this point Kyumi realizes how it is more likely that Vise is yanking on his chain. But he doesn’t have many options. So, he kneels down so his dome is closer to the supposed bounty giver. “Hello. I nice-nice make.” There is the sound of Vise smacking his face as Kyumi speaks.

Instead of purring, meowing, or even forming coherent sentences, the cat just…hums. Not just from its throat, but from its entire body. It shakes and vibrates in place. As soon as it started, it stopped. Standing up from its prone position, the strange bud-like protrusions from its head open up, revealing the insides of its peculiar ears. The flagella which extend from its face twist around as the eyes open to reveal two pupils in each iris. It opens its mouth in a yawn, or a snarl, Kyumi isn't sure, before finally giving him its attention.

“Why do you feel the need to mock me?” says the cat in a tone akin to a disapproving peer. “Haven’t I done enough for you? Quit bringing me strays.”

“He just wants to pet the kitty,” replies Vise. “Besides, you like the attention.”

“I also told you to stop spreading such rumors.”

“And I have only said the truth, so deal with it.”

With a heavy sigh, the cat looks over to Vise. “What is it this time?”

“Reputation build need. Gangs annoy. Fun not is.” Kyumi says.

“I was not talking to you, merc.”

“But that is why I brought him here. Plus I know you always have odd jobs to get done.” Vise adds.

“Fine. Quarantine district needs a new shipment of supplies. Only problem is other punks are making it difficult. Now I’ve got someone I would rather stay far away from me breathing down my neck.”

“Wait, quarantine?”

“Yes, Vise, quarantine. Honestly surprised you haven’t noticed it yet. Go out there, talk to the one in charge, and never bother me again.”

“Awww, but what about all the fun times we had? Think of the children, Morrow.” Vise pleads, though Kyumi can not tell if he is serious or not.

“I am. Because you won’t leave me alone. I have met enough dumb kittens in my life, please just go.” The cat, Morrow it seems, begs in retaliation.

With a satisfied chuckle, Vise tugs on the still crouching Kyumi so he knows to follow. After some silence, the titan raises an important question.

“Quarantine, where is? And quarantine why?”

With a shrug, Vise keeps on walking. “No clue to both. But hey, you said you wanted to learn. No time like the present.”

Author’s end note: Part six is now completed. Another show of appreciation to Charlotte Tapp and all the work she has put into this project. She is still doing her best to provide art, and is working hard behind the scenes. Again, criticism and comments are encouraged. Next week will be part seven, stay tuned!