They had stopped at a clearing in the forest with a large cave sitting in the center of the clearing. Vines and various plants wrapped around the cave, so a few males swiped at them to clear the entry way.
anwhile, the rest pulled to a stop and shifted to begin setting up camp. Serena slid off the back of Rex, the tiger who’d been carrying her, the mont he crouched down. She then moved to help Kiro out before thanking Rex.
The tiger beastman gave her a small nod before he shifted into his male form to help the others. Serena silently stood where she was and watched as the males inspected the large cave before them.
Richard had a lit torch in his hand and was waving it around the inside of the cave, careful not to step inside just yet. It took her a mont to realize he wasn’t just checking for any animals inside, but also oxygen levels.
If the fla went out, it ant there was either high levels of carbon dioxide within the cave or so other dangerous gas. Her guess though was carbon dioxide considering the natural decay near the entrance.
Still she was quite impressed that they knew to check for oxygen levels with fire before entering. It was a common survival tip explorers like her knew, but she doubted a world like this knew what the word oxygen ant.
Ancient wisdom then? Serena mused to herself. Like how humans slowly figured out which herbs were good or bad before science beca commonplace.
"Serena!" A voice suddenly called out, pulling her away from her thoughts. "What are you doing there?"
"Hmm?"
Serena turned away from the cave to see the two other females standing nearby with so animal furs in their hands. The younger one was Rebecca and the older one Trix if the original owner’s mories served her well.
They weren’t exactly close per say, the original owner being a bit of a loner, so Serena was a bit confused why they were suddenly approaching her. Maybe to find comradery since they all were in the sa position.
"Co help set up camp." Trix stated, nodding her head towards a bunch of baskets holding the caravan’s supplies. "We need to put so furs down or we’ll be cold for the night."
Right. Seed she had forgotten that while city beastwon were pampered endlessly, the sa could not be said about beastwon from tribes or villages.
Many would help the mates in so way, mostly through dostic chores, since it was common to have smaller families within the tribe or village. Mainly because resources were harder to co by the weaker the tribe or village.
"Sure." Serena nodded her head in understanding.
She grabbed so more furs along with Kiro, who was being awfully quiet by her side. Serena wasn’t sure if it was normal or not, child rearing not exactly her expertise. And yet here she was trying to raise a child.
All in the na of keeping her promise to the original owner to protect her young brother.
Perhaps I should speak to him when we’re alone. Serena thought, glancing at the cub. See if there’s sothing wrong.
But first, she was going to help with setting up camp.
***
Turns out so of the beastn were so eager to please that they would not let any of the females help with setting up camp. Thus they landed up sitting in a corner doing nothing for a while.
Serena didn’t care either way and took this chance to get away from everyone. Kiro and her sat inside the cave far from the entrance where a campfire had been lit a few ters away.
Fresh at hunted by the scouting team was being roasted while almost everyone was outside enjoying each other’s company. A few males were also patrolling the surrounding area and making sure there were no intruders.
The only other person inside the cave was the injured beastman, still unconscious from his wounds. So with no one around, Serena decided to take this chance to speak to Kiro.
"Is sothing the matter?" Serena asked, deciding to just bite the bullet. "Don’t be scared to speak your mind."
She wasn’t sure how else to put it, so gave it to him straight. Besides, she really didn’t like people beating around the bush, so never did it when she spoke unless required.
"W-what do you an?" Kiro tilted his head. "I’m okay, Sister..."
Serena raised an eyebrow and wondered if she should push it. There was clearly sothing bugging him, she could see it from the way he kept fidgeting under her gaze.
Had she done sothing by mistake? He was quite anxious about yesterday’s events. Perhaps it was wrong of her to intervene. Etiquette here was much different from her world. Serena wanted to groan in frustration.
Still, it was for the best... Serena sighed to herself. That tribe would’ve been bad for both of us.
ntally shaking her head, Serena finally asked, "Are you sure you’re okay? Even if you have a problem with , you should say it. I won’t be upset. Promise."
"There’s nothing wrong with you!" Kiro exclaid loudly, almost jumping up. He then sheepishly added, "I... I an... yesterday was strange... Y-you seem different Sister... Not that it’s bad!"
Serena stiffened at his words for a split second, it dawning on her what he ant. In her mories, the original owner was a timid person, so of course, soone like Kiro would pick up on the difference.
It would be strange if he didn’t realize that his sister was acting weirdly from normal.
"It’s okay." Serena smiled at him, ruffling his hair. "I guess I was acting strangely yesterday... But after Old Mary slapped ... I realized I had to be stronger for us both. I didn’t want us to get bullied anymore."
As she spoke, Serena couldn’t help but feel like the words were leaving a bitter taste on her mouth. But she swallowed it down knowing she couldn’t tell Kiro the truth.
That his sister was really dead and so other soul was living in her body. Because even if he believed her, which she doubted, Serena knew it would crush the poor kid to lose his reminding family mber.
So, instead she would keep playing the role of his sister until he was old enough to leave the nest. She owed the original owner that much at least.
"T-then I’ll get stronger too!" Kiro suddenly declared, standing up proudly. "I’m going to beco the strongest out there so no one hurts us!"
Serena chuckled a little before giving him a small smile. "Sure. We can both get strong."
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