FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Senpai looked like someone suffering from a nightmare. He was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. He looked... scared. Like he was trying to run away from some kind of monster inside of his head.

"He does not look good," said Guardian Tiger.

"What should we do? Try to wake him?" I asked. I felt Senpai's forehead and noticed he was much warmer than normal.

"Best not. We don't know what's going on. The most you could do is try to make him comfortable."

I grabbed a washcloth and ran it under cold water, and then, wringing out the excess liquid, brought it over to Senpai. I wiped away some of his sweat, and then folded the damp cloth and placed it on his forehead. That should help cool him down some. Ugh... I'm definitely gonna have to change my sheets before I sleep tonight.

Occasionally, Senpai would make some small noises like he was in pain. More time passed, and I just sat beside him trying to soothe his unconscious body. When Kulau said he was waking up, I thought he meant actually waking up.

"This sure is taking a while... I wonder what's going on." I said.

"My best guess," said Guardian Tiger. "is that Yan Shu-Chi's body is fighting against the remnants of this kitten's chi. He will probably wake up when his energies settle. You're causing us so much trouble, kitten."

"Hey, I already apologized for all of this, didn't I?" said Leopard Cat.

"Actually," said Guardian Tiger. "I don't recall you apologizing to us even once, kitten."

Leopard Cat huffed, folding his arms and turning his head away from Guardian Tiger. "Fine! I'm sorry, okay? For all the trouble I've caused."

Guardian Tiger didn't seem impressed. "Hmph. Doesn't sound genuine to me. But I guess that's the best we'll get."

Leopard Cat just ignored him and changed the subject. "I still can't believe you guys were able to pull his soul out of me like that."

"Well, it wasn't easy," said Guardian Tiger.

"Do you remember anything about it, Leopard Cat?" I asked.

"Hmm..." Leopard Cat scratched his chin. "Not really. I passed out when Kulau started draining my chi. I vaguely remember the feeling of you guys digging around my insides..." Leopard Cat shivered. "It felt disgusting..."

"It was not pleasant for us either," said Guardian Tiger.

Leopard Cat just rolled his eyes. "When I woke up, it's was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I could think clearly for the first time in my life. I felt incredible... I still do."

Guardian Tiger spoke with a slight growl at the start of his words. "Don't let that feeling reawaken your lust for power, kitten."

Leopard Cat frowned. "Don't worry, old man. Those days are over. Even if I wanted to steal more power, all this god chi in me paints a huge target on my back. The city guardians would notice me immediately."

That's reassuring. I don't think I'll have to worry about Leopard Cat stealing my soul while I sleep, at the least. I stood up and stretched, pulling Shu-Chi's keys and phone out of my pocket. Almost forgot I had those with me. I pulled out my own phone and started looking through menus from nearby delivery places. It was getting late, and I can't go out for food with Senpai like this. He'll probably be starving when he wakes up, too.

"Ugh... Liao..."

I jumped and looked at Senpai. That was definitely his voice just now. He tossed and turned on my bed with his eyes tightly shut.

"Liao..." he called again.

"Guys, I think he's waking up!" I exclaimed. "What should I do?" I started pacing back and forth, and then stopped and looked at the three spirits. "You guys gotta hide." None of them moved. "...Well?"

"He can't see us, Liao. We don't need to hide," said Guardian Tiger.

"Oh, right." I stopped pacing and walked back to Senpai's side. He was totally calm now, like the nightmare had stopped and he was just sleeping. The sweating had stopped altogether. "...Senpai?" I called out. I grabbed his shoulder and lightly shook his body. "Senpai?" I called again. "Wake up."

Senpai groaned. His hand moved up and rubbed the side of his head. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open.

"Senpai!" I yelled.

"L-Liao...? What..." Senpai looked at me with confusion. "Where am I?" He tried to sit up, but immediately clutched his head and inhaled sharply as he fell back down to the bed. "Oh god, my head hurts."

"Don't try to sit up Senpai. You're in my apartment. Just rest for now."

Senpai waited until the pain subsided to speak. "Ugh... Why am I here? I don't remember... why do I feel so awful?"

"Uhh..." Now I realized I had no idea how to explain this to him. I can't just say, 'Oh I'm glad your back, Senpai. A yaoguai ate your soul, but then me and my magic spirit cats saved you and put your soul back in your body!' Yeah, not happening. "W-well, I invited you over after dance practice today. We walked home together, but you looked so tired that I insisted you rest as soon as we got here. You passed out, and you've been asleep for the whole afternoon..."

"R-really?"

I felt really bad lying to Senpai like this, but I didn't have much choice. "Yeah. I guess you must've pushed yourself too hard and nearly collapsed from exhaustion."

Senpai's eyes met mine. He stared at me for few seconds, but then blushed and turned the other way. "I-I see. Sorry to impose on you like this."

"It's no trouble at all, Senpai. You can rest here until you feel better."

"...Thanks, Liao."

Our eyes met again. I wonder... Just how much did Senpai remember from the past month? If he doesn't remember spending time together with Leopard Cat inside his body, then this is gonna be really hard to lie myself out of. Everyone in dance class thinks we're dating. Even his family thinks we are. And with the date at the arcade... no doubt the other senpai's told everyone about that by now. If I don't know what he remembers, then there's no way I can create a convincing lie. He's gonna realize everything doesn't add up as soon as he leaves. Sigh... At this rate, just telling the truth would be easier. I opened my mouth to speak, but Senpai yawned loudly and stretched as best he could while laying down.

"Ugh. My whole body is sore. Liao, we should go back to that hot spring after midterms for a day of relaxation."

"The hot spring?" I repeated. He remembered?

"Yeah? The one we went to like two weeks ago. I wanna go back."

"But Senpai... I told you that's expensive. We can't afford to go there often, especially not twice in one month."

"It's fine, Liao! We went over this last time!" Senpai smiled. A tinge of pink dusted his cheeks.

I let out a small sigh. "Fine, fine. We can go." Knowing Senpai and Leopard Cat had similar personalities, I'm sure Senpai would guilt me until I agreed to go with him. Might as well save us both the trouble. Though... Senpai didn't mention Lin Hu or Kulau at all, even though I saw them in his memories. I guess he remembers the last month as if they weren't there. That's kinda disappointing...

Senpai's smile widened, but quickly vanished as he went into a fit of coughing. "Water..." he choked out.

I quickly stepped over to my fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. I shot the three spirits an apologetic look. I can't talk to them until Senpai leaves. For some reason, Leopard Cat didn't look happy watching us... could he be... jealous?

"You gotta sit up for this," I said as I unscrewed the top. Senpai's coughing fit had mostly subsided except for a few lingering coughs as he tried to catch his breath. He grabbed the water bottle and, with his eyes closed and head tilted back, starting downing the whole thing. After several large gulps, his drinking rate slowed and his head tilted back to normal. However, when Senpai opened his eyes, he started coughing all over again, this time choking on his water.

"Senpai? What's wrong?" I asked. Senpai handed me the water bottle, and I took it away from him before he could spill the rest of it. Still coughing and covering his mouth with his left hand, he pointed towards the center of my room with his right. Dread set in as I followed his arm right towards where the three cat spirits were standing.

"What... the hell... are they...!" Senpai said between gasps. "Don't you see them, Liao?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Them!" he waved his hand for emphasis. "The giant... tiger men, or whatever!"

"Uhh..."

Guardian Tiger sighed. "Only one of us is a tiger, boy."

"Gah!" Senpai nearly jumped out of his skin. His eyes darted between me and the three spirits. "A-Am I still dreaming? This can't be real."

Guardian Tiger walked over to the two of us. Senpai shrank back and covered his head with his arms. "You might as well tell him the truth, Liao. If he can see spirits, then it is dangerous to continue lying to him."

"H-He just said your name..." said Senpai. "Liao, what is going on?"

"Aha... I guess the spirit cats are out of the bag..." I said. Senpai did not look amused. "Senpai, this is gonna sound strange, but... these are spirits."

"Spirits?" Senpai asked. "You mean like... yaoguais?"

"Hmph! I am no yaoguai," said Guardian Tiger. Kulau and Leopard Cat had joined us beside my bed. "I am Lin Hu, a guardian tiger god of the Lin family."

"Rukai Clouded Leopard. Likulau." Kulau introduced himself in much the same way he did when I first met him.

"Well..." Leopard Cat started. "I actually am a yaoguai... And I don't have a name. Everyone just calls me Leopard Cat." He looked a little dejected saying that. Maybe I should think of a proper name for him since he'll be staying around.

Senpai carefully looked over each of the three spirits. "Lin Hu... Kulau... Leopard Cat... This sounds so familiar." Senpai clutched his head again. "Ugh... my head is killing me."

"Kulau, is this your doing?" asked Guardian Tiger. "Did you open Yan Shu-Chi's third eye too?"

"No," said Kulau. "Not my fault."

"Senpai...?" He was hunched over, trembling and gripping his head with both hands. I reached out to put a hand on his shoulder only for him to jerk away.

"Don't touch me!" he yelled, causing me to flinch. "These memories aren't mine. I... whose hand is that?"

I was about to reach for him again, but Guardian Tiger stopped me. "Just let him work it out himself, Liao. Seems the sight of us triggered something."

"What do you mean? What's going on with him?"

"Hmm..." Guardian Tiger scratched his chin. "From your conversation earlier, we can assume Yan Shu-Chi remembered the past month as if Kulau and I did not exist. His mind couldn't understand our existence, so it chose to ignore us. Seeing us here now forces him to remember the truth."

Senpai didn't even acknowledge what Guardian Tiger said. Several minutes passed, and eventually Senpai stopped shaking.

"Senpai?" I called out one more time.

"Liao?" He responded with a look of confusion. "I don't understand. I have all these memories of the time we spent together, but it feels like they aren't mine. Like... someone else was in control and I was just a spectator of my own body. What actually happened this month?"

"That is surprisingly accurate," said Guardian Tiger as he placed one of his massive hands on top of Leopard Cat's head. "You want to explain yourself again, cat? Or should I?"

"S-stop that!" Leopard Cat struggled out from under Tiger's grip. "I'll do it!" He sighed and stood straight up to face Senpai. "It's kind of a long story... and you won't understand a lot of it... so I'll just give you the short version." Their eyes met for a brief moment, but Leopard Cat had to look away. "I sort of... stole your soul, and then pretended to be you for the past month in order to get closer to Liao and then steal his soul as well."

"...You did what?" asked Senpai.

"I-It's okay, Senpai!" I rushed to say. "We got your soul back and everything's fine now!"

"I wouldn't say everything," said Guardian Tiger. "After all, Yan Shu-Chi was not able to see spirits before. His third eye is clearly open," Tiger sniffed the air. "and yet his aura smells completely different than Liao's. In fact, he smells just like a yaoguai now."

"See? Everything's not fine!" said Senpai. "I don't even know what that means, but it doesn't sound good!"

"It just means you have more spirit power than you should. A lot more, actually," explained Guardian Tiger. "And I hate to say it, but I think your recovery was only possible because this cat inhabited your body for so long. The time your souls spent entwined with one another gave you enough time to adjust to the presence of his negative chi. Now your body accepts this kitten's energy as part of your own." Guardian Tiger crossed his arms in front of him. "You would likely not be alive right now if your body had rejected it. It is a part of you now, like it or not."

"Well I don't like it!" said Senpai.

"Hey, it isn't so bad," said Leopard Cat. "Just think of it like I gave you a month-long vacation from your everyday life while still taking care of everything. And look, Liao even knows how you feel about him now. It's like a win-win for you! You should be thanking me, even!"

Ha... I think that's going too far, Leopard Cat.

"A-as if!" Senpai's cheeks reddened. "I didn't ask for any of that. In fact, the last thing I remember was buying food for Liao so I could come over and ask him to go out with me." Now I felt my own face heating up. "From my memories I thought... he had said yes. But now..." Senpai's eyes met my own. "What's the truth, Liao?"

"Senpai..." Was he asking me if we were dating? "I... I don't know how to answer that. It's complicated."

"What Liao is trying to say is," said Leopard Cat with a smirk. "he can't go out with you because he's already in love with me!"

"No chance, kitten," said Guardian Tiger. "Liao obviously prefers my company to yours. He would never choose you over me."

"No way, old man! Liao is definitely mine!"

"I stay with Liao," said Kulau.

"Hey, I like Liao too!" Great, now Senpai was joining in. "And I'm a human, with a real human body! That has to count for something, right Liao?"

"Liao spent all his time with me, not you!" said Leopard Cat. "It doesn't matter that it was your body, I was the one he went out with. So I-"

Alright, I've had enough. "Guys, guys! Stop!" I said. All of them looked at me, and I sighed. "I'm sorry. I can't decide something like this right now." I turned to address the spirits. "I will admit I... have feelings for you three. And all of you seem to want my attention." It felt awkward saying this to their faces. I had to do it sooner or later, though. "It's too hard to choose between you guys. I couldn't do it at the start of the month, and I still can't." The room was dead silent with everyone's attention on me, all awaiting my next words. "I don't want to have to choose anymore. This is incredibly selfish, I know, but... I want all three of you."

"Hmph. It is already inappropriate enough to have a relationship with a spirit, Liao, and now you want one with three at once?" said Guardian Tiger. "I don't know how to feel about this."

"I don't want to share Liao either!" said Leopard Cat with fake tears in his eyes.

"You guys aren't leaving anyway," I said. "no matter what I decide or who I choose. Except maybe Kulau. I know he has his tribe to get back to."

"I stay," said Clouded Leopard. "Leave. Come back. Stay."

"See?" I said. "All of you feel something for me too, right? And all three of you will be around me possibly for the rest of my life. How can you ask me to choose only one of you? It isn't fair to the other two, and it isn't fair to make me decide who I disappoint."

I glanced between the three spirits. Each of them avoided making eye contact with me. In reality, I wasn't sure how Lin Hu or Kulau felt. Only Leopard Cat has openly admitted to liking me so far. Kulau did say he loved me earlier... but I'm still not sure if he fully understood all of this. Lin Hu's protesting seemed to come from not wanting Leopard Cat to have me rather than wanting me for himself.

Guardian Tiger sighed. "...I suppose you're right. If Liao cannot make up his mind, then it can't be helped. I will not leave you, and this kitten won't leave no matter how hard we try to get rid of him. This discussion is not over, but we'll save it for another time."

"F-fine... I see your point too, Liao." said Leopard Cat. The half-yaoguai had crossed his arms and was pouting again.

Kulau studied the other two spirit's faces for a few seconds before turning towards me and nodding once.

I felt my shoulders relax as I let out a small sigh of relief. I didn't even realize how tense I was feeling just now.

"Senpai," I said, turning towards him now. "What Leopard Cat said was true. All the time you and I spent together... it wasn't real. I spent time with Leopard Cat's version of you, but not the real you."

"Are they not basically the same?" asked Guardian Tiger.

"Sort of..." said Leopard Cat. "Our personalities are very similar, and nobody will think twice about the things I did while in his body... but humans aren't that simple. I can't know exactly how the real Yan Shu-Chi will respond to things, I can only make assumptions. He might react completely differently now that he knows the truth about all this."

"I know you like me, Senpai," I continued. "And I know to you it feels like we've been going out for a whole month, but that isn't real. I can't continue something like that."

Senpai looked confused, almost hurt. "You're rejecting me?"

"N-no, that's not it. It's just... how do I put this..." I said. "What I saw of you this month was what Leopard Cat wanted me to see. So I feel like I know you, and at the same time feel like I don't know anything about you. It would feel wrong to agree to date you when things are like this."

"I see..." said Senpai. His shoulders hung low and he glanced up at me out of the corner of his eyes, somehow making him look sadder. He probably feels like I just broke up with him, too... Now I feel guilty. "So... what happens now? Do I just... go home? Pretend this last month never happened?"

"If that's what you want," I said. Admittedly, the thought of him leaving saddened me. "I won't lie, Senpai. I do have some feelings for you too. It doesn't have to end here." Senpai looked up, and our eyes met. "I know all of this is pretty crazy. I'll understand if you want nothing to do with me after all this... but I'd like for you to stay. We can get to know each other for real this time."

"Regardless of what Yan Shu-Chi wants to do now," said Guardian Tiger. "it would not be wise for him to wander around without an escort. All that excess spirit power he's acquired makes him an appealing target for the next opportunistic yaoguai." Guardian Tiger eyed Leopard Cat as he said that.

"Hey, don't look at me!" said Leopard Cat with an indignant glare directed at Guardian Tiger. "I can't do that anymore."

"I am aware of that, but," said Guardian Tiger. "did you not say you wanted to take responsibility for your actions earlier? This is your chance, kitten. Step up and protect Yan Shu-Chi."

"H-hang on a minute!" said Leopard Cat with a panicked expression. "Liao promised I could stay here, remember? What about the shrine he was gonna build for me?"

"We'll just build you one at Yan Shu-Chi's place. It doesn't matter where it is," said Guardian Tiger. "I'm sure Liao cares more about the safety of his Senpai than he does about your feelings."

"B-but...!" Leopard Cat's eyes darted between me, Guardian Tiger, and Senpai. "What if Yan Shu-Chi doesn't want me around him? Wouldn't he be uncomfortable being around someone who, you know, stole their soul once?"

"Just give it up, cat. You just confirmed you can't do that anymore," said Guardian Tiger. "Yan Shu-Chi has no reason to fear you now that you are part god."

Leopard Cat's eyes settled on me, pleading me to say something.

"Well..." I started. "I did say Leopard Cat could stay here first." The half-yaoguai immediately relaxed and let out a small sigh of relief. "But I do want Senpai to be safe, too. If Lin Hu thinks some should watch him... then... I don't see what other options we have."

That sent Leopard Cat into a panic again. "Uh... what about asking the City God? One of the city guardians can watch over Yan Shu-Chi."

"Now you want to dump the responsibility onto someone else?" Guardian Tiger shook his head. "It may work, but I do not like letting you off the hook so easily."

"Hey, don't I get a say in this?" asked Senpai. All of us looked at him.

Guardian Tiger scratched his chin. "...I suppose so. It is your life we're talking about."

"What do you want to do then, Senpai?" I asked.

Senpai didn't answer right away. He looked back at us, studying our faces. "I think, err... Leopard Cat, was it? is right. It would feel awkward being alone with him after what he did to me. That's not an environment I'd want to live in."

"Finally, someone's talking sense here!" said Leopard Cat.

"Be quiet, cat," said Guardian Tiger before he turned to Senpai. "So, you want to ask the City God for help instead?"

"I don't think that would be any better," said Senpai. "I'd still feel uncomfortable being around a spirit I'm not familiar with."

Guardian Tiger sighed. "Now you are just being difficult. Those are the only two options you have, unless you'd prefer to take your chances and live alone."

"What about you guys?" asked Senpai.

Guardian Tiger eyed Senpai with suspicion. "What about us?"

"You three protect Liao, don't you? Can't you protect me too?"

"Impossible," said Guardian Tiger as he shook his head. "We cannot be in two places at once, and my duty is to the Lin family, not the Yan family. I will not abandon Liao to watch over you."

Leopard Cat spoke up. "That won't be a problem if they're in the same place." Leopard Cat broke out into an increasingly widening smile as he spoke. "All they'd have to do is move in together. Then we'd be able to watch over both of them easily."

"Huh?" I said.

"Hey, yeah!" said Senpai. "That works out perfectly! You three can protect the both of us, Liao will know I'm safe, and he can keep his promise to Leopard Cat."

"It most certainly does not work out perfectly!" said Guardian Tiger. He glared at both Leopard Cat and Senpai. "You have your own home to go back to, and this kitten is perfectly capable of keeping you safe. I do not want you burdening Liao for no reason."

"It won't be a burden," said Leopard Cat. "It'll be just like what we did this past month, only this time Yan Shu-Chi and I won't be in the same body."

"This past month HAS been a burden on Liao," said Guardian Tiger. "You forced your way into Liao's home by taking advantage of his good nature, and now you are both trying to manipulate him again. I will not have it."

"Hang on, Lin Hu," I said. "I think they're right."

Guardian Tiger stared at me with disapproval. "You can't be serious, Liao. Can you not see that they are trying to trick you again?"

"But... what they said makes sense," I said. "If we're the ones protecting Senpai, then I'll know for sure he's safe. And it's easier to protect him if he's living with us."

"You can't be together all the time," said Guardian Tiger. "You have class to attend, and so does Yan Shu-Chi. What will you do then?"

"I'll watch him on campus," said Leopard Cat. "Nobody's gonna try anything there. Then we'll just meet up like we normally do and spend the rest of the day together."

"But-" started Guardian Tiger.

"Ugh! Come on, old man!" said Leopard Cat as he crossed his arms. "You're the only one being stubborn here. Liao's already agreed to it, and so has his Senpai."

Guardian Tiger folded his arms and looked back at us with a frown.

Senpai shrugged. "I don't mind being with him in public. I'd just rather not be alone in my apartment with him. No offense."

"None taken," said Leopard Cat.

"It's fine, Lin Hu," I said. "I know you're just looking out for me, but I think this is the best solution. I want to make sure Senpai stays safe, and I want to keep my promise to Leopard Cat."

Guardian Tiger just sighed. "As you wish. I still do not think this is necessary, but if it's what you want then I'll say no more on the subject." He focused his gaze on Leopard Cat. "But don't think you'll have it easy because of this, kitten. This just means I'll be able to watch you very closely to make sure you aren't causing trouble."

Leopard Cat returned the warning with an innocent smile. "You don't have to worry, old man. I'll behave."

Guardian Tiger rolled his eyes. "I'm sure you will, cat."

"So... it's okay? We can live together?" asked Senpai.

Guardian Tiger stared down at Senpai before answering. Being under the gaze of the towering Guardian made Senpai noticeably uncomfortable. "...I'll allow it, yes. But under the same conditions as this cat. Do not cause any trouble for Liao."

"I don't intend to," said Senpai.

"Hmph. That's the problem," said Guardian Tiger. "If you really are similar to this kitten, you will make Liao's life more difficult just by being around him. You won't even have to try."

I let out an awkward laugh. Guardian Tiger was right about that. "A-anyway, I guess that's that."

"Guess so," said Senpai. "Only thing about this is that people already think we're dating. If we suddenly start living in the same apartment, we won't be able to convince anyone we aren't going out."

"I don't care about that," I said. "Let people think what they want. I've dealt with it this entire month, so I'm kinda over it now. Making sure you're safe is more important than anyone's opinions."

"Well, as long as you're okay with this," said Senpai.

"It's fine," I said. "At worst, it'll just be like we're roommates. I don't think it'll be that bad though."

"Heh, I hope it won't." Senpai smiled. "And all I gotta do is make you like me for real. That shouldn't be too hard, and when that happens we'll already be living together."

"S-senpai!" I said, a bit shocked.

Senpai's smile widened into a grin. "What? That's what you were implying earlier, right? The possibility of us actually dating?"

"W-well... yes..." I said. My face was heating up again. "But you know I like these three." I nodded back towards the three spirits. "Even with that, you're still okay getting involved with me?"

Senpai just shrugged. "What's one more gonna hurt? You already seem okay with that idea yourself. And to tell you the truth, this is all pretty exciting," Senpai rubbed the back of his neck and looked off to the side, with his face turning slightly pink. "I... kinda like beastmen too. I was surprised you did, Liao."

"S-seriously? You do?" I asked.

Senpai nodded.

"Oh great, not another one," said Guardian Tiger as he shook his head. "I do not like where this is heading."

"Relax, old man!" said Leopard Cat with a small, sly smile. "This makes things more fun, doesn't it?"

"I would not call this fun, kitten," said Guardian Tiger.

"Alright!" Senpai said suddenly and jumped up off the bed. "It's decided then. I'll move in here with Liao right away."

I blinked. "Wait, what? You want to move here?!"

"Yeah?" said Senpai with a raised eyebrow. "What's wrong with that? I, or at least my body, lived here for most of the past month already. This feels like home to me."

"Why can't we just use your actual home?" I asked. "You know, the apartment you already have that's much bigger and nicer than mine?" I waved my arm back towards my small apartment. "My place is tiny! There's no way the five of us can live here comfortably."

"Sure we can!" said Senpai. "And besides, we can't use my apartment anyway. For one thing, it's too expensive. Once my family finds out I'm living with another guy, money's gonna get a little tight."

I opened my mouth to speak, but then closed it. He had me there. I hadn't even thought about how my family would react, much less how his own family would. Hang on... if he knew moving in would cause that, why would he agree to it?! Was this conversation all part of his plan to get closer to me?!

"And the second thing..." started Senpai. "My family kiiiinda owns the building. I think I'd rather take my chances with the yaoguais than have the both of us living in there."

"Wait... your family owns the building?" I said. Senpai nodded. Just how powerful is Senpai's family? "We definitely can't live there, then."

"You see?" said Senpai. "So we gotta live here. We have no other choice."

Senpai's right, but... "You can't just move in here, you know. We're gonna have to talk to the landlord and make sure it's okay first."

Senpai dismissed my concerns with a wave of his hand. "Don't sweat the details Liao! We'll figure it out later! Now c'mon!" he said as he grabbed my arm and started pulling me towards the door. "I'm starving. Let's go get something to eat, and then pick up my things and bring them back here."

"What?! Now?! Can't that wait until the morning?" I asked. "I'm exhausted! I just want to sleep!"

"You're always exhausted, Liao!" responded Senpai. "It won't take long. Leopard Cat never unpacked my things from the last time he moved us out."

I glanced over at the half-yaoguai, who just shrugged. "I never had a reason to."

...This was a mistake. Just go home, Senpai. And please take Leopard Cat with you. Let me sleep and have my peaceful life.

That's what I thought about saying. But it was far too late. Senpai was already dragging me out of the door, with Lin Hu, Leopard Cat, and Kulau following behind.

"Let's get some of that fried chicken again!" said Leopard Cat.

"That sounds nice. I approve," said Lin Hu.

"Yes," agreed Kulau.

They're going along with this... My will was completely drained. This was the life I signed up for. My shoulders fell in defeat at the realization of what my future was like. I'll never have a moment of peace again.

"At least close the door on your way out!"

<Catlogger> Three Cats, Two Humans, One Apartment

Shu-Chi Senpai officially moved in with me. We admit our "relationship" to the club. No one seemed surprised, but his fans were still upset with me. Senpai assured me they'll move on sooner or later.

I wasn't sure how things between Senpai and I would go at first, but it wasn't long before I discovered just how similar he was to Leopard Cat. The two of us grew close pretty easily, and I decided to date him for real.

For the most part, things went back to the way they were.

Having all three cats around, with the addition of Shu-Chi Senpai, made things more than a little hectic.

Lin Hu asked to borrow my body often to use the computer. He had a hard time controlling me at first, but now he has no trouble.

I helped him set up a blog on one of those social networking sites, and he used it to answer spiritual questions. Most people don't believe him, but that doesn't stop him from doing it. Lin Hu said as long as his followers grow, the number of believers will grow as well. I don't understand how that works, but I guess I don't need to.

He also liked to browse forums and learn new things, as well as play computer games. It's actually pretty fun watching him be so enthusiastic about this type of stuff.

Clouded Leopard still wanted my help, but I found another solution. We convinced Jiahao, my Rukai friend from dance club, to help talk to Leopard's clansmen.

Communication was a little difficult with another person involved, but this was a much better alternative than traveling to Wutai myself.

In return, Clouded Leopard continued teaching me, and now also Shu-Chi Senpai, how to dance better.

Clouded Leopard also seemed eager to learn more Mandarin. Everyone pitched in and tried to teach him how to speak more clearly. He's slowly getting better.

Sometimes, Clouded Leopard would disappear for a while. I don't know what he's doing. He's probably visiting his tribe, or maybe wandering around the city. No matter what, though, he always returned to my apartment before bedtime.

Leopard Cat remained his usual self. He worked a little for the city now to make up for all the bad things he's done, but most of his time is still spent around me.

I was worried he wouldn't get along with Shu-Chi Senpai after what Leopard Cat had done to him. To my surprise, they got along fairly well... that is, as long as they weren't fighting each other for my attention. Eventually, the two bonded deeply enough that Shu-Chi Senpai allowed Leopard Cat to possess his body again, but only for short periods of time.

It took some more convincing, but Lin Hu, Leopard Cat, Clouded Leopard, and Shu-Chi Senpai all agreed to share me. Lin Hu still seemed somewhat uncomfortable with it, but I think he's just happy there's another human here to take care of me and help me with things he can't.

It's a weird feeling, being this close to four others. Leopard Cat and Shu-Chi Senpai would often drag me out for dates, with Lin Hu and Clouded Leopard following close behind, refusing to be left out.

Like I thought, it was extremely tiring juggling all of their needs, but it was worth it and very rewarding. I loved all four of them, and they loved me. Our time spent together helped their bonds between each other grow as well, and that eased some of the pressure off of me as they grew closer. It started to feel less like I was part of four relationships and more like all of us were part of one big one.

Our intimate moments were... incredible, to say the least. It was awkward at first, even though I had already been with Lin Hu and Clouded Leopard once before. The closer we grew, the more confidence we had.

Three of them being spirits only made things better. We could do so many things that weren't possible in a normal relationship. Sometimes Lin Hu would possess my body, and Leopard Cat would possess Shu-Chi Senpai's body and...

I felt bad leaving Clouded Leopard out of that, but we soon discovered he could possess Shu-Chi Senpai's body too.

Not every part of my new life was pleasant. As I expected, my family can't accept my relationship with Shu-Chi senpai. I think I'll keep what we do with the three spirits a secret. I don't think anyone else needs to know.

Lin Hu's disappointed, but he understands why I can't return home right now. I do hope I can go back one day, even if it's just to visit. Hearing that made Lin Hu smile. He told me he doesn't mind staying in Taipei. He said it makes him happy that I'm living my life how I want to live it... as long as I don't go to Wutai with Clouded Leopard.

To say Shu-Chi Senpai's family was mad about our relationship would be an understatement. They've made their displeasure abundantly clear. It's scary to be hated by such a powerful family, but the three spirits reassured me that they'll protect me and Senpai. Leopard Cat said he has yaoguai friends he can call on, and Lin Hu has asked Goddess Mazu for protection. Clouded Leopard was powerful on his own, too.

Also, Hynos came by after things had settled down and brought us before the City God. It was intimidating being so close to such a powerful being, but he was surprisingly nice and friendly. He asked us to aid the city in the event of another yaoguai attack happened like the one with Senpai, and also discussed the possibility of us becoming official city guardians. Lin Hu doesn't seem keen on the idea of serving a different god. The City God gave us time to think about it. We'll have to give him an answer soon.

I can't say what the future holds for me. Some things worry me, but for now, I am mostly content. I guess I'll live out the rest of my college years like this and then see where I end up.

All I can do for now is enjoy the time I have surrounded by the people I love. I am safe and happy. I don't know how to express how grateful I am towards them.

This truly was the best outcome I could have ever imagined.

[save]