The angel would be speechless to see that the squirrel that Tenma had recently eaten was now alive and well, and even stronger than before.
He knew it couldn't see him, but he would still think it could be a good body to possess.
But he wouldn't risk being in such a small, limited body when he had the advantage of being immune to all damage and, above all, being able to fly.
On the other hand, Dave, the squirrel, checked on the puppy, lowering his tiny ears when he saw the state he was in. He would realize that the puppy had tried to escape from the huge monster earlier, and that now he had tried to make his way through the rats because of the wounds he had.
Compared to before, when he was living in the forest terrified every day by the existence of the fearsome bear, where the only life he had to take care of was his own, having someone in front of him who he could consider weaker than himself had opened up a new feeling...
He remembered what he had done for a nut, that time he had pushed another squirrel and caused its death in the jaws of that bear.
The twists of life that had led him to that moment made him make a new decision.
First, he approached the other route where the puppy wanted to escape, following the narrow path it had. He would check what he feared, if they continued forward to escape, they would encounter other animals that would kill them.
The route led to an exit to another, even larger, cavern in which they were. In this one, he could observe everything from the same rats that had invaded the place where the puppy rested, alongside other beasts like canines that spewed fire and giant frogs that swallowed animals that got in their way.
A certain death.
For weak animals like the puppy and himself, the only way out was simple. They had to go back to that giant sea thing, at least they would be under its protection.
Being kept as pets didn't please him, as he didn't know when that giant thing would get bored of them and eat them. But at least they would be alive for a while longer.
He would retrace his steps, silently. He would pick up the puppy and place him on his back, starting to carry him with some difficulty towards the route that would take them back to the cave.
The enormous strength he had been granted recently had left him amazed, but he knew well that it was a blessing given to help and protect. And so he would use it.
***
A big splash of water startled the little canine awake, immediately shaking his fur.
Somewhat startled, he would watch as the squirrel, the angel, and that giant monster all watched him wake up.
"That was quite abrupt!" exclaimed the squirrel to Beth, who kept her gaze averted trying to ignore his comment.
"What else was I supposed to do? Who knows if I let him sleep longer he might die on me this time."
Tenma looked confused at the scene, seeing the angel approaching his side.
["The squirrel brought you here. And it seems like..."]
Before he could finish his sentence, the giant monster put its paw into the cave, gently stroking the puppy with its claw.
"Shinma... That's your name, isn't it?" she asked, as Tenma backed away a bit. "It's okay, little one. From now on, you and I are family. You and this cute little squirrel too."
Dave would also be petted, huffing a bit.
"I'll make sure to take care of you. Don't worry... I'm Beth, now, your owner."
Tenma would turn around, looking for the exit from before, but now the escape route was blocked by a large rock.
"You'll grow big and strong... you'll see," the giant monster would say, looking at him with a sweet smile."