Chapter 164
...I did it.
The giant centipede in front of me seemed to notice my reaction and get depressed.
It backed away, trying to put some distance between us and hide in the snow.
"Wait!"
My attitude was just awful.
This one is different from the centipedes in Japan.
It's not like I've ever been greeted by a Japanese centipede!
Sure, one did show up in my futon in the middle of the night and scare me... That was terrifying.
Even so, it's kind of cute when it's feeling down.
I never thought I'd live to see the day when a centipede looked cute.
Seeing it so dejected brought my confused mind back to its senses.
Looking it over again, I saw its pure white body sparkling beautifully in the light.
And I could see shiny silver scales.
...Scales?
They were scattered here and there near its tail... or what looked like its tail.
I moved closer to the giant centipede and took a good look at the silver parts. They looked like scales, but seemed a little different.
When I touched them, they felt hard, yet soft. But also hard?
...It was a strange sensation I couldn't quite describe.
The giant centipede twisted its body to look back at me.
What a strange thing. Now that I've calmed down, I don't feel scared at all.
I don't like centipedes, but this one isn't scary. If anything, it's quite charming.
When I stroked the silver part, its body gave a little tremble.
It didn't seem to dislike it, so I decided it was probably fine.
Maybe I should give it a name?
It looks like a centipede... No, I can't think of anything at all.
But I can't just name it Centipede... Oh!
"How about Mu?"
I guess its centipede-like shape has me stuck on that idea.
My mind sure is stubborn, too.
Well, Mu seems to like the name, so I'll call that good.
As for the little centipedes... I can't tell them apart just by their size, so you'll have to forgive me.
...
I head to the snowy mountain with Kuhi and Usa.
Ai and the others are with me today.
For some reason, all the dogs of the same species as Ai followed us... Maybe they want to play in the snow?
I brought along the sleds the One-Eyed Ones made for me out of wood, too!
Snow means sliding... It's a simple train of thought, but I don't care.
I've always wanted to try it at least once.
I show Kuhi and Usa how to use the sled, demonstrating with one myself.
They were both a little unsure at first, but when I slid over the snow on the sled, they let out excited cries.
They started fidgeting restlessly, so it seemed like they wanted to try it soon.
I handed them the sled, and they climbed aboard right away. Ai got on behind them, and they set off.
...I wonder if Ai wanted to slide, too?
Maybe I should have some sleds made for Ai and the others next time, too.
Something pokes me from behind.
When I look back, Mu is showing me its back.
...Does it want me to pet it?
I try, but apparently that wasn't it.
What is it, then?
Mu looks over at the two playing on the sled.
Then it looks at its own back and then at me... Is it asking me to get on?
"Whoa...!"
I'm sliding down from the top of the snowy mountain on Mu.
Or rather, Mu is amazing!
It lifts its legs and slides over the snow on its body, moving incredibly fast.
It's faster than I imagined, but as a roller coaster fan, I can't get enough of it.
And I'm holding on to a hollow in its body... Honestly, I feel like I'm about to get thrown off... It's so thrilling.
...A roller coaster with no safety bar.
Hm?
What happens when we stop?
Oh, crap! I hadn't thought about that!
I see. Mu stops, and I go flying... Thank goodness the snow is soft.
Mu rushing over to me in a panic is just too cute.
But this is fun.
Hm?
Kuhi and Usa are watching... It'd be dangerous if they tried to copy us, right?
I want to try one more time, but... I'd better not.
"Thanks, Mu. That was fun!"
Ah, again!
Fluffy is copying Mu and sliding down... right at me!
Somehow, I can see exactly how this is going to end.
A huge amount of snow flew up, burying me from head to toe.
Mu hurried over and pulled me out of the snow.
Thanks.
...I slid down the snow on Fluffy.
It seems Fluffy had been sulking because I'd spent all my time with Marshmallow on the mountain.