[event/open] What even is the legal drinking age for a cat demon?

[forhissake]

Kuro was never a very large cat, in his friendly-sized form, even fully-grown.

He has, however, sized down considerably.

Where a fully grown sidhe demon had been just a moment ago, was now a soft little kitten. One tail, not two, curls out around him, still thicker at the base than at the tip. His little down baby fur has returned to stick up out of the thicker fur. His horns are now teensy little nubs, too.

When he wakes, he meows the smallest, squeakiest of meows.

It's cold! Why is it so cold? Where am I?

He whines, meowing plaintively. He sits up on teensy little paws and looks around with squinting eyes. He doesn't remember this garden. This isn't his silk house. Did someone move him?

I'm hungry!

Comments

[oldmantiger]

Kotetsu has finally managed to acquire some warmer clothes, and doing so has enabled him to slip outside to explore the exterior of the castle a bit more. Everything he sees only leaves him more convinced that this all has to be some kind of dream. Everything he sees only seems more impossible. Something wrong is going on here...and, as a hero (even one who's not even in training yet), he has to get to the bottom of it!

But as Kotetsu wanders, he becomes slowly aware of a sound. A plaintive, sad sort of sound...a cat? A kitten?

Hastily, he changes course to try and find it, walking a little faster.

"Hello?" he asks, as though the cat could really understand him.

[forhissake]

Kuro is a very unhappy little kitten, but the world is suddenly large and frightening and he isn't sure he can safely make the jump down from his perch. How did he get up here? Is there anyone around?

He meows some more, a mixture of little chirps and whining mews. When he finally hears a voice, he actually quiets for a moment, eyes going wide.

Then the meows renew in vigor. Hello? Is someone there? A friend? A friend with food? Do you know where I am?

He's pacing back and forth wobblishly.

[oldmantiger]

As Kotetsu draws nearer, the meows begin to sound a little less like meows and a little more like...words? He at least has a better idea of the shape of what's meant, at least. Hunger. Confusion. Loss.

But when he finally stumbles through the trees to the source of the voice, all he sees is a little black kitten looking down at him, meowing plaintively. Kotetsu looks left, looks right, but doesn't see anyone else. So his gaze returns to the cat, and he visibly gulps.

"Hello?" he tries again. And because today has been a strange and impossible day, he tries something equally strange and impossible. He tries talking back. "Are you okay? I...I think I'm lost, too."

[forhissake]

As soon as he sees and hears the approaching rustling, Kuro perks up, tail and ears standing straight upright. He bounces a few times on his paws, meowing demandingly.

Yes there is someone there! Hello! Come here!

He squeaks in triumph to see a face, wiggling his little cat body. He's so happy to not be alone! Humans are friends! They feed him and he eats the mice that threaten the silkworms! This little boy looks and smells sad, though. Is he okay?

Oh... he's lost too. Kuro droops a little. I don't know how I got here. I'm alone and I'm scared to come down.

[oldmantiger]

The cat...is talking.

The cat is actually talking to him and asking him questions.

Kotetsu is left staring, quite at a loss for words, for several long seconds. It's to the point that he almost misses Kuro's words entirely, but at least manages to catch that the strange little cat is stuck up there. He doesn't move to help right away, though. He's too busy grappling with certain ideas.

There are only a limited number of options he can jump to, at this point. Since Kotetsu hadn't immediately leaped to the assumption that he was hallucinating or dreaming this place, he jumps to one of the only possibilities remaining within his understanding instead.

He jerks back to life with a start, gives his head a little shake. And, just in case he's right, he pulls his hands out of his pockets and folds them respectfully in front of himself instead.

"Excuse me, Neko-san. I'm sorry if this is a silly question to you. But...are you a god?"

[forhissake]

Kuro starts to get concerned for a moment. His new friend and would-be rescuer has... spaced out. His little tail twitches and his ears move back and forth impatiently.

Hey, you... you okay?

He trails off, though, not bothering again because this little human seems very intensely in thought. Eventually, he shakes himself and emerges, and a pointy grin spreads across Kuro's face.

I'm a cat sidhe! I'm the guardian spirit of the silk worms! But... I don't know where they are. He starts to droop again.

[oldmantiger]

"'Cat sidhe'..." Kotetsu repeats the name to himself. It doesn't sound like anything what he's ever heard before. But...he remembers reading in history class about how sometimes cats were revered in silk-producing villages. Oriental Town has long since moved past anything like that, but...maybe there are other places that still do it. Maybe even gods can get kidnapped.

His jaw sets, and Kotetsu gives a little nod to himself. He holds up his arms and steps a little nearer to the tree. "Here. If you're stuck, I'll try to catch you!" Normally, he wouldn't dare even touch something as fragile as a kitten. But...if this isn't an ordinary cat, and if Kotetsu concentrates really hard on not flaring up, it should be okay. And besides, it's not like he can leave Kuro up in that tree forever, right? Even if he went to go and find someone else, something could happen in the meantime.

"Then we can help each other find out where we're supposed to be!"

[forhissake]

Yeah! Kuro hears Kotetsu repeating it back to himself and agrees. That's him! The brave protector of the silk weavers! He's a good boy and he will be a big strong spirit some day!

He blinks his big kitten eyes at Kotetsu, watching the boy concentrate and seem to decide on something. Oh! He wants to catch him. Kuro rumbles nervously, little tail swishing.Are you sure you can catch me...?

The boy is a small target to aim for, after all. But the offer is tempting. Kuro likes people. He can't get down on his own. The equation is simple. Okay... ready? Three... Two....

And he hops off the branch, aiming for Kotetsu, instincts kicking in to make sure he spreads his legs and paws out to create wind resistance to slow his fall. He might land on Kotetsu with his claws out, but he does manage to fall right into him at least.

[oldmantiger]

Kotetsu tries to stand still and steady as Kuro falls towards him. He does flinch and close his eyes at the last second, but it's not enough to keep the furry bundle from landing safely in his arms. Kuro does land with his claws out, but that's okay - they're a momentary sting, quickly drowned out by triumph and relief. Yes!

"I did it!" He sounds faintly surprised. But then he quickly kneels down to deposit Kuro safely back on solid ground. "There you go, Neko-sama. You're safe now." Momentarily overcome, he pats Kuro on his fuzzy head, beaming proudly.

"My name is Kotetsu Kaburagi. Can I ask your name?"

[forhissake]

I did it! Kuro echoes Kotetsu right back, surprised at himself for sticking the landing, as it were. He's proud of both of them, and his little tail swishes in excitement.

He's a little disappointed when Kotetsu deposits him on the ground, but that's okay. He stands close to Kotetsu's feet, rubs his face on his ankles.

You're a good boy, Kotetsu-san. I'm called Kuro!

[oldmantiger]

"I-I am?" Kotetsu looks flustered, then decidedly pleased. Awwww. What a nice cat god. Even if he doesn't trust himself to hold Kuro, Kotetsu still kneels down to carefully resume petting the little creature. "Thank you, Kuro-sama! It's very nice to meet you. I'm sorry I can't do more for you. Do cat spirits eat pie? There's a lot of pie here. If you're hungry."

He thinks he would definitely be hungry, too, if he spent a while up in a tree.

[itstheend]

There's the sound of a cat calling, outside. The sound is an instant attractant to a Chara.

They're in a kitchen, so they think about grabbing some milk and fish on their way out. They've petted the local street cats before, but taking food to them would be a no-no. In the end, they leave it, and walk outside, searching the snow. Eventually, they find Kuro.

Oh. It is the tiniest kitten they've ever seen.

They want to scoop it up into their sweater immediately, but there is a protocol when it comes to cats, even tiny freezing ones. Not looking directly at the kitten, they slowly crouch down and extend their hand towards it to sniff.

[forhissake]

Thank goodness his calls are drawing someone. This kitten is young enough that he doesn't want to be alone, even if he can't be around a cat mama. He's attached to humans now anyway. Especially humans that will give him praise and food.

As soon as he hears someone coming he hops to his feet and stares right at Chara with big eyes.

Human! Hello! I'm cold! He complains, dancing on his teensy feet. As soon as there's an offered hand, he hops toward it and bumps his head against it, barely even bothering to sniff first. Chara is more concerned with protocol than he is, right now.

[itstheend]

It's... a talking kitten?

It makes about as much sense as talking skeletons, but it does add an odd dimension onto the interaction.

"Hello, kitten," they reply, with a little stiffness born of surprise. The bump against their hand puts it in an easy position for petting, and pet they do, somewhat unconsciously but with precision gentleness. They can feel the small nubs on the cat's head, and are very sure they're not supposed to be there. "It is warmer indoors. Let me take you inside."

They're not going to pick it up without permission, if it's a talking cat.

[forhissake]

You bet your bonnet it is, kiddo. He's not just a kitten, he's a spirit! A small, local god! Well, sort of a god in training, but still.

He blinks his big round eyes at them, slowly closing them into the pets, arching up into them. I'm Kuro, what's your name? He purrs, stepping in a bit closer. They know how to give pets, and they're giving off nice body heat. He would like in on that please and thank you.

Then they offer to take him inside and he meows very demandingly. He doesn't mean to be rude... he's just desperate, and doesn't actually mind that much if he's a little rude, oh well. Yes please!

[itstheend]

"My name is Chara," they say, and bring a second hand into the petting. This one has a rather odd bite-mark on it. "It is nice to meet you, Kuro." And for the first time saying it here, they actually mean it.

The loud meow surprises them, althought they're not sure why - it seems like talking cats are still cats. Permission has been given, so they scoop him up into their arms, pressing him against their sweater. It's not yet very cold and wet from the snow, and their body heat comes through it.

And then they start running to take him inside, breath coming in puffs. Cats aren't allowed inside, but he looks so cold, and if they're careful, and hide him, and he can speak for himself... maybe it's worth it.

Eventually they settle back into the kitchen, carefully setting him down near the rangehood they've been tending and loading more wood into it, glancing back at the small kitten.

[forhissake]

Chara... you give nice pets. The kitten approves, leaning in close to the child before he's picked up. He notices the wound but doesn't necessarily say something just yet. Wounds happen. Probably another demon bit them. And the next time Kuro sees it, he's going to bite it.

He is easily scooped, stretching out his paws to hold onto Chara's sweater. He uses a little claw, but not a lot. It's hard to avoid the clinging instinct entirely but he doesn't want to skewer anyone. The sweater is welcome and warm, and he presses his face into it.

Being put down is almost disappointing, but he doesn't say anything, simply alights softly on his feet and shakes the cold out of them, looking and sniffing around.

I still don't know where we are, but this is much better.

[itstheend]

"Oh. I... thank you." It's one thing for a cat to keep nudging you when you stop as a sign of petting quality, and another for actual voiced feedback. The statement therefore has the faintest rising tone to the end of it.

Chara is used to cat claws, so it's paid no mind.

Once the fire is roaring nicely, they shut the rangehood door and turn back to the cat, sitting crosslegged in front of it. "We are in a kitchen," they say, before they realise this is obvious to anyone with eyes and a concept of a kitchen, and flush a little even as they reach out and beckon - there's more pets, if Kuro wants them. "I am afraid I do not know any more than that."

[forhissake]

If Chara is confused by the compliment, Kuro doesn't notice. He's too busy being happy about attention and safety and warmth.

He marches around in a small circle, sniffing things, putting his whiskers on them, looking around. He turns back to Chara as they speak, and blinks. Dunno who's Kitchen? None of this looks familiar at all to the sidhe.

But at least there's a friend and pets. He wanders back over to Chara, lifting a tiny paw to rest on a knee.

[itstheend]

"A kitchen is not a person, it is a place," they explain. "This room is one."

They guess that was a no on the 'concept of kitchens' front. They're not judging a cat for not knowing - cats probably have more important things to think about than the precise name of where the food comes from.

Either that, or the cat hasn't been getting food from one at all.

They lift their hands and then start scratching at all the right places around the ears (the little tiny pressure of the paw is a balm) before doing proper strokes.

"What were you doing in the cold?" they murmur as they do. It's somewhat of a rhetorical question - they're still rather unused to a cat that can speak back.

[silvermists]

Kuja, 'born' and 'raised' on a dying world, has never seen a cat in his entire life. Not even a photograph of one. It's small. It's fuzzy. It's squeaking. It seems utterly harmless, unlike the wildlife he's used to???

He creeps closer, half expecting fire or lightning to erupt around him as it attacks, as all not-people living things usually do. He's ready to snap up his magical shielding in a heartbeat, in case something does happen.

Nothing happens. Huh.

"...Hello?"

[forhissake]

He is small, fuzzy, squeaking, and unhappy. He is... mostly harmless. Especially at this stage of his life. He's very happy to not be alone anymore, too. He chirps at Kuja, swiping a paw at him. Come closer! Come feed him!

This human does look pretty worried, and that's strange. Humans don't usually smell so much like fear when there's no immediate danger. Is something wrong he doesn't know about?

Hello! It's cold! Where am I? Is something wrong?

[silvermists]

It talks. It talks. It's... kind of cute, although he doesn't know there's a word for cute. What he does know is that he's curious and it's making him want to smile.

"I don't know. What are you? Do you like fire?"

[forhissake]

He is cute, thank you for noticing. Smiles Kuro knows, and he likes, knowing they are a sign of happy humans. Happy humans treat him better.

I'm a Cat Sidhe! I'm supposed to guard the silkworms but I don't know where they are, or where I am. Fire is warm I like fireplaces and candles! Candles are pretty...

He's rambling not unlike a toddler would.

[silvermists]

"What's a silkworm? Maybe I can find you one." Look at the little monkey, being all helpful. He doesn't know why he is, or why he wants to touch the kitten. "And I know where there's a fire. It's warmer in there."

[forhissake]

They're the insects that make silk that humans spin into fiber! I hunt the mice that hurt the silkworms and the people feed me! But I don't know where they are!

Maybe an older cat sidhe would explain it better, or one less confused and distressed, but as it is, you'll have to make due. You're a good monkey, though.

Yes! Warm! Please take me!

[silvermists]

Whatever. He can at least feed the cat, instead of running all over the place looking for bugs. He crouches, scrunching down to be small, like the kittycat.

"What do I do? Can I pick you up?"

[forhissake]

Kuro stretches up to meet him, unable to balance on his hindquarters alone yet, he puts a cold wet paw on the boy to balance himself.

Yes! Pick me up and take me somewhere warm, please!

[justletmewin]

"Hello?" Asriel looks around for the source of the sad mewls. His expression softens with worry and concern once he discovers the little black furball in the snow. He gets down on his knees, holding out a paw. "Are you okay?"

[forhissake]

Hello!

Kuro calls back when he hears a voice, peering around to look for the source. He doesn't move from his spot though, too lost already to want to get himself more lost by exploring.

Thankfully, the voice comes to him in the form of a... furry dog human goat thing? Kuro stares in a way that would be very impolite if one knew better. What the heck...?

You don't look like any demon I've ever seen.

But he's not about to reject a potential friend, so he snaps out of it to sniff the offered paw. A paw? Kuro lifts his own, placing it very gingerly on top of Asriel's.

[justletmewin]

"I'm actually a Boss Monster!" Asriel smiles as Kuro touches his paw. "I'm Asriel. What's your name?"

Typically the gardens had fruit, but with the island's recent weather, that option seems to have defenestrated itself. Asriel holds the kitten close to his sweater, petting him in hopes of keeping him warm.

"It's gotten kind of chilly lately. I'm sure we could find some food inside. What do you like to eat?

[forhissake]

Kuro blinks, stretching his paw on top of Asriel's as if to test what it feels like. I don't know what a Boss Monster is, but it's nice to meet you! I'm Kuro!

This Boss Monster boy seems friendly enough, so that's all right. He starts to softly purr as he's cuddled and petted, tail swishing lazily. Asriel's fuzzy paws are very warm! Huge Success.

It is cold! I don't like it! I like food though! I eat mice, and birds, and fish, and milk...

He's used to hunting mice and other pests mostly.

[justletmewin]

"It's fine! A lot of people don't seem to know who Boss Monsters are. It hasn't been that long monsters made it to the surface where I'm from."

Kuro feels so fuzzy and wonderful! The purring relaxes Asriel considerably and his fanged smile grows larger. Both parties win.

"We should get inside the castle! There's sure to be a fireplace or somewhere cozy. Maybe there's a blanket or pillow for you to rest on? If we're lucky, there'll be tuna in the kitchen!"

He's certain he's seen mice and rats in the hallway or dungeons. But either way, the kitchen will be infinitely more reliable as a food source, rodents or not.

[forhissake]

Yeah, Kuro has really no idea what you're talking about, but that's okay. He's comfortable. Talk as much as you want, strange soft boy. I don't know any monsters. Are they anything like demons? I'm a demon. You know, as if that wasn't obvious. But if he doesn't know about monsters, maybe Asriel doesn't know about demons...?

Inside the castle is better yes! Warms and blankets and.... tuuuuunnaaaaa.

He's going to drool. Feed the kitty.

[justletmewin]

"I wouldn't know about demons. I know someone who calls themself one, but... I don't know if that counts." He didn't want to talk about it, if his glum tone is any indication. He jumps right ahead to the tuna. "Haha, don't worry! I'll get you tuna! Right away!"

~

The castle is merciful today! Asriel finds the kitchen after only five doors down the corridor, which is a new record for him. The pantry is stuffed with canned food, condiments, and bags of rice and potatoes. There's tea boxes and sardines and... yes! Tuna! Asriel grabs two cans, then pulls over a stool for another area so he can reach on tiptoe for the saucers. As he stretches his arm, one of the saucers slips from his grip and cracks into pieces on the kitchen floor.

"Oops!" he cried. "S-Sorry! I'll clean that up."

Asriel manages to successfully bring down two saucers: one for the tuna, one for the milk. The milk is the easy part; open the ice box and a bottle is always there. After sweeping up the mess on the floor, the tuna and the milk were laid before Kuro.

"Here you go! Eat up as much as you like!"

[forhissake]

Kuro is curious what the heck Asriel could mean by that. Either you're a demon from Gehenna or you're not! It's pretty simple... but he is easily distracted by food. YAY!

Asriel is a good boy and a good friend and Kuro is now loyal forever. Or he's inches away from, as soon as he's guaranteed a meal. He bounces on his feet in the kitchen, watching Asriel fuss around.

Then a saucer crashes and he jumps, meowing a small screech, and speeding away to hide behind another chair. Is it going to attack again...? Kuro's single tail lashes as he stares with giant pupils.

Eventually, slowly, he relaxes, realizing he is probably safe. It was just a plate that crashed. It's fine. He wanders on tender feet forward until the food is placed in front of him. He starts with the tuna, nomming with little mewing and purring sounds, still watching the broken dish from the side of his vision. Can't trust no bitch.

[tinyprotector]

Things have gotten very strange around this place again. Very strange, and very cold. At first, Yukio wasn't bothered, having a small warm pet to sleep with, but as of late, Kuro has disappeared, leaving the cold cutting into Yukio.

He searches the castle for warmer clothing before he tries to track the cat sidhe down, so he already has seen what the castle has caused this time. Still, the sight of a much smaller Kuro is one he isn't sure he can comprehend.

"Kuro? Kuro, are you okay?"

[forhissake]

Unfortunately for both of them, Kuro's de-aging is so far into the past that he has no idea who Yukio is, or who Shiro is. He at least would very much prefer to sleep warm and cozy with a nice human friend than to be where he is and so cold.

He blinks at Yukio in surprise.

Hello! You know my name! Are you from my village?

This could get confusing fast.

[tinyprotector]

Kuro’s confused gaze definitely informs Yukio this is going to be an issue. Of course he doesn’t know Yukio, but now that he thinks of it, Yukio apparently met Kuro the same time Shiro did, so the sidhe won’t even know his father. How is he going to explain this?

He shivers a bit, letting out a puff of cool air, and shakes his head.

“No, not exactly. I, um, we were friends before. When you first came here. My name is Yukio.”

[forhissake]

It's probably a big giveaway that the sidhe only has one tail now, too, as much as how kitten-like he is. At least he's also from before he got disenfranchised with humans and very reactive and quick to anger? He loves humans! They feed him and praise him!

Kuro chirps sadly at the way Yukio shivers. He knows that's not a good thing for cats, demons, or humans!

Oh... I'm sorry. I should remember friends... He pauses, thinking. Wait. What do you mean? I just came here right now, didn't I?

[tinyprotector]

He wonders a bit at the lack of a tail, wonders if maybe this cat isn’t yet a demon. But it still has the horns and can still talk to him… so that seems to be a failed theory. Yukio just rubs his hands together, ignoring the chill as best he can.

“No, it’s okay! I, um… I don’t know how to explain, but you were here before, except older. You were kind of like… my protector? You stayed with me here since the older you knew me from our world.”

…That’s the worst explanation he could have given, but there are too many confusing aspects to make it clear.

[forhissake]

Kuro bumps his head against Yukio's legs. The boy is cold, he can tell that much. He shouldn't let the little human get sick. Kuro himself shouldn't stay out in this cold, either.

His other thoughts come to a screeching halt in the face of confusion, though. You said what now?

I have no idea what you're talking about, but I am a protector. I protect the silk worms... you're not much like a silk worm, but that's probably okay.

He paws gently at Yukio.

[tinyprotector]

Yukio is much colder than he was the night before, and he wonders how much Kuro’s fur is managing to protect him. He just bends down and cuddles the little cat close, and he smiles softly.

“Yeah… you are a protector. Even if I’m not what you usually protect, I hope that’s okay.”

He lifts Kuro up into his arms.

“For now, we should get inside. It’s really cold here, huh?”

[forhissake]

The answer is not enough. His fur is helping, of course, but it is soft and not terribly thick. He didn't have time to grow a winter coat! Even still, this is colder than he's used to.

He starts purring immediately when he's cuddled, and kneads gently at Yukio. I don't really know how to protect little humans, I don't think, but I can try. Are you scared of mice? He's very good at hunting mice!

Yes, please! It's too cold! We should be somewhere warm!

[tinyprotector]

Yukio can tell Kuro’s fur is soft just from holding him, and he pets him a little quicker, hoping his hands can warm the small kitten. Kuro’s question leaves him giggling softly.

“I’m not afraid of mice, really. But um, you can sense demons. And a lot of bad demons have hurt me before, so um, you said you’d help me tell where they are so that I don’t run into anyone bad. Does that sound okay?”

He starts walking back towards the castle, hoping he’ll be able to track down a fireplace for them to warm up by very soon.