Chapter 1: Surprise!
When the light cleared, it revealed an expansive mansion with a slender cream-coated Turkish Angora lying on top of a couch. The cat yawned and shifted to the side, losing its balance and nearly toppling into the black Havana Brown kitten lying on the bottom cushions. Yowling in shock, the tomcat sunk his claws into the puffy surface at the top of the couch and scrambled to pull himself back up, causing the small angel wing tag on his collar to jingle.
The noise woke up the kitten, who blinked a pair of groggy violet eyes. It scratched at the ragged collar on its neck with its back leg. Suddenly it stopped and its unusual eyes grew wide with fear. They traveled down the length of its leg and stopped at the spot where the limb connected to the disheveled fur at the back of its body. A skinny tail lay half-curled on the couch and twitched as the kitten jumped to its feet.
I'm a friggin' cat! screeched the creature as the fury in its cry resounded inside the mind of the tom just above him. The older cat stopped trying to surmount the tip of the couch and instead released his hold as the words sank into him. He fell down to the portion of the couch just beside the hysterical kitten and examined the animal with intrigue, honey-brown eyes glistening.
Well, so you are. So how come you can talk, neko-chan?
With a savage hiss, the kitten arched its back and screamed at the other. I'm not a cat! I am Kamui!
I sense a case of delusions de grandeur. All I see is a scroungy brown underfed ball of fluff.
Yeah? And what do you think I see you as, smart-ass? retorted the younger cat, narrowing his purple eyes.
The Angora tossed back his head and closed his eyes with a bit of a laugh. A very attractive blond man with a great sense of style.
And you have the nerve to say I'm delusional?
Well, what I see is two very noisy cats who won't let a poor guy sleep even though he's still recovering from a most unpleasant incident, remarked another voice as a somewhat scruffy tabby leapt onto the armrest. It was dark silver with a square tag sweeping against its furry chest. As it crept over to the other two cats, it treaded carefully on its front right paw, picking it up more often than the rest.
Kamui-neko noticed the way it was moving and dropped his defensive stance. Sorata!
I don't know where all these voices are coming from. I don't consider myself crazy. So why do I think cats are talking to me? mused the tabby, dropping to his haunches and reaching up to touch his chin with his paw. At the feeling of the furry against his jaw, the tabby yanked his paw away and stared at it for a moment before his mouth fell open. Hey, I'm a cat too? He turned back to the kitten. I guess that means that you really are Kamui. How can this be?
Hell if I know. I just want to reverse the damn thing, snapped Kamui-neko, whirling back around to the Angora tom and flickering out his tongue. That makes you a cat too, whoever you are.
The Angora shrugged and licked his paw. They always did say I was a tom.
You're taking this whole thing rather well, Sora-neko noted, catching something familiar in the Angora's demeanor.
Hey, we are some of the most powerful magic users in the country. I'm sure at least one of us could find a way to reverse the spell. Though I don't see how such a thing should be able to affect THE Kamui. Maybe ours truly is the one after all.
Shut up! hissed the kitten.
Let's go find the others. Maybe they'll know what to do. I wonder where Nee-san is, the tabby suggested, jumping down from the couch as the other cats followed his action. His fur rose and he glared at the Angora. I was addressing Kamui, alone. I don't even know who you are.
No? asked the cream-coated cat, primping himself a bit more. He lowered his ears and pretended to look sad. How disappointing. I remember you, Funny-guy.
Gigolo-looking guy?
Funny and intelligent, who'd have thought? Yuuto-neko snickered as Kamui-neko crouched lower upon the ground and scurried in front of Sora-neko.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Do you think this has anything to do with that odd voice from earlier? a brown Maine Coon inquired of his two female companions, a red-gold Persian and a seal-point Birman. They were all situated on a single bookshelf in the midst of an enormous library. The Coon was scrutinizing the volumes within the shelves, flustered by his inability to understand any of the writing.
There's a good chance, replied the Persian. She leaned close to the Coon and batted at the octagon tag on its collar. A spark of light reflected off the gold from the similar object that dangled from her own neckwear. In contrast, her tag was in the shape of a minute cross. She lifted the Coon's tag with her paw. I mean why else would we have these? Do you think it's just a coincidence that they are in the exact shape as each of our kekkai?
You're right, Karen-san. Whoever was speaking to us did seem to know a lot about us, though I'm not sure how. This is definitely some curse of theirs, the Birman concurred, flipping her long flowing tail.
Karen-neko nodded as her eyes fell upon the triangular tag attached to the Birman. Which means that a similar fate must have befallen the rest of the Seals.
Aoki-neko shook his head and pulled away from the useless books. I don't think it's just us, Karen-san. I think all of the Dragons may have been targeted. I do recall that strange voice mentioning Yuuto as well. He's one of the seven Angels.
So I guess we have a bit of a double-edged sword here, sighed Ara-neko.
Hmmm?
We are defenseless as cats. But on the other hand, so are the Angels.
Not quite, replied Karen-neko, crawling over to Ara-neko and setting one of her paws on its back as she unsheathed her claws. Cats can still be dangerous to other cats. We should still be careful not to underestimate them too much.
Ara-neko looked somber at the Persian's words. If the other cats were still dangerous then that meant that weakened Seals would be even more vulnerable since they didn't have powers to rely on for help. An image of Sorata laughing as he tried to lift his right hand flashed through her mind and she hung her head. She was sure that he was probably somewhere in this place right now, most likely searching for her. He still felt the need to protect her even amongst this absurd situation. Only, it was even more risky now that Sorata was already injured. Part of her wanted to find him as soon as possible just to check on him and make sure that he would be safe. At the same time, another part didn't want to seek him out. She wanted to avoid him. If he wasn't around her, then he couldn't get hurt while trying to protect her.
Of course, that would have been easier to believe had it not been for the latest incident. Sorata had barely managed to survive in his attempt to aid her and they had been miles apart at the time. Was it really possible to keep him from his destiny?
Arashi! Karen-neko called, gaining the Birman's attention. Why are you being so quiet? Are you worried about something or perhaps...someone?
Without a response, Ara-neko turned from the other two cats and began to slowly make her way down the bookshelf, using the edges for support. She was sure that had she still been human, she would have been blushing a vibrant red. For once, she was actually grateful that the emotional expression of her newest form was so limited.
Aoki-neko watched her struggle along the shelves and absent-mindedly scratched his ear, earning an amused look from Karen-neko, though it was only visible through her expressive golden eyes. Abashed, he set the stretched leg back down on the surface and coughed. I want to learn more about this situation, but I feel that we should convene with the others before we try to figure out everything on our own. That way we can make sure that everyone is accounted for and is not in any sort of calamity due to our current...circumstances, he explained to Karen-neko who reassumed her serious manner.
Yes, we should find the others. I'm certain that Arashi is concerned about Sorata, and Kamui is probably having his own problems.
She climbed down to the top shelf and waited for the Coon. Aoki-neko was pacing along the length of the shelf just above her. He paused every few moments and glanced over the edge, then drew back and returned to pacing. Something was off about the way he was moving. Each muscle seen through his sleek pelt seemed a great deal tenser and his tail flashed across his body wildly. Karen-neko reached the next shelf and waited once more. Aoki-neko hadn't left his perch even as he continued to tread cautiously upon it.
Aoki-san, Karen-neko coaxed, gesturing with her tail.
With deliberate slowness, Aoki-neko crept forward and gripped the edge of the shelf with his claws. Karen-neko noticed that he was gripping hard enough to press the wood against the delicate pads on the bottom of his paws. He leaned forward just an inch and stretched one leg toward the next shelf. The wood creaked and he sprang backward, brown eyes streaked with unmistakable fright.
What's wrong? asked the other cat, baffled by Aoki-neko's unusual antics.
I don't know. I just can't climb down there. It's too...far, Aoki-neko said as he began to pace yet again.
Karen-neko grasped the upper edge with her paws and started to raise herself. Aoki-san, are you actually afraid of heights?
I never have been before.
You always had the knowledge that you could use your power to help you back then.
Yes.
As quickly as she could, Karen-neko climbed back to where Aoki-neko stood. She looked out toward the expanse of the room and realized that Ara-neko had vanished, probably off to search for Sorata on her own. Her and Aoki-neko were falling behind.
Purring soothing, she brushed her body against the Coon's and motioned to the other shelves with her eyes. Maybe it will be easier if I help you.
You don't have to, Karen-san, urged Aoki-neko, sounding a little distraught.
But I'd like to, Karen-neko responded in a bright voice. Don't worry, I won't let you get hurt.
Gratitude and delight swept through Aoki-neko's eyes as he allowed the other cat to nudge him into falling onto the lower shelf. Karen-neko stayed in perfect step with her companion as the pair gradually made their way to the floor, eager to track down their comrades.
*~*~*~*~*~*
A paw tapped the sleeping Manx, which was all white with two black spots near his hind legs and an angel wing nametag buried in the thick fur of his throat. The cat stirred and the tiny calico kitten that had been sleeping on his side rolled down his flank and sprawled upon the tiled floor of the kitchen. At the rude awakening, the calico gave a startled mew, her cylinder-shaped tag jingling and drawing the attention of another.
Next to them sat an abnormally skinny Bombay who watched the two creatures with a pair of mismatched eyes. One was a dulled emerald while the other was a brilliant golden-brown. Like the kitten, the Bombay also appeared to be in possession of a tag on his collar, but his was a small geometrical half of a five-pointed star, the right half. His ears flattened as he fell to his paws in a sulk.
I don't believe this.
Ooooh, what an adorable kitty! cooed the calico, springing toward the Bombay, only to catch sight of her legs and come crashing to the ground moments later. I have fur! she wailed.
The Bombay did little else from twitching his ears, but then jumped in the air when he heard a loud yip as a wolf pup charged toward the calico's cries. Inuki-chan looked confused as the kitten mewled below him and he sniffed her experimentally, his ears folding back and his tail drooping. The calico pawed at Inuki-chan's face and rose on her hind legs.
Inuki-chan, it's me. I know I may look kind of funny right now, but it is me. It's Yuzuriha.
Inuki-chan drew back with confusion in his eyes and then barked again. He licked the calico, rolling her onto her back with the exuberance of his affection. Yuzu-neko purred and mentally giggled. This is so cool! I'm a cute fluffy creature just like you, Inuki-chan. I wonder how this happened? Do you think it's a dream?
Dreams are supposed to be experienced by just one person. So unless one of us is dreaming all the others, I don't see how this could be a dream, the Bombay answered as Yuzuriha cocked her head to the side, realizing that the voice was coming from somewhere inside her head. She appeared to make the connection between the lithe feline looking at her and the soft tone that reverberated inside her mind.
You sure make things sound complicated, she joked as the black cat closed his eyes.
I just know a lot about dealing with the subconscious. Dreams are merely included in that.
Yuzu-neko stared again at the broken star on the Bombay's collar and then back at her own flat cylinder. She became quiet for a few minutes and looked at Inuki-chan who was also observing the Bombay with increased interest. The wolf's fur was ruffled but it seemed to be more out of apprehension than genuine anger. He was unsure what to make of the strange-eyed feline. Finally, Yuzu-neko realized why Inuki-chan was having trouble deciding whether the Bombay was a friend or foe.
She focused on his eyes again as faint recollection passed through her. Stepping away from Inuki-chan, she approached the black cat and lifted her head as her dark brown eyes shone in wonderment. You're Subaru-san, aren't you?
I was.
Was? Who are you now?
Before the Bombay could clarify his response, a swift breeze drifted through the open windows of the kitchen, bringing with them the distinct aroma of sakura. Subaru-neko looked around them as pink petals materialized above one of the right-side windows. They swirled in a dizzying pattern, hypnotizing both of the animals that were following their movements. As the flowers continued to gain velocity while spinning in their wide circles above the windowsill, a silky laughter entered the minds of the cats.
The Sakurazukamori, the new voice whispered. Subaru-neko's ears rose at the name and the fur on his spine stiffened.
What? questioned Yuzu-neko to nobody in particular.
You asked who he was now. I simply answered, the voice retorted in an almost apathetic manner.
The calico kitten blinked her eyes in quandary. She set her sight back on the Bombay. Ohhh. So that's why you've been missing. Well, I guess it shouldn't matter right now since you're a cat at the moment.
That he is. And a very cute one, if I might add.... flattered the insubstantial voice. As its words hung in the air, the circling petals tightened inward for a minute and then burst open like buds on a blossoming tree, leaving an enormous gray Chartreux in their wake. The cat shut its eyes and blew against its shoulder, whisking away the two stray petals that rested upon the silver fur. ...Ne, Subaru-kun.
It...can't...be... gasped the black feline, frozen in place.
Awww, you're not happy to see me. I'm disappointed, the Chartreux taunted, readying itself to leap down from the sill. The angle of its body angle allowed Yuzu-neko to perceive the tag that was suspended from its collar. Interestingly enough, it was almost an exact replica of Subaru-neko's but happened to be the left half of a star.
Subaru-neko began to back up, still watching the gray cat with wary eyes. You can't be here. It's not possible.
Well, it shouldn't be possible for you and your little friend there to be furry, but that's the case nonetheless. Why don't we just enjoy this opportunity while it lasts? Haven't you missed me, Subaru-kun? Pardon me for my assumption, but I would have to say that you have. Why else would you be in possession of something that belonged to me until too long ago? There was a muffled thump as the Chartreux landed gracefully on the tile. It tossed another glance at the Bombay and opened its golden-brown eyes as it gave a rich purr. Though it seems that I've somehow managed to compensate.
Seishirou-san?
That's my Subaru-kun. I knew you'd figure it out soon enough. Though you always were slow at picking up on certain things, Sei-neko praised, his tail swaying to the side.
The Bombay's mismatched eyes trembled and he took another step backward, shaking his head. I think I've finally lost it.
Sei-neko looked at Yuzu-neko and chuckled, "I do believe the newest Sakurazukamori and I have much catching up to do. You wouldn't mind if I were to play with him for a bit, would you? You still have that other one. He pointed toward the still snoozing Manx with his nose.
Ummm.... Yuzu-neko faltered, not sure what to make of the Chartreux's intentions. Inuki-chan yapped and scurried in front of her.
Do not worry. I have no interest in harming him...at the moment. Sei-neko averted his eyes from the kitten and her wolf and sauntered toward Subaru-neko.
Immediately, every single hair on the Bombay's body rose, giving him the semblance of having actual weight. His eyes revealed the chaos ensuing beneath their depths as portions of his back jerked in a nervous reaction. Puzzled by the other's behavior, Sei-neko paused in mid-step and stared at the neurotic creature.
I'm going crazy. I shouldn't be a cat! And you should not be real! This is all some extravagant illusion, rambled Subaru-neko. Then, he whirled around and dashed out of the room so fast that it seemed he was nothing more than a blur of black. In his blind flight, he kicked the Manx in the head as he vaulted over him. The Manx yowled and jumped upright.
Yuzu-neko looked amazed as she gaped at the cat's speed. Wow! I've never seen him move that fast before.
Sometimes he can be rather unpredictable, Sei-neko stated, padding off to find the missing Bombay.
The Manx looked beyond dumbfounded as he whipped his head from side to side. Do I hear talking cats? For that matter, why am I a cat?
His voice enticed Yuzu-neko to return to his side and she gazed at him for a moment as Inuki-chan sniffed his pelt. The wolf licked the Manx's cheek and gave Yuzu-neko a look of approval. Yuzu-neko purred and rubbed against the Manx. If Inuki-chan sees you as a friend, then I should too. I'm not sure what's going on either, but I can fill you in on what I know right now. She nuzzled the fur on the larger cat's chest and then pulled back with a tiny noise. I think I know you.
That's good because at the moment, I don't even know who I am. But I'm positive that I once went by the name Shiyuu Kusanagi.
Kusanagi-saaa~n! cheered the calico as she purred even louder and brushed her head under the other's chin.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Unaware of the happy reunions going on within the house, two other creatures were having their own reaction to the circumstances. A shaded golden Scottish Fold tried to ignore the huge black and white beast that loomed over his drowsy form. He didn't appear to be having any luck as the British Shorthair leered at him with narrowed eyes. Both cats had the mysterious angel wing tags upon their collars. Their unfamiliar bodies were reflected off the full-scale mirror that hung from the wall in the bedroom. The Scottish Fold laid laxly on a pillow, only slightly aware of the hulking beast that was perched on the headstand above him.
Rolling onto his side, the Scottish Fold shut his eyes. Meow.
The other cat wrinkled his nose in disdain and scratched at the wood. Meow indeed, Kakyou-kun.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Author's Notes: Most of the kitty personas of the X characters are based off mine and my friend's pets, though she has nothing to do with this. This is why certain kitties *cough*Subaru-neko*cough* may seem like they are on crack throughout the fic. The kitty he is based on is a veritable spaz, but we still love him. His skinniness has always reminded me of Subaru. And about Aoki-neko being afraid of heights, I know this is not true for him as a human. But as a cat, things are a lot scarier so I could see it working. Plus, I like seeing a motherly Karen. ^^ Also note, Sei-neko is the only kitty who will be able to use any special powers. I mean, he was brought back from the dead so he's kind of different from the others. As for the other two kitties, they'll show up soon. Finally, why am I taking a comedy fic so seriously? 'Cause I'm weird like that.
Review...or not. I'm having too much fun writing this.