Note to the readers: Finally part D of my side story. In this part Milliardo ended up with a Japanese man, Akira Nemushi. There are a couple of Japanese words used, ti'll type the translations after the word(s) between brackets. I thought the story would be a bit better if I tried to use some real Japanese. Of course not everything said in Japanese is written in Japanese, 'cause I don't know how yet, but the parts that are Japanese I'm quite certain of they're correct. If you find any mistakes, don't hesitate to tell me! The translations might be a bit off than the dictionary will say, I translate them so they fit in the story. (they are correct though!)

There's also a part D.2.…this chapter is without Japanese words. If you don't want to read Japanese, or if you're annoyed with the translations between brackets, I recommend you read part D.2

I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Save the tears for the right moment part D

Milliardo was scared. Terrified. He tried to make himself as small as possible. His ears hung down, he was hugging himself tightly, and his tail was curled around his waist, as he followed his new Master.'Kochi.' (this way) he was ordered while the man opened the door in the wall around his house.
The blond Neko followed the man without saying a word. They walked through the garden before they entered the house. If Milliardo wasn't as terrified as he was at that moment he would've admired the beautiful garden he walked trough. It was so different than he was used to. So much more beautiful, calm, serene, compared to the gardens of the houses he'd stayed before in Europe.
The teen looked at his feet before he entered the house. He wasn't wearing shoes, so he didn't have to take them off, but his feet were incredibly dirty.
'Uhm…Danna-sama…' (Master) he said carefully.
'It is okay. Come in.' said the Japanese man with a heavy accent in English.
Milliardo guessed the man about twenty five/six years old. He was wearing traditional Japanese clothing and was a bit longer than Milliardo was. (note: Milliardo is almost seventeen and not full grown yet, so he's not the same length as in the anime. Also, his Master is one of the taller persons in Japan.)
The man had his hair tied up in a top knot, so Milliardo couldn't guess the length of his hair. His new Master was pretty well build, and had beautiful green eyes. Milliardo had seen a glimpse of green when the man had helped him out of the cage. Afterwards he hadn't looked him in his eyes again.

When they were inside Milliardo quickly scanned the room. It was furniture like a normal Japanese house, though a rich Japanese house. He suggested the other rooms would also be like that.
'Ore wa Nemushi Akira.' (I am Akira Nemushi) said the man as he sat down on a pillow on the ground, gesturing the teen to sit also. 'Omaea wa?' (and you?)
'Watashi…watakushi(1) wa Milliardo desu, Danna-sama.' (I am Milliardo) answered the teen. He was really happy he had learned himself Japanese during his training. He'd never guessed he would really end up in Japan.
Akira said the teens name a few times to find the best way to pronounce it.
'Your Japanese is good, Milliardo.' he continued in English. 'Though your pronunciation is sometimes a bit off, like my English, but I'll teach you.'

He's going to teach me? thought the blond confused. Thanks to Dermail his trust in people had completely faded away

'And do tell me when you don't completely understand me. You know how to speak Japanese, but I bet you haven't heard it in real life. Né?'
'Iie Danna-sama.' (No Master)
'I might talk to fast sometimes for you then, do tell me, 'cause I'll slow down a bit for you then, okay?'
'Hai, Arigatou Gozaimasu Danna-sama.' he said. (Yes, Thanks very Much)
'But first of all, I think you should take a bath.' he said in Japanese. 'I'll bring you to the spring.' he said. He lead his slave to a corner of the garden. An natural small waterfall entered his property though an opening in the corner of the wall. The water fell down in a semi-large pond, which was connected to small streams through the garden. The pond wasn't in sight of the house, but if someone would come near, there wouldn't be places to hide.
The water might feel cold compared to what you're used to.' he said in Japanese. He lay down a few towels and a bathrobe he'd taken with him.
'You can take as long as you want.'
'Arigatou.'
'One thing. I don't think they'll come near you, but if they do, just ignore the Koi. They're really expensive.'
'Koi? Those big fish?' asked Milliardo immediately (in English), not thinking about what he said.
Akira smiled.
'Hai, the big fish.' he said in Japanese. 'Don't eat them, okay?' he teased a little.
The teen blushed a little and nodded.
'Good Kitty.' said Akira patting the teen between his ears, switching to English.
When Milliardo was sure his Master was out of sight he took out the only clothes he was wearing. Traditional Japanese pants, given to him when he was taken away from the market by Akira.

Flashback

The slave driver poked Milliardo with a stick through the bars to make him sit up straight. A small group of people had gathered around the small cage Milliardo was kept in. On the cage was a sign on which was written in English and Japanese: Do not Feed. He sat there for already three days, with no food, only water so now and then.
After what seemed an eternity of poking the slave driver finally got the half naked teen to move. Only not in the way he wanted to.
Milliardo couldn't take it anymore and transformed into a white tiger. The first time without the full moon. In the process his pants were shredded.

'Sugoi…' (amazing, wow, wonderful) heard Milliardo come from out a few people in the crowd. He growled dangerously as he tried to hit the slave driver with his paw through the bars. He barely missed the man.
The tiger was too occupied with the slave driver he didn't notice someone approaching the cage from behind.
It was Nemushi Akira, but Milliardo didn't know that yet.
Akira stuck his hand through the bars and grabbed the white tiger's tail, firm but not too hard.
Milliardo's first reaction was to turn around, but his body was paralysed. His tail hurt, but somehow he didn't mind . He couldn't sustain his feline shape and he transformed back to his human self. Akira was still holding his tail, while Milliardo was on hands and knees, panting heavily.
The blond turned his head and looked the man who was holding his tail directly in his eyes. He immediately looked away.
Akira let go of the blonds tail and approached the slave driver.

'Thanks man!' said the slave driver in crappy Japanese. 'I owe you my life! I'm certain he would've broken out of the cage. What can I do in return? You can get everything…Do you want money? I can…'
'I want him.' said Akira, meaning Milliardo.
'O, of course sir. I can give you a great price cut, and…'
'I want him for free. Now.' he said firm.
'As much as I want to sir, I can't. My boss…'
'I don't care. You told me I could get anything, there are enough witnesses around to confirm that. I want him now!'
'Eh…right…I'll get the keys…' said the man nervously. Akira gave him the creeps.
Milliardo shivered. Not only could he understand every word there was said, he also heard a great deal of possessiveness in the Japanese man who had just bought him for free. He suddenly noticed he was naked. He tried to curl up. He wasn't ashamed of his body, he was learned not to be, but he wasn't comfortable with a large group of people staring at him.
The slave driver unlocked the cage and stepped back.
Akira stood in front of the opened cage door.

'Here, take this one.' he said, still in Japanese. He gave Milliardo dark blue pants he'd bought for himself earlier that day.
'A…Arigatou.' (thanks) said Milliardo shaky. He quickly took on the pants and got out of the cage. A path formed in the crowd as Akira made his way back home.
Milliardo was confused he wasn't shackled, chained, or tied up, but he followed his new Master nonetheless.

End Flashback

Milliardo slowly got into the water. It was chilly, but not too cold. The teen was surprised how deep the pond was. The water reached just above his waist. He went to the waterfall and let the water fall down on him. After a while of enjoying the water cleaning and refreshing his body he stepped out of the waterfall to get a bar of soap.
When he was washing himself thoroughly he felt something rush along his leg. He dropped the bar of soap in the water when he felt another fish.
'They're coming near me?' he said surprised.
The blond held his hand in the water, and immediately a few Koi came to inspect the strange thing in their territory.
After a while Milliardo wasn't interesting for the fish anymore and they gave him the room to wash up again.
They stayed near the Neko though.
When Milliardo was ready with washing he stayed in the water. He decided to try and 'play' with the fish. He hadn't had time to play for a long time, and it was a thing he'd really missed. Besides, Akira had told him to take as long as he wanted, so he would.
After a few hesitant moments the koi dared to come closer again. Somehow they knew Milliardo wasn't going to hurt them.
After a minute of then Akira came to check on his slave if he hadn't run away.
Much to his surprise he saw the blond playing with his precious Koi. The fish were jumping out of the water, and Milliardo was laughing.
'Milliardo? What is going on?' asked Akira in Japanese.
Milliardo quickly turned around His smile disappeared.
'Mast…Danna-sama…watakushi…'
The koi suddenly all huddled around Milliardo like they tried to protect him.
'I was playing…and…' said the blond quickly. His ears hung down, and his tail curled around his waist again.
'Playing?' asked Milliardo's Master, approaching the teen.
'Hai…Sumimasen.' (Yes…I'm sorry) apologised the blond, looking down at the fish, who were still swimming around him protectively.
'Iie…Don't apologise.' (No…) said Akira kneeling down next to the pond. He stuck his hand under water and after a few seconds a few Koi left Milliardos side and swam over to the other man. 'I just didn't expect them to come so close to you…perhaps later on I would've expected it…'
While Akira was talking Milliardo started to dry himself. He'd taken the bathrobe on when Akira suddenly asked: 'Do you hate one or more persons?'
The blond didn't answer immediately.
'Why do you want to know?' he asked daringly.
'I want to understand why the Koi trust you so much. Do you hate someone? Really hate?'
'Yes.'
'Do you trust someone.'
'Yes.'
'With your life?'
A hesitant 'yes' came as a reply
'Love?'
'If you count dead people, yes.' he answered, referring to his drowned kittens. He hadn't known them, 'cause they were killed immediately after birth, but he had loved them.
'No one alive?'
'I'm not allowed to fall in love like that.' he answered bitterly.
'How's your sense of loyalty?' continued Akira.
'I'm loyal to persons who deserve to receive loyalty.' he said, really meaning it.
'Good answer. I think I know enough for now then. Let's go in the house. I'll cook dinner, and you can brush your hair. It's all tangled up.'
'Hai Danna-sama.'

While Akira was preparing dinner Milliardo took on some clothes, given to him by Akira. They were his clothing. The clothes were in the traditional samurai style, in dark blue colours. The blond wasn't sure what to do with his hair, so he just let it loose.

When Milliardo was finished, dinner was also ready.
While eating, after having some problems with the chopsticks at start, Milliardo started to ask questions.
'Danna-sama?'
'Hai…'
'Do you live alone? This house seems rather large for only one man.'
'At the moment I live alone, yes. I have two sons, who are both married and have their own houses. My wife died seven years ago.'
'O. I'm sorry to hear that…and…ano…(Japanese say it when they are thinking, or hesitating) what rules do I have to follow?'
'What do you know about our lifestyle?' asked Akira instead of answering the teens question.
'Only what I've read in books…'
'Then I think it won't be easy for you. I want you to adapt to the Japanese way of life. You'll learn that being a slave here is different than where you come from. I will tell you when you do something wrong…'
'And…what about…at night?' asked Milliardo carefully.
'You will sleep in the same room as I do, on another futon, but you'll be sleeping next to me. That's all.'
'Tha…that's all?' asked Milliardo in disbelieve and relieve.
'Hai, that's all.'
'Arigatou Gozaimasu Danna-sama.' (thanks very much)
Akira nodded.
'How do you feel Milliardo? Tired?' he asked.
'A little bit.'
'Do you think you can stay awake for a few hours? The shops are still open, and you need some fitting clothes.'
'Hai. I'll manage.'
'Okay, let's go then.'
'What about the dishes, danna-sama?'
'I'll take care of that later on. Do you know how to behave in public?'
'Hai. Always stay two steps behind you, no talking, no running away.'
'Correct. And try not to be distracted too much. You'll be started at a lot.'
'Hai. Wakarimashita.' (I understand. Very formal way)
'Good.' said Akira. He grabbed his pouch and the two of them left the house.

Milliardo tried to not be distracted too much, though it was very difficult. As Akira had said, he was started at lot, but even if that weren't the case, the blond was distracted by everything he saw.

It's much different than I ve read in the books…

Milliardo was so lost in thoughts he didn't notice his Master stopping. He bumped into the man.
'A…Gomen nasai.' (I apologise) he quickly apologised, looking at the ground.
When Milliardo received no reaction he looked up, finding his Master standing in front of a gang of thieves. At least, they looked as thieves to Milliardo.
'Danna-sama?' he asked carefully.
'Kiotsukete Milliardo.' he said (Watch out/ stay on your guard)
'Hai.' said the blond.
'If it isn't Nemushi Akira.' the leader of the gang said. 'Haven't seen you in a while.' he teased, approaching the man.
'What do you want from me?' demanded Akira.
'Straight to the point, as always, aren't we?' he teased. 'You know, I couldn't stand you in kendo class because you were so damned full of yourself, so proud, and even now, when you're an adult, you haven't changed at all. I can't stand you Nemushi.'
'Then that feeling is mutual. Could you let me pass? I have things to do.' he said irritated.
'Now why would I let you and your pathetic slave pass?'
''cause I've beaten you when we were young, and I will beat you now.'
'Is that a threat!'
'No, just a station of the facts. Milliardo, come, we're going.'
'Hai Danna-sama…'the blond said carefully, always staying behind his Master.
'You're not going anywhere.' the leader said. The group behind him formed a circle around Milliardo and his Master.
'Danna-sama…' the blond said softly, tugging his Masters clothing.
'Fine then. If you want to fight that badly, let's fight.' Akira said. He positioned himself, ready to attack the leader of the gang with his bare hands. Meanwhile one of the others grabbed Milliardo from behind, making sure he wouldn't interfere.
'Let go of me!' snapped Milliardo, struggling to get out of the mans hold. It didn't work though. The man was too strong for Milliardo.
'Shut it worthless piece of shit.' snapped the man holding him.
'Don't hurt him. You won't live if you do.' warned Akira while the gang leader prepared himself.
After he'd said that everything went very fast. They had started to fight, and neither of them were willing to give up.
At one point the gang leader had Akira lying doubled over on the ground, grasping for air. From out of nowhere the gang leader got a gun and aimed it at Milliardo's Master.
'NO!' yelled Milliardo. He struggled to get out of the mans grip, but couldn't do so in his human form. The only option was to disobey his Master and transform.
He changed into a white tiger, and leaped a the gang leader. The man was astonished. He quickly aimed his gun at the tiger, but he couldn't focus. He shot though, and hit Milliardo in his stomach. Milliardo felt it, but didn't give in yet. He had to take care of the man who wanted to hurt his Master. Milliardo bit in the mans hand, forcing the man to drop the gun.
'LET GO!' the man yelled. Milliardo did so, but didn't stop. His new target was the mans right leg. He bit hard.
The gang leader screamed out in pain. Meanwhile the local police officers had come.
'Milliardo. DAME!' ordered Akira. (don't/ stop!)

The blond reluctantly let go of the mans leg. He walked over to his Master, who was kneeling on one knee, still taken back from the fight. Akira patted the tiger on it's head.
'Don't transform again without my permission, understood?' he asked in Japanese.
'Hai Danna-sama' the blond said weakly, and collapsed, blood seeping from his stomach wound. Also blood was coming from his mouth…not his blood though.
'Milliardo-kun!' reacted Akira. (kun is a suffix added to a boys name)
'Dai..jou…bu…' said Milliardo and fainted. (I'm okay.)

Meanwhile the local police squad arrived.
'What happened here!' demanded one of the officers.
'Those men attacked me and my slave.' said Akira. 'He got hurt trying to protect me from the leader of them who tried to shoot me.' added Akira while stroking Milliardo. 'If you could excuse me, I've got to take him to a doctor. I'll come to the police station later on to give my statement. The people know who I am, and where I live. Excuse me…' he carefully lifted Milliardo up, and went to the nearest doctor.


When Milliardo woke up he couldn't remember what had happened. He slowly opened his eyes, but he didn't recognise the room he was in. He could faintly here his Master talk to someone though. Very slowly his thoughts returned to him.

I jumped in front of him…why? Why did I risk my life for someone I've only met today? And how come I'm in my human shape? I can't remember turning back…

Suddenly a door opened and two men stepped inside. One of the men was Akira.
'Ahh…Milliardo-kun. How are you feeling?'
'Dizzy…Danna-sama.'
'That's probably the medication.' said the doctor. He checked Milliardos heartbeat. 'Your heart has calmed down… the wound stopped bleeding. I think you are able to go home.' he said smiling friendly.
The neko pushed himself into a sitting position. 'What medication did you give me, doctor?' he said, feeling even more dizzy suddenly.
'Don't worry. I didn't give you any medicine your body wouldn't accept.'
'But the dizziness… I….'
'Give it some time and it will fade. Trust me.' said the doctor nicely. 'Shall I help you out of bed?'
'No, thanks, I'll manage.' said the blond. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, suddenly realising he was naked. 'Anoo… could I have some pants to take on?' he asked blushing slightly.
Akira laughed softly. 'Of course. Sorry. He said while he gave his slave his pants.
'You shouldn't be the one apologising Danna-sama. It was my own decision to jump in front of you.'
'Which I am very grateful for Milliardo. You saved my life.'
Milliardo blushed as the man said that.
'Let's go back home.' said Akira, helping Milliardo on his feet. 'Can you walk on your own?'
'Hai. I've been hurt worse before, I can handle it…But what about…weren't we heading for… I don't remember…'
'It's common that you've forgotten some parts. They'll come back in time.' said the doctor.
'You're right.' said Akira. 'We were going somewhere, but it's almost 4 am.'
'I see…'
'Wait for me outside Milliardo, I've got to talk to the doctor for a second. I'll be right there.'
'Hai…' said the blond and went outside.


'Did you take his blood?' asked Akira.
'Yes. I'll have the result by noon tomorrow. I'll send a messenger with a sealed letter with the results.'
'Arigatou Gozaimasu.' said the man bowing slightly. He followed his slave outside.
'Cold?' asked Akira when he saw the blond shiver.
'A bit.' admitted Milliardo. Suddenly the blond felt something wrapped around his shoulders.
'Danna-sama?' he asked. The man had taken off his coat and hung it around the teens shoulder.
'Let's go home Milliardo-kun.'
'Hai.' said the blond smiling.

Maybe I won't have it too difficult at all…


The next morning, about eleven AM.

Milliardo was lying on the patio, in his tiger shape, enjoying the sun. Akira was reading a book, not too far away from his slave.
'Danna-sama…'
'Hmmm…'
'Someone's coming.' the tiger said, never opening his eyes, not moving a bit.
Just then someone knocked on the door in the wall around the house.
'Sugoi dayo Milliardo-kun…' (that's amazing Milliardo) he said as he stood up. He went to the door and opened it.
'A letter from Mukai-sensei.' said the messenger as he handed the letter to Akira.
'Doumo.' (another way of saying: thanks) said Akira as he accepted the letter. He gave the messenger a small tip before he closed the door behind him.
Milliardo was curious about the letter, but he didn't ask about it…yet…
Suddenly Akira's eyes widened, and he dropped the letter.
'Muri dayo…'(this is impossible) (2)
'Danna-sama? Something wrong?' he asked.
When his Master didn't answer Milliardo stood up. Slowly. He was still quite weak from his stomach wound. He approached his Master.
'Danna-sama…' he tried again, but it was of no use. He was staring at nothing. The blond couldn't help but take a peek at the letter.

Damn… a lot of kanji…what…wait a second…that's my name…Milliardo…but…what's this…it looks like my blood analysis…

He quickly scanned the letter. His eyes fell on the last few sentences.
Written in Japanese, there stood: He is without doubt a son of Stéphan Peacecraft, King of the European country, Sanc.

'O…my…God…no.' Milliardo turned back to his human shape. '…this….this can't me…I'm…' suddenly Milliardo's legs failed him. He collapsed on the ground. This made Akira snap back to reality.
'Milliardo-kun. Daijoubu desuka? (are you okay?)
'I…I don't know…I…'
'Milliardo-kun…let's go inside and get you some clothes on first…' said Akira, tapping the blond on his shoulder 'I'll…'
Milliardo blushed, and suddenly changed again because of shock and shame. He couldn't stop the transformation. He changed into a fluffy little house cat.
'Milliardo-kun!'
'Damnit… aw… my wound…'
'Daijoubu desuka?' asked Akira while he took the small cat in his arms.
'Iie…I don't think so… my wound…it hurts…and…and I just cannot be… can't be…a prince!' he subconsciously flicked his nails, slightly piercing his Masters skin.
'Milliardo-kun! Listen to me!'
The blond flinched at the hardness of the mans voice. His ears hung down.
'Forget what you've read. Even though you really are what stood in that letter, your life now cannot change. Even if you weren't given away at birth, which I think is what happened, you wouldn't have had a life other than you have now.'
'I… I know…but…'
'Don't Milliardo-kun. Can you transform back?' asked the man while he entered the house.
'I'll try…can you put me down?'
'Of course.' Akira said as he gently put the cat down…
Milliardo concentrated on turning back, but somehow he couldn't.
'Strange… maybe it's because I'm too small… I don't know… I've never transformed to a cat before… I guess I'll just have to wait… I hope this isn't too much of a problem to you, danna-sama…'
'Not at all. How's your wound?'
'It throbs. But it didn't start bleeding, so I guess it's okay.'
'Do tell me when the pain gets too much to handle Milliardo-kun.'
'Hai.'


The next few days Milliardo was in some sort of haze. He transformed back to his human shape the night after he read the letter, but that didn't make him more talkative. He spend a lot of time just staring at the sky or at the Koi.

I can't be a prince, I just can't be… why? Why am I what I am now if I'm from royal blood? I don't understand…

'Milliardo-kun.'
'Hai…' he said still staring at the lake.
'Follow me to the practice room.' said the man
'Practice room?'
'Don't question me. Follow.'
'Hai.' said the blond and stood up. He followed his Master to the mini dojo.
Akira walked to the nearest room and took two bokken (wooden/bamboo swords) from the wall. 'Catch.' he said throwing one to Milliardo.
Thanks to Milliardos neko side his reflexes were fast, so he was able to catch it.
'Good. I figured you might have let it drop because of your absence in thoughts. You think too much.'
'I…why…what are we going to do?'
'What are we going to do …what?'
'Sorry. What are we going to do Danna-sama?' corrected the blond.
'Train. Your body has to strengthen, AND, I want you to learn how to control your feline self.
Stand like this.' he said showing it to Milliardo.
'Like this?'
'Yes. Remember this pose. We always start with this pose. Now…hold up the bokken like this… a little more up… keep it straight… stay in position…'

Milliardo and Akira practiced for about an hour and a half, but even after such short of time, only doing the basics, Milliardo was sweating heavily.
'You okay Milliardo-kun?'
'Yeah, I'm fine. My body just isn't used to this much exercise anymore…well, not this kind of exercise…Danna-sama.'
'How's your wound?'
'Good. I hardly feel it anymore.'
'You forgot something.'
'Danna-sama…'
'Is it easier for you if you spoke English?'
'To remember saying the correct things?' asked Milliardo. 'No…I mean…I don't think it'll help…'
'You do know I want you to address me in a proper way, don't you?'
'Yes, of course I know Danna-sama. It's the first thing learned, I just… tend to forget when I'm… into something…'
'And it's not because you now know you are a prince?' asked Akira, sitting down next to Milliardo on the ground.
'No.' reacted Milliardo…too fast. 'I… I don't know…'
'Milliardo-kun. Listen. You may be a son of the present leader of the Sanc kingdom, but you weren't raised as one. You can never claim the place of crown prince. Accept it, and enjoy your life as you are now, or don't, and live in misery.'
'But…'
'No Milliardo-kun. Choose, and stay with your decision.'
The blond neko was silent for a while. He sighed deeply and let himself fall backwards, staring at the ceiling.
'If you want to think about it longer, take the time.' said Akira after a few more minutes of silence, looking at his slave. 'Milliardo-kun?' he asked with concern in his voice when he saw tears running down the blonds cheeks.
Milliardo turned his head the other side. 'I…I'm fine…'
'No, you're not. Come here.'
The blond looked up at Akira, not sure what the man was planning. Akira was signalling Milliardo to sit in his lap.
'Danna-sama?' he asked softly while he sat down with his back leaning on his Masters chest.
'Let it go. Keeping it bottled up isn't good for your physical and psychological health.'
Milliardos tail curled around his Master's wrist. He closed his eyes and tried to steady his breath, but by trying so he couldn't keep himself from bursting out in tears.

'I…it's just so unfair…' he managed to say after a few minutes.
'I know Milliardo-kun, I know, but there's nothing that can be done about it. You just have to accept it.'
'But it's so difficult now I know I don't have to be…'
'If you keep thinking like that you'll never get over it. You've got to try and forget it all. You can never take your rightful place. You weren't raised too. Milliardo-kun, your life isn't bad at all. I'll take good care of you. I'll make sure you won't get hurt.'
'I…I know…thanks Danna-sama…but still…'


The next few days Milliardo was still a bit down, but his mood brightened. The practising with the bokken every day helped a lot to cheer him up.

One day though, it was raining hard, and Milliardo was bored. He'd done all the chores around the house he had to do, he didn't want to read a book or something like that. He'd figured out how to transform on will, though when with heavy emotions he still didn't have control over it, so he just lay in his tiger form on the patio, watching the water fall on the ground.

'Milliardo-kun…'
'Hai.'
'You know you can go wherever in the house you want to go if you're bored…'
'I know…' said the tiger, quickly adding 'Danna-sama.' He got up and walked over to Akira. 'I just don't feel like doing anything than lay around.' he said while he walked passed his Masters back, giving him a sort of hug. 'What are you doing?' asked the tiger when he saw that Akira was busy writing something.
'A letter.'
'To who?'
'My sons.'
'But…why don't you just send an email, or call them?' asked the tiger, sitting down next to his Master, reading a bit of the letter.
'Have you seen a computer in the house Milliardo-kun?' teased Akira.
'Eh…no…I never noticed though…' said Milliardo. If he wasn't in his tiger shape, but his normal human shape he would have blushed.
'An invitation?' asked Milliardo after he'd read a part. 'When?'
'Next week. My birthday is next Sunday.'
'I didn't know that. Will both your sons come? And their families?'
'Yes, all of them. Do you have a problem with that?' asked Akira concerned when he heard uncertainty in his slaves voice.
'Problem? No…not at all…it's just…I don't know…'
'Don't worry. I'll warn them about how you look. You won't be stared at.'
'You promise?'
'Yakusoku dayo.' (It's Promise)


That Sunday.

'Milliardo-kun. Wake up…I don't want you still be sleeping when my sons and family arrive.' said Akira while softly shaking the blond.
'Ohaayo Gozaimasu Danna-sama.' he said yawning. (Good morning) 'Your sons? O, Happy birthday.' he said, sitting up straight, suddenly very much awake.
'Thanks.' said Akira smiling. 'Now get dressed, breakfast is already ready. O no, not your normal clothes…I want you to wear this.' he said holding op a dark blue kimono.
'But I don't know how to take it on Danna-sama…' said Milliardo blushing slightly.
'Don't worry. I'll help.' said Akira smiling. When Milliardo was dressed Akira said: 'My my… you are so adorable like that.' he said, a bit teasing. Milliardo was watching his clothes, his tail swishing playful behind him, his eyes lay cutely down.
'Doesn't it look strange? I mean…I've never worn a kimono before…'
'It looks great, trust me.' said Akira. 'Not get something to eat, they can come every moment now.'

Just when Milliardo was finished with his breakfast Akira's oldest son came with his wife and nineteen year old daughter. The blond quickly excused himself, saying he would go do the dishes, to give his Master some time alone with his family. When Milliardo was finished with the dishes and he came back Akira's other son had already arrived too. His wife and twin daughters, six years old, were sitting in the living room.

Milliardo kneeled down behind his Master and softly nudged him.
'Danna-sama?' he asked silently.
'Come sit next to me Milliardo-kun. Don't be shy.'
'But…'
'Milliardo-kun.' said Akira on a more demanding tone.
The neko quickly complied and set next to his master, cross-legged. He still wasn't used to sit on his legs like Japanese people normal did. He averted his eyes from everyone else in the room after everyone went silent.
'C'mon Milliardo-kun. You know how to introduce yourself.' said Akira a bit teasing.
'Ah…sumimasen…Minna-san, hajimemashite. Watakushi wa Milliardo de, 16 sai desu. Yoroshiku Onegai Shimasu.

(Everyone, "I'm meeting you for the first time" ((normally not translated)). I'm Milliardo and 16 years old…. The last part is difficult to translate…literally it means: please be nice to me. Commonly translated as: nice to meet you.'

The twins picked up immediately, as they were taught.
'Boku-tachi wa Yumi to Keiko desu. Yoroshiku.' said the oldest of the two, Yumi.
(We are Yumi and Keiko.) (3)
Milliardo smiled as the twins introduced their selves. They seemed so innocent. They probably didn't even know Milliardo's position.
'Nozomi desu.' said the nineteen year old girl, seemingly not interested in all around her.
'Pretty name.' said Milliardo. 'If I may say so.' he added immediately.
The teen looked up and took a good look at the Neko. She noticed Milliardo's collar and smiled. 'Of course you may say so.'
Akira smiled. The adults also introduced their selves to Milliardo.

'Akira-hoku, may we go outside and play?' asked Keiko. (hoku uncle)
' 'course, but make sure you don't get too dirty. And only if your parents agree.'
'Otou? Okaa?' asked both Yumi and Keiko with puppy dog eyes. (Daddy? Mommy?)
'Go ahead girls. But be careful.'
'Yay!'
'Milliardo-kun, watch over them. I don't expect anything to happen, but I want someone near them.' said Akira.
'Hai.' said the blond. He stood up and followed the twin outside. Not too long after Nozomi got bored and also made her way outsider.


'Miri onii! Catch.' said Yumi while she threw a small ball to the neko. (older Brother Milli.)

Miri onii? Wow…they accept me quick…normally strangers don't get called onii or anee that quickly… (older brother/sister)

'Milliardo-kun.' called Nozomi.
'Hai?' asked the blond turning to her, not paying attention to the ball anymore. 'Ouch!' he said when the ball hit his head. It hadn't hurt him at all, but Yumi and Keiko thought it had.
'Miri onii…daijoubudesuka?' (are you okay?) asked Keiko, seemingly almost in tears.
'Don't worry Keiko-chan, Yumi-chan. Daijoubu.' assured the blond while he bent through his knees to be on the same height as the twins. He softly patted the girls on their hands.
Nozomi watched the three of them while she sat down. She was dressed in her school uniform, but her normally tied up hair hung loose. It was about shoulder length. She normally sat cross-legged when she had the chance, but with a short skirt and a guy around she refrained from it.
'Nozomi…sama?' asked Milliardo while Keiko and Yumi concentrated on their ballgame again. He was a bit insecure about the suffix he had to use. It was obvious she was older than him.
'San is fine.' she said winking. 'You're good with kids.' she added while she gestured him to sit down next to her.
'I guess… Just did the things they wanted to do…' The things I didn't get a chance to do…
'You're interesting…' said Nozomi after she'd observed the blond think for a while.
'You mean my feline side?'
'No…well, also…but there's something about you that is different…interesting… I don't know what it is…But yeah, it probably has to do with your feline side… and your ears and tail are so cute. May I?' she asked carefully.
'Sure.' said Milliardo. He unwrapped his tail from his waist. Nozomi carefully touched Milliardo's tail, following with his ears…
'So soft…just like a real cat.'
Milliardo smiled faintly.
'Ah…I'm sorry… it isn't something you like, is it?' she asked when she noticed his mood.
'Don't apologise Nozomi-san. You can't help it I'm half neko…neither can I…'
'Milliardo-kun… you've got a difficult name… but other than that…try and be not so depressed about it. Akira-hoku takes good care of you, doesn't he?'
'Yeah, he does.' said Milliardo smiling sincerely. 'Only my trainer has been this nice to me.'
'Your trainer…that's confusing…' said Nozomi. 'I don't know much about the Western culture, but I thought…'
'You thought right Nozomi-san. My trainer was an exception.'
'I see… What about…' but Nozomi didn't finish what she wanted to ask. Akira called them all inside.
'Time to eat.' said Akira while he sat down. 'Come sit next to Milliardo.'

The blond nodded and quietly sat next to the man.
'Itadakimasu' they all said before starting with dinner. (Thanks for the food. Can't really be translated)

The rest of the night passed quite uneventful. After dinner Milliardo offered to do the dishes, but Akira stood on it he watched Yumi and Keiko. Both of them fell asleep in his lap when the sun began to set. He leaned back against the wall he was sitting and closed his eyes for a second. He looked outside, and almost jumped up.
'Danna-sama…It's a full moon tonight…' he said softly, but loud enough so Akira could hear it. Yumi shifted a bit, but didn't wake up, much to Milliardos relieve.
'It is? Nozomi, will you watch Yumi and Keiko? I've got to be with Milliardo-kun privately for a while.'
'Of course… but what's going on? What's with the full moon?'
'I'll explain later…Milliardo-kun, follow me to the dojo.'
'Hai…' the blond carefully got up, making sure he didn't wake Yumi and Keiko. He followed his Master to the dojo.
'Close the door behind you.' said the man as he sat down. 'Milliardo, I want you to try and prevent transforming for as long as you can. I want to see how much control you really have…'
'But… I don't know if I cant…normally if I fight a transformation it hurts like hell…'
'I know, but I want you to try nonetheless.'
Not long after Milliard could feel his feline side kick in.
'It's starting…' he said softly. He sat down on the ground. He'd already loosened the top part of his Kimono, so he wouldn't tear it apart whilst transforming. Milliardo tried not to transform, but he already saw his hands change into paws…
'Well, at least I know it'll be a white tiger this time…' he said. He tried to delay the transformation as long as he could, and in the end he managed for about ten minutes.
'I…I can't stop it anymore…' he said, panting.
'Let go. You've done great.' said Akira, watching in awe. He had seen the blond transform before, but those had always been fast transformations. That wasn't the reason he wanted Milliardo to delay the transformation. He wanted to know how good the blond had his body under control. How his mind cooperated with his body.
'You are once again beautiful.' said Akira when Milliardo's transformation was complete.
'Thanks.' said Milliardo. 'But don't leave your family…not on your birthday. I'll amuse myself. Go to them.' said Milliardo, really meaning it. He didn't want his Master to spend time with him when he needed the precious time with his family.
'O, but I will go back, and so will you.'
'What? But… I'm…'
'Don't worry. I'll explain first, then I'll call you in.'
'I…'
'Milliardo-kun…' he said with a hint of warning in his voice.
The tiger lowered his head and didn't say anything.
'I'll call you…stay here until that time.'

Milliardo nodded and sat down on his rear legs. He stared outside, his tail swishing slowly behind him.

'You don't have to worry Milliardo-kun. They won't hurt you.' said Akira after he stood up. He could see the uncertainty in the body language of his slave.
'I know… it's just… I'm not used to it.'
'I know, but you'll have to get used to it. I won't show you around, but others might.'

Others? He's gonna sell me?

TBC

Muhahahaha… Gonna continue, trust me, but I just had to post it, and it would be just too long if I continued… part E will take a time to be uploaded though, I apologise in forward for that…


(1) watashi - formal way to say 'I' .Watakushi is even more formal.

(2) dayo - informal way to say desu.

(3) Boku - another way to say 'I'. Used by boys who are 'cute' and young, and girls (tomboys)