~Cifra~
Chapter Two
-o-
Disclaimer: This story is purely fanfiction. Digimon and all its characters do not belong to me in anyway.
Warning: This story contains mature content and sexual themes. Please do NOT read unless you are 18 years or older.
Thanks to woowoo13 and my Guest reviewer for their reviews, and too all my buddies who fav'd or watched this story! This chapter is dedicated to you.
-o-
When I woke up, I was still in my clothes, and the cat was sleeping on my chest, curled into a little ball. At first I thought that I was still dreaming, but all too soon the pain in my stiff arm reminded me that everything that had happened was far too real.
I had been bitten by a rabid dog, and an alien cat was now living in my apartment with me.
What the hell?
Groaning from the stiffness in my body, I sat up slowly, using my uninjured arm to carefully pick up the cat and set him on my bed beside me. Though the action woke him, he did not complain, but simply readjusted himself and went back to sleep. That left me to get ready for the day in peace. It was slightly difficult to shower with my bandaged arm, and dress into a nice business suit, but the endless days of practice made it easier.
Finally ready, I took my banged up briefcase and opened the door, preparing to head on my way to work. To my surprise, the cat jumped onto my shoulders and perched there, as thought intending to come with me! I closed the door and turned my head so I could look at him sharply. "You're staying here," I said commandingly.
His green eyes were so intense, they instantly made me feel inferior. Oh? His voice asked in my head, amused. What makes you think that?
"Because I have to go work, and we can't take animals to work," I insisted, scowling at him.
He flicked his tail so that it brushed against my cheek. You innocent little human, he replied patronizingly, as though he thought I was just being cute. You really don't understand the situation, do you?
I didn't reply, instead glaring at him until he enlightened me.
You see, although it is not widely known by your kind, we Erus have already conquered your planet, he obliged good-naturedly. Every ruling government in every country of your Earth has surrendered nearly twelve years ago, although they chose to keep it a secret for as long as possible. Something about trying to preserve peace and let the civilians experience life as they always wished it could be, or something.
I listened, respectfully, but refused to believe it. How could what he was saying be true? "So then, what do you want?" I demanded. "Why disguise yourselves as animals? What do you want from us?"
He purred, rubbing his face against my cheek almost affectionately—as though he approved of my asking him that. We're not that aggressive, don't worry, he thought to me reassuringly. As Erus, we need Cifras. Humans are Cifras, and there are billions of you, so it made sense for us to come here. As you cannot resist us, everything fell into place smoothly.
"You're being vague on purpose," I accused, crossing my arms carefully so that I didn't bump my injured one. "Don't think you can confuse me. Look, you aliens may be on our Earth and whatnot, but I still have to go to work, and I can't bring an animal to work. So just stay here, and I'll see you later."
Oh? It asked again, digging its claws suddenly into my shoulder. I think you'll find that you can bring me to work with you just fine. I will not be separated from you, now that I have you. You'll just have to get used to it, Cifra.
The word Cifra was starting to irk me. But as I was already nearing being late for my bus, I open the door and hurried outside, locking it behind me. "I have a name," I grumbled at the cat, annoyed that it was being vague and confusing. What did it mean by calling humans Cifras? And what did their race Erus have to do with it? I kept feeling like it was leaving out important details.
Still clinging to my shoulder regardless of how swiftly I was walking, the cat just purred. Yes, I understand that all humans have names they call each other. I suppose you prefer me to call you by it?
I huffed, rolling my eyes. "Yes," I complained. Then as an afterthought, added, "It's Takato."
Takato. The Erus on my shoulder purred, genuinely glad to say it.
And for some reason, it gave me a certain pleasure to hear him say my name. It was a little weird. "What about you?" I asked momentarily. I didn't have time to stop in at the convenience store for lunch, but that was alright. I could get lunch somewhere closer to work today. "What is your name?"
I do not have one, the cat yawned. Erus is fine.
"Well I wouldn't want to be called Human," I pointed out. "Why don't you have one?"
None of us do. We do not need them, for we recognize each other, and our Cifras recognize us.
"But that dog was one of you, right?" The cat nodded once. "He had a name," I pointed out.
To my surprise, the cat chuckled—a weird, feline-like chuckle that was almost a purr. Silly Takato, he replied, and licked my cheek with his raspy cat tongue. It sent a weird, brief tingle of pleasure down my spine. Dygon is not his name. It is an insult.
"Oh…" I murmured, and fell into silence. My bus arrived, and I got onto it quickly, mind churning with all kinds of thoughts and questions. In the end, we did not speak again until after I had gotten off my bus, walked to my building, and entered it with my thoughts a blur. It almost seemed like time flew by too quickly to notice. But that can happen when you get lost in your thoughts.
What do you do at your job? The cat asked, startling me.
I glanced at him, feeling awkward. I was already in the building, heading toward the elevator, and wasn't sure if I should answer him in public. What would people think? But I felt obliged to reply anyway. "I'm in marketing," I said under my breath. "It's my job to convince people to buy our products through ads and other means, and to make reports on how successful each of our campaigns are. It's a little hard to explain."
Hmmm. I see. He nodded, and was content to leave me alone for a while.
As I entered the elevator, my coworkers entered with me, talking to each other about karaoke and dinner the night before. When they saw me, I instantly became the object of their attention. "Matsuda-san!" Kimura-san cried. "Look at you! What happened to your arm? Did you get in a fight last night?"
"You have a cat?" a woman asked. She was new at our company, and hadn't been there that long, so I couldn't remember her name at that moment. "He's so beautiful…"
I smiled good-naturedly. "Ah, yes I found this stray cat last night after dinner," I explained. "There was a dog chasing it, so I fought off the dog and kept the cat."
"Oh so that's why your arm is in a sling?" Kimura snickered. "Brave of you to fight off a dog. Those things scare me. But I don't know if it's a good idea to bring your pet to work…"
"I know…but he's just getting used to me," I shrugged. "Could you leave it behind at your apartment all alone all day? Look at his face!" I reached a hand up and started scratching the Erus's head the way cats always loved to have it scratched, and he made a cute face and started purring. It was perfect. Glad he's playing along, I thought.
"Ohhhhhh!" all the women in the elevator cried out at once. Even as we reached our floor and got out to begin work for the day, they chattered away about how adorable the cat was, and how sweet I was for rescuing it and taking it to work for me.
I was glad to get to my cubicle and get to work, away from their attention.
That was amusing, the Erus said, although he didn't sound very amused. Although it wasn't the truth. Why didn't you tell them who I am? Also, I seem to recall that I was the one who rescued you from the dog, not the other way around.
Was he upset? I glanced at him sheepishly. "Err… that is… well that's true but, I didn't think it was a good idea to tell them you're… well… an alien. Think of it this way… it lowers their suspicion of you, and gives you the freedom to do what you like. No one questions a cat, but an alien they would either try to fight, detain, or who knows?" I couldn't understand why he was upset. I'd just made his life easier!
Jumping off my shoulder and landing on my desk, he sat down and stared into my face, studying me. After a minute, he smiled. I believe you were trying to protect me, he said, sounding both astonished and pleased. And here I thought you were being disrespectful.
Disrespectful? I frowned, a little confused. "Why would I be disrespectful?" I asked.
He started purring at once, and reaching his head forward, he gave me an affectionate rub. Takato, he said, sounding pleased. I'm glad that I found you.
Smiling a little, I scratched him back, petting him the way cats preferred. I figured that since he had the form of a cat, he probably liked the same things. Right? "Actually, I believe I found you," I teased, "not the other way around."
Don't push it, he purred. But yes, I'll give you that one. I probably would be wandering the Earth still, if you hadn't jumped in like that.
"Why don't you tell me more about yourself?" I asked, intrigued. "I mean, why were you wandering the Earth? Why do Erus need Cifras? How does being Human make me a Cifra? And why don't you have names? I really don't understand any of this."
You don't really need to. Don't worry about it, Takato.
"I do need to know," I insisted. As I worked on emails, reports, and the numbers I had to calculate for our latest marketing campaign, I gave the cat a determined glare that I'd found had always made people tell me what I wanted to know. Rika used to say it was impossible to ignore. Besides, if an alien cat was going to claim me as his Cifra—whatever the heck that was—and hang out with me everywhere I went, I needed to know what it entailed. "You have certain expectations of me now, and I don't even know what they are. Don't you think it's better for your sake that I know everything?"
He just studied me, purring, and then began to clean himself. Like a cat. But I waited, still staring at him expectantly, until he finished his cleaning and lifted his head. His eyes sparkled with amusement and curiosity. Very well, he said. I will try to explain.
"Thank you," I said.
He nodded once. Erus come from a different world than this. On my original world, there were two types of beings; Erus and Cifras. The Erus are formless, and must find the form of something else that fits their personality on each different world they go to. The Cifras have a fixed form, and can live life independently. However, Cifras do not have magic, and are virtually weak when coming upon dangers of great magnitude. Erus live indefinitely, while Cifras have a fixed lifespan and then die. He glanced at me. Do you understand so far?
"I'm not stupid," I rolled my eyes. "So basically, you're an Erus—meaning you have magic and live forever—and because you don't have your own form you chose that of a cat when you came to Earth because it fit your personality best. I am a Cifra because I am mortal, and have a definite form. Correct?"
Yes. He purred once, and then continued. The Cifras depended on us to survive, and we Erus each chose one Cifra to be our own, in order to greater magnify our magic. We are not dependant on Cifras, but we were able to grow stronger if we had one. But it was beneficial to both, for we could protect the Cifras, and be with them so that they would never be alone.
Eventually, though, the Cifras all died, and we were forced to move on. We have jumped from three planets so far, and this is our fourth. We are grateful that there are so many humans, and that they seem to be thriving instead of dying out. We may never have to leave.
I wasn't sure if his explanation was making me anxious or interested. "Why humans, though? I mean, why not disguise yourselves as humans, and choose animals to be your Cifras?"
It is preferable to have a form that fits our personality. Humans are too different for any of us to try and copy their form. You are too complex. On the other hand, we need intelligent beings as our Cifras, or it will not work well. Humans are the most intelligent beings on the planet.
"Some animals are considered extremely intelligent," I pointed out. "Like the dolphin."
And yet, no animal—including the dolphin—has the ability to reason, make decisions, or change even their own mannerisms, strengths, and weaknesses in order to deal with different situations. Animals are locked into unchanging patterns. Humans create their own patterns. You are the best Cifras we have ever encountered.
I felt oddly pleased. I guess humans were pretty amazing…If I thought about it. Not that I was being egotistical or anything… "Thanks," I said slowly. "I guess. But what I don't understand is how Cifras help you magnify your power."
The cat shifted his weight, eyeing me carefully, before letting out a sigh. I have not shown you that yet, he said gently. Because it will drain you terribly. I have decided to give you grace for today, and hold off as long as possible, but that will change if situations demand it.
"What kind of situations?" I asked, instantly nervous. Drain me terribly? What?
If you are insubordinate, he yawned. Or if I need to fight.
"Fight what?" My voice was almost a squeak.
Other Erus. We are very territorial, and some of us tend to be haughty and proud. Our ego can bruise easily, and we often like to flaunt our power over each other. I am not so easily provoked, but if I were challenged, I could not refuse.
"And then you would…drain me?"
He chuckled, the same strange cat-purr like chuckle I had heard before. Don't be so nervous. Yes, the process is draining, but you will enjoy it. It will probably be the most incredible feeling you've ever had.
I shivered, not comforted, and focused on my work. My mind kept spinning as I tried to figure everything out. What the hell had I gotten myself into?
-o-
Several hours later, Satou-san—another coworker in my marketing group—peered into my cubicle. "Ah, Matsuda-san… Nakamura-san would like to see you in his office."
I glanced up at him, having been completely immersed in my work, and then suddenly realized what he had said. "Oh! Yes, yes I'll be right over there, thank you."
Bowing his head slightly, Satou moved on, pausing only briefly so that he could stare at the relaxed form of the black cat, perched calmly on the edge of my desk.
I sighed, standing up and straightening my suit. What could my boss want?
The Erus lifted his head, watching me, and then jumped onto my shoulder. I'd better come, he said, his voice serious.
Not questioning him, mostly because I was afraid to, I walked out and headed toward the office of my manager. I knocked briefly at the door, heard the permission to enter, and slipped inside.
"Please close the door," Nakamura-san said, bowing his head briefly at me.
I did so, and when I turned back around, he motioned for me to take a seat in the chair across from him. "Excuse me for taking your time," I replied, sitting down and bowing my head respectfully. "How can I help?"
"Ah, Matsuda-san," my boss chuckled, also taking a seat. "This is what I like about you, so eager to do an excellent job. I am very pleased with your work."
Was this about a promotion? Excitement growing in me, I focused on staying calm and professional. "It's my pleasure, sir," I bowed.
"Ah, but I have called you in for another reason," he added, shifting uncomfortable. Well, that was disappointing. His eyes darted over to the cat that was seated on my shoulder, looking nervous. "I actually called you in because I hear you are bringing a cat to work."
I froze. Oh no… he wasn't going to fire me for that, was he? Inwardly panicking, I almost opened my mouth to try and persuade him that it wasn't hindering my work, when I suddenly saw the bird perched on his shoulder. My explanation died in my throat. Could it be…that he was worried that my cat would eat his bird? "Yes sir," I said instead. "I got him only last night, and would like to keep him with me if that's alright. He is very well behaved, though."
Nakamura-san coughed, almost like he was concealing a laugh. It surprised me. "Ah, well that is good," he said. "I should hope that you also, will stay well behaved."
I paused, confused. What? Me? What was he trying to say? "O-of course…" I replied.
What?
Takato, the cat suddenly spoke to me in my mind. His voice was serious. I'm afraid you do not understand what is happening here.
I glanced at it, then back at my boss. My eyes drifted down to rest on the little bird that sat all too still, watching us.
Oh good Lord…
Yes. That is an Erus.
"You don't need to worry about me or my cat, Nakamura-san," I said, anxious to keep the conversation going. It had suddenly dawned on me that there was some kind of power-play going on between his bird and my cat, and we were caught up in the mess of it. What was I supposed to say?
Don't worry, that Erus is the patient type. He has not challenged me, or even spoken up during this conversation. It seems his Cifra—your boss—is speaking to you on his own. The cat turned his head, as though bored, and simply began to stare out the window. You have nothing to worry about from us.
Relieved, I let out a small sigh. But then, I didn't really know what to say anymore. We both had Erus, and it seemed like we both knew. But where did we go from there?
My boss cleared his throat. "Matsuda-san," he began, sounding nervous. "I just wanted to bring you in here to inform you that it is alright for your cat to come to work with you. And in the event that you are… detained… for any reason, and find yourself late to meetings or to work, please feel free to let me know. It is perfectly acceptable. I understand how demanding pets can be, sometimes."
Feeling anxious—especially since I didn't know what he meant by "detained"—I just offered him a respectful bow. "Thank you for your understanding," I said.
"Thank you for your hard work," he bowed back, dismissing me.
I stood, bowed again, and headed out the door. It was a huge relief to get back to my cubicle and sit down, but the stress of the situation had made me extremely light-headed. As the cat jumped off my shoulder and back onto the desk, I just held my head and tried to calm my breathing. "Well that was stressful," I whispered.
The cat rubbed his head against one of my hands affectionately. You handled yourself very well. Don't worry too much about it.
"I still don't understand what happened in there," I admitted. "I mean, what was his point in saying those things to me? Was he threatening me? And what did he mean by 'detained?' I'm so confused…"
It's because you still don't know, the cat sighed. But it's alright, you don't need to worry. It was a very serious situation though, and it would be a good idea for you to know. Therefore, I will tell you.
I dropped my hands, looking at him in the eyes. "Thanks," I murmured. Oh great. Tell me what?
He nodded, smiling. He called you in to confirm whether I was just a pet, or an Erus, he explained. After confirming that, he had to see if there would be problems between you and him. You see, his Erus and I are both very strong, and often two Erus who are similar in strength will challenge each other on sight. He was relieved to see that neither of us had an interest in fighting.
However it left a problem. As your boss, you have to answer to him, but you also have to answer to me. So for him to say that it is acceptable for you to be detained by me, he was giving you the freedom to obey me as necessary, and not worry about work. It was very thoughtful of him.
"Wow…" I frowned. "But you don't seem like the type to make me ignore work or anything like that just on a whim. When—or why—would you 'detain' me?"
You assume that my life revolves around yours, he purred, amused. It does not. Instead, you are allowed to continue in your own life for as long as I choose, but now that I have you, it is my will that governs your life.
"That kind of sounds like slavery," I scowled.
He sighed, shaking his head. I do not want a slave. I want a Cifra. It is better for both of us if you submit willingly.
I glared at him, but did not argue. Something told me it was safer if I didn't.
Anyway, he continued, it seems that your boss is not the only one who has an Erus here are work. There are several people here, so it is quite surprising that none of them have been fighting each other. My only conclusion is that your boss's Erus is quite strong, and defeats the Erus of any Cifras who work for him. This whole building is his territory, and he is quite able to defend it. It is to our advantage to not pick a fight.
"Basically you're just saying that the little bird is ridiculously strong, and though I have several coworkers who have Erus, the bird defeated them all," I clarified, shaking my head. A thought dawned on me, though, and I grinned a little as I asked it. "So when you came with me, you came to protect me, right?"
Partially, yes. You are my Cifra, after all.
"But you didn't fight, and he didn't challenge you either," I continued. "That either means you are equally strong, or you're much weaker than he is, or…" I grinned. "Or you are stronger, but chose not to fight because you'd rather avoid a power-play."
Are you trying to determine my strength? He sniffed. You needn't concern yourself with that.
"Personally I think you're stronger," I shrugged. "But you're smart, and patient."
I'm not sure what you're after, but flattery will not get it for you, Takato.
"I'm not after anything," I chuckled. "I'm just trying to figure you out." But I gave up, and went back to work, my mind only half focusing on the report.
-o-
Hope it wasn't too wordy or confusing, but I wanted to do a little more explaining before I get the story kicking.
Oh, and just thought you should know... This story is one that I've already finished, though I'm only just putting it up now. I thought, if I'm going to start a whole new story, it had better be something I won't get half way through and then just abandon.
You guys would probably kill me if I did that again.
~ Rukatofan