Princess Crystal?
I was in my room. Sterile white. In the corner was a twin bed, made and ready for me when I decide to sleep, usually around early morning. It's nighttime and I sat in the center of my room (the floor was kinda soft but still supportive) working on a 2000 piece puzzle. Straight across from me was a viewing window that took up the entire wall. A couple of scientists watched me, computers ready for recording anything interesting I did.
I hadn't moved for a while. I was staring intently at the puzzle, trying to figure it out. I had the frame finished; that was easy. I had all the other pieces neatly organized into rows by type, so they all matched up. I held a single piece between my fingers. I sighed. Trying to find where this piece went was not easy but I was not giving up! I already had a bit done and I was pretty sure this piece went there...I looked up at the men watching me. They looked away. I felt happy that they couldn't look me in the eyes.
I put the piece back with the others I had yet to place and got a drink from my plastic unbreakable water bottle. I kept my gaze on the puzzle as I drank, then I saw it! I set my water down abruptly and ran forward in my second form (I was smaller then) snatched up the piece and leaped over the frame so I was surrounded by my work in progress. I located the spot and put the piece down. The colors matched! This is it; I'm sure of it! Using my claws, I lifted it a bit, slid it forward and lowered it. It fit! Yes! Triumph surged through me and on the other side of the glass the scientists took more notes of my behavior.
"Come here." Harley patted the stool next to her, bringing me back to the present.
"Why?" I asked skeptically. I was sitting on a big pillow on the floor working on a puzzle that was much bigger and nicer then the one in the lab.
"Just sit down."
Hesitantly I crawled up next to her, stretched, and did as she asked, eyeing the makeup and nail polish she had organized on her vanity.
Harley took my hand and examined my claws, then picked up a nail filer.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm giving you manicure. We're going out tonight. You wanna look pretty, don't ya?"
"I have a natural beauty."
"Is that why you dyed your hair?"
I opened my mouth to say something but couldn't think of anything to say so I remained silent, angry that she had me beat. She got a bottle of red nail polish and started on my claws first. "I know you won't have objections to this color; it'll look like you just killed someone! I am painting your toe nails too, so wear open toed shoes."
"Fine." I said, clearly uninterested in going out.
"This is taking forever!" I complained later.
"It's only been fifteen minutes!"
"Can I get my book?"
"Not yet; your claws are not dry."
"But I'm bored!"
"Here; don't move. I'll play some music." Hooking her phone up to the Bluetooth speaker she hit play. By the time the song ended we had changed the lyrics from "I love you too death!" to "I love food too death!" Harley had to take a break from my toe nails cause we were laughing too hard.
When I could breath again I asked, "Why are we laughing so hard...over something so simple?"
Harley shrugged helplessly, unable to answer.
At that moment Joker (who had been amusedly watching us from the doorway) came in and put the tops back on the nail polish bottles. Taking Harley by the shoulders he got her up. "Go get dressed." He ordered me as he guided Harley too the closet to pick a dress.
"Hmm?" It took me a second to realize he was talking to me and by the time I did he was already out of ear shot. "Ok." I went to my room.
On my bed was a wooden case which I stared at with caution. Nothing ticked but I still approached it slowly and nudged it with my katana before opening it. Inside was a giant crisscrossing of gold chains, thin and lightweight. It looked like a fish net. Am I supposed to wear this? How? I shrugged, I'll ask Harley later.
Leaving the strange jewelry there I went to my closet and stared at the clothes, MY clothes, in dismay. I don't know what to wear! Where are we even going?! I was stressing over my options when Harley strode in all dressed and ready to go.
"I'm sorry Kitten but you can't go like that!" I gave her an exasperated look; all I was wearing was my hot pink leopard print underwear!
"Wasn't planning to and I'm not gonna be going anywhere cause I don't know how to dress!" My voice was getting more and more desperate with each word I spoke.
"Hey! Don't stress; Harley's here!" Harley ordered. "You got plenty of options. I'll pick a few to narrow it down and you can choose from those." Harley picked out some dresses and laid them out on my bed. I looked at them for a minute before pointing to one and saying, "That ones ugly!"
"All a matter of opinion...Ok!" Harley picked it up and dumped it in the waist bin. Is this what having a sister feels like?
I frown and picked up one that looked like black tights except they cover everything...and nothing at the same time! "If I wear this I may as well not wear anything!"
Harley examined it. "True, but it's sexy!"
"Mmmm no!" I threw it out. I looked over the others and bit my lip, trying to decide. I was about to pick one when Joker came in and I became aware of the fact that I was still undressed! Me being insecure, I crossed my arms and legs over myself in a poor attempt to hide my figure and made sure Harley was between us.
"Oh Kitten," Harley noticed my supposed to be subtle movement. "Be proud of yourself!" She nudged me.
I forced an uncomfortable smile and tried to stay focused but there was a distraction lurking in the room.
Harley smirked. "Hey Puddin!"
I gave her a wide eyed look.
"What dress do you want her in?"
Joker came up next too us to look over the remaining dresses and I pinched my nose in exasperation; I'll be dead if I wear what he picks!
"Hmm...yes yes. They're all so fine...but I already picked for you!" He tried to come closer to me but I had shied away.
I looked at the item on my bed. "That thing? Is that all? I don't even know how to wear it!"
*outside Club*
Joker pulled up to the club in his expensive car. He got out and handed the keys off to the valley waiting then came around the passenger side and made a show of helping Harley out. She only had one hand free cause she was holding me, in my second form, close to her chest. I was wearing the gold net Joker had made for me. It fit perfectly starting at my neck and ending halfway down my tail. A few red rubies sparkled across it. My red claws shined though I made sure to keep them pulled back so I didn't snag Harley's dress despite how uncomfortable I was. She was none to happy about the arrangement: Joker insisting that I wear it and show up like this. I felt more comfortable like this to tell the truth but I wasn't about to tell Harley that.
People stood outside smoking and vaping; the stench of cancer hurt my nose. Also I could smell alcohol from inside...and...is that drugs I smell? Gross! I sneezed. My mouth was probably hanging open in a feline way as I took in all around me.
The bouncer at the door greeted Joker. He didn't take any notice of me; I like not being noticed. If he has a problem he clearly knows too keep his mouth shut.
Someone came to show us to our reserved private seating. Inside it was loud and lights flashed everywhere. Harley set me on the back of the couch and shook out her dress, brushing fur off as Joker ordered some drinks and food.
"Kitten, you shed a lot!" She shouted over the DJ and drunk dancers.
I know! I bristled with momentarily irritation but it was soon replaced by nervous curiosity as I looked around. If the people here see a talking cat it would attract a lot of attention, something I don't want so I would remain mute for the time being.
Joker sat with Harley next to him. I arranged myself in a regal pose where my back legs were tucked under me and my front ones stretched out, head held high like royalty at my throne. My tail hung over the side, curled at the end. I observed my surroundings, watching people with caution. They all kept their distance from us.
It is wise for you to be afraid. Fear heightens your senses and keeps you alive.
Something my sensei once said.
But don't let it consume you or you will freeze. Channel it properly and you can use it to fight any battle!
I stayed close, this area right now was my comfort zone. Harley, who was already on her way to drunk town, kept feeding me shrimp! Joker had a few shots but remained unaffected. I stood up and stretched, arching my back and shaking my tail. Think I'll walk around...maybe. I looked around for anything of interest and laughed to myself. Geez people! Can't even keep your clothes on! You don't look as hot as you would like to think, ok? You are gonna break your legs with heels that high! Here; let me help you! Finding a reason, I jumped down and prowled towards my prey. Humans! Just like slinkies; useless but a lot of fun to push down stairs! Hehehe! I cannot pass this up!
I stood by the wall near a girl in a tightly fitting dress with a partially shaved head and multi colored hair. She was already wobbling on her shoes. I dropped into a crouch and eyed her feet, my pupils rounded. She staggered and I lunged between her legs, toppling her over. She slammed hard into the ground and her date failed to catch her but spotted me.
"Damm cat! Get over-" he grabbed for me twice and both times I slipped out of his reach like silk. "Who let this stupid cat in here?! Get back here so I can run you over! I'll put my cigarettes out on you! I'll kill your friends!" He grabbed my tail and kicked me in my ribs. It wasn't hard; he must be drunk too. I hissed and clawed at his foot the next time he kicked at me.
Ok, that's it! I've had enough. You're in for it now! Let's just see what happens when you find out who my "friends" are.
He seemed determined to get me so it wasn't hard to lead him back too our private quarters. When we were close I ran on ahead and jumped right into Joker's lap. He was talking with someone at the moment so I interrupted with, "That guy was hitting me!" and pointed with my nose so he'd know who I was talking about.
The guy looked horrified as Joker turned his angry, possessive gaze on him. One hand, he started stroking my shoulders as if to say, "Yes; this is MY cat!" I relaxed against his hand, I think I liked the feeling it gave me. It felt comforting and supportive. My calming moment was ruined when Joker lifted his gun and promptly shot the guy before he had a chance to beg for mercy.
I uncovered my ringing ears and thought, "I am SO glad to be on this side of the gun!" as the body fell heavily to the ground.
By the end of the night I was lightly asleep under that big purple coat. I flinched at every loud noise but I knew for sure that if a threat arose an even greater threat would meet it head on!