Q&A

"Hello, as promised, and what Senri was looking toward: your questions and our answers. I hope I didn't miss any when I was collecting those from the comments, but if I did, let us know."

"Yay, okay, hit me with the first one!"

"First one is actually to me, though."

"...eh, okay."

The first is for Raha: What do humans like? I asked one out, and I want them to be happy, so I don't know if there are any tips you have that could help me, but if there are, did sure appreciate them!

"Hmm, that's not an easy one, I think. I wouldn't like to generalize, since everyone is different, obviously, and enjoys different things – but if we say like for a first date when you don't know each other…?"

"Wouldn't just jewels make an impression?"

"…perhaps, but likely not an impression one would like to make, Sen. I know that for Seekers that's like… decoration, but with humans that can go either way: one, they can think that you think their… affections can be bought, or then they be only interested in the other valuable things you can offer."

"Humans are silly. If you mate, of course you want to shower them with pretty things, and prove you can provide for them if they accept you as a mate."

"Yeah, but remember we're talking about first date, though? Don't jump straight into mating."

"Okay… so, then what? Let's say that when we first met, you would agree to see me instead how it went…? How do you think that would go and how would I make the best impression on you?"

"Considering what an repressed asshole I was then…?"

"Babe…"

"Okay, okay… Let me think… First of, for me: a nice, quiet place would be nice, so we could talk to get to know each other. Like a park or a café, I suppose. If we assume that I wouldn't be instantly utterly blown away by your looks – or freaked out, because of how much like Ares you look like… I guess being attentive would go a long way. You know, like really listening to the other person and paying attention and all that. Considering that I didn't had much idea about Miqo'te then: not showing off your magic unless asked too, since that's pretty… mind-bending for a human. And though with you I can't imagine that being an issue: letting the person know what exactly you're interested in, but without being too pushy about it."

"Ah, so being attentive, but not pouncing…?"

"Obviously, silly cat!"

"…I don't know if I would be able to do that, though. I mean… you're cutness incarnate, babe, I think I would just pick you up and carry you off to my lair…"

"…don't freak out the Readers, hm? Don't mind him, he's an spoiled brat among his kin, so you know: different upbringing, different people."

"Admit, though: you would find it sexy, hm?"

"I would probably call cops on your silly ass, Sen, and refused to ever see you again."

"Ah… Um, okay, no kidnapping on the first dates!"

"…you're just ridiculous sometimes."

"You still love me, though!"

"Yeah, that's why you didn't get arrested yet, I suppose."

"Humans wouldn't arrest me… At the very most they would call my Clan Leader and Ares would skin my tail, then Hades would chew me out and then they would leave me to sulk in my nook for a while: thinking over my behavior."

"I see… Because human prison would be able to contain you…?"

"Obviously, plus there's a whole bunch of agreements set in place for such occasions and all. The Clans Leadership doesn't agree on much, but they hardly want to get humans so agitated that they would start freaking out, hm? And now even Bast wants us to coexist, so there's going to be some adjustments made and all that. Ares set in fundaments they can now build upon and with the lure of your Clan in place, I can't imagine that many would elect to refuse unity."

"That's still a lot of work… Well, anyway, we strayed off topic. To sum it up, Dear Reader: be attentive, but no kidnapping and such… Ah, the next one is also to me…"

"Bast, but are you popular, babe."

"…just wait till you hear it, though."

Raha, have you ever done the deed with Senri in his true form

"…wait, what…?"

"I think as in: in human form, Sen."

"That would be… NO! Seriously, a big, fat no on that one. I would quite literally tear him to pieces if we would even be… tempted to try it, for whatever reason. There's a reason I… We have a humanoid form and all that. Now that Raha can Shift and all that, it's different… and quite fun, but literally… The size difference alone and all that, not to mention the fangs…."

"I used to like to cuddle to his true form, though, since the heat it blares is amazing and their… our fur is impossibly soft, but that's that.

Okay, Sen, the next one is for you, specifically."

"Finally! Okay, hit me up."

How has your relationship with your mother-in-law developed, Sen? Is she less inclined to spritz you in the face with water?

"…that was a one-time thing."

"Hey, I told you that 'melting' wasn't a way to make the best impression…."

"Quit laughing, babe! But, yeah, that's very much still a work in progress, Dear Reader. Honestly, when we called them to announce we're expecting kits… Well, the reaction was interesting."

"I know I shouldn't laugh, but that priest was hilarious. I thought that she wouldn't take it too well, but literally calling in a priest to perform an exorcism on you…?"

"Ah, well… like I said: work in progress. I'll win her over eventually!"

"I'm sure of that, you're lovable. Anyway, next one for me again."

To Raha: For those of us who are human and don't have magic, what should our takeaway from this be? I know it's Senri's guide to dating a human, but what are your experiences about this topic, like being half-human?

"I suppose you can say that I'm not really half-human, though? I mean, I started as it, yes, but then slowly transitioned to fully Miqo'te over time. Hades had the theory that if by chance I would end up Soul-Bonding to a human, I would probably turn fully human instead, as that appeared to be part of the Allag's magic that allowed the interspecies crossbreeding. But, as you know after reading this: my and Damon's case is very peculiar, and all since apparently, Bast foresaw our birth. Now my twin is sure that she specifically set the events beforehand to… have Ares and Senri at the ready, so to say? Since they're hybrids, and their birth was already a surprise among their kin. And since, by that, they're far more powerful than the others, Damon thinks that made our transition much faster than it would be otherwise – Soul-Bonding to them specifically. Honestly, I'm just happy to have my silly cat… no matter if it's fate or the will of Bast. But perhaps I will dare to ask her about that someday."

"I would be curious about the answer, I admit. Not that I mind one way or another, I'm more than thankful that it went as it did and I ended up with the cutest mate possible… but, again, just curious."

"Perhaps you can ask her yourself. She did say you should be immune to her… effect."

"I guess we will see…"

"Okay, the next one is for you, Sen."

Ok, another question because I'm SUPER curious. Do you have to have eaten a dish in order to be able to create it with your magic? Or can you just think it up. What if you need to adjust the spices or the ingredients? Can you just replace whatever needs changing?

"Kind of… both, I guess? Creating something out of nowhere is a tad harder, though, I would say. Normally: you do have to learn what we call a 'blueprint' of whatever is that you wish to achieve, but yes, you can manipulate whatever it's made of. In the case of food, it's the easiest since, at the base of it, pretty much everything is a mix of parts that can be exchanged for whatever you can imagine. And with Miqo'te sharp senses is quite easy to taste what you eat literally consist of, hence my adjustments to Raha's and Ink's diet. And let me tell you after he finally Shifted – like I predicted – he tossed most of whatever junk food he was still holding onto."

"Well… It's not all good, yeah, since I would miss some of my favorite snack, but Senri's right: the smell was just… ugh. I really didn't realize how fucking much of chemicals is in pretty much everything we eat, guys, but let me tell you… when you can smell it, it's awful."

"And, sadly, not everything can be recreated without said addons. I mean it can – at the base of it – but Raha told me it doesn't taste the same."

"Yeah… but hey, Senri actually came up with a bunch of alternatives based on the junk food's ideas, but without the smelly ingredients, so its cool. If, since I Shifted, my diet did too, in a way… he did not joke about us being carnivores, guys, but thankfully due to his magic we don't really need to hunt or kill animals, what I'm quite… very grateful for."

"Okay, what's next?"

"Ah… one I've been waiting for! Actually two I've put together since they were about the same thing. Here…"

Why are Pyre's so good at entertaining Kits? / What does Gabriel do that is so entertaining for the Kits? The name "Pyre" gives me an idea but merely a guess. Also curious to know more about Pyres in general if you're willing to offer such knowledge.

"Ah, yeah, that's a fun one… Okay, so to make it clear: I think we already did mention somewhere along the way that the Pyre's created by Nox, right?"

"Yes, the primordial goddess of the night. According to the mythos: one of the very first beings to be born of chaos, that later gave life to… well, bunch of things that basically form the reality."

"Mhmm, so she's like… up there with the most powerful beings in existence. And being a primordial god, their existence doesn't hinge on the human belief like in the case of the most gods, since Primordial Gods are basically the part of reality. Think of it as the incarnations of things like sleep, death, dreams and such… Pyre are by definition much, much older than Miqo'te, in most cases, since humans got them in their fiction completely wrong. They do not pray on humans, since Nox created them in the first place to – like in our case – be her guard. I think she hardly needed it… but it seems to be a thing with gods, or at least used to be: perhaps a form of posturing or something."

"That's… a weird reason to create sentient beings."

"Hey… hard for me to say how do gods think like, right? That's just me guessing, babe. Anyway, like I said: they don't prey on humans, but they do sustain themselves on blood, so that's the one thing they do got right, thing is: only on each other's. Most of them eventually formed a matching pairs, and you hardly meet a Pyre without a partner these days… rare as they are. Thing is: their skin is indestructible. And literally the only thing in existence that can pierce it is their fangs. But, as Roxy's and Gabe's example prove humans CAN be turned into a Pyre, it just barely happens. Since, you know, most of them are already 'mated,' so to say, so they have no reason to turn humans."

"So… how did they end up turned?"

"Ah, that's quite a messed up story, babe. Apparently back in the Victorian era in England, Raphael was dumb enough to literally get himself captured by a crazy human that wanted a taste of immortality. Well… he was sold off, quite literally."

"…?"

"By another Pyre, that apparently got REALLY indebted to that human, or so the story goes. Apparently that guy, whomever he was, figured better Raphael than him, right…? But he had a good sense not to actually tell the bitch how to achieve the turn, other than drugging the asshole, biting him to pierce the skin and putting the knife into the wound so it couldn't heal back up. Then that Pyre disappeared, knowing that if Raphael gets free… he's toast. Anyway, that crazy woman figured, basing on the vampire mythos that the turn came with blood – which apparently wasn't completely wrong, either. But not willing to experiment on herself, she actually gathered a bunch of poor kids from the streets of London, locked them up in a remote house she stuffed Raphael in, then fed them his blood – but somewhere along the way fucked up, pulling the knife and letting him heal up. With as much blood as she did manage to score before it, she fed it to those kids, observing the results for the promised immortality. Roxy and Gabriel were among them. Thing is, she completely fucked up the proportions, trying to save up for herself as much as possible, giving them far too less blood to begin the transition, but enough to literally kill them. Roxy, getting suspicious on the day one when they were given a mysterious drinks, however, took Gabe's doze, too – since you know, he's her baby brother and all. So she actually did started to transition, which for Pyre means developing fangs able to pierce their skin and kind of… mental link to their 'creator' – another reason why they don't tend to turn humans willy-nilly. Thanks to it she found Raphael and getting more of his blood: turned, then slaughtered all the humans involved, starting with the crazy bitch. Sadly, for most of the kids that was too late – other than Gabriel who ended up not getting any of that 'wondrous elixir.' He was a teen then, though Roxy did end up turning him – willingly – when he matured. And, obviously, she and Raphael ended up together after that and are a thing until now. Pyre couples rarely split, for obvious reasons."

"And as for them and kits…?"

"Their skin, duh. Pyre make for a GLORIOUS chew-toys especially for 'toothing' kit, when all the fangs start to come in. You can chew on them for hours and they don't feel a thing… and Gabriel finds that hilarious, so he doesn't mind visiting occasionally and indulging the kits… and, obviously, they love him for that. Roxy does too, from time to time, but Raphael is far too much… 'I'm one of the oldest things in existence and won't suffer the indignity' about it."

"Pff…!"

"I know, right? Stick in the mud, that's what he is. Anyway, what's next…?"

"Ummm… for the both of us."

Question for Raha and Senri! Has Senri ever met some of the delightful (sarcasm fully intended) people who used to harass Raha?

"…he did, actually."

"Mhmm, scared the shit out of them, too. When we did visit their parents, Raha (when less crazed, if you know what I mean) wanted to show me some of his favorite places when he was growing up, and we stumbled upon the group of guys that used to bully him when he was kid. He wouldn't say, but I already saw it in his memories beforehand, so… well, let's say they had a very, very close meeting with my true form and didn't take that well. Raha wouldn't let me chew them out… literally… but giving them a proper scare he was okay with."

"I'm not proud of that… but it was quite vindicating watching them squeal and run off, I admit. Okay, the next one is about magic."

Question for Senri: Do all Miqo'te use magic? When does it start to develop? Will Damon and Raha develop the ability if they shift?

"Well, yes, obviously. As for when it develops: after the first Shift, in most cases. In the case of Seekers, that's when you start to learn the easiest, most basic blueprints under the guidance of Elders. Keepers, quite the opposite: learn NOT to destroy things when upset or something."

"As for me and Damon… well, we're thankful that Bast sent Shtola with us to teach us, since yeah, soon after coming back, we noticed the… change. In my case, anyway, as the one time I got… frustrated by the text I was working on, the few plants in our lair withered and died. Thankfully, I was alone at the time and caught on before it had a chance to… spread, so to say. Shtola explained later than in case of Allag, if without a specified target, our magic works kind of like an aura, connected with our emotions. So… around a happy Allag, you can think of it, all living creatures quite literally get healthier, while around unhappy one… well, you can imagine. She's still teaching us to control and focus it, so it's work in progress, I guess."

How many kits are born per pregnancy usually? Like what's the average number?

"Umm, usually at least two, with the possibility of a higher number, but I don't think I've ever heard of more than four at the time. In our case, me and my brothers, I mean, it was different – apparently due to us being the hybrids. Though, most couples rarely decide on more than one pregnancy because of that – otherwise, the Clans would have been overpopulated long ago. And controlling that is quite easy with the ability to Shift."

"Since the Shift of the gender would terminate the pregnancy instantly…?"

"Mhmm, that."

From what I understand, you guys are going to be living mostly in the human world? Are you planning to visit the clans often so that they'll be able to help? Raising kits has always been communal for us, so I'm curious what your plans are.

"That was posted before the epilogue, Sen."

"I figured. So, no, we're not going to live among humans, for obvious reasons. And I suppose visiting my Clan with our kits shouldn't be an issue until they hit puberty, as according to Shtola, that's when that… effect Allag have develops. After that – until mated – they'll have stay in a lair, which isn't optimal, I know, but… yeah, circumstances."

"We plan to introduce the Allagan Clan, when awoken, I mean, to the world via internet, though… if in managed dozes. As Senri's Clan's Elders decided, I agree that too much of that – and humans ideas – wouldn't be the most… productive thing for a young, impressionable minds of shapeshifters. It's all still very much in the open, and obviously any and all improvements to their lair would have to be run by and accepted by Bast, but honestly, I'm quite eager to start on that."

"Obviously when the news spread – via Damon – he and Ares have their hands full with EAGER offers of help in that efforts and last I've heard – Raha's twin is having a field day, picking the very best of Seekers and Keepers to 'graciously' let them get involved with their magic. We're assuming Basted will wake her children for that, obviously, and Raha's busy working on the schema of the 'rules' of the improved courting and want to use it to witness how exactly do his kin – in a safe environment – pick their match… Of course, if they do, 'cause nothing set in stone and all."

"Mhmm, and since we now know that it's the Allag that does the picking – not Bast as we thought – though, like Senri's said, I'm working on it… I want to as well ran it by them, of course. And considering they had been asleep for a thousand years… Well, I think first off, we will have introduce them to the modernity in general, and all."

"Busy, busy, busy… but hey, I think once we get started, and get a hang of things, it's going to be fun."

"…if you say so, Sen. So long I have you and our family there – and hopefully still can find time to write – I do try to be optimistic and look at it as on a challenge."

"I'll be right there, at your side, babe, and determined to support you in all the ways you may need, not to mention everyone else eager to help, too, so no need to worry too much."

"…I'm trying to, but it is an enormous task, right? Hence, I admit, I am a tad… nervous. Excited, yeah, but still…"

"You'll do wonderfully, that I'm sure of! Anyway, any more questions...?"

"One more…"

Question, was there *any* shelters in the city you didn't liberate all the pets from in the city? And have you looked to expand the operation to nearby cities?

"Ah, yes… Well, actually, like I said: Damon took that task over, but when asked, he told us that other Clans got so enamored with the idea – what I'm quite proud of – that most of their 'Alphas' took to do it themselves in the cities surrounding their lairs, and it expands gradually. In our city, the shelters still function, obviously, but Ares signed a contract with them all – after Damon wrote it – that states that every cat and dog that within a period of two weeks doesn't find a new human owner is transported to his lair."

"Actually, that – when the news hit the fan, I mean – worked especially for the undecided, surprisingly enough. And the money he pays them for that agreement goes to care for the other animals – critters and such – that wouldn't do well near the shapeshifters. So far, all involved are quite pleased… and, hey, that's far better than it used to be for those pets that would spend the rest of their lives in the shelters – or would be put to sleep – than before. And, from what we heard, the whole thing did wonders to the Miqo'te reputation, especially among animal lovers."

"…after they stopped suspecting us of eating them, that is. Again: silly human ideas."

"Can't blame them, though, Sen. You… We're predators, after all."

"…I dare you to find a Miqo'te that would eat a cat, babe. Seriously, I think Bast would skin the fucker herself… not to mention that wouldn't be even a snack, they're far too small to even feed a kit. And from observations since they – the cats – moved in into Ares's lair, they do tent to feel and elect a kinship in our progeny… so, yeah, fat chance there. Dogs… eh, they're far too nice and friendly, I think, if they do tend to stay out of lairs, preferring open spaces around them. If they're still fed, obviously, and especially teen Miqo'te took to playing with them – since they make for a wonderful partners for hide and seek, which we do quite enjoy."

"Well, all good that end well, I suppose."

"Mhmm… so, we're done?"

"Yes, that was the last one."

"Cool, so… Thank you all for all the questions and I hope you found the answers satisfying. As for the future…"

"…we're going to be busy, obviously, with all the challenges coming our way, so we can't promise anything, but if I find time and inspiration, perhaps you can expect snippets from our life to pop up occasionally. Other than that – we had a massive amount of fun writing this guide and interacting with you, so yeah: thank you for your warm reaction and following our adventures this far!"

"And if I manage to talk him into writing more smut…"

"Sen!"

"What…? You can't blame me, babe, with the way how riled up it gets you, hm?"

"…"

"Heh… He's fiery red, I can tell you that much… Anyways, again: thank you all and do take care! Bai!"

"*mutter*…stupid, sexy cat…*mutter* But as he said: goodbye and have a wonderful time! And, perhaps, you haven't heard the last from us yet… we'll see. Byee!"

Notes:

As they said: thank you all for the questions! It was a very fun thing to write, I swear.

As for detail, Roxy's story, of course, was the short story I wrote back then, I mentioned if in broke strokes since it's been literally years, and that's as much as I remembered from it xD

Otherwise, thank you also for following this story, and I do hope you enjoyed it :3 As for what's next: 'Skyward,' most likely, obviously, as how consumed I was with this one, I didn't forget it, and hope my unruly brain lets me go back to that xD

See you the next time o/