Chapter 11 – About us: Pets
Aether's thoughts on Navia
It all started with Kageroumaru. I wasn't looking for a companion, especially not a samurai dog. We met during a mission in Inazuma, and after a few battles together, he just… stuck around. At first, I thought it was temporary—that he'd return to his life as a wandering warrior once the mission was done. But he didn't. Kageroumaru decided I was worth following, and that was that. Now, wherever I go, he's right there, loyal and steadfast, watching my back like he's always been part of my journey.
He's more than just a guard dog, though. Despite his warrior training, Kageroumaru has this gentle side. Sometimes, after a long day of traveling, he'll nudge me with his head, like he's telling me it's okay to take a break. And when I do, he'll sit next to me, silently keeping watch. It's comforting, having him there. He's seen me through tough fights, moments of doubt, and long, lonely nights under the stars.
Then came Sir Pouncelot. Now, that was unexpected. One day, this arrogant, fluffy cat just appeared. Unlike Kageroumaru, he didn't earn my trust, nor did I earn his. He simply decided that I was his new home. He's the complete opposite of the dog—where Kageroumaru follows me with devotion, Sir Pouncelot observes me from afar with an air of superiority, as if he's questioning why someone as flawed as me gets to be in his presence.
But, over time, I've grown fond of him. Sure, he gives me looks like I'm constantly disappointing him, but there's something strangely endearing about his aloofness. And sometimes, when he's feeling particularly generous, he'll curl up next to me, purring softly, like he's letting me know that, despite everything, I've been deemed acceptable.
Kageroumaru and Sir Pouncelot are such an odd pair. The dog is all loyalty and action, always eager to jump into battle or explore new places. The cat? He just lounges in the sun, watching us like we're fools for rushing around so much. Yet, somehow, they've made peace with each other. I've even caught them napping together—Sir Pouncelot draped over Kageroumaru like a king on his throne, while the dog snores contentedly.
It's strange how they both chose me—one out of loyalty, the other out of sheer cat arrogance. But together, we've formed this little family. They've stuck with me through it all, through every battle and quiet moment. And with her in the mix, it's become even more of a home. She loves them both, and watching her with them makes me realize that even in all the chaos of our lives, we've found something steady. Something real.
Navia's thoughts on Aether
I've seen him face down all sorts of enemies, from treasure hoarders to abyssal monsters, and yet, the one thing that seems to truly baffle him is Sir Pouncelot. That cat is something else. He showed up out of nowhere, decided he belonged to him, and has been silently judging everything ever since. It's honestly the funniest thing I've ever seen. The way Sir Pouncelot sits there, glaring at him from his perch, as if he's thinking, "Really? You're the hero of worlds?" It's like watching two forces of nature collide—one stoic, silent cat, and one very exasperated traveler.
And then there's Kageroumaru. Now, that is a loyal companion. He's been by his side ever since that one mission in Inazuma. At first, I thought it was just another one of those temporary partnerships, but nope. Kageroumaru stuck around, and I can see why. He's fierce, dependable, and always ready for battle, but also incredibly affectionate when he's not being a samurai. Every time I visit, he practically bowls me over with excitement, and it's adorable how he shifts between warrior mode and "playful puppy" mode.
What's even funnier is watching Sir Pouncelot and Kageroumaru together. It's like watching two completely different worlds exist in the same space. Sir Pouncelot is all pride and elegance, sitting on some high shelf like a king on his throne. Kageroumaru, meanwhile, is on the ground, rolling around or trying to get the cat's attention. Sometimes, I think Sir Pouncelot barely tolerates the dog's antics, but there's this odd understanding between them. Like they've silently agreed to coexist, as long as the cat remains the true ruler of the house.
And then there's him, caught between these two extremes. He plays it cool, but I can tell how much he cares about them. The way he strokes Sir Pouncelot's fur, even when the cat pretends not to care. The way he pats Kageroumaru's head after a long day, like the dog's loyalty is something he's grown to depend on. It's heartwarming in a way I never expected.
They're a strange little trio—traveler, samurai dog, and judgemental cat—but somehow, it all fits together perfectly. And I can't help but feel like I've found my place in the middle of it all, laughing at the chaos, sharing in the quiet moments, and realizing that sometimes, family isn't something you choose—it's something that chooses you.