The Cat Returns Birthday Bash

Birthday Bash 2026

Prompt 7 - Jealousy

Yuki inwardly sighed as she gazed out over the opulent ballroom. Yet another banquet. She knew that she should be grateful for her position as a palace maid. It was a million times better than her previous life living on the streets in the Human World. She just disliked the expense and extravagance of these semi regular events. She stood at the side, a mask on her face hiding her true feelings, holding a bottle of catnip wine until she was summoned forward.

There was one thing that made these events bearable and that was the Crown Prince. Before coming to the palace, she had heard rumours that he was well accomplished and nothing like his father. After she had started work, she had happened to come across him on a few occasions and could confirm that the rumours were true. Over that time, she also gained a soft spot for the prince.

Yuki’s blue eyes roamed across the room looking out for anyone who may have raised their chalice for a top up. Despite her best efforts they couldn’t help land to a certain blue-grey male. He was looking very smart in his white military uniform. The sight made her heart flutter. What didn’t though was one of the visiting female envoys who had sat down next to him and was talking very close to his ear with a paw on his arm.

Yuki internally bristled before she caught herself. How ridiculous she was being. Envious of some visitor from a noble household. Yuki scoffed catching the attention of the guard stationed at the pillar next to her. She flushed and quickly looked down. Her paw ran over the pink ribbon she wore around her neck in a self-soothing fashion.

Yuki knew that she was a nobody. An orphan from the streets. If they found out how she felt she would be ridiculed for having ideas above her station. Yet she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the scene in front of her no matter how painful watching the she cat play with Lune’s cuff as she spoke. The only satisfying thing was the neutral expression on his face. He was not so taken in by this fawning.

A shift to the right of her peripheral vision caught Yuki’s attention as one of the old duke’s held up his glass. As she crossed to refill it, she was unaware of a pair of heterochromatic eyes trailing her movement. Once her task was complete, she returned to her position.

Soon the banquet part of the evening was over, and the servants were quick to remove the tables and rearrange the room for the dance portion. The orchestra cats were tuning up their instruments in their box. Yuki would continue to work and circulate the periphery of the dance floor serving drinks on a tray to the palace guests.

With the dance portion about to begin Yuki noticed that a number of she cats were practically falling over one another and batting their eyes in the hope of getting to dance with the Crown Prince. Yuki was amused by their antics and the narrowed eyed glares they gave each other, although a part of her longed to be in the position to even be considered a dance partner for Prince Lune.

As the night wore on Yuki shifted slightly on her feet which had begun to ache from having to stand for so long without any real breaks. She couldn’t wait for the banquet to end so she could return to her little cottage. She was tired and ready to collapse onto her bed.

Suddenly she was bumped from behind sending her flying and the tray of drinks she was holding fell from her paws hitting the flagstone with a loud crash and the red contents spreading across the floor. Yuki had whimpered as her knees had hit the stone hard before she was flooded with a sense of panic. Would she get into trouble for this? It hadn’t been her fault.

She tried to quickly gather the pieces of shattered glass together. Once sharp piece caught her pad causing her to hiss in pain as her eyes filled with tears. The smashing noise was still ringing in her ears.

‘Are you alright?’ asked a voice from above.

Yuki looked up tearfully and her eyes widened at the sight of the Crown Prince. Suddenly she seemed to have lost her voice and could only nod. She trembled under his gaze.

‘Viscount Sato appears to have had too much to drink. He stumbled into you.’ continued Lune casually before he noticed the red seeping through Yuki’s fur ‘You’re bleeding!’

‘I’m… I’m fine.’ she tried to insist.

Without hesitation Lune swooped down and picked Yuki up in his arms causing the white cat to squeak.

‘I’ll take you to the medical wing.’ stated Lune as he began to carry her out of the ballroom.

Yuki squirmed trying to get down, too worried about getting blood on Lune’s white uniform.

‘Yuki please stay still.’ begged Lune.

Yuki looked up at his face in shock. The Crown Prince knew who she was? He knew her name! Finally, she admitted defeat sagging in his arms.

As Lune carried her across the room, she looked over his shoulder. She could see the smashed glasses and spilled wine now being cleared away by another servant. She looked away embarrassed, but her attention was caught by a group who’s narrowed eyes were staring at her with hostility. The jealous aura rolled off the she cats and made Yuki want to giggle but she stifled it. Who would have ever imagined the noble ladies would ever be envious of a maid.

Rating: G Fandom: The Cat Returns Relationships: Pre-Relationship Baron Humbert von Gikkingen/Haru Yoshioka Characters: Haru Yoshioka, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, Original Characters Additional Tags: Accidental Child Acquisition, Grocery Shopping Also On: AO3, FFN

Late posting cause I got busy, but here's my fill for day 4 of the @tcrbirthdaybash . This is actually part one of three, but this was the only one I got completed. The Von Gikkingen children have been loving borrowed from YarningChick's A Nanny's Tale, though I changed their ages. Enjoy!!

~

Haru stared at the two bottles of vanilla extract in her hands. The biggest problem with baking on a budget was trying to decide between quality and price. Sighing, she reluctantly put away the more expensive bottle when she felt a tug on her skirt.

She looked down, and there was a little girl, who couldn't have been more than three, looking up at her. She had emerald green eyes and the palest blonde hair Haru had ever seen curling around her head.

“Hello. Are you lost?”

The child didn't answer, just stared up at her, while raising her thumb to her mouth. Her eyes blinked slowly, kind of sleepily too.

“Where's your mommy or daddy?” Haru looked around, but didn't see anyone else in the aisle. She didn't hear any frantic parent calling out, but if the girl had snuck away as quietly as she'd snuck up on Haru, they might not have noticed yet.

Well, nothing for it, she thought to herself. She put the store brand vanilla in her basket, then reached down to brush the top of the girl's head. “Come along. I'll stay with you until we find your parents. Do you want to help me find cookie ingredients?”

That perked the girl up, and she nodded, leaning up into Haru’s hand. Haru smiled and took a step down the aisle. “Let's go then.” 

She slowly walked down the baking aisle, picking out the extra ingredients she needed. She would grab two of each ingredient and hold them down to the girl, asking her opinion. Sometimes the girl would just shrug, other times, she'd eagerly point at one or the other, and Haru would put that one in her basket. Together, they picked out ingredients for sugar cookies, frosted shortbread, chocolate chip, lemon drop, and mint chocolate. 

At the end of the aisle, Haru was just debating if she should bring the girl along to the next aisle, or take her up to customer service, when she heard a man calling “Eleanor! Eleanor!”

The girl perked up, looking around, and Haru asked “Are you Eleanor?” She nodded, and Haru cupped her hand around her mouth. “Eleanor’s in the baking aisle!”

A man ran out from three aisles down, and Haru waved, pointing down at Eleanor. The girl let go of Haru's skirt and started walking towards her father. She barely made it five steps before he scooped her into his arms. “Elly, Elly, Elly, don't ever scare me like that again. You almost gave me a heart attack, disappearing like that.”

“Sorry, Daddy,” Eleanor mumbled, her face buried in her father's neck.

Behind him came two more children pushing a cart of groceries. A boy probably about six, with short ginger curls and blue eyes, and a girl about eight, with long golden blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Elly!” The boy said, moving to his father's side. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let go of your hand.”

“Not your fault,” Eleanor said, pulling back to look at her brother.

Her father resettled her to sit properly in his arms, and Haru finally got a proper look at him. Wow, he's hot, was her first immediate thought, looking up at his incredibly handsome face. Ginger hair cut in an artful swoop, fine cheekbones and sharp jawline. But his eyes caught her the most, the same emerald green as Eleanor’s, as sharp as the gemstone and filled with gratitude.

“Thank you, miss,” he said, his English accent snapping Haru from her reverie. “Eleanor doesn’t usually run off, but this was her first time walking instead of riding in the trolly.”

“It’s alright,” Haru said, smiling reassuringly. “She was a little angel, and actually helped me with my shopping.”

“Still, I thank you.” He bowed as best he could with a toddler in his arms. “We’ll let you get on with your errands.”

However, as he started to step away, Eleanor leaned out and reached for Haru. “Shop with us!” she said, a command and plea in one, and Haru could feel her heart melting. It wasn’t her place to insert herself, however.

“That’s up to your daddy, Eleanor.”

Eleanor whipped around and flashed her emerald eyes at her dad, her lip jutting out in the most adorable pout. Her father seemed just as weak to it as Haru herself was. 

“If it won’t take you away from any other errands you need to run, I’d welcome the company and guide. We just moved to the area, so we’re still finding our way around.”

“I get that. I was mostly gathering supplies for baking tomorrow, and have no where else to be today.” She held her free hand out. “I’m Haru Yoshioka.”

He shook it. “Baron Gikkingen, and these are my children, Eleanor, Thomas, and Lillian.” He indicated each one, before addressing the elder two. “Would you mind Miss Haru joining us for our shopping?”

Thomas and Lillian looked her up and down, then at each other. They seemed to come to agreement, cause when they looked back, Lillian said “She can come with us.”

Baron smiled. “Exellent.” He put Eleanor in the child seat of the cart, then took over pushing it from Lillian. “Perhaps we could start by finding the pasta aisle.”

Birthday Bash 2026

Prompt 6 - Fairy Tale AU

‘Haru, are you there?’ came a voice.

‘Yes Mother.’ she replied emerging from the bedroom and walking towards the kitchen.

‘Oh good. Could you please visit the bakers and then take the bread to Granny Yubaba for me.’ asked her mother.

Haru couldn’t help but grimace at the mention of the scary old woman who lived on the other side of the woods.

‘She’s not even my granny.’ she grumbled,

‘Be that as it may she is elderly and ill. The villagers are taking it in turns to visit with supplies.’ replied Naoko.

‘Fine, fine.’ sighed Haru ‘I’ll go now before it gets dark.’

‘Remember to stick to the open paths.’ reminded her mother ‘Also take your cape, it’s getting a little breezy out there.’

Haru collected the little wicker basket on the side before crossing the kitchen to lift her red cape from the peg.

‘Now remember, don’t talk to strangers and don’t wander off into the woods.’ said her mother.

‘I know, I know.’ replied Haru ‘I should be back before sunset.’

Haru bade her mother farewell before heading into the village. She could already smell the bread baking which made her mouth water. As she approached, she could see that the door was open but there was no sign of anyone at the counter.

‘Hello?’ she called.

‘Be with you in two minutes Chicky.’ responded the baker.

Haru waited patiently and gazed at the shelves full of loaves of bread, cakes and pastries that were for sale. Her stomach grumbled a little, but she didn’t have time to stop and eat. She had a mission! The large baker finally appeared from the back room, brushing flour off his hands.

‘What can I do for you?’ he asked.

‘I’m here to collect and deliver an order for Granny Yubaba.’ explained Haru.

‘Ah that old crone.’ he muttered ‘So you are the lucky one today then?’

‘It seems that way.’ she sighed with a tired smile.

The baker moved around collecting together the breads and rolls for the order before holding his hand out to take the wicker basket. He packed them neatly and placed a cloth other the top of them to keep them fresh before handing back to Haru.

‘There you go Chicky’ he said ‘Now take care when travelling there. Who knows what is living in those woods.’

‘I will,’ promised Haru ‘Thank you.’

She left the little bakery and headed towards the edge of the village which lead to the woodland path. Taking heed of the words of her mother and the baker, she followed the open path. It was a rather peaceful walk and Haru hummed to herself as she moved. A rustling noise to her right made her jump. She looked up in concern before seeing the cause sitting on the branch of a tree.

‘Just a crow.’ she giggled to herself.

‘My that bread you are carrying smells delicious.’ commented the crow.

‘A talking crow!’ she gasped.

He chuckled with amusement. He had clearly had this reaction before.

‘Could you spare a crumb for a hungry bird?’ he asked.

Haru felt sorry for him but shook her head.

‘I cannot. You see the bread is for Granny Yubaba.’ she explained.

‘The witch of the woods!’ gasped the crow. ‘Yes, well, I understand. Take care on the rest of your journey.’

‘I will.’ nodded Haru.

What was so scary about the woods? Well apart from Granny Yubaba. What did everyone keep worrying about?

As she continued her journey the weather began to change and the wind picked up. Haru sighed and grasped the hood of her cape pulling it over her head. She continued on but as a light drizzle started, she felt exposed to the elements on the open path. Despite the warnings she made for the shelter of the trees. The last thing she wanted was to be berated by Granny Yubaba for soggy bread. She continued through the trees along a winding path in the same direction. Halfway through her journey, the wind suddenly blew hard whipping her hood back and her hair blew around her face.

‘Whoa, what a babe!’ came from the undergrowth.

Haru froze, her fight or flight reactions at odds with each other.

‘Who’s there?’ she called.

There was movement to her left and through the leaves she saw grey fur.

‘A wolf!’ she thought with panic, clutching the basket to her chest and glancing around to see the best way of escaping. This must be the reason for the warnings. Why hadn’t she listened!

The creature then appeared and to Haru’s surprise it wasn’t a wolf at all. It was in fact a large, dishevelled and rather ugly looking cat. The adrenaline was still pumping through her body and Haru was still deciding on whether to run even though the threat was less.

The cat blinked its oddly coloured eyes at her.

‘Where are you heading?’ he asked.

Haru knew she shouldn’t talk to strangers but then remembered the reaction of the crow.

‘I’m delivering bread to Granny Yubaba.’ she replied confidently.

‘Is that so?’ replied the cat, twisting her moustache.

‘Yes, and I am already running a little late.’ nodded Haru, slightly worried at the lack of reaction to her name.

‘Well, you had better be on your way then. You wouldn’t want the bread to go stale.’ he replied.

Haru, surprised at how uneventful the meeting had been after her initial scare bade the cat farewell and continued along her path. Once out of earshot the cat cackled to himself.

‘She’s perfect.’ he grinned before scurrying towards a short cut he knew to the old woman’s house.

The rest of Haru’s journey was pleasant. The drizzle had stopped and the sun had come out. Even the wind had dropped. She had met some interesting characters today but overall the day have been uneventful. She approached the cottage finally. Smoke was lazily drifting from the chimney. Haru knocked on the door.

‘Hello? Granny Yubaba. My name is Haru and I’ve come to deliver your bread.’ she called.

She heard a gravelly voice respond from within.

‘Come in dearie.’

Haru pushed open the door and let herself into the cottage. She had never met Granny Yubaba but had heard plenty of tales. She knew the old woman had taken ill but she was still surprised to find her bundled up in bed covered in many blankets, especially as it was spring.

‘Come in child, come in.’ bade the old hag.

Haru walked forward before stopping suddenly.

‘My Granny, what big eyes you have.’ gasped Haru.

The blanket bundle chuckled.

‘All the better to see you with.’ came the reply.

Haru’s gazed moved from the bulging eyes to the tufty ears sticking out from the towel on Granny Yubaba’s head. She had heard of older ladies getting hairy but this was extreme.

‘My Granny, what big ears you have.’ she said.

‘All the better to hear you with.’ once again came the reply.

Haru stared at the old woman. Her eyes dropped to the large mole on her forehead. She had heard a lot about it from the others who had previously visited but no-one had ever mentioned that it was purple. She knew that she wasn’t being polite, but she couldn’t help the words that slipped from her lips.

‘My Granny, what a large mole you have.’ she murmured.

A rather feline grin spread across the face making Haru step back.

‘All the better to make you mine.’ declared the voice as the occupant of the bed launched forward.

It was in that moment that Haru released that the figure in the bed was not Granny Yubaba at all but the ugly cat from before. In response, Haru could only turn to the one thing she could do, she screamed.

In the woods there was a huntsman. He had a bow across his back and a sword at his side. He made his way through the tees looking for illegal traps and removing them. As he went about his daily tasks a terrified scream pierced the air. Before he could make sense of it, his body was rushing towards the sound, and he only slowed down as he approached the cottage. He had heard rumours about the woman who lived here and that crossing her was not advised but the cry from within would not let him just walk by. Someone was in need to rescue. After entering the sight before him nearly made him drop his weapon. A large grey cat is a nightgown was approaching a teenage girl who was pressed up against the furthest wall.

‘Come on babe.’ You will make a fine queen.’ he spoke.

The huntsman’s lip curled back in disgust.  He raised his sword.

‘Leave her alone.’ he demanded.

The cat swung around at his voice and hissed in anger at being interrupted.

‘The babe is mine.’ he stated.

‘I think not.’ the huntsman replied as he approached.

Terrified of the situation Haru pulled her hood over her head and huddled in a crouch against the wall. The large cat produced a sword of his own out of nowhere.

‘You want a dual? I will give you a dual!’ he screamed at the huntsman before launching at him.

The huntsman swiftly stepped aside before flipping over the cat with a swish of his blade. The cat turned to face him.

‘You missed.’ he huffed.

‘Did I?’ responded the huntsman.

This was followed by a cracking noise as the gem on the cat’s forehead shattered. Soon after the fur on his lower half fell away. The cat shrieked. The huntsman smiled knowing the fight was already over he approached the quivering girl. He laid a hand on top of her hood.

‘Its all over.’ he said softly.

Haru looked up into the man’s green eyes before her gaze moved across the room to see the cat half scalped. At first a few giggles left her mouth before it turned into laughter with tears rolling down her cheeks. The cat was completely humiliated, and he ran away never to be seen again.

‘Thank you.’ she said finally after calming down.

‘You’re welcome.’ responded the huntsman ‘Please let me escort you home. My horse isn’t far away.’

He reached for her hand to pull her up. Haru nodded before taking the gloved hand in her own. As they turned to leave, they heard noises coming from the closet next to the bed.

Birthday Bash 2026

Prompt 5 – Mythology

Haru sat on the cobbles of the courtyard silently observing Muta who was asleep in his lawn chair. Toto was also asleep, so peace reigned. There was a thoughtful look on her face.

‘Penny for your thoughts?’ asked a voice.

She turned her head to see Baron walking from the Bureau’s doors.

‘Just thinking.’ she replied.

‘Oh, he responded as he approached ‘Any particular topic?’

Her eyes fell upon the large snoozing cat.

‘Muta.’ she answered.

Baron’s gaze also swung to Muta as he sat down next to Haru.

‘Baron you’ll get dusty!’ she protested.

‘Nonsense.’ he replied with a chuckle ‘Now what about our friend has got you in such deep thought?’

‘Well, I was just wondering if the Refuge offered him some sort of protection as he’s been around for so long.’ explained Haru.

‘What makes you think that?’ asked Baron.

‘Well, when those cats abducted me, Toto did drop him from quite a height and Muta didn’t exactly land on his paws. He recovered extremely quickly and gave chase. The in the Cat Kingdom he ended up in a vat of catnip jelly but didn’t suffocate or seem to suffer at all. He was happily beating up guards as soon as he was released.’ continued Haru ‘Also you guys go on numerous cases that I wouldn’t exactly call safe.’

‘I see.’ responded Baron ‘Well I can assure you that Muta wouldn’t require the Refuge’s protection. He’s built different.’

‘Well yes I know Cat Kingdom cats are quite different from Human world cats.’ replied Haru.

‘Oh, I don’t mean that.’ smiled Baron ‘Muta isn’t originally a Cat Kingdom cat.’

Haru’s eyebrows shot up.Muta wasn’t a Cat Kingdom cat nor one from her own world! Then what was he? She analysed the larger than average cat in front of her. Something tickled at the back on her mind. An unusually large cat that appeared to have been alive a rather long time. Haru looked over again her eyes widening.

‘Bakeneko!’ she squeaked loudly.

The high pitch made Baron hiss slightly and woke Muta up from his nap'

‘What was that for Chicky?’ he grumbled.

‘You’re…. you’re a yokai?!’ she exclaimed.

Muta’s mouth dropped open in surprise before he threw an accusatory glance at Baron. Baron in response held his hands up.

‘She worked it out herself.’ he said.

Muta sighed, flicking his attention back to the stunned Haru.

‘Is this going to make you look at me differently?’ he asked.

Haru shook her head. He was still Muta.

‘No but it explains things.’ she replied.

‘Like what?’ he asked.

‘Well, it explains how you’ve been able to survive on a diet of cake.’ murmured Haru ‘I’m pretty certain it would have made the average cat unwell.’

A caw of laughter came from above. Muta looked up and hissed.

‘Of course you had to wake up at that point, Bird Brain!’ he grumbled.

Haru was again looking at him thoughtfully.

‘What are you thinking about Chicky?’ asked Muta.

‘Just wondering if you have any special powers.’ she replied.

‘Such as?’ he enquired.

‘Oh, you know things I’ve seen in books such as creating fireballs or raising the dead.’ she murmured.

Muta snorted

.‘No to the first and I can’t say I’ve ever attempted the second one.’ he responded ‘I do have some powers though.’

Muta stood up from his chair and crossed the courtyard.

‘Need some space.’ he explained before catching Baron’s expression ‘Don’t worry I’m not going to cause any damage.’

He walked past Toto’s column into an open space before he turned to them. He then began to grow. Haru gasped when Muta’s height was taller than her usual height when at full size.

‘You think that’s impressive?’ he grinned ‘Watch this.’

Muta’s fur rippled and he transformed into a human. A clothed human thankfully!

Haru didn’t think her eyes could have widened further but she was wrong. Instead of the fluffy cat she was used to stood a broad-shouldered older man with a mop of brown hair.

‘Oh my gosh.’ she gasped bringing her hands to cover her mouth.

‘Do I look good Chicky?’ he grinned.

Haru nodded.

‘I’m more concerned that Muta has turned into my mother’s ideal type.’ she laughed awkwardly.

‘Did you know yokai can also speak human language?’ asked Toto.

Muta smirked at Haru.

‘No! Absolutely not!’ she exclaimed.

‘What?’ asked Muta.

‘I know how mischievous yokai are! There is no way I am going to end up calling you Papa.’ grumbled Haru.

‘Ah spoilsport.’ grinned Muta before returning to his normal height and shape.

Toto was having a hard time breathing at this point.

‘Can you imagine!’ he cawed breathlessly ‘The mother taken with a bakeneko whilst the daughter crushes on a creation.’

The cat and crow were so wrapped up in their own amusement they failed to notice the blushes across the cheeks of their other companions.

‘Stay away from my mother!’ growled Haru through gritted teeth.

‘Sure, sure. Whatever you say.’ responded Muta attempting to appease her.

Finally, the peaceful atmosphere returned.

Does Muta like tea?

Prompt 4

Amnesia 

"Hello, Baron!" Haru said cheerfully, entering the bureau through the arch.

Baron, as for the first time, took off his hat and put it to his heart, - "Welcome to the bureau, again, it's a pity that under such circumstances.."

Haru nodded knowingly, - "Yes, Muta's amnesia. By the way, how is he?"

The baron turned to the house, and before walking he made a gesture to follow him - "He is inside, and I think he will be glad to see you."

Haru sighed, she really wanted to be here again someday, but was not sure that she could squeeze through the doors.

Fortunately, she succeeded, as for the first time. The house was as she remembered, but quiet. She looked around, because she believed that no amnesia would deprive Toto and Muta of love for verbal skirmishes - "Where is Toto?"

"He flew away to fulfill the request of his relative, a week ago" - explained the baron fiddling with the tea mix.

"That's why the cat brought me messages, and not one of you guys" - Haru took her place on the chest. Then the baron handed her tea, and as soon as she took it, the doors on the balcony opened and Toto flew into the house.

"Welcome back, Toto" - Haru turned with a friendly smile, and the raven could not help but return the smile to the brunette, - "Good to see you again, Haru. Are you here, do you have any business? Is the kingdom chasing you again?"

Haru grimaced, and then laughing, - "No, that's not why I'm here".

Toto's next smile was not friendly, but rather sarcastic, and in it the brunette saw the unspoken assumption of her being here, which made her blush, but also shook her head.

The Baron took advantage of this moment and distracted Mutu to whip the cream. Noticing the confusion on Toto's face, because his friend behaves quietly and almost courteously, he wanted to ask a question, and using this Haru whispered silently - "amnesia"

Prompt 5 - Masks

Birthday Bash 2026

Prompt 4 – Amnesia / Child Acquisition

The Refuge as its name suggested as a sanctuary for creations. It was a place of serenity when a certain crow creation and cat were not antagonising each other. Due to this it came as a surprise to Baron when he heard wailing coming from the courtyard. He crossed the Bureau before poking his head out of the door to find the source of the disruption. He was quite surprised at seeing a young human child sobbing her heart out. Her chubby arms were wrapped around a very unimpressed looking Muta. The scene had Baron standing stock still for a few seconds as he attempted to compute what he was seeing. Before he realised what he was doing he was crossing the courtyard but ensuring he kept his distance from the toddler’s potentially grabby hands.

‘Hi Baron.’ muttered Muta with a sigh.

‘Muta, you appear to have acquired a child. Care to explain?’ he replied with confusion. This wasn’t the usual client Muta brought to them. He wasn’t even sure a child of this age could hold a conversation.

The little girl’s sobs had subsided a little, but she was now hiccuping. She clutched Muta to her like a security blanket and stared wide eyed at Baron.

‘Well, it wasn’t exactly planned.’ sighed the large white cat ‘I think she must have seen me at the Crossroads and followed me. By the time I had realised I had a shadow we were away from the shopping district. She must have suddenly realised she was lost and became hysterical. I didn’t know what the best thing was to do so I brought her here via the easy route. She seems to trust me. The squeezing is getting a little much though.

Baron nodded his attention flicking to the child who was looking at him with a mix of confusion and awe on her face. It wasn’t likely she had ever seen a cat creation before.

‘Kitty.’ she murmured before burying her face into Muta’s tear-soaked fur.

‘So, any ideas on getting her reunited are welcome.’ murmured Muta ‘Preferably before I get soggier. I hate getting wet.’

‘Well, if Toto was here, I would suggest he go and check the area close to the Crossroads in case he could spot the distressed parents.’ replied Baron.

‘Probably a good job Bird Brain isn’t here, or I’ll never hear the end of this.’ sighed Muta.

‘What to do, what to do.’ muttered Baron as he had came up to his chin.

The girl whimpered and her bottom lip began to wobble again as her fascination faded and the realisation that her family weren’t there came back to her mind.

Before Baron could think of a plan there was the sudden thundering sound of footsteps approaching the Refuge. Baron wished he had his cane to hand. Whatever was heading their way was coming at speed. He was surprised when Haru shot through under the archway. She looked frantic as her gaze fell on him.

‘Baron, I need….’ she began before her attention was drawn to the soft whimpering ‘Oh my goodness Eiko!’

Haru crashed down onto her knees before scooping up the little girl and Muta who was still in the toddler’s grasp before she burst into relieved tears.

‘Great! I’m getting wet again’ he moaned.

The little girl, Eiko, finally released her grip on Muta and now was grasping onto Haru with renewed tears. Muta had slinked off as quickly as possible. Haru shushed the little girl, stroking back her curls before placing a kiss on her forehead. Baron looked on in confusion – did Haru have a child?

‘Haru is she yours?’ he asked feeling strangely conflicted.

She looked over to him and giggled slightly whilst wiping away any remaining tears.

‘Baron I’m sure that with how often I visit here you would have noticed if I had been carrying a child. No, she isn’t mine.’ she responded ‘She’s my niece.’

Haru’s response answered one question but brought up another. Wasn’t she an only child?

Seeing the confusion she continued.

‘She’s my best friend’s daughter.’ explained Haru ‘I’m her unofficial aunt. We were out in the shopping precinct and she suddenly disappeared. We looked everywhere and were terrified someone had taken her. I came here to ask for your help. I never expected to find her here.’

She looked down lovingly at the little girl who was now asleep in her arms.

‘She followed Muta.’ replied Baron.

A cackling was heard overhead as Toto landed on his column.

‘Porkchop is like the Pied Piper of lost children.’ he said with glee.

‘It’s not the first time?’ asked Haru.

‘It’s not even the fifth time.’ cawed Toto.

‘Wow.’ murmured Haru.

‘Hey it’s not like I’m luring them away. They just seem to have a fascination with me.’ muttered Muta.

‘Yeah, well, I can understand with Eiko. I got her this chunky white cat plushie I thought looked…’ began Haru before realising what she was saying and slapped a hand across her mouth.

Muta let out a half-hearted hiss as Toto cackled again.

‘I’m surprised there hasn’t been any rumours of this place if so many lost children have been here. Good job Eiko is so young, no one would think it was more than her wild imagination.’ murmured Haru.

‘So, she can talk?’ asked Baron in surprise.

‘Sure, she’s a right little chatterbox normally.’ nodded Haru ‘She must have been really scared if she barely uttered a word.’

‘It wouldn’t matter if she was a talker or not. When she leaves, she’ll forget all about this place.’ explained Toto.

‘What?’ responded Haru in surprise.

‘It’s the Refuge’s magic to protect itself and its residents.’ he continued ‘Once a human leaves and falls asleep the Refuge becomes nothing more than a fantastical dream, they quickly forget.’

‘I didn’t forget though.’ she said in a small voice.

‘You did the first time.’ replied Baron patting her leg.

‘The first time? You mean when I was seventeen it wasn’t the first time I came here? squeaked Haru.

‘Nope. You were part of my merry band.’ grinned Muta.

Haru couldn’t help laughing.

‘How come I can remember every time since?’ she asked.

‘We believe the amnestic properties of the Refuge’s magic only works once. I guess it never considered that someone would make it back here.’ explained Baron.

‘Wow. That makes me feel special.’ she grinned before adjusting the sleeping girl in her arms and standing up ‘I had better return this little one to her mother who is going to be frantic. Thanks guys I really appreciate it.’

‘Hey those two didn’t do anything!’ grumbled Muta ‘I got her back safely and got totally tear sodden in the process.’

‘Thank you Muta. I owe you a large piece of cake as your reward.’ she replied.

The large cat’s eyes lit up.

Prompt 3 – Reincarnation

Thinking Back

It was quiet. Muta was out at the Crossroads and Haru was busy studying for her college entrance exams which meant that she had to restrict the number of visits she could make. Sometimes Baron enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. Other times it felt almost claustrophobic.

He was sitting up on the balcony watching as the sun set. The brilliant orange and reds danced across the sky. He was distracted out of his own thoughts by Toto as he emerged from his inanimate form.

‘Good evening, Toto.’ he greeted.

‘Evening Baron.’ he responded ‘Another quiet one?’

‘I’m afraid so.’ he nodded ‘It seems our caseload for now has dried up.’

‘That’s not always a bad thing.’ mused the crow ‘The last four months have been pretty hectic.’

A smile crossed Baron’s lips. It was true that they had been extraordinarily busy, but they had also taken Haru with them or some cases and that had been fun.

‘That is true.’ he agreed ‘Although sometimes I find myself with just my thoughts which can be uncomfortable.’

‘Oh?’ replied Toto cocking his head.

Baron licked his lips and shifted awkwardly.

‘Toto do you remember the time before you became a creation?’ he finally asked.

It wasn’t a topic that Baron had ever brought up with the crow creation before. All creations had been someone or something before they became their immortal form. It wasn’t exactly a taboo subject but wasn’t really spoken about. It was just that more recently Baron couldn’t seem to stop thinking back to his previous life. A life where he had been human.

Toto studied the cat creation.

‘Baron, do you have any idea how old I am?’ he asked.

He shook his head. He knew that Toto was a far older creation than himself, but when he had originally been alive, he had no idea.

‘I was created as part of a 12th century church.’ explained Toto.

‘Oh.’ gasped Baron in surprise. He knew that Toto was older but had not realised how many centuries older. Now having the facts his earlier question seemed ridiculous.

‘Having said that.’ continued the crow ‘I do remember my first life.’

Baron’s eyes widened.

Toto chuckled.

‘The world was a different place back then. A time of knights and wizards. So much more magic flowing than exists nowadays.’ he murmured.

‘Tell me more.’ replied Baron resting his chin in his palm.

‘Time had blurred the edges.’ sighed Toto ‘It’s not like I can remember what my name was back then.’

Baron nodded. He was far younger by creation standards and even he had no grasp on his previous personal details.

‘I lived in a small town. I worked as an apothecary. I would often go out into the forest to gather herbs and other medicinal plants. I was often employed by noble houses to go along to jousts to be there in case of injuries to their knights. Not all nobles could afford to keep a wizard in their employment. So, an apothecary was the next best thing.’ explained Toto.

Baron listened intently, finding more information out about his friend was fascinating.

‘I had a family and we were happy. I don’t recall how I died but I lived at a time where famine and plagues ravaged communities so it wouldn’t surprise me if one of those were responsible.’ continued Toto ‘Then I woke up as a crow creation. Part of an impressive church façade. The rest of that story you already know.’

‘Thank you, Toto. I appreciate your story.’ responded Baron.

‘It’s not a problem. Sometimes it’s good to reminisce.’ he replied, ‘So what about yourself?’

‘Well as a creation, I’m a young whippersnapper.’ began Baron as Toto chuckled ‘When I was alive, I would say it was the regency era. I was part of a noble family. I don’t recall people’s faces, but I remember music, dancing and laughter. I had a love, but I believe I died young. A hunting accident if I recall.’

Baron trailed off thinking he had tried so hard to recall faces, to remember more details. One thing that stayed with him was the feeling of dancing with the one who believed was his past love. It was funny after many years he had felt the same feeling when he danced with Haru. Maybe that was the reason he felt she was special.

‘Perhaps you were a baron in your previous life.’ mused Toto.

Baron chuckled.

‘Perhaps.’ he agreed ‘Either way I believe I still act the same as I did back then.’

‘A dying breed.’ murmured Toto ‘From what I've seen on this modern world it isn’t just magic that has been lost unfortunately.’

‘I suppose but they are not all bad.’ replied Baron thinking of a certain selfless brunette.

A/N: I did it! I was able to edit the work I was supposed to send yesterday. I could not embody everything I wanted in it, but I decided to make a plot at least, otherwise it would forever remain in unfinished ones. But despite all this, I hope you can enjoy this work. And I wish you a good day/night!

Prompt 1

Nobility & Aristocracy

Summary: A day from the week of balls dedicated to the holiday in honor of the victory over enemy soldiers, in which the request to shelter the daughter of one acquaintance appears

Summer time and victory over enemy soldiers brought many holidays to the kingdom, and happiness to the townspeople.

And a week of balls was arranged for the aristocrats. No one knew exactly where in their kingdom so much money came from, and no one wanted to know.

Today was just the second day of ball, and many aristocrats had lively conversations.

Unless a little further from this group, there was a young aristocrat who seemed to be immersed in his thoughts, absolutely not listening to what the local spretnitsa, Miss Brooklyn, was telling him.

"Humbert, are you listening to me?" Ms. Brooklyn asked, which made the young baron finally attract attention.

"Excuse me," answered the baron shaking his head, "Just working moments. So what did you talk about?," - and asked with a polite as far as his skills allowed, a smile.

And this definitely influenced the lady, because she again began to tell the young master new gossip. Of course, he listened to her through words, dreaming of being somewhere else with fewer people.

Prompt 2 - Free Day

Whispers In the Mind

‘Well, I think this link is stupid.’ grumbled Haru as she stirred a spoon around in her tea.

‘I think that it’s rather appropriate that you appear to be linked to someone as clumsy as you.’ smirked Hiromi as she swirled her straw around in her own drink copying Haru.

On a person’s 16th birthday an emphatic link would connect them to their soulmate. This would mean that they would be able to feel their pain and strong emotions.

‘Maybe so.’ conceded Haru ‘but I still think it’s stupid. I mean how are you supposed to find each other?’

‘What would you suggest instead?’ asked Hiromi.

‘I don’t know. A name tattooed on my body or something so we could interact with each other?’ she sighed.

‘Hmmm.’ her best friend hummed ‘I hear that it helps couples’ bond. You hear of expectant fathers experiencing morning sickness.’

‘Do you think that really happened?’ replied Haru ‘Anyway it still doesn’t help with finding them, does it.’

Hiromi studied her best friend as she took a slurp on her milkshake.

‘So, what is the real reason you’re so grumpy Ru?’ she asked.

Haru’s shoulders slumped.

‘I don’t think Machida is my soulmate.’ she murmured.

‘What makes you think that?’ replied Hiromi.

‘As you said my soulmate is either clumsy like me or they can’t help getting themselves into situations. Machida isn’t like that.’ she responded.

‘True but he does play sports. He could easily get bumps and bruises from that.’ suggested Hiromi as she began circling one of her wrists.

‘Yeah, that’s true.’ nodded Haru before her attention was drawn to Hiromi’s movement. ‘Is that still bothering you?’

‘Yeah. I thought it was to do with lacrosse but I’m starting to suspect it’s not my pain.’ she replied.

‘Maybe your soulmate is that table tennis player at school who caught your eye.’ giggled Haru.

Hiromi seemed to perk up.

‘You really think so?’ she replied.

Haru just shrugged her shoulders.

‘Who knows.’ she smiled.

‘Hmph.’ huffed Hiromi ‘Maybe I should just go and speak to him. We are both such wimps. Too afraid we are wrong!’

‘I’m pretty certain that I am.’ sighed Haru.

She then sat back suddenly and sniffed.

‘Can you smell …’ she began.

‘Haru your hair!’ interrupted Hiromi, her eyes going wide.

Haru lifted her fingers up to the hair resting against her forehead, feeling the singed ends. What the heck!

‘Still think it’s Machida?’ she asked tiredly.

‘Maybe he got too close to some birthday candles?’ responded Hiromi, not believing her own suggestion.

‘Yeah right.’ muttered Haru ‘Does it look really bad?’

‘It’s not really noticeable but we should probably give you a trim.’ replied Hiromi.

Haru sighed getting up to follow her best friend.

‘My soulmate is a menace.’ she grumbled.

The beauty of being a creation is that injuries weren’t really an issue. Bruising was pretty much non-existent as the healing process would kick in quickly. Sure, the initial pain was never pleasant, but it wouldn’t last long before it was forgotten. Unfortunately, this made Baron reckless.

He threw himself into situations that no mortal would consider safe. Most of the time he could land with the grace of the cat within him but other times he would twist awkwardly sending shooting pains through his body.

Baron wasn’t sure when he began to feel emphatic pain. His life between inanimate wood and flesh and blood had made him believe that he wouldn’t have a soulmate. Especially when there were so few creations in the world. He had been blindsided when the link had formed. Was it possible his soulmate wasn’t a creation? When such thoughts crossed his mind, he would shake them away. He may be able to cross between worlds but finding his soulmate amongst them would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Occasionally he felt odd knocks and bumps, and he knew weren’t his doing but as soon as they occurred the pain was slipping away.

The first time Baron had felt a strong emphatic pain reaction he had been alone in the Bureau. He had just stood up from his desk to go outside to speak with Toto when the sensation of somersaulting hit him. He hissed as his knees felt like they had hit the ground hard. His one hand pressed down on top of his desk to steady himself as he brought up the other to his cheek. He felt like he had been smacked by some sort of vegetation and fully expected to find blood. His white glove came away clean.

‘What on earth was that?’ he murmured to himself.

The second time Baron felt a strong reaction he nearly toppled across the cobbles of the courtyard had it not been for his cane. The pain in his knees hadn’t been as bad as the previous time. He had been more surprised by the spike to jealousy and longing that had shot through his body. He could no longer deny the fact that he was linked to someone.

Haru sat on the ground looking in dismay at the rubbish she had dropped everywhere after having fallen over the barrier. Her attention had fully been on Machida and not her surroundings. She didn’t need any further confirmation that Machida definitely wasn’t her soulmate. He hadn’t even noticed her fall, too wrapped up in the petite girl at his side, let alone feeling any emphatic pain. Haru stood up and brushed down her skirt before she began to collect all the items she had dropped but soon became distracted. Wasn’t that one of those strange cats from the previous night?

A/N:Uh, on a free day, I wanted to use the idea for the original work, but it had to be too long. And this was by design shorter, plus this year, I tried to promote the topic with potions, but it did not come to the vote, so I took this opportunity. P.S. I feel uncomfortable, as this is the first time I've ever written anything close to the Natori/the Cat King pairing.

Prompt 2

Free day

Summary: Louise, having served her sentence, returns to herself for another offense, and discovers that one potion is missing.

Louise already wanted to scream out of boredom, sitting in a makeshift prison for her punishment. When were steps hear and fuss with the lock.

Hearing the cherished sounds, the blonde jumped up almost losing her balance. When the door opened, she was greeted by the disgruntled face of Tsumaki, one of the king's men. "Well, Miss Louise, have you reconsidered your behavior?" - he asked sharply. Depicting repentance, Louise told him, - "Of course, Mr. Tsumaki. Being here away from people and everything inappropriate, I was able to think about a lot and reconsider my attitude to some things," - at the end the girl depicted the awareness of something great, but in her head she kept a different answer, - "Of course not, donkey! As if locking me away from toys makes me fluffy and easygoing." The temporary warden presented to her, looked at her for a minute, and stepped aside to let her pass, and said with a sigh, "It's very good that now you are aware, but henceforth, I hope I don't have to meet with you to determine the punishment for your actions."

Prompt 1 - Found Family

Ohana

Haru was quiet. Haru was often quiet. She was quiet when she was focused on something that had piqued her interest especially when lost within the pages of a book. When daydreaming she would be quiet with a smile tugging at her lips. When she was being thoughtful and observing the world, she was often silent before engaging.

Baron enjoyed seeing these different quiet sides of Haru. He didn’t however like the current quiet version of Haru. She had a vacant look in her eye and was worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. She has totally zoned out from everything around her. Something was clearly bothering her. Baron picked up the two teacups and walked across to where Haru was seated on the sofa. He placed them down on the table before sitting next to her. Haru didn’t even seem to notice his presence. Frowning silently Baron reached out to touch her elbow. Haru jolted as if she had been electrocuted and Baron pulled his hand back.

‘Sorry.’ he apologised but Haru was already shaking her head.

‘Don’t apologise you didn’t do anything wrong.’ she replied, ‘I was just lost in my thoughts.’

‘You don’t appear to be very happy.’ responded Baron carefully.

‘Is it that obvious?’ she sighed, rubbing a hand across her face ‘I’m having difficulty dealing with something at the moment.’

‘Do you want to talk about it?’ asked Baron ‘The other two will be out for a while so if you want to you can talk to me without interruption. It’s also okay if you don’t want to.’

Haru looked over to Baron. He was so kind. Here he was giving her the opportunity to unload her emotional baggage onto him without judgement.

‘It’s probably better I do talk than keep it bottled up. I do hope that you will not feel any less of me though. I’m currently feeling rather jealous and bitter.’ she explained.

Baron took one of her hands between his own.

‘Haru I could never think less of you.’ he promised.

A small smile graced her lips. The first that he had see since she had arrived at the Bureau that day. She let out a sigh.

‘Well, I guess if I’m going to do this I should start from the beginning.’ she murmured.

Baron gave her hand a squeeze of encouragement.

‘As you know at home there is just my mother and I. It has been like that for quite some time. Don’t get me wrong I love her to pieces but she has to work so hard and often I have spent a lot of time growing up alone. She doesn’t even notice when I disappear to be here. I just wish she didn’t need to work so hard.’ explained Haru.

She let out a juddering breath.

‘I was seven years old when my father walked out on us. I don’t really remember my parents fighting. They were young and he just decided that at his age he didn’t want to be saddled with a wife and kid. He wanted to live life freely and explore the world.’ continued Haru unable to keep the bitter tone out of her voice ‘My mother was devastated and I was just completely lost. The man who had been there my whole life suddenly wasn’t. He could have done things so differently, but he chose to abandon us.’

Baron continued to sit quietly beside her. Haru gave him a weak smile.

‘This should be old news, right? Something I should have gotten over a long time ago. Well I thought I had until recently. I don’t even know what possessed me to do it but I searched his name on the internet. I didn’t really expect to find anything but I did. He had remarried. Once I opened this can of worms, I couldn’t stop myself digging.’ she sighed as tears slowly slid down her cheeks.

Within seconds a handkerchief was presented to her.

‘Thank you.’  she murmured accepting it with a squeeze to Baron’s hand.

She took a deep breath.

‘I have step siblings.’ she finally said ‘Two of them. Both younger than myself. Two boys in their early teens. I doubt they know I exist. I browsed their social media.’

Haru took another breath.

‘I wish I hadn’t.’ she said, her voice cracking ‘My father was featured in so many photos. Holidays, baseball games, middle school graduations. The doting father with his sons. It just makes me wonder what I did wrong. Why didn’t her want me?’

Her sobs were coming thick and fast now and the handkerchief wasn’t enough. Baron pulled Haru to him wrapping his arms around her and rubbed her back as she cried into his shoulder. He had no idea how long these thoughts had been festering.

After some time the sobs had reduced to sniffles with the odd hiccup.

‘Have you ever spoken to your mother about this?’ asked Baron.

Haru shook her head against his shoulder.

‘No. She is hurting as much as I am and I don’t want to drag up the past or for her to find out what I did.’ She murmured into his shirt.

One of Baron’s hands rested on her back whilst the other was now soothingly stroking her fine hair.

‘Listen to me Haru. That man is not worthy of the title of your father. He is not worth your time or your tears. You did nothing wrong and he is the biggest fool for abandoning you. I know I said I wouldn’t judge but you needed to hear this.’ He murmured.

Although calm on the outside, inside Baron was raging and wondering if they could some how track down this man and make him pay for the pain he had put Haru through. He couldn’t help but feel protective. Haru had tilted her head against his shoulder, and he was able to gaze down at her. Her eyes were red rimmed and blood shot, but she appeared a little calmer.

‘I know that he is technically your kin by blood, but I believe that there is far more to family that that. Your mother of course is a wonderful woman but your family is larger than you think. There’s Hiromi of course, you two are as thick as thieves. There’s Yuki and Lune and to be honest the whole Cat Kingdom adores you.’ Baron informed her.

Haru let out a small giggle.

‘If that wasn’t enough there is also Toto and Muta.’ he continued ‘and of course you have me. You will always have me.’

Haru gazed up at him before moving to wrap her arms around his waist to hug him.

‘Thank you, Baron.’  she whispered.

Prompt 1 - Found Family

A/N: I still could not finish editing the work intended for this particular year. Therefore, I publish old fan fiction, instead. I hope you enjoy and enjoy reading.

Warmth after cold

Rating: G ; Category: G ;

Fandom: The cat returns

Characters: Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, Yoshika Haru

Tags: Family

The red-haired boy pointed his kirasin lantern toward the sound again.

It was a hedgehog on a night hunt. But when he saw the man, he ran away into the bushes, much to the boy's dismay, for he wanted to observe this rare sight longer.

He had no choice but to sigh and continue walking on - he was already halfway to the middle of the forest.

There he must find a house that could not be found in broad daylight, and perhaps encounter a monster that lived there, at the sight of which people would drop dead. So said the people of his village, where he was now.

His full name was Baron Humbert von Gikkengen, and he lived in a large but modest house. But everything is turned upside down when his parents have an accident. They are alive, but their condition does not allow them to take care of the child, they needed someone to take care of them. That's where the envious relatives hustled up, forcing the parents to sign some papers in which the boy understood nothing. And say that he went to the best school for aristocrats, but instead send him on a cycle of traveling from one village to another, forcing him to get all the benefits by his own efforts.

In almost every place he stopped, he was lucky enough to be sheltered by at least one family, even though they were doing far worse than those who claimed it was good to be able to have a loaf of bread on the table (experience had shown that sixty-eight percent of these families had an income capable of supporting one extra life).

In the village where he now lived, unfortunately, there was no family that would take him in without expecting much in return.

It's summer now, but the rains and cold nights have contributed to the diseases that are not uncommon in these parts.

And to shelter him, the children of a family had sent him into the woods to find a home, and if he returned alive and with proof that he had met something supernatural, they would let him stay with them until he set out on his journey.

He could have ignored it, but this kind of cold wasn't messing with his body. The Baron was well aware that his health was failing after all these adventures, and he needed to cherish what was left of it.

As one could tell, it was already nightfall and his legs were tired. However, he had walked enough to give up somewhere in the middle of the path.

After walking some more, he noticed that the bushes and trees were becoming less and less frequent, and, encouraged, he walked forward, came across a path laid out by a man, and followed it to the house.

"Then he really is real," said the boy, and blinked as he looked at the log house.

To make sure it was real, the Baron walked closer, his lamp not much help as the kirasin was running out, but he examined a corner of the gray wood, touched it and found it to be as solid as any other wood.

He moved on by feel-the lamp was completely out, and there was little use for it.

Quickly he reached the door and knocked, but no one answered or moved. Deciding that the owners were either asleep or absent, he sat on the threshold, leaning against the door.

He felt a chill run through his whole body and gradually fell asleep with the words, "Whatever happens, happens."

After a while he felt as if someone had picked him up and carried him somewhere, and then fell unconscious again.

When he came to himself again he was warm, the crackling of wood reached his ears for a second, and someone's hand lay on his forehead.

"Is it really a dream?" - thought the little baron; "it is too wonderful to be a dream, but let the sensation last at least another minute," and he fell into sleep again, without hearing the anxious words of the one who had taken him in.

When he came to himself a third time, he was able to realize that he was not on the street, but in a house of some kind. He was lying on a comfortable bed, pressed down with a heavy blanket.

Then he opened his eyes to face reality. It took him a couple minutes to open his eyes blinking, they hurt from the tears he couldn't remember. After he made a couple of light movements, not only his eyes but his whole body started to ache as if they had been unmoving for a long time.

His savior, noticing the movements, approached the bed, or rather, the savior was a young girl.

"You've finally come to your senses, how are you feeling, does anything hurt?" - The voice asked, a very beautiful voice as the Baron noted to himself.

He tried to say exactly what it hurt, but the dryness prevented him from doing so, so he nodded and pointed to the sore spot with his hands.

The girl watched his hands carefully, "Other than that, nothing else hurts?"

He shook his head and looked into her eyes, gentle brown eyes.

"Good, your body is protesting because you've been unconscious for a couple days with a fever," the girl explained as she heard the sound of boiling water behind her and jumped up to fill a wok with water.

"So someone really saved me," the Baron took a moment to look around the hut, it was the same as all the others, but cozier.

And soon the savior was back in front of him, she was holding an earthenware mug with something in it, "Here is the medicine, I made it not too hot, it should help you regain your voice"

Baron spread his arms vigorously, wanting to regain consciousness as quickly as possible and thank her.

The medicine was bitter, and he tried to swallow it as quickly as possible and forget it.

"When you get better, I want to hear how you got here," the boy seemed oblivious to these words, looking at the remnants of the medicine at the bottom of the mug.

But after a week, when his body had grown stronger and he could walk as before without discomfort, his voice came back to him.

He told the whole story, every time his savior banged her fist on the table, he flinched but continued, and when he finished, he looked at her, waiting to see what she would decide.

The girl was slow to answer and pondered for a long time, the Baron thought she would send him back, but in the evening, as they were straightening up the table, she looked at him resolutely.

"If you should suddenly disappear, no one would look for you, would they?"

"Right, I doubt my parents are still alive, maybe you have some kind of plan?"

"Yes, I wanted to get far away from here, there's a village with everything you need and there are people there who know me and I'm sure they can shelter us both".

"Sounds great".

"Is it supposed to be different?"

"No," he said, shaking his head.

The Cat Returns Birthday Bash prompt list is now live!

The event will run from July 19th to July 25th, is open to anyone who wants to participate, and you can create whatever you want. Fic, poetry, traditional art, digital art, just as long as it is Cat Returns related, with the exception of Free Day, where you can share original works as well.

The prompts for this year are:

19th - Found Family / Nobility & Aristocracy 20th - Happy Birthday / Free Day 21st - Reincarnation / Curse 22nd - Amnesia / Child Acquisition 23rd - Masks / Mythology 24th - Fairy Tale AU / Time Travel 25th - Second Chances / Jealousy

The Cat Returns Birthday Bash prompt list is now live!

The event will run from July 19th to July 25th, is open to anyone who wants to participate, and you can create whatever you want. Fic, poetry, traditional art, digital art, just as long as it is Cat Returns related, with the exception of Free Day, where you can share original works as well.

The prompts for this year are:

19th - Found Family / Nobility & Aristocracy 20th - Happy Birthday / Free Day 21st - Reincarnation / Curse 22nd - Amnesia / Child Acquisition 23rd - Masks / Mythology 24th - Fairy Tale AU / Time Travel 25th - Second Chances / Jealousy