[early morning cat posting]

[sevenhorrorsmods]

Who: everyone
When: July 25
Where: class 3-C
What: a few visitors!
Warnings: none!

[On Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. on the dot, the student body is awoken not by the bell, but by the sound of meowing echoing over the intercom.

[It's not just the PA system, either. Soft, gentle, and very cute mewls fill the classroom hallways; distant on floors one and two, but much louder on floor three. Intrepid explorers who follow the noise will find that one of the third floor classrooms has been overtaken by a pack of ghostly cats!]

[Each creature is the size of a normal housecat, and has the mannerisms of one. That is, they will attempt to hop into your lap for some prime cuddling time, ears and tails flicking adorably all the while. Their bodies are a pale, ghostly white, and their eyes glow a soft, gentle blue. Although they are translucent, they are still solid to the touch, and they feel just like a normal cat does. Soft fur and everything! Aren't they precious? Aren't they just so stinkin' cute??? DON'T YOU JUST WANT TO SMOOSH THEIR ROUND LI'L KITTEN FACES??]

[So long as characters are kind to the cat spirits, the Nekomata are completely harmless. They just want to play and snuggle!! Although. . .]

[Anyone who touches a cat spirit will find themselves hit with a sudden need for physical contact. This can range from something small (desiring a high five) to something bigger (needing to CUDDLE THE SHIT outta someone). Being surrounded by more than one Nekomata means the compulsion becomes stronger, too! One cat means it can probably be safely ignored, but five?? If you don't HOLD SOMEONE'S HAND RIGHT THIS SECOND you JUST MAY DIE!!]

[Oh, so you don't like cats? No problem! The Nekomata are mischievous creatures, and they WILL leap onto people's backs and shoulders without warning. Being cat spirits, they can also teleport from one place to another, so. . . you can be minding your own business one second, blink, and then be staring into the eyes of a cute cat spirit perched on your lap the next.]

[The Nekomata will be drawn towards members of Anzen more than anyone else per their target lock curse, but they are excited to shower literally anyone in a bit of cute kitty affection, regardless of their homeroom]

[Please let me know if your character is being violent and/or aggressive towards the Nekomata. Otherwise, enjoy some compulsive physical bonding with a cute ghostly flair!]

Comments

[brokenlance]

[Shakes his head]

No, I have no familiarity with the land of Japan - though I'm glad for the insight of those who are.

My homeland is the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. So far, I've yet to meet anyone who's ever heard of it.

[moonfeather]

A kingdom...? ["Of only humans or...?" is what she almost asks but stops herself from doing so.]

Unfortunately, I must count myself among those who haven't heard of it. There are kingdoms scattered about on my continent that I was traversing, but I haven't been to them all.

[And humans have their own power struggles amongst themselves, never mind the continuing tension between them and the Beastmen. Brisa sighs (moving yet another inch closer) and uses her free hand to pet another nearby cat spirit near her feet.]

We're all so far from home now. Though... I guess I might not have a home to return to, exactly.

[brokenlance]

[He doesn't notice her moving closer - he's too busy being moved to heartache by the idea that this gentle soul might have no home to go back to. His expression is soft with genuine sympathy]

That's awful. That you have journeyed so far... were you forced to leave your home? Was it war, or some other manner of conflict?

[moonfeather]

[Her chest tightens. She had barely talked to her group mates about home, only implying details, opting to be vague instead. Their current circumstances had made her push away her own woes, wanting to be focused and alert for future dangers that this school presented.

After several days of relative calm and now with all this new company to become used to (and somehow these cat ghosts are probably softening her up), Brisa feels... Exhausted. Having to hold it all in was going to take its toll, but she doesn't know anyone and no one here knows her.

There's something valuable though, perhaps, in confiding in a stranger. Her words are still chosen carefully, however.]

Simply put? I would call what happened a natural disaster.

[(and maybe her fault)]

What I was aiming to do in the aftermath was to... Make things right. In any way that I could.

[brokenlance]

[...Ah. It feels like hearing a mirror of himself speak. Though it was not a natural disaster that destroyed his world, all the same - it was in pieces.]

Perhaps I risk being too forward by your estimations, but. I understand all too well how you feel.

To have survived such a thing, to remain standing when so many lives have been destroyed... the burden is great, often overwhelming. It is all we can do, to seek restoration with the life still granted to us.

Brisa, I think it greatly admirable of you. Even if you may not agree.

[moonfeather]

That's...

[She should feel ridiculous at how touched his words make her feel. Had she grown so weak that she was searching for comfort from anyone, anywhere? And yet, Fio doesn't feel resistant to it. Azure says that he understands and she realizes once again, that everyone here is weighed down by uniquely shaped burdens.]

... Your kindness is more than I deserve, Azure. Thank you.

[And what else can she do, but continue to endure whether here in this school or on the road once more?]

If I may be so bold, I couldn't help, but notice that you speak in a very... Noble fashion?

[Kind of like Lina's brother, the human prince, Leonid, though in his case, he was a lot more measured and calculating.]

[brokenlance]

[Azure, meanwhile, bleeds earnestness]

Ah. It's true - back home, I am a prince. Even knowing that such formality is unneeded here, I can't seem to break the habit when it comes to speech.

Though... I can't help but notice that you speak in much the same way.

[moonfeather]

A prince? So my instinct hasn't betrayed me in this instance!

[It's as they say, like calls to like. In response to his observation, Brisa nods in confirmation (shoulder cat has jumped down, but it will join another cat nuzzling her leg).]

I myself, am a princess. It's not something I've felt the need to bring up. Like you said, the formality isn't applicable here.

[brokenlance]

Ah! Well, I certainly hope I have shown due deference.

[ Royalty 🤝 Royalty ]

But it is rather refreshing, isn't it? To escape the constant niceties and 'your highnesses' that come with the position.

[moonfeather]

[Brisa chuckles and gives a mirthful shrug of her shoulders.]

My circumstances as a royal are complex, but I understand where you're coming from. I'm the youngest out of many royal siblings, so for better or for worse, the deference I received wasn't as overbearing.

[brokenlance]

[ah it's one of those kinds of royal families]

I can only assure you that as an only child, it could be quite suffocating at times.

[moonfeather]

Huh. Is that right?

[Damn, what is that like??? Suiren and Zephyr were the only child in their respective families, but they both kind of turned out weird in different ways.]

If you were the only child, it isn't incorrect to surmise that you had heavier expectations placed upon you since you were born then?

[brokenlance]

At the time I did not believe so - it was simply what was expected of me. But now...

[He sighs, quietly. Not wanting to appear ungracious, but at the same time, exhausted down to his soul.]

Many days I question if I'm strong enough to bear it at all.

[moonfeather]

[Some quiet falls between them as Brisa contemplates Azure's words. When she responds, her voice is gentle, her gaze somewhat distant.]

As I was growing up, I truly admired my older brother, the firstborn and Crown Prince of our empire. To me, he was the picture of strength, the kind that made others submit without fail. And it wasn't just me. Our father, our siblings, our people... We put all our hopes and expectations upon him.

[There's a beat as some of the nekomata begin to just snooze around them, one on her lap now that she's sitting on her side.]

But as of late? I've... had to come to terms with some harsher truths and question what I've known. One of them being that, my brother was strong, but he wasn't necessarily kind. I also acknowledge that he probably acted in ways in which he wanted to meet, if not exceed the expectations that had been projected onto him. He was never perfect.

Azure... [And finally, her fingers lay upon his hand as if to reassure the prince, to find some reassurance for herself, or something.]

I believe you are not lacking in kindness. You may feel the weight, but more importantly, you are not denying it.

[brokenlance]

[He's so caught up in listening that he's taken completely unaware by the touch of her hand on his. A tingle runs up his whole body and he has to fight the urge to make some kind of unbecoming yelp of surprise... unfortunately, his face is not so lucky. It practically glows bright red.

Strangely, a bit of that cat-adjacent repressed tension seems to evaporate? Weird! He was just going to hold it in forever/until he exploded!]

Th-that's... please, you give me too much credit.

It's true that each head wears the crown differently... one could just as easily argue that I would be too soft, too eager to force reform on a very traditional kingdom.

...I looked up to my father in that regard. He was strong, and loved, I'm certain. But there are also... peculiarities to his life that I can no longer discern the truth from.

[past tense father]

[moonfeather]

I don't think such credit is undue at all. To understand your burdens is to make sure you don't lose yourself to duty.

[His reaction to her touching his hand is so ridiculously pure and it piques more interest in her than it should.]

Our time here so far, has proven tiring, but I'm glad to have met someone similar, but different to myself.

[Her hand gives his a friendly squeeze before drawing back. Sometimes, you don't need to overdo it, you know?]

We're of royal lineages in which there is much to explore in order to think of the future. It's not every day you end up in a different world just for people like us to bump shoulders.

That said... [okay just a small tease for the road, Brisa rests her chin on her hand, giving Azure a playful smile.]

I would think someone of your stature wouldn't find the touch of the hand that exciting?

[brokenlance]

[ok look. it's a reality that he's very aware of but also has not thought about even a little bit. let him live.]

Exciting isn't... the word, exactly... --Which isn't to disgrace your kind gesture! Saints.

[OR EVEN BETTER JUST LET HIM DIE]

I'm-- really more accustomed to wearing armored gloves throughout the day. I feel rather exposed without them...

In truth I'm relieved to know... there is someone else here who understands such plights which weigh upon my mind as well. And that we may be of like nature, as well...

[moonfeather]

[no, no, she'll let him live and squirm a little, she's gotta get her fun in somewhere

In all seriousness, the flustering is very charming, not too unlike Suiren's who had no idea how to handle her playful jabs. She muffles a giggle with the back of her palm, feeling a lot better compared to before.]

Armored gloves. Of course.

I don't utilize armor enough, but as a fighter myself, I prioritize being quick on my feet instead.

[brokenlance]

[wEAPONS YES HE CAN TALK ABOUT WEAPONS INSTEAD PLEASE]

I-is that so? Do you favour a light blade?

[moonfeather]

[yes, yes, weapons are fine, she likes talking about them too 🙂‍↕️]

I dual wield. A dagger and a light and short blade is my style, though I can fight one-handed in a pinch. I only have my dagger with me so that will be my default in case combat is needed here.

[brokenlance]

Impressive! Wielding two weapons at once is true mastery that I've certainly never achieved.

If you'd permit, I'd be honoured to test my skills against you one day - once I can properly acquire a weapon of my own.

[moonfeather]

Truly? The honor would be mine.

[She's actually beaming now, happy even.]

I'm actually maintaining my skills through light sparring. If you're able to acquire a weapon or find a substitute, by all means, seek me out so that we can test our mettle.

[brokenlance]

[ ✨✨✨ ]

But of course.

Not that I'm opposed to sparring barehanded either, but in this my technique is still abysmal. I was practically raised with a sword or lance in my hand.

[moonfeather]

One of my companions specialized in barehanded combat. She's an extremely formidable opponent, more than if she had a sharp weapon.

[Although that would actually be scary, it's Ai Thao after all.]

I could fight barehanded, but I don't have the particular weight or force required for it.

With whom did you train with as you grew up? Though we had soldiers, guards, and specialists at our beck and call, I was mostly up against my siblings.

[brokenlance]

My father, and the knights of Faerghus instructed me. I was also raised alongside other noble children of my age - whom I still consider dear friends.

I was closest with a pair of brothers - the oldest of which joined the royal guard, and I trained with him frequently. He was my shield. And like you, he favoured honing his speed.

[There's a distant look of sadness in his eyes when he speaks of him, though]