End of Me [Dies Irae x TakodaVega]

[TakodaVega]

In ancient times, the times of the Egyptians and the cat was revered as much as the Gods themselves. It was in these times that the Wish Cats prospered and were numerous. Now, centuries later thanks to human greed, there are only a small handful remained scattered across the planet. One such Wish Cat was sitting on the bed her feline tail bantering back and forth as she stared at him. Her owner who at that moment was still snoozing. To everyone of the human sort with no inherent immortal or otherwise 'magical' powers, what appeared to be hovering above the male was a black cat, a single metal hoop around her neck with a silver bell at the center.

To those who could see however, there was a delicately built female, her feline ears perked on the top of her head. Her blue eyes were framed by long lashes as she remained patient for the time being. Her body was covered in what appeared to be an oversized black t-shirt, her legs bare as her legs resided on either side of her, however there was something in common with the feline that followed her between the Wish Cat and the "cat" - the silver collar hoop and that bell. Her source of power. Ever since she could remember she had the collar, and she had been this males keeping.

She mewled softly as she kneaded into the bed with her knuckles at first. She flicked her ear around as the clock in on of the other parts of the house went off. It was somewhere around eight in the morning, and Umbra was hungry. She had been curled up at the foot of his bed for most of the night save for this morning when she had gotten up and stretched to curl up next to him. There was something about him that called to her. Enough to the point she had already granted him three wishes. Three lives - gone, for the sake of seeing him happy and smile.

However the grumbling in her bed demanded some sort of sating as she raised her hands, well paws to him really, to start kneading into his chest instead, a mrowl leaving her lips. Her voice, to his ears, would sound only like feline noises she had found over the years, leaving most of his conversation one sided though she understood every word of it. Now if only he would wake up! Her feline tail swayed this way and that. She was starting to go through this morning ritual now ever since the last wish.

A kiss from a girl. Her feline tail stilled as she looked him over, her feline ears tucking backwards. It was after that she felt weird, warm and nervous now when she nuzzled up against his cheek, his warmth soothing her as she placed a very gentle kiss onto the tip of his nose, course from his perspective it wasn't the girl from a few weeks ago. No it was his pet cat, Umbra with those blue eyes of hers as pulled way from him to hop onto his chest and knead into it. Mewls leaving her lips as she continued to try and wake him up, always mindful to not hurt him accident. Finally after several attempts, she firmed her lips and leaned up to lightly nip at his neck and ear. It was the last ditch effort to wake him up.

She was hungry damn it!

[Dies Irae]

Dreaming of that kiss again, like he had been since it happened he slept better after that, ignoring the clocks ring that was muffled coming from the kitchen of the house, pulling the covers up more to keep the morning chill out of the bed inherently moving his cat Umbra up with them, feeling the movement of the bed from her kneading he rolled over pulling a pillow under his head while another fell to the floor, making a grumbling sound that was suppose to be a coherent sentence mixing in with his sleep and a yawn, he had the day off today and he wanted to sleep in this time not like the last few days when Umbra had made devious attempts to pry him out of bed.

Alex had rolled back onto his back slowly before he felt the kneading on his chest, moving a daring arm into the cold scratching behind her ears softly in an attempt to get her to go back to sleep without having to open his auburn eyes. Feeling the coldness on his nose then the moving back to his chest, she was trying hard today, looking out with a peering eye before closing it again trying to get back to sleep, feeling her nip against his neck and ear he sat up almost throwing Umbra off the bed before putting her in his lap "Fine Umbra, I'm up don't need to bite" he said sleepily as he yawned stretching his arms, throwing the covers off and swinging his legs over the bed, wiping his eyes before standing and finding some black cargo pants that were a little to long hanging at his feet, pulling a white tshirt over his head walking to the door.

Going out into the hallways the slight sound of his pants legs dragging on the floor all the sound besides the ticking of the clock, descending the stairs of the the family home he moved to the cupboard and pulled out the box of catfood flicking throw the single serves "What for breakfast then?" he said looking back down "Lamb No thats for lunch, Beef? Venison wonder what thats like...ah here we go fish for breakfast sounds nice to me" he said pulling the seal off and emptying the contents into the bright blue food bowl next to the washing machine in the laundry room. Moving back to the cupboard he scanned the boxes of cereal for a bit "Umbra pick my breakfast thos time" he said smiling as he grabbed some cornflakes and the sugar tin.

Pulling a bowl from the dish rack and a spoon from the draws he made his breakfast slowly, taking it to the table after putting the milk in, looking out at the backyard as he ate slowly being the only one up on a saturday morning he sighed pushing the bowl forward running a hand through his messy black hair. Stepping back to the couch pulling a couple of towels from the basket he did yesterday he smiled walking to the downstairs bathroom, leaving the door to and turning on the shower, wasn't like his parents would be up early and unless he had a weird problem with a cat watching he was alright, flicking the fan on before undressing and stepping into the hot water he let out a sigh of relief damn it was freezing that morning.

Washing his hair slowly avoiding getting the bubbles in his eyes at all costs he let the warmth of the water keep him awak as he went through the rest of the motions, cleaning himself slowly before he just stood under the water for a few minutes not wanting to go back out into the cold air. Moving out of the shower befor eh used all the hot water wrapping a towel around his waist using the second he got to dry his torso and hair then using the one around his waist for his lower body. Getting dressed leaving his hair a towel dried masterpiece before going to lay on the couch and watch the morning shows while he waited for someone to call him and ask to go out for something.

[TakodaVega]

Umbra didn't feel the cold, never had really considering what she was. However the gentle touch of his hand along her ears sent them perking up purring as she nuzzled against his hand. Alex had always been so good to her, ever since his parents had picked her out and put in that box when she was little she had only felt like she did right now. Though if he kept moving she would be dancing across his bed to keep her balance.

'Next time, I should just pull the blanket off,' she thought to herself, her eyes half closed in contentment as her purrs continued once he sat up, a cheerful, "Morning" from her lips, though for him it was another meow as she nuzzled up against his cheek before jumping from his lap, her bell jingling as she moved across the wood floors. Never before had she ever paid as close attention to him as she did now. She didn't know if the wish itself, considering the first two were simple and had never required her to actually take on a human guise of herself, or if it was something else all together.

Umbra mewled softly up at him as they made their way down the stairs, her feline form fluid as she ran, though as always, despite the years she had been here and lived with Alex, her momentum would keep going and her feline form would slide across the bottom of the floor. Stupid wooden floors didn't offer Umbra the friction she needed to keep herself steady. Shaking herself, the bell jingling as she did, she regained her bearings and darted after him. Soft mrowls leaving her lips, as Umbra rubbed against his legs as he tried to decided what she should eat for dinner.

Alex's family had been good about making sure Umbra had never had human food, so to her cat food was a tasty morsel, licking her lips as she descended on the food, her jaws working away at the food when he asked his question, raising her head to look at him. Choose? She shrugged and went back to her own food. How could you choose for a human when he normally picked the same thing every day unless it was a special occasion? Shifting her weight a bit, too soon she would be licking the sides of the bowl before the sound of water caught her attention.

Perking her ears, she followed the source, finding Alex's clothes on the floor she eyed the shower set up, climbing up onto the counter ledge to lightly bap at the shower curtain. Umbra had always been one of those kittens that had been okay with water, she had been bathed in it often enough that it didn't affect her nearly as badly but there was always something about water that made her feel better. Hopping from the counter ledge she landed onto the edge of the bath tub, slipping by chance and falling into the tub itself, thankfully with her back to Alex as she twitched her nose. Water hit her fur, causing her to mewl as she set about her quest to get out of the damned tub. Wiggling her rear she jumped landing into his pile of clothes.

Only then did the cold bother her as she shivered and went about licking at her fur. Water also did adverse things to her 'Other' form too. Instead of the shirt of before her entire out fit had changed. Water still dripped from her ears, her feline tail flicking this way and that. Her once bare legs were now covered in thigh-high stockings, only an inch or tow of skin being seen where the pleated skirt started and rested on her hips. A simple cotton long sleeve shirt adorned her top though the sleeves remained a little big, covering her hands slightly as she glanced at herself in the mirror. As always black was Umbra's theme. She sometimes wondered what Alex would think if he ever could see her.

Probably thought she was just like any other girl as he finally stepped out of the shower. Umbra, of course, was still soaked but she mewled up at him, that feline in her skidding across the floor as she had left water along her way and lightly batted at the towel. She didn't like being so cold, though considering her current state she shouldn't be that way. Something told her today was going to be a different day eventually as she ran out of the room inciting a chase until they were settled onto the couch with Umbra laying on top of Alex, by now dry and now warm as she nuzzled against his chest.

The sound mail slot caught her attention however as she raised her head to look towards the door. Her feline nature moved with grace along the edge of the couch as she went to investigate the mail. Umbra had learned to read thanks to Alex though he never really knew that. It was then something caught her attention. Tilting her head she stared at the large envelope with his name on it, it was the size of a card, maybe a little bigger but the envelope itself was purple. Taking it into her mouth she scurried back to her warm spot on Alex's chest, mewling at her discovery to him. Purring softly as she remained proud of herself for her feat.

[Dies Irae]

Alex looked up as he looked at the purple letter, checking the back seeing the mail address he frowned, why was Kat sending him a letter, he barely talked to her even during work and she was the most annoying person on the planet when he did talk to her, pulling the envelop inside out he blinked reading it slowly.

Hey Alex,

Thanks for sending me the invitation, can't believe you would invite me to your parents party, can't wait to see you.

Love Kat
P.S your handwritings gotten better good work!

Putting the letter back in its envelope he shook "I never sent her...wait a minute" rethinking it he ran a hand over his face slowly putting the letter on the coffee table "That coniving witch of a mother, she's tying to set us up" he said laying back and closing his eyes, muttering something about how his brain would turn to much if he had to deal with Kat for the whole party, he'd rather go upstairs and watch movies with Umbra for the duration of it but he had to be sociable and mingle with his parents friends according to proper entertaining etiquette or so his Mother had said.

Sitting up scratching Umbra's ears moving to the fridge and getting a bottle of water, emptying half of it into Umbra's water dish before moving back to the couch, Umbra the first thing he'd taken responsibility for in his life, that little kitten made him happier than anything when he opened to christmas box and she jumped out, now she was his closest friend, looking at her drinking water he smiled "I swear your more like a dog than a cat sometimes" he said going over and collecting the rest of the mail "But your still lazy and only get my mail" he joked putting the rest on the kitchen counter.

Pulling himself back onto the couch hearing the rustling of people upstairs figuring his parents were awake finally, looking up as his mother came downstairs "Whats the big idea trying to hook me and Kat up" he asked quiet annoyed, getting a fake innocent smile and a "I did no such thing" before the kettle was boiling drowning out any hopes of conversation "don't forget Umbra has her check up today at noon, you'll have to walk we'll be busy preparing the dinner for tomorrow's party. He looked up at the calender marking 'Umbra sees Dr Schwartz' today, leaning back before getting to his feet running back upstairs and putting on his shoes and a decent shirt, least he could spend the day with Umbra maybe buy her a new toy or some treat for being good.

Throwing the ball of yarn that was on the floor to the other side of the room once Umbra had made her way up to check on why he had bounded up the stairs "Now if you be a good kitty today with your doctor ill get you a present" he said smiling at her, she never really had a problem with the vet aslong as he was there with her, he remembered the one time they made him wait outside, shuddering at the thought but that was in their old town, they'd moved maybe twice since then, following his dads work life, at least they could afford the modern home, he;d hate to live in something less than this, He supposed thats what his dad had worked for to give him and his Mom a good home and him decent education.

Pulling Umbra onto the bed attaching the leash to the collar and picking her up "Struggles and ill spray you with the hose" he said poking her nose as he walked downstairs opening the door and heading out, the vet was a decent enough walk he'd end up getting tired carrying her but she was soft and liked it from what he could tell, walking past his neighbours and some of his co workers from the music store, putting Umbra down once he'd gotten half way there, he had till noon and it was eleven now so he'd get there a little early maybe if it wasn't busy they'd get in early and it would be done quicker.

[TakodaVega]

Umbra sat on his chest tilting her head as those blue eyes watched his expression, mewing softly seeing his frustration as she nuzzled against his hand. She never liked it when he got like that. It was another one of those times she wished he could see her for who she really was. Her feline ears tilted backwards as she sat back onto her haunches. Her feline tail curling up around her paws as she twitched her nose. His Mother was conniving. In fact, she always tried to separate the two of them when she had her chances. It didn't help that Umbra was the one who knew him as well as she did, she loved when the would curl up together and watch movies. Sometimes she would curl up around his shoulders and act like a pillow for him. It was pure affection for Umbra. He had raised her from the time she was a small ball of fluff.

She hopped off of his chest to the floor as he rose to get up from the couch. Mewling softly she followed after him, darting between his legs when he walked keeping up easily enough as they made their way to the kitchen. Sweet water was deposited in her unnoticed empty bowl. Lapping at the water she purred however she paused to give him a look, hissing lightly at being referred to as a dog. "And I cuddle better than any dog," she said back to him, even though it was simply rolling meows to him. Lapping at some more of the water she let some of the water touch her paws as she moved to the couch, hopping onto the arm of it.

The perch was one of the hardest to maintain a balance on, thought that was pointless as she missed the passing the exchange of talk between him and his mother. She never liked his mother. One moment he was there, the next he was running back upstairs. She mewled softly before she darted after him. She pushed her head against the door to open the door to his room just in time to see the ball of yarn coming into her direction. Her mind became fixed as she pounced on it, her rear raising in the air as she rolled onto her back batting the ball with her paws. However the word Doctor reached her ears she glanced at him.

Dr. Schwartz had been the first 'Doctor' that had been able to see her for who she was. Her head tilted rolling over onto her side as she watched the yarn roll away from her as she let her feline tail tap against the floor as she waited. He had been always kind to her. The very few times that Umbra had been sick he had even made a house call on her behalf. That had been scary, and something that Umbra herself hadn't wished to repeat. Besides medicine had tasted awful. However, she had been good hands with Alex. She always had been. Mewling she was picked up from the floor and placed on the bed. The audible 'click' of the leash slinking into place didn't bother her in the least. She knew better.

As she was picked up into his arms she leaned up to lick the tip of his nose, twitching her own when he poked it. Umbra never put up a fight, save when that one Vet had separated her from Alex. She didn't like remembering those days, on more than one occasion she had been hurt, more often than not when she was finally returned to Alex she had been crying into his chest and the vet himself had a good handful of scratches from Umbra for his mistreatment of her. Thankfully those few times were the last times. Her attention moved from her thoughts to purring gently in his arms as he carried her through the morning light. Her purple leash was soon put to use though when he set her down on the ground.

She looked up at him before walking beside him, she was seldom let out of the house, so today was a rare treat for her as she walked a little ahead of him when they wandered by a shop window, sitting on her haunches a minute she rose up on her hind legs, resting her front paws on the glass as she looked in. People stared back at her, however one of them sent a shiver down her spine as she turned her gaze to look away from the window to back up at Alex only to see he was walking on leaving her to chase after him, gently rubbing against his shin. She looked back though towards the shop. Something about that gaze still troubled her. She twitched her nose as she followed Alex though, store hopping was always entertaining.

[Dies Irae]

Looking down at Umbra as she started her window shopping tyraid before continuing to walk forward, the leash was long enough so by time she had realized he been continuing she wouldn't have been choked, looking down at her he smiled "Your a bit to small for dresses Umbra" he said smirking as he continued on the path to the vets hospital down the road, walking up the path to the door he picked Umbra up again taking her inside, looking at the receptionist as he approached the counter "Umbra ready for her visit?" the receptionist asked scratching Umbra's chin, Alex nodded smiling as he signed the arrival sheet and went to sit down at the waiting room before they were claled in, it was quite empty today though not many people made appointments on a saturday he shrugged least he might get home earlier.

Scratching Umbras ears softly before he ws called in he stood and took her into the doctors office placing her gently on the table looking up as he took his seat in the corner Umbra good to see you again, and you Alex" he said with his usual calm smile, Alex returned the greeting a leant back, he knew of some owners who had to help hold the pet down but he always got to sit back and just watch, she was always calm when he was around something he guess was planted into her from being his cat since she was young. Looking up as Dr.Schwartz did his routine exam, it was a slow process as always but he was fine just watching the check up take place as long as Umbra was healthy at the end of it.

Looking out of the window watching the birds flying past as Umbra had her routine blood sample taken and everything else the doctor did to check her health, looking up once he told him she was fit as a fiddle and praising him fro the care he took with her, smiling and thanking him he took Umbra in his arms again before returning to the receptionist desk taking his card out and paying for the visit, looking at Umbra he smiled scratching her ears "Good Girl, lets get you that present" he said smiling as he walked out of the store down to the pet surplus store planning to pick out a new toy or something for Umbra to entertain herself while he had the party with his parents.

Moving through the isles Alex peered at most of the cat toys on the shelf, balls with bells inside them and those sticks with the dangling material in different colors and size, looking at Umbra he laughed "Pick something, i'm completely lost" he said making a motion with her paw to bat somethign she wanted, walking along the toy isle slowly trying to figure out what he could get her, blinking as she batted something he grabbed it and a few other toys with it taking it to the counter and paying "Someones getting spoiled" he said smiling as he exited the store putting the bag he had been given in his pocket and making the walk back to his house, holding Umbra for the entire journey this time letting her curl up in his arms.

Getting home at four in the afternoon he put Umbra down on the floor and kicke dhis shoes off at the door, walking back inside and up to his room, taking the toys he had bought and dropping them onto the floor after removing the wrapping and putting it in the waste basket, laying down on his bed he stretched out taking a break before he was called down to dinner and given the plans for how tomorrow was meant to go, looking over at Umbra he smiled snapping his fingers to get her attention then patting the bed softly trying to get her to come up with him.

[TakodaVega]

"That's what you think," She mewled up at him, eying the dress again, still that odd feeling now that she was being watched. Twitching her nose she trotted after him until he scooped her up again. Her ears perked forward as the chime of the door went off, those blue eyes going up towards the source before they moved forward again. One of the human receptionists reached across the counter to scritch under Umbra's chin. It was a sweet spot for her, causing her to purr softly her eyes half-lidded. As he signed her in she lightly pawed at his hand.

The room in here was cold, or maybe that was her senses getting to her as she curled up into Alex's lap once he sat down. There were occasional other animals that popped in, one was a bulldog that seemed to think she was worth investigating as he got closer than she really liked - sniffing at her before licking his chomps with that big dog grin before his owner took him away from her. Good, she was never sure how to react to dogs, however Alex's ear scratches made her purrs grow louder. Just then they were summoned to the check-up office. The metal was cold as she sat like a good kitten, waiting for Dr. Schwartz to come in and give her a once over.

Of course when Dr. Schwartz saw her, she didn't appear as a cat, but rather the neko form she was, sitting with her legs curled up on either side of her. That feline tail of hers curved over hip and covering her mary-jane shoes from view. Those blue eyes watching him as he pulled out his instruments for the day, looked as though it was a simple enough check up. Thankfully he left Alex in the room with her. She knew that Alex would make sure nothing bad would happen to her, she knew that. Granted she trusted the vet as he looked into her ears and checked her eyes. His soft voice filling her ears as he gave her praises for being so still as he did so.

He checked her teeth and went about reaching by her arm to take some blood, before giving her usual round of shots. They needles did the occasional sting which Umbra was used to as he patted her head and handed the sample to one of his assistants, "Please let me know if she acts the least bit unlike her normal self. Don't want her to get sick again." She purred softly as she tilted her head to Alex. How could she act unusual to him when he had no idea that she had been the one who had kissed him. Nuzzling up against Alex's cheek as he picked her up again the cold abating as he held her. She could care less if he got her something, but she knew that it meant something to him on some level to get her something, just like the wishes he had unknowingly asked of her she had been compelled on some level to grant.

The store itself was large, but they had been here often enough to know exactly where to go, when he asked her to pick though she looked up at him and mewled a soft, "Me?" She turned back to the selection, eying her choices when a ball that was different than the others caught her attention. Reaching out she batted at the ball and it lit up. Oh yes, his lovely Umbra could easily entertain herself for hours with this thing. Especially if it lit up and down those stairs. Though as he picked up that and some other toys that would easily be restocked upon she looked up at him when he made his comment. She wouldn't call herself spoiled. Spoiled cats, from what she had seen and experienced from what she saw of the neighbors, were demanding and seemed only to take care of themselves.

She had decided a long time ago that she would protect and love Alex to the death, though at the time her 'love' for him had simply been the affectionate familial affection. Now she wasn't sure what that new spurn of warmth and odd mishmash of emotions was. The walk back home remained uneventful until they passed by that shop. Again she felt like something was watching her, which caused her to nestle into Alex's chest for comfort until they got home. She had almost dozed however her attentive nature returned as he placed onto the floor. Mewling she waited till he unclipped her from the leash before darting off to get a quick drink of water.

She wasn't gone though, bounding up the stairs a few minutes later just in time to see the light up ball drop to the floor. One minute she was at the doorway, the next? Well needless to say there was a definitive light show going along Alex's room as she chased after it Her rump occasionally raising as she set about trying to pounce on it, however her ears perked when she heard the snap of fingers. Looking up she saw him pat the bed beside him and dropped what she was doing to hop into bed beside him. Mewling in question, she gently nuzzled against his cheek before she curled up next to him. Her paws curled up under her chest while her own head rested on his chest. Those blue eyes never leaving him as she purred.

She wished he could see her for who she really was! Maybe then he wouldn't have to go to this party. She was worried in some place of her little heart that he'd find someone there that would sweep him off his feet and that she would be forgotten. She had been told when she was still small that Wish Cats like herself were often forgotten in the end. It was her biggest fear that Alex would eventually forget her.

[Dies Irae]

Alex scratched Umbra's ears for awhile, smiling at her reactions, if only she was a real girl then he'd be set for life, but alas she was only a cat, his little friend to come home to, looking up at the ceiling he only got up when it was time to get his dinner, getting up and going downstairs looking at what they were having, taking the fork for the spaghetti bolognaise and sighing while he ate, thinking about the party tomorrow, he had to deal with Kat, mingle with guest and he;d have to leave Umbra locked in his room while everyone was here so she didn't get stepped on.

He went to bed fairly early apparently he had to help set up the house for the influx of people hat were going to come, also having to make himself look good to the guests but he knew his mother only wanted him to dress nice to impress Kat. Undressing to his boxers he climbed under the covers lazily running his hands through Umbra's fur until he fell asleep. He had a horrid dream that night, thinking about Kat pushing him into a corner because apparently he invited her, he couldn't say anything about his mother concocting a scheme to set them up, she would never believe him even if he said something anyway.

The day of the party came sooner than he wanted to, same routine as always for the morning, he got up and dressed, fed Umbra and had breakfast, showered then he had to go get his good clothes from the closet, fixing his messy hair was another thing making it somewhat presentable though he towel dried it just to keep his messy look, he liked it that way. Spending most of the day with Umbra following him as he prepped the backyard for the party, though inside was being done as well, looking at his dad bringing coolers and ice out, then the gas tank for the barbeque outside.

Taking his time doing the tables just so he wouldn't have to do more, it got to the afternoon fairly quickly, going upstairs snaping his fingers so Umbra would follow him, bringing her water dish and food bowl with him and the biscuits and cat food and a bottle of water from the fridge in a bag, laying it by the door he smiled petting her head before getting into the dress pants and shirt, looking in the mirror hating the clothes before he went to the door "Be a good girl and we'll watch a movie tonight after everyone leaves, i'll bring you something from dinner" he said smiling as he shut the door behind him, making his way downstairs taking a seat on the armrest as guest started to arrive at six o'clock, praying Kat decided she would be to busy to come he frowned when he saw her enter but shook it away not wanting to seem rude.

Seeing her approach he gave a smile though he didn't want to look at her, she was pretty in her dress but knew she was doing it on purpose to intice him, she had been trying to get him on a date since senior year "Hey Kat, glad you could make it" he lied offering a warm smile, he'd get scolded if he actually said anything rude, looking at her she just smiled "Its good to be here, thanks for inviting me" she said quite pleased with herself, th next hour and half he had to sit with her, talking about nothing that even peaked his interest at all, before he managed to get called away by his mother wanting him to go around telling everyone dinner outside was ready, doing his job with distaste he let everyone know, excusing himself before he went out with saying he needed to feed Umbra before she started tearing the room apart.

Heading upstairs he heard a crash coming from his room, sighing he went to the door opening it "Umbra i told you to be good...who are you?" looking up and seeing a strange man in his room, Umbra in the corner with her tail puffed up and fur standing on end "I think you should go" Alex said keeping the door open before moving himself between Umbra nad the strange man, You don't even know, The Wish Cat is mine, do not stand in my way, Alex sighed, his parents had to invite a crazy person didn't they "I think you've drank to much, just leave the room and we can all enjoy the party" he said calmly not wanting to antagonize the man, looking back at Umbra keeping her behind his legs.

The man who he knew nothing about made a lunge for Umbra strangely, Alex moved between them, catching the mans chin with his fist, it probably wasn't right to hit him but he was going for his cat, his best friend, he wasn't going to let someone hurt her if he could stop it, the man recoiled and backed away "You'll not be around to protect her forever, no soon infact you'll be unable to" he muttered making a weird face and moving strangely, Alex almost let out a laugh before the man departed, to bad for Alex the man had just place a curse on him, Alex unknowingly stopped and hit and very powerful Warlock, someone who was after his Umbra who he had no idea was a rare and powerful Wish cat.

Looking over Umbra for a moment before making sure the man left he sighed, shutting the door and locking it this time before laying down on the bed closing his eyes, for Alex his day was only beginning to get weird, he had know idea how weird things were about to become, it would all start once he opened his eyes again.

[TakodaVega]

Umbra purred softly as he continued to scratch and pet her ears, she could easily go to sleep if he kept doing so, curling up carefuly on his chest after a little while as she closed those blue eyes of hers. She had almost drifted off when she felt him shifting beneath her. Raising her head she mewled softly before jumping off of him and onto the floor, stretching slowly as she watched him get up and leave. Her position didn't stay there long however as she jumped right back into the spot he had just left and cuddled up into a ball. His warmth still lingered there, as her eyes remained half lidded. Yawning she stayed where she was, Heaven forbid if Alex's mom saw her downstairs for dinner. She really didn't understand the woman's vendetta against her, she knew that she couldn't see her, but still...

Her ears perked once more though when she watched him come back in and undress. Seeing him in just his boxers had never bothered her, in fact she was quite used to it. She sidestepped out of the way as he curled back into bed next to her, her soft purrs could be heard but despite her sleepy nature, something kept her up just a little while longer. She watched him as he slept, her ears flicking back when she sensed him being upset in his dream world, leaning up slowly she kissed him good night, hoping that she may be able to at least ease some of the bad parts away. He hadn't woken up yet, but at the same time he hadn't. She cuddled up as close as she could to him and finally drifted off to sleep.

Morning came all too soon and for once Umbra was not awake when he got up, waking only when he stirred, mewling softly at him they went about their daily routine, taking a bath in the sink rather than taking a one way trip with him this time, she purred softly. She thought she looked rather nice for the party though her ears perked when Alex finally opened the sliding glass door, hopping up onto the railing to survey the scene below she tilted her head. She wasn't confused for long as she trotted after Alex as he went to set up the place. Umbra could tell there was something wrong had had tried her best to try and cheer him up. Occasionally she would sit in a spot where he was placing something or try to just be a playful kitten. Nothing seemed to brighten his mood though.

Soon the responsive snap of fingers caught her attention as she followed him up the stairs. Confusion lit her face as she noticed her food bowl and the water. Mewling up at him, promising to be good she watched him close the door. She sat a moment before moving to the bed and sitting at the edge of it, looking down with her back to the door, her ears tilted back in a saddened fashion. Why she had chosen to look pretty she didn't know, he couldn't see her however she still had wanted to look nice. The halter top style dress wrapped around the back of her neck and went down to a little bit past her knees. A thigh-high slit however came up one side, which moved up and down slightly as she swung her legs. Alex could never see her as anything but a house cat and a wish cat couldn't grant itself a wish. Her thoughts lingered when the door creaked.

Instantly her ears perked, excited that maybe Alex had decided to change his mind, but then that feeling came back again. That sense of wrong and that she was being watched by something that made her skin crawl. Slowly she glanced over her shoulder, her blue eyes wide. In one hand the man had a bag and in another a rope. "I thought I wasn't seeing things, little Wish Cat," his dark chuckle made all the hair on her stand on end as she started to back away from the man though he kept coming, making a lunge for her across the bed she scampered, accidentally knocking over a lamp from the end table next to the bed as she continued to back away. Hissing and growling, Umbra lengthened her claws as she was prepared to fight, for her life in necessary. "You're mine!"

Safety, however, wasn't far behind as the door opened again and Alex came in. "Alex!" came from her lips, but he really only heard her mrowl out to him. She was aware that the man could see her, frightened and skittish, but now Alex was there to protect her, and whenever Alex saw that need he made sure to keep her safe. However something about this man was bad, almost evil as she butted her head against his leg. She didn't want him to get hurt because of her! She loved him too much to even have that thought cross her mind. However he did as he had always done, keep her safe.

Of course keeping the male away from a highly valuable, and highly rare Wish Cat was a challenge he didn't even know he had in hands. Only a Female Wish Cat could bring about more wish cats into the world, and all things considered it was highly possible that Umbra was the last female. She was leery of the male especially after he had said those things to Alex and disappeared away, evil lurked in the room, she could feel it. However once Alex got up and locked the door and settled onto the bed Umbra promptly went to join him. Worry across her features as he closed his eyes. Mewling softly she watched him and reached out unknowing that soon their very lives were about to change.

Stroking along his cheek softly, the female remained settled on top of his chest, she didn't like that he looked so bone wear at that moment, "Are you alright, Alex?" She asked carefully. Of course what she didn't know that what he heard wasn't the mewls and what he felt wasn't a paw but her hand and her voice. Her silver collar still shown across her neck, something that had never been removed, along with the silver bell that hung beneath. Her feline tail swished this way and that as she waited anxiously for a response, though not nearly as fluffy as it had been earlier - Umbra was finally calming down, it definitely be a site to see for Alex.

[Dies Irae]

Feeling Umbra jump on the bed, still trying to think of why someone would try and steal her, feeling her paw his cheek he paid little attention to it before he felt weight on his chest, thinking he needed to tone down her diet a little before hearing words, sighing he turned his head to side Are you alright, Alex? mulling it over for a moment he sighed "Yeah, I'm fine..." he said going back to his thoughts for a small moment before opening his eyes slowl "W..Wait who asked that?" he questioned looking forward and being greeted by a strange girl sitting on his lap, blinking for a moment he sat up slowly "How'd you get in through a locked..." his mind just stopped in its tracks, looking to the corner of the room and all over not seeing Umbra anywhere, returning his gaze to the girl sitting in his lap, somewhat familiar.

Sliding her off his lap standing up and walking the room, running his hands over his head, he was thinking to much, questions, statements anything he wanted to say wouldn't come out right, looking at her he pointed slowly "You..." he muttered, remembering a few months prior, a street party, he was having some withdrawals on the lack of dating he had been getting with an influx of work shifts, but for once he had a day off and she ended up there, it was as if he was drawn to her or she to him, but one way or another they ended up talking for a moment, that was all before she'd pulled him behind a tree and kissed him before running off saying something about she was late for some appointment, he'd never seen her again but she promised he would one day.

Rubbing his eyes making sure he wasn't dreaming he looked her over, something wasn't right there, she had a...a tail and then he noticed the ears as well, looking back at the door he smiled "Oh this is a joke isn't it, someone paid that guy to come in here and you snuck in and when i laid down you came out and did that, what a show, you sure know how to make an entrance" he said laughing as he looked through various places Umbra hid herself "Umbra, come out you don't need to be scared" he said snapping his fingers, when no ball of black fluff came out he froze in place, looking back up slowly to the girl sitting on his bed "Umbra..." he muttered before falling over backwards, a combination of shock and overthinking had made him shutdown, fainting on his floor luckily missing anything that would injure him.

In his short minute and a half of unconsciousness he dreamed of playing with Umbra outside with her ball, like she seemed to love, running up and down the stairs, coming to as he remembered giving her baths once a month, looking up seeing her eyes staring at him, pulling back he leant against the closet, "I'm dreaming, i have to be, any second i'll wake up and everything will be normal, your just a dream, cats don't turn into people, thats a fairytale, doesn't happen in real life" he exclaimed closing his eyes again pinching his arm feeling pain he nodded opening his eyes to see her still there, and he swore he saw her holding back a laugh, he was still having trouble comprehending this whole ordeal.

[TakodaVega]

Umbra's eyes widened, those blue eyes of hers filled with surprised. "Y-you actually heard me?" she said softly, her ears tilting backwards as she was soon deposited from his lap to onto the bed next to him as he rose from the bed and started pacing. "A-and you can see me, Alex?" Her feline ears flattened. This couldn't be good, and probably had to do something with what the man had done to him. Her feline tail swished as she remained in her spot. Her eyes followed each of his steps. He was obviously questioning his sanity now as she pulled herself up onto the foot of the bed. Concern filtering through her features she perked her ears forward listening to him. She could see those questions in his eyes as she waited for him to speak.

While not exactly what she had meant when she had said they would meet again, she didn't seem to have a choice in the matter. Her feline tail coiled around her thigh as she waited patiently, as always, for him to come back to his sense of self. However she shook her head, the bell making a noise as she did before darting across the bed to catch him before he hit his head against the floor. Her fingers very soft as she gently stroked along his cheek. However her hand was shaky before she looked around. She needed to call Dr. Schwartz. That was for sure. She had never heard of anyone, at least normal, suddenly being able to see her. It had been unheard of.

Her ears drooped sadly when he pulled away from her, however she let him go. He needed this sense of bearings. However it was hard to not chuckle when he tried to pinch himself awake. That soft voice of hers filled the room, "This is no dream, and I'm not sure why you can see me now when you couldn't before. I believe it has something to do with the man from earlier. He, too, could see me as he called me a Wish Cat." She said gently as her tail swished back and forth before rising to her feet and moving back to the bed. "I'm sure you have questions, and I'm not sure I'll be able to answer them all, but I can certainly try to."

This would be...strange for Umbra, considering she had never had a conversation, or even attempted one really, outside of offhand comments since she was younger. Curling up on the bed on her side, her feline tail coiling over her hip, she very much looked like the at she had been. She just wondered if he remembered their kiss from before. She wasn't sure how she would react if he kissed her like this. She honestly didn't, however she wasn't ready for such things either. However some part of her mind had crept up knowing that now he could see her. She could actually act on her feelings now, but was that a good thing? She shoved her questions into the back of her mind as she waited for Alex to speak.

[Dies Irae]

Alex looked up at the now Neko girl laying on his bed, questions? he had to many to count, with the possibility of not having them answered he decided to leave it till the morning, though he was confused, "I'm going to get dinner and think" he said quietly moving out of the room, pulling the door closed, running his fingers through his hair before making his way to the stairs, people will still lively, none knew and none would believe him if he said anything, unknown to him a small bullet sized part of his lower back had turned the color of stone, the mark of the curse the old warlock had placed upon him, he'd said he'd protect her, he'd done that at least, though it would cost him his life if the curse progressed to its completion.

Moving outside, pouring himself a glass of water, holding his head in his hand, he was sweating, why? had he gotten that worked up, he'd just discovered his cat was actually a girl, one he had kissed once no less, "Alex are you ok?" he turned to see Kat standing behind him, sighing he smiled and nodded, taking a swig of his drink "I'm just feeling a bit tired, i'm just going to grab dinner and take a nap" he said offering a forced smile, Kat a normal human, a refreshing awakening from the strange girl upstairs, pulling away to fill a plate full of food he smiled back to Kat before going to make his leave, being turned looking down feeling hands against his cheeks, then warm lips against his, stumbling backward he looked down confused "Feel better ok, call me sometime ok" she said softly, caring, she genuinely cared, not that he felt the same.

Processing his thoughts in a quiet part of the house, one part his father didn;t want guests, in the second living room, his quiet place, he ate slowly, food wasn't going down easy but he didn;t complain, it was good and he was hungry but he had to much on his mind, looking up he left his cleaned plate before making his way back upstairs, stopping at the door for a moment thinking of what questions he could ask her, making a definite list of the must ask before putting his hand on the door and stepping back into the room, turning the light on in the process, looking back to the girl laying on his bed, the one he had kissed, his former, no his cat.

Seating himself on the bed, laying against the pillows he sighed, he wanted answers, he wanted to sleep, looking at her he sighed giving her a smile, it was still Umbra in some small way, his best friend, his companion, that wouldn't have changed at all "I'll just ask now, after that i'm going to sleep" he muttered looking to her eyes "What's a Wish Cat?, Can others see you? and...Why could i see you at the street party?" he asked, that was all he wanted to know for now, just to let his mind have some sort of respite from the churning quetions in his head. Looking at her he kicked his shoes off to the floor, he was going to keep his word about going to sleep once he had his answers, he was tired, the fainting had sapped most of his energy, coupled with the decent food he was suppressing yawns already.

[TakodaVega]

Umbra tucked her feline ears back, looking down a minute before sitting back up once more. "Alright, take your time. I understand, Alex." And she truly did, he had been through a shock, she just needed to be patient. It was just the one person she had always wanted to talk to now was able to do so, and see her for who she was. It was strange and exciting all at once. However once he left she felt the nagging at her start, what if now that he had seen who she really was, he would reject her? Or simply label himself crazy for the rest of his days. She tucked her knees up to her chin as she sat there in thought for a long moment. Glancing to the dresser she moved to grab the bottle from it taking a sip of the cool water before she placed it back down.

She knew, however, something had to have happened to have made it so that Alex had been able to see her, she nibbled on her knuckle lightly as she started to pace around the room in thought before finally settling back onto her favorite corner of the bed. She had to find out what the man had done to her Alex. She blinked, when did she start thinking of him being hers? If anything she had always been his from the moment she had laid her eyes on him those many years ago. She had chosen that all the wishes she could offer would be his even if it was the end of her.

Before long darkness crept into the room, Umbra had curled up slightly her back towards the door however she perked when she heard the door open slowly. The food he had always offered her was empty by now, though Umbra had never complained because she was essentially a cat. She would have been happy being offered only love and affection. Those blue eyes never left his face as he made his way to the bed, her feline tail hooking over her thigh before she slowly sat up, giving him his space on the bed. From here though she could smell that something was off. Twitching her nose she remained still, the scent of another woman lingered on him.

That cut more than it should have. Umbra had been fairly certain by now that any feelings she had for Alex would be completely her own and more than likely never be returned. After all she was far from human, and he well, was. Unless he wished her otherwise she was going to stay that way. However when that small smile the pain eased just a little, though her heart still ached. Those feline ears of her perking as she listened to his questions. She sat up completely, sitting cross-legged in front of him as she slowly spoke. "I am a Wish Cat, a virtually immortal creature much like a genie or a jinn. All Wish Cats have irremovable collar like this one," she tapped the silver bell on her throat, "that is the source of how we can use and grant wishes. It's not like a lamp or anything like that it's...I'm not sure how quite to explain it."

'Except to mention its attached to our very life threads and that is what powers the gift of your wishes,' she thought to herself before she continued on. "The only people who have been able to see me before were either not human or they coursed with magic, much like Doctor Schwartz does. Possibly like you do now, since before you couldn't see me." Her feline ears tilted back at his last question gently rubbing along her upper arm nervously. "I granted you one of your wishes." What she didn't want to tell him was exactly how many wishes she had, nor how many she had granted him. Or even what happened when he used all her wishes.

[Dies Irae]

Alex looked over Umbra as she spoke, she was a genie like creature, she always seemed like a normal cat to him, though the statement about who could see her for her true form cleared that puzzling thought easily enough, Umbra's vet could see her, perhaps that was where he should begin looking for answers, the next few words hit him hard, something of a self esteem lowering moment as she told him she had granted his wish to kiss a girl, looking at her he moved a hand to brush her cheek, soft and warm, he wasn't used to new feeling touching her gave, only remembering the warm and fluffy feeling of her fur, scratching her ears like he usually did he sighed, crawling underneath the blanket, looking at Umbra for a moment before lifting the other side of the queen sized beds covers up, moving one of his two pillows to the other side, offering her to sleep under the warm blanket, he thought she looked cold, he felt kind of bad thinking of how long she'd slept on top of the covers, especially in winter.

Laying his head back, falling into the embrace of the sleep that was calling him since he;d sat down, plagued with dreams of all the times he'd spent with her, the feeding, the playing, then the walks to the vet, sitting up straight sweating, the realization he'd been walking her on a leash for years and she was really a girl like that, turning a deep shade of red looking down at her sleeping, he laid back and after several minutes slipped back into the deep sleep. Dreaming of her, the future, having happier dreams than before he slept until the alarm went off early in the morning, hitting the button before pulling his way out of bed, at least his parents wouldn't be awake until at least midday, he figured they had gotten drunk during the party or at least close to it.

Moving out of the bed, slipping on a dressing gown to keep warm, looking over at his cat turned girl seeing it wasn't a dream, sighing while digging through the closet to find a spare one for Umbra, he tossed it to her before walking out of the room, making the familiar snap of his fingers as he left, even if she wasn't;t exactly a cat, he still had to feed her, his responsibilities wouldn't change even if she was like she was. Stumbling his way down the hall and into the kitchen pulling out his usual breakfast from the cupboard, this time making a second one, setting it on the dining table across from him. He ate slowly, watching her, thinking of what to say, "Good Morning anyway" he said softly, half to hide his nervousness and half to avoid waking his parents.

"So if i shouldn't be able to see you, i think we should visit the doctor and find out why i can now" he said before drinking the leftover milk in the bowl, moving to the sink and washing up slowly, catching glances at her when he could, he had to say she was pretty, the ears and tail were a little hard to ignore but other than that, she was attractive, looking at her, he scratched her ears, "Wait out here, your not allowed in the shower with me like that" he said, "Its a little weird" he muttered as he went into the bathroom, closing the door and locking it for the first time since he'd had her as a pet. Stripping and stepping into the shower he sighed, thinking on what to do, he would feel uncomfortable putting her on the leash now, but then other people couldn't see her, so he had to to not look strange.

Musing while he showered, he eventually stepped out and dried off, coming out of the shower and looking at her, "Alright, well head out soon, i think we both want to know why i can see you" he said leaning against the sofa, putting his shirt back on and sliding his jacket on before finding his shoes, getting to the door with her he looked her over "Don't catch a cold" he said moving out of the door holding it open for her, if anything he joked about her outfit only to easy his spinning mind, some small part of him was happy he had someone he could talk to and if anyone Umbra was the person he would want most, Umbra probably knew more than he'd cared to tell but he never knew she was actually hearing what he said till last night.

[TakodaVega]

Umbra purred softly as she gently nuzzled into his hand when he reached to touch her cheek, those blue eyes never leaving his. Her feline ears relaxed as she could watch the emotions going through his head. His eyes could never lie to her, then again he had never lied to her. She perked her ears when he started to scratch along the base of them, her hands lightly kneading into the bed in contentment if the purrs didn't give away that he was doing the right things. However when he offered her a spot under the covers with him she blinked. She didn't register the cold until she got wet normally or unless it was freezing. She knew though that now that he knew who she really was things would change. She hesitated only a moment before she curled up under the covers next to him. However she turned onto her side away from him to give him at least some space and peach of mind.

Once he was asleep her clothes changed from that dress she had been wearing to something she felt comfortable sleeping in. A simple nightie, something she had grown used to doing, would have made him flip his lid if he had been awake to see. However sleep wasn't far behind Umbra as she stilled when she felt him shoot up behind her. How she wanted to turn and see what was wrong but she knew that would have been the worst time to do so. Only when he finally fell asleep did she turn over carefully turn over and inch her way closer to kiss his cheek gently, "Sweet Dreams, Alex." She said gently before curling up into a ball and finally drifting to sleep. She didn't wake when the alarm went off, that had been something she had learned to tune out, but when he got up from the bed those blue eyes of hers opened and she yawned slowly showing off feline canines and stretching when a piece of clothing was tossed her way. Blinking she picked it up and glanced up at him with those blue eyes.

She knew he was trying so hard to adjust, slipping it on she slid from the bed to follow him after he had snapped his fingers. Her ears perking as she followed after him obediently. She peeked at him at the edge of the doorway before following him down the stairs to the kitchen. The morning routine was different this morning, cocking her head to the side as he gave her a bowl of cereal. Well this was different, not that she didn't know how to eat with a spoon but it was definitely different than she was used to. She ate the flakes slowly as those blue eyes rose to him, "Morning, Alex. I hope you slept better." She perked her feline ears to listen to him. "He is a good man, he would know what to do." She nodded at that before she polished off the bowl, her tongue darting out to lick the remaining bits of milk before depositing it too in the sink. Umbra's purrs were soft when he scratched at her ears. However they swung backwards when he said for once she wouldn't be joining him. Not like she hadn't seen everything before but she understood.

There is a difference to being a cat and then there was Umbra being as she was. She watched him go before taking some of the water from the sink and washing her face. Again she started to change. the nightshirt falling to the floor as she wore the black button-up shirt, a skirt resting on her hips as those black stockings covered her pale legs. By the time he came out she was changed, his shirt folded and upstairs once more where it belonged and she had her leash with her of all things when they returned back to the living area. She raised an eyebrow, "I don't get cold, Alex, not in the same way humans do." She said gently before passing her leash to him. "You'll need this once we're in town, the others won't let you let me be free footed. It doesn't bother me in the least." It was so odd for her to be able to hold a conversation with Alex now. Though once they got into the sunlight it started again, her shadow was not that of a catgirl but of Umbra's feline form.

[Dies Irae]

Alex looked at the leash once she handed it to him, being driven back into the disturbing dream he'd had last night, all of it was starting to get at least a little easier to deal with, the leash though was the biggest problem he was facing at the present moment, reluctantly he clipped it onto the back of her collar though he tried to at least keep to the side of Umbra just so he didn't have to look at it, it was weird now, putting a leash on Umbra when she was a girl, that was something the stranger people of the world enjoyed doing, he sighed as they walked shrugging it off, he'd get used to it one way or another, he'd have to if he didn't want to look different than he was before he found out Umbra wasn't a real cat persay, somewhat of a cat just not the real thing anymore.

The walk this time was agonizingly slow, he had no idea of what to talk about to her, strange how he had been idly talking to her since he'd gotten her but now that they could hold a conversation the words just wouldn't come to him, in the point were they were alone during the walk he only managed to blurt out "So what do you like?" though he felt incredibly embarrassed by the lack of an interesting topic, of all the thing he could have asked her it wasn't on her race or the magic or whether every fairytale creature he'd ever heard of was real, but what she liked and just a general question at that, no specifics, he'd never felt like a bigger idiot. Though the awkwardness seemed to pass with time and it wasnt until they had gotten to the shopping street that he found the questions or topics to talk about, curse his luck, perhaps he'd take dinner in his room and just get to know the real Umbra better, at least that might help him calm down about the wishcat thing.

Walking into the vet being greeted with a worried face of the girl behind the counter "Just need to see the doctor today, don't worry nothings wrong with her" he said nerve racked as he glanced to Umbra, she may be comfortable but talking to someone about the now person standing next to him was harder than he had first imagined it would be, after a small lie of an explanation for the return visit he was seated and given a number, he looked away as he let Umbra sit on his lap, everything he had once done with her was now becoming increasingly more awkward just the simple things were more couple like now that he could see her, not that it was a bad thought but, still she wasn't human at least not to everyone else, though he supposed he'd be the envy of a great many people, a pet neko wasn't that the dream fantasy of every anime or manga fan out there.

Soon enough he was called in, the warm smile of Dr.Schwartz was at least normal, though he now knew the man could see Umbra, though he got the question "Something wrong with Umbra Alex?" he shook his head "Not her Dr, but im sure she can tell you" he said taking his seat feeling defeated, he had no clue where to begin on what happened, he didn't really remember the incident before he saw her for the first time, just an old guy trying to steal his cat, then muttering some weird stuff and leaving, if anyone had a clear view of the event it was her, she was watching the whole time during the incident.

[TakodaVega]

Umbra waited patiently as Alex clipped the hook on ring on her collar. She purred out to him though, in a comforting rumble, knowing how hard it was for him to do such a thing to her now that she wasn't his old four-legged companion. She was, but she wasn't and she knew that it was hard for him to cope with that thought. The walk to the office had been quiet, at first. Her blue eyes glancing over at him noticing that he seemed to be torn with what to do.

A small frown dashed across her features, she hated to see him so torn of what exactly he was supposed to do. Reaching up she carefully tucked some of the stray strands of her short hair behind one of her feline ears. "Alex you don't have to try and act differently," her lips twitched up into a small smile, "Just be yourself." She blinked however when he finally blurted out what was on his mind. She took the time at least to mull over her answer, though she knew the answer just as soon as he had asked it. "You, and all you are and will be. That is what I like." She answered carefully, a small blush dusting her cheeks as they finally made it to the doctor's office.

Now this was going to be different. She listened to him explain what was going on to the Vet tech behind the counter as she waited patiently lightly tugging on his pants, much like Umbra would as a feline with her paw. It was out of reassurance as they slowly made their way to their usual corner. There were others waiting with their animals, however none seemed to appear as awkward as the two regulars that came. Curling up carefully into his lap, she gently nuzzled into his chest and tugged on his shirt with her hand. He wasn't the only one worried, she had no idea why Alex could see her either. Her feline tail gently coiled about his waist as they waited for their number to be called. Despite being a full size female, Umbra weighed not much differently in his lap than she did as a cat, it just covered more ground area so to speak.

As soon as their number was called, Umbra's ears perked as she slid down from her perch in his lap to wait until he rose from his seat to take her to the examination room. Dr. Schwartz, though normal to most, seemed to know something was up. After all, Umbra had been fine and been fit of health yesterday. She mewled softly at the sound of Alex's defeat. Worry crossing her own features as she went to gently nuzzle his cheek, taking over the chair beside him to try and coax more of his usual self out. Turning her gaze to the Doctor she bit her lip carefully. "He can see me now. We don't know why."

She explained about what had happened the night before in Alex's bedroom, her body slowly moving to curl up next to him as she talked. She wanted to comfort him, but didn't know precisely how to do so. Not when she was like this. Dr. Schwartz listened carefully to Umbra as she explained what had happened a thoughtful look on his face. "Seeing Umbra is a bit of a mystery. It sounds as though the Man you encountered was after her ability to grant wishes. I want you to keep me posted the next few days about your condition and hers and tell me if anything changes. Unfortunately my ability is reserved for animals, and creatures like Umbra, however once I have an idea of what is going on I may be able to ask someone else in the Circles to see if they may know what is going on."

[Dies Irae]

Umbra's carefree attitude towards the situation they were in was throwing Alex for a loop, he had a neko girl where his pet cat used to be, a weird old guy had snuck into his room to steal her and now he was going to the vet to find out what was wrong, sitting on his chai he stayed still when Umbra nuzzled his cheek, giving her a light pat on the head in return, he wanted to treat her just like before, but then he felt strange, ever since that time he kissed that girl which he now knew was her he'd sort of held out hope she'd come back and now she was here, just not in the way he expected, looking up when she spoke, he nodded when Dr Schwartz looked to him for confirmation of the fact he could see her.

Listening to Umbra's explanation, letting her curl close he watched the doctors facial expressions, nothing seemed to phase him though with the current situation Alex wondered just how much unusual things he had actually seen in his time as a vet if he was even a vet really. Nodding in respons to his request he sat up straighter "I'll come by if anything changes with me or her then" he said softly, standing "Hopefully someone has an answer" he said "Thank you for your help, well see you soon" he said, taking Umbra's leash in hand and walking out, avoiding small talk with the receptionist.

Once he was outside he thought on what to do, should he treat her like a cat or like a person, he supposed in public it was obvious which he would have to do, just to avoid suspicion but in private he was confused, he wanted to believe it all would stay that way, it wasn't like he hadn't already said to Umbra that he wished she weren't a cat so they could be more than companions, but then that was when she was a cat and now she was well beautiful to him, just like that day they shared a kiss, even with all that had happened he still wished he had stopped her leaving, asked her to stay, but then she had never really left.

Looking over to Umbra as they walked he smiled softly, it was becoming easier to bear the new information, mainly because Dr Schwartz had been able to give him some hope, though he wasn't worried as much, he could talk to Umbra now and not just the ramblings he usually said to her "It's not a bad thing i can see you really" he mused outloud, looking to her eyes, the blue reflecting his gaze back to him, smiling he continued walking "Cat or Girl, your still my best friend and companion" he said smiling, looking around to see if anyone was around before smirking "Guess i have to repay that kiss sometime then?" he said jokingly but with a slight hint of truth beneath it.

Getting home he had been tired, the walked seemed longer but pleasant, grabbing two bottles of water from the fridge making his way to his room, scratching at his back almost hitting the starting point of the curse, handing the second bottle to Umbra as he collapsed onto the bed "So...i've picked approximately three thousand movies we've watched i think its your turn" he said with a bright smile, coming to the realization that Umbra was still his best friend and companion no matter what form she took made it a lot easier to deal with the fact she was a Wish Cat, though now he wondered on what he had to do to make it so she was able to be with him everywhere as a girl not a cat.

[TakodaVega]

The brief exchange with a the vet had left them both with questions and less answers than what they started with. That was troubling to Umbra who wished to ease Alex's mind from the burning questions she was sure burned in them. She kept up with his pace easily enough outside the vet's, lost at that moment in her thoughts when he blurted what he had been musing about. Looking up at him, she flashed him a small smile. "I never doubted that would change," she said softly bumping against him, much like a cat would rub against their owner's pants.

His hinted joked promise brought another blush against her cheek. "Y-you don't have to do that. I wanted to grant your wish," she said aloud though maybe it had been a mutual wish at this point. She had been with Alex for so long now, and he had saved her life, taken care of her...what was not to love about the man he was? He wasn't a little boy anymore that was for sure.

Her emotions were all helter-skelter now because of his little banter of a hinted promise. Once they had returned home, and he detached her leash from the collar around her neck thing seemed to settle into a new pattern. While he wandered off to the kitchen, her fingers danced across her own lips. Had he meant what he had said? She could remember the warmth, and gentleness in his lips. Who wouldn't want that? She shook her head, following him back up the stairs.

He seemed intent now to treat he as more than a cat, though she was that still that. "I don't think you've picked that many movies," she teased lightly. Her feline tail swayed behind her as she looked over the movies in his collection, ears perched as she mused. She made her way to crouch in front of the video stands before a movie caught her eye. Spirited Away, had always been a great significance to her. She often wondered why, but maybe it explained their dynamic.

Pulling the movie from the shelf she passed it to him, "Can we watch this one?" she asked cautiously. Though he had given her the choice, he could always choose to not to. If he did, she would go back to the couch and curl up in her usual spot next to him. She loved to watch him, and once he was done she would put her head, as she always had, on his thigh. Unless of course he changed his position on her. Then it would be a new wave of surprise to her system.