Nekomata, Nekomata
"There once was an injured kitten, all alone and hurt in Chinju Forest. Most people would simply walk right past... But our boss, the great Arataki Itto? Oh, no! He rushed to his aide right away, without a second thought!"

"He carried the poor thing home and nursed him back to health. For most people, such injuries would not be so easily mended... But for our boss, the great Arataki Itto? Oh, no! He healed him with ease!"

"The kitten was so grateful for having his life saved that he gained the power to take human form, just to tell him: 'As thanks for saving me, I shall serve you for the rest of my days... Boss.' Now, anyone else would probably be quite shocked by this... But our boss, the great Arataki Itto? Oh, no! He handled it calmly and maturely, as he is..."

"Akira, Genta, Mamoru... What are the three of you doing?"

Akira: "A-ah! Shinobu!"

Kuki Shinobu stands there with her arms crossed as she looks down at her three fellow Arataki Gang members, who are seated on the ground, in the middle of scribbling something on a sheet of paper while snacking on Tricolor Dango.

Genta: "We're working on Boss's autobiography. We're currently writing about when he first found and rescued Nyataro."

Mamoru: "Hm... did we do a good enough job describing how great he is during this section?"

Kuki Shinobu: "Let me see that..."

She swipes the paper away, taking a look at what they've written. In basically no time at all, she groans and glances back at the trio.

Akira: "Did you... not like what we wrote?"

Shinobu: "Okay, first of all... Akira, it's true that Boss was the one to find Nyataro... but only because he ended up separating from us and got lost while we were traveling through the forest."

Akira: "W-well, that helped Boss be at the right place at the right time! It was fate that brought him to our new little buddy!"

Shinobu: "Second, Genta... I recall Boss sprinting towards us in a hurry, cradling Nyataro in his arms... while bawling his eyes out and begging me to heal him."

Genta: "W-well, it's still thanks to Boss's efforts that Nyataro's life was saved... technically!"

Shinobu: "Lastly, Mamoru... Seriously, what you wrote is the most ridiculous! Nyataro can change into human form because he's a nekomata. And there was nothing 'calm' about how Boss reacted to him transforming for the first time... I've never seen him shriek as loudly as he did that day!" She sighs, shaking her head. "Not to mention, Nyataro didn't say any of what you wrote... because even in human form, he can't talk!"

Mamoru: "Okay, I may have exaggerated my part a teensy bit..."

Shinobu: "You call this 'teensy'?!"

Nyataro: "Mrrow?"

Nyataro ambles over to them slowly, on all fours despite being in his human form, that of a young boy. He stretches his body, having just woken up from a nap. The oni mask he normally wears slips off his head, which he catches with his tail.

Akira: "Oh, sorry buddy, did we wake you?"

Genta: "Hey, we're writing about you!" He takes the paper from Shinobu, and holds it up to show Nyataro. "What do you think?"

Nyataro: "Nya?" He simply tilts his head slightly in response.

Shinobu: "Nyataro can't read either..."

Nyataro: "Meow!" He suddenly lunges toward the paper and snatches it, curling it up into a ball and batting it around.

Genta: "N-no! Nyataro, what are you doing?!"

Mamoru: "This is his way of showing he disapproves of what we wrote, clearly! I knew it, we didn't make Boss sound cool enough!"

Shinobu: She places a hand on her forehead in exasperation. "Good grief..."

Nyataro: "Nya!" Both his ears and tail suddenly perk up, and in an instant he abandons the ball of paper to dart off toward whatever caught his attention.

Akira: "A-ah! Nyataro, where are you going?!"

Genta: "Come back!"

Unlike the other three, Shinobu remains calm.

Shinobu: "Ah, so he's back. Finally."

A familiar, tall and broad-shouldered oni strides toward the group, with his typical loud and bright grin. Nyataro quickly shifts into his cat form before springing up his arm, perching on top of his shoulder and rubbing his cheek against the oni's neck with a happy purr.

"Sup, li'l buddy! You miss me?" He chuckles, patting Nyataro on the head before turning towards the others. "Yo, compadres! Ready for our epic 'Beetle Brawl'?! I just got done getting everything set up!"

Akira, Genta, and Mamoru cheer with equal excitement. Shinobu sighs and shakes her head again.

Shinobu: "We finished getting everything set up, Boss." She reminds him. "It's thanks to me that we even secured a legal venue this time."

Arataki Itto: "A-ah, yeah, of course..." He laughs nervously, scratching the back of his head. "The last thing we need is the Tenryou Commission shutting everything down in the middle of the final match... again."

Shinobu: "Where did you go, anyway? We left at the same time..."

Itto: "I had to make sure we had the finest Onikabuto for our Beetle Brawl, of course! So all the gang members can participate this time!" He turns his head toward Nyataro, who's still sitting on his shoulder. "That includes you, li'l dude! I know the spirit of a mighty, beetle-taming warrior lies within you. I'm sure of it!"

Nyataro: "Mrrow?" He tilts his head in confusion.

Shinobu: "... Boss, do you remember what I told you?"

Itto: "Hm? Uh, no, what did you tell me...?"

Shinobu: "Nyataro can't participate. In fact, he won't be going with us to the venue at all."

Itto: "W-wha-WHAT?!" He staggers back, dramatically gasping.

Shinobu: "Have you already forgotten what happened last time? When Nyataro pounced into the arena during one of the matches?"

Itto: "Oh. Right. H-he... got so excited, that he wanted to fight in the competition himself..."

Shinobu: "He ate one of the beetles!"

Itto: "Yes... He devoured one of my finest champions..." He frowns, patting Nyataro on the head again. "He surely... desired to harness the power of my strongest Onikabuto... by eating it. I guess..."

Shinobu: "He's staying behind. Unless you're fine with losing all the Onikabuto you gathered for this competition too."

Itto lets out a tragic, deep exhale before setting down his feline friend. He looks deep into his eyes, tears welling up in his own.

Itto: "Listen, buddy. It's not easy to say this, but... You're going to have to stay behind."

Nyataro: "M-meow?" He whimpers sadly.

Itto: "I know, it's not easy for me, either. B-but... it's just... I can't stand the pain of having one of my Onikabuto eaten again. The last one was one of my most prized warriors... I cried for three whole days and nights after losing him!"

Sad, melodramatic music begins to play in the background (courtesy of the other gang members), while sakura petals slowly fall from above (also courtesy of the other gang members).

Itto: "S-so, I'm sorry... But during today's Beetle Brawl... You'll have to stay here. All by yourself. I-I'll... I'll miss you!"

Nyataro: "N-nya!"

Itto hugs Nyataro tight, tears running down both of their faces. Akira, Genta, and Mamoru cry deep, sorrowful tears as well.

Shinobu: "Would you all knock it off? We'll only be gone for a few hours!"

Itto: "Be strong, l'il buddy. You're one of our most mature, capable gang members, so I know you'll be fine on your own!"

Shinobu: "That is... technically true. Unfortunately."

Nyataro lets out a sad meow as he watches the others walk away. Itto stops and glances back at Nyataro one last time, his lip trembling... before Shinobu grabs the stubborn oni by the arm, pulling him forward.

Nyataro: "... Mrrr..."

Nyataro stares at the now empty path for a bit longer, before reluctantly deciding to nap again. He curls up, his tail wrapped around his small body. As much as he wants to chase after them, even he knows better than to cross Shinobu. So, he obeys and stays put...

... for a couple seconds.

Nyataro: "Mrrow!" He growls as he gets up again, his tail flicking as he dashes toward Inazuma City.

--

The streets of Inazuma City are relatively calm this afternoon. The breeze carries the scent of the sea, along with a couple sakura petals that gently float down to the ground.

A pair of soft pawsteps and jingling bells are heard wandering through the city, which eventually stop outside Ogura Textiles.

"Komaniya Express, at your service! Here's your package, Ogura-san!"

Ogura Mio: "Ah, Kirara! I didn't expect to get this so quickly, thank you so much!"

Kirara: "Of course, I take pride in my swift deliveries! Just sign and stamp here, please~!"

Unbeknownst to them or any of the other passersby, a small blue blur zooms through the streets. Nyataro skids to a stop when he notices something that immediately catches his attention.

Still in his cat form, he slowly and quietly approaches the unfamiliar young-looking woman from behind, her happily swaying tails both confusing and intriguing him.

Nyataro: "Mmrow?"

Tails? Two? And she also has cat ears like him. Just who is this? He glances back at his own tail, then at hers again.

However, it doesn't take long for the pendulum-like swinging of her tails to cause his playful instincts to get the better of him. With a light meow, he pounces toward them, nibbling on one of the ends.

Kirara: "Mmr-NYAAA?!" She yelps as she topples backward, scrambling to check on her tails after hitting the ground. "W-whoa, what're you...? Naughty kitty!"

Mio: "A... blue kitten? I've never seen one of that color before..."

Before Kirara can grab him, Nyataro leaps back, instinctively changing into his human form, still on all fours and taking a defensive stance.

Kirara: "W-wait, what? You just... transformed?!"

Mio: "What is he? A tanuki, perhaps?"

Kirara: "No, I think... C-could it be...?" Her ears twitch in excitement. "You're a nekomata, like me?!"

Nyataro: "Meow?!" His ears and tail perk up a bit after what she said, eyes now locked on Kirara.

Nyataro slowly and cautiously approaches her, Kirara softening immediately after she notices.

Kirara: "There, there! I'm not gonna hurt you."

His eyes narrow, his instincts fighting between his curiosity and wariness.

Kirara: "Oh, I know!" She transforms herself, a box dropping onto and covering her smaller form. She lifts it up over her head, waving happily at him with her other front paw. "See, look! I can change forms, just like you. Meow~!"

Nyataro: "N-nya?!" His ears and tail perk up even more in shock at the unexpected sight.

Mio: "Awww, Kirara! I don't think I've ever seen your cat form!"

Kirara: She transforms back, her arms outstretched. "It's okay! Come here!"

Nyataro shifts back into his own cat form and allows her to hold him. Kirara gently lifts him up, getting a closer look at him.

Kirara: "Yeah, you're definitely not an ordinary cat... or a tanuki. Though this is the first time I've met another nekomata, at least that I can remember... But you seem so young, so how can you already transform?! And you only have one tail, how is that even...?!"

Mio: "Kirara, calm down!" She chuckles as she stops the excited courier's rambling. "You might scare away your new friend before you even get to know him."

Kirara: "Heheh! It's just... I never thought I'd meet another youkai that's the same kind as I am, at least not like this!"

Nyataro: "Mrrow?" He tilts his head calmly, still held up in Kirara's arms.

Kirara: "Oh, right, sorry little buddy!" She places him down, before he changes back into his human form again. "Heheh, but you're so adorable! No matter what form you're in, huh?"

Nyataro: "Meow."

Mio: "Oh, that mask! I think I heard the Arataki Gang adopted a cat recently..."

Kirara: "Yeah, I know. He just told me."

Mio: "Wait, really? You can understand what he... says?" She raises a hand to her mouth in surprise.

Kirara: "Of course! I guess it's because we're both nekomata?" She giggles happily as she looks back at Nyataro. "My name's Kirara. What's yours?"

Nyataro: "Nya."

Kirara: "'Nyataro'? Heheh, what a cute name! I'm going to call you Nya-chan~!"

Nyataro: "Mmya~!"

Kirara: "How old are you, Nya-chan?"

Nyataro: "Mrrow..."

Kirara: "You... don't know? Darn, I was really curious, too..."

Nyataro: "Meow."

Kirara: "What, your friends went to a beetle festival and left you all alone?! And you're looking for someone to play with until they get back? Aw, that's so sad!"

Mio: "You got all that from just one meow?!"

Nyataro: "Nya?"

Kirara: "... Sorry." She frowns. "I can't stay and play with you. I still have a lot more stuff to deliver..."

Nyataro: "Mrrr..."

Kirara: She winces. "Oh, c'mon, don't look at me with those big, teary eyes! I really don't have time, Nya-chan. I'm sorry..."

She slowly walks away, glancing back a few times at the disappointed little nekomata, guilt written all over her face.

--

Kirara: "Komaniya Express, at your service. Here's your package, Aoi-san..."

A few minutes later, Kirara delivers a package to the city grocer next, in a slightly somber mood.

Aoi: "Thank you for the quick delivery. But... is something the matter? You seem a bit down..."

Kirara: "Heh... nothing's wrong! Everything's fi-..."

Aoi: "Augh!" She suddenly slams her hands on the counter in front of her, glaring down at her food display. "You rascal! How many times have I told you to stop stealing my produce?!"

Kirara: "Rascal...?"

"Meow."

Kirara looks down herself, and sees Nyataro beside her on all fours, holding some carrots and potatoes in his mouth, his tail swishing happily. A silly sight to see while in his human form.

Kirara: "Nya-chan!?" She perks up instantly, but quickly shakes her head as she tries to look stern. "I already told you I don't have time to play! And don't take food from Aoi-san! You can't... c-can't..."

Nyataro: "Mrrr..." He drops the produce on the ground, his ears drooping as he makes a sad purr.

Kirara: "U-uh..." She winces again, looking away guiltily.

Aoi: "Are you familiar with this... repeat offender, Kirara?" She asks, crossing her arms in a huff.

Kirara: "I just met him today, actually. Has he caused trouble for you before?"

Aoi: "It's not just me! He's been causing tons of mischief for a couple other food vendors over the past month or two! Either stealing things, breaking things, or simply being a nuisance!"

Kirara: "Nya-chan!" She exclaims in disappointment.

Nyataro: "Nya?" He responds by simply staring at her blankly, clearly oblivious to what the issue is.

Aoi: "He's a part of that 'Arataki Gang', I think? Those no-goods have been a terrible influence on this boy, I bet..."

Nyataro: "Grr!" He hisses at Aoi, startling both her and Kirara.

Kirara: "H-hey now!" She bends down, gently patting him on the head. "There, there. Calm down, okay? The Arataki Gang... means a lot to you, huh?"

Nyataro: "Mrrow!" He confirms with a sharp meow.

Kirara: "But they left you behind today, right? You must be really lonely, or bored... or both!"

Aoi: "Oh no, he's not going to cause problems for anyone else today, is he?!"

Kirara: "Ah, that would... definitely be a problem, wouldn't it?" She places a hand to her chin in thought for a few seconds. "I'm busy with work, but I can't just leave you like this, either..."

Nyataro: "Meow?" He tilts his head as he watches her tails swish frantically, as she thinks hard about what to do.

Aoi: "You don't need to worry yourself over this, Kirara. It's a problem for the Arataki Gang to deal with, not you..."

Kirara: "No, it's okay!" She smiles before turning to Nyataro. "Nya-chan, do you want to be my 'assistant' today?"

Nyataro: "Nya?"

Aoi: "W-wait, are you sure? He might cause a lot of trouble for you...!"

Kirara: "It'll be fine... probably! Besides, since he's a nekomata like me, I feel it's my duty to look after him!"

Aoi: "Does that matter? You shouldn't feel you need to watch over him just because you're both nekomata, Kirara..."

Kirara: "Why not? It's like I'm his 'big sis'... in a way. Or something. Leave it to me!"

Aoi: "Well... if you insist. I'll leave it to you, then..."

Kirara: "You hear that, Nya-chan? I'll let you come with me while I work, if you want."

Nyataro: "Mya!" He 'says', rubbing his face against her leg with a happy purr.

Kirara: "Heheh! We won't be playing though, you understand? Try picking one of these up."

She drops a small package at her feet, which Nyataro eyes in confusion for a while. He tries to bounce it above his head, carrying it on his back... before it falls off with a dull thud.

Kirara: "N-no, pick it up with your hands, Nya-chan!"

Nyataro: "Mrrow..." He slowly attempts to stand upright, hugging the package for support as his legs visibly wobble.

Kirara: "Oh no, I was afraid of this... You can't walk on just your legs in human form, can you?"

Nyataro's ears droop, glancing away as if he feels ashamed.

Kirara: "Here, look at this." She gestures towards her own legs. "I keep my own feet untransformed to make it easier for me to move around, and it feels more comfortable, too. Why don't you do the same?"

Nyataro: "Nya?!"

Kirara: "Huh?" She giggles. "Yes, of course you can do that! You never thought to try it before?"

Nyataro closes his eyes, concentrating on his legs.

Kirara: "Then again, maybe that'd be too difficult for you to do, since you're so young. It's incredible enough you can even transform at all at your age... So don't worry if you can't do i-..."

Suddenly, Nyataro's legs transform (er, 'untransform') into pawed feet. He tries to get up again, having an easier time but still using the package as support.

Kirara: "Whoa, amazing! You actually did it, Nya-chan~!"

Nyataro: "Mmrrr...!" He lets go of the package, his tail swishing frantically as he tries to move around on two legs... but he eventually falls over, hitting the ground softly.

Kirara: "Oh no!" She frowns, helping up the young nekomata. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it! I believe in you, Nya-chan!"

Nyataro: "Meow!"

--

As the two leave Inazuma City, Kirara looks over a list she's holding.

Kirara: "Hm, let's see... My closest delivery destination is... in Konda Village. And the second closest is near the Kamisato estate." She thinks to herself. "From here, it would be fastest to go to Konda Village, then immediately cut through Chinju Forest..."

Nyataro: "Nnya!"

Without warning, he darts over to a nearby stone he finds off the road.

Kirara: "Nya-chan! Where are you going?"

Nyataro: "Nnmrrow!" He lowers his head, eyes narrowed as his tail swishes to and fro.

"Go... away..." A faint whisper drifts out from 'the stone'.

Kirara: "Hm? Wait, is that...?"

"The Stone": "G-go away... Stupid... cat..."

To Kirara's surprise, a bright blue glow suddenly emanates from Nyataro. He creates a few large bubbles, trapping "the stone" in one of them.

"The Stone": "Augh!"

Kirara: "N-Nya-chan!? How did you just do that?!" She exclaims as she bends down beside him, noticing the still shimmering Hydro Vision tied to his tail. "You have a Vision, too?! You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

"The stone" eventually turns into a small girl, wearing a tanuki-shaped hood. She wiggles around in the bubble as she struggles to get out, before she breaks free with a sharp slash, landing on her feet and glaring at Nyataro.

Girl: "Y-you... you're so annoying! Stop doing that!"

Nyataro: "Mmrrew~!" He 'chuckles' playfully, clearly looking pleased.

Kirara: "Oh, Sayu!" Her ears perk up in recognition. "Are you okay?"

Sayu: "Do you know this cat, Kirara? He always bothers me while I'm trying to nap!" She snaps with a tired, irritated groan. "I don't get how he's even able to find me all the time! Jeez!"

Kirara: "Nya-chan, Sayu doesn't want to play with you. So leave her be, okay?"

Nyataro: "Nya-nya."

Kirara: "It makes it more fun because it bothers her... Hey!" She shakes her head, placing her hands on her hips crossly. "Don't be a troublemaker! That's not nice!"

Nyataro: "Mrr..." He lowers his head and tail, not happy to be scolded by Kirara.

Kirara: "You won't be able to make any friends if you keep acting like that. Apologize to Sayu, okay?"

Sayu: "I don't want his apology... even if I could understand him!" She glares at Nyataro. "How many times do I have to tell you to stop bothering me?! Go play with the kids in the village instead. I don't want to be your friend, you... annoying cat!"

Kirara: "H-hey now, calm down..."

Rather than react negatively to Sayu's irritation toward him, he instead circles around her and nibbles on her "tail".

Sayu: "Quit it! Leave me alone!"

Sayu bolts away... which only causes Nyataro's eyes to light up, and quickly give chase.

Kirara: "O-oh... my goodness..." She lets out a long sigh, before hurrying after him. "Nya-chan, get back here!"

Nyataro shifts into his cat form, to chase after Sayu faster. But, to his surprise, Kirara easily catches up to him and scoops him right up. His eyes widen as she holds him in her arms.

Kirara: "Haha! I bet you're not used to anyone being able to catch you like this, huh?" She smiles proudly. "But I'm pretty quick, even in my human form! Don't forget - I'm a nekomata, too!"

Nyataro remains silent, stunned as Kirara gently sets him back down.

Kirara: "Now then..." She dusts off her hands. "You're supposed to be my 'assistant' today, remember? No more causing trouble while on the job, okay?"

Nyataro: "Meow..." He grumbles, giving her a small reluctant nod.

Kirara: "Let's not make everyone think you're nothing but a mischief maker. You wouldn't want them to think badly of the Arataki Gang because of your antics, right?"

Nyataro: "...!" His ears shoot straight up, before he shifts back into his human form, giving another, more serious nod.

--

While making their way through Byakko Plain, Nyataro practices walking around on two legs some more, at times stumbling over, and sometimes catching himself with his hands before falling to the ground.

Kirara resists helping him up each time, knowing that he needs to learn without her assistance, offering him words of encouragement instead.

Kirara: "You can do it, Nya-chan! You're getting the hang of it so fast! I..."

Suddenly, they hear a loud "booming" noise, making the two jump up in surprise, Nyataro growling in irritation.

"Yeah! That one looked great! Nice and loud too, huh guys?!" An excited, peppy young woman says to a group of kids playing near a shallow river.

Kirara: "Oh, it's Yoimiya! You startled us!"

Yoimiya: "Hey, Kirara! You're just in time to see the fireworks I've been working o-..." She cuts herself off with a gasp after she notices Nyataro. "Ohmigosh, it's the transforming kitty! Have you finally come to play?"

Nyataro: "Grr!"

Yoimiya: "Aww, you still don't like me? Why not?" She asks with a frown.

Nyataro: "Nrrow!" He continues to growl angrily, his tail bristling upward while planting all fours firmly on the ground.

Kirara: "Those 'booms' you make are too bright and noisy, I hate them! ... Is what he said."

Yoimiya: "R-really?! So that's why...!" Her head droops sadly. "Aw man, but I really wanted to show him my fireworks, though..."

Kirara: "Sorry, but cats have really sensitive ears and eyes. Even I..."

Nyataro: "Nnyaaa!" He cries out in annoyance as two nearby kids gather around him, small hands tugging playfully on his ears and tail.

"It's the kitty! The transforming kitty~!"

"Kitty, kitty! Transform into your cat form! It's so cute~!"

Yoimiya: "You two... hey! Aiko, Mina, stop that! You're bothering him!"

Yoimiya quickly pulls the two away, Nyataro grumbling in irritation.

Kirara: She sighs, gently patting Nyataro on the head. "See, it's no fun having to deal with troublemakers yourself, is it, Nya-chan?"

Nyataro: "Mmrrr..."

Yoimiya: "Come to think of it, you can transform like that kitty, right?" She says to Kirara, her excitable mood instantly returning. "It figures you'd get along with him; you're the same, after all!"

Kirara: "Yes, that's right! We are... the same..." She eyes his single, slowly swishing tail, frowning slightly. "We... are, right?"

Yoimiya: "Hm? Is something wrong, Kirara?"

Kirara: "N-no, nothing's wrong!"

Yoimiya: "Okay. I really want to be able to get along with him, too! Do you know if there's any fireworks I can make that he'll like?"

Kirara: "U-um... I'm not really sure..."

"I'm definitely taller than you, Sota!"

"No, I'm taller! You're crazy, Ren!"

Nyataro's ears flick in the direction of two other kids, who are arguing near a small, old tree.

Ren: "Well, I'll definitely be taller than you after I do this!"

The boy scrambles up the tree, climbing onto a thin branch and striking a confident, triumphant pose.

Ren: "See? Look at me now!"

Sota: "No fair! That's cheating!"

Ren: "No, it's no-... waaah!"

The branch he's standing on suddenly snaps, causing him to lose his balance.

Yoimiya: "A-ah! What are you doing up there?!"

Nyataro: "Mmrrrow!"

Nyataro doesn't hesitate. As soon as the boy begins to fall, Nyataro bolts towards him. A bright blue glow flashes as he forms a bubble beneath Ren, cushioning his fall just before he hits the ground.

Kirara: "Nya-chan!"

Yoimiya: "Jeez, what were you thinking?!" She exclaims, running to the boy to check on him. "Are you alright?"

Ren: "Yeah! The transforming kitty saved me!"

Nyataro: "Nya..." He gives a light meow, still looking mildly annoyed.

Ren: "Thank you, kitty!" He says happily, ruffling up Nyataro's hair.

Nyataro: "Mmnya!" He growls with even more annoyance.

Yoimiya: "Yes, thank you so much! You're a hero!"

Her and the other kids gather around him to pet him in appreciation as well, although their pats only annoy him further.

Kirara: "You still saved him, even though you aren't fond of those kids, Nya-chan... I knew you were a good boy, despite being such a rascal!" She chuckles, smiling warmly as she watches from a distance.

--

Kirara: "Komaniya Express, at your service! Please sign and stamp here, sir!"

She states cheerfully to a resident of Konda Village. Kirara then turns her gaze to Nyataro, noticing how much he's already improved. He's managing to stay up on two legs without falling, though he constantly swishes his tail to keep steady.

Kirara: "You're getting so much better! You haven't had to walk on four legs our whole trip here!"

Nyataro: "Nya!" He chirps proudly.

After accepting her receipt and waving happily to the man, she turns back to Nyataro.

Kirara: "Alright, the next delivery should be only a few houses down."

Nyataro suddenly holds up his arms towards her.

Kirara: "W-what, do you want to try carrying the next package?!"

Nyataro: "Mya!" He nods eagerly.

Kirara: "Okay! You've been doing good so far, so I'll leave it to you!"

Kirara hands a small package to Nyataro. However, the extra weight immediately causes him to faceplant into the ground, the box falling with a dull thud.

Kirara: "A-ah, Nya-chan! Are you okay?"

Nyataro: "M-meow..."

"Oh, Nyataro? You're helping Kirara deliver packages today?"

A kind, young gentleman steps closer, picking up the fallen package with one arm, and giving Nyataro a comforting pat on the head with the other.

Nyataro: "Nya~!"

To Kirara's surprise, instead of reacting negatively to the petting, Nyataro perks up, a wide grin spreading across his face. He instantly changes into his cat form, climbing up his arm before settling on top of his head, purring happily.

Gentleman: "A few villagers gave me some steamed buns. Want one? I promise there's no beans in it this time."

Nyataro: "Mrrow!" He gleefully accepts the bun.

Kirara: "Oh, Thoma, hello! I didn't know you knew Nya-chan. And he seems... very fond of you...!"

Thoma: "Yes, we're good friends. Isn't that right, Nyataro?"

Nyataro: "Mya!" He gives another cheerful meow.

Kirara: "I'm surprised. He wasn't very well-behaved with anyone else we came across on the way here..."

Thoma: "Was he not getting along with them, or were they not getting along with him?"

Kirara: "A... bit of both?"

Thoma: "Heh, yeah, as I thought. They just don't understand him well enough, and he could try and understand others better, too. Then again, Nyataro seems pretty guarded emotionally..."

Kirara: "By the way, what was that about beans? Does Nya-chan not like them?"

Thoma: "It's Itto that doesn't like beans. Er, rather, he's allergic to them." He explains. "When I first met the both of them, I offered Itto a bean bun. He fell ill after eating it, naturally, and Nyataro was furious. So furious that he bit my hand."

Kirara: "O-oh no!"

Thoma: "It wasn't until the rest of his gang arrived that I learned Itto has a bean allergy... I tried my best to apologize, but Nyataro wouldn't listen. He just stood guard near Itto, hissing at me until I gave up and walked away."

Kirara: She looks at Nyataro happily eating the bun, and giggles. "I'm sure Nya-chan did a fantastic job protecting him!"

Thoma: "Yes, he sure did!" He giggles as well. "Anyway, it took a while to earn his trust after that, but we get along well now."

Kirara: "That's great! I'm glad he has a good friend outside of the Arataki Gang."

Thoma: "It's not just me, is it?" He shakes his head. "You're his friend now too, aren't you?"

Kirara: "Huh?"

Nyataro: "Nya!"

He hops down from Thoma's head and steps toward Kirara, nuzzling against her leg.

Kirara: "Yes... you're right." She gently scoops him up, giving him a cheerful smile. "To be honest, even though I have a lot of friends already, it's felt a bit lonely not having another nekomata like me around."

Nyataro: "Mew?" He tilts his head curiously.

Kirara: "But I don't have to worry about that anymore... Because I have you now, Nya-chan! I'm sure we'll always be great friends!"

Thoma: "Oh right, I suppose you two are both nekomata, huh?"

Kirara: "Of course! Was it not obvious?"

Thoma: "But... does it matter?"

Kirara: "What?"

Thoma: "Would you get along with him any less if he wasn't a nekomata like you?"

Kirara pauses, taking in what Thoma said while looking at Nyataro, still in her arms.

Kirara: "He's able to transform even though he's so young. And he doesn't have two tails like other nekomata..." She thinks to herself, grimacing. "What if he... isn't actually one after all? But then, what else would he be...?"

Thoma: "Kirara?"

Kirara: "Thoma... If you found out all of your friends were youkai, and you were the only one that wasn't, would that make you feel lonely?"

Thoma: "Hm?" He raises an eyebrow in confusion. "What do you mean? I'm friends with Itto, and Nyataro, and you. And you're all youkai. So if everyone else was one too, that wouldn't really change much, would it?"

Kirara: "W-well..."

Nyataro: "Meow."

He suddenly presses his cheek against hers.

Kirara: "H-hey, you...! That tickles~!" She laughs, gently petting his ears.

Thoma: "So, I'm assuming you're here in Konda Village to make some deliveries, Kirara? Need a hand?"

Kirara: "No thanks, I only have two more to make here. I'm sure you're busy with your own work, right?"

Thoma: "Heh, yeah... I was only passing through on my way back to the Kamisato Estate, but I got stopped by so many people asking me for favors..."

Kirara: "I see! My next destination will be around there after I'm done with these deliveries. Maybe we could head back together."

Thoma: "Sure, sounds good."

Nyataro: "Nya!" He chimes in, his tail swishing with glee.

Kirara: "Since we're in Konda Village, the fastest way there should be through Chinju Forest..."

Nyataro stiffens. His tail stops mid-sway, both it and his fur standing on end.

Thoma: "W-wait, Chinju Forest? But that's..."

Kirara: "Nya-chan, what's wrong?" She asks, noticing him shaking in her arms.

Without warning, Nyataro bites her hand, causing her to drop him on the ground. He shifts into his human form before landing on all fours, glaring up at her as he trembles.

Nyataro: "Grr!" He hisses at Kirara.

Kirara: "O-ow! Nya-chan, why did you just do that?! What's the matter?"

Nyataro: "Mmnya! Mmnyaaah!"

He growls, before turning and dashing away.

Kirara: "W-wha..." Her ears and tail droop, as tears begin to well in her eyes. "Nya-chan... Why did you say that to me...?"

Thoma: "Can you... understand him, Kirara?"

Kirara: "'Why would you betray me like that? Are you going to abandon me, too?'" She repeats what she heard Nyataro say, whimpering. "What does that mean? I don't understand..."

Thoma: He exhales deeply. "... You don't know, do you?"

Kirara: "K-know what?"

Thoma: "Chinju Forest is where Itto and the Arataki Gang first found him. Injured, and all alone..."

Kirara: "R-really?!"

Thoma: "Yes." He nods. "Even they don't know where he came from, but he's been pretty happy under their care. I'd imagine his life before that wasn't very great though, considering how wounded he was..."

Kirara: "Then... Could his family, or his previous caretakers, have left and abandoned him there?"

Thoma: "Hm... I'm not sure..."

Kirara: "Maybe he thought I was planning on doing the same thing..."

She clutches the hand that Nyataro bit, wincing.

Kirara: "I need to find him. I need to tell him he's wrong!" She cries. "B-but..."

Thoma: "You want to go after him?"

Kirara: "I-I can't... I still need to..."

Thoma: "Leave the rest of your deliveries in the village to me." He places a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Go."

Kirara: "... Thank you, Thoma."

Thoma: "Don't mention it. Good luck!"

--

Kirara searches for Nyataro for nearly an hour, calling out for him again and again as she follows the winding road.

Kirara: "N-Nya-chan... Where did you go?"

She eventually stops and sinks onto a big rock, exhausted and disheartened.

Kirara: "I thought, because we're both nekomata, I'd be able to understand you like no one else could. But... did I even truly try to understand you? Maybe that's why this happened..."

She looks up, realizing she's now right outside the entrance to Chinju Forest.

Kirara: "I really want to know where you came from, Nya-chan... But I barely even know much about my own origins." She looks down, her ears drooping again. "Do you feel... just as lonely as I do because of that, too...?"

She gets up, dusting herself off.

Kirara: "If you were left here, I wonder if he would know anything about you, Nya-chan... I suppose it's worth a shot."

Kirara steps into the forest, the blue glow of the surrounding fireflies lighting up the otherwise dim path. She climbs up the familiar steps leading to a massive tanuki statue, its surface worn and moss-covered with age.

"Ah, it's the young nekomata. Have you come here to participate in our hide-and-seek game once more?" A voice echoes from the statue. "The tanuki have been eagerly awaiting your arrival..."

Kirara: "I didn't come here to play, Ioroi!" She hisses.

Ioroi: "Goodness gracious, what's with that rude tone?! Whatever has you so riled up today?"

Kirara: "S-sorry..." She takes a breath to calm down. "I came here to ask you something."

Ioroi: "Ah. I have lived for many years, so my wisdom is vast, my knowledge practically unmatched. It is only natural that you would finally recognize my gran-..."

Kirara: "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Do you know anything about Nya-chan? I heard he was left here..."

Ioroi: "'Nya-chan'. No, I do not know of one by that name."

Kirara: "Hmph. Figures asking you was a waste of time..." She shrugs, turning to walk away.

Ioroi: "Wait a moment. Are you referring to that 'Nyataro'? That strange blue kitten taken in by that loud oni and his companions?"

Kirara: "Yes, him!" She exclaims, turning back. "Can you tell me what you know about him?"

Ioroi: "Hm... I recall the day he was left here, but I am not aware of his origins beyond that..."

Kirara: "Just... tell me whatever you remember. Please..." She begs.

Ioroi: "Very well." He dramatically clears his throat. "One day, a passing traveler entered this forest, leaving behind that small, blue kitten. The traveler promised to return for him someday, so for about a year, the kitten waited. But, the traveler never returned. This... was roughly a decade ago."

Kirara: "Huh? A decade?!"

Ioroi: "Yes. Eventually, he left to search for the traveler. Neither the tanuki nor I thought much of that incident, until the kitten suddenly returned, only a few months ago. While we had known him only briefly, we recognized him immediately, despite how battered and bruised he had become. He... possesses a unique air about him, just like the traveler that had left him here."

Kirara: "So, even Ioroi thinks he's odd for a nekomata..." She thinks to herself, feeling uneasy.

Ioroi: "His spirits had waned. Not simply due to his injuries, but his years of searching as well..."

Kirara: "He gave up on looking for the traveler?"

Ioroi: "No... I believe he had given up on his own will to live."

Kirara: "...!"

Ioroi: "The tanuki attempted to offer him food, but even that the kitten refused. We thought aiding him in any way was futile... until that loud oni suddenly showed up. Before the kitten could even protest, the oni scooped him up and hollered for help, begging for someone to heal him..."

Kirara: "The Arataki Gang... no wonder they're so important to Nya-chan..." She utters, tearing up a bit. "They saved his life..."

Ioroi: "But under their care, that blue kitten should now be fine. So what is your reason for seeking this knowledge?"

Kirara: "O-oh, I met him today, and wanted to learn more about him." She wipes her face. "I don't know if you know this, but he can take on human form, like me..."

Ioroi: "... I am aware."

Kirara: "T-then...!"

Ioroi: "Are you under the impression that he is a nekomata like you? Because I am unsure if that is the case."

Kirara: "H-huh?!"

Ioroi: "As I previously stated, his presence is unlike any I have sensed before. I have my doubts if he is even a youkai, let alone a nekomata..."

Kirara: "B-but..."

Ioroi: "However, you have already had such doubts yourself, have you not? Then why do you question me as if that is not the truth?"

Kirara: "..."

She looks down at the hand Nyataro had bitten earlier, remembering how upset he'd gotten with her. Remembering him playfully nibbling one of her tails when they met, how much mischief he caused for Aoi and Sayu, how much the kids loved him even though he didn't reciprocate...

How hard he tried to learn to walk on two legs, and help carry her packages...

Kirara: "Nya-chan..."

She shakes her head.

Kirara: "I was so excited when I thought I'd finally met another nekomata. It felt so much less lonely knowing there was one like me. And I wanted to support him, in a way only I could. But I realized that it was definitely possible that... I could be wrong. And I hated that..."

She clenches a hand into a fist.

Kirara: "I wanted to learn more about him, to find out for sure that he is actually a nekomata, even if he's... an unusual one. But now I'm even more unsure about him than before..."

Kirara unclenches her hand, lifting her head with a smile.

Kirara: "And yet... maybe I shouldn't have been so hung up on things like that in the first place."

Ioroi: "Hm? Are you saying you want to continue supporting that blue kitten, even when you are not certain of where he came from?"

Kirara: "Yeah. Who cares if I don't know? No matter what, I want to be his friend!" She says with a toothy grin.

Ioroi pauses for a moment. And then, suddenly...

Ioroi: "Hahaha!" He lets out a hearty laugh.

Kirara: "H-huh?!" She steps back, startled by his sudden laughter.

Ioroi: "It seems you two are cut from the same cloth, after all."

Kirara: "Us two...?"

Ioroi: "You and that loud oni. I had told him and his companions the same thing, that I was unsure of his origins, or his status as a youkai. But the oni simply shrugged it off, and said: 'It doesn't matter if he's not a normal cat, or a 'nekomata' or whatever. Starting now, he's officially the baby brother of the Arataki Gang!'"

It's Kirara's turn to burst into laughter.

Kirara: "Is that so?"

Ioroi: "Indeed. For the first time in a long time, the blue kitten felt overjoyed, rather than dispirited. So much so that he took on human form right in front of their eyes. The girl hurriedly scrambled to find him something to wear, the other three panicked, but the oni simply smiled, and said: 'Hahah, wow, aren't you just full of surprises? Welcome to the gang, little dude!'"

"M-meow...!"

Kirara spins around, noticing the bushes behind her rustle. Out crawls Nyataro, in his cat form.

Kirara: "Nya-chan! What are you doing in Chinju Forest?!"

Ioroi: "He followed you here. He has been hiding nearby all this time."

Kirara: "S-seriously? Then why didn't you say anything?!"

Ioroi: "You did not ask."

Kirara: "Good grief..." She sighs, before crouching down in front of Nyataro. "N-nya-chan, I..."

Nyataro: "N-nya..." He makes an apologetic purr, gently licking the hand he bit earlier.

Kirara: "What? You're sorry? No, I should be the one saying that! If I had only known about..."

Nyataro: "Meow?"

Kirara: "Listen. I didn't mean to scare you. I really didn't intend on leaving you here or abandoning you or anything like that. I... really do want to keep being your friend, Nya-chan. If that's okay..."

Nyataro: "Mya~!"

He shifts into human form, before hugging Kirara tightly.

Nyataro: "Nya nya."

Ioroi: "He merely assumed the worst in haste. Deep down, he knew from the start you had no intention of abandoning him."

Kirara: "Heheh, yeah, I know. I can understand what he says, after all."

She smiles, patting his head.

Kirara: "Maybe you're a nekomata like me. Maybe you're not. But you can transform like me, and I can understand your meows. That... already feels special enough."

Nyataro: "Mew?"

Kirara: "Well, I'd still be your friend either way." She nods. "Nya-chan, I'm a bit late with them now, but... Do you want to help me with my last deliveries?"

Nyataro: "Nya."

Kirara: "Oh, our talk about the Arataki Gang made you miss them, huh? Yes, it's been a while, so they might already be back, wondering where you went..."

She gives his head one more pat before standing up.

Kirara: "Bye, then. I'll make more time to play when I see you again, I promise!"

Nyataro: "Meow!"

She chuckles, bouncing down the steps.

Nyataro: "Nyara~!"

Kirara freezes, glancing back.

Kirara: "D-did you just say... m-my...!" She shakes her head, smiling. "No... it must have been my imagination."

Chapter End