Kitt & Katt ((Last Chapter, 40))

[eevee-shayna]

This should be interest. Samchu and I are pairing up to make a new fic together. You'll learn the plot soon enough. it's not based on anything, it's just off the top of our heads. An idea came to me and and I asked her to write it with me. I write the story from the girl's point of veiw, and she writes it from the cat/man's point of veiw. you'll see. the first few posts might be short, but they'll build once we gather the story. Here it goes. Enjoy.

Kitt & Katt

Chapter 1


Katt, a 22 year old waitress, pushed her keys in the front door lock and turned them noisily. She was just returning from her 10 hour work day, and was exhausted, as usual. She stumbled into her apartment and shut the door behind her. Her shoes immediately came off, her purse slung over the couch, and her coat barely made it on the coat rack before she made a mad dash for the shower. Within seconds she was declothed and soaking in cool water, a refreshing treat after her hard day. The small bathroom filled with the aroma of lavender as she lathered shampoo into her short, tawny, bowl-shaped hair. The honey-brown color filled with sudd and turned darker in the water.

When she was bathed and much more relaxed, Katt turned off the hot water and stood under a downpour of cold water for several seconds, before turning off the water entirely and stepping out of the shower. A little habit of hers. She dried off and slung a bath-robe over her shoulders. Green, fluffy, and smelling of lavender. It always made her feel like a princess. Katt tied the robe on and opened the bathroom door. Her cat, a Seal-point Siamese with bright blue eyes, slicked in immediately and rubbed against Katt’s leg purring loudly. Katt scooped the cat up in her arms and kissed his nose.

“It’s good to see you too, Kitt,” she said. Kitt was her pet name for the cat, short for Kitten. She still hadn’t gotten around to giving him a proper name, though she had had him for almost seven months now. Katt scratched Kitt behind the ear before placing him on the ground.

“Meow!” said Kitt. He looked up a Katt with his big, blue eyes and his tail straight up.

“Bet you’re hungry, aren’t you?” Katt said. She dropped her clothes in the hamper and left the bathroom. After giving Kitt a fresh bowl of water, dry cat food, and a half a can of tuna, she resigned to her room and changed into shorts and a tank-top. She picked up a book and began to read it on the couch. Kitt soon joined her and curled up next her. Katt stroked the cat as she read. He just purred in a low rumble.

Katt’s eye’s began to droop and soon she was fast asleep with her head resting on the arm of the couch. The next day was a Sunday, her one day off, and she intended to make full use of the well earned sleeping time.

As soon as she was asleep, Kitt picked up her bookmark with his teeth and placed it in her spot. He then gently pried the book from her hands, closed it, then pulled it over to the coffee table. He pulled a blanket off the bed and dragged it over to the sleeping girl. He then pulled it over her until only her head was exposed. Finished with that task, the cat curled up at the girl’s feet and fell asleep as well.


A few minutes before sunrise, Kitt was fully awake again and pacing around the room frantically. As the sun began to rise, a similar glow appeared around the cat. He kept checking to see if the girl was still asleep. As the sun continued to rise, the glow around the cat increased. When the sun was fully up, an immense light shown around the cat. It grew until the cat’s form was no longer visible. Out of the cocoon of light merged the figure of a man. His eyes were the same bright blue disks as the cat, and his hair, slightly longer then Katt’s, contained the same black brown and tan of a seal-point siamese. He looked at his hands and wiggled his apposable thumbs with glee.

In his new form, he was able to open the closet with ease. He pulled out a set of mens clothes he had secured from Katt’s last boyfriend. Of course, he hadn’t lasted long with Katt’s cat around, and the girl had not been able to get another boyfriend.

The man dressed swiftly into the clothes, then shut the closet door. The sound startled the sleeping girl and her eyelids raised for a moment. She began to lower them, but one thing stopped her. She caught sight of a man in her room.

Katt began to scream, but the man leaped over and pressed his hand against her mouth.

“Please calm down,” he said, with a thick British accent.

Katt tore away from him and stepped back.

“Who are you and what are you doing in my apartment!” She said, definitely not calming down.

“Look, I know this comes to you as a surprise, but you have no need to be alarmed. I’m, well, was, your cat.” the man walked toward her.

“Stay back!” said Katt, “and what did you do with Kitt?”

He stopped advancing and talked calmer.

“I am Kitt. It’s a long story, but today is exactly 7 months and I’m no longer in that form. Look, if you don’t believe me, look at my eyes.”

Katt let her guard down for a moment and looked into his eyes. No doubt about it, they were Kitt’s.

“You see? I’m Kitt. There’s no need to worry. Well, not now anyway. But we must leave here immediately. They will be anticipating that 7 months are up. I barely got away last time. Hurry, I’ve already packed your things in a suitcase in the closet. Grab that, change if you like, and we’d better get going.” he said.

Katt blinked in confusion.

“I’m still not entirely sure wha-” she began, but was cut off.

“There’s no time. I’ll explain on the way. Hurry.”

Too much in shock to think of anything else, Katt obeyed. She changed into jeans and a t-shirt. She grabbed her wallet and her keys. When she walked into the entrance room of the apartment, the man had a suitcase in one hand, and a bag of food in another. Katt grabbed her coat, and the two raced out the apartment. Katt was still dazed and reluctantly followed him to the elevator.

“We’ll drive your car. It’s a good thing you live in a city. It’ll take them longer to find us.” he said. Katt didn’t even bother responding. It was all too weird and sudden.

They reached the parking garage and quickly loaded the suitcase and bag into the trunk. Katt slipped into the driver’s seat and the former cat sat in the passenger seat.

“It feels so good to drive in a car without being in a carrier.” he remarked.

And before she knew what was going on, they were on the road and driving on a divided highway to who-knows-where.

“Alright, spill. What’s the story? Who are you? And, why were you my cat, or something.” Katt said.

[Samchu]

And I'd also like to note that my first psot contains little detail because I was focusing on speech instead. The next one by me will be better by far.

Chapter 2

Kitt took a deep breath and glanced at the girl to his left, “it’s a long story.”

“Yeah well you better spill it or I’ll turn this car right round.”

Kitt laughed, amused by the human’s response. “Alright. It’s gonna sounds pretty surreal but you have to believe me when I say that every word of it is true.”

“Yeah well you being my cat was pretty surreal too.”

Kitt gave a brief half-smile and sent Katt down one of the turn-offs. “I’m a guardian, one of seven guardians actually. We were put in charge of guarding the gateway to the second realm.”

“Second realm?”

“It’s where spirits go after they die. Think heaven and hell then stick them together.”

“But why were you guarding it?”

“Let’s just say, some spirits don’t think that the afterlife is that great and they try to break out into our world. There’s so many of them that they would overrun the place and basically destroy everything in their path. So, seven guardians were put in place to guard the seal between the two worlds. As long as they existed, the spirits couldn’t break through to this world. However…there are those in this world who seek to bring chaos upon it and…they killed the other guardians. I’m all that’s left.”

“Okay…but why were you my cat?”

“The seal can’t be broken as long as one guardian lives so naturally they’re after me. The guardians were gifted with the ability to transform into one animal, in that form we can’t be tracked, you see, but it only lasts for seven months. Then we change back and can’t transform again until a month has passed. When you found me, I had just transformed after spending a month being closely followed. You have no idea how thankful I was to you for finding me.”

Katt was silent for a long time. Kitt sat in a respective silence and just watched as the scenery flew past them. He knew this was probably quite a shock to the girl and didn’t want to confuse her anymore than she undoubtedly was already. But an hour passed and then another and still the girl had not spoken. Kitt began to wonder if perhaps he’d accidentally traumatised the poor girl.

“Katt? You okay?”

“I’m fine, fine. I’m just trying to come to terms with the fact that my cat is a man wearing my ex-boyfriend’s clothes.”

She pulled the car over sharply into the garage and made a mad dash for the bathroom. Kitt got out the car and told the nearest worker to fill the car with gas before heading inside to pick up a few things. By the time Katt returned, the car was fully fuelled and Kitt had also stocked up on a few snacks for the journey.

Katt slumped into the driver’s seat pale faced and a little shaky, Kitt figured she’d probably thrown up and offered her a couple of breath mints.

“I took some money out of your purse to pay for gas,” said Kitt.

Katt didn’t seem to seem to care and the guardian merely sighed and helped himself to a few snacks from the paper bag as the car pulled out of the station and back onto the road.

They drove all day, during which time few words were exchanged between driver and passenger. As the sun began to set, Kitt decided that it would be best if the girl was allowed to rest and suggested they stop in at the nearest motel for the evening. They pulled in at a little motel and booked in at a small two-bed room.

Once inside, Katt immediately collapsed on the bed nearest the window. Kitt rubbed his chin uneasily, he could use a shower. It had been over 7 months since he’d had a proper one, though Katt had often given him thoroughly enjoyable baths.

“I’m gonna go…shower,” Kitt said. “Unless you fancy doing it for me?”

Katt shot him a sharp look which sort of read as, ‘you better be joking’.

“It was a joke,” Kitt assured her, sweating slightly. “I…err…I’ll just go. See you in a bit.”

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Ooo...cool story, you two. Sounds like a very interesting concept, and I look forward to seing where this goes.

[eevee-shayna]

Chapter 3

As running water of the shower sounded behind the bathroom door, Katt sat on the bed rubbing her temples. This wasn’t really happening, was it? It wasn’t really possible for a person’s cat to suddenly turn into o full grown male human overnight. Impossible. Yet there he was, singing in the shower and had previously told her that he was the soul surviving guardian of heaven and hell! Or whatever he called it, the second something.

And why was she going along with this? Because his eyes matched Kitt’s perfectly. Only an owner could tell their cat’s eyes apart from any others’. And because he seemed so sincere. She was such a sucker for helping people, she couldn’t drop him now.

Katt leaned back on the bed and closed her eyes, still rubbing her temples. One thing was for certain, she was going to find out more about him. As soon as he was out of the shower.

With a steamy mist and a satisfied grin, Kitt emerged from the bathroom on cue. Katt opened her eyes and looked at him. He was wearing a pair of pajamas he had bought at their last stop. His hair stuck to his head with water, and he smelled pleasantly of lavender.

Kitt yawned and walked over to Katt. He automatically hopped onto the bed, crawled over to Katt, and curled up at her side. She just stared and blinked at him for a few moments before sitting up and screaming at him.

“What are you doing!” she yelled.

He opened one eye, then lifted his head. He seemed puzzled for a moment, until his eyes widened and his cheeks blushed.

“S-sorry about that. Habit, I guess. I’ve been sleeping next to you for the past seven months, I hardly even thought about it,” Kitt said. He sat up as well.

Katt’s face reddened. It was true, he had been a cat, so she hadn’t thought twice about him curling up beside her every night. But now that she knew he was really a man, the idea thoroughly embarrassed her.

“Y-yes, b-but you were a cat before!” she managed to stammer.

Kitt cocked his head in a very cat-ish way.


“I suppose so, but in my perspective, it was always me, despite what form I was in,” he said.

Katt took a pillow and thrust it into her face. She screamed to her heart’s content, venting her mixed emotions. It wasn’t until she felt a wet hair against her shoulder that she slowly lowered the pillow to her chest. Sure enough, it was Kitt leaning over and rubbing her shoulder with his head. The gesture was so odd that restrained herself long enough from smacking him with the pillow to rethink the situation. He was used to being her cat, and seeing her upset, he was rubbing her shoulder with his head to comfort her. Still, it was slightly creepy for a stranger to be doing, and her restraint wore off.

BAM! The pillow collided with his head. Kitt fell over, then sat back up. He looked at her with a confused face.

“What’d I do wrong?” he asked.

Katt stood up and stared at him.

“Kitt, you are not a cat anymore. You’re a man. A male human. You can’t keep acting like a cat. And, and I don’t even know who you are,” she said.

Kitt blinked at her with his hopeless blue cat eyes. The words sunk deep.

“I, I...Not a cat? Well,” he stammered, “I-I suppose your right, but it’s really hard to get out of the mind set. After all, I’ve been a cat for seven months. I must admit, I’m having difficulty restraining myself from batting at your hair. And, and you do to know me. I’m your-was your cat.” He looked somewhat upset and hurtened.

Katt’s frustration ran dry and she soon felt bad for upsetting him. After all, he had just become human today. There’s ought to be some cultural, or species, shock for him. She sat on the bed next to him with the pillow on her lap.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, Kitt. But the truth of the matter is that I don’t know your past. Like what your real name is, where your from, how old you really are. That kind of stuff. And I’d feel more comfortable if I knew more about you.” she said.

Kitt nodded.

“Very well. But no more hitting me in the face with pillows,” he said.

Katt nodded and Kitt began to talk.

[Samchu]

And the madness continues...

Chapter 4

“I was originally born in a small town in the southern coast of England. I was born to do this job and I was raised to do so for 15 years. I was the youngest guardian you see because I was born so late but the reason is unknown for certain though I am confident there is one.
“The mystery surrounding my name is perhaps the most profound for I was never given one by either my birth parents or the guardians. It never raised much question at the time as there were always more pressing matters that required my attention. Though, I must admit that I have become very fond of the name ‘Kitt’ and would actually quite like to keep it even though it is no longer as appropriate as it used to be.
As for my age, well, believe it or not, I am actually only two years, seven months and 23 days older than yourself. Simply put, that would make me 25.”

Throughout Kitt’s explanation, Katt’s face had remained stuck in a state of intense concentration and only now did her expression finally shift. However this was not as comforting to Kitt as he hoped it would be as only a mere, “right…” escaped from the girl’s lips. Her face screwed up in concentration once again. “Kitt, if you always saw yourself as a sort of human, why did you keep sleeping with me?”

Now it was Kitt’s turn to create a face of thought. In truth he wasn’t exactly sure of why he had done so. Perhaps his feline instincts had taken over and perhaps there was another reason but he had to give her some form of answer and one she would accept with little question and without freaking out. “Well,” he began, “I suppose it was the company. A guardian’s life is often a lonely one and as such, any form of companionship is often greatly welcomed. Though I must admit, the nose kissing was a most enjoyable experience also.”

Katt seemed to mentally hit herself at mention of that last comment. Kitt could never have imagined that the girl would have such trouble coping with the ins and outs of the situation. He decided that perhaps it was best to move the conversation on to a lighter subject. Well at least what he thought would be a lighter subject.

“Hey Katt? I kinda got a confession to make.”

Katt looked at Kitt directly, her face carrying an expression of, ‘oh God, now what’. From where she stood, they day couldn’t become anymore messed up than it already was.

“Well you know your last boyfriend? I’m kinda the reason why he left you.”

Katt was silent. Then, without warning, she pounced at Kitt and began smacking at him viciously with the pillow. Kitt pleaded at her to stop, he didn’t realise that he’d done anything that would make the girl act this way. He could only assume that it was linked to what Katt had said to him after she and had boyfriend had been dating for a month: “I love him Kitt.” Was this ‘love’ thing the reason for the girl’s behaviour?

Her attack wasn’t wavering one bit and Kitt thought frantically of something to tell Katt. He knew she would not accept that he had done it to protect her, part of being a guardian meant that he was able to acknowledge the right sort of people from the wrong ones and he had definitely been a wrong one. “He was married!” Kitt shouted suddenly. It was true, the man had been married and Kitt had learnt from soaps that the girl had watched that this was not a good thing for someone to be if their relationship was not with the person they were married to.

Katt stopped suddenly and sat back slightly. “He was what?”

Kitt took a solid gold ring from his pocket. “He used to hide it from you. I stole it and scared him off, changed into my human form for a bit to make him think you were going out with someone who could kick his ass. It seemed to work.”

Katt took the ring and stared at it sadly. Kitt suddenly felt terrible for causing this sadness and regretted his actions, even if it had drawn a halt to Katt’s attack on his face. Then it happened, without warning, the girl began to cry.

Kitt felt worse than ever now. He made a motion to nuzzle her shoulder comfortingly but reminded himself that he was no longer a furred feline. He would need to comfort her as a human. In truth he had no idea how to do this and tried to think of another useful thing he had learnt from television.

Sliding across to Katt, Kitt took his arms and wrapped them round the sobbing female. He gentle brought her head against his chest and cradled her as she wept. Aside from this, he knew of nothing else that could possible calm Katt down. The damage had been done and he couldn’t turn the clocks back to change it. All he could do was hope that perhaps the scent of lavender would sooth her as it had always done.

Eventually Katt’s sobs died down and she parted from Kitt to be alone. Fearing that he would only upset her further, Kitt remained silent and retreated to the other end of the room to fetch some food for the two of them to eat. He pulled out some fruit for her and a can of tuna for him, thought he quickly found that the fruit would have been a far more simplistic meal. Without the aid of a can opener, Kitt was forced to use his own method to try and open the can. Fortunately for him, his failed attempts seemed to lighten Katt’s spirits somewhat and by the time he had managed to free the delicious treat inside she felt secure enough to speak with him.

“Why tuna?”

Kitt laughed slightly and scooped out a bit of tuna with his finger before popping it into his mouth. “It’s delicious stuff. I must thank you for introducing it to me.”

“You’ve never had tuna before?”

“Sadly not. As a cat I was always forced to survive on what I could find in the garbage and any cat food that was left out by kindly strangers though I hated the stuff myself. I still don’t understand why you never gave me any of it.”

“It’s disgusting. I wouldn’t feed my pet that slop.”

Kitt laughed again and finished of the tin. “I would most definitely agree.”

“Kitt? Where are we going?”
Kitt sighed. “I’m going to go to the seal. I’m going to attempt to offer my guardian powers to it in an attempt to prevent it from ever being opened. That way, the last lock cannot be removed even after I die and I can finally lead a free life. I can’t cope with the loneliness of living for eternity.” He decided not to reveal any more information to the girl at that point. She had already dealt with so much that day.

“Where is the seal?”

“Atop the great pyramid in Egypt.”

“So we’re going to Egypt?”

“Yes.”

“Great…goodnight Kitt.” Katt switched the lights of.

The guardian assumed this was her way of coping and let her be. He tried to sleep but found the bed as uncomfortable as the comprehension of sleeping alone.

“Katt? I know this is a strange question but can I sleep with you tonight? It feels kinda cold being here on my own.”

The girl must have been in a very generous mood as she agreed and Kitt quickly climbed into the bed beside her and curled up against her chest as he had done many nights before. Despite its bizarreness, this method worked and soon both were fast asleep.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Aww, it's so cute seeing Kitt still acting like a cat! His clumsy attempts at doing things as a human are very amusing. :)

Egypt, eh? Makes ya wonder how they'll get there on a waitress's savings, for no doubt she will be shortly out of a job.

[eevee-shayna]

BTW, to any closet readers, or rose, I may warn you that I am postponing the 5'th chapter due to recent buzz about sliver pencils and golden pens, and i am sort of eyeing the "best new fic" award. sorry for the inconvinence. and i will have you know that a new chapter is ready to be put up anytime the awards are done with.

sorry for the inconvinience.

[eevee-shayna]

Sam and i decided we don't want to wait anymore, so here's the next chapter. enjoy.

Chapter 5

The sun shined through the hotel room’s windows and found it’s way to Katt’s sleepy eyes. Her sleepy body turned to try and escape the light that would awaken her. However, her struggle caused her to accidentally flip over onto a warm body. Her eyes immediately popped open and revealed a handsome man sleeping close to her. She leapt back so that her skin was no longer in contact with his. A warm blanket was draped over both of them. It lay crumpled upon the man’s sleeping body. He wore plain blue pajamas, though they revealed his well toned muscles. His hair, with shades of black, brown and tan, was roughed from sleeping. And the creamy, bronze skin stretched over his body shown radiantly in the early morning’s glow. He lay peacefully, like a sleeping cat.

Katt then remembered who this was; Kitt. Her pet for 7 months had miraculously turned out to be this male. The whole story came flooding back to her. She was still trying to grasp it all, but some things take a while to get used to. Katt’s fog brain started to clear on the whole matter and she tried the whole ides in her mind. This man wanted to take her along with him to Egypt. And meanwhile, there were people after him, trying to kill him. And exactly how did she get herself involved in this situation?

The confused girl rubbed her eyes, then looked down at the sleeping Kitt. His tranquil presence was enough to make her smile for a moment. But the moment was short lived because without warning a gunshot sounded at the door. Katt turned quickly to see smoke pluming from the door knob. The man next to her jerked forward at the sound. In a snap he went from asleep to awake, and fully aware of the situation.

“They’ve tracked me down faster then I had thought,” he said, then leapt out of the bed. Katt was once again frozen, unsure of what to think of the situation. Kitt rushed around the room and picked up all their things, which they had not yet put away.

“Come on Katt, we need to get out of here now,” he said with urgency. Katt finally awoke from my shock and the situation became clear. The door had just been shot at, and those responcible would soon be in the room. It was time to flee.

As Kitt pushed open the window, another shot was sounded at the door. And this time. The door knob fell off completely, disarming the lock. Kitt rushed over to Katt, thrust her toward the window, and pushed her out of it before him. Back in the room she could hear the door being slammed open.

“We’ve found him!” yelled a male voice that was not Kitt’s.

“Get to the car!” came an urgent scream from Kitt.

Obediently, Katt reached the ground and ran for her car in the parking lot. She opened the passenger door and the drivers door. While she jumped in, Kitt somehow stormed out of the window with all our bags and ran toward the car. Two figure appeared in the window, one with a gun. Aiming carefully, the man with the gun shot at Kitt. The bullet found it’s way into Kitt’s left arm and blood flowed freely into his sleeve. In pain, he made his way to the open door. Once at the car, he threw the bags into the backseat, sat in the passenger seat, and closed the door. On cue, Katt had the engine running and her foot floored on the acceleration. The cars screeched as Katt pulled out of the parking lot and toward the street. Clouds of dust and debris chipped around the car accompanied with loud “bangs”. The pursuers were dishing out large portions of hot lead, and the supply did not seem to be waning. In the panicked situation, Katt did her best to steer out of the parking lot. When the bullets no longer reached the car, she felt she had a safe distance, but did not slow down.

Beside her, Kitt groaned in pain, though he tried to hide it. When she glanced over, she saw that his whole left shoulder was drenched in blood, though the scraps of clothe hid the wound.

“We need to bring you to a hospital!” Katt announced, horrified at the bloddy mess.


“No,” Kitt managed to sat between clenched teeth, “They’ll be there too.”

He winced in pain as he tried to move his shoulder. He was losing a lot of blood now.

“Where should we go, then?” Katt asked, unsure of the situation.

“Just drive,” Kitt managed to say. Katt could only obey. She drove in and out of small country roads, which she knew well because she was from the area. The predators were most definitely not from the area, and Katt soon found herself separate from them. The car had plenty of gas, so she just kept driving.

Kitt leaned his head against the back of the seat, with sweat running down his face, as he helplessly held his left arm clutched in his right. The warm, crimson liquid continued to drain from the arm and spilled onto the seat.

Never have been in a situation similar to this before, Katt was horrified, shocked, and forcefully driving by clutching the steering wheel with white knuckles. Katt kept looking over at the helpless man beside her, and the look of helplessness mirrored onto her face when she realized that there was nothing she could do.

An hour had passed, then two. They were still on the road, driving to who-knows-where. By this point the bleeding had mostly stopped. It was clear from Kitt’s pale face that he had lost a considerable amount of blood. However, the remaining blood seemed to be clotting around the wounds. What had leaked out was all over the place, his clothes, the seat, his arm; and was turning a dead brown color, as dried blood does.

Kitt seemed to have fallen asleep, which made Katt happy. For she knew, at least for the moment, that Kitt was out of his misery.

[Samchu]

Chapter 6


Darkness had fallen before Kitt reawakened from his unconscious slumber. As he had wished, Katt had continued to head northwards, having made only one stop all day and depleting only a little of their food supplies – she found the sight of dried blood stole almost all appetite that found her that day.

“How are you feeling?” Katt did not attempt to hide her concern either in her voice or on her face.

“I’ve felt better,” replied Kitt quietly, not attempting to shift his slouched position in the passenger seat.

The girl reached back and fumbled in the food bag as the car moved on. She handed her wounded passenger an apple, something that would replenish his strength without causing him unnecessary pain. He took it in his right hand and ate slowly as it would only cause him little pain.

“Now they’ve found us, where should we go?”

“Seattle, “the man replied weakly. “Get me there, I’ll show you the way to some place safe.”

And with that he drifted off to sleep.

The girl continued to drive until finally they reached Seattle. Convinced they were safely ahead of their pursuers she stopped the car at a gas station and bought some snacks whilst Kitt continued to sleep on in the front seat. Fortunately for them, it was a quiet morning so Kitt’s state didn’t arouse any unwanted suspicion. This of course, left the injured guardian free to wake up in his own time, even if he regretted it.

“How do you feel?” Katt asked upon her return to the car.

Kitt quickly wondered if he would be presented with this question every time he awoke but answered yet again, “I’ve felt better.”

The girl then proceeded to barrage her patient with a flurry of questions, all of them relating to their eventual destination. Taking some food and using it as an excuse to compose himself before answering Katt’s many questions, Kitt contemplated what to explain and how much before speaking.

“There is a group of Hareils here, people dedicated to helping the Guardians in their quest. They’ll help us get to Egypt and patch up my arm. We’ll be safe there, for a while at least.”

Kitt proceeded to direct Katt to an old church on the far outskirts of the city. In fact, this building was merely a cover, for beneath the church a small village existed where the Hareils dwelled and waited. There were many places like this scattered across the globe, all of them connected by communication and all of them secret. Except to those who needed to know about them. All this, Kitt explained to Katt.

They were greeted at the front door by a short man in red robes who led them inside and deep into the underbelly of the church. Here, they were greeted yet again, this time by a larger group of men dressed in white robes, which gathered around Kitt excitedly and paid little attention to Katt.

“I’ll tell you everything you need to know but please, let me get patched up first and allow my good friend here some rest. She has been most helpful to me and I would have no made it this far without her.”

A man came to usher Katt to a spare room and Kitt assured her all was well as he too was led away, this time to a small medical room that smelled sweetly of lavender and vinegar. Here, herbs were applied to Kitt’s wounds and he was given foods to help replenish himself faster. Clean linen was wrapped around his arm and he was given a foul smelling mixture to ease the pain. Though he hadn’t believed it was possible, it tasted even worse than it smelt and he quickly decided it was something he never wanted to taste again.

Once repaired, Kitt sought out Katt and quickly found her anxiously awaiting his return. It was a strange surprise to him, he couldn’t remember the last time someone had been so kind to him, shown him such and generosity and then, despite everything, had stuck around to make sure he was alright. He was quickly beginning to think that the day Katt had found him had been the luckiest of his life.

“I have to go to a meeting,” Kitt told Katt, “tell the Hareils about what happened before my transformation. It won’t take long. You’ll be safe here, I promise.” And before she could say anything he disappeared down the hallway.

Hareil Hall was a dome-shaped room built entirely of marble adorned with carvings of ivory. It was here that the ten elders of this particular Hareil clan gathered for their meetings and this is where Kitt would stand before them that day. He hated it; it felt like he was being put on trial, not just because of the set up but because he knew they were judging him. Being the youngest Guardian, they had had their opinions of him, not just for his age but because of his family. Kitt had always known this and it was partially due to this that he felt uneasy that he stood before them that day.

“Gariel and I were attacked on our journey and then ambushed as we fled. I escaped, transformed and have spent the last few months in hiding.”

“And Gariel? What of him?” the oldest elder asked.

Kitt sighed and looked down at the ground. “Gariel died. There was nothing I could do.”

“So you left him,” there was a tone of disapproval in the elder’s voice that Kitt didn’t like. “You left Gariel to die? You abandoned our strongest Guardian?”

“No,” said Kitt defiantly, trying hard to suppress his anger. “He had been shot; there was nothing I could have done for him.”

“You could have used the life sacrifice.”

Kitt was furious. “If I hadn’t have fled we would have both been killed and your precious Guardianship would have been finished.”

The elders seemed taken aback by this outburst but quickly composed themselves. Rashness of youth they decided. A sign of inexperience, it was to be expected. “And so, what do you plan to do now?”

“I will go to the seal. I will offer my powers as Guardian in an attempt to lock the seal forever.”

The elders gasped. “That’s preposterous. Such action is both rash and requires vast amounts of talent, skill and bravery.”

“I was chosen as a guardian. Surely that proves I am capable of attempting this feat.”

There were uneasy whispers around the room but Kitt could hear what they were saying and their words only infuriated him more. He was having a very hard time containing himself.

“We cannot grant you permission to go to the seal. We agree that it is too dangerous for you to attempt.”

“What?!” Kitt couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“You are far too young. Were this request coming from Gariel perhaps our decision would be different.”

Kitt was furious. “You have no right to judge my life! I am tired of being hunted like an animal; I just want a life of my own to lead as I choose and not as you dictate!”

The elders were unmoved by his words. “You will wait until you are ready. In that time perhaps you can reflect upon your mistakes, such as your failure to prevent Gariel’s death.”

Kitt snapped. “That’s it isn’t it? You hate the fact that I’m here and Gariel isn’t. You can’t stand the fact that I’m the one who survived. You always preferred him over me! His death was not my fault! How was I to know we would be ambushed, how was I to know he would be shot!?”

With an emotionless voice the elder replied, “Even so, you should have sacrificed your own life so that Gariel could live. That mistake proves you are unworthy of the task that you seek.”

The elder signalled for Kitt to make his leave and he stormed from the room in a furious rage, regretting every second he had spent in this damned place. He found a spare room and vented his anger upon it until the violent sounds brought Katt from her room to see him.

“What’s wrong?”

“The elders won’t let me go to the seal. They wish for me to suffer this existence longer, until I am as they wish me to be but that day will never come. I will never become what they want of me.”

Katt touched Kitt upon the arm softly and gently asked, “Tell me what happened.”

Kitt sighed and stared frustrated at the stone wall beside him. “Before I came to you I was travelling with another, Gariel. He was always the favourite, the strongest, the fastest, you name it he was best at it. During our travels we were attacked and driven into an ambush. I escaped and came to live with you but Gariel…Gariel was killed. The elders blame me for his death, they say I should have sacrificed my own life to save his but…the circumstances would not have allowed it. I was always their scapegoat, I was always the one blamed for holding everyone back because I was younger but I am as capable as they were, even Gariel.” I sighed. “I was always told that I was the reason that Gariel never reached his full potential as a Guardian, that he was too busy looking after me, cleaning up my messes to acquire the proper training and now, even after his death, I’m still being used as their scapegoat. They don’t realise that I mourned for Gariel’s death, they see not the truth but only what they wish to see.”

Katt took Kitt’s hand and squeezed it slightly. “But why? Why were things between you and Gariel so tough?”

“Because…” he turned to face her slightly. “Gariel was my brother…”

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Awww...poor Kitt...thay're not giving him any credit...
But if I've learned anything from video game RPGs, it's that adversity makes you stronger, even if the journey is long and involves a lot of battles. And much gaining of new, cool powers and progressively better items. :P But I digress.

If one is chosen to be a Guardian, it makes me wonder why others can't be chosen as new Guardians, since there's only one left. But more importaintly, I wonder how they'll manage to get to Egypt, or if they'll find an alternate solution. But most of all, the burning question in my mind is...if Kitt acts so much like a cat, can and does he purr? :)

[Samchu]

Well one is more...born into Guardianship and all the Guardians are born around the same time, generally in the space of a few months (with Kitt being the exception). This means that there will be no newborns possessing powers of Guardianship until Kitt dies - and as much as they hate him the Hareil don't want to go through the entire training process again and more importantly, the sevretly fear that during this time of training those wishing to break the seal will succeed and the world ill be plunged into chaos.

And for the final question, yes he can. It won't come into a later chapter for a long while though.

[eevee-shayna]

time to start chipping away at the stoage we've built up while waiting for the Golden Pen nominations.


Chapter 7

Keeping her head bent down, Katt fiddled with Kitt’s hand. Her thumbs stroked his palm.

The place he had brought them, to the Hareil, it may have been safe, but Katt noticed that the mood seemed anything but. It was as if they were aiding us because they had to, however, that did not stop the disapproval they all so openly displayed. To them, Kitt was reckless and young.

A smile penetrated Katt’s lips. Kitt caught sight of it.

“What is it?” he asked, still slightly moody.

“It’s you,” Katt responded, “You truly are a cat. Independent, go where you please, do what you please, chose who you want to be around, never make promises, and always find a way to live on.”

Kitt couldn’t help but smile as well.

“I suppose I am,” he said.

Another thought occurred to Katt.

“Was Gariel a cat as well?” she asked.

Kitt’s smile faded, though he didn’t seem moody anymore.

“No,” he answered, “Gariel was a dog in his other form.”

“Makes sense,” Katt said, “a dog is brave, loyal, strong, dependable... I can see why the Hareil liked him.”

Kitt pulled his hand away, not harshly, and turned his head. Katt lifted her head, and the hair cleared from her face.

“But cats don’t make good servants. Unlike dogs, cats can think for themselves, which is an even greater skill then any of a dog,” Katt said.

Kitt was silent for a moment, then finally spoke.

“And how did you come to be so knowledgeable about cats?” He asked quietly.

“You forget that I am a cat as well. My name is spelled differently, though. K-A-T-T. But a cat nonetheless,” she said.

Kitt couldn’t help but chuckle. He was then quiet for a long pause, until he spoke again.

“And what have you done that is so cat-like?” he asked.

Katt lowered her head again before she spoke. Her words were slow and thought out.

“I have always been independent. As a single child, I was obsessed over by my parents. They always wanted to treat me like a child, and always were telling me what to do, where to go, who to be around...I hated them for that. They never wanted me to date, so I dated boys they despised. They always signed me up for sports, so I missed all the practices and got thrown off the teams. And joined Drama, which they always thought was a waist of time. They made me go to a private school, so I flunked out and got to go to the public school I wanted. College was the last straw. They wanted me to go to a local collage and commune, living at home. College was to be my way out. I spent a year between high school and college saving up money, working two jobs. The following year, I applied and got accepted into a state college on the other side of the country. They told me that if I went, they would never fund me. I went anyway. It was tough, but I took out loans, used my savings, and worked myself through college with one full time and two part time jobs. I majored in culinary, and minored in theater studies. Perhaps not the most practical choices, but it was my money and I’d do what I want. After four years of college, I moved into that little apartment and worked as a waitress. My plan was to work myself up to a chief position, or make enough money to open my own little restaurant. Or bakery. That is, until all this...” Katt said.

Sometime during her story Kitt had turned his head toward Katt, because when Katt looked up, she was faced by his large, blue eyes. She smiled shyly and her cheeks faded into the color of rose.

“I suppose we’re just two stray cats, then,” said Kitt.

“I suppose so,” responded Katt.

They were again silent for a long time. At last, Kitt opened his mouth to speak.

“Well, then, it’s about time to check your bandages,” came an unfamiliar voice instead of Kitt’s. They turned to see a man in the doorway. Kitt nodded to Katt, then reluctantly stood up and followed the man.

Left alone in the room, Katt stared at her hands, thinking.

What was Kitt about to say? And why had she opened up to him? He was a cat, her cat for some time. The whole situation was abnormal, to say the least. And yet, she had enjoyed their little chat. Despite it being cut short, and despite the fact that she was blabbing her life story away. Nonetheless, he had sat there and listened intently, as if there was nothing else more important in the world then what she had to say. He had a way like that, it was in his big, blue eyes, and his little cat mannerisms. As his former owner, Katt was constantly reminded how much he was like her cat.

Suddenly disturbing her solitude came a man dressed in white. Katt looked up at him annoyed.

“Good day, ma’am. Please call me Gibbs. Beg my pardon for interrupting you,” he said. Katt said nothing. If they weren’t giving Kitt what he wanted, why should she be friendly to him?

He walked forward and tried again.

“Umm, We recognize that you helped out our comrade,” he tried. Still, Katt did not respond to the invitation to speak. His smile started to fade.

He tried once more.

“Well, umm, may I know your name?” he said, trying to muster up all his charm and politeness.

“Katt,” she said. He waited a few moments for her to offer anymore speech, but she did not.

Gibbs shuffled his feet and looked uneasy.

In less sure words he said, “Well, Katt, we are certainly grateful for your aid. However, we should like to know, that is, I would like to ask you, if you would tell us your involvement in his...escapade.” he tried his smile again, though it was shot.

Katt was silent for a long pause, but she finally opened her mouth to speak, causing Gibbs to look quite relived.

“Look, he came to me as a cat seven months ago, I took care of him, and a few days ago he turned into a human and we came here,” she said.

His relived face vaporized. Katt had most likely told him nothing that he hadn’t been able to put together himself through guesswork. Furthermore, Katt’s continued silence must have discouraged him.


“Right, well, thank you,” Gibb’s said, not very thankfully. Realizing that he wouldn’t get anything else out of her, and most likely scared of her vibes, he wisely decided to depart.

Once again, Katt was left alone. Loathing boiled in her for the Hareil. She carefully scanned the pieces of information she had collected, like a detective examining clues of a case, and waited for Kitt’s return.

[Samchu]

here we go, here we go, here we go...

Chapter 8


As Kitt sat and had the bandages upon his arm unwrapped and replaced by fresh ones, he thought deeply about what Katt had said to him. She had understood his feelings so well, his whole outtake on life seemed to be shared by her and for such a thing to occur…it baffled him greatly and he knew not what to do about it. He wasn’t used to having anyone understand him.

Gazing at the white wall ahead of him, Kitt contemplated his next move. He was determined that his mission would take place, whether the Hariel would permit him to or not. He could always defy them, go on his own…but that would meaning risking their wrath, something Kitt was not eager to do for a second time. But all the same…he wasn’t prepared to wait around for them to be finished with him.

“Grab your bags, we’re leaving,” Kitt stated as he entered the room where Katt was waiting for him.

“What?”

“We’re getting the heck outta here. Now.”

Taking up his bags in one hand and Katt’s arm in the other, Kitt took for the door and down the left corridor.

“Kitt, what –“

Kitt suddenly pulled Katt down and empty corridor and signalled for her to keep quiet.

“We’re getting out of here,” he whispered to her. “I’m taking a stand against the Hareil but if they find out what I’ve done they’ll…let’s just say it won’t be pretty so please, keep it down.”

Katt nodded silently and Kitt turned to make sure the coast was clear.

“The passages down here have existed for generations,” Kitt explained, “they run for miles. The best escape route you could ask for if, you know where they lead.”

As if on cue, Kitt pushed against one of the wall panels and it slid silently to the side revealing a long staircase that wound downwards.

“Careful,” Kitt whispered, “some of these passages haven’t been used for decades.”

The two descended into the darkened stairwell. Across the stone walls, flame torches illuminated before them, leading the way downward. Treading careful, both of them headed slowly towards an unknown destination. Despite knowing where this passageway would eventually lead them, the youngest guardian had no idea how exactly it would get them there. Not only were many of the passageways old, several of them were also…unusual.

About two steps from the bottom, the step beneath Katt crumbled slowly and she began to plummet into the unknown abyss below. Reacting with lightning quickness, Kitt spun round and grabbed Katt by her wrist as her legs dangled helplessly in mid-air. He pulled her up gently until their faces were level and then lowered her to the ground.

“You okay?”

“Yes,” she replied, the blood rushing to her cheeks. “Thank you.”

He fidgeted uneasily. “Don’t mention it.”

They touched down on the ground without further incident and a seemingly endless hallway stretched out before them. There was no lighting here but the glow from the stairwell revealed a rusted train track that stretch as far as the tunnel.

“How are we supposed to follow that?” Katt asked.

Kitt gave her no answer but merely placed their luggage on the ground and walked over to a dusty pile. With a sudden pull, he threw a dust-covered blanket to the side to reveal an age-worn cart. He pushed it down the track towards where Katt stood waiting.

“The wheels still run okay,” he climbed inside. “Coming?”

Katt looked the cart over with a questioning look then reluctantly clambered inside with their luggage in tow. Kitt grabbed a long pole from the bottom of the cart. “Hold on,” he said, and then pushed against the track.

The cart slid swiftly along the track, its wheels clicking over the rusted track. The journey started out just fine but as the cart progressed along the track both passengers began to notice that they were gradually picking up speed.

“Don’t worry,” said Kitt reassuringly, “We’re bound to come to a flat eventually and we’ll just coast to a stop.”

But the flat never came and the cart only continued to increase in speed. As it sped down the rails Kitt and Katt saw an abrupt end coming towards them at an alarming speed. And there were no breaks.

“I thought we were going slow down!” Katt shouted over the rushing wind.

“So I made a mistake!”

Kitt scanned the cart swiftly, no way to stop. He considered the option of jumping but they were going way too fast for that, it was far too risky. That left them with only one other option.

“We’re going to tip the cart,” said Kitt calmly.

“What!?” Katt screamed in his ear.

Kitt winced and twisted his finger about his ear. “I said,” he repeated calmly, “we’re going to tip the cart. All you have to do is grab this side and when I say so, push. Okay?”

Too afraid to answer, she merely nodded and gripped the side until her knuckles turned a ghostly white. Trapped in this tense state, she could do nothing but listen for Kitt’s signal as the far wall flew ever-closer to them.

Taking in all the necessary calculation, Kitt made sure this stunt wasn’t going to get themselves killed then took up his position behind Katt.

“Ready…”

Both their grips tightened.

“Set…”

Their legs braced.

“Now!”

The two forced their weight forward and the cart tipped, continued on at a slant then tumbled sideways. Instinctively, Kitt wrapped his arms around Katt and twisted their bodies, pulling hers into his to reduce the blow the impact would undoubtedly have on them both. As the cart skidded into the stone floor, both passengers tumbled out and collapsed in an awkward heap, her body strewn across his and their luggage clattered around them.

“You okay?”

“Yeah,” Katt replied, standing up slowly as she brushed some dust from her clothes. Even in the poor lighting Kitt could see the reddened glow illuminating from her cheeks.

He led her to a small step ladder and, ever the gentleman, allowed her up first before following slowly with their belongings. Of course, the thought that that little trip might have been improved if she were wearing a skirt never once crossed his mind.

Upon reaching the surface the two found themselves at a harbour crammed full of people. Nearby, a large ship was ready to set sail, its destination, England.

“We need to get on that ship.”

“How? We haven’t got tickets.”

Kitt looked around thoughtfully. “Give me two minutes.”

“For what – “But Kitt had already disappeared into the crowd.

True to his word, Kitt returned a few minutes later with two tickets clenched in his teeth. Why that was, Katt decided it was best not to ask and merely followed him onto the ship.

Night had fallen by the time the ship finally pulled out of dock and cruised silently through the calm waters. Kitt and Katt sat together by the window, looking quietly out at the night sky and watching as the world drifted past them. It was nice to enjoy a moment of peace and normality, especially after everything that had already happened.

“Do you think the Hareil know we’re missing?”

“Oh they know,” Kitt replied, his glance never wavering from the window.

“Will they come looking for us?”

“Undoubtedly.”

Katt shuffled uneasily. “And if they find us?”

She saw Kitt’s resolved loosen slightly. “Nothing will happen to you.”

“What about you?”

“Depends,” he replied with complete honestly.

“On what?”

“How long it takes for them to catch us.”

Katt decided not to pry further. She was tired, finding their hectic journey had greatly exhausted her. With a wide yawn her eyes began to droop and she fell against Kitt, falling slowly into a deep slumber.

Unsure of how to act in this situation, Kitt merely sat there and offered his shoulder to the sleeping girl. In the silence of the night, Kitt silently prayed that the Hareil wouldn’t be able to catch him. He had had dealings with them in the past and there had been…unpleasantries. The Hareil had accused Kitt of spreading lies about his brother and had acted accordingly, needless to say the scars of that incident had less than healed, both the mental and physical ones.

But that was for another time. For now at least, they were safe and secure in that thought, Kitt too drifted off to sleep.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

And they're off! The epic journey has begun!

Nice chapters; we get a bit of backstory on both, they take matters into their own hands by leaving, snd we get to see the classic mine-cart-on-the-tracks. With the inevitable dead-end. Clever way of avoinding that drop-off, by the way.

[sesshomaru]

Awesome FanFic. Full of details and a great plot. Can't wait for the next chapter!

[eevee-shayna]

Glad you've taken a liking to it. Sam and i like writing together. (i swear, we've writen so much together that we can read eachother's minds).

I'll wait a few days to post the next chap. We have up 'till chapter 17, but we'll chip away at them slowly.

[Samchu]

Thank you all for your kind words. *bows*. Indeed, I must admit that I do enjoy writing alongside Eevee, perhaps because we both get a twisted pleasure from torturing our characters. LOL. Dunno about mind reading...the hints Eevee sends me along with her chapter might have something to do with it...jk.

Yeah we're up to about chapter 17, with me slaving through the next one - nah i'm loving it really - and things are getting pretty complicated...as long as you guys enjoy it then there's no need to worry.

Anyways, it's nice always nice to see your work being appreciated and I thank you.

[Gavin Luper]

Well, I'm really glad I sat down and read this now.

This story is excellent, I really really like it. You guys have me completely drawn into it now, so don't hold back with the new chapters! The plot is really original and very engaging, and the characters are very nice too, they have a realistic depth to them that makes this fic a pleasure to read. Of course, it's not perfect at all - there are a few problems with grammar, sentence structure and overall syntax - but these really are minor, and they'll probably become even less of a problem as time passes.

On the whole, this is one of the best new fics I've read in a very long time, and despite the initial chapters being a bit lacking in detail, everything since then has been quite superb. Very good writing by both of you.

Anyway, keep writing this. I really can't wait to see what happens next. Will the Hareil track them down sooner or later? Will Kitt and Katt make it to Egypt in time? The possibilities are endless.

This is very good stuff. You guys have a new reader on your hands!

Cheers!

[eevee-shayna]

Arigato gazimasu for your kind words on our fic, Gavin! It's always a pleasure to know we have another reader. ^_^

Yes, the gramatics could be improved. though, I know through writing TDLQ I've become much better at it. especially with Pikachu-Senei's critiques. Whic reminds me, my good friend Sam here hasn't known the wrath of Pikachu-Sensei... stuff like that really helps, though. If you'd care to point out the parts in need of editing, that would be wonderful.

Well, I think your praise deserves the delivery of another chapter. It's about time I posted the next one, anyway. hope no one gets sea-sick too easily!
enjoy.


Chapter 9~

Katt woke up to find her head resting gently on Kitt’s shoulder. Her first instinct was to jolt away, but the feeling was smothered by the dread of waking him up. For some reason, the prospect of disturbing his peaceful slumber seemed a terrible sin. So she just stared at his beautiful face and watched the rising and falling of his chest while she kept her head still on his shoulder. Many passengers lay asleep on benches around them. The sounds of children and splashing waves banished the lingering silence. Katt was close enough to hear Kitt’s soft breathing as he slept.

It wasn’t until a few hours passed that Kitt finally awoke. Katt slowly rose her head. His eyes had a sleepy, dazed look in them that seemed to be reminiscing some half forgotten memory. He had an almost teary look as he stared into Katt’s face. Though he didn’t seem to see her at all.

“Kitt,” Katt said, trying to get him out of his daze, “Kitt.”

He finally heard her and wiped his eyes. The sleepiness drained from his face, and his regular face returned.

“Your cheeks are red,” Kitt said. Katt turned her head away, puzzled by his actions.

Feeling uneasy, Kitt stood up and walked away. Katt thought he must have taken a walk to clear his mind of something, but when he returned he told her that they should reach port in a couple of hours.

“Come with me, you have to see the view,” Kitt said. Katt followed him to the outside deck. The water was a brilliant texture of foaming waves in a mixture of blue, green, and white. Katt held the railing with both hands and stared at the water speechlessly. Kitt leaned his elbows on the railing, causing him to bend slightly, while Katt stood straight. He stared unparticularly into the endless sea. His mind seemed to be drifting with the tide.

Katt pulled her eyes away from the scenery, and focused on Kitt, deep in thought. It took him a long time to realize that she was looking at him. He just smiled, stood up straight, and mumbled something about taking a walk.

The two walked along the boats edge, clinging to the railing, and enjoying the salt air. Katt’s mind was on Kitt. She couldn’t figure out what Kitt was obsessing over. The sea must have reminded him of something, though Katt couldn’t even guess what. Kitt and his brother had been who-knows-where together, and Katt could only imagine that it had something to do with that.

Later on, the crew asked them to sit down while the boat pulled into the harbor.

Kitt grabbed their bags and Katt followed him off the boat once it had been secured to land.

“Welcome to England,” he said as they stepped onto solid ground. Katt hadn’t the slightest clue where they were going to next. The first thing they did was walk away from the harbor and into the city.

While stopping for a short brake, she asked, “Where to next?”

“I know some people just out of England. We’ll catch a bus and walk,” was his answer.

They continued to walk for awhile, until Katt’s instinct of curiosity caught up with her.

“Kitt, what have you been thinking about? You’ve seemed dazed since we boarded the ship,” she said.

He gazed forward with one of his dazed looks before answering, “I can’t help thinking about...”. when he didn’t finish his sentence, Katt pryed further.

“Can’t help thinking about what?” she asked.

He breathed in deeply and sighed even deeper. He was silent for so long that Katt was about to ask the question again. It seemed he had forgotten what she’d said. But he answered eventually.

“About how much you remind me of her,” he said, and left it at that. Katt was expecting him to say something further, explaining his words, but he stayed silent.

The girl’s curiosity was clawing away at her, but she restrained herself enough to leave the subject alone.

Their travel went just as Kitt had said, onto a bus, then walking. The trip was made mostly in silence. They continued to travel toward the direction Kitt trudged. Katt was unsure of the whole situation, and her mind wouldn’t leave her alone about it. As hard as it was on her personality, she decided to wait until he spoke. Surely he must have his reasons.

The sun was beginning to set when they reached their destination. They walked up to a small house and Kitt knocked on a door.

[Gavin Luper]

Nice chapter.

Not much really happened in this chapter, it was more of a filler I suppose, but it definitely served to add depth to the growing 'tension' (I won't call it 'romantic tension' yet, but it seems to be heading that way) between Kitt and Katt.

The chapter, especially the end of it when they arrived at the destination, felt a little bit rushed; personally, I would have liked to see more of London/England and the settings, but that's just me. Still, it worked fine without the setting description in there and I think it was as good a chapter as any. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Agreed, mr_pikachu's advice on grammar and stuff is far superior to most people's. I'll leave it to him - any advice I could give would probably be completely incorrect anyway. :keke: But seriously, the grammar problems here are infrequent and don't detract much from the fic, so I wouldn't be too worried about them.

Until next time!

Cheers!

[eevee-shayna]

Yeah, it's a filler with some charactor developement.

More England settings? Well, being the American I am, I don't think I can do much in that aspect. thats kind of why I rushed it. You'd have to refere to some of Sam's posts, since she's from the area.

[Gavin Luper]

That's cool, I just happen to have a love of setting in fics ^^ The chapter was really good still, anyway, and I await the next plot twist whenever it comes!

Cheers!

[Samchu]

Enjoy peeps

Chapter 10

The door swung inward and a wave of warmth flushed over them. In the doorway stood a short stumpy man with a greying beard and large spectacles that barely clung to his face. He wore a broad grin and smelt strongly of ginger ale and pipe tobacco. He adjusted his spectacles, squinting at the strangers on his doorstep before at last realising who it was that stood before him.

“As I live and breathe! Never thought I’d see the likes of you again.”

“It’s good to see you again Arthur. My friend and I need a place to stay for a few days. Is the room still going spare?”

Arthur peered round Kitt to see Katt standing behind him, shivering slightly. The night was bitterly cold. He adjusted his spectacles once again and shot Kitt and unreadable glance, “I see…” He stepped aside. “Come in, come in. Can’t have you catching your death outside.”

The two entered and Kitt motioned to Katt to seat herself in the sofa next to the fireplace and warm her bones. Arthur offered them both tea and Kitt offered to help. Arthur was much older than his physical features showed and so Kitt felt obliged to help him. Also, it gave them the chance to talk.

“Still have the room then?”

Arthur warmed the kettle. “Couldn’t bare to see someone else use it. Just didn’t seem right. I cleared out my study, made that a spare room. Hope your friend doesn’t mind sharing.”

“I’m sure she’ll be okay.” Kitt set out three china cups.

“She’s just like her,” said Arthur quietly.

“Yes.”

The old man fiddled through some cupboards, searching for nothing. “It’s almost like she’s here again…” Kitt placed a comforting hand on the old man’s shoulder as tears silently streamed his face. “She was so innocent, she didn’t deserve it.”

Kitt nodded silently, holding back tears of his own. “No she didn’t.”

The kettle whistled and Arthur hastily rubbed the tears from his eyes and ran to tend to it. Silently he poured the tea into the cups and loaded them onto a tray which he carried out to the awaiting female sat in his living room.

Kitt stayed back a short while longer, lingering on his thoughts as they came to him. A barrage of memories both good and bad filled his mind and caused his eyes to become dazed and glassy. He shook his head; this was not the time for such thoughts. Taking up a tin of biscuits, with the excuse that he was looking for them in mind, he headed into the living and sat beside Katt.

“As I was telling your lovely lady friend, I’ll fix up the spare bedroom for you both right after I finish this cup. Feel free to stay as long as you want.”

“We won’t stay long,” Kitt assured him.

“Ah, Guardian related matters I suppose.”

“In a way.”

They drank in silence but when the old man shuffled upstairs to prepare sleeping arrangements for them both, Katt finally spoke up.

“He keeps giving me weird looks. Why is that?”

Kitt sat back and licked his lips. “You remind him of his granddaughter.”

Katt placed her cup down on the table in front of them and looked directly at Kitt. “Is that who I remind you of as well?”

Kitt frowned slightly as he silently recollected memories of her. A sip of hot tea brought his attentions back and he saw Katt watching him intently, eagerly awaiting his answer. “…yes.”

The girl fidgeted in her seat, adopting a more comfortable position, like a child awaiting a bedtime story. Kitt, however, remained silent and merely sipped his tea. After a while, seeing Katt’s curious gaze had yet to waver, he decided that he would have to say something, even if it was not what the girl had been hoping for. “That story is not for telling tonight.”

Slightly disappointed, Katt returned to her respectable position on the sofa and sipped her tea silently.

A short while later Arthur returned and collected up the empty cups. Seeing the look of exhaustion in the old man’s face, Kitt quietly stated that Katt and himself would retreat upstairs for the night and Arthur bid the pair of them goodnight. Upstairs was smaller than the downstairs had seemed yet managed to hold four rooms of its own. Arthur’s was at the far end to the right and the bathroom next to that. They would be staying in the room to the far left, which left the fourth room straight ahead of them, at which Kitt was staring intently.

“That was hers wasn’t it?”

Kitt merely nodded then forced his eyes away and headed down the hallway to their room with Katt following.

“Why won’t you tell me about her?”

Kitt frowned slightly. “It is unfair in present company.” The girl sighed and Kitt realised that she would continue asking until she got her answer. “I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.” The girl seemed content with that and didn’t pester Kitt on the matter again.

The room Arthur had prepared for them was tiny, barely able to hold the two beds it contained and having no decoration aside from the sky blue painted walls. Kitt immediately scrambled onto one of the beds and lay down, his front to the wall. Here, he laid perfectly still and awaited for the girl to drift into her own slumber.

A few hours passed and Kitt was convinced that both Katt and Arthur were deep enough in their slumbers for him to do what he had to. Silently, Kitt crept out of the room and tiptoed down the hallway to the fourth room which he entered slowly. He raised the lights in the room revealing before him four sea green walls, each decorated with shelves of little trophies and pictures. To his left, was the bed where she had slept. Her urn sat, nestled into the pillow and he kneeled beside it.

“Hey…sorry it took so long for me to come back, work you know.” He smiled softly and continued. “So much has happened since I last spoke to you, I don’t know where to begin. The Guardians are dead and now I’m all that’s left of them. I’m going to Egypt, I’m going to lock the seal, give up my powers of Guardianship. The Hareil object of course, they hate the idea but I stopped caring about what they said a long time ago.” He sighed. “I’ve met someone as well. She reminds me of you, even Arthur sees the resemblance but that’s not why I…” He trailed off and hung his head slightly. “She’s not you but that doesn’t matter. The things that make her different from you, I like them as much as the things that make her the same. I think that this is my chance to do what you asked of me, to move on, to let you go, but I’m afraid. Right now, there is nothing between us, nothing that the Hareil would see as a threat but if something were to happen…and if they were to catch us…” Kitt wiped a tear from his eye. “I could not bear to see the Hareil take her away from me as well.”

Kitt took a photo album from the cabinet and opened it up. Inside were pictures of him though slightly younger and with a young girl in his arms. He remembered everything about her. The way her strawberry blonde hair smelt, how warm her touch was, how passionate her kiss…things that would never be forgotten.

After a while, Kitt returned the album to its place and stopped by the bed. “I have to go,” he said quietly. He kneeled beside the bed once again, pressed his fingers to his lips and pressed them against the urn. “Take care of yourself,” he smiled gently. “And that applies for both of you.”

Switching the lights off, Kitt silently returned to his and Katt’s room where the girl remained sleeping peacefully. He smiled at her gently then climbed into bed and drifted into a dreamless sleep.

[Gavin Luper]

Good chapter as usual.

Finally we see who Katt reminded Kitt of, I actually didn't think it would be divulged that quick, but it was good to see. Gives Kitt some backstory. And Arthur seems like an OK old guy, a useful contact to have.

Keep writing!

Cheers!

[eevee-shayna]

We'll keep writing if you keep reading. and even if you don't, Sam and i have eachother as audiences, so we'll keep writing anyway.

Hmm, this chapter seems strangly fitting for October. (even though I wrote it in mid september)

anyway, enjoy.

Chapter 11

Katt lay silent in the darkness. A thin sheet was draped over her, and her eyelids concealed her alertness. She hadn’t fallen asleep yet, how could she? With so much activity going on, and this mysterious story Kitt refused to tell, her cat side wouldn’t let it go. And, now, she had more on her mind. She had heard Kitt get up, go to her room, and talk. The house wasn’t all that big, and the night was silent except for some crickets.

But now that the boy had fallen asleep in the bed beside Katt’s, her mind had turned into a whirlwind. Kitt and this girl must have been lovers, that’s what made sense. And she must have died because of the Hareil.

Katt shifted so that she was facing the ceiling. The more she was with Kitt, the more she learned about his past. There was so much about him that he had yet to reveal, and the side stories of his life could last forever. Did she even know who this person is? And yet, somehow, she was willing to find out more about him.

As quietly as she could, the girl slipped out of bed and to her room. A breath of excitement fluttered in her stomach as she walked down the dark and silent hall. She didn’t want to wake up the other two in the house. Somehow, the idea of being found out of bed and in that room by one of the two men in the house seemed horrible. Every creek of the wooden floor on her bare feet sent her in shivers. At last Katt made it to the door. Although she had heard Kitt enter and exit the room, she still didn’t know what to expect. Slowly the girl opened the door, which seemed to squeak much more then it had for Kitt. In a swift motion, she sidestepped into the room, and closed the door behind her. When she turned to face the body of the room, she was met by a sight that made her gasp and stand still for several seconds. Kitt hadn’t seemed frightened of anything in the room, but for Katt, to enter unknowingly and secretly into a dark and mysterious room, the sight of an Urn was highly startling. She tiptoed apprehensively toward the cold metal container that lay stiffly on the bed’s pillow. Just as she was leaning to read the letters engraved into the Urn, a noise sounded from the hall. Katt stood frozen in this dead girl’s room as the sounds continued. The thumping sound of slightly labored walking lumbered down the hall. Katt quickly calculated that it must be Arther. His steps continued until they were almost at the door of the girl’s room. But they soon faded away until he reached, Katt strained her ears to tell where, the bathroom. She continued to stand slightly hovered over the Urn until Arther had finished and was heading back to his room. She almost thought it safe to move, but his footsteps then stopped in front of the door. For many chilling moments, the man just stood there. But finally, he walked onward to his room. When it was finally safe, Katt finished leaning and read the face of the Urn.

Kathrene James
1972-1995

Immediately two thoughts plagued her. First, the girl’s name. Katt’s real first name was also Kathrene. She just shortened it to Katt to fit her personality and to rebel against her parents. How could this ironic coincidence play out that they had the same name?

But that wasn’t the only thought that came to her mind. The year was questionable. This girl would have died 10 years ago. But Kitt had said he was 25. Could they have been lovers when Kitt was 15 and she 25? And she had left such an impression on him, could they have only been together for one year? Something wasn’t adding up.

And then an idea hit her. Hadn’t Kitt said something about Guardians being immortal when she had first met him? Yes, now that she thought about it, he had said that the immortality wasn’t worth it if he had to lead his life the way the Hareil wanted. In that case, Kitt probably wasn’t 25 at all. Although he was the youngest of the Guardians, that could mean hundreds of years to someone who was immortal. Katt’s head began to spin at the thought of it. And he must have borrowed the age from her. After all, the urn said that she died at the age of 25.

Feeling dizzy, Katt stumbled out of the room, and just remembered to close the door behind her, before careening down the hall to her bed in the spare room. Once collapsed on the hard mattress, she couldn’t keep her eyes off of Kitt. What secrets did he hold? What had he been through throughout his life? What sorrows had he known?

Katt tried to fall asleep, but her mind was still nagging at her. She let the thoughts tumble into the empty vat of her consciousness and she began to cipher through all of it. After much consideration, she came to one conclusion: she didn’t want to know what had happened to that girl. She didn’t want to know how so much misery had been brought about, and she didn’t want to think about the similarities. In the morning, she would tell Kitt not to tell her the story.

That settled, Katt was finally able to fall asleep. It was a fitful sleep that she kept drifting in and out of, until morning finally broke.

Katt freshened up in the bathroom and then sat patently on her bed. When Kitt eventually awoke, his glassy-eyed look finally had gone. Seeing Katt staring at him, he sat up as well. He opened his mouth to speak, but Katt beat him to it.

“Look, I’ve thought about it and there’s only one conclusion. I don’t want to know what happened to her. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the past, and I don’t want to pry into it any further. So don’t tell me, I don’t want to know,” she said.

Kitt looked deeply into her face before responding, “But don’t you want to know, in case it happens to you?”

Katt responded immediately. She had already thought about that. “If a situation comes up where I’m in trouble, then you can warn me. Otherwise, I won’t bug you about the subject any longer.”

Kitt took a long moment to think it over before nodding in agreement.

Katt thought about asking his real age, but she decided against it. She had prodded to much already. And anyway, she would learn in good time. If he was in fact immortal, she had all the time in the world. For now, she would cast the details aside. They were going on a trip to Egypt, that was all she needed to know.

“Now,” she said sweetly, “Let’s go downstairs and have breakfast.”

It was settled, and they went on as if nothing was abnormal. As far as Katt was concerned, nothing really was.

[Gavin Luper]

Good chapter as usual. I can see why Katt is so apprehensive about prying too much; I don't know if I would want to know the full truth if I were in her position either. The discovery of the urn must have been particularly chilling for her, too.

Just one thing that didn't add up - on the urn it said 1972 - 1995 - that makes her 23 years old when she died, not 25 as was mentioned later.

Also, is the guardians are immortal, how did the others die? I'm guessing it's not immortality in it's traditional meaning?

Anyway, still a great chapter as always. Looking forward to more!

Cheers!

[Samchu]

Also, is the guardians are immortal, how did the others die? I'm guessing it's not immortality in it's traditional meaning?

I can't remember if I mentioned this later - i know I mentioned it at some point but for easy reference I'll clarify now. The Guardians have an immortal lifespan but are vulnerable to physical harm. The other Guardians were murdered - in various ways.

Hope that helps.

[eevee-shayna]

Just one thing that didn't add up - on the urn it said 1972 - 1995 - that makes her 23 years old when she died, not 25 as was mentioned later.


I just can't count, that's all. ^_^

[Samchu]

Chapter 12


Breakfast passed them by as normally as was possible. Arthur played the gracious host and when everything was cleared away the two friends took a walk to pass the time as Arthur went out to shop. They walked side by side, Kitt slightly ahead as he knew the area better than she.

Away from the houses, Kitt led her to a hill where a large oak stood, a make-shift swing hung from its branches. Kitt said nothing but merely sat at the edge of the hill, his back to it. Katt joined him shortly after.

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. “I should never have come here…”

Katt took his hand. “You had to. It was something you had to do. You lost someone you loved, that doesn’t go away easily, it takes time.”

At the mention of the word, ‘time’ Kitt snorted. “Time?” he asked angrily. “Time is an illusion. Ten years I’ve lived with this, ten years! My life changed in an instant and I lost that which was dearest to me.” He hung his head in sadness. “Telling someone is supposed to be a way of letting go but I’ve found no one I can confide in.”

Sensing his need to get things off his chest, Katt squeezed Kit’s hand tighter. “Tell me then. Not about her death but about her life – about your life together. I can’t promise I can help you but I promise to listen. You don’t have to keep those secrets any longer.”

Kitt smiled gratefully and began his story. “I met Kathrene on my first day here. The Hareil had sent me here for training and much to my displeasure, I quickly discovered that I would not be as close to home as I wished.
“Kathrene was working in a café by the harbour, my first stop upon arriving here. I didn’t know what it was about her that caught my attention but from the moment I first laid eyes upon her, I was hooked. Every morning I would walk the five miles to see her and we quickly became friends. That winter I swallowed my pride and asked her on a date. To my joy and surprise, she accepted. I took her to dinner and we spent most of the night talking. I told her about my role as Guardian and she told me it wasn’t important to her. I walked her home, we kissed goodnight, I couldn’t have asked for much else.
“We saw each other every day after that. The Hareil had set me a rigorous training regime so I would train every morning whilst she worked and after she finished we would meet up and spend the afternoons – and the occasional evening – together. This was her favourite spot.”
Kitt smiled briefly but his story was not yet over.
“The following fall, I received my summons from the Hareil. I asked her to meet me here to tell her, not knowing that she also had news for me. When she came, I told her I had to leave in the morning. She took my hands and in her own and stated simply: ‘I’m pregnant.’ I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy of course but I had my summons, who knew when I would be back.”
Kitt laughed.
“And I just asked her. Dropped down on one knee and asked her to marry me. I had no ring, no speech, just blurted it out without a single thought. Can’t explain how happy I was when she said yes. I told her I’d obey my summons, return to the Hareil but I would tell them I was through as a Guardian. The Hareil have a way to remove Guardianship from one person and distribute it amongst the others. I just wanted to be as mortal as I could for when my child came into this world.”
Kitt closed his eyes.
“The sea crossing to the States was always one of my favourite memories. She loved the sea so much and we spent an amazing few hours together on that crossing. We came to the Hareil that afternoon and that evening I told them of my wishes to hand over my Guardianship and they agreed to do it.”
The warmth drained from Kitt’s face.
“The next day, Kathrene was dead and the day after I was bringing her body home in a wooden box. She was cremated a week later and the next night I left. Haven’t been back since.”
He sighed.
“I never had the heart to tell Arthur she was pregnant, he had already lost his daughter in a car crash and now his granddaughter had been killed – how could I tell him another life had been lost. No one knew, it was our secret as was the engagement. I told the Hareil my intentions of course but never that they had already been sealed.”
Kitt hung his head and a single tear rolled down his cheek. “I never had the chance to buy her the ring she deserved…” He sniffed loudly. “But the worst part…the worst part was when I held her dying in my arms and knew that there was nothing I could do to save her or our child…”

Katt had listened contently to her companion as he had poured his heart out to her. She pitied him, he had carried this sadness with him for ten years and until now he had not be able to confide his secret to anyone. Feeling compassionate, the girl let go of his hand and wrapped her arms around his chest and brought him close to her, offering her shoulder for comfort as he cried the tears he had been holding back for so long.

They stayed on the hill in silence for some time. The sky brightened before them steadily and eventually both decided it was time they headed back. The next morning they would depart south to Kitt’s hometown and from there, who knows.

As they passed by the swing, Kitt stopped, seemingly in thought and Katt turned to him with curiosity. “What is it Kitt?”

He nervously bit his lip. “Do you…I just wondered if maybe…you’d like to have a go?”

Katt shot it a wary glance.

“It’s sturdy. I built it myself.”

The girl still appeared to be unsure.

“Just one.”

She couldn’t argue with his big blue eyes and silently nodded. She took up her seat upon the swing and he pushed her gently for a while. Katt began to understand why this had been such a popular spot for Kitt and his former lover, the scenery was beautiful and you could see for miles in all directions.

“Had enough?” Kitt’s voice snapped her back to reality.

Katt nodded and Kitt gently brought the swing to a halt and gave her a hand in getting off.
“Come on then,” he said gently, “Arthur will be cooking lunch by now. I’ll tell him we’ll be leaving in the morning.”

“Kitt, are there Hareil back in your hometown?”

Kitt nodded. “Yes but they like me. There are supposedly Hareil groups in most countries across the globe, in case a Guardian should fall into trouble but not all of them share the same views. The Hareil back in America, are the leaders of the Hareil overall but each individual grouping has its own opinions.”

“But the Elders want you captured don’t they? So won’t they order the Hareil in your hometown to bring you in.”

“I don’t doubt it but they will never follow such an order. They know of my wishes, always have, and they back me 100%. Don’t worry, I promise you we’ll be perfectly safe.”

He gave her a convincing smile and held open the door to Arthur’s cottage so that she may enter.

“Trust me on this Katt.”

[darktyranitar]

This is a really good story and a cool concept too. I like the emotion between the characters. Wow, a trip to Egypt...I wonder what misfit will Kitt and Katt encounter on their journey.

You two did a good job on working together on making this fic. Keep writing please! You got me hooked! :biggrin:

[eevee-shayna]

Thank you for commenting!

I award you with the next chapter:


Chapter 13

Kitt had given her a lot to think about. Katt had never seen him so emotional until the issue of Kathrene had come up. When he had first changed into his human form, he was practically a cat in a human’s body. But slowly, it seemed, his feline features were melting away and revealing his true self. And Kathrene had just added a spark to quicken the process.

Kathrene... Kitt... Cat... The thoughts buzzed in her head as she entered Arther’s house. Kitt followed in behind her and quietly closed the door. The day was approaching evening, and their host was busy in the kitchen.

Arther poked his head into the room they stood and said, “Just need to finish this up. Perhaps you’d like to sit down and watch the telly?” His head retreated and the sound of clattering pans continued.

Katt couldn’t help but smile at the word. “Telly” was not common in America. In fact, she only heard the word in British movies. But nonetheless, the two walked over to a beaten couch that stood in front of the television set. None of them made a move to turn it on, though.

“Was never really fond of the blasted things,” said Kitt. Katt was immediately reminded of her ‘immortality’ theory of him, but she didn’t hint to it.

Instead, she said, “Me neither. More of a book person, you know me.”

Kitt smiled at a thought and said, “Yeah, you’d always fall asleep reading a book, and I’d have to put a bookmark in it, place it on the coffee table, and drag over a blanket for you.”

Katt, with a shocked expression, turned to him and said, “That was you? I would always wake up with my book on the coffee table and my blanket on me, but I never remembered doing either of those things. I always passed it off as me being tired and not remembering it. But, that was you all along?”

Kitt gave her a sly, cat look and said, “Come now, it’s not all that much of a surprise.”

They were silent for a pause, until Kitt said, “Now, what should we do to amuse ourselves?”

Katt looked around, then said, “There’s a record player over there. I’ve always been fond of those.”

“Yes, music is wonderful,” Kitt agreed. He walked over to it and picked out a record. To the girl’s surprise, he put on classical. His eyes closed, and for a moment, it looked to Katt that he was in a different world. But when he opened his eyes, he was grounded once more.

However, the idea of Kitt watching over her as her pet cat was still fresh in her mind. And the whole Kathrene ordeal was also raw to her. Together the thoughts turned and turned. Katt moved to sit on the couch, but the moment she touched the cushion, a thought occurred that made her back stiffen. Maybe Kitt had chosen her to be his owner while in his cat form, because she reminded him of his late lover. The thought kept tugging and tugging at her, until she had to give into it. Was she just a replacement? Someone to help gloss over the pain? He could have lived with anyone in the world, anyone. But he chose her. He had scouted her out, no doubt. After all, it had been ten years since that girl’s death. Why had he waited so long? And what’s more, he brought her to their favorite hide-away. Kitt pushed Katt on that swing he’d built for his ex-lover. He had insisted that she sit on it so he could push her. Kitt was obsessed with this one woman! He couldn’t get over her. He even had her remnants in an urn on her bed. And he talked to it! Katt wasn’t anything to him but a reminder of a memory of his past.

Through all these thoughts, Katt must have made a face , because Kitt asked, “Did you sit on something?”

Katt gave him a dirty look and stood up. Before Kitt could protest, she stomped up the stairs and stormed into Kathrene’s room. Once she had thrown the door open, she just stood in the doorway. At nighttime, the room had seemed scary. But in the daytime’s light, she was able to see what it really was. A memory. A perfectly preserved memory. There wasn’t even dust on the furniture. It looked like a room awaiting for it’s owner, whom was expected to walk in any moment. The only feature that set it off balance was the urn laying on the bed.

Kitt came running up the stairs after Katt.

Standing behind her, he said, “Katt, what’s wrong?” his eye’s seemed hurt that she had treated the room with such vulgarity. She turned to face him.

“What’s wrong? Everything, Kitt! Everything!” Katt yelled. She didn’t even try to calm down her voice. Tears were swelling in her eyes, and her face was red with anger.

“Katt, I don’t understand,” he said.

“Of course you do! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to figure it out, but I know the truth!” she said.

“And what is the truth?” he said, his volume rising.

“You’re using me, Kitt. That’s why you came to me, and why you pulled me along on your ‘adventure’,” Katt said angrily. The tears were growing in her eyes. Kitt stepped forward, causing both of them to enter the room.

“Katt, it’s not my fault. It’s this whole thing with the Hareil,” he said. His voice was louder now.

“Well I didn’t ask to be part of this whole ordeal with you!” she shouted.

“And do you think I asked for this? Do you think I’ve wanted this life were the goddamn Hareil are always screwing everything up and destroying everything I love? I didn’t ask for this either, Katt. I didn’t ask for this either!” he screamed. His face had grown red in anger, and he had a dangerous look on his face.

“What’s all this shouting about?” Arther forcefully said. He must have come up the stairs when he heard them.

“I can’t stand you people!” Katt said as she back-stepped further into the room, “You’re living in a memory!” She gestured her arms widely at the room. “All of this, this preservation you keep on display. Why haven’t you moved on? It’s been 10 freaken’ years! Get over it! She may be dead, but you aren’t!”

The two men were about to scream back, but at that moment Katt spotted the photo album lying on the bed. At one glance, she was able to see that Kathrene looked almost exactly like herself. She made a choking sound, and with fierce tears streaming down her cheeks, she plowed through the two men in the doorway and ran down the stairs.

“Katt! KATT, WAIT!” she heard Kitt yell behind her. But she barely noticed. She just bolted straight out of the house and down the scrawny rural road that lead to London.

Emotions surged through her as she ran. ‘That fool!’ she kept thinking. Thoughts of how much she hated him swarmed in her head. Her breath became heavy, and her face hot with perspiration, but she just kept running.

It wasn’t until she was deep into London’s jungle of buildings that she stopped to catch her breath on a busy street. She was there for a long time, until an undistinguishable man came up to her and said, “We’ve finally found you. Miss, you are being taken hostage by the Hareil. Do not attempt to resist.”

Before she knew how to respond, she felt a sharp sting of a needle in the back of her shoulder. She slumped over and felt her body being lifted before she blacked out.

[darktyranitar]

Just when you thought that they had understand each other...then Katt leaved. And then this Hareil's guy come and capture her...

Wonder what would they do to her. Guess I have to wait. Oh, and nice usage of emotions here. Waiting for the next chapter from Samchu :smilie:.

[Samchu]

and for our dedicated readers, the next chapter:

Ch 14

Kitt stood, bemused and bewildered, trying to find a reason behind her outburst. It had been so violent, so sudden; the girl had merely sat down and an instant later, the whole ordeal had kicked off. Resulting, in her less than ceremonious departure.

Unable to fathom what train of thought could have caused the girl to act in such a way, Kitt began to mull over her words in his head. You're using me, Kitt. It all originated from that line. Kitt was no fool and quickly he began to add all the pieces together and before long he realised that the girl had made a very big mistake. He had been blamed for fate’s cruel intentions for him and his attempt at building his friendship with her had been grossly misinterpreted.

Now it was his job to set her straight.

Kitt searched high and low for her. Night fell and still he had found no trace of her. When midnight approached, Kitt travelled, defeated, to his swing. Before her, this had been his thinking spot and even now, that was what it was to him.

The reality sunk in much slower than Kathrene’s death had. Katt was gone; she could be halfway back to the states for all he knew. He’d let the best thing that had happened to him in a decade slip through his fingers. He buried his head in his hands and sighed deeply. Kathrene…Katt…the Hareil…his guardianship…it was all too much for him to bear; even after all these years…

“I had a feeling I’d find you here,” a voice from behind him caused Kitt to swivel round.

“What do you want?” he growled at the Hareil minion before him.

“The same as always. Come back with us.”

“I have made my intentions clear to the Hareil. I will not return.”

“That answer is…regrettable, to say the least. The Hareil will not smile upon your choice.”

Kitt grunted. “Why are you still here?”

“There is the small matter of the girl.”

Kitt’s ears pricked at the sound of that. “Katt?” He stood up and faced up against the smaller minion, his hand gripping the man’s collar with a fierce veracity. “What. Have. You. Done. With. Her?”

The man squirmed under Kitt’s ever-tightening grip. “The grounds under Westminster,” he squealed.

“How do I get in?”

The man gasped, clawing at Kitt’s wrist as his legs flailed wildly in the air.

“How do I get in?” Kitt demanded again but it appeared he was going to get no answer from this pathetic excuse of a mortal. With a slight grunt, Kitt tossed him aside and trudged silently into the awaiting town below.

Kitt’s anger was brewing within him. The aftermath of Katt’s words, mingled with the actions of the Hareil, had left a foul taste in his mouth and he wanted revenge for both insults. Katt had snubbed the memory of his past fiancé and the Hareil had once again jeopardised the life of someone he cared about to satisfy their twisted perceptions of life.

He found the entrance with ease, the entire area was rank with their stench, and even Katt’s gentle hint of lavender seemed to hold. He did not doubt that he would find her inside but her rescue would be a different mater entirely. For Kitt, it was succeed, or submit to an eternity of imprisonment for the Hareil would never deem him capable of his chosen task.

This left of course, one final problem. Getting in in the first place.

Kitt sighed. There was no other option but to become a cat once again. He was fully aware of the risk it would entail, a month had yet to pass and he would not be assured full control of his transformation but he had little choice. He needed stealth and silence to find her, something he wouldn’t be able to obtain in his current form.

That night, London town saw a young man slip silently into the shadows and a Hareil guardsman – searching for the return of their scout – saw a stray alley cat as it brushed past his leg and into the abyss behind him.

Knowing that he could transform back at any moment, Kitt took off towards the nearest source of light. His movements light and swift, made his journey silent and when the sound of voices came to his ears, he was quick to react. Peering round the corner, Kitt found himself staring into a large room. There were only two Hareil, both talking, and Katt slumped in a corner.

Kitt saw his chance and darted quickly across the room. He tucked behind the girl’s legs, out of sight from the two Hareil and began to nudge her with his head. He needed her to awake before his transformation ended but without drawing any attention to the two Hareil.

His thoughts of revenge – for now at least – had been stricken almost instantly from his mind. That moment would arise for him but not now. Rescuing Katt was his main concern now, he could scold her harsh words later.

After much pestering, the girl at last awoke, opening her eyes slowly to find the cat tucked behind her knees. He silently told her to await the opportune moment and she seemed to understand for she quickly regarded the two Hareil then returned to her unconscious position so as not to arouse their suspicions.

Step one out the way.

Step 2 played through just as cleanly, thanks to much luck and inexperience on behalf of the Hareil members.

“Sirs!” the man who had been on guard ran in panting. “Our scout has just returned. He says Kitt attacked him and has learned the location of this hideout. He’s most likely to be scouring for the entrance right now.”

“Then we shall find him first.”

They all prepared to leave when one stopped. “But what of the girl?”

They regarded Katt briefly. “Leave her. She is of little use to us right now.”

Once the Hareil had gone, Kitt slinked out of his hiding place and Katt followed him in silence. Checking to see that all of the Hareil were safely out of sight, they disappeared amongst the darkened buildings of the city. It was here, that Kitt’s formation finally came to his end and he found himself standing before her, bare-naked. Leaving both blushing.

Hiding himself, Kitt stole an over-sized trench-coat from a nearby store and the two made their way back to Arthur’s in silence. The wound caused by her words had been reopened and he was struggling with his feelings. It was almost the same for her. She couldn’t decide why Kitt had chosen to save her.

“Thank you.”

Kitt merely grunted in response and disappeared inside Arthur’s. He dressed quickly, said a brief farewell to the old man before taking their bags and leading Katt to the south of town where they would catch a bus to the next city and then rent a car for the remaining journey.

As they waited for the bus, the air between them making them uneasy, both began to fidget. Eventually, it was the girl who took the initiative to try and calm things between them.

“I’m sorry for what I did. It was wrong for me to disrespect Kathrene’s resting place.”

Kitt frowned and grunted. “It was wrong of you and as such you must accept that I cannot so easily forgive you for such disrespect, just as I cannot forgive the Hareil for their involvement in her death. However, your outburst has shown me that there are several things that I have yet to set straight with you. The idea of preserving her memory in that way…is not my own. It was Arthur’s idea and I couldn’t argue with him, he had lost far more than I had myself and as horrible as this sounds, when Arthur passes, her ashes will be in my care and I will act very differently.” He wiped some sweat off his brow and scanned for the bus which had yet to show itself. “As for the incident with the swing…that was no attempt to replace her with you but simply to let go. I would never let anyone go near it before, it was meant to be an act of friendship. Nothing else.”

Before Katt could reply, the bus arrived and the two boarded, sitting towards the back in silence. Although he had yet to forgive her, Kitt was content in the thought that he had at least cleared her mind of some of her worries. There were others which he yet needed to clear with the girl but hey could wait. He just wanted to rest.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Aww...poor Kitt. He lot his sort-of-fiance and unborn child because of that Hareil. One more reason to hate them, eh? Kitt doesn't seem to have had a very happy life. Nice to hear some backstory on him, though.

[eevee-shayna]

it's been awhile. here's a new chapter. enjoy.



Chapter 15

It was a long and cold bus trip. Katt would have liked to sit far away from Kitt, but as luck would have it, there were only two seats left on the bus, and they were right next to each other. This was the only bus that went their way, and apparently it was in high demand. And it would be a long trip. Katt leaned against the window while Kitt sat stiff in the isle seat.

A few towns later, Katt finally spoke up.

“I don’t have a choice, do I? Of whether I want to leave or not,” she said, staring out the window.

“No,” he simply replied. His voice was unreadable, but said with some force.

She looked over at him briefly and said, “Is that why you’re in the isle seat?”

“Look, Katt. You’re linked into this now, whether you like it or not. And next time you run off, you will most likely be killed. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

They were silent again, until the bus stopped at a small motel for the night. The bus driver instructed them that the bus would resume driving at noon the next day. The people shuffled off the bus and checked into rooms. When Kitt and Katt got off, there was only one room left.

“Great,” Katt mumbled under her breath with an annoyed tone. They took the room and found only one bed, as was to be expected.

Katt took a shower in the adjacent bathroom, then unpacked a few things while Kitt took his shower.

When he came out, Katt couldn’t help notice that he seemed in pain as he walked.

“Something wrong?” Katt asked, though there wasn’t a hint of worry in her voice.

“Soar muscles,” he replied with a wince as he sat on the bed. For a moment, Katt could not think of why his muscles would be soar. He hadn’t done any heavy lifting or strained himself. They had just been riding on the bus. But one look into his eyes and she was reminded.

“It’s because of your cat form. You weren’t supposed to morph so soon after being a cat for seven months,” Katt said.

“You’re right. That little stunt you pulled forced me to have to change. And it’s gonna cost me for the next week,” he said. Kitt rubbed his shoulder sourly. Katt almost felt bad for making him hurt. Almost.

“So what are the side effects?” Katt asked. She pretended to be busy with her belongs, so as to not look too interested.

“Well, I won’t be able to do a lot of physical moving. Walking might get difficult for the next few days. But it should last no more then a week. My body’s just getting used to this form, is all. And I shouldn’t strain it by changing into my cat form,” he answered. He wasn’t looking at her.

They were silent once again. Katt couldn’t help think of his immortality. He had probably done this before, so he knew what he was talking about. But that injury brought another one to her mind.

“Hey Kitt, what ever happened to that bullet wound you got?” Katt asked.

Kitt replied wordlessly by slowly rolling up his sleeve. Their was only a white scar where the vicious injury had been. He rolled his sleeve back down.

“Wow. Is “fast healing” a power immortal people have?” Katt said.

“Something like that,” Kitt replied.

Katt couldn’t think of a response. Eventually she stood up and began to walk to the door.

“Where are you going?” Kitt asked.

“‘Take a walk outside,” she said.

He shook his head. “No, I think you better stay in this room where I can see you. I don’t want you to run away, or the Hariel to get you.”

Katt changed her direction and began to pace around the room. After all, they had been on the bus for multiple hours and she needed to stretch her legs. Eventually she felt stretched enough and she sat next to Kitt.

“I kind of feel like I’m on a leash, you know?” Katt said. Kitt didn’t respond, so Katt continued to talk. “I can’t go outside, or leave this whole mess. And you get to decide how everything goes. And cat’s don’t like being on leashes.”

“We’ve gone over this before. Your stuck into this no matter what you want-” Kitt began, but Katt interrupted.

“So that means that what I want doesn’t matter anymore?”

“It means that you’ll just have to go along with this until I get us through this,” Kitt answered back, raising his voice.

“So you get to hold the reigns?” she said with attitude.

“In that sense, yes,” he practically yelled back.

“And I just have to live like I’m kidnaped?”

Now at yelling level, he responded, “Maybe it’s like that. Look, I’m sorry if you don’t like me and would rather be with someone else but-”

She interrupted him and matched his voice level, “I actually wouldn’t rather be with anyone else, so stop telling me what to do and think and let me make my own decisions!” And before either of them knew what was happening, Katt had leaned over and was kissing Kitt on the lips. With some delay, Katt pulled back. She took a moment to stare into his blue eyes before bolting out of the room. She murmured something about only going into the lobby before leaving his sight. Kitt must have heard her, because he didn’t try to chase after her. Either that, or he was as shocked as she was and was unable to react.

Katt sat in the lobby, as she said she would, well past the time the sun went down. She was pretending to be reading a newspaper, but she actually was trying to fathom what had just happened. Her out lash she understood, but where had that sudden urge come from? Why had she kissed him?

She had these thoughts floating in her head, but also remorse of having to eventually go back to the room. And when the clock turned to midnight, she knew that that time had come.

She crept quietly into the room, with butterflies in her gut. To her relief, Kitt had fallen asleep. After all, it was late and he was hurt. His body needed rest.

Katt took extra blankets and pillows from the small closet alcove, and set up a small make-shift bed on the floor. Sleep came uneasily, and she couldn’t help think about his immortality again. How old was he really? Is that why she had kissed him? She was reminded of her last boyfriend, who had turned out to be married. Maybe she had a thing for older men. Who knew? She just couldn’t fathom the whole thing, and she still had deep anger boiling inside of her that was aimed toward Kitt.

Whatever conclusions she came to, she couldn’t remember them in the morning. She woke up first and got ready to leave. At around 10, Kitt woke up.

Silently they ate at the small breakfast buffet that came with the motel. Kitt seemed to ache even more then the day before.

They exchanged words briefly during the morning meal.


“You never lashed out like this, before,” Kitt said, not looking at her.

“You weren’t human before,” was Katt’s honest answer.


When they got back on the bus, Katt managed to get someone to trade seats with her. It was only a few rows away from Kitt, but at least it wasn’t directly next to him. She couldn’t take that at the time. She still seethed with anger at the thought of him, and was trying to figure out her emotions. Needless to say, they were not on the best terms at the moment, and needed some time apart. Or at least a few rows away.

The noisy bus pulled away from the motel, and their rickety journey continued once more.

[darktyranitar]

Hm, so there were still a slight conflict between them? Even at the end of the chapter, they were still not getting along. Despite the fight between them, why would Katt kiss Kitt? Maybe staying around an immortal for too long can cause you to start acting weird...you know, for trying to believe the whole thing.

Nice to see you posting another chapter. I began to wonder why the fic was not updated yet.

[Samchu]

why indeed...hehehe. Well seeing as how we finally have a reply I deem it time to post a brand new chapter.

Ch 16

Away from Katt, Kitt was able to wrestle with his own thoughts and feelings as the bus trudged along the road. His own outburst he could explain – he had been worried about her safety – and even to some small extent he could comprehend why she had been so angry with him but…why had she kissed him?

The question whirled around in his mind. Why, why, why? She hated him for dragging her along on this ‘adventure’ – didn’t she? None of it made sense to him but worse than that, were the thoughts and feelings it had brought upon himself. He was left, with two problems. Firstly, why had he enjoyed it, and secondly, why had he tried to kiss her back?

Was it possible that he actually had strong feelings for her? Or were they simply repercussions of his feelings for Kathrene? He remembered how hurt he was when he discovered the similarities between the two and yet he had refused to leave the girl's side. Was it merely an attachment brought on by his instincts as a cat? Or were there feelings hidden there? Could he possibly…love her? Kitt laughed silently. It was impossible, he couldn’t be in love. He had sworn long ago never to be tempted by love and as far as he knew, he had stuck to it.

A few hours later, they arrived at their destination. They would still have to walk to get to Kitt’s hometown, passing through at least four villages to get there, but at least they were finally off that bus. It was a mixed blessing. On one hand, it finally meant he was able to stretch his legs and bask in the sun’s glory but at the same time, it also caused him to be brought back in close proximity with Katt. He just reminded himself to make no mention of the kiss.

“We should get going, it’s a long walk to my village and the sooner we leave the sooner we’ll arrive. No matter what, we should be there by tomorrow but at what time depends on you.”

Katt shrugged. “Let’s just get there.” It appeared that she was still very mad at him.

With a silent nod, Kitt led her down the southern path to the next village. If they could make it to the third village by nightfall then they could make it home by midday. His muscles were already causing him discomfort and they had only just set out. He made no attempt to complain or to gather any sympathy from her, just carried on along the path.

They managed to pass two villages by early evening, stopping in them for quick refreshment and food supplies. By this time the girl’s finances had begun thinning out and they were down to their very last coins. There was enough for some low class accommodation but then they would have to scrounge the rest from his place. He was happy that they had succeeded in making it this far, though getting to Egypt could prove to be one hell of a problem.

A few miles out, they were confronted by a small group of Hareil.

“Figured you’d come this way eventually.”

Kitt scowled at them and stepped protectively in front of Katt. “Leave us,” he growled.

“Now now, we can’t be doing that. You might go and get yourself killed and then we’ll all be in danger.”

Kitt spat at their remark. “Like you give a damn about what happens to me. Now step aside before I make you.”

They shook their head. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. You should know by now to respect your elders.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Kitt replied as he charged forward. He swung at the first man, catching him below the jaw and knocking him sideways. The second man ran in and Kitt ducked his assault, grabbing his arm and throwing him to the ground. The first, having recovered from his blow, straightened up, only to have his legs taken out by Kitt’s own.

“Run!” he screamed at Katt, grabbing her wrist and pulling her after him.

As they ran down the road, his cramp and fatigue began to show. His speed slowed and he began to drop behind the girl. She tugged on his arm, screamed at him to keep running but he could go no faster, even with the prospect of capture hanging over him he was doing all that his body would allow.

“You have to carry me,” he panted.

“What!? You’re too heavy for me!”

Kitt pulled away from her and a moment later a cat stood in his place. He meowed at her and she simply shook her head and bundled him into her arms before taking off down the road. Soon, the village bore into view and the girl continued on with renewed vigour. The Hareil could not be seen but no doubt they were hot the trail of the two.

They checked it at a small motel. The room was cheaper than Kitt had an anticipated and they had some money left over, they used it to bribe the landlord into keeping their presence secret and checked into their room.

It was a tiny place, simply a bedroom with two beds and no bathroom – it was outside by the car park. The wallpaper was faded and peeling, the carpet sticky and stained and the mattress broken and ripped – but it would last them for this one night.

Kitt hoped from Katt’s arms and onto one of the beds where he returned once again to his human form. Face-down on the covers, his body bare, he laid still for what seemed like hours. Katt turned away and waited but when she heard no movement she turned slightly and asked. “You planning on staying like that all night?”

When Kitt didn’t answer her, she became slightly concerned. She tried to hide it but it revealed itself clearly upon her face, lucky for her he was facing the wrong way to see. “Kitt? What’s wrong?”

After a moment of silence that seemed to drag on for eternity he answered her. “I can’t move.”

[darktyranitar]

Well, seeing at Katt's reaction to Kitt not moving near the end of the chapter, it seems that she still care about him. I wonder what will happen to Kitt, seeing that he used his power twice before the right time. He can't move?

Anyway, while reading this fic I thought to myself, "how could the two of them write this fic together, and the writing style between both of them were quite different, but still share a similarity". And just asking, but how many chapters have both of you written so far?

[eevee-shayna]

Well, Sam and I have RPed together for a few years now, so i'd say we're pretty good at writing with one another. true, we have our own writing styles, but we also write simalure and know how to create a story together. Katt is more of my charactor, since i've created her backround and attitude, and I'm used to writing stories with female charactors. While Kitt is more of Sam's charactor, since she created Kitt's backround, and she writes with male charactors more. so we share the story that way. And even though Katt is mine and Kitt's is Sam's, we still know how to control the charactors in a way that we both agree with.

as for your other comment, there are 25 chapters writen so far, and i'm dying to know what will happen in chapter 26, so Sam better finish writing that soon...

Anyway, since you replied, i'll post the next chapter.


Chapter 17

Several minutes after his statement, Katt knew he wasn’t kidding. His seemingly lifeless, naked form lay face down on the bed. Out of modesty, she threw a blanket over his body. That done, she turned his head to face the door. That way, he would be able to breath easier. He was a pitiful sight. All he could manage to do was breath. Traveling would be out of the question; he wouldn’t be able to walk for weeks at his current state.

A thought occurred to Katt: she had finally gained control. This time, Kitt wore the leash and had no input in the situation. So that meant she was getting what she wanted, she was going to make the decisions. So, what did she want to do? Kitt couldn’t move, and the Hariel were the wolves at the door, so-to-speak. They needed to get to his hometown as soon as possible. But they had no money left.

Katt kept thinking and thinking, but every safe possibility led to a dead end. She could only think of two solutions. One; wait in the hotel until Kitt gained his strength back. However, Katt wasn’t sure how many nights they had rented the room for. Considering their small amount of money, probably only one night. Plus, the Hariel would be hounding at their door in a matter of days or even hours. So, that lead to the second possibility, and Kitt wouldn’t like it.

“Look, we have to do something, so this is my proposal,” Katt said. She could only guess that the lifeless body on the bed was listening.

She continued, “I’m going to go there on my own, and you’ll just have to stay here. The receptionist should keep your presence a secret. Because of the extra cash, but I’ll try to hurry nonetheless. You’ll have to tell me the town, the address, and if there’s some sort of code I can tell them.”

He didn’t answer back immediately. In fact, he was quiet for so long that she thought he would not tell her. No doubt he was against the idea and didn’t want to let her go. All that stuff about protecting her and not wanting her to get hurt. After all, he most likely expected her to be attacked by some henchmen while she was out. It wouldn’t be the first time. And he had no way of saving her this time. He’d pressed himself to the limit and could do no more.

But at last, noises came from his mouth. It seemed like he was saying a syllable every few minutes, but she had time to write it down on paper. When he stopped talking, she looked down at the paper she had written on. Staring back at her were the words 471 Sunset blvd. Shady Glenn. Code; Kathrene.

Katt nodded to him. She slipped the paper into her pant’s pocket and grabbed a coat. She put a few food items in her pockets, then turned to Kitt.

“Is there anything else I can do for you before I leave?” she asked. The thought of clothing occurred in her mind, but she wasn’t comfortable enough to do that. And she thought of feeding him, but she wasn’t sure if he could swallow, and she didn’t want to choke him.

He at last answer her question by eyeing a water bottle. Reluctant to help, she turned him over and leaned him up so he was sitting with his back against a few pillows. Katt unscrewed the bottle and slowly poured water into his tilted mouth. It took a while, because she didn’t want to choke him. When half the bottle was drained, Kitt closed his eyes and Katt put the cap back on the bottle. She placed it next to him and turned to leave.

“I’ll come back, I promise,” she said, before disappearing behind the door.


Katt had been walking for a few hours down the dusty road. Her mind was a mess of thoughts that she couldn’t organize. But she thought about all of them none the less, while trying to continue her mission.

She looked at the map the man at the front desk in the hotel had given her. She’d probably make it to the small town by nightfall. Hopefully before, just in case the Hariel decided to pay her a visit.

Several times through the duration of the walk to Shady Glenn, henchmen made their way down the road, and she had to hide behind bushes to keep from being seen. When she finally made it to the small town, she slipped into a small church before she could encounter any more of them. Katt wasn’t a religious person, but she knew that the church would be a safe place to ask for directions where the Hariel would not be. When a priest walked by, she took a chance.

“Excuse me Father, but could you tell me where 471 Sunset Blvd is?” she asked.

The priest just smiled kindly and gave her the directions after word, he added, “Though I’m not sure what your business is their. They rarely take in visitors, or leave.”

“I’m just delivering a message from another town,” Katt said, thinking quick, “To tell you the truth, I don’t even know about the place. I’m just a messenger.”

The priest excepted her words and left her with a prayer before she went on her way. As she exited the church, Katt couldn’t help think that her words to the priest weren’t actually lies.

As it turned out, the building she sought was on the edge of town, and was the only one on the street. “A private estate”, the priest had told her. Katt could only imagine how large the place was if it took up a whole street.

Knowing where the place resided was one thing. Getting there was another. Katt found herself climbing over fences and sneaking through private back yards to stay away from the hoards of Hariel that swarmed the streets. Lucky for her, no one saw her in their yards.

Finally she made it to the yard across the street from 471 Sunset Blvd. As she looked through the fence of the neighbor across the street, she found that her calculations had been right. For one, the establishment was enormous, with a fort around it made of thick walls, and a mansion beyond that. And secondly, the road in front was packed with the Hariel henchmen.

Katt stood there for awhile trying to think of a plan. Call them by the phone? If she was polite, the people’s whose yard she had intruded may let her use their phone. No, that wouldn’t work. She didn’t know the number, and even if she found out, the Hariel would probably be tapping the line. Make a run for it? No, that would be suicide. And she didn’t have the power to turn into a cat and run across the road. Snipe one of the henchman and steal his robes? That couldn’t work, she would mess it somehow, and besides, this wasn’t a movie.

She was at a loss, until two things in the garden caught her attention: A Siamese cat curled up in the flower bed, and a red bathrobe hanging from the cloths line. Immediately, a plan formed in her brain.


“Look, it’s him!” yelled one Hariel. The whole crowd turned to see a Siamese cat running down the street. The crowd turned chaotic as they ran after the feline. During the pandemonium, a woman in a red bathrobe hurried across the street to 471 Sunset Blvd. If anyone had paid more attention, they would have noticed that the robe said “Princess” on the cuffs, and that a woman who was not of their own inhabited the robe. But everyone was running around anyway, so her action was unnoticed.

Once she reached the gate she pressed the intercom button frantically.

“We told you, he’s not here, and even if he were, we certainly wouldn’t give him to you!” yelled an annoyed voice.

“Kathrene! The code is Kathrere!” Katt yelled back, hoping her presence wouldn’t be discovered by the Hariel behind her.

“Is-is this a friend of his?” asked the man, obviously shocked.

“Yes! Yes it is! Please let me in before they notice me! He’s in danger!” Katt said.

To her relief, the gate budged open. She slipped in swiftly, just as she heard a henchmen yell “This isn’t him, it’s got a collar on!”

As their attention turned back to the building, the gate swung closed, with Katt safely inside.

Katt threw off the red bathrobe. A Hariel in a green robe greeted her.

“I’m Katt, a friend of Kitt’s, the youngest Guardian, and he’s in need of your help,” she said frantically.

The man in front of her still seemed shocked. “Are you...” he said with confusion. Katt realized what he was thinking, and she quickly answered.

“No, I mean, my name is Kathrene, but I’m not her. And call me Katt.”

The man in the green robe excepted this, then said, “You said he, whom you called Kitt, was in danger?”

“Yes, he is. He morphed into his cat form twice, without fully recharging, after being in it for seven months. Actually, he was with me for those seven months, as my pet cat. It was only untill recently that I learned who he really is. Oh, and Kitt is what I called him as a cat, so that’s what I still call him.

“But anyway, he’s in a hotel about half a day’s walk away from here, and he can’t move at all. You need to get to him before they do!” said Katt, frantically.

The man nodded, and said, “Alright. We will go now, but not through the front. Follow me.”

They walked through the mansion and down a few stairwells, collecting more Shady Glenn Hariel as they went. Finally, the small mob came it a hidden passageway.

“This should lead us to the edge of the town, and a truck will pick us up from their. You’ll lead us after that, Katt,” he said after speaking briefly into a phone. They hurried down the dimly lit corridors and on their way. Katt just hoped they could get to Kitt before anyone else did.

[Samchu]

Great to see we're still getting a fair bit of support for this. I really like working with Eevee on this fic. It's been great fun and I know we're both really enjoying the challenge. I just sent off the latest chapter so we'll see how things go but we're a long way from the end yet.

Yes I admit that I wasn't too sure if this could work when Eevee first pitched the idea to me. In reality we're actually quite different writers but somehow we've managed to adopt a very similar style and it appears to be working. It was Eevee who initiated the first post of course so I just tried to follow her style and we kinda ended up with this neat little piece of fanfiction. So there ya go.

Anyways, we got a HUGE backlog here, so get those reviews in so we can keep pumping out the chapters to you our dedicate readers.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

That was an unexpected twist, with the sort-or paralysis of Kitt's. Katt was very resourceful in her attempt to get help. I can't wait to see how they intend to deal with the problem.

[Samchu]

well as we got some reviews, here is a new chapter to keep your little minds busy.

CHAPTER 18

Kitt’s immobilised state allowed him the incomparable pleasure of being able to recap all the madness that had transpired since he had first truly revealed himself to Katt. Their adventure had been one of many surprises and they had met resistance every step of the way by numerous forces that sought to oppose them. First, there had been the incident where the Guardian-Hunters had tried to murder him, then the issue with the Hareil; the utter chaos that Kathrene’s existence had brought, their lack of funding and now…his immobility.

Kitt also found that his mind was constantly drifting back to that strangest of events that had transpired between himself and Katt not so long ago. He was, of course, referring to their kiss. Well…it wasn’t their kiss. It was technically hers; he’d not really had the time to have any part of it; although he deeply wished he had. There was something about Katt that was different to anything he had ever experienced. Though how that made him feel exactly, the Guardian was still unsure.

The hours just seemed to drag on, though Kitt had no concept of time. From his position, he could see neither windows nor clocks and so could only judge how long he waited by the number of syllables he was able to form successfully. Somehow he managed to raise this from one to six but as with everything in life it left him with a problem. He was unbearably thirsty and had no means of getting the water sat a mere foot away. Another hour passed and with it came the want of food, and a good bathroom.

Deciding that being awake was proving more of a struggle than giving in to his desire for sleep; Kitt let his eyes droop and submitted himself to slumber. At least, he would have done if he hadn’t been interrupted by the door being forced open. It was the Hareil of course but Kitt felt no desire to pose any threat to them. He was tired, hungry, and thirsty and bursting for a toilet, all of which added up to a very bizarre disillusioned state.

“Glad…to…see…you…”

The two Hareil approached him and eyed him with quizzical looks. It was expected of course, having put up such a strong resistance in past, it would seem strange that he was accepting their presence so easily. Not that they were disappointed by his change of heart.

“Glad to see you too,” said one smirking. “Having some trouble?”

“A…little…”

“Need a hand?” the second asked, picking up the bottle of water and looking it over.

Kitt let out a wheezing laugh. “Where…to…begin…”

One of the Hareil reached over and began to force Kitt upright. “Don’t worry; you’ll be back to normal in no time.”

“I don’t think so!” A defiant cry came from the open doorway and Kitt looked weakly to see Katt stood surrounded by a group of five Hareils all dressed in green robes.

The two Hareil that surrounded Kitt stepped back uncomfortably. The room was brimming with the anticipation of conflict and before another minute had passed both groups were brawling in the centre of the room. A mass muddle of bodies stood between Kitt and Katt and when she looked closely, Katt could see the random fists and feet that flew about in the seven-way brawl. She snuck around them, making sure to keep safely out of the way of the various limbs as they flew about.

“Are you alright?” Katt asked and she unscrewed the lid from the water bottle and tipped the cool liquid down Kitt’s throat.

He waited until her task was finished before replying with a simple nod and the words, “now…I…am…”

Katt shot an uncomfortable look back at the rabble before turning her attention back to Kitt. “I’m going to get you out of here. Okay Kitt?”

He nodded weakly, finding his immobility had left him with an incredibly stiff neck. Or perhaps that was down to how he’d been laid for most of the day. One of the green-robed Hareil broke from the brawl – his lip bleeding – and approached Kitt’s side. He spoke to Katt or his plans to move Kitt to the awaiting truck outside and she nodded. Kitt didn’t really have much say in the matter.

Carrying his weight between them, Katt and the Hareil helped Kitt to the awaiting truck. Hareil were still patrolling the streets so Kitt was forced to ride in the back where he would remain unseen. Katt stayed with him to make sure he didn’t accidentally get thrown into the sides of the truck and cause further injury to himself. Boxes were stacked in front of them in case the enemy managed to catch them.

As the truck began to pull away, Katt sat against the back wall of the truck with Kitt held firmly in her arms. He was shaking violently from the cold and it sickened her to know that there was nothing she could do until they were safe. As they rounded a corner, the two were forced back into the side of the truck, bringing them uncomfortably close. Kitt’s head became immersed in the middle of Katt’s chest.

Moving his head carefully, Katt said, “I think our mining experience was safer.”

Kitt was silent for a moment and then, slowly, Katt became aware that he was nodding gently. She played with his hair, comforting him as she would a child, and to her surprise, he began to purr. It was so soft that at first she wasn’t sure she had heard it but to her surprise it slowly appeared to be true. Kitt was purring.

“I didn’t know you could still purr,” said Katt, not really succeeding in hiding her surprise.

“Just…like…a bike. You…never…forget…how…”

Katt laughed and silence fell around them. It was odd and uncomfortable but Katt didn’t think that it would do Kitt any good to keep talking. She had no idea what he was dealing with and to an extent, it scared her. He couldn’t do the simplest task for himself when yesterday he had been almost fine. Worst of all, she couldn’t bare to think of the hell that Kitt had to be going through.

By the time they had arrived at the estate Kitt had fallen asleep. The Hareil were still prowling but they paid little heed to the truck that rolled past them down the back streets. Dawn was breaking upon the horizon and Katt couldn’t help but reflect back on the day she’d had, it certainly hadn’t been one the easiest so far and she strongly doubted that it would be the hardest.

As Kitt was tended to by an array of female Hareil, Katt was forced to wait unknowingly for any news. She paced the corridors several times and more than once considered exploring the estate to keep her mind at peace but she couldn’t bear to be too far away. What if there was news? What if it was worse than they had expected? What if he was stuck that way forever? As time passed her worried thoughts became more and more troubled. All she wanted was a bit of news.

An hour dragged by and eventually one the female Hareil emerged and wiped some sweat off her brow. Katt stared at her anxiously until she spoke.

“He’ll be fine,” she assured Katt. “He needs rest but he should recover fairly quickly. His body just needs to settle again and then he should be back to his normal self. You’re free to stay here until he makes a recovery of course.”

“Thank you,” Katt bowed her head gratefully. “Can I go see him?”

“If you’d like. Be wary though, he’s a bit delusional. It will have worn off by the evening but until then…try not to take anything he says seriously.”

Katt nodded and the Hareil disappeared down the corridor, soon followed by the ones that had remained in Kitt’s room. Katt took a brief moment to compose herself then slipped inside.

In truth, it was nothing like she had expected. The whole time she had envisioned a hospital room, with poor lighting and machines that beeped. Tubes with odd coloured liquids running through them and a really bad paint job. But it was nothing like that. It looked like a normal bedroom, a bed, some drawers, and a desk. Of course it was far more luxurious than your average bedroom but at least – Katt told herself thankfully – it looked nothing like a hospital.

She walked over to Kitt, who was lying fully clothed on top of the bed. He was wide awake but just slumped in that same helpless position that she had left him in this morning. She dragged over a pine chair and sat beside him.

“How are you feeling?”

“Never…better…”

“I heard you’re delusional.”

“Makes…sense…”

Katt shifted nervously in her seat. “I’m sorry I took so long…”

Kitt eyes shifted slightly to meet hers. “Don’t…worry…” Katt went to speak again but Kitt made it clear he had something else he wanted to say to her. “I’d wait…an…eternity…just…for one…look…at your…beautiful…face…” And slowly but surely, Kitt turned his head towards her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “And yes…I know…that…eternity…is a very…very…long…time…”

[darktyranitar]

What's up, Mew Trainer Rose? Long time since you're here. Glad you could drop by and read.

Phew, its a good thing that Kitt is now in good hand. But if Kitt is delusional, then does what he did and said to Katt are also part of his delusion talk?

Well, I hope both of you keep posting the chapter away. I hope more reader will come in and reply.

[eevee-shayna]

Hey rose! good to see you again darktyranitar. please keep reading, we've got a lot more in store.

that's a reply i believe, so a new chapter is due. tommorow's my birthday, and a few replys would be a great present. enjoy this chapter!



Chapter 19

At first his words didn’t sink in, because all Katt could think about was the fresh kiss still burning on her cheek. True, It was only on the cheek, and she had kissed him on the lips previously, but the shock was still present. Katt knew he was not himself, and that she shouldn’t take any of his actions too seriously. But a kiss was a kiss, and her mind was unable to overcome the personal contact.

At last, his words sunk into her mind as well. “I’d wait an eternity just for one look at your beautiful face”, he had said, “And yes I know that eternity is a very, very long time”

The impression of his lips on her face distracted her for a moment, but she couldn’t help cipher out a key word in his rant. Eternity.

A puzzle that had plagued her could finally be solved. And she couldn’t help but take advantage of the situation.

“Kitt,” she said smoothly, “What year were you born in?”

He was delirious enough to respond truthfully, instead of avoiding the question like he always had the other times Katt had tried to get the information out of him.

“Fif.......teen..........four..ty.........eight” he managed to say in his state.

The year 1548. Katt did the math quickly in her head.

“So, you’re four-hundred and fifty seven years old?” she asked.

Kitt replied with a slow nod. Finally, she had the truth from him. Of course, she felt a little bad for using his incapacitated state to her advantage, but her inquisitory nature required her to know the information.

She bit her lip, because another question was ready to fly from her mouth. Whether she should have asked it or not, the girl could not decide. But the moment she opened her mouth, it shot out despite her will.

“Kitt, do you have any...feelings for me?” she asked. Despite being angry at him most of the time, and their less then agreeable situation, the thought had nestled into her brain and had refused to go away. And with the opportunity at hand, the moment seemed right to ask.

His reply took longer then comfortable, but he at last answered, “Of...course...I...have...feel..ings...for...you. ...I...lov-”

His last words were cut off when a Hariel nurse entered the room.

“Oh! Miss Katt!” she said in surprise of finding the girl in the room. “I’m sure the Seventh Guardian enjoys your presence, but you must allow him to rest.”

Katt gladly walked away from the bed Kitt resided in. But before she exited the room, she turned to the nurse once more.

“Could you call him Kitt, instead of- whatever else you used to call him?” she requested.

The woman looked puzzled, but she simply replied, “I’ll ask him when he is fully functional if the name suits his interests.”

With that said, Katt left the room, and ran down the hallway until she felt far enough away from Kitt. The walls where plastered with large paintings of places she’d never been, and portraits of rather ancient looking people. But that did not concern her. All she was focused on was what Kitt had said. Or rather, what he was about to say if they had had a moment longer of privacy.

Why had she asked? Why couldn’t she had held her tongue? And, most pressing, was he about to say he loved her?

It was nonsense. How could she trust a delirious man? For all she new, he would have said anything, not even aware of his own actions.

Still, his current state was as if he had ingested Truth Serum. Like how he had told his actual birth date, instead of a made up one. Could he had been telling the truth?

The frazzled girl wondered further down the hall, And refused to even look behind her.


Several days latter, her mind was still in the same muddle. However, much had happened in between that time. Katt had refused to visit Kitt; on the basis that she insisted his recovery would be swifter if he was left unvisited. In actuality, the was probably the truth, but her reasons were motivated else-wise. And so, Kitt slept the days through, ensuring his speedy recovery.

Katt had also been offered fencing lessons from the Hariel, which she eagerly took up. Not because she was interested in self defense, but because she needed something to occupy her mind. And vigorous training from dawn to dusk filled that void, allowing her to sleep dreamless dreams at night.

Of course, the day it was announced that Kitt was fit to rise from his bed, all that tension returned to the nervous female.

She first encountered him at the evening meal, which was a nerve-racking experience for her. However, they did not sit near each other, and the girl only stole glimpses of her former cat as they ate. Fortunately for her, they were unable to exchange words.

While returning from another tiring fencing practice the following day, Katt wasn’t as lucky, though.


While passing through one of the many painting coated halls in the establishment, Katt caught sight of Kitt walking toward her. The space was deserted, and Katt had no means of escape.

“Katt!” he exclaimed excitedly. Due to top-notch care, he had returned to perfect health by that evening. And he took advantage of his new health by bounding down the hall to the girl. She clutched her fencing mask tightly.

“Hi Kitt,” she said as he reached her, “You look much better.”

He smiled, “I’m glad to be out of bed.”

He noticed Katt was acting unusual, and inquired further into it. “Are you still mad at me?” he asked.

“Not that I’m aware of,” she said. Then, with a bit of her usual sauciness, she added, “Have you done anything to prompt me to be angry with you?”

He laughed. “No, nothing I can think of. Though, frankly, I can’t remember much of the past few days,” Kitt said.

This news surprised the girl. And with that information, she tested him to confirm her sudden theory.

“Kitt, how old are you, again?” she asked.

“I told you before, I’m two years, seven months and 23 days older than yourself,” he answered.

“25?” Katt questioned.

“Yup.”

Amazing. He didn’t remember any of it. How he had told his real age, how he had kissed her, and how he had, maybe, admitted his love for her. It had all been erased from his memory. And if that was the case, then she wasn’t going to remind him.

“Come on, let’s get to dinner,” Katt said. And they headed off to the dining hall, as if nothing had ever happened. As far as Kitt was concerned, nothing had happened. But for Katt, the previous occurrence was not something she was likely to forget any time soon.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Yay, he purrs! ^_^ Awww, how sweet, he got to kiss her back.

Ah, she be a sly trickster, to question him when he's not thinking clearly enough to avoid the question. And she's quite lucky that he can't remember it. Or does he? He's sneaky enough to just pretend he doesn't remember. Hmmm...

[Samchu]

well, seeing as we got a review, here's a new chappy for you all to enjoy.


The dining hall was unusually empty that evening, and as luck would have it, it quickly became apparent that Kitt and Katt would be the only two dining that evening. Occasionally, Hareil would shoot in to add more food to the mountains already available to them but seconds later they would disappear back behind the grand doors that led to the kitchen. Kitt welcomed the peace it gave them, he had been eager to speak with Katt for days.

“I heard about that little request you gave to the nurse,” said Kitt as he began loading vegetables on to his plate.

Katt shot him a confused glance. “Request?”

“About having the Hareil call me Kitt. I must say I’m honoured.”

The girl blushed slightly. “You told me that you liked the name and that the Hareil had never given you one, I thought you might like it…”

“I think it’s great, really. Thank you Katt.”

The girl blushed slightly and silence fell over them as they both began to eat.

“You’re still mad at me over that whole Kathrene ordeal aren’t you?” he asked.

She stared at him blankly for a moment. The panic of dealing with his paralysis and then that kiss had completely distracted her from the reason why she was mad at him in the first place. Now that he had brought the subject back into light, Katt found some of her feelings for him turning once more. Eventually she was able to answer him with, “No”.

Kitt sighed and poked at his meal uninterested. “I don’t want you to hate me Katt,” he said quietly. “I never met you by trying to replace her. You were there I really needed someone and I couldn’t believe the similarities I found but…” he took a moment’s breath in case Katt desperately tried to interrupt him. “You could never replace her, no one could ever replace her; just as no one could ever replace you. Cruel coincidence has caused your faith in me to be shaken – and I am truly sorry for that, but I beg you, don’t let this jeopardise our friendship.”

Katt stared at him silently for a long time. In her mind, she separated all the good things about him from the bad. He had tricked her; he had dragged her along on this ‘adventure’ and put her life at risk – on more than one occasion – during which time he managed to spend most of her money. Yet, she had gotten this far unscathed and he wasn’t a bad person really, kind of cute too. Though, he had deceived her about his age and lied to her on more than one occasion –

“Excuse me, Guardian Kitt?”

They both looked up to see a young Hareil – no older than 18 at the most - standing in the doorway, quivering slightly. Kitt welcomed him with a warm smile and beckoned him over with a slight hand gesture. The boy shuffled over and bent low, whispering in Kitt’s ear before darting back out the door silently. Kitt sighed deeply as Katt shot him a curious, questioning look.

“It appears I’ve been summoned by the head of the household,” Kitt explained as he wiped his mouth. “My apologies that our talk was cut brief, hopefully it shall remain uninterrupted next time.” And with a gentle bow, Kitt too, left.

Kitt’s meeting was to take place in the library; a beautiful room with velvet drapes and more books than one could read in four lifetimes. A lit fireplace sat in the corner, its light casting odd shadows across the desk and various oak and cushioned chairs.

“Please sit”, a welcoming voice greeted Kitt as he entered.

Kitt lowered himself into the nearest chair and gazed about in wonder. He could hear movement coming from behind the desk but paid no notice too it, he knew what was to transpire here and would face no threats whilst here.

“I’m glad you made a full recovery.”

“So am I. I must thank you for coming to my rescue.”

“Nonsense, it is our duty after all. The person you should really thank is that nice young woman whose company you keep. She was the one who informed us of your condition.”

Kitt smiled at the mention of Katt and nodded. “She’s something all right.”

From behind the desk came the sounds of pouring liquid and light slurping. Kitt remained silent, knowing it was not his place to speak yet.

“I was very sorry to learn of what happened to Kathrene. No news reached us until you came and we assumed that Katt was…”

Kitt nodded silently, though he knew his actions went unseen.

“That the reason why I have called you here today.” Kitt watched a china cup was placed down on the table and a bearded man with white robes rose and turned to him. A pair of thin spectacles rested upon the end of his hooked nose and he stared at Kitt sternly with grey eyes. “In light of this new information I must implore you to be careful of your relationship with Katt.”

Kitt felt a slight rumble of anger brew within him. “Are you trying to control my life like the others? Should I not have the freedom to do as I need to live as normal as life as I can?”

“Please Kitt, you misunderstand me.” He raised a wrinkled hand to silence Kitt. “By all means, build upon this relationship the two of you share, I believe it is the only way that you shall successfully complete your goal. However, I must ask this one thing of you, regardless of your feelings, you must not allow this girl to fall in love with you.”

Kitt sat silent for a moment. “I cannot control her feelings.”

“You must try. You know what fate may befall you should your mission succeed and what fate may befall her if either of the two forces opposing you succeed.”

Kitt rose to his feet. “I’ll protect her!” He said defiantly. “I’ll make sure she succumbs to no harm.”

“Suppose this is true. Suppose you both make it to Egypt alive. What then Kitt? You know that if you succeed in passing your abilities to the seal that you may –“

“I don’t need you to remind me”, interrupted Kitt. “I am fully aware of the consequences but there is a chance that it won’t happen and I would want the opportunity to settle down for the remainder of my life to be available to me.”

The old man sighed, causing his beard to shake slightly. “Please Kitt”, he took Kitt’s hands. “This mess has already destroyed enough innocent lives, does she not deserve the chance to live a life that does not have you it?”

Kitt sighed deeply. “She does.” He lifted his head and stared the old man in the eyes. “I cannot succumb to your wishes as long as Katt accompanies me. The journey ahead is too long to ensure that nothing happens between us.”

“What is it you are trying to say my boy?”

Kitt tried to compose his words into an understandable sentence, despite how much it pained him to speak them. “I would ask that you let Katt stay here until I complete this mission. Once it is done, she will be free to live a life void of those who would do her harm and…” he gulped slightly. “…Void of me.”

The old man smiled at him gently. “We would be happy to oblige to these wishes. The girl’s view, however, I am in doubt of.”

“I will make her see sense.”

“Ah the confidence of youth. May I offer my experience?”

“You may.”

“What you ask of her will test her loyalty to you even though she has already proven it, do not offend her and if she will not be persuaded you would be wise to withdraw and accept her decision. Women can be stubborn creatures and she may be no different.”

Kitt bowed slightly. “I will keep your advice a heart. Goodnight sir.”

“Goodnight young Guardian, may the fates forever keep you safe.”

[darktyranitar]

Man, can't believe it took me so long to come back here...

So, it appears that Kitt had forgotten what he said during his delusional state. Wonder what would happen if he remembered what he said to Katt. Probably a lot more argument between the two of them. Will Katt stay behind while Kitt goes to Egypt, or the journey continues?

Oh, I know it's so late, but Happy Belated Birthday, eevee-shayna :smilie:! Hope both you and Samchu will continue writing this fic.

[eevee-shayna]

Thank you for the B-day wish, always nice to hear. And i'm glad you are still captivated by our little story.
Now, let's continue it,

Chapter 21

Katt had been sitting on her bed for hours, ever since dinner had drawn to an end. Her mind was spinning so fast, and she could not make sense of any of it on her own. Every time someone passed in the hallway, she would peak out the door to see whom it was. But it always revealed to be another Hariel in green robes, scurrying to some duty further in the mansion.

It was late in the night when her doorway revealed her sought after to walk by. She lunged to the door and watched as Kitt entered a room down the hall from hers. Silently, she memorized the door.

But as much as she wanted to follow him into his room, she couldn’t bring herself to go. For several more excruciating hours, she waited. To pass some time, she took a shower, then changed into a silky gown that the Hariel had supplied for her.

At last she could not wait ideally any longer, and at the end of the most recent hour, she stepped down the hall and knocked upon his door.

“Door’s open,” came Kitt’s voice from within.

Taking his words as an invitation, Katt turned the glass knob and pushed the door open. Sitting on a plush, lavish sofa, Kitt looked up to see his visitor. His hair was wet, suggesting he had also just taken a shower.

“Oh, Katt,” he said, surprised.

“I thought I’d pay you a visit,” she explained, “since our dinner conversation was cut short.”

She shut the door behind her and walked into the opulent room. Timidly, she sat on the other side of the sofa.

“Katt, I must ask you, do you really want to journey with me to Egypt. Because, now that you’re in a safe place, you don’t have to anymore. You could stay here, and I’ll go alone. I don’t want to force you to do things you don’t want to, anymore,” Kitt told her.

Katt silently thought it over. Previously, she would have gladly taken up the offer. It had been her only wish to leave the crazed life he had led her into. But due to recent events, her thinking was different. And she couldn’t help but go against what was sane.

“No, this time I’ll go with you. We started this off together, and I want to see it through, with you,” Katt concluded.

Kitt sighed. “You’d be much safer if you stayed here. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Katt gave him one of her looks. “Hey, I don’t like others deciding for me. It’s my choice, and I’m going with you, whether you want me to or not.”

Kitt raised his hands in defense, but stayed silent.

The girl smirked as she added, “Besides, I’ve been taking fencing lessons while you’ve been recovering. I can take care of myself.”

The last Guardian chuckled at her comment.

“If you wish,” was all he said.

An awkward silence followed, and Katt realized that the absence of talk implied her to leave. However, being alone in her room for the rest of the night just seemed unappetizing. An idea popped into her head that fixed the problem.

“Hey Kitt, I’ll be right back,” she said, then stood up. He did not protest, but just cocked his head inquisitively.

Katt left the room, went to hers, and grabbed something from her belongings. When she returned to the room, he was still sitting on the sofa. With the door closed behind her, she walked back to him.

“Mind if I stay awhile and read?” she asked. In her hands she held a book, with a ribbon sticking out between pages, marking her place.

Now that she had her book in hand, Kitt couldn’t very well dismiss her request.

“Be my guest,” he said.

Highly pleased, Katt sat upon the couch. She sat leaned against Kitt, and with her legs across the length of the sofa. She opened the book and removed the ribbon. However, before she began to read, she looked up at her seat-back.

“Lavender,” she said, referring to his scent.

He nodded. “My shampoo,” he explained, then reached for the newspaper he had been reading before her arrival.

Katt just smiled and nestled into her comfortable seat. With the scent of lavender wafting around her, she became engulfed into her story.

For several hours into the night, they she sat content and reading. As a distance bell chimed the hour to be 2 in the mourning, she at last drifted into sleep.

Noticing her limpness, Kitt gently shifted off of the sofa. He picked up the ribbon that had fallen onto the floor, and placed it in her open book before closing it and setting the novel on a table. He quietly placed a pillow beneath her head, and a thick blanket over her slumbering form.

With a silent smile, he turned off the lights and slipped into his own bed. Within moments, he had fallen asleep as well. However, before he reached his rest, words floated into his mind.

‘However, I must ask this one thing of you, regardless of your feelings, you must not allow this girl to fall in love with you.’

With the thought fresh in his mind, he drifted off, after reaching a decision.

[darktyranitar]

Aww, isn't that nice? Kitt and Katt are back to the way they used to. Well, even if it might be for a short time and the last time. What decision that Kitt will make? Will it affect Katt's life like it did the last time he asked her to go to Egypt?

Oh, I also notice that this chapter is a bit shorter than the other chapter. Anyway, I'll be right here waiting for the next installment from both of you. Mm, I guess Rose would also say the same thing. See you two next chapter!

[Samchu]

And as there's a reply, here's the next chapter:

Kitt was first to wake the next morning and checking that Katt was still sleeping peacefully, headed out into the corridor. As Katt was so determined to accompany him, Kitt’s intentions were to get out of England as soon as possible. For that, he was going to need a lot of money and the most discreet form of travel he could find.

Once again, he headed to the library in hopes of finding the head Hareil once more. Fortunately for Kitt, he was still there, floating amongst the stacks of books – which had significantly increased in size since their last meeting. Kitt remembered thinking that Katt hadn’t been the only late reader last night.

“Sir?” Kitt called, poking his head through the doorway.

He was greeted with a warm smile and tired eyes. “Good morning young master. Please sit, sit.”

Kitt took up the same chair as he had that previous evening and inhaled deeply. “I came to ask –“

“For help getting to Egypt,” it was the first time that Kitt noticed just how hoarse the aged man’s voice had become.

“Yes.”

The man nodded and gently placed a book upon the nearest pile. “I expected as much, and of course, I am prepared to help you.” From beneath his desk, he produced a small rucksack, bulging at the seems. He passed it to Kitt who immediately noticed the stench of embers upon it. “Everything you need is in there. You may stay as long as you wish but a hasty retreat is best advised under the given circumstances.”

“I intend to leave the second we are ready.”

“Very well. I shall have someone waiting for you outside. They will take you to the coast; that is all I can do for you.”

Kitt stood and shook the man’s hand gently. “I shall never forget your kindness,” and he turned and retreated back to his room.

When Kitt arrived back at the room, Katt was wide awake and – most embarrassingly for Kitt – halfway through changing. The thought of knocking hadn’t crossed Kitt’s mind and he cursed himself silently as he backed outside, eyes clamped shut as he mumbled apologetically.

A few minutes later, he entered again, only to be struck across the face by a hard thrown pillow.

“Oww,” Kitt wiped, rubbing his cheek slightly.

“Serves you right,” Katt told him, crossing her arms and fixing him with a firm gaze.

Kitt mumbled an apology and walked over to the bed where he lowered the rucksack.
“What’s that?” asked Katt, coming to his side.

Kitt unzipped the bag and slowly began to remove its contents. He took out several small bags filled with various currencies as well as fake passports for Katt and himself. A map was folded inside one of the side pockets with a ‘proposed trail’ market out in thick red ink. Pushed right down at the bottom were a few clothes for the pair of them – of which they were both grateful – and some sealed meals they could eat on their travels.

“Helpful,” said Kitt quietly, as he tried to get everything back in as neatly as it had been when he’d taken it out.

“So when are we leaving?” asked Katt as she ran a rounded brush through her hair.

“After breakfast. We have stayed here long enough.”

With everything packed and their belonging huddled together, the two of them headed to breakfast. They were greeted by an enormous feast, with more food than could feed the entire household. As they ate, Katt became more and more aware of Kitt’s discomfort whenever he was around her. She made no attempt to pry into the reason behind this but it left her feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Their bellies full, Katt and Kitt met the driver on the front lawn, bags in hand. The street was free of Hareil but they doubted that this would be the case much longer. Within minutes, they had loaded up their ride and were already heading off for the coast.

The entire trip was carried out in silence. Katt was well aware that Kitt spent the entire time avoiding her gaze and took whatever opportunity he could to increase the space between them. She tried, on more than one occasion, to strike up a conversation with him but he would repeatedly answer her with closed questions, cutting off any chance of her continuing their conversation past more than a few minutes.

They reached the coast later that day and after saying farewell to their driver, boarded the first ship for France. They sat in the front lounge together, watching the endless sea as it opened out before them. Once again, Katt became aware that Kitt seemed to be avoiding her, even though he was little more than a couple of feet from where she was sat.

Her patience with him had been tested enough.

“Alright Kitt what’s the problem?”

“Hmm?” he asked, his gaze refusing to leave the window.

She grabbed his head and forced him to look at her. “Why are you avoiding me?”

“I’m not avoiding you,” he protested, doing his best to sound as sincere as possible.

Katt narrowed her gaze. “You lie. Tell me what it is.”

Kitt swallowed nervously. “You’re not going to like it,” he told her quietly.

“Just tell me,” Katt demanded, anger beginning to rise in her voice.

Kitt ran his tongue across his lips and inhaled deeply. “Things are just kind of…awkward.”

“Awkward?” Katt took a moment to try and piece together his meaning. “You mean, because of what happened this morning?”

Kitt nodded.

“Why? You saw Kathrene naked didn’t you?”


Kitt nodded.

“So what’s the problem?” Katt demanded.

“Well…” Kitt began, sweating slightly. “You have a better figure than she did...”

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Aww, Kitt's so cute when he's embarrased. ^_^
Well, now that they have some decent resources, the adventure ought to pick up speed. Will Kitt try to discourage Katt from coming and get her to stay behind? Though it's a bit to late to try to keep her from fallign in love with him, isn't it?

[darktyranitar]

Well, it's' been a while since I replied...

Kitt's reaction for accidently seeing Katt changing was really funny. So, they're on their way to French. Hm, I guess it may be a bit late for Kitt to persuade Katt to stay behind.
Haha, I wonder what Katt would react to Kitt's statement at the end. :biggrin:

Anyway, just informing that this fanfiction has been selected to be reviewed by the Fanfic Reviewer's Organisation. Congratulation for being selected! :smilie:
Well then, I'll see both of you in the next chapter.

[Samchu]

well i know that Eevee's been really busy so I figured I'd save her the task of having to update this - and it really needs updating. So without further ado here's the the next chapter. It's rather short but hopefully you'll all still enjoy it.

Chapter 22

Katt's initial reaction was to slap Kitt in the face, which she did, then rethought the action.

"I suppose I should take that as a complement," she said. Her cheeks were a fair blush of pink.

"Then don't slap me if it's a complement!" said Kitt. He rubbed his cheek, which was already reddening, though Katt could not tell if from the slap or embarrassment.

"How do we ever travel together," said Katt with a sigh.

"Don't tell me you're already having second thoughts on coming with me. You're the one who persistently insisted on accompanying me to Egypt," Kitt said.

"And I still insist upon accompanying you. I just wish you'd have more courtesy instead of barging into a room where a girl is getting dressed," Katt retorted.

"Well, it was my room, after all," he answered quickly back.

"So your saying that by changing in your room, I should have expected to be barged in upon?" she asked.

Kitt opened his mouth, but thought better and closed it. He knew enough about women to know when it would be safest for him to not talk. He allowed a pause of silence, which had the desired effect of calming Katt down. Kitt was grateful for the silence, and turned his gaze to the window beside him, in hope that the lack of talking would commence.

Katt knew it was hopeless to continue talking, since every spark of a conversation she had started that day had been stamped out by the stubborn male. She sat back in her seat with a sigh, then turned her eyesight to the window at Kitt's right, or possibly her eyes strayed more onto Kitt.

The day of travel had lasted the clock around, and the sun was now setting. The day had left both travelers weary, and the boat ride was long enough to allow them a decent night's rest.

Thinking nothing of it, the girl leaned snugly against her traveling companion, as she had comfortably lay the night before. However, unlike the night before, Kitt apposed to the sleeping arrangement and stiffly shrugged her off.

"Wha-?" Katt said, puzzled at Kitt's mood.

She clasped his hands in hers, but he coldly pulled his hands back.

With one last friendly attempt, Katt stroked his long hair, the way she would on her cat. But this was also to no avail, as Kitt just swatted her hand away.

"What's wrong?" she asked, highly confused at this point.

"You can't do this, Katt," Kitt said firmly. He kept his continence unfathomable, so she could not read his reason.

"Why can't I-" she tried, but Kitt cut her off.

"Because-" he began to explain, but then held his tongue. He turned his head and looked out the window, refusing eye contact with the woman beside him.

Katt's heart was in a flurry, and she found it hard to contain her pained expression.

"Fine," she said, a little high pitched. She leaned back in her seat and stayed clear from even touching Kitt. Her wariness finally allowed her to sleep, but she still couldn't help questioning Kitt's strange behavior before she reached an uneasy slumber.

[darktyranitar]

Kitt got slapped...Now isn't that funny... :biggrin:

Things had got a lot more complex between both of them. I wonder how things would go between both of them in the future. And why Kitt is suddenly having a moodswing? Strange, because Katt used to do simillar things to Kitt. Hmm, will they get along soon enough?

I hope the next chapters will arrive soon! It's good to see you posting this chapter. Well, see you later! :smilie:

[Samchu]

Well I figured that this could use an update so here it is. Really eager to hear what you guys think about this one.

Kitt waited for the girl to fall asleep before making any attempt to move from his cold position against the window. It had been a cruel thing that he had done to her but he had no choice. What other way was there to stop this girl from falling in love with him then by convincing her that he had none of ‘those’ feelings for her? She had been flirting with him! He had to do it! Didn’t he? One look at her sleeping form was enough to cause him doubt. Would it be so terrible to be in a relationship again? In the end he might break her heart but wasn’t he doing that right now?

Kitt sighed. It seemed that no matter where he turned, there was always one Hareil trying to dictate his life. The old man’s words rang in his mind. What was he doing? He couldn’t get involved with Katt, it just wouldn’t work. They were too different. They were from two different worlds, one that would go on and one that might possibly be drawing close to the end. He wanted her there with him every step of the way but how would he manage it without first breaking her heart?

It was too much for one man to concern himself with in one night. In hopes of saving himself from his own insanity, Kitt slept.

That morning, as the boat pulled into the harbour, Kitt was watching from the deck. He had left the sleeping Katt to try and clear his thoughts in the open air. He knew he’d failed even before she silently joined him. As the silence spread between them, the guardian gradually became aware that if he didn’t break their uneasy silence, no one would. He couldn’t bear that much longer.

“Look Katt, I’m sorry about how I was last night. It’s just that…well…you and I we can’t…nothing can happen between us. I don’t know how this is going to end and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

He waited for her reply but received nothing.

“Just look at me, please.”

“I’m not even free to make my own decisions am I?”

“Katt –“

“Just stop it Kitt!” she interrupted him fiercely. “Stop trying to make my decisions for me! I was just trying to be a friend to you – something you seem to be lacking in right now – not anything else.”

“I was just explaining –“

“Well don’t. You’re terrible at it and it just gets you into more trouble.” During her rant she had turned to him so that he could receive the full brunt of her rage. Now, once again, she turned away.

“Katt…” he tried to place his hand on her shoulder comfortingly but she merely shrugged him away, much like he had done to her. Kitt understood what she was doing. “Please don’t hate me for being stupid. At least give me the chance to make it up to you?”

“How?” he tone softened slightly.

“As of yet, I have no idea but will you at least give me the chance? Please, the last thing I want is to hurt your feelings.”

With a sigh, she let down the barrier she had forged against him and turned at last to look at him properly. “It better be good you know.”

He smiled gently. “We’re friends, how could it be anything else?”

The boat docked at Calais and the two travellers took a coach to Paris. Kitt, mostly uninterested at the scenery that flashed past them, allowed the girl to take the window seat in his place so that she could admire the beauty of the French landscape. As he watched her excitement, all he could think was how happy he was that she had come along with him. It was strange, Kitt thought, how bizarre the prospect of being apart from her felt. At times it almost scared him; a deep fear that felt as if his heart was being sucked into a crushing black void. He hadn’t felt anything like it since…

Kitt shook his head. That was ridiculous. He wasn’t in love with Katt, he couldn’t be, no. He’d disconnected himself from all that time ago and nothing had changed since then. So they had been through a lot together, and she had kissed him once but that meant nothing. It wasn’t love, it couldn’t be. He had abandoned such feelings a long time ago. Kitt was incapable of love.

At least, he hoped that he was.

During Kitt’s poor attempt to convince himself of his lack of feelings, Katt had turned to him. As he snapped out of his gawping daze, he was surprised to find her staring back at him with a confused look on her face. Kitt smirked awkwardly and thought up a quick excuse for his expression.

“Nice scenery isn’t it?”

Katt looked out the window. The coach was passing through a rundown section of one of the towns – neither of them had any idea which one – and the scenery was far from nice.

“Did you hit your head or something?” Katt inquired.

“What? No, no,” Kitt assured her, waving his hands frantically. “Just thinking, you know how I am.”

Katt frowned at him but merely shook her head and leaned back in her seat – much to Kitt’s relief. The silence fell over them again, that awkward, uncomfortable silence that always seemed to befall them on those long journeys. Kitt wished for an excuse to break it but what could he possibly have to say to her that hadn’t been said already? It had been a long time since he’d spent so much time with another person and his art of conversation was severely lacking as a result. With nothing better to do, he began to file through the various items the Hareil had stuffed into his backpack. There was a lot of French currency, much more than he really needed. An idea came to Kitt then, a way of making it up to Katt. It sounded sincere enough in his head.

“Look Katt,” he began awkwardly. “I’m sick of staying in cheap motels so how about when we get to Paris, you pick a nice hotel for us to stay at.”

“Seriously?”

“Of course. You’ve been a great help to me and I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me. Consider it my apology to you for being such a jerk.”

Katt smiled lightly and nodded. “That sounds just fine.”

They arrived at Paris by midday and booked into a nice hotel overlooking the Eiffel Tower – well, under-looking it but that’s hardly the point – before heading out to explore the city. It was exactly as Kitt had heard, absolutely beautiful. The Arc de Triumph, the Louvre, even the cafes were stunning, with their complex menus and formal waiters. They even came across a small cart selling various hot foods – including a cheese-covered hotdog, which Kitt thoroughly enjoyed.

When night fell, the city irradiated its beauty as every light was lit. From the balcony of their hotel room, the two companions admired this view beneath the veil of a beautifully starlit night. Kitt quickly realised why Paris had become known as one of the most romantic destinations on Earth. Perhaps not the best choice considering how borderline his relationship with Katt had become.

There came a sudden knock upon the door and Katt, frowning slightly, turned to Kitt, who merely offered her a warm smile.

“I didn’t think the room was enough,” he replied honestly as he walked up the door. He opened it up and a bellboy, dressed all in red, walked in pushing a cart adorned with various foods and two bottles of champagne. “So I ordered room service.”

As Katt walked over, Kitt tipped the bellboy and let him out. “There’s…so much food.”

Kitt nodded. “I hope you’re hungry, I can’t eat it all by myself.”

That night, they tucked into a feast that almost matched the quality the Hareil had so kindly provided them with back in England. The champagne helped to loosen their tongues and kept the conversation rolling until late into the night. When they moved their dinner onto the balcony an hour later, the city was still lit, glowing brightly below them.

“It’s really beautiful here isn’t it?” Katt asked, giving across the city as it lay out before them.

“Yes,” Kitt agreed, though his gazed was nestled upon something else entirely.

Katt looked across at him and caught his gaze. She turned instantly, attempting to hide her flushing cheeks. It didn’t work very well as he took a step towards her and placed his hand upon hers as it rested gently upon the rail.

“Katt…”

She looked at him, their eyes meeting in a perfect moment. Somehow, things seemed to be falling together. In that one moment, everything finally seemed to make sense. The motel room, the Hareil house back in England, all of it had been leading to this, this one perfect moment. Katt closed her eyes and instantly she felt the warmth of his lips pressed against her own. The touch of his hands against her arms as he drew her close, sent shivers of excitement through her body. Somewhere in the distance, a firework exploded, lighting the sky with brilliant shades of red and green. Lost in their own world, Kitt and Katt heard none of this. There was merely him and her, and the kiss that was binding them. Slowly, Kitt’s hands lowered to Katt’s waist, his arms wrapping around them tightly, drawing her closer and closer until she could feel his waist against hers.

This was their time now, their world, their eternity. No one could touch them here, not even the Hareil would dare intrude on this embrace. This moment belonged to them and them alone, no matter how long it chose to last.

[darktyranitar]

Wow... that was really romantic, and beautiful...

After a few conflicts between both of them on the past chapters, I never thought that a moment like this would come. Nicely done chapter. The setting is perfect, wrapped up with the subliminal firework and the moment of Kitt embracing Katt. I think this is going to be my favourite chapter in this fic. You did a great job. Well done! :smilie:

[Samchu]

Well as you have all been such wonderful readers I will present to you the next chapter. We're starting to run out of backlog and with Eevee unable to write a new chapter until the Feb holidays updates may slow, but we'll see. Anywho...here's a new chappy for ya. It's a bit short but nevermind.

A haze, of beauty and intense feelings, was all Katt remembered as a soft, morning sunlight drifted gently across her sleepy eyes. She blinked, and slowly slipped out of sleep. Her mind buzzed lightly from the champagne the night before. She felt dazed as she tried to grasp the events of last evening.

She began to lift her hand to run it through her finger-length, tawny hair, but found her arm entangled in another. Turning her head, she found herself in a tight embrace with the warm, sleeping body of the seventh guardian. She felt his stomach rise and fall, as he breathed silently, and she nestled her head upon his shoulder.


Katt waited for the after-effect of champagne clear like a fog, before she began to draw conclusions. First, after a panicked though, she glanced down, and then sighed in relief to find both Kitt's and her body clothed. She then glanced around them to find that they were in the bed of their hotel suite, with a soft blanket gently placed over them. She frantically tried to remember how they had reached their present resting place, but she could only remember them being on the balcony. And Kitt's breath full of champagne fumes as he kissed her.

More awake by now, Katt began to ponder the night. And whether Kitt's actions were the fault of the alcohol, or some feelings he had for her. Hadn't he just said they couldn't have a relationship like this?

Confused, and finding her head uncooperative with her desire to think, Katt gave up and rested her forehead in the groove of his neck. She closed her eyes - now blocked from the sun - and inhaled the warm scent of his skin. Katt didn't know how she would feel when her head cleared, but at present, she just wanted to enjoy the moment. Still drowsy from multiple refills she had downed, the girl let herself slip back into sleep.

CHAPTER

When she awoke again, the room was full with light, and Kitt absent from the bed. Grasping this detail, Katt sat up and scanned the room for him. He was at the far end of the room with map before him on a desk. Sensing the girl's gaze, he looked up from where he sat.

"You're up," he said warmly.

"Lavender," Katt said, as she rubbed her eyes. She was referring to the pleasant aroma wafting in the room.

He smiled. "Yes, I showered while you were still asleep. I advise that you shower as well, before we head off this afternoon."

"It's afternoon, already?" Katt inquired, as she slipped out from under the covers.

Kitt looked out the window beside him and said, "Just about. Two bottles must have put us out last night - or this morning."

Katt careened across the room, almost cleared from her inebriated state, and plucked a change of clothes from the desk before disappearing into the spacious bathroom. Concealed in the separate room, she shed her night-wear and stood gratefully under the warm rain of water that soon cleared her mind. Lathered in lavender, her comprehension returned, though she fought it. She didn't want to over-analyze the scene, as she always tended to do. She quickly ended the shower, clothed herself, and left the room before conclusions could draw from her mind.

Kitt was waiting for her in the hotel room. They packed all their belongings, and were ready to leave the room within no time.

"First set of business, we should stop fro a bit of breakfast - or rather, lunch," Kitt said as they left the hotel. "There are so many quaint cafes for us to dine at in this city, it shouldn't be to hard of a task. Pick anywhere you like."

Katt chose a cosy outdoor restaurant, and they basked in the mid-day sun, while conversing over large cups of French coffee.

"I can finally think again," Katt said. She sipped from her steaming mug, and the rich aroma swirled around her, almost as intoxicating as the drink she had consumed the night before.

Kitt smiled. "I usually can hold my share of liquor, but being a cat for seven months has put me out of shape, and I got woozy after only a few cups. Of course, I haven't had the opportunity to indulge carelessly like that in a long time, seeing how the Hariel have been at my tail for most of my life."

"Shh, don't talk about them," Katt said soothingly, as she placed her index finger to her lips.

Still smiling, Kitt leaned over the table, gently pulled Katt's hand away from her face, and kissed where her finger had been. His lips lingered, before he finally drew back into his seat. She stared at him, while butterflies circled fiercely inside of her. Managing to tear her eyes from his, she sipped another mouthful of rich coffee, which helped subside her stomach.

Placing her cup on the table, she asked, "Do you remember last night?"

"I remember that it was perfect," he answered.

"But wh-" Katt began to say, but a waiter interrupted her as their food was placed before them. Kitt said a few words of French to the waiter, before they began to dine.

"Multilingual?" Katt said, as she brought a fork full of salad to her mouth.

"I've picked a few things up here and there during my travels as a Guardian," he replied.

They conversed until their plates were emptied, then Kitt paid, and their journey commenced once more. Katt still had a few questions that had popped into her head, but she ignored them for the moment and made due with, "So, where to next?"

[darktyranitar]

Kitt and Katt's relationship is getting better, and Kitt is getting more romantic, which is good. Still, it’s very strange with his sudden change of behavior. I wonder if it will be explained soon.
Anyway, it’s a shame to hear Eevee about the slow update of this fic. I hope you and Eevee can continue writing as soon as possible. Well, see you soon! :smilie:

[Samchu]

Figured that our wonderful readers should be treated to another chapter. Enjoy everyone!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He sighed slightly, leaning back to help relieve the bloated feeling trapped like a rock in his stomach. “It’s pretty simple from here. Take the train across France, through the Alps to the Western boarder. Travel through to the South of Italy to a place called Brindisi and then, we catch a boat to Egypt. That’s where this ends.”

Katt smiled gently. “We still have quite a way to go.”

“Who cares? Just as long as we do this together.”

Katt stretched her hands to the sky above her, feeling the warmth of the sun sink into her fingers. He seemed content with keeping their relationship going – were they actually having a relationship? Could one drunken night really be the basis of a full relationship between them? No question she had feelings for him but what did he feel? Had he not just told her that they couldn’t have a relationship? How could his mind be changed so much? Katt wanted this to happen, she wouldn’t openly admit it but she did. But how could she be certain he wasn’t toying with her?

She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. “Why are you doing this Kitt?”

He frowned slightly, a strange mix of pain and confusion which reflected clearly upon his face. It almost made the girl feel guilty for asking. “What do you mean?”

“First you tell me nothing can happen between us and now you’re acting like this. What am I supposed to think Kitt?”

With a soft but reassuring smile that made her heart flutter, Kitt reached over and took one of her hands in his own, twisting his fingers about hers. “You’re supposed to think,” he began, his gaze finding her own. “That I’m sick of being the Hareil’s lap dog. I’m tired of them controlling my life and I want to make my own decisions. You’re an amazing person Katt and I regret everything I said to you on the boat here. I want to be with you, from now until…until whenever. I don’t give a damn about anything else anymore.”

She just couldn’t help it. Melted by the eyes in which she saw so much love and sincerity, Katt could do nothing more than agree with him. Her head was screaming at her: the consequences they would have to pay, the risk it was putting both their lives in. But so what? She’d stopped listening to her reason last night, why should she start listening now.

“I think…” she said finally, easing the tension that was building inside the young guardian. “I think we should try it.”

Kitt beamed at her briefly before their lips met. “You know we’ll have to keep this low profile,” he whispered to her. “Secrets, lies, shadows, this is a spy’s relationship you’re getting into.”

“I know. But it might be fun.”

He smirked. “I can only promise you my best.”

“That will suffice for now.”

They walked on through the city to the station. The journey would take them a day, not the quickest of routes but at least the scenery would be pleasant and they had each other for company after all. Kitt, Katt and carriage, sounded like an innocent enough union. Although….twenty-four hours is a very long time to be stuck on a train for.

“Let’s see what we got here…” They were squeezing through the other passengers to try and find the carriage they’d booked for themselves. Katt lead, dodging and darting between the people that stood chatting as Kitt followed, head bent over a brochure they’d been given when they’d bought their ticket. “Dining cart’s down there, lounge is down there…and our room is up there,” he added with a sigh. “All the good stuff on this train is at the opposite end to our carriage. We’ll be too tired to eat from all the walking. Maybe we can get it delivered.”

“You sound like one of those old married men,” Katt laughed.

“Just watch who you’re calling old,” Kitt retorted playfully.

Finally they arrived at their carriage. A cardboard box on wheels with a ‘double bed’ that was about as wide a matchbox. There was a bathroom adjacent to the carriage as well as the sets of cubicles scattered across the train but the smell that wafted in the second Kitt opened the door rapidly put them both off using it. It wasn’t the homiest of places on offer but they would just have to make do with what they had.

Dumping their bags in one of the corners, they squeezed onto the bed and sat, side-by-side, watching the world shoot past their window. Kitt remembered thinking how much being stuck in a train carriage was like being stuck in a bubble. You’re surrounded by all these things around you but you can’t reach out and touch them. You’re trapped in your own little world, however good or bad it may be.

“Sorry you have to be stuck in such a crummy place,” said Kitt quietly. “If I’d have known – “

Katt silenced him by pressing her finger to his lips. “It doesn’t matter. We’ve been through worse than a tiny bed and a stuffed up toilet. We’ll manage.”

“It’s what we do right?” he asked.

“Yep, that’s just what we do.”

Kitt took Katt’s hand in his own and gently squeezed it and she leaned against him. There wasn’t much they could do but talk and enjoy one another’s company – not that there were any complaints to the idea. But still…as every tree or building flashed past their window; Kitt was filled with an ever-building sense of dread. Beyond Italy lay a fate that was hidden from him. A fate that could mean the end of his adventures, the end of his life with Katt, and he couldn’t find the strength to tell her. The guilt was killing him, torn between humanity and the woman he loved, but it wasn’t as simple as that. He could shun his destiny, run away with Katt, try to live a life free of the Hareil, but for what? To watch her grow old whilst he remained forever in this state? To sit back whilst yet another lover was taken from him? How could live with knowing what he’d done?

Unknowingly to Katt, Kitt sighed inside. There was no choice to be made here. If he were to ever achieve his dream, if he were to be able to live out a mortal life with this woman, free from the Hareil’s interference, he would have to do this. Atop the Great Pyramid he would have to risk his life for the chance to have a future with her. There was nothing else he could do.

Forcing a smile across his face, Kitt turned to his partner and said lightly, “how about we go see what this death-trap on wheels has to offer us?”

[darktyranitar]

Ah, the beautiful romance between the two of them. I must tell you, I am certaintly enjoying this story by each chapter. Kitt and Katt are indulging deeper in their relationship. And in the end, I wonder what the future holds for them.

Anyway, good job for still giving us readers new chapters. Where is eevee-shayna, anyway? I hope both of you can solve the problem soon; I love this story, that I would hate to see it stop now. Keep up the good work! :smilie:

[Samchu]

well as you're such dedicated readers and as Eevee has finally finished her mid-terms i thought i'd grace you with another chapter. There's one more in our backlog after this but I'm waiting on Eevee to email me back a copy. After that, you'll just have to wait however long it takes for us to write them. That will be interesting...anyway! The latest chapter...

"Sounds good, let’s go on a little adventure," Katt said.

"And a little fresh air would be a perfect place to start," Kitt suggested.

The two made their way down the cramped hallways of the train. Several times they had to stand sideways to allow other passengers to squish past them. When they made it to the end of the train, the two stepped out onto the back if the caboose, where the rattling of the speeding train was amplified by their being outside.

They enjoyed the view of the world quickly dropping out of view, and the terrain free of civilization. However, after a short spell, Katt remembered something.

"Oh, I forgot to lock our room up," Katt yelled over the train's rumbling.

"Let's go back then," Kitt answered loudly back.

"Not necessary. The halls are too small for both of us to go. I'll be right back," she yelled.

"You sure you'll be safe?"

"I'll be fine. 'Be right back."

Katt left the outdoors for the quieter, but more cramped, hallway of the train. Their apartment wasn't too far from the end, so her journey wasn't all that long. Though, standing in front of her door was a man, a little older then herself.

"Excuse me, you're in the way of my door," Katt said, bold as usual. He turned to face her. He wore a long, brown trench-coat and grasped a hat in his hands. His hair was brown with natural blond highlights, and his eyes were a radiant green.

"Katt, I presume," he said.

"Excuse me?" she said, obviously puzzled.

"He-he's not with you right now?" the man asked.

"Who are you?" Katt asked. She didn't want to answer his question, after all the bad experiences she'd had with Hariel.

"No, it looks like you're alone - for the moment. Good. Katt, I need to talk to you," he said. Apparently he had no interest in answering her question either.

"I'm not talking to you until you tell me who you are, and what's going on," said Katt, who was getting testy.

"No time for that. He may be back any second. Listen Katt; don't get anymore involved with the Hariel. The time you've spent has already put you in great danger. It'd be best if you kept a low profile, and started a new life somewhere else-"

"What are you talking about! Who are you?" Katt's voice was now rising.

"No time! Listen, leave the Hariel behind, and leave the Seventh Guardian behind as well. You've gotten too close as it is," he said.

"I'm going to Kitt right now," Katt said. Her face was starting to turn red as she swivelled to stomp down the corridor. But the man reached out and grabbed her arm, preventing her from going any further.

"Wait. You must not get involved any longer with him."

Katt turned to face him, with her eyes glared with rising anger. "And why not?"

"Sure you look the same age now, but 20 years from now - if you survive that long with the Hariel - you will have grown older, and he will stay as unchanged as a picture. How could you have a lasting relationship when he is immortal and you are tied to time? And when you die, he will have lost another lover, and will be left to live on. Don't you think that pain would be worse, then if you were to leave now? Don't you see that he being immortal means a relationship between you two could never work out?"

As his words sank in, tears started forming in her eyes.

"I don't know what you're talking about," was all she could say. But her voice betrayed her attempt to keep a mask. She jabbed the man in the stomach, the pushed him aside and shut herself into her room. She stumbled over to the bed and curled up against the wall.

Though she didn't know who had spoken to her, his words were all that occupied her mind. She had the bad tendency of over-thinking things, and that tendency was kicking in.

"He's immortal," she sobbed into her hands. All hopes of their love seemed to melt away with the tears that were now gushing out. It was the truth, no matter how much she loved him, she'd have to go through years of pain of watching him remain the same, while she grew older and older. And then she would eventual die, widowing Kitt and leaving him to live the rest of eternity mourning her. The cruelty of the future was unbearable, and she loved Kitt too much to make him go through it.

A decision formed in her confused and tattered mind: Because she loved him, she would refrain from getting into a serious relationship with Kitt. It was the only way.

At last she had calmed down enough that she no longer was crying, but she had no desire to go back to the caboose where Kitt waited for her. Instead, she curled up and fell asleep, because she no longer wanted to be in the moment she was in. Her late night before allowed sweet release to come easily for her. Katt's last thought was how much she dreaded seeing Kitt when she awoke.

[darktyranitar]

Now that was quite a twist... Didn't expect that to happen.

Through the story, we have seen a lot of break-up between Kitt and Katt, but this time, for how long? It's a bit strange for the man to suddenly appear in the train and talk about leaving Kitt behind.

Looking towards the next chapter. Hope you two can continue writing soon! :smilie:

[Mew Trainer Rose]

That was indeed odd. Very sudden, and makes you wonder who that was. If it was a member of Hareil, you think he'd just capture her again. Hmm, unless they're trying a more subtle tactic. It'd be about time, really. :p

[Samchu]

hehe...looks like there's been a mix-up here...Hey Eevee I've been updating these chapters, we've already moved to the point that you and I are at - save for one chapter.

So err...you guys can just ignore the chapter Eevee has posted and I'll just put the current update here. This ist he last chapter that we have in storage so you guys won't get any updates until Eevee writes the next one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kitt has stood outside waiting for Katt for what seemed like an eternity. How long could it take for one girl to lock a door? He allowed for the fact that the train was crowded and difficult to manoeuvre through but after a while he decided that he didn't want to wait any longer. Being separated from Katt always left him uneasy. There were too many enemies about, if they were apart for too long who knows what could happen to her.

Slowly, he retraced the route back to their carriage, brushing past an uncountable number of people along the way. One of them, a young man. He was a little more than twenty years old, with brown hair and green eyes. At first, Kitt passed him off as just another passenger, nothing to worry about, but then a sudden sensation hit him. He knew that hair, he recognised those natural blonde highlights. But it couldn't have been, but Kitt needed to know for sure.

Turning quickly on his heels, Kitt fought his way back up the train after the man. He appeared to be headed for the caboose, so when Kitt lost sigh of him in a large crowd of French businessmen, he still had a clear direction of where to head. Squashing through a group of men wearing brown hats, Kitt finally emerged onto the caboose, only to find it completely empty. There was no trace of the man and the only life outside of the train came from a rustling bush beside the tracks, but that could have been anything.

Kitt wandered back to the carriage in a thoughtful state. He had thought that he had seen someone he'd known, someone he believed to be dead, but it couldn't have been him. Could it? What if it was? The prospect sent a shiver down his spine. If it had been him then the Hareil...He panicked. What of Katt? Was that the reason she had been gone so long? Had the Hareil found her, taken her, or worse? Coming to their door, his state forced him to fumble awkwardly with the catch, until finally he was able to force his way inside. Much to his relief, Katt was there sleeping. Her delicate form curled up on the bed beside the wall.

With a gentle smile he headed over and kneeled on the bed beside her, leaning over to look at her sleeping face. She was probably tired out from their last night together, they had stayed up for a long time. He was about to turn back to catch some sleep of this own when he spotted something on her pillow. It looked like moisture but...some of it was still on her face. She had been crying? Why?

Worried, Kitt settled in to sleep beside her. Unsure of what could cause the girl such sadness, he rolled over to face her back and put a comforting arm around her waist. It eased his concerns a little, though he knew there was nothing he could do until she awoke. And so, the young guardian settled in for a night of uneasy sleep.

* * *

The next morning, Kitt was the first to wake, though he wasn't entirely sure if that was true.

"Hey you," he said quietly to the girl beside him, nudging the back of her neck with his nose.

He was surprised when she shrugged him off.

"What did I do?" he asked innocently. He had no idea what he could have done or said to make the girl feel so mad at him again.

"Kitt we can't do this. It can't...it can't work..."

"What are you talking about?" he asked, frowning. "Yesterday everything was fine and now -"

"I've been thinking, Kitt and this...it can't work. You're immortal and I'm...not."

He touched her arm and rolled her over to see tears welling up in her eyes. "I won't be for much longer," he insisted hopefully.

She looked away from him. "We have to end this."

"Why? Why can't it work? If I do this I won't be immortal anyone, we can grow old together," he could tell he was struggling to convince her.

"What if it doesn't work? What then?"

"I'll find a way," he assured her, pulling some hair from her face. "I always find a way."

"What if the Hareil find us?"

"I'll protect you."

"What if you're not there?"

"I'll come get you again."

"And if I'm dead?"

Kitt paused, his mouth was open to answer but he couldn't think of one. Closing his mouth slowly, his face formed a look of sadness and thought. How could she think that he would let her succumb to such a fate? Did she not have faith in him to protect her? Did she not trust him? He sighed, all of these questions were just too much for him but it seemed that the girl would not be convinced unless he answered every one of the questions that she threw at him. Even this one.

"Then I'll go to you the only way that I can," he replied calmly.

Teary eyed, the girl met his gaze. He was serious about this. He would really go to such lengths to stay with her? But..."Why didn't you do it for Kathrene?"

A pained expression crossed his face. "She asked me not to..."

Katt sighed quietly, once again pulling her gaze from his own. "It must have been terrible to watch her die..."

"It was," Kitt replied sombrely, adding a little nod for effect.

"I bet it would be even worse to go through it again..."

"Katt stop it."

She rolled over, turning her face back to the wall. "I think you should leave. When we get off of this train we wont see each other again anyway."

Kitt knew now that there was no way of changing her decision. She wanted him out of her life and he had no choice but to go. He had fought everything to be with her and just when things were working out, she was turning her back on him. Kitt's stomach churned uneasily at the prospect of going on without her but he paid little attention to it. Without a word, he got up and headed for the door, opening slightly to allow the roar of conversation drift in from outside.

He turned back to her, catching a glimpse of the mountain range as it passed by them. "I love you Katt," he said quietly. "I'm just sorry I wasn't enough for you." And fighting back a stream of tears, he opened the door and disappeared amongst the crowd of people standing outside.

[darktyranitar]

Well, well... that is quite a surprise. Kitt seem dedicated to Katt. But why? Why do they have to break up? And who was that mysterious man that Kitt seems to recognise?

Nice to see you here again, Eevee! Hope the next chapter can be written soon.

[eevee-shayna]

(non edited)

Chapter 30

She knew he couldn't hear her, but with the shut door facing her, Katt said, "No, you were too much for me."

Katt spent the rest of the time in the room. It wasn't until the day was almost over, that it began to sink into her head that she may never see Kitt again. As much as it pained her to let him go, and as much as she knew she loved him, she didn't want to put him through pain when she died and he stayed immortal. If she let him go now, before they became dependent on one-another, then they would be able to stop before they couldn’t stop.

But her train carriage felt so immensely empty at that moment.

Just then, a large BANG was heard at her door. Maybe because she felt so alone at that moment, she opened up the door immediately to see what had caused the noise. Upon opening the door, she found that the noise had been caused by a dog, who had presumably run into her door. Having a soft spot for animals, Katt reacted sympathetically.

“Are you alright, pup? You should be careful when running around on a train,” Katt said.

She leaned down to check for an ID tag on a collar, but found that the dog had no ID or collar.

“Does this dog belong to anyone?” she said dutifully. But no one answered except for the rumbling of the train on the tracks. Suddenly the dog stood up, shook off his fall, then entered Katt’s room.

“Hey!” she said. She followed the canine into her room. At that moment, the train went up a hill, and the sudden incline caused her door to close shut behind her. The dog wobbled a bit from being in the moving room, which caused Katt to chuckle.

“Silly pup. Well, it looks like you’ve recovered from running into the door. But where did you come from?”

The dog obviously didn’t answer her question, but instead rubbed his head against her hand. Katt soon found herself kneeling besides the dog and petting him. It felt so good to have some company, even if it was just a dog who had appeared at her door.

Katt played with the canine for a long while, which helped pass the time in her not-so-lonely room on the train bringing her to Egypt. What was she going to do when she got to Egypt, anyway?

The dog at had continued to rub his head against her had, and Katt forgot about her little problem to come.

At the end of the day, the train was still rumbling along on it’s tracks, and the girl was growing weary. She changed in her little bathroom, then curled up in her bed. Katt kept on feeling that the bed was too empty, until the dog jumped unto it with her, and made the surface seem not so big.

“Goodnight, Pup,” Katt said to her new companion. He just rolled over and with a gruff sigh, fell asleep. Katt stroked him once more before falling asleep as well.


In the morning, a meal was brought to her door, as part of her train ticket. She gave Kitt’s plate to the dog, and ate hers in bed. The waiter who brought her meal said that they would be arriving in their destination that day.

After breakfast, Katt got dressed, and packed up all her belongings.

When the train finally pulled into the station in Cyro, she stepped off with the dog by her side. Fear choked her when she spotted two red robed Hariel approaching her. But much to her surprise, the dog barked at them viciously, and after a moment’s reconsideration, the Hariel left her alone.

“Maybe I should keep you around, if you don’t mind,” Katt said to her canine companion. He yipped warmly at her, and they proceeded to leave the train station and wonder around Cyro. First, she needed to find some place to stay. That wasn’t too hard, since she was in a Tourist town, so there were many affordable places to stay. She picked one that could be permanent if her situation called for it, and decided to start looking for a job the following day.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Aw...poor Kitt and Katt...being torn apart by some guy who just showed up and dissapeared...speaking of which, where did the dog come from? You don't usually find stray dogs on trains. She seems prone to adopting randome stray animals that show up, doesn't she? Reminds me of how she first found Kitt. Hmmm...

[darktyranitar]

Wow, didn't realized that it's chapter 30 already...

Now that Kitt is gone, and stuck in Egypt, wonder how Katt would manage? Start a new life there? Then what would become of Kitt? And I agree with Rose, the sudden appearance of the dog kinda remind of the first time Katt met Kitt. I have an idea on what the dog really is, but maybe it's ridiculous...

Anyway, looking for the next chapter.

[eevee-shayna]

maybe it's just me, but if I found a random dog on a train, I would most certainly adopt it if it wanted to be adopted. who can resist a dog?

..i just noticed that through-out that entire chapter, i didn't describe what the dog looked like. eh-heh. not to self...

[darktyranitar]

Yeah, dogs are cuddly... It's just that the dog appeared right after Kitt's departure that make it quite suspicious. Maybe another of the Hareil tool? Just taking a guess...

[Samchu]

Here's the latest chapter by me :biggrin:. Sorry about the lack of quality with this but school's been hectic lately so I just threw something together. I know it seems a bit rushed but it's a prep for my next chapter which will probably be...well long at least. So enjoy - if you can.

Chapter 31

Kitt spent the evening curled up on a wooden bench three carriages down from Katt’s. He laid there for hours, unable to sleep, listening silently to the rattle of the train as it sped along the tracks. The pain of earlier had left him and a frozen numbness had swallowed his heart. All of a sudden, everything in his life had become pointless. He had given so much for the chance to be with Katt and for no reason at all she had forced him out of her life. What was there for him to do?

The thought twisted around Kitt’s mind deep into the night and through to the next morning. By the time the train finally arrived in Cairo, he was hungry, tired, and no closer to an answer than when he’d begun asking the question. He made sure to be one of the last people of the train, he didn’t want to accidentally bump into Katt on the way.

Kitt made it his priority to visit the pyramids that day. He figured that he could block out his thoughts of Katt if he focuses on his work. After all, his work was all he had left. Taking what money he had managed to keep for himself, Kitt rented a room for the next two evenings. He couldn’t lock the gate until it showed itself and it wouldn’t show itself until a full moon rose. Thus his delay. It seemed to Kitt that life wanted to do everything it could to make him miss the girl, no matter how he tried to avoid it.

That night, Kitt managed to force himself to sleep despite the unbearable heat of the evening. It was a sticky sleep, full of twists and turns and dreams of what he might once have had, things he would never get to see.

He spent the second day walking. With little money and no company, he decided there was little else he could do, but as the afternoon drew in, he decided to reverse his assets. Near to his hotel was a small bar – the Wrinkly Turban or something similar – the perfect place to pass the time. It was tiny inside – much smaller than he had first predicted. A couple of tables littered the space between the bar and the door, some of them already had a few drunks strewn across them.

Weaving in and out of the dusty tables, Kitt slid across to the bar and sat down on one of the unbroken stools. Without really considering the barman in front of him, he pulled out his wallet and ordered the strongest thing he could think of. His knowledge of Egyptian bars was far from any but he figured they’d get the jest of what he wanted.

“Medium or large?”

Kitt’s head shot up instantly at the sound of the voice he had come to know so well. “Katt?”

She stared at him blankly. “Do you want a medium or a large?”

He leant across the bar towards her, deliberately ignoring her question. “What are you doing here?”

“Working. Now are you going to tell me what you want or not?”

“God dammit why are you treating me like a…a…”

“A customer?” her tone remained unchanged. It was as if all the memories of their time together had been torn from her mind. He felt like a stranger to her.

“Why can’t you just speak to me?” the Guardian asked, hurt by tone as much as by the sight of her.

“I’m trying to get on with my life Kitt, why won’t you just let me do this?”

He tried to speak but she cut him off.

“Please, either order something or leave. I have to work.”

Pained, he ordered again and sat there in aguish as he watched her walk out of his life again. No matter how hard he tried he just couldn’t work out what could have happened to turn her against him so suddenly. Was it something he had done? When she left him on the carriage they were happy lovers and overnight she had turned against him. What had happened? He only wish he knew.

Finishing his drink, Kitt pulled a piece of scrap paper from his pocket and left a message for his former lover. Sliding the paper under his empty glass he tore from the bar and retreated back to his hotel. Already the night was drawing in and Kitt needed his rest. Tomorrow was going to take a lot of preparation, he just hoped it would be worth it.

[darktyranitar]

Hmm, this is quite surprising. Didn't really expect to see Katt act so cold to Kitt. Poor Kitt, he had done a lot to be with Katt, and now they break up. The man on the train who talked to Katt, I wonder if we would see who he actually is. And what was written on the note? I'm guessing that Kitt is going for it.

[eevee-shayna]

Chapter 32

As soon as Kitt had left the seedy pub, Katt’s knees buckled and she folded behind the bar. With her head in her hands, she wept silently. It felt as if something was stabbing inside of her. Kitt wanted so badly to be a part of her world again, but she couldn’t allow it. No, she had made up her mind. She had to break off from him before she couldn’t. They always had the daunting reality of the Hariel at their tails, threatening every day they lived. And then there was the truth of what he was, immortal. Sure, everything seems like it would work now, but with every year, she would grow older and he would stay the same. What sort of match would they be, he perpetually 23, and her wrinkled and grey? And then, at the end of that hardship, she’d leave the world and Kitt would be left alone, and heartbroken.

A drunken, slurred voice brought her back to the present. She wiped her face off with a napkin, and stood to resume her bartender duties. She was pained but thankful at the same time to see that Kitt no longer resided in the bar. Drained of emotion, she fetched the drunk his ale, and pretended to clean a glass.

The rest of the day went on like that, until it was closing time. She shoed everyone out, and was putting the chairs up, when I figure appeared in the doorway.

“Sorry, we’re closed,” she said. After putting up the last chair, she noticed that the person had not yet gone.

“Excuse me, I said that we’re closed-” she said, until she realized that her visitor was a man in a Hariel robe. And not a green robe, either.

“You wouldn’t kick me out, now would you, miss Kathrene?” he said, as he slowly walked forward.

In an air of panic, the girl backed away, until she was cornered by the bar.

“We just want you to tell us where the Guardian is,” he said. When Katt did not respond, he added, “Please cooperate,” and pulled a pistol out from under his sleeve. A row of Hariel appeared behind him, also accompanied with firearms.

Katt ducked behind the bar as a Hariel let off the first warning shot.

“The second won’t miss,” he reassured her, “Now, please, tell us where we can find your friend.”

Katt pressed the panic button vigorously, only to realize that it, like most other appliances in Cairo, was out dated and did not work. She swore under her breathe and continued to hide behind the bar.

Bottles exploded above her as the Hariel opened fire. Katt held her apron over her head as liquor and shattered glass rained down on her. Luckily, she only retained a few scratches.

Bullets continued to fly and splinter the worn wooden tables and chairs of the pub. Frantic, Katt opened a secret door behind the bar –installed for raids and robbings-- and crawled to safety. She turned one last time to see the paper Kitt had left on the table. She almost reached for it, but then saw it get torn to shreds by hot lead. Pained, but unable to do anything about it, Katt escaped.

She ran in the back-roads until she reached her residence. She did not stop to catch her breath until she was safely behind the door of her apartment. As she panted, she slid to the floor with her back against the door.

Katt almost had heart attack when a form leapt up beside her, until she realized that it was the dog she had adopted. Through pants and a humorless chuckle, she said, “You’d never guess what happened to me at work today.”


After dinner, Katt decided to wait indoors awhile, before venturing off for a new job. To pass the time, she found herself telling her furry companion her whole story. About finding Kitt as a cat, and keeping him. About Kitt changing into a human form, and turning out to be a Guardian. About being chased over the world by the Hariel, finding a safe spot, then coming to Egypt to close the gate, which brought her to where she currently was. Katt knew talking to a dog was in vain, but she wanted someone to talk to, and animals were good listeners. After she got her story out, she began to speculate.

“I was harsh, I know I was, but I don’t think Kitt and I could make it work. I mean, he’s immortal, and I’m mortal. Big difference. I don’t know how long he’s existed, but it’s certainly been a while. And to someone who has lived that long, a mortal’s lifetime is only a moment. Every day I spend with him is only a second in his lifetime. I, I don’t see the point. We’d both just end up hurt.”

She laughed to herself.

“And now, where am I? In Africa, a long ways from where I started. Well, I guess not too far. I’m probably going to end up being a waitress for the rest of my life, just like I would have back home in the U.S.”

She stared out into space for awhile, then finally crawled into bed and forced herself to sleep. Tomorrow, if the coast was clear from Hariel minions, she’d look for another job. A sad existence she’d thrown herself into, but maybe time would heal all. Time: both her enemy and friend. Isn’t that just how it goes?

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Wow, that's harsh. I'm a bit surprised she didn't yell 'I don't knwo where he is," at the Hariel members, just to see if that would make them back off. it probably wouldn't, but peopel in desperate situations usually try anything they can.

And there's still the dog. Hey, I wander if he'll end up being named Pupp. :p

[darktyranitar]

Hm, Rose has a point. Katt could easily tell the Hareil that she had left Kitt and get them to take her back to US. But seeing the Hareil way to get the information, I don't think they would be too happy to know that. Wonder how Kitt's doing on his own now?

Ah yes, the adopted dog. I just wonder as much as Rose does.

[Samchu]

What can we say? Katt's loyal, she always will be. Plus I got this feeling that 'I don't know' isn't the Hareil's list of acceptable responses. Anyway, that aside, here's a new chapter for you to - hopefully - enjoy.

Chapter 33

Kitt barely slept a wink that night. Despite his tosses and turns, the release of sleep eluded him, leaving his mind free to explore the darkest corners of his thoughts. It seemed like so long ago that he had first dragged Katt on this adventure. Had he known then how badly things were going to turn out, he would have left the girl sooner. He thought he could handle it. He was sure that the loss of Katherene had numbed him beyond all he feeling. He was wrong. He loved Katt and despite everything they had gone through together, despite how she had cast him out of her life, he wouldn’t stop loving her.

Kitt rolled on to his side and stared blankly at the empty wall beside him. He could feel the hot sun breaking onto his back through the window. The day had come. But to what to ends had it brought him? His life had always held one purpose: to protect the seal at all costs, even at the risk of his own life. He had grown up with that purpose. It had turned him against the Hareil, it was the reason he sought his freedom. Freedom. What did that even mean to him? He had wanted to live a life away from the Hareil, in a state that left him free to live, free to love.

He sighed.

What good would that do him? He’d found love. He loved Katt. He loved everything about her from her smile to the way she walked. She had given him back feelings he had never thought he could feel again. Then she’d broken his heart. But why? No matter how hard he tried Kitt just couldn’t understand it. They were so happy, so carefree. Why would she give that up so suddenly? Was it something he had said to her – she’d seemed fine when she’d left him on the caboose?

“I don’t understand her…” he mumbled, his mind drifting back to that night at Arthur’s house. She had been so rash that evening. Her thoughts had run away with her. She never let him explain…Kitt groaned silently. Had it happened again? What if her rash mind had twisted and turned the thought of his immortality to the point where she had felt herself left with only one drastic action. Had she simply left him for his immortality? If so, perhaps there was a chance that he could win her back. Just the thought of being with her again gave him hope – gave him purpose. He would do this if only she would take him back.

But he had to know for sure.

Rising quickly, Kitt dressed and headed back to the bar at which Katt worked. He knew she probably wouldn’t be there but maybe one of her bosses would know where she lived. If he could just talk to her.

“This is how I found the place this morning. Thankfully it looks as if my new barmaid made it out ok though I’ll doubt she’ll come back. Even if she did I probably won’t have a bar for her to work in.”

Kitt listened in to the conversation between the barman and the police. Through the open bar door he could see the bullet holes that dented the woodwork of the bar. Tables were upturned, windows had been smashed, and a dark stain covered the floor where a small fire had been doused earlier.

“Looks like a robbery,” one of the cops mused. Kitt knew better of course. It was just too false, too designed, even the destruction seemed accurate. The Hareil had done this, he had no doubt. They had gone to Katt for information about him and she had said nothing. He could only smile. Despite what she had said to him that night, deep down, she was still on his side.

He lingered around the bar for a while. He kept his attention on the stalls he browsed but all the while he was eavesdropping on the conversation outside the bar. Katt was a witness; they’d want to talk to her. Sooner or later her boss had to give them her address and the second he did, Kitt was off and running.

In the end, he didn’t need to go the whole way. He bumped into just outside, by the market place near to where she was staying. He couldn’t help but hug her. He just didn’t want to risk her running away from him.

“K-Kitt? What are you doing?”

“We have to talk. Please, just hear me out.” Looking up he saw a group of Hareil combing the market. Obviously word of Katt home had reached them too. Without a word, Kitt dragged the girl by the hand to one of the corners where two buildings met. Pressed tightly against one another, they waited anxiously for the threat to pass. As their tensions eased, Kitt became away of Katt’s violent shaking. Had it really come to this? Did his presence really put her at such unease? “Katt? What’s wrong?”

Her eyes fixed upon the floor, she answered him between violent bursts of quiet sobbing. “Why are you here Kitt? Why can’t you just leave me be? I want to start my own life. How can I do it if you keep trying to force your way back in?”

“I’m not forcing anything on you Katt,” he wasn’t going to fight her. He kept his voice calm, trying to ease her sorrow. “I just came to ask you something and if things between us have become as bad as I fear they may have done, then I’ll go, and you’ll never see or hear from me again.”

Katt’s hand rose to brush tears from her cheeks but she said nothing. Kitt could only assume that she wanted him to go on.

“I came here because I thought that by offering my immortality to the seal I could get what I thought I wanted. This was never about protecting humanity or stopping those on the other side from escaping, even though I lost my friends and family because of it. I did all because of what I wanted, but now…” he sighed. “Now my feelings have changed. I don’t want to be free to do as I please because I have already done that. I fell in love with you Katt and I didn’t have to do any kind of ritual for that to happen.” He paused briefly, realising how far from the point he was falling. “What I’m trying to say Katt, is that the only thing I want in the life, is you. If I do this ritual tonight I can leave Cairo a mortal man but I need to know – will it be worth it? Will you take me as a mortal or have I truly lost my chance of spending a lifetime with you?”

She cried continuously throughout and it broke his heart to think that he had caused her such pain. He stepped in close and placed his arms about her trembling frame. Her tears tore through his shirt like ice. He tightened his hold around her until he could whisper soft words in her ear. “Do you still love me Katt?”

Her head rose slowly, her tear-stained eyes gradually meeting with his own. He wanted so badly to know how she felt about him, to know if there anything still existed between them. It must have been tearing him apart inside. She opened her mouth to answer him, their lips so close he could have kissed her if he wanted. Trapped in his embrace, Katt could do no more than answer him.

Or so she thought.

Just as she was about to answer him, Kitt gave a cry of pain and backed away from her, grasping tightly at his ankle. Looking down, her eyes fell upon the dog she had adopted earlier. Once again he had come to her rescue. As she silently thanked the mutt standing between her and Guardian, Kitt continued to grabs at awkwardly at his ankle, cursing angrily.

As the pain began to subside, Kitt considered the animal in front of him. Blinded by his anger, it seemed like forever before he finally realised who he was staring at. The realisation chilled him. “G-Gareil?” He stumbled back. “But you’re dead.”

In response, the dog lowered itself into an attacking stance and growled fiercely, baring two rows of sharp incisors. Kitt had no doubt. This was his brother.

“Gareil…” a flood of memories haunted him. Kitt remembered Gareil’s death. He could remember how he ran and hid as the barrage of bullets tore his brother’s body apart. He could still feel the sharp stab of the evening winds upon his fur as he lay silent in the shadows. In the alley around the corner, the explosion of bullets sealed his brother’s end and he ran, coming by chance upon Katt’s doorstep as the girl was putting out water for strays. His injuries had earned him sympathy enough to save him from his pursuers. He had been convinced that Gareil had not been so fortunate.

Snapping from his memories, Kitt looked up to find the girl had fled from the scene. Looking down his eyes met once again with those of his brother, who merely barked and took off after Katt. Kitt stood silent, unable to follow either one of them. His mind ticked over the events one by one. Katt…Gareil…And again….And again. He had been so close and yet Katt had never had the chance to say to him what she wanted. He was no closer to an answer than he had been this morning and what was worse was the fact that everything he was sure of was falling into disarray. Gareil was alive. All this time in hiding. But from what? From who? And then he shows to take Katt away from him. Kitt’s mind twisted. Perhaps Gareil had been the one who had turned Katt against him on the train. It would help to explain her erratic behaviour.

“So my brother, you come again to snatch away that which I love, in a way that would most damage my heart. Why do you punish me again?”

Lost and confused, Kitt turned to the only thing he knew for certain. Tonight the gateway would reveal itself. It would be his chance to cast off his immortality and build a life of his own. Perhaps at last he could win back Katt’s affections, though he still didn’t know for certain if she would take him. As for Gareil…he would simply have to tackle that obstacle when he came to it.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

And my suspicions are confirmed! I was wondering if that dog was another Guardian. Otherwise it seemed to convenient for it to just show up like that. I didn't consider it too much, though, because Kitt said they were all dead. And I DEFINITELY did not expect it to be Kitt's brother. Nice twist!

[darktyranitar]

Aha! I have made a guess that the dog might be Gareil, and it's true! I must say, that was a nice twist!

Okay, so he lives... but what has he got against Kitt? I thought they were supposed to be brothers, selflessly supporting each other. Either he got something against Kitt, or he just want Katt. Or this is nothing more than another of the Hareil's trick.

Anyway, looking forward to what will happen next!

[Samchu]

A new chapter! Wow it's been a while but here's the newest installment. This chapter's actually Eevee's but I figured I'd put it up so you can get a look at it whilst I get the next one typed up. Hope you enjoy it.

CHAPTER 34!

She could not take any more of these mind games. How could fate be so cruel? Why did Kitt have to keep showing up, when all she wanted was to move on?

With the dog there to stall for her, she made a run for it. She had not place to run to, but she was in a moment of panic and all she could do was run far away. Many times she stumbled on the sandy terrain, but she just picked herself from the grit and pushed through the Egyptian crowd.

After her careless bolt, she found herself in front of a small café. Not knowing what else to do, she entered. A bell jingled, and the scent of fresh baked goods wafted around her.

"You here for job?" said a main behind the counter with a thick accent.

"What?" Katt said, too confused to understand the situation she was in.

The man, portly with a moustache and beard and Egyptian skin, pointed a thick finger to a sign in the café's window. It read "English speaking employee, now hiring."

Not knowing what else to do, Katt nodded.

"Yes, I can speak English," she said.

"Good! Good!" the man said. He waddled from behind the counter and stripped the sign from the window.

Without quite understanding what she had gotten herself into, Katt spent the rest of the day waiting tables; a trait she had become quite good at after all the practice she hah had in her life. At the end of the day, she was handed a paycheck, helped close shop, and found herself out in the night. Not knowing where else to go, she followed her feet to her apartment, which was conveniently minutes away from her new job. When she gracelessly walked into her apartment, she found the dog waiting in her room. Katt didn't think twice about how he had gotten into her locked room, or how he always knew where to find her.

"Hey," she said, then dropped her keys, pay check, and coat on the nightstand. The dog walked up to her and nudged her leg. Katt offered the dog a hand, which he nudged. She found herself coaxed into petting the dog. For a moment, Katt forgot about her day and it's confusion and just enjoyed petting the dog. But when the moment ended, it all came back to her.

Tears swelling in her eyes, she paused from petting the dog.

"Why won't he leave me alone and let me live my life?" she said. "It's getting unbearable. I don't know how much I can deal with this misery."

Her voice had risen at the end pf her sentence. With a quivering sigh, she went to the bathroom and took a shower. Afterward, she felt more relaxed, and was able to fall asleep, though restless the sleep was. While she slept, the dog lay on her bed like a watchful guard.


In the morning, Katt got dressed and exited the apartment to go to work. Hariel stood menacingly in her path. As they began to close in on her, the dog came out from behind her and, baring his ground, barked at them.

With one look at the dog, the group of Hariel backed away and soon dispersed.

"Thank you," Katt said. "Maybe with you by my side, I can get back to a normal life."

The dog escorted her to work, where they parted ways. At the end of the busy day, the dog escorted her back to her apartment. Another Kitt free day. Katt was still shaken from seeing him, but she let her worries slip away when she pet the dog, who seemed to bring a new future for her.


The day after, the dog scared away the Hariel at the door, but when he escorted Katt, it was not to the café. Instead, she found herself being led to the pyramids.

"Why do you want me to go this way? Is their something wrong with the café?" Katt asked. The dog just nudged Katt and continued to lead her. She was unsure of his intensions, but after all he had done for her, Katt was apt to trust him.

"Alright, if this is what you think I should do, then lead away," she said.

They had left early in the day, so the scorching sun had not yet risen. They passed a few pyramids, before coming across the biggest. This pyramid had a golden top, and seemed to be in the very center of the valley of pyramids. They wandered round the foot of the ancient structure, until they the dog finally stopped by an unmarked block. Katt could not see why this block was different from all the others that made up the pyramid. But the dog stood on his hind legs and pressed against it with his front paws. By some other force, surely not strength, the block gave way under the dog's paws and created a hole for the two to enter the pyramid by. The dog walked into the darkness, and Katt, partly lead by trust and partly by curiosity, followed.

Inside was pitch black. Katt managed to find the dog and held onto his scruff gently. He still seemed to know where he was going, and lead her through the darkness. Slowly they made their way through the endless darkness. Katt could not tell how big the tunnels were, or how deeply they went into the pyramid. The echoes of her footsteps told her she was still walking, and the fur she clutched in her hand affirmed her canine companion was still with her.

They must have been wandering for an hour in that darkness. But at last, Katt saw light. She squinted at the sight of it, because her eyes had become so accustomed to the dark. They walked closer to the light, and Katt gasped when she realized where they were. The dog had led her to the center of the pyramid, where the sun, which had just risen, caught the golden top of the pyramid and reflected light to the musty room. They were in the exact center of the pyramid, but for what reason, Katt could not guess.

She looked around to grasp her surroundings. The room was large, with walls and pillars intricately decorated with hieroglyphics. Dust stone slabs were piled in the middle of the room and formed steps. Katt let go of the dog and walked toward the steps. Each footstep echoed as she climbed to the top. The platform at the very top, in the very center of the room, had a metal plate nestled deep in the stone floor. There were symbols carved around the rim of the metal circle, and even more symbols embedded in the metal. In the center of the metal circle were two footprints. I was on these footprints that the golden sun shined the brightest. Curios, Katt looked to where, if someone were to stood upon the feet, they faced. The wall the toes pointed to had drawings of seven animals. Katt froze when she recognized two of the figures: a cat identical to Kitt, and a dog with the likeliness of the one in her company.

Her eyes ran across the floor to catch sight of the dog. To her horror, the dog seemed to be laughing. Sometime while she had not been paying attention to him, the dog had fetched a white Hariel robe, and had draped it over his shoulders. Right before her eyes, the dog, which she had entrusted so much, began to morph into a man. He secured the robe around him and stood. He held an uncanny resemblance to Kitt, but was a little older, had a stronger jaw, and his hair was the color of his dog self's fur. He walked to the foot of the stair Katt had ascended.

"Well Katt," he said in a strong voice, "After all your travelling, it looks as if you've finally reached your destination."

[darktyranitar]

So, Gareil showed his true self? They're at the pyramid, and Katt seems to find out of Gareil... I don't see what he wants from Katt. (Is there any chance that this story is nearing the end?)

Good chapter after a long waiting. Just pointing out that there’s some typos, like of to "pf". Other than the small mistakes, it's all looking good!

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Must have been quite a shock to Katt. It looks like she's in a potentially dangerous situation there.
I'm hoping that Kitt's been stalking her and ended up following them. :)

[eevee-shayna]

Thanks sam. my internet hasn't been working lately, so i haven't been able to get the chapter up.

rose! you changes your sprite! it's so cute!

oh, and yes, the story is nearing it's end.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Indeed I did! Thanks for noticing and for the complement!
Check my sprite thread in Fanart for more cute sprites! */shameless plug*

[eevee-shayna]

Indeed I did! Thanks for noticing and for the complement!
Check my sprite thread in Fanart for more cute sprites! */shameless plug*

shameless plugs aren't complete without a link. come on rose, you know we're lazy.

[Mew Trainer Rose]

*sigh* Fiiiine... :p
http://www.pokemasters.net/forums/index.php?topic=43930.0
Ya happy now? ;)

[darktyranitar]

*put a shameless face* Dude, you should ask Rose to make you the sprites. Check them out. Cool, no?

Let's not get this to become a spam...

[Samchu]

A new chapter at last! Enjoy! hehehhehehe

Chapter 35
Kitt had spent the past few days unsuccessfully searching for the entrance to the pyramid. He knew which pyramid he needed to get into and how to get into it, he just didn't know where to get into it. His mind had clawed and searched through every fibre of his knowledge for anything that would help him. In the end, he just had to rely on luck to get him inside.

He silently wondered the corridor, his senses tuning in to his surroundings. The door had been opened before him; he could sense it as he came across it. Someone had found it before…that could only be bad news. Had the Hariel followed him? Or was it someone else? The thought chilled his blood but there was only one way that any of his questions would be answered.

Steeping through the doorway of light, Kitt was met with a sight that froze him in his tracks. There before him stood the two people he'd least expected to find there: Gareil and Katt. The shock wore off almost instantly as he spotted the knife firmly held in his brother's grasp. "What's going on here?" Kitt demanded.

"Nice of you to join us Kitt. What took you so long? Get lost?"

His brother's torments only angered him further. "I asked you what the hell is going on?"

Gareil smirked. "A simple exchange, nothing more."

Kitt didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit. "What are the terms?"

"The girl for the gate. Personally I think you're getting the better bargain."

"What are you talking about?" It made no sense to Kitt.

Gareil sighed irritably. He had no time for this nonsense. "Listen to me very carefully. The Hariel lied to you about this gate. As well as closing the gate, the offering of immortality can also open it. That's what the Hariel has been so afraid of. They don't care about your life, they were just worried you'd screw up like always."

"What the hell as that got to do with anything?"

"I want you to open it Kitt. Open the gate for me."

Kitt shook his head violently. "That's insane! You know what will happen if the gate is opened!"

A twisted smile crossed Gareil's face. "I'm counting on it."

"No. No!" he added louder.

Gareil sighed. "You want to lose another lover? Just like Katherene this girl's life has no meaning to me. You don't agree to my turns and I'll kill her, right here, right now and this time, you'll get to see it all."

Kitt glared silently. He knew his brother, he wasn't bluffing. But…if he agreed he would be condemning humanity and if he didn't, Katt would die. The situation was hopeless for him and all he could think about was how badly he didn't want to watch someone die. The memory of Katherene's finally moments burnt painfully in his mind. His heart couldn't take that again.

Bowing his head, Kitt let out a defeated sigh. "I'll open it…" he said quietly. Eyes fixed firmly upon the follow, Kitt ascended the stairway and stepped into the ring of light. His feet planted firmly on the marks, he lifted his head and stared blindly at the wall in front of him. A chant of ancient words escaped his lips. Words he had never before seen slipped out as easily as if he had spoken them every day of his life. It was as if a part of him had been waiting, dormant, for this one moment.

"…desai tuthe dai."

Silence filled the room as his chant ended. Nothing moved, not even the air. It was as if time had frozen around them and only they existed within it. With a sudden explosion of sound, wind erupted from the wall in front of him forcing him to his knees. It was like nothing he had ever felt before, it was sharp and swift, tearing at him from the inside. He winced in pain. It was as if every fibre of his being was being ripped from his insides.

When the winds subsided, a mortal man fell to his hands. He was young, mid-twenties perhaps. His hair was a short crop of brown and all along his spine a trail of thick fur-like hair could be seen. He gasped violently, the change having left him greatly weakened. Before him, a hazy gate of black and red sat deep within the heart of the wall. The gateway to the afterlife had been opened and Kitt, the mortal, remained bowed before it.

With a smirk of approval, Gareil tossed Katt to the side like a rag and joined Kitt before the gate. "You truly are an idiot," he said quietly, his gaze never wavering from the gate. "You've traded the fate of the world for a life you will never be apart of."

"She deserves a life without me", he panted.

Gareil snorted, as if Kitt's response had disgusted him. "Foolishness. Just for that, I'll make sure you get to see her die." He stepped out from the platform, the gate instantly providing him a bridge in which to cross. "You have three days." And he was gone, vanished into the void.

Almost instantly, a hoard of Hariel burst into the room. They took one look at Kitt and knew what had transpired there. As if the gaping black hole in the wall wasn't a dead giveaway. "The gate is opened!" shouted one. "Hurry, we must block its dark magic."

One of them grabbed Katt firmly by the arm. "We must sacrifice the girl. The scriptures demand the piercing of the opener's heart through virgin sacrifice."

One of them, most likely the leader, nodded. "We have no choice. She's the only thing he seems to care about anyway."

"Wait…" the soft sound escaped Kitt's lips but fortunately one of the Hariel stayed to hear him.

"What is it?" he demanded angrily.

"She…not…virgin…"

The Hariel stared at him blankly. "Are you sure?"

"Stop…ceremony…pregnant…"

The Hariel's eyes widened and he ran outside to give the news to his superior. Kitt could only kneel in silence and wait for something to happen. He prayed to God it would save her from death. His prayers were answered finally when she ran back in to the room and came to meet him.

"They let me go," she panted. "apparently you told them I'm pregnant." She kissed his cheek gently. "Thank you for lying for me."

He coughed violently, forcing his entire body to shake. "No problem." He rose shakily to his feet. "But I wasn't lying." He leant lightly against the girl and coughed again. "We need to get out here."

[Mew Trainer Rose]

O_O

...poor Kitt. His brother's gone power-mad and he's not a Guardian any more. He can be with Katt again, but how long is that gonna last with whatever Gariel is doing? I hope they can stop him.

...Wow. This was unexpected. Too bad that Hareil showed up just moments too late.

[darktyranitar]

Well, that was a bit awkward at the end. Is Kitt trying to be funny or what?

So now what's Gareil plan? Something really evil, I suppose. Hope that he can be stopped without having to sacrifice somebody important.

[eevee-shayna]

sorry for the break. i swear i haven't forgotten about this fic, or my other, i just needed a break from it for a while. June was hectic with Finals and club officer elections, and as soon as school ended all my efforts were focused on Connecticon and my skit. And it didn't help that i broke up with my boyfriend two days before CTcon, but he was still going with our group and was in my skit. then after CTcon, i started working at Cold Stone Creamery. I've been working on my AP summer work. But anyway, after breaking up with my boyfriend i just haven't been in the mood to write a romance fic. Hense the lack of chapters by me. But i'm starting to feel better, so i finally pushed myself to write this chapter. I apoligise for my temporary abandonment.

okay, so back to the skit. after all my tireless efforts, we won Best Skit at the con! here's a link, if anyone wants to watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOq8svhGmPs
It's the Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny by Lemon Demon, except I changed the lyrics so it is all anime and game characters. I'm the heartless and Tohru Honda.

and now, the next chapter:



chapter 36

Katt slung Kitt’s arm over her shoulder and helped him walk from the dreary pyramid. The Hariel led the way out, though they would not touch the now mortal man. Within the darkened corridors each footstep was echoed a thousand times over, but Kitt’s tiny whisper echoed most painful of all, “What have I done.”

Once the odd group of two mortals and Hariel were among the stifling desert heat the green robed group stood around the pyramid doorway and chanted a spell. A wall seemed to appear over the entrance.

“No one may enter or exit without our notice,” a Hariel said once the chant was done.

Kitt and Katt were now useless and ignored. With no where else to turn, they made their way to Katt’s apartment.

The two Americans got strange looks from the locals as Katt helped the hobbling man down the street.

“Heat exhaustion,” she told them, and they looked away.

Once alone in Katt’s apartment, Katt propped Kitt on her bed and gave him water. His weakened state made it hard for him to do nothing more then swallow. Katt propped a water bottle to his lips and made sure the desert hadn’t dehydrated him. For now, he was mortal.

After Kitt had drunk the contents of the water bottle, Katt let him rest. Although the situation was dire, they could not do anything until Kitt was in better health.

Hours passed and the girl could do nothing more then pace around the room. Pace, and let her poison mind stew.

‘It’s all your fault. Because of you, he gave up his immortality and because of you, the world is in danger. It would have been better if you just had died.’

Kitt shifted in the beds, but was still fast asleep.

Katt sat in a corner and cried. ‘What have I done?’


The following day, Kitt finally awoke. He was stiff and slightly dizzy, but otherwise okay. Katt made him eat breakfast, which caused the dizziness to subside.

“We need a plan,” Katt said, after Kitt had finished eating and freshened up.

“What kind of plan?” Kitt said, stripped of emotion.

“We need to do something. This whole mess is my fault, but maybe we can fix it,” Katt said. She stared at the ground.

“No, it’s my fault. But what can we do?”

“I don’t know. Make your brother give up his immortality to close the gate? Get some virgin and sacrifice her to the gate? Find a way to make me mortal so I can use it to close the gate? There must be some VooDoo witch somewhere that can grant immortality, or an ancient scroll that can grant immortality. There has to be something! Some type of loop whole!” Katt said desperately.

“Non that I can think of,” Kitt said sadly. Then, after a moments thought, he added, “Unless…”

“’Unless’? There’s an ‘unless’? That means loop whole, right?” Katt said anxiously.

“It’s too dangerous, it would never work,” Kitt said.

“Tell me! Something is better then nothing,” Katt exclaimed.

“If we went into the gate and found my brother within. If a Gaurdian is slayed while within the gate, that is the same as offering his immortality to it,” Kitt said slowly.

“But how can you kill a Gaurdian. They’re immortal.”

“Correction, they are immortal when it comes to health, but they can still be killed. However, my brother has much strength and millennia worth of training. You and I would have a difficult time killing him.”

“Could we get the Hariel from your home to fight with us?” Katt asked hopefully.

Kitt sighed. “Maybe a few of them,” he said.

“Then that will suffice,” Katt said.

She grabbed a few things and headed for the door. Kitt, knowing not what else to do, followed.

“I have two sais in my bag from when I was training, and you can get swords from one of the shops,” Katt said. Kitt purchased two swords and they headed for the pyramids.

The wall the Hariel had put up was still in place. However, Katt walked up to it and placed her hand on the sturdy looking wall. Instead of her hand staying placed on the stone, it went through it.

“How-?” Kitt said puzzled.

“They said ‘no one can get through without their notice’, which means if anyone tries to get through, then they will-”

“Appear, yes, smart girl,” said a green robed Hariel from behind them. A large group had been summoned from the disturbance on the entrance.

Kitt told them of their plan. At first, the Hariel refused it.

“Then what else do you think we should do? Is there any other way to stop hell from breaking loose?” Katt demanded.

“I suppose at this point there is nothing else that can be done. But it is a great risk,” the Hariel admitted.

“What do we have to loose,” Katt reasoned.

As Kitt had expected, some of the Hariel did not want to jump into the mouth of hell, but a good amount of them agreed to come.

The group once again entered the pyramid and through the corridors. The stale chamber looked as it had before, with a swirling black and red vortex propped on the wall.

“Here goes nothing,” Katt said.

“Here goes everything,” Kitt corrected her, and the group jumped through, knowing not what horrors lye ahead of them.

[darktyranitar]

Hey, it's back! Yay!

Hm, it seems you had some hard moments, so I won't comment on the lateness issue. But you know, I was just about to ask you when you're going to post a new chapter. It's good to see this still going!

Wow, I've forgotten that Kitt's a mortal now. Of course, that means that he will be slightly weaker than usual. Plus, no more cat morphing ability! And Gariel can be killed! Woo, hopefully it's going to be a huge fight in the next chapter!

Hee, this chapter seems a tad rushed. The transition was done a bit too sudden. Perhaps this is an effect for not writing for so long, so I hope it could be fixed when you continue writing back.

And there's a bit of typo: "loophole" was written as "loop whole". There were others, but they're minor.

Anyway, glad that you're back. Don't forget to write the new chapter soon, okay? And good luck in the award too!

[Samchu]

She returns at last! *drops to knees and hugs eevee* And here I was being all worried, but I'm glad you're feeling better. Ok I also double as a reviewer for this so I'll say my bit here 'cause you didn't email it to me first (;_;). Aww, poor Katt blaming herself for everything, she's in so much guilt she actually forgot the fact that she's pregnant lol. But yay, I get all the fun in the portal, I am so going to love this *runs hands with glee* hehehehehe.

Well glad to see we can keep this going and nice to see you're starting to get back on your feet.

[eevee-shayna]

Sorry about it being rushed. Just trying to move it along. And I'm glad that people are still reading. Well Sam, next step is up to you!

[mistysakura]

Hey, I've missed this fic, and I'm really glad it's back. But don't feel pressured to write if you don't feel like it, eevee-shayna.

This chapter was okay, and it introduced some interesting things which moved the plot along. So there seems to be a solution to this whole mess after all... but now so much has changed in Kitt and Katt's situation, adn I wonder how it will wokr out for them in the end. I agree with darktyranitar that this chapter was a bit rushed, prehaps a bit too short. It's good to move the action along, but it seemed like they basically got out of the pyramid, decided what to do, got some backup and went straight back to the pyramid again. I guess there's no time to waste, but some scenes could have been extended to build up tension, for example when Kitt and Katt were deciding what to do. It was also a bit strange to see the journey back to the pyramid hardly mentioned at all, as if they had teleported there or something.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

[Samchu]

Well as you all known I'm not a person who's fond of waiting and since Eevee got a chapter up I've been working hard to get a new one done for you all (it's the holidays and I have nothing better to do). As you are all aware we are reaching the end of this fic (I think, depends what Eevee says) so this is intended to act as the beginning of the end. Appologies now for it is VERY long and the battle...well in a word it sucks because I can't write battle scenes but apart from that I hope you enjoy and as always your feedback is wanted and appreciated.

So without further ado...

CHAPTER 37!

They were blinded by a flash of brilliant white as they stepped unknowingly into the portal beyond. Their vision cleared to reveal a strange world of shimmering pinks and purples that stretched farther than the eye could see. It had its beauty. There was a strange elegance in the peace it held that remained untarnished by the eerie spectacle of its design. But something was wrong. There was a presence here, dark and foreboding, something that didn’t belong in this place.

“Where is everyone?” One of the Hariel whispered, as though the very secrets of the otherworld would be unleashed upon him if he dared to speak too loud.

Kitt gripped the one of swords uneasily. “Gareil…” he growled. “He must have gathered the restless spirits of this world.”

“Why?” Katt whispered to him.

“Once the ritual is completed Gareil can pass back and forth between the two worlds as he chooses, and he can take those who reside in this world with him. If they escape into our world they will consume it, it will become a burning wasteland, a shadow of its former self. They will try to survive in our world by possessing the bodies of human beings but they will not be able to sustain them. The bodies will quickly wither and decay and the spirits will be forced to find new hosts. Before long the entire population will have been destroyed and the lost spirits of this world will walk our world as they do now and Gareil will be the one who leads them. They will serve him because he can grant them the existences they crave but can never have.”

“Is that all,” she rolled her eyes slightly.

He held her wrist firmly and pulled her towards him. “I didn’t want to say this in front of the Hariel but you have to go back.”

“What?”

“I’m not having you risk your life in this place. You’re carrying our child for God’s sake,” he added harshly.

Her eyes softened and her gaze fell to the floor. “What would you have me do Kitt? Sit and wait to see if you come back? You’d just have me stand by whilst you fight, wondering what sort of world I’m going to bring my – our – baby into? I can’t do that. I can’t go back there and not know how this is going to end.”

He grabbed her by the arms and held her tightly until she looked at him. “And I can’t watch another woman I love die. I will not lose another child.”

“I’m not going to run away from this,” she said defiantly. “You wouldn’t have gotten this far without me and I’m not turning my back on you now.”

“You abandoned me once. Why won’t you do it when I ask it of you?”

“You were immortal then,” she said quietly.

“You could die. Don’t you understand that? I can’t live on without you Katt. I can’t risk losing you.”

“You’re so selfish! I can’t risk my life but you can risk yours? I can’t die because it would break your heart but you can die even though I would be left alone to care for our child?”

“Why would you care so much if I did die?” he spat bitterly. “You don’t love me.”

“I never said that. I was too confused to know what to say but I never said that.”

“You never told me that you loved me either.”

“Because I don’t know…every time I think I can figure out how I feel something pulls us deeper into this mess and changes everything. I keep thinking that I know who you are but then something happens and you become a different person to the one I think you are. And now this…I’m so confused by everything that’s happened that I don’t know what to feel.”

“Then forget everything,” he drew her closer and lifted her chin gently so that their eyes met. “Pretend like we’re the only two people in the world and that all of this is just some stupid dream you had. Then tell me how you feel.”

“I can’t do that. There’s too much. I can’t. I just…”

He couldn’t stand it anymore: the waiting; it was driving him insane. Every time he thought he was finally going to get a straight answer from Katt something would always get in the way: the Hariel, Gareil, Kathrine…now this. He’d had enough; enough of the waiting, enough of the wondering. He needed to know what she felt about him and he couldn’t afford to spend another second wondering about it.

Without warning he leant towards Katt and planted his lips against hers. He felt it instantly, that explosion of emotions coursing through him. His heart was pounding so loud that he couldn’t hear the thoughts that filled his mind. Her kiss was so soft so…indescribably amazing, that he seemed to lose himself in the embrace. His limbs were shaking. He was so scared of what she would tell him. What if she told him she felt nothing? It would break his heart. But if she said she loved him…would that be worse? If she turned around right now and said she felt nothing for him then he would have an excuse to make her leave, but if she said she loved him…would he be able to make her go?

“I love you Katt,” he whispered to her when they eventually parted, “but I can’t go on without knowing how you feel about me.”

“I…”

“Well, look what walked in to my domain.” They looked around at the hoards of restless spirits that surrounded them and the one at the centre of all this madness, the one they had come here to kill.

“Gareil…”

He laughed. “So becoming mortal hasn’t done anything to your memory. I feel sorry for you, even as a mortal you can’t forget the sadness you brought to those around you.”

Kitt drew his swords from his waist as he pushed Katt behind him.

Gareil just laughed. “Ah I see now, you’ve come here to kill me. Well, we can get rid of this dead weight you’ve brought with you.” He flicked his wrist and the spirits surrounding them closed in. They piled onto the helpless Hariel like starving animals, stripping them to pieces before their very eyes until not even dust remained. Gareil smirked to himself, pleased with what his minions had accomplished. “Now we can settle this like real men.” One his ‘servants’ brought a blade to his hand. It was like nothing Kitt or Katt had ever seen in their lives but they could sense the evil in it. This thing belonged to a world that was not theirs.

“You never believed in a fair fight,” growled Kitt.

“This fight isn’t fair. You stand no chance against me and you know it. That’s why you’re letting a woman fight with you.”

“She’s not fighting.”

“Kitt…”

“You’re not fighting!”

“Lover’s spats are so troublesome,” Gareil said quietly. “I don’t have the time to wait for this to finish so I’ll take care of it for you.” He pointed to Katt and a group of spirits jumped forward, pulling her back towards the group.

Kitt cried out desperately as he tried in vain to fight them off. He couldn’t come this far to lose her.

“Relax Kitt,” Gareil called to him, “they won’t kill her. Not yet.”

“You let her go,” Kitt threatened. “She has nothing to do with this!”

“You think you’re some kind of fucking saviour don’t you? She has everything to do with this! You’d be dead without her Kitt. We’re here because of her.”

“Let her go,” his hands tightened around the hilts of his blades.

“Kill me and the girl walks out of here alive. It’s that simple.” He turned to the spirits that held her captive. “If this mortal defeats me in combat then you must let the girl walk free from this place unharmed.” He turned to Kitt and smiled sadistically. “But if I win, I get her all to myself.”

“I’ll never let you touch her.”

“We’ll see.”

He came at Kitt without warning, slashing and slicing so fast that the mortal warrior barely had time to defend himself. Gareil had always been vastly superior to him. He was stronger, faster; and his time in the otherworld had only increased his strength. Kitt knocked his sword away with one of his own and slashed at him with the other only to find the blade slice through the thin air where Gareil’s head had been only a moment before. He ducked quickly and watched as his brother’s blade shoot above his hair, cutting the tips of hair that weren’t quick enough. Kitt rolled to the side, almost crashing into a wall of spirits that stood watching their battle. He pounced to his feet and their dance began again.

As they fought, Kitt noticed something strange about his brother. Gareil seemed to expose himself much more than he had done in their previous battles. Was he so confident in his new powers? Did he think Kitt was so inferior to him that he would not fight him properly? Then he realised the truth: Gareil was just teasing him, playing with him.

“I’m not a child! Quit toying with me and just fight!”

“If you are sure…” He charged at Kitt, his sword held back behind him. Kitt drew up his blades and prepared to catch his brother but his steel met nothing but air. The image of his brother tore through him like a ghost passing through an empty wall. He stood there frozen, unable to comprehend what he had just witnessed. Such a power…it could not exist, could it?

“Kitt!”

He barely had a chance to register Katt’s cry when he felt a burning sensation erupt from his back. The wind flew from his lungs as he dropped to his knees, choking and gasping for air.

“Is this what you had in mind?” Gareil taunted him from a place Kitt could not see. “Look how weak you’ve become. You couldn’t protect Kathrine as an immortal and you can’t protect this girl as a mortal.” He walked round Kitt until the new mortal could see Gareil’s feet out of the corner of his eye. “You’re pathetic.” His foot connected with the base of Kitt’s chin and he flew backwards onto the ground. He could taste blood in his mouth and on his chin. His jaw burned from the kick. Gareil stamped his foot into the chest of the frozen Kitt and leaned in, crushing Kitt’s chest beneath him.

“Get off…” The words crackled at the back of his throat.

“Why would I do something as stupid as that? I get off, you get up, and I have to put up with your pathetic attempts to kill me all over again.”

“Get off…” Kitt growled more fiercely.

Gareil smirked. “Well, as you’re so persistent.” He shifted the blade round in his hand and plunged it deep into Kitt’s gut.

Kitt cried out in pain. Agony tore through his body, searing through his veins like fire. Even with Gareil’s foot no longer on his chest he couldn’t move. The indescribable pain of what his brother had done held him tighter to the floor.

Gareil kicked Kitt’s blades away from him as he walked over to Katt. “Guess I win.”

“You have won nothing…I’m not dead yet…”

“You’re as good as dead, but I wanted you to see what happens next.” He turned back to him briefly. “I thought you might like to know how Kathrine died.”

Kitt gawped at him in silence. “You…”

“Yes me. You think any of those Hariel would have had the guts to do it? Why do you think I turned against them? It was because I was their little pet, the one they used to do their dirty work. I got my revenge in the end, killing of their precious ‘Guardians’ one by one. I even gave up my immortality but it was worth it. Just one more day and I’ll have all the powers the never-world has to offer, the Earth will become little more than my play thing. Then they will see; I am more powerful than they would have let me be.” He paused for a moment. Kitt didn’t know what he was thinking about but the memories of Kathrine’s body in his arms were all around him. “I’m not so sure I should kill this one,” he touched Katt’s cheek and she squirmed. “I have to admit you do have a knack for finding the most beautiful women and it will be lonely ruling the Earth. Spirits don’t make very good conversation. Maybe I’ll keep her alive, for a while at least.”

Gareil had been so consumed by his own cockiness that he hadn’t realised what Kitt was doing right behind him. His anger fuelled by the realisation that Gareil was Kathrine’s murderer; he had decided in a single moment that he would have his revenge for it. He took the handle of his brother’s blade in his hands - though it burned his skin to touch it – and slowly pulled the unearthly steel from his stomach. With the last of his strength fading from him, Kitt rose shakily to his feet and stumbled over to his brother. The spirits watched him in open-mouthed silence as he raised the sword and plunged it through the heart of his twisted sibling. He twisted the blade in his chest and watched with secret delight as his brother’s body stiffened then crumpled to the floor.

“You tell me how it feels,” Kitt spat at him as his body faded.

“Heh…you think it ends like this? You think I’d just let you get away with something like this?” He laughed. “I’ll wait for you in hell Kitt.”

Kitt never got to see his brother die. The pain kicked in and he dropped to his knees, blinded by the fires that raged within him. Katt tore herself from the hands of the spirits to rush to his side and hold his bleeding body in her arms. “Kitt! Kitt get up! We have to get you out of here, before you…” Silent tears rolled across her rosy cheeks. To lose him after they had come so far together…it couldn’t happen. There had to be a way; as long as he lived there was still a way to save him.

He searched out her face and cradled it gently in his hands. “Katt…listen to me. You have to go…You have to get out of here.”

“No! I’m not going without you!”

“You have no choice! I know my brother…he would never accept defeat.” He motioned to the anxious waves of spirits that stood around them. “He said you could go but…if I move from this space…they will tear me apart just as they did to the Hariel.”

“No! It’s not fair!”

“Nothing in life is fair but at least…you will walk out of here alive…”

He felt her head twist within his hands and moments later her moist lips brushed against his own. For a fleeting moment the world around him fell into nothingness and he was left with the tiniest of perfect existences. If only it could end like this, if only this was how he was destined to spend the last of his moments but time was short. He needed to get Katt out of here before…

“I love you Kitt…” It was but the softest of whispers but he heard it clearly in the emptiness around him. It eased his heart to finally know how she felt.

Smiling gently, she pushed the girl away from him. His vision had returned long enough to grant him one final look at the girl who had stolen his heart and he was thankful for it. “You have to go…This isn’t something you want to spend the rest of your life remembering…”

Katt nodded, brushing aside the floods of tears that stained her cheeks. He was holding on for her, fighting back death just so that she wouldn’t have to see how their story ended. He looked so pale already and so much blood stained the ground around him that she knew he couldn’t have much left. Kitt was going to die in this place and although she wanted to be by his side at the end, he wouldn’t allow it. She rose to her feet shakily and with more strength that she knew she possessed, she turned and walked from him. The spirits closed around her, the scent of her living soul intoxicating them but they respected their orders and let her pass freely.

She refused to look back. She knew in her heart that to do so would only prevent her from leaving before the end and she couldn’t do that to Kitt, she couldn’t deny him his dying wish. Her footsteps froze before the portal. Beyond the ominous blackness lay a world ignorant of all that had happened, a world that had barely known Kitt and would not miss him. Katt would miss him. He had taken the world she knew and had changed it into something new and exciting. How could she do it? How could she live in a world without him in it? A world so vast and empty…

Her fingers drifted across her stomach and she smiled lightly to herself. Her world was destined to be far from empty. Kitt would no longer be with her but a part of him would live on through the child that she carried for him. It would be a hard journey for her to take alone but her life had never been easy. Somehow she’d find a way, she always did. “I’ll take care of our child,” she whispered and disappeared through the portal.

Kitt had watched her in tense silence and now at last he let his body rest. His lifeless form fell to the bloodied ground beneath him and he lay there, waiting for death to take him. The spirits moved in around him, ready to tear him apart is he moved even a hair’s breadth from where he lay. The dying man laughed at them, rasping and choking as the last of his air rushed from his lungs. “Sorry guys…looks like you’re going hungry.” He let his heavy eyes fall closed and never moved again.

[darktyranitar]

Noo! Kitt is going to die...

Wow... this is going to end really soon, isn't it? I never thought that it would be this way, but it ease me to see that Katt finally spoke her feeling towards Kitt. I guess the battle was writen quite well, except perhaps the result was a bit unexpected.

*Sniff* I think this is one of the best chapter written so far in this fic. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!

[eevee-shayna]

I guess it's my turn, huh? ^_^ I'll get around to it. But tomorrow and the day after I'll be at a mini Con. Well, It's not really a Con. Actually, it's my friend's anual anime party at her house. But it has become so big that next year we're planning on renting a Hall and calling it a Con. Chaos Con. So for the past few days I've been making my cosplay; Machika from Imortal Rain. I even made the Sythe! I'll try to post a picture..

I'd like to also add that last weekend I was at a midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Show! It was an actual play on a stage, but the audience still did the audience particapation stuff. I made a Columbia costume. so much fun. ^_^ My friend was in the cast as one to the Transylanians. squee!!

Oh! And at the end of July my friend, sister, and I went on a whim to Neil Cicierega's (aka Lemon Demon) house because he was throwing a party for anyone who wanted to come. It was only a three hour drive... So in short, we went to some guy's house who we met on the internet! But that was really fun, too.

So those are a few highlights of my summer. I'll get around to that chapter after Chaos Con.

...One more thing; thank you to everyone who is still reading this! It's good to know I can fall off the face of the earth and come back and you'll still be here. TPM feels like home.

ja nee!

[eevee-shayna]

double posting... la dee da...

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/eeveeshayna/Cosplay/ChaosCon2006001b.jpg
^my Machika cosplay

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/eeveeshayna/Cosplay/ChaosCon2006093.jpg
^ Tetris. Is. God. Has anyone else ever played Tetris for 4 hours straight, or am I the only one?

I just finished the next chapter (yay! Told you I could do it!) and Sam will be recieving it shortly for editing. Hang in there, it will be posted soon. ^_^

Hm, Sam's not responding. Well, I'll post the next chapter before she responds I guess (sorry sam!).

So here it is. Oh, and I would just like to add;

Time Passess...

Chapter 28

"Mommy, hurry up!" said the little girl. She wore a light blue summer dress covered in daisies. The little girl had tan hair and the most brilliant blue eyes. She hopped excitedly outside the car in the Pound parking lot. Her sandals clicked loudly on the cement ground.
"I'm coming," responded a voice from the car. Katt stepped out of the passenger seat. With her purse slung under her shoulder and her keys in hand, she shut the door and reached for her daughter's hand.
"Let's go!" the cheery-faced child exclaimed. Katt's tired face creased into a smile as she let the little girl lead her to the building.
"Pick a good one," Katt said. They entered the building. Katt, the responsible adult, walked to the counter, while the girl ran straight for the kennels.
"Hi, looking to adopt a pet?" said the woman at the desk.
"Yes, she's been bugging me for a pet for the longest time now. I figured today was a good day to come down and finally pick one up," Katt said to the woman.
"Very nice of you to come to a pound instead of a pet store," the woman said with a smile.
"Well, strays need homes, too," Katt responded. The woman nodded and began to show them around.
Katt pointed at the different dogs, but the little girl was not interested in them. Led by the child, the group walked through the rows of cages. They kept walking until the girl spotted a corner containing cats. She ran towards the cages with peak interest.
"Mommy, mommy! Can we get a cat?" The girl asked.
Katt looked at the woman who worked there.
"They are up for adoption," she said.
"Pick the right one, kitten," Katt said reassuringly to her daughter.
The girl kneeled to look at the cats in the bottom cages, then stood to look at the cages at her height.
"I can't see the top ones," the girl said while attempting to stand on the tips of her toes.
Katt let out a chuckle, and then hoisted her child up.
"Can you see them now?" Katt asked.
"There are so many cute cats here, mommy! I like them all!"
"You can only have one, kitten. Pick the one you like best," Katt said gently.
The girl cooed at the cats and tried to pet them through the bars. The Pound worker told her which cats she shouldn't try to pet.
And then they came to the last cat on the top row. Katt almost dropped her daughter at the sight of it, but she was able to readjust her grip in time.
And as fate would have it, the girl was taken by the cat as well.
"Mommy! It has the same eyes as me!" she said with glee. She pushed her tiny hand through the bars and pet the cat's tannish-brown fur. The cat walked closer to her hand and rubbed its head against her little fingers.
"Can I have this one? Please mommy? She likes me!" the girl said.
"If you're sure," Katt managed to say.
"Yes, this is the one. Can I hold her?" she asked the worker.
"I've never seen him that friendly before," the worker said as she unlocked the cage. Katt placed the girl on the ground and the worker handed the cat to her.
"We can have this one, right?" the child asked while holding the cat.
"Siamese cats are usually very expensive, this is a good deal," the worker said.
Katt was struggling with memories that she had long ago banished from her mind. The little girl's excited eyes and the workers hopeful eyes stared at her. Their eyes' begged for this Siamese to be adopted. Katt restrained her memories and forced a smile.
"If this is the one you want, then we'll adopt it," Katt said.
"Wonderful! Now if you come over her, I'll help you fill out the paper work. You'll be able to take him home today, even! Oh, and a volunteer will help your daughter put the cat in a temporary carrier," the worker said excitedly.
Katt followed the worker and absentmindedly filled out forms.
"You're very lucky to get a pure breed cat such as that. He's a little shy, but doesn't have any medical problems. We think he's about 7 years old," the woman said.
"My first cat was a Siamese, too," Katt said.
"How nice," the woman said with a smile, not noticing Katt's distant gaze.
The mother and daughter walked out of the pound; the girl carried a box that read "I love my pet", with a heart in the place of where the word "love" would be. The girl would not let the cat out of her sight.
"What are we going to name him?" the girl asked
"Whatever you like," Katt answered as she helped the girl and box into the car
During the car ride the girl kept rattling off names. Katt added friendly commentary, but she was mostly occupied by her mind. It had been 7 years since she had last seen her, well, first cat. Seven years exactly, actually. Katt was so grieved by the anniversary that she had given into her daughter's pleas to get a pet. Katt had thought it would bring a little joy to the dreary occasion.
"We're here," Katt said as she pulled into the driveway of her parents' house. After traveling all over the world, in the end she had ended up back home with her parents. What else could she do? She had a child that needed to be taken care of as well as herself. It wasn't the easiest thing to do – swallow her pride and end up at her parents' front door while pregnant – but she no longer had anyone to help her. She had considered the Hariel, but Katt didn't want to interfere with them any longer. It wasn't their job to help her. After all, she was no longer a concern to them. At least, they hadn't contacted her in the past seven years. So here she was, working for minimum wage at a local Greek Diner, and living with her mom and dad as a single mother. Her mother took advantage of every opportunity to point out the mistakes in her life, but at least Katt's parents loved their granddaughter. That little girl. What would Katt do without her? She was the reason Katt was able to go on every day. She gave Katt something to live for. Most of all, she was the only thing Katt had left of her late lover.
"Grandma! Grandpa! I got a cat!" she called excitedly as she entered the house.
"Have you picked a name yet, Lina?" Katt asked as she closed the front door behind her.
"Really Kathrene, I have told you a thousand times, the girl's name is Felina. You named her yourself. If you're going to pick a name then stick with it," the grandmother said.
Katt rolled her eyes and walked to her daughter. She had a bag of cat supplies she's picked up from the pet store on the way home.
"I'm gonna call him Gigi," Felina said. Katt smiled. Kiki's Delivery Service was the girl's favorite movie.
"'I am going to', not 'I'm gonna'," corrected Katt's mother. Then she added, "Gigi is a lovely name, Lina. Though I expect your mother was forgetful about purchasing items to care for Gigi."
Katt held the bag up.
"And you left the cat and child in the car?" the grandmother exclaimed.
"No mother," Katt said, "they allow cats and children in the pet store. I didn't leave them in the car."
The grandmother was already paying attention to Felina and the cat.
"You picked a pretty cat," the grandmother said to Felina. Then she turned to Katt and said, "It won't shed on my furniture, will it?"
"No mother, Siamese don't shed all that much," Katt said with tolerance. She handed Lina a cat collar from the bag.
Katt stood up and went to the kitchen to set up Gigi's litter box and food bowl.
"Oh, mom, I took an extra shift tonight. Would you mind watching Lina?" Katt said from the kitchen.
"Kathrene! Don't yell from other rooms of the house!" yelled Katt's mom from the other room. "So now I have a child and a cat to look after?"
Katt was about to retort with a snappy comeback, when her father entered the kitchen.
"Good afternoon, Kathrene," he said. He placed the newspaper he had been carrying on the counter, and then refilled his mug of coffee.
"Hm.. cold," he said after tasting the coffee.
"Good afternoon, father," Katt responded. "Lina and I just brought home another stray."
He looked through the doorway into the living-room.
"A cat. You never had a cat, how do you know how to take care of it?" he said, not unkindly.
"I never had a cat when I lived here, but I did own a cat in my old apartment," she corrected him.
"Did you? You never tell us anything about when you ran away. It was the surprise of our lives – your mother and I, that is – when you showed up one day out of the blue carrying nothing but a suitcase and a swelled belly. But I'm just glad you're getting you life back in order." he said.
They walked into the living room, where Lina was playing with her new cat and the grandmother was fussing over the cat shedding on the carpet.
Katt took a good look at the scene and sighed. Now that she was settled in this humble abode, who would have guessed that not too long ago she was fighting for the world's salvation alongside her lover. All because she had picked up a stray one day. But now she was the stray, with a fatherless kitten of her own.
Since returning to her home town Katt had rekindled friendships from her childhood and had settled into a normal lifestyle. Every once and awhile her mother would set up a blind date for her. At first Katt was too torn up over the loss of Kitt to even consider the dates. Then she went through a faze where she was so lonely for a male companion that she desperately tried to get the relationships to work. But every night she would return to her daughter and realize that no one could replace her late lover. Her mother still tried to set Katt up with single men she deemed suitable, but Katt didn't have the heart for it anymore. She was pushing 30 and had gotten used to the idea of being single for the rest of her life. As long as she still had Lina, this lifestyle would be bearable. Maybe someday she could save up enough money to buy a small house.
Katt kneeled and joined her daughter in petting the cat. Felina let out squeals of glee as Gigi rubbed his head into her little hand. Katt smiled. Now she had two reminders of him. Two reasons for her to go on. Two pairs of bright blue eyes to stare into. Two lives to devote herself to, so that she would no longer be hurt by his fleeting memory. And maybe someday she would let go of that last shred of hope and finally be able to forget.

[darktyranitar]

Wow, time really passes... 7 years, huh?


...Wait, is this the end? Is it?

Hmm, I guess if it is... it's a bit ironic that it all ends with another stray cat. Hm, a stray cat that resembles Kitt... could it be?

Or maybe not. Oh well... It was a good (probably the ending) chapter, though if this was really the ending, the cat similar to Kitt is one that's a bit overused IMO.

Will Katt ever move forward and forget Kitt? Lets remember: the world moves on.

Eh, that's all that I can think of now. Sorry if I'm not making sense.

[eevee-shayna]

Sam has yet one capter, and we're thinking of ending on 40, sinc eit's a good number. so, not, there's still more.

[darktyranitar]

So, it's not the end?

Huh, I'll be looking forward to the next chapter then!

[Samchu]

mwahahaha! The penultimate chapter.

Chapter 39

Almost seven years earlier…

Come forth the Guardians,
New blood to guard an ancient seal.
Come forth the Watcher,
Sent forth to guide their way…

The breath of the Gods whispered in the air around Kitt as he lay motionless on the ground. The final moments of his life were a silent movie, dancing ferociously in the corners of his mind like an unforgiving dream he wished to wake from. But he was awake. His hand grasped at the fluff-like substance beneath him and he felt it melt at his touch. This wasn’t the Otherworld. Kitt pushed himself up on his hands and stared at the swirling mists upon which he lay. “This definitely isn’t the Otherworld…”

He rose to his feet slowly, admiring the endless world as it lay out before him. The air tingled with life. It was fresh and invigorating and yet…his weary eyes darted back and forth across this unknown place. Silence shrouded him. Light poured across the ground as though it had bathed in its essence for a millennia; but the light came from nowhere. It just…existed. “There’s nothing here.”

“That’s because you haven’t decided what you want.”

Kitt spun on his heels and instantly felt his limbs freeze. His mouth moved in strange circles as he brained tried to make sense of what his eyes were seeing.

A gentle hand closed his mouth for him. “That’s the beauty of Heaven I guess.”

“Kathrene…”

She smiled. The softest little curve of her lips. How long had it been since he had seen it? He didn’t know. Time was an illusion to him now.

His palm was shaking as he held it up to touch the side of her face. “How…”
She took his hand in her own and squeezed it. “Guess they decided I was a good girl.”
In a sudden movement he pulled Kathrene towards him and embraced her tightly. It had been so long since the last time…no, he did not want to think about that time. This was what mattered. Here. Now. Everything about this moment. He wanted to remind himself of everything: the way her hair smelled, the way her body curved in his arms, how warm her breath felt on his neck…Kathrene…just hearing seemed to breath new life into the times he’d shared with her…Kathrene…Kathy…Kath…Kat…Katt…

His eyes snapped open. “Katt…” An eruption of light and noise almost threw the reunited lovers to the ground. The air tore around them like a hurricane but all it seemed to do was pound his hearing. “What’s going on?” He tried to shout over the deafening noise.

“It’s time.”

“Time for what?”

“You have to decide what you want most Kitt, that’s how Heaven works.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Who do you love the most? Me or Katt?”

“How can you ask me that! How can you make me decide?”

“This is how it has to be. You have to choose one of us. It’s time to let go.”

“I can’t!”

Kathrene clung to him tightly and kissed him. It was as pure and mysterious as he remembered it to be. His senses tingled to the point of busting and his heart erupted. Everything inside him fell into chaos. And yet, amidst the carnage, he found his peace.

“I love you Kitt, but the time has come for you decide what you really want.”

“I know…” he smiled warmly at her and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “And I know exactly what I have to do.”


Night. Exactly seven years after the death of the final Guardian…

Rain thundered upon the ground as a robed figure walked silently towards the open shelter. He entered and a young woman greeted him at the counter. “Good evening. How can I help you?”

He pulled a piece of crumpled paper from beneath his robe and showed it to the young woman. “I believe you found my cat.”

She squinted at the photograph. “Yes I remember him, the shy little Siamese. We sold him this afternoon.”

“I see…Can you tell me who you sold it to? He ran away last week and I’ve been looking everywhere for him. I took him in off the street you see so I hadn’t had the chance to take care of all the paperwork.”

She nodded, nibbling the end of her pen thoughtfully. “I can give you an address but I wouldn’t advise it. The little girl who picked him won’t be very happy if you show up on her doorstep and try to take her pet away from her.”

“I have no intention of taking him back,” he replied with a light chuckle, “I had intended to originally but he seems to have found a good home. No, I just thought that I would drop off his favourite toy, I was using it to try and find him but I have no real need for it now.”

“Sounds fair.” She spun her chair and began shuffling through some paperwork. “We have a lot more cats that need homes here. If you’re still looking for a cat.”

“I have to deal with this one first. He’s special.”

“He certainly seemed unusual,” she half mumbled as she flicked through a couple of sheets. “Here it is.” The woman scribbled an address onto a piece of paper and offered the customer quick directions. “It’s quite a walk though, and in such terrible weather.”

“It’s no trouble. Thank you.” He left the shelter and started down the street the woman had told him to take. His footsteps splashed against the watery surface of the pavement as he made his way to the house. The streets were empty; the people having been driven into their houses by the violent storm. It didn’t bother him though. “Why would he come here?” He spoke the question out loud as he tried to make sense of it. It was a simple answer, even if he didn’t know it yet, but his theories were enough to keep him distracted until he arrived at his destination.

The house sat in darkness, except for in one window where a bright light could be seen, flickering occasionally. As he approached the door he heard he high-pitched laughter of a young girl. The sound of his knuckles against the wooden door caught the attention of those inside and within moments the door opened to reveal a wide-eyed child with a brown cat wrapped in her arms.

“I…” he had opened his mouth to speak but then his gaze had fallen upon her eyes, those bright, beautiful eyes. He knew those eyes. But it couldn’t be possible. How could he have found her all by himself? He didn’t have time to dwell on the situation. The cat, recognising the stranger, leapt from the girl’s arms onto the visitor’s shoulder, where he purred lightly. With a short laugh, the robed man stroked the cat’s head. “Now I understand.”

“Do you know Gigi?”

“Gigi?” The cat meowed into his ear. “I see…yes that is a nice name.” He knelt towards the girl and passed the cat back to her. “Did you pick that name?”

“Yep,” she beamed proudly. “Because he looks like the cat in my movie.”

“I think it’s an excellent name for a cat,” he patted the Siamese again. “And what’s your name.”

“Felina, but Mommy calls me Lina.”

“You have a very beautiful name Lina. Is your Mommy at home?”

“Nope,” the girl shook her head emphatically. “She’s working tonight.”

“Felina, who’s at the door?” A deep voice came from the next room and the man rose just as an older male appeared in the hallway. “Who’s this?”

“He’s a friend of Gigi’s. He says he’s looking for Mom.”

“She’s working tonight. What do you want with her?”

“I’m just an old friend paying a visit. I was in the area,” he replied warmly. He had no intention of accidentally angering the larger man. “Can you tell me where she works? I don’t have very long, you see.”

“The Greek diner a few blocks over.” He eyed the dripping figure before him. “But this weather isn’t going to do you any favours. I’ll drive you there.” He looked to the girl. “I needed to pick up dinner anyway.”

“I’m coming!” Lina chirped and no one dared to argue with her.

The diner where Katt worked was a rundown little shack of a place. The windows were clear but that didn’t do anything for the place as it made the chaotic interior viewable to the outside world. There was nothing physically wrong with the place, it just didn’t look like the sort of place someone would eat unless they were crawling in off the street, but even then they’d probably prefer to raid the dumpster of the McDonalds down the road.

The robed man headed in first and Lina quickly darted past with Gigi bouncing in her arms. The diner was empty, as it was most nights, and the only person inside was a pale-faced insect of a man who was cleaning the grill. Lina ran over to him and tugged on his apron. “Hello Yannis, where’s my Mommy working?”

“She’s in the back room checking stock.” He pointed to the door to the side and the girl skipped towards it, ushering the robed man inside just as the girl’s grandfather stepped into the diner.

“Mommy this man has come to see you,” Lina cried happily as she ran to her kneeling mother. Katt smiled at her then looked at Gigi. “He wanted to come too,” the young girl explained, holding up the helpless pet.

The door closed and Katt rose to her feet to greet her visitor. She recognised the robe draped across his frame and instantly her body stiffened. What could the Hareil want with her? After all these years, what could bring them back into her life? “What do you want?” she was surprised how brave she sounded; she was faltering on the inside.

“I came for the cat,” he replied. “He ran away a few weeks ago. Didn’t you Gigi?” The cat meowed and rubbed its head against the girl’s cheek. “I never expected that he would come to you. I told him about you but it never occurred to me that he might actually try to find you. There’s no way I can take him back now.” His gaze fell once again upon the cat. “You have to show them who you are Gigi,” a soft chuckled escaped his lips, “or else that little girl is going to have one hell of a shock one morning.”

The cat meowed at him against the pounced from the girl’s arms. Lina stood in silence, completely unaware of what she was about to witness. Katt on the other hand, knew full well what was about to happen, she just didn’t want to believe it. A bright glow surrounded the cat and he ran towards the robed man. As he disappeared behind his legs Lina swore she saw his tail disappear.

The blinding flash erupted from behind the man and moments later a young boy poked his head out from behind the stranger. He had the same blue eyes as Gigi and Katt had to guess he was roughly seven years old. The robed figure smiled down at him warmly and patted the back of his head. “Lina, this is Gigi, he’s your brother.”

“Brother…” Katt whispered as the man pulled the robe over his head and handed it to the boy, who adorned it quickly. It couldn’t be him. It couldn’t be. But it was. She knew those eyes, that hair, that smile…he was smiling at her just like he used to. But how…why? After so long. “It can’t be…”

“Hello Katt,” she stared at him and Kitt stared back. He was the same as she remembered, just a little older.

She shook her head, stepping back from him. “No. You’re dead. You’re…”

Before she could finish he had crossed the room, taken her in his arms, and pressed his lips against hers. Katt felt her body weaken in his arms as the reality of everything faded around her. The how, the why, none of it mattered. This was Kitt, her Kitt and he was back. That was all she cared about. “I’m sorry it took me so long,” he whispered to her. “I had to look after Gigi.”

“I don’t care.” She closed her eyes and felt a tear cross her cheek. “You came back.”

“Of course I did,” he held her closely. “What else could I do?”

There moment of paradise was interrupted as Lina tugged on her mother’s trousers. Katt bent down and took the little girl in her arms. “What is it sweetie?”

“Mommy what’s going on?”

Katt smiled at her and pressed her nose against her daughter’s. “You see that man over there?” She moved her head in the direction of Kitt and the child nodded slowly. “He’s your Daddy. Do you remember I told you about him?”

Lina stared at Kitt for a moment, as if trying to decide whether or not she approved this change of events. She had always been told that the two would never meet but here he was. She also wanted to know why her cat had turned into a boy, apparently her brother, and if that meant she was going to get a new pet or not. Eventually, she held her arms out to the man claiming to be her father and Kitt took her. “Daddy?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you staying this time? Mommy said you had to go away for a long time.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Lina smiled and hugged his neck tightly. It warmed Kitt’s heart to hold her, to hug the child he’d thought about for seven years. He wished he could have gone sooner, cold have spent those first years of her life with her. Seen her first steps, heard her first words. But he had a soon to raise, new Guardians to train. Of course, the Guardians, Katt still didn’t know.

“There’s just one condition.” He added suddenly.

“Condition?” Katt cocked her head to the side slightly.

“You have to come to England with me.”

“Why there?”

“That’s where the Guardians are,” He replied with a smile. “Gigi needs to finish his training and I have to fulfil my duties as the Watcher.”

“Gigi’s a Guardian?”

Kitt nodded.

“But what’s a Watcher? You never mentioned one before.”

“I haven’t?” Kitt frowned slightly and lowered Lina to the floor. “The Watcher is the one in charge of training the new Guardians. A Watcher is always a former Guardian so someone gets the lucky benefit of being resurrected as a mortal. I never thought it would be me but I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

Katt was thoughtful. “I don’t want Lina involved with the Hareil.”
“She won’t. They will have no part in lives, I promise you that.”

She turned away from him. “This has to be a dream. It’s too perfect. You just show up out of nowhere to take me and Lina away to a better life? This can’t be real.”

He draped his arms across the woman’s shoulders. “It is real, so you have to answer my question. Will you and Lina come to live with me and Gigi? Will you give up everything you have here to start again in England? Will you raise our family with me, grow old with me,” he paused for a moment, “marry me?”

Katt turned to him, her mouth wide open in shock. “Kitt…”

“Please don’t say no, I don’t know what I’ll do with that ring I’ve been carrying around if you turn me down.”

“I’m not going to turn you down.”

“Then you’re saying yes?” his voice rose with excitement.

“Yes,” a turret of tears stained her cheeks. “Yes I’ll marry you.”

Exploding with emotions, Kitt kissed his lover on the lips, took the ring from his pocket and slid it onto her finger. “Everything’s going to be perfect from now on,” he kissed her deeply. “I promise.”

[darktyranitar]

Though it was a bit of giveaway at the early part, but: Kitt's alive! Hm, I have a feeling that he would somehow survive, but I was more expecting the cat to be Kitt. But, wow! The cat is Kitt's son, and the next guardian!

Aww, Kitt kissed Katt; he even proposed Katt!

Unless if something really drastic happens, I'm looking forward for a mild, sweet chapter next.

[mistysakura]

This was a good chapter, albeit a bit expected (I feel the last chapter made Kitt being alivea bit obvious, althouh I thought Kitt was actually the cat). I also agree with darktyranitar that the suspense could have been built up more had it not been made clkeear that Kitt wasn't dead at the beginning of the chapter. But all in all, I liked this chapter because of its surprises, like gigi being Kitt's son, and I also liked its sweet ending. Kitt finally letting go of Kathrene was done well also. I still think some things are left unexplained, like whether we can really refer to the 'death' of Kitt, like you did in the middle of the chapter, why Kitt has a son, and from a couple of chapters back, why Kitt knew Katt was pregnant. But there's still one more chapter to go, so I guess things will be clearer then.

Have fun writing the last chapter.

[eevee-shayna]

Chapter 40


“Grandpa,” Katt heard Lina say admits the teary scene, “Do you know what’s going on?”

“I haven’t a clue, Felina,” responded the clearly puzzled elder.

Kitt finally broke away from Katt’s passionate embrace and faced the girl’s father.

“I am sorry to have abandoned your daughter for all these years, sir. But I promise that from now on I will take care of your daughter and our children,” Kitt said, seemingly unaware of the awkward situation he had brewed.

The elder man stared sternly at the one wrapped around his daughter. His grip tightened slightly on the takeaway bag in his hand. “That’s it? You leave her to raise your child for seven years and then just waltz back into her life hoping to pick up where you left off?”

“That’s not his fault,” Katt interrupted before she could stop herself, “he was…” she wanted to say it but she knew how crazy it would sound. People didn’t come back from the dead, well, not usually. How could she ever expect her father to understand?

“I was dead,” Kitt answered bluntly, that faint smile still hanging across his face. “Well,” he added quickly, as Katt’s father began to scowl, “they told Katt I was.”

“They?”

“Let me explain. I’m an archaeologist from England. I had invited Katt to come to Egypt with me whilst my colleague and I explored some newly uncovered ruins in the sand. Unfortunately, there was an accident and we were trapped underground. My colleague died and they found me in a coma a few days later but there was a mix-up and they told Katt that I was dead. As soon as I heard what had happened I came back. I’m sorry that it took so long.”

“And what about him?” he pointed a stubby finger at Gigi who quickly ran behind his father’s legs.

“His mother was a very close friend of mine. When she became gravely ill she asked me to care for him,” it was a half-truth but how would honesty make any sense? Gigi had died, just as Kitt had died but like his father he too had been given another chance at life.

A bitter look crossed her father’s face, as though he were attempting to chew a fresh lemon. “Do you love him?”

“I do.”

“This is what you want? To spend your life with him?”

“Yes.”

He sighed, lowering the thick barriers he had called up. “Then I can do nothing but support your decision.” Smiling broadly Katt ran to her father and hugged him tightly. “You’d best take good care of my little girl.”

“I will sir,” promised Kitt. “You have my word.”


The journey to the airport was a peaceful one. Katt spent the entire time in Kitt’s arms as the proud parents watched their children bonding on the seats opposite them. Katt snuggled deeper into Kitt’s embrace, smiling at the weight of the ring upon her finger. Now and then he would whisper things to her but they never truly spoke until they were in the air and their little devils were curled up on the seats beside them.

“He’s Kathrine’s son, isn’t he?” she asked, stroking the mop of hair on the sleeping boy’s head.

Kitt nodded. “Don’t ask me how. He was there when I…” his brow furrowed as he tried to find the right words to explain what had happened. “When I came back.”

“He looks just like you.”

“And Lina is the spitting image of you.”

She smiled at him and brief silence fell over them once again. “How did he end up here?”

“He ran away from me. I think he wanted to know about you and Lina.”

“You told him about us?”

“Of course I did. I thought about you and Lina the entire time, it must’ve driven the poor kid crazy. He knew I didn’t have the time to come and find you myself so he did it for me.” Kitt smiled to himself. “I had no idea what would happen when I found him. I never expected this.”

“Things have a strange way of working out for us, don’t they?”

Kitt looked across at his sleeping daughter and nodded lightly. “They sure do.”

“What’s his name?” Katt asked after a moment’s paused.

Kitt stared at her dumbfounded, completely disorientated by the question. He blinked a few times to try and get his mind to focus and then finally replied, “I didn’t tell you?”

Katt shook her head.

“His name is Kio.”

“Why Kio?”

“Beats me,” Kitt replied with a shrug. “His mother named him. She told me that that was the name I was to give him. Can’t really disagree with the wishes of the dead, especially not having been one myself.”

“I still don’t understand that. How did the two of you…?”

“I’m not completely sure I understand it either. I mean, I get the deal with me. When there are a new set of Guardians to be trained an old Guardian is resurrected to train them. He only receives a mortal life though, just long enough to fulfil his duties. But Kio…that I don’t understand. Guardians are always new souls, not old ones. That his was chosen, even though it never got to truly experience life…it’s an enigma.” Kitt beamed proudly and leant back in his seat. “If anything its proof the kid’s my son. Two anomalies in two generations of Guardians? That’s no coincidence. That kid’s destined for something and it’s up to me to make sure he’s ready for it.”

“You sound like you’ll be busy.”

“Training brats? Hardly. It’s more of a part-time deal. Besides,” he wrapped his arm around his fiancé’s shoulders, “I got a family now, family comes first.”

“Even before saving the world?”

“I can’t believe you’d ask me that.”

Katt smiled and snuggled deeper into the arms of her lover. “You haven’t told me about this home you’re dragging us off to.”

“Ah well, that’s a surprise now isn’t it?” He let the girl rest her head on his shoulder. “You just enjoy the ride. There’ll be plenty of time to worry about everything else tomorrow.”


After many times opening her eyes, and then falling back asleep, Katt found that while she was asleep in her lover’s arms, the night had darkened and a the first star appeared.

“First star! Make a wish!” Katt whispered enthusiastically into her lover’s ear. She closed her eyes and wished for the only thing she could think of. Feeling the presence of someone staring at her Katt opened her eyes.

“Why are you looking at me? You’re supposed to make a wish,” she said.

Kitt smiled “You looked so cute with your eyes closed. I missed seeing that face when you’re lying beside me.”

Katt wrinkled her nose, and then closed her eyes to finish her wish.

“What did you wish for?” Kitt asked. Katt opened one eye to stare at him. The former Guardian laughed and said, “Alright, alright, I’ll be quiet.”

Katt closed her eye and finished her thought. When she opened her eyes there were more stars inhabiting the vast sky.

“You missed you’re chance to make a wish,” she said.

“I already have everything I could wish for,” Kitt said as he squeezed Katt closer. He rested his chin on Katt’s short, honey-brown hair.

“So, what did you wish for?” he whispered.

“Can’t tell you or else it won’t come true,” Katt whispered back.

“Tell me when it comes true,” was his whispered remark.


Hours later their plane landed in England. If Katt hadn’t been asleep she would have recognized the place. Like a honeymooner, Kitt picked up his lover and carried her out of the plane and to a car, with his children following close behind. The car ride was short, but Kitt enjoyed seeing his family sleeping beside him during the drive. The family that had always been withheld from him. The family he had always wanted and had finally attained.

When the car pulled into a familiar driveway the children woke up and walked into the mansion before them. Kitt carried the sleeping Katt to the doorway where she at last awoke.

“Is this a dream, or are we back at 471 Sunset boulevard?” Katt asked sleepily.

“Shady Glenn, my home town. And now it’s your home too,” Kitt said, both to the children and to Katt. Kio and Lina scampered down the hall like kittens exploring a new habitat.

Katt leaned her head forward and kissed Kitt.

“My wish came true,” she said softly as tears of joy swelled in her eyes.

Kitt looked down lovingly at the woman in his arms and said, “Mine too.”



The End

~~~
I know, this took me awhile to write the end bit, but here it finally is. Sam and I wrote this chapter together, and i got the end. thank you to all who have read this fic. Sam and i are planning on writing another fic togther (with illustrations!), so look out for that. Of course, knowing me it will take a long time to get off the ground, but it will be up eventually. so this is it for Kitt and Katt. A nice happy ending, because Sam and I can't always abuse our characters (though we do quite often. it's amazing the Character Abuse Police haven't found us).

See you in the next fic!

[Mew Trainer Rose]

Yay, happy ending! ^_^ It's sweet, and wraps things up nicely. It vaguely makes me wonder what Kio's destined for, but that would clearly be the subject of a seperate book, and this story is perfectly fine without it. I look forward to your new joint story. :)

[darktyranitar]

Yay, I like happy ending! ^^ I was afraid you're gonna pull of some kind of twist in it, but I'm glad there isn't. Couldn't have asked for any other ending.

It's been fun to see you guys working on this fic, and I'll be looking forward to the future joint-fic. See you guys later!