TBATE | Cat Guardian Grey

Surprise

Arthur P.O.V

"Brother, what do you think?" Ellie presented a pearl necklace. "This will look good on me, right?"

Taking the necklace, I inspected every pearl and let out a scoff.

"I'm not sure I can give you much advice on this, Ellie," I stated. "Perhaps, you'll find more luck with mom."

Ellie's shoulders drooped. "Just tell me what you think," Ellie mumbled and ran to our mother.

Grinning, I followed her, walking past an alley. I spotted a cat, laid on its side.

"Hmm? Is it hurt?" I thought, cautiously approaching it.

The cat glared at me. As I stared into its eyes, I felt like I could tell what its thoughts were. They felt familiar as if I'd met this cat before, but that's not possible.

I raised my hands over my head.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you," I said, continuing to approach the cat. As I got closer, I was able to notice its features more clearly amidst the darkness.

Despite its condition and location, its wheat-colored fur was surprisingly clean. It well complimented its sharp golden-amber eyes.

There weren't any noticeable injuries on the cat, yet it didn't move an inch. Normally it would've at least backed away. Instead, It felt like it was studying me.

I kneeled down. "Poor thing, you must be in so much pain."

Grey P.O.V

"How is this possible?" I wondered, observing Arthur as he reached out his hand to me. "Did the relic somehow send me back in time?"

"It's alright," Arthur whispered, placing his hand on my head.

"Hey! I'm not a"—I cut myself off as sensation returned to my body—"pet?"

"What the hell?!" I shot up on my now four legs.

"Really, I'm harmless!" Arthur raised his hands and froze.

Ignoring him, I examined my new body. "Paws, tail, fur."

"Wait! Why do I have the characteristics of a cat?!"

"What kind of relic sends you back in time as a cat?" I wondered. "No, be rational; if the djinn had such a relic, then they would've used it already, and even then, why would they create a relic that turns you into a cat."

"Something else must've done this," I pondered for a moment. "Perhaps... Aroa's Requiem? No, mastery of the ability is locked away from me."

Looking up at Arthur, he flinched.

"There are many questions left unanswered. But," I felt myself smirk, "If this is really the past, then even with this form, I can change everything."

"The war, the death of my friends and father, I can prevent them all!"

Arthur P.O.V

"What's this imposing aura? And how is it coming from a mere cat?" I wondered. "Even Sylvia didn't have this kind of pressure."

The cat continued to peer into me.

"Why does it keep staring at me?" I thought. "Damn it, What should I do? Make a run for it? Though, I doubt any amount of distance between us counts."

"D-Do you want something?" I squeezed out. The cat didn't have any change in its expression or give any sign to my question.

Then suddenly, I heard footsteps quickly approaching from behind me.

"Brother? What're you doing?"

I swiftly turned my head to see Ellie peeking at me from a corner.

"Don't come any closer!" I exclaimed.

Ellie's expression became laced with confusion and concern. "W-Why not?"

"Because!" I turned back to the cat, "Of tha— huh?"

I frantically looked around, but the cat had somehow disappeared without a trace.

Ellie came closer, putting her hands on her hips. "Jeez, you're acting weird today."

"Did you see a cat here?' I asked.

Ellie shook her head. "No, but now I'm worried if you did."

"Was it my imagination?" I wondered. "No, that doesn't explain the chilling atmosphere a moment ago."

"Brother, mom is out there looking for you," Ellie stated. "We should head back."

"Right... I'll be out in a second."

Grey P.O.V

Jumping on the rooftop of a building, I looked down at the alley I awoke in.

"Apologies for my abrupt dismissal, but It's best not to interact with you until I've chosen a proper course of action."

"This is good, though. It seems like I've retained Godstep and my other abilities even in this form," I thought, examining my current location.

It appears that I have woken up in Xyrus City from 5 years ago, given Arthur's appearance. I didn't have much time before the attack on Xyrus Academy, and I needed to be there to save Tess and Elijah.

Moreover, I have to keep an eye on Arthur and the movements of Alacrya and the Asuras. It was for the best that I do so discreetly. After all, a mysterious cat with aether abilities randomly appearing will raise some questions and maybe even put a target on Arthur's back from our interaction, but still, I'll need to stay close to him.

"So much to do and so little time," I sighed. "This leaves me with only one option."

Arthur P.O.V

"I'm telling the truth, Ellie," I said, entering Helestia's manor with Ellie beside me.

"You didn't happen to hit your head while we were out, did you?" Ellie teased.

In retaliation, I pinched Ellie's cheek. "I don't think I'm fond of your tone there."

"I'm sorry, I give! I give!" Ellie exclaimed as she flailed around.

I released my grip. "Fine, I'll let you go this time."

Ellie rubbed her cheek as I walked off to my room, soon entering it.

"Papa!" Sylvie's voice rang as she pounced on me. "Welcome back."

Petting my bond, I let her rest on my shoulder. "Sylv, have you eaten yet?"

Sylvie shook her head. "I've been waiting to eat with you."

"Isn't that nice of you," I said. "We shouldn't keep your stomach waiting, though.

Leaving my room with Sylvie, I walked off to the kitchen.

"It's much better to eat with a person; rather than eating alone," Sylvie stated.

"Really? I'm glad you"—I trailed off, looking through the window, I recognized the familiar cat—"Huh?"