Trails of intertwined stars: Chapter 34

~Chapter 7: Preparations~

They approached the castle, jumping out of the wagon-like carrier. The brown cat, called Natoru, waved his paw for the gates to open. The red and yellow fish designed cat opened, revealing the elaborate and grand structures of the interior. Fish carved into a terracotta like material; each room as grand as the next. Definitely just like Ding Dong Dell; this must be where the Grimalkin race originated from. Natoru led them in, Hikari and Muta following behind, Muta hardly in awe. Before them were two doorways, each hidden with red curtains. At one, two female cats with veils awaited, smiling.
"You'll need to change before you meet the King," Natoru informed.
As Hikari and Natoru approached, the curtain on the left opened, a more cheerful cat-lady welcoming her in. Muta went to follow, before being cut off by a cat.
"Please wait outside."
Muta scoffed," Why should I?"
Hikari smirked, mischievously; rushing over to the cat with a smirk. She stuck out her tongue, pulling down her eyelid.
"Beat it!"
Muta scowled, watching her waltz into the room," What's your problem, kid?!"
Natoru waved his paw at Muta, dismissively," We've prepared some refreshments."
He pointed at the other curtain, Muta seeming to glow slightly.
"I'll wait," Muta stated, rushing off to the other room.

Hikari was dressed in a large, yellow dress. It was much too elegant and too poofy, yet it wasn't exactly like she could refuse. She glanced in the mirror, frowning. I guess it's not that bad? It's kinda nice...?
"I think I like this," Hikari hummed, the three maids pleased by this.
"The dress highlights your features!"
"I wouldn't normally wear yellow, I prefer green," Hikari stated.
"Oh? Well, now you know you suit it."
A cat placed a gold necklace around Hikari's neck. It was a fish with an emerald eye; it was slightly mesmerising.
"Prince Lune is adored by the ladies. We just know you'll be very happy."
A purple cat placed a heart shaped headpiece so it acted like a sideways halo.
"Really?" Hikari smiled.
She paused.
"WAIT! NO! I mean... that's not why I'm here!" Hikari shook her head, pouting.
"A picture of perfection."
Everyone seemed to turn around in shock, recognising the male voice. It was the cat king. He grinned, waltzing into the changing room.
"You're the purr-fect bride for the crown prince!" The king exclaimed.

Muta scoffed, walking over to the tables, covered in food; the chef cat standing idly beside. Minced mice, catnip cake, herring cake, foul, fish broth, catnip pie. Yet Muta seemed practically unfazed, keeping his head up high. That was until his gaze caught the salmon cake slices. He immediately snatched one, shoving it into his mouth. After a second, it was the whole dish. And after that most of the food on table. Natoru watched from the doorway, smiling, smugly. Natori parted the curtains, stepping aside his subordinate. He stared at Muta, firmly, before glancing at the short cat.
"Natoru, who is that cat?"
"I believe his name is 'Moo-ta'."
Natori stared at the cat with a raised eyebrow.
"Moo-ta-?"
Natori looked back at Muta, who was still getting his fill of the food.
"What a bizarre name."
Natori left the room, leaving Natoru with Muta; who had finished everything on the two tables.
"Hmm...that was just an appetizer," Muta grumbled.
He turned around, a ginormous cup of purple jelly behind him. It was the same size as him and its aroma was magnificent to say the least.

"Listen," Hikari frowned," I'm really sorry...but I'm not ready to get married."
The cat king stared at her, taken aback, Natori walked into the room; standing beside him.
"But I thought you already said yes?" The king blinked, confused.
"That's what I heard too," Natori stated.
The king smiled, clapping his paws.
"Where is Lune?" Hikari frowned," Can't I explain this to him?"
Natori shook his head," I'm afraid he's touring the provinces."
Hikari sighed, miserably.
"It's just...well, I don't know him. And he's a cat, right? And of course, I'm not a cat..."
The King looked even more taken aback by the last statement. He glanced at a puzzled Natori, both sharing a confused expression; before bursting into amused chuckles.
"I wouldn't worry about that," Natori smiled.
"Take a look!" The king smirked.
Hikari raised an eyebrow, turning to a mirror the maid handed her. She gasped in horror, her paw hands grazing cat ears on her head. Her shades were just like when she was in her cat form of Helios before! Even her cheeks were fluffy.
"Woah, real cat ears," Hikari hummed, in a trance, prodding them.
She blinked, staring at her reflection. It finally hit her.
"I'M A CAT!?!?" Hikari screamed.
Both the King and Natori stared at her, beaming, much more smug than Natoru.

Hikari ran out of the room, screaming.
"MUTA, WHERE ARE YOU!? MUTA! LET'S GO! I WANNA GO HOME! MUTAAAAA!"
Muta sat drowned in the jelly, a bizarre expression on his face as he floated unconscious in the thick substance. Hikari burst into a scream.
"WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM!?"
Natoru shuffled over, a solemn look on his face.
"He wanted catnip jelly enough to swim in it."
Hikari's eyes filled with tears, the girl sniffling.
"And as you see..."
"Did he have to die like this?" Hikari shook her head.
The girl pounced onto the glass, hugging it; whilst banging her fist on it repeatedly in wails," MUTA, HOW COULD YOU DO THIS!?"
Hikari hugged onto it, sobbing.
"The banquet, Miss Hikari," Natoru stated, going to pull Hikari away.
The demon batted the cat away, screaming as she went back to cling on," I'M NOT LEAVING HIMMM!"
Natoru turned to the servants," Then we'll just bring him along."
The servants wheeled the jug out, Hikari clinging onto it with sobs, Natoru following behind.