Horizon-Bound

--Busy--

Cooking Cat trotted along the dirt path leading into the deep, dark woods of Subcon Forest. The hairs on her tail stuck up every time an owl hooted or something moved in the corner of her eye. She just couldn't understand what would draw (Y/N) or Hat Kid to this place time and time again! It was absolutely no-good terrifying, and that was that.

And despite the promise that she would be safe while the kid talked with Snatcher, CC had her own little way of a little extra defense. Claws? Painted blue. Apron? A nice shade of navy. All assorted shades of aqua nail polish? Left pocket. If anything, she could temporarily blind the ghost and get her and the child out asap if things went awry!

"You know you look silly, right Cookie?" Hat Kid teased, hopping along without a care in the world.

"Well it's just for my protection, darling...you know that."

She certainly didn't feel silly about her choices, especially as the child made her way across the vine that led to the large ghost's home. Geesh, even his house had to look uninviting? What a way to live...

Cooking Cat's fur bristled heavily as Snatcher's booming voice rung out. Though, instead of sounding utterly terrifying as she had expected again from the few times she had seen him, instead it was more...annoyed? Defeated? Either or she supposed. There was a definite whine to the tone.

"Go away kid! Can't you tell I'm busy?"

-----0-----

"I'm busy! Can't you find someone else to bother?"

The utter annoyance in the tone, the way her fist clenched momentarily, just long enough for him to see. Those moments always stuck out to Moonjumper. He never meant to be so clingy, nor so bothersome.

...Did his need for affection bother you similarly? Were you grateful for the break?

He couldn't blame you if you were. Heavens no. The ghost understands he is quite the burden at times.

But, the one and only thing he could stick up for was...well. Moonjumper shuddered as he glanced at the old shackles, still bound to his wrists. That. He did not deserve that, no matter what he had done. That was, as far as he was concerned, too much. 

And the fact she had wanted to do it again! Over a simple conversation over the threats to the village and subconites. Ridiculous.

The phantom mused slightly. That was how he had ended up here the first time. Or so he assumes.

The exact specifics still didn't make sense. She hadn't put him up here. So who was to blame for it? Himself?

Mismatched red eyes focusing on the moon, he thought a little more about it.

...Had he managed to lock himself away?

-----0-----

"For the last time, kid-" Snatcher hissed, chasing the small alien around the interior of his home, "In not helping with whatever stupid plan you have!"

"You have to!" Hat Kid giggled, avoiding a claw swiping in from the side, "We're contractually obligated BFFs!"

"That's not how contracts work!" The ghost growled, finally pulling away whatever book she had stolen from him, "Look. I'm already busy enough with that ice witch Vanessa right now. Whatever your issues are, they're yours. Now! Get out of my forest already!"

Cooking Cat frowned as she watched the Subcon boss push the child out of his home, grumbling in frustration afterwords. This didn't look like it was going anywhere fast. Stepping forwards a little, the feline politely called out.