video/action;

[oceantrauma]

[A black fluffy, young, kittenish cat with blue eyes shows on the screen. He licks one paw, then speaks after. In a not particularly happy tone, but Ken's sounded more annoyed in the past.]

As this is the second day of it already, if anyone else has been cursed as an animal, particularly a furred one, could you tell me if hairballs are a problem after switching back?

I'm hoping they're not, but making sure. This coat is very thick. And I have a compulsion to constantly clean it. [He doesn't sound amused by that, either. A touch of his paw after, slightly showing on the screen, then device turns off.]

[It is possible to run into Ken while he's exploring alleyways and cat hangouts in the City, searching for small rodents.]

Comments

[video;]

[misterblackbird]

I'll simply be blunt: in my experience, hairballs aren't a problem after the curse ends. Although I have had something of a cough on occasion. That's the nearest I've seen.

[video;]

[oceantrauma]

A cough....

Well, that's better than post-curse hairballs. How many times have you been cursed as a cat? [Staring, because this has to be a curse with their conversation.]

[video;]

[misterblackbird]

Not a terrible cough, but something of that.

I've...actually lost count of how many times I've been transformed into a cat. Likely it's more than ten now.

[video;]

[oceantrauma]

[There's an uncomfortable pause, as Ken's not overly fond of this, however....]

Then you probably know. I'm not sure I really want to engage in this, but do you know where I can find some mice to stalk?

[video;]

[misterblackbird]

I can certainly recommend the attics of the Opera Abandoned, but that's likely because I live there.

Besides that, I know there are quite a few fields in Xanadu which have fieldmice in great number. There's the Cathedral near Misery Square which has its share of churchmice. And the Palace farther out which should have a few mice in its kitchens and so on.

And, of course, there are always the alleys and sidestreets and whatever basements and areas that might be open in general in the City.

Happy hunting to you, of course.

[video;]

[oceantrauma]

Well, I wouldn't want to intrude on your territory.

But thank you. I will try this out. And if it's not to my liking, I hope the mice will forgive me.

[video;]

[misterblackbird]

Thank you. I will admit, I've found that, in this shape, I do rather appreciate being able to keep my own territory.

Happy hunting to you, as I said. If nothing else, I think you'll find it extremely diverting.

[video;]

[oceantrauma]

Then I'll start with the fields.

I could use something different to do with my time than all of this running around aimlessly and cleaning.

[video;]

[misterblackbird]

There's always sleeping in the sun. I've found that to be rather enjoyable too.

[video;]

[oceantrauma]

That I think I will do from the indoors. Still kind of wet and cold everywhere.

[video;]

[misterblackbird]

Yes, I quite agree. So that's probably a wise decision.

[video;]

[oceantrauma]

I will take the suggestion, though. It sounds rather inviting at the moment.

Happy hunting. And hopefully we won't cross paths.

[video;] || I keep looking at the cat in your icon like, "How are you even *real*?" |D

[misterblackbird]

Thank you--and the same to you.

[video;] || That's one reason I picked it.

[oceantrauma]

You're welcome.

[split_the_world]

Maybe if we get you a pet brush, it'll prevent gross later?

[oceantrauma]

You...you wouldn't mind brushing me?

[split_the_world]

Not at all. I can pick it up and some food for you.

[oceantrauma]

[Cue purring.]

If you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate that.

[split_the_world]

I don't mind at all. I can be back at the house in an hour. Think you can hold on that long?

[oceantrauma]

That's more than fine. You know your way around, now, though? Sure I shouldn't go with you?

[split_the_world]

You can come with me if you want. I don't mind at all.

[oceantrauma]

I think that would be best, yes.

[In fact, he gets up and pads over to where she is.]

video;

[othersdie]

[It's a good look for you, Ken.]

I haven't had issues with hairballs, but I don't recommend eating any small rodents.

video;

[oceantrauma]

I didn't want to really eat any of them. There's just this urge to chase.

Good to know hairballs won't be an issue, though.

video;

[othersdie]

You have more control than I did.

How are you managing?

video;

[oceantrauma]

Well...even now, the idea of eating them is a little unappealing.

Rather well. Being able to talk helps. And the people I live with are accommodating to the situation.

video;

[othersdie]

Good. When you turn back at midnight, your body will thank you for not eating anything it isn't equipped to digest.

So you have food? Water?

video;

[oceantrauma]

Ah.... I didn't think that far ahead with digestion timing.

Yes, I do. And soon a brush.

video;

[othersdie]

Neither did I.

Oh. ...Good.

video;

[oceantrauma]

That must have been...unpleasant.

Yes. I'm very grateful for that. I hope it doesn't feel weird, though.

video;

[othersdie]

Live and learn.

Why would it? You're cursed.

video;

[oceantrauma]

True. But thank you for the warning.

I'm not sure.... I suppose I'll find out.

voice;

[onset]

... You're a cat.

[Sorry. He's still one of those.]

voice;

[oceantrauma]

Yes. A first for me, but this sort of thing happens here.

[onset]

I - I'm sorry, but - how can you talk?

[oceantrauma]

Most likely because I normally talk.

How long have you been here for?

[onset]

... Right. Of course. Uhm - a couple of weeks, maybe?

[oceantrauma]

Oh, then you've likely already been through a couple of curses, right?

[onset]

I just... remember talking birds?

[oceantrauma]

Mmm, yes. That was a different type of curse. Some curses are like that, and some will turn you into a girl. Or a bird yourself. Or inanimate objects will talk at you. That sort of thing.

[onset]

[There are not enough welps in the world.]

You seem so nonchalant about all this.

[oceantrauma]

It could be the influence of being a cat. But I have been here for over a year by now. That might have a lot to do with it, as well. And being a cat is better than a lot of other things, I've learned.

[onset]

A year? [pause.] Goodness. What's that like?

[oceantrauma]

Being here that long? Just means I miss home that much more, but it's easier to hide it, and easier to focus on what's around me.

[onset]

... I can imagine.

You've never been able to leave?

[oceantrauma]

I did leave, once. But it wasn't of my choosing. And then I was returned.

Most people will find themselves pulled out at random, and sometimes they return. Sometimes...they don't.