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Chapter Text

Baron looked back only once as they sped away, the image of the brunette becoming a dot on the horizon as she had called after them. He sighed. He hadn't wanted this particular adventure to end, he didn't want to close this case and he just didn't know why. There had been many clients and cases over the years but none had captured his interest as much as Haru. What had made him promise the impossible? Baron shook his head to clear his mind, he didn't want the others to know of his distraction.

Unfortunately for him beady eyes had already picked up on the sudden change in the feline creation. Toto flew on in silence apart from occasionally breaking to bicker with the large white cat dangling from his claws. He knew that he needed to tackle this now and nip it in the bud but he would wait until the clueless moggy was out of the way. The Refuge quickly came into view and when low enough Toto released Muta from his clutches and the cat rolled ungracefully across the cobblestones.

'You could have made it a softer landing Birdbrain.' grumbled Muta.

'Be grateful. I could have dropped you from much higher after all the insults I put up with while carrying your carcass.' replied Toto landing in a far more graceful fashion.

Muta cursed at him under his breath before walking over to the post box to collect his newspaper and then disappeared inside the Bureau. Baron silently slid off Toto's back, his shoes and cane making a light tap noise as they came into contact with the ground. He still appeared lost in thought.

'Baron' called Toto catching his attention.

''Yes Toto' he replied looking around at the crow still standing next to him.

'Why did you tell Haru that?' he asked.

'Tell her what?' responded Baron with confusion.

The crow sighed and turned to face him.

'Tell Haru that the Bureau's doors will always be open for her.' he said ' You know full well that it's not the case for humans. Once she goes to sleep tonight then that's it. She will wake up and the whole incident involving the Cat Kingdom will be nothing more than a fantastical dream. She won't remember the involvement of the Cat Bureau. She won't remember you. Baron you know it is the Refuge magic protecting itself. Protecting the likes of us. The risk of more humans finding this place is too great. It's why Muta led her on a merry dance in the first place.'

Baron stared at the crow. He has underestimated the hearing range of his fellow creation. What he thought was a private conversation on the rooftop after Toto had picked up Muta had not been the case. He must have heard Haru's confession and his own response. Baron moved from foot to foot uncomfortably. Why had he said those words? Well because he had looked into those trusting eyes and wanted them to be true, that's why. He wanted to spend more time with Haru, to get to know her better. He wanted her to need him in her life as much as he wanted her in his. This was ridiculous! Baron shook his head.

'I'm sorry Toto. I don't know why I said such a thing.' he bluffed 'As you say the whole Cat Kingdom incident will become just a dream and she won't even remember having the conversation.'

'Or me' he thought silently, his ears flattening.

Toto didn't look convinced but chose not to press the subject any further.

'You just need to write this case up as normal and then you can put this to bed.' he replied.

'Then it's probably best that I make a start straight away.' said Baron turning and heading towards the Bureau.

Toto sighed watching him go. He shuffled his feathers and rose up to his column. With a flash he turned into his stone form for a hard earned rest.

Baron hung up his coat, hat and cane on the stand and was surprised to find Muta passed out on the sofa. He would have put money on him wanting to get his paws on the angel food cake they had planned to have before the cats came. The cake itself and the abandoned bowl of cream were lying untouched on his desk. Baron sighed and quietly cleared it away before putting the water on boil for a cup of tea. His eyes drifted across the sideboard to the cup Haru had used and he smiled fondly. He then sank into his chair and dropped his head into his hands with a groan. What had happened to him? How had he gotten attached to a human? She was a very nice human of course but that didn't make a difference. The Refuge rules were the Refuge rules and only the magical place itself could ever make any changes. As a resident Baron was bound by these rules even if at that moment he wasn't particularly happy with that. He had never gotten attached to a client before and so quickly, he felt rather embarrassed. He was always so stoic and he never let his heart rules his head. Toto was right. He needed to write up this case as soon as possible. He prayed another client would arrive soon allowing him to close this chapter of his life and move on to the next.

On the other side of town the following morning Haru stared up at her ceiling. She felt exhausted. Well after two nights of rather vivid dreams she somehow wasn't surprised. Her imagination had gone into overdrive. Both had felt so real. She could have believed they had actually happened if the notion hadn't been so ridiculous - being catnapped and changing into a cat to be forced into marrying a cat prince. She chuckled to herself as she twisted the short hair around her face. Haru still wasn't sure what had possessed her to allow the hairdresser to cut her hair this short. The lank locks really hadn't been in the best condition so it did make sense. Haru decided there and then that she was going to start taking better care of herself and that she would put more effort into getting up on time and no longer be late for school. Haru smiled to herself as she had even decided that after school she would like to pursue creative writing. She always liked it when she had a plan. The satisfaction was lulling her back to sleep. Well it was Sunday and lie ins were okay then. 

Chapter Text

Three Years Post Cat Kingdom

Haru held a box on her hip as she manoeuvred around the others already placed inside the rather full boot of her car. She grumbled to herself as she finally managed to fit it in.

'I really do have too much stuff.' she sighed.

A ruffling of feathers and a flash of grey/white made her look up suddenly. An ebony bird was sat in the branches of a tree across the street.

'Just a crow.' she murmured as her mind rippled causing her to shake her head.

Haru looked back at the bird for a while before becoming distracted by her mother's voice.

'Is that everything you need now?' she asked.

'I just need to grab one more bag Mum and then I'm all ready to go.' replied Haru closing the boot door. She looked back towards the doorstep at her mother's downturned face. Haru walked over and embraced her.

'I'm not going that far away.' she mumbled into the soft cotton of her mother's shoulder 'It was going to happen one day.'

'You're still my little girl.' sighed her mother tightening her hold around her only child 'I know that you need your own space and that this is a wonderful opportunity but this is your home and you can come back whenever you want.'

'It could be worse. I could already be married with a child.' smirked Haru thinking of her best friend. She was still slightly shocked that Hiromi had announced her engagement shortly after finishing high school and was now mother to a beautiful little girl - Eiko. As much as Haru adored her niece she had no interest in following in Hiromi's footsteps any time soon. She hadn't even fallen in love. Sometimes she wondered if there was something wrong with her. Since her crush on Machida had fizzled out she hadn't felt interest in any of the college boys she had met.

Her mother finally released her hold and patted her daughter's cheek affectionately causing Haru's mind to ripple again with some strange familiarity.

'You're still too young for that sort of thing, even if Hiromi isn't. We all have our own paths to follow and we go at them at different speeds.' replied her mother ' Getting your own place is your next adventure.'

'When did you get so wise?' smiled Haru fondly.

Her mother smiled back.

'I guess I should make a start on that adventure then.' said Haru dangling the new keys in front of her own face 'It's going to be a little scary but the best ones are.'

Her mother nodded as she passed the final bag over to Haru. She hugged her again before watching her walk to the car. Haru started the engine and wound down the window.

'I love you Mum.' she called.

'I love you too.' replied her mother wrapping her arms around herself 'Drive safe.'

Haru nodded and waved as she pulled away from the curb. She watched her mother's reflection in the rear view mirror waving until she turned back into the house. Haru sighed as she drove. She knew she was lucky. How many other twenty year olds were out there who had suddenly received a bequest from a child-less uncle on their father's side? The bequest included a reasonable amount of money and a modest house in an area on the other side of her home town. She didn't know the neighbourhood well but research had shown it to be relatively quiet and peaceful and not far from the park. A perfect setting for her to continue with her writing. The house itself was fully furnished which she was grateful for but Haru hoped to put her own stamp on it. The biggest thing that had impressed her when she and her mother had visited was that the house had a library. From the tender care of the room it clearly had been a passion of her late uncle. A passion they shared and Haru felt a little sad that she knew very little of the man. The traffic was light so it didn't take too long for Haru to arrive at her new house. She pulled onto the driveway and turned the engine off. She gazed at the front porch, her nerves finally making themselves known.

'Now don't be silly.' she muttered to herself 'You're a big girl. This shouldn't be such a big deal.'

She grabbed her bag off the passenger seat and stepped out. She approached the front door while fumbling for the keys. A caw behind her made Haru forget what she was doing as her head swivelled around. A crow was sitting on the roof opposite, it's head almost hidden behind it's wing as if it hadn't meant to call out or catch her attention. Haru's mind rippled again causing her to shake her head. 

'I must speak to the doctor if these strange occurrences keep happening' she thought to herself.

She looked at the bird again. Surely it wasn't the same one. Haru giggled to herself. Of course it wasn't, there were plenty of crows living locally. Her nerves were just making her paranoid. She shook her head again lightly before placing the key in the lock and opening the door. She would bring the boxes in shortly but what she really wanted right now was a cup of tea.

The crow watched as the girl disappeared into the house and closed the blue door. He sighed ruffling his wings in irritation.

'Are you happy now?' he asked the hidden figure on his back ' She's doing fine.'

'I'm sorry Toto. I just needed to see her.' sighed the dapper cat.

'It's been three years Baron.' reminded Toto.

This was met with silence.

''She did really spook me at one point though.' continued the crow ' The look she gave was almost one of recognition.'

'That's impossible.' murmured Baron sadly ' Why did you call out?'

'That wasn't my fault.' groaned Toto ' You suddenly grabbed my feathers really tightly and it caught me by surprise.' 

'Oh I'm sorry Toto. I hadn't realised.' replied Baron feeling flushed. 

'No harm done. Let's head back. Haru is safe and well and getting on with her normal life. You should be doing the same.' said Toto as he lifted off from the roof.

'Yes I know.' replied Baron but still after all these years he was still struggling to let go.

Chapter Text

Four Years Post Cat Kingdom

Haru drummed her pen between her fingers and against the pad in thought, a rhythm playing out on the paper. Her college professor had set them another task to write about. Usually Haru couldn't wait to get started, her imagination running wild but this one had stumped her. The topic was a single word - Happiness. For whatever reason she just didn't know where to begin. Sitting in the quiet lamplight she hoped for inspiration soon. A creaking floorboard made her look up but no-one was there. Now used to the sounds of her own home made it feel very different when you were at someone else's. 

Haru was babysitting her niece allowing for Hiromi and her husband to escape on a much needed date night without their rambunctious toddler interrupting their every thought. She had definitely inherited her mother's cheeky chatty nature. Haru had spent plenty of time at their apartment over the years but had never been there in the night on her own.

'I don't even know why I'm so jumpy.' she murmured to herself.

Haru put down her pad and pen and decided to check on Eiko. She padded softly across the hallway to the little girl's room, pushing the door open gently.

The night light gave off a soft glow as she looked at the small head of auburn curls on the pillow. Eiko was sound asleep her little arms firmly wrapped around the orange plush cat that Haru had bought for her the day she was born. Haru's heart gave a squeeze of love for the little girl proving family didn't need to be blood. Also some blood wasn't worth being family. Haru pushed that thought back into the far recesses of her mind. Satisfied that Eiko was still far away in dreamland Haru decided to make herself a cup of tea before attempting to tackle the topic of happiness. She never used to be this obsessed with the hot beverage she chuckled to herself.

Haru almost cried out when she realised she was no longer the only one in the room. A soft hand covered her mouth to stop the sound escaping as she looked up into a pair of merry grey eyes.

'You were far away then.' laughed Hiromi ' Promise me you won't scream if I remove my hand. We don't want Eiko waking up.'

Haru nodded as her suddenly racing heart started to return to normal.

'Good' said Hiromi sighing and joining Haru on the sofa, grabbing a cushion and hugging it to herself.

'Good night?' asked Haru.

'Yes.' smiled her best friend ' Sometimes we just need some time for just the two of us. Thanks again for watching Eiko. We really appreciate it.'

'Honestly it's not a problem. She's a great little girl.' smiled Haru.

'Struggling with your assignment?' asked Hiromi as she eyed the pad on the coffee table.

'Hmm.' replied Haru 'I'm sure something will come to me soon.'

'I actually wanted to talk to you about something.' said Hiromi sitting up straighter.

'Oh that sounds ominous.' laughed Haru with a nervous edge.

'Sorry I never meant for it to come out like that.' her friend smiled.

'What is it about?' asked the brunette curiously.

'Well last Monday I was picking Eiko up from nursery and one of the other mums approached me. She explained that her son had come home and had excitedly told her all about a story that Eiko had shared. She wanted to know where she could get a copy of the book her son was raving about.' explained Hiromi.

'Well she does have a rather extensive library of bedtime stories for one so young.' laughed Haru.

'The story isn't from a book that can be found on her shelves.' replied Hiromi giving her a meaningful look.

'Oh' responded Haru finally twigging as to what Hiromi was implying.

'Yes oh' continued her friend ' Imagine my surprise when the story turns out to be about a girl who rescues a cat from traffic who turns out to be a prince and then ends up getting kidnapped to marry said prince.'

'Catnapped.' corrected Haru her cheeks having gone red.

'You did always have a wonderful imagination my friend.' laughed Hiromi ' I still remember that day but you have embellished it so much more.'

'I had such vivid dreams the nights following, still do occasionally. In the end the cat rescue story wasn't enough and Eiko begged to know what happened next and I started telling her the rest as in my dreams.' sighed Haru leaning back on the sofa.

'I still remember the pranks.' smiled Hiromi ' I wonder who the actual prankster was?'

'Pranks?' repeated Haru.

'Come on like you can forget some how getting coated in catnip and being chased by a horde of cats all the way from home to school.' giggled her friend 'Oh and the mice!'

'I try to forget that where possible.' laughed Haru.

'You know what you need to do don't you?' smiled Hiromi

'Rein it in when I'm telling Eiko bedtime stories?' suggested Haru.

'What? No!' exclaimed Hiromi then lowering her voice quickly 'You need to write it down and get it published.'

'What!' yelped Haru ' Are you crazy? You only want that to happen as you have a small role in the story.'

'That may be true in part but Haru this is your talent. Eiko hangs onto your every word. Her eyes shine when you tell her stories, whisking her away to fantasyland. From my conversation with Kaito's mother he's equally fascinated. Just think how many children your words could reach. The happiness you could spread.'

'Happiness' gasped Haru and looked at her pad. Maybe Hiromi was right. It was a world that Haru herself couldn't seem to escape with regular dreams that came to her over the last four years. Writing out the story would make herself happy and possibly make others happy too. Maybe it could help with the feeling that Haru carried with her that something was missing in her life. 

'I could even help.' hinted Hiromi.

Haru cocked her head at her friend in a cat like fashion.

'Look I may currently be a stay at home Mum but I haven't let me skills get rusty.' replied Hiromi leaning down to the coffee table and opening a drawer full of pencils and a sketchpad. She quickly picked it up and flicked through the pages.

Haru leaned forward slightly. Hiromi found the page she was looking for and turned it around to face her best friend. Haru gasped at seeing the image. In the middle of the page was drawn a regal looking blue-grey cat with eyes of fire and ice. A gold collar around his neck and a yellow package hanging from his mouth by a red ribbon. Haru closed her eyes. She could hear the thrum of the traffic, the heat of the truck's engine so close to her. One small drawing could bring back a memory so clearly.

'Look I know that you are pretty capable of drawing your own illustrations but I really would like to help.' said Hiromi placing the pad back in the drawer.

Haru looked up at her friend and smiled 'Okay let's do this!'

Chapter Text

Two weeks later and Hiromi was sat at the kitchen table at Haru's house. Spread before her were her art supplies of paper, drawing pencils and colouring pencils. She was eager to make a start on this new project. She was getting carried away by the magic of Haru's fantasy tale. 

'So where shall we begin?' she asked picking up a pencil and twirling it between her fingers.

'Well you already have a design for the Prince sorted although we will need to get some drawings of him on his hind legs as that's how they all stand in the world she gets dragged off to.' replied Haru.

'Are you going to name the characters?' asked Hiromi curiously.

'No it keeps things simpler to just refer to them by what they are.' said Haru shaking her head.

'Maybe, but you cant keeping calling the main character she/her or the girl. She at least needs a name. Why not just call her Haru. After all this is based on your experience and dreams.' replied Hiromi.

'I think that would be a little self indulgent.' smiled her friend ' I wouldn't feel comfortable but agree she should at least have a name. I'll have a think.'

'Whatever her name, she is going to be drawn in your likeness.' said Hiromi with a cheeky grin and picked up the character list from the table, quickly scanning it. 'Shall we start with the Big White Cat?'

Haru nodded and then a thought popped into her head.

'You don't think he is a bit too Alice in Wonderland?' she asked biting her lip.

'Nah' responded Hiromi as her pencil swooped across the paper in front of her 'From what I hear from Eiko, who is his biggest fan by the way, this dude is nothing like the neurotic bunny apart from being white and being followed.'

'Well they are both guides in a way. He tries to lead her from trouble and towards safety. He ends up getting swept along for the ride.' explained Haru ' He's looking out for her welfare like a ..'

'A babysitter?' interrupted Hiromi.

'I was thinking more along the lines of a bodyguard.' laughed Haru.

Hiromi nodded thoughtfully and reached for her eraser. She carefully removed one of the lines which was giving the cat's body a rather blobby look and redrew it with the bodyguard comment in mind. The image forming was of a large cat who on the outside looked all disinterested and grumpy with a slight hint of a softer centre. Haru leaned forward on her elbows watching her friend work as the magic seemed to flow from her fingers onto the page. It was a fascinating sight. Hiromi finally sat back and lifted the pad to Haru.

'Okay, first draft.' she smiled.

Haru looked at the image amazed as usual that Hiromi was able to convey in her drawings exactly what Haru said or put down in words. The Big White Cat stood on his hind legs with his front paws crossed and an almost defiant glint drawn in his eyes. Hiromi had given him a stocky build with a slight roundness around his middle.

'He's awesome.' breathed Haru ' There is just one thing missing.'

She took a pencil from the tin. She then proceeded to colour in a brown patch over his left ear.

'There.' she smiled turning it to face Hiromi ' I don't think that you could have got him any closer to the dream version.'

Hiromi blinked and then let out a small laugh.

'What's so funny?' asked Haru curiously.

'He looks just like that scrounger that hangs out at my cousin's cafe.' replied Hiromi ' You know at the Crossroads in the shopping district. He's always found around there. He likes to get up on the chairs outside for a snooze and more than once someone has mistaken him for a cushion and nearly sat on him.'

Haru's mind rippled gently as Hiromi dissolved into a fit of giggles. She wondered if she had ever met this cat. She hadn't really ventured to the Crossroads in years despite the fact it was only across the park from where she now lived. Hiromi finally managed to get a hold on her giggles and took a sip of water.

'So next is the Cat King.' she read from the list ' Do you want to give me a little character synopsis.'

'Well I guess he's the baddie in this tale but he isn't evil.' explained Haru ' More overenthusiastic and used to getting his own way. Maybe a little unhinged.'

'He catnapped you.' replied Hiromi flatly.

'He catnapped the main character.' corrected Haru ' He was doing what he thought was best for his son and what he believed was the greatest reward for his heir's saviour.'

'Right so he's flamboyant and a little unstable.' laughed her friend ' Physical characteristics?'

'Do you remember that cat owned by Mr Hani?' asked Haru.

Hiromi thought back to her old neighbour and his equally elderly cat.

'The one who looked like he had been hit with a frying pain?' she enquired.

'That's the one.' replied Haru with a giggle 'Like him but a bit more bedraggled and a serious case of wall eye.'

Hiromi's pencil darted between her fingers as she scribbled across the page. Her mind was mixing the image of old Sota with the additional characteristics Haru had given her.

'Oh and he wears this purple gem on his forehead instead of a crown.' added Haru, a feeling of revulsion shuddered down her spine 'It's really creepy.'

Hiromi nodded still hunched over the pad her strokes dancing across the surface.

'He's giving me an insane vibe already.' she murmured without looking up.

Satisfied with the outline Hiromi reached for the colouring pencils selecting a few. First a light grey to give the character the same coloured coat as old Sota. The red and blue for his eyes. Well she thought he needed to show some similarity to the Prince. She then filled in the gem at the centre of his forehead purple as Haru instructed. Finally she picked up a golden bronze pencil to complete the decoration. Hiromi had drawn him with a gold collar like that of the Prince but this one was wider and more extravagant. She added lines to represent carved etchings.

'Hmm I don't know about this Haru' she said thoughtfully ' This guy could give me nightmares.'

'Signs of a good baddie then.' replied her friend.

'I kind of feel bad doing this to poor Sota.' giggled Hiromi.

'It's not Sota though. Just a cat of similar breeding.' assured Haru who was twitching slightly to see the results.

Hiromi turned the pad to face her. As soon as her eyes lowered to the image she felt the shudder of revulsion again.

'You're too good at this.' she murmured 'He's spot on. It's a good thing you can't bring your drawings to life.'

Hiromi laughed at the extraordinary idea.

'The last thing we need is for this guy to be real! The world is crazy enough place without his level of crazy.' she said.

Haru nodded in agreement. Although she thought to herself that some of the characters she would love to meet in real life. The Cat King was certainly not one of them. For the others she was still happy that she could meet them in her dreams. 

Chapter Text

'Hiromi?' called Haru.

'Hmm?' responded the other girl looking up from where she had been carefully sketching out a ballroom scene.

'Do you ever feel that there's something missing?' asked the brunette.

'How do you mean?' she replied resting her pencil on the table.

'In life. I mean life is plodding along and you're happy with it but there's this void' Haru tried to explain but putting feelings into words was harder than she thought.

'Like if I had my time over would I do things differently?' asked Hiromi.

Haru considered what her friend had said. It wasn't what she meant. She shook her head but Hiromi didn't notice.

'I always wondered how life would be if I had made different choices. If I hadn't married young, if I had chosen to go to college.' continued Hiromi looking over at her daughter who was taking a nap on the sofa, her orange cat ever present. She lovingly ran her hand through Eiko's curls ' Even when those thoughts creep into my mind I never regret the choices I have made. I have a wonderful family and great friends. Sure a little extra money would be nice. I'm content with my lot in life so I would say no I don't think anything is missing.

Haru gave a little sigh.

'It must be wonderful to feel that way.' she said. 

Hiromi gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her friend's hand.

'Your time will come.' she assured.

Haru shifted in her seat. Why did she have a feeling like her time may have already been and gone.

'Remember what your Mum says. We all have out own paths to follow.' smiled Hiromi.

'and we go at them at different speeds.' finished Haru ' I know.'

She gave her friend a weak smile.

Hiromi returned to the task at hand, pausing to study the drawing.

'How do you think cats decorate their homes and other buildings?' she asked.

'With fish?' suggested Haru ' They always seem keen on fish.'

'And mice.' replied Hiromi with a squirm.

'Maybe.' laughed Haru.

'How is the writing coming along?' replied her friend as she added a fish carving onto a pillar.

'It's getting there.' replied Haru taking a piece of paper herself and started to draw ' I know that I have told Eiko the tale so many times but I'm struggling with the ending.'

Hiromi looked up with a curious look.

'I can't exactly remember how the dream ended.' confessed Haru ' I've told several different ones but none have ever really sat right with me. They usually involved the Big White Cat and the Entertainer.'

She looked down at the swooping cavalier hat she had drawn, like the ones worn by musketeers. She added a plume to it to add some suaveness.

'Which of those endings do you like best?' asked Hiromi.

Haru tapped her lips with the pencil thoughtfully.

'Probably the one with the maze.' she smiled ' Eiko always find that one the most amusing.'

She returned to her drawing, leaving a space to add the facial features and started sketching the top of a cloak. She added minute details to the silver buttons that would secure it under his chin. Haru carefully began to draw the face and took great detail on the mask which had always stayed with her. With her tongue poking out between her teeth she added the details of the eyes and sat back. With an exasperated sign she reached for the eraser to rub them back out. Why were eyes so hard to get get right?!

Haru closed her own eyes to think. Recently the ballroom scene had been infiltrating her dreams more than usual. She wasn't watching the scene unfold in them but she was the main character. She was sitting at the king's table in a depressed state before the Entertainer had appeared. In her mind she had spent hours twirling in his arms. She had gotten to the point when in her dreams she looked forward to where he would ask her to dance offering his hand. Haru sat up in sudden shock her eyes flying open. Hands! Why would he have hands?! They were all cats, so it would have been a paw offered.

Haru's mind started rippling again but much stronger than she had felt before. She saw gold and silver lights floating in front of her eyes like some sort of battle. Haru groaned and dropped her head into her hands rubbing her temples trying to get the sensation to go away.

'Haru' cried Hiromi rushing to her side. She held her friend by her shoulders as she shook slightly until she had calmed and her breathing had returned to normal.

'Im okay.' replied Haru gratefully receiving the glass of water her friend pushed towards her.

'Another of your pre-cursor migraines?' asked Hiromi quietly.

'Yeah and that was a big one.' nodded Haru ' The doctor calls it an aura.'

'Isn't there something they can do?' replied her auburn haired friend with concern.

Haru shook her head.

'I've undergone a number of tests and even had a scan. There is nothing seriously wrong with me. I just seem to be prone to them sometimes.' she explained

'Have they ever led to a big migraine attack?' asked Hiromi.

'Strangely not. I take the warning sign for what it is and have so far managed to avoid what follows. As a precaution I should probably head home and chill out for the rest of the day.' she sighed.

'Are you sure you'll be okay walking by yourself? I would come but...' said Hiromi as she drifted off to look at her sleeping daughter.

'I'll be fine and no-one needs to experience a toddler being woken up mid-nap.' assured Haru her head already clearing ' I'll let myself out.'

Before she knew it Hiromi had wrapped her in a big hug.

'Drop me a message when you're home okay.' she replied into her neck.

'I will.' smiled Haru patting Hiromi's arm.

Haru walked out into the afternoon sun heading towards home still feeling slightly shaken. The auras seemed to be getting worse. In some weird way she felt that they were somehow connected to her dreams. The more they ploughed ahead with the crazy idea of writing and publishing the story the stronger the auras seemed to get. 

'I'm getting paranoid.' Haru muttered to herself ' An afternoon relaxing will do me good though.'

Despite this concern a bubble of excitement was growing in her. Haru somehow knew that they were going to succeed and all their hard work would be worth it. She was realistic though and knew it would be a long road but she was going to enjoy the journey. Maybe this was the thing she had been missing. 

Chapter Text

Six Years Post Cat Kingdom

Haru shot through her front door slamming it behind her. She slid down the frame into a pile on the floor. She dropped her head into her hands. Her heart was pounding and she was struggling to control her breathing. She had never felt so frightened in her life. She had, had it with men! Those only interested in her because she had money and was becoming well known, those only interested in her connections and now those who just couldn't respect her when she said no. She stifled a sob that escaped her lips. Things had changed but not all of them for the better.

A creak on the landing above her made Haru lift her head with a gasp.

'Who's there?' she whimpered 'Who's messing with me now?'

Initially her call was met with silence and then a soft padding noise. A white cat appeared out of the gloom and descended the stairs towards her. Haru looked up at the visitor in confusion. She must have left a window open upstairs. She certainly didn't own a cat. The cat had arrived at the bottom of the stairs. Still approaching her the feline raised her head.

'Oh' gasped Haru on seeing the sparkling sapphire eyes set in snowy white fur. Her mind rippled gently but she barely noticed.

'You're beautiful.' she whispered reaching out a tentative hand.

The white cat began to purr, butting her head against Haru's outstretched hand. Without thinking Haru gathered up the snowy bundle of fur into a gentle embrace. She let her fingers run through the thick coat allowing the touch to calm her heartbeat and scattered mind. The cat continued to purr not objecting to suddenly being held like a teddy bear. The little white angel was such a soothing presence after her ordeal that evening. She kissed the cat between her ears before setting her down onto her lap. The feline turned her head towards Haru with such a loving and trusting look in her eyes and the young woman could only stare back at her.

'You remind me of a character in my book.' sighed Haru as she caressed the fur behind the cat's ear. Her eyes had begun to close with pleasure then snapped back open at the statement.

'She starts off as a maid but she ends up a princess.' continued Haru ' Apart from the main character we didnt give the others actual names. Just what they were such as the Cat King, the Prince, the Entertainer and so on. You are just how I dreamed the eventual princess would look like. If you had walked down the stairs with a pink bow around your neck I think I would have passed out in shock.'

Haru chuckled to herself whilst the cat on her lap stared at her open-mouthed, her purring suddenly halted.

'Is there something wrong kitty?' she asked looking down.

The cat shook her head bringing her back to her senses and started to purr again, kneading into Haru's lap.

'I don't know where you came from but I'm grateful that you snuck into my house this evening.' she sighed ' The last thing I wanted was to be alone.'

The cat butted her head against Haru's chin.

'Obviously you have a home and are well cared for or I would be tempted to keep you around.' smiled Haru as she touched the gold collar around the snowy white neck 'I've seen a collar like this before, years ago. On a charcoal grey cat who was nearly roadkill. Well if I hadn't gotten to him with Hiromi's lacrosse stick.' she chucked and then went silent.

'That was one weird day.' she sighed ' I imagine you belong to the same eccentric owner.'

They were right about one thing, petting a cat did wonders for your blood pressure and relaxing the body. The constant purr also helped to soothe her nerves. She lifted the cat up to her face and looked into sparkling blue eyes.

'I'm sure your owner must be missing you and it's getting late. Would you like a drink before you leave?' asked Haru.

The cat let out a confirming mewl and then Haru felt a rough tongue lick her cheek.

'You're a friendly kitty.' she laughed 'Let's find something suitable for you to drink out of.'

She bundled the ball of white fur into her arms and headed towards the kitchen. Shortly afterwards the cat was let out into the darkness of the back garden away from the dangers of the roads.

'Bye kitty.' called Haru as she watched the white fur that glinted in the moonlight disappear between the bushes. She locked the door behind her and decided to tackle the mess of whatever makeup was left on her face.

Yuki awaited the click of the lock before she stood on her hind legs. She brushed away tears that she had been holding back whilst comforting Haru. It had taken all her strength not to talk to her. Haru seemed to have forgotten that she could speak to cats. She wasn't even a memory Yuki thought her ears turning downwards. Just an image from a dream. A character from a book. Yuki came crashing down onto her knees and wept for the friend she sorely missed who didn't even remember her. Yuki felt a gloved hand on her shoulder and looked up.

'Are you all right your majesty? asked the figure.

'Yes I'm fine. What have I told you about formalities Baron, it's just Yuki.' she sighed.

'My apologies.' he replied 'How.. how is she?'

'Very frightened to begin with but she has calmed down a lot.' said Yuki wiping away the last of her tears 'I'm glad that you called upon my assistance.'

'Well Muta really isn't the right character for this sort of situation and I.. I.' he stumbled.

'You might not have been able to comfort her but you were still able to protect her.' soothed Yuki ' It's hard when someone you care for doesn't remember you outside of a dream.'

'At least she remembers you even if only as a dream' he muttered.

'She remembers you in a way.' replied Yuki.

'That's not possible.' Baron responded in shock ' The Refuge magic wouldn't allow it.'

'She spoke of a book she's written and some of the characters in it. One definitely sounds like he could be influenced by you.' she said.

'Which character?' he asked hating his eagerness.

'The Entertainer.' replied the white cat with a big grin. She turned her head as she heard the back door open again' I must go. Take care Baron.'

Yuki quickly conjured a blue portal back to the Cat Kingdom and disappeared through it.

Haru appeared on the back doorstep, a cup of tea in one hand and a burnt orange fleece blanket in the other. She approached the swing seat and carefully placed the cup on the table before climbing onto the seat and wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. She rocked herself back and forth in a soothing motion looking at the sky before reaching for the cup. She blew on the steam and watched it dance across the garden. Haru sighed pulling the fleece around her tighter. 

What had gone wrong this time? Yami seemed like a nice guy. A friend of a friend who she had met at one of those parties she hated going to but they had hit it off. When he had asked her out to dinner she had accepted. She had actually been excited about the evening. They had chatted and flirted with each other. He had drunk a little heavier than she would have liked but he continued to charm her through the date. He had insisted on paying the bill and offered to walk her home. All seemed well until they moved a few blocks away from the restaurant and the crowds had thinned out. Yami had suddenly grabbed her chin and kissed her. Haru had let out a squeak of surprise which he had mistaken for desire and he had pressed harder against her lips manoeuvring her unwillingly into the darkness. She had cried out in pain when the back of her head had hit the wall. She had told him no and struggled against him but he was stronger than her and he continued to kiss her. Haru felt tears falling down her cheeks again thinking about it. There had been a 'thwack' noise and Yami had cried out as something struck him. At the same time he released his hold on her and she had crumpled to the floor. In her blind panic she ran. She knew normally that she would never dream of entering the park alone after dark but in her state she just wanted to get home as quickly as possible. Only when she was home could she collapse in the knowledge she was safe.

Maybe she should just become a mad cat lady. She seemed to have a better affiliation with felines than the males of her species. Haru whimpered and pulled the orange blanket around her more tightly as if attempting to replicate a hug.

A pair of green eyes watched her from the garden.

'Don't worry Haru I will always protect you.' vowed Baron 'I will never let you get hurt again.'

Chapter Text

Seven Years Post Cat Kingdom

Haru signed her name with a flourish and allowed the ink to dry before carefully closing the cover and placing the book on top of a pile sitting on her desk. She rolled her shoulders and stretched happy the task was finally done. She stood up and moved to the kitchen to make tea. She breathed in the scent of the steam ad her phone began to ring. She looked at the screen, it was her agent calling.

'Hi Satoko.' she said 'I've just finished signing that stack you gave me.'

'Hi Haru.' replied Satoko ' Oh that's great. Still okay for later?'

'Did you ring me to remind me? Honestly when have I ever let you down? Of course I'm okay for later. I love a good old book signing. The books are all signed and I just need to hop in the car and make my way over for 4pm.' tutted Haru.

'I'm sorry.' she laughed ' You are one of my most reliable clients. I have to pretty much mollycoddle some of them. You wouldn't believe how much hand holding one of our most prestigious clients needs. I trust you.'

Haru's mind rippled and she shook her head to relieve the sensation.

'Did you call for any other reason?' she asked.

'Yes I need to speak to you about setting up a meeting.' replied her agent ' An animation studio wants to discuss the possibility of turning your book into a movie.'

'A what!' squeaked Haru in surprise sitting down hard at the table.

She heard her agent laugh in response.

'Haru your story is fast becoming a very popular childrens book. You shouldn't be surprised that it's attracting interest.' said Sakoto ' I can tell you're in shock at the moment so I will give you a few days to let it sink in before we discuss meeting arrangements.'

'Eiko is going to go crazy if this actually happens.' breathed Haru.

'Good luck for later.' replied her agent ' If you have any issues I'm only on the end of the phone.'

'Thanks Sakoto.' sighed Haru hanging up. 

Haru sat back in her chair and finally sipped her drink thoughtfully. How much could life change in seven years. From crazy dreams to a potential movie! All thanks to one little girl and her fondness for bedtime stories and her pretty insistent mother. 

Haru looked out of the window suddenly distracted by how long her lawn had gotten. She really needed to get that cut down. An almost child-like thought, caused by glee fizzing through her, popped into her mind and she decided to run with it. She unlatched the back door and ran into the garden before attempting a cartwheel and landed on her back amongst the long grass. She heard a bark of laughter but didn't care if one of her neighbours had seen her antics. She lay back and watched the clouds drift past. A cat-tail tickled her nose. It was funny, she used to be allergic to them but not anymore. 

The last couple of years had been a whirlwind with the help of Hiromi they had completed the book. It had taken some time to find a literacy agent who would consider taking them on. She was glad they had gone with Sakoto as she was the best. Through her network of contacts they had received no less than three offers from rival publication houses. Catnapped was fast climbing the top ten childrens books and now the suggestion of a potential movie was just the icing on the cake. Haru desperately wanted to call Hiromi and share the news but she knew it was Wednesday and this meant it was Eiko's swimming lesson time. She let out a contented sigh and lazily watched a yellow butterfly as it flitted across the garden. Haru looked at her watch and realised it was probably best to start getting ready. She was sure her audience wouldn't appreciate the grass stains on her clothes or twigs in her hair. She rolled over and headed to grab a shower.

Haru was driving along just leaving the town limits and humming along with the radio. Suburbs opened up to green fields and the sights always made her feel more relaxed. The radio station had some how changed to classical again. She didn't know how it happened but she didn't mind having a soft spot for it. The DJ was talking away as Haru indicated to turn down a quiet lane. He was introducing a waltz. An accordion began to play and Haru's mind rippled. She shook her head desperately.

'Not now!' she exclaimed ' I don't have time for this!'

Haru pulled over into a gateway and turned off the engine but left the radio playing trying to focus on the tune as she massaged her temples. As the song continued it was getting worse. Haru felt the pressure building. She desperately grabbed her phone dialling her agent's number. Thankfully she answered on the second ring.

'Sakoto.' gasped Haru trying to steady her breath.

'Haru, what's wrong?' she replied in alarm.

'Really, really big aura.' murmured Haru through gritted teeth ' I'm so sorry I'm not going to be able to make it.'

'Look don't worry I have a box of pre-signed books here and some promotional plushies I can get over there. They'll understand you're not well.' she soothed ' Are you safe?'

'I'm in the car. I'm just going to sit it out until it passes and then carefully drive home.' replied Haru as she bit back a squeal.

'Okay but if you can't drive let me know asap!' said her agent firmly.

'Thanks Sakoto.' she replied weakly turning off the call.

Haru put her head between her knees, keeping her eyes closed and breathing in through her nose and out of her mouth. The pressure was immense, it was nothing like she had felt before. She tried to focus on the accordion. Why did that sound familiar?

'I don't want to die.' she moaned to herself.

Something snapped within her mind and it was like a door had been opened. Images started to flood her head. Images of her dreams. No wait! These were different - a strange courtyard, a crow, blue glowing circles, being dressed in the floofy yellow dress. The images were coming thick and fast and Haru was struggling to process them. She started to hyperventilate.

'It was real! All real!' she whispered.

The images were slowing down now and the pressure was easing slightly but Haru needed air. She stumbled out of the car grasping onto the nearby fencing. There was a figure with green eyes - dancing with her, protecting her, carrying her when she was tired. The final piece of the puzzle seemed to click into place.

'BARON!' she screamed across the empty field before collapsing to her knees 'I remember everything!'

Baron's ears twitched but he couldn't be certain why. He looked up from his desk where he had been writing and a glimmer caught his attention. He looked out of the window to find the Refuge bathed in silver. It glinted off the buildings windows. It was very similar to his own light show and he was glad Muta was at the Crossroads or he would have only been blamed for whatever phenomenon was happening. The lights seemed to settle down.

'Something has changed.' he murmured to himself ' but what?' 

Chapter Text

Haru approached the Crossroads with a slight feeling of trepidation although both her head and heart felt lighter and more open than they had in years. She had pretty much abandoned her car on the driveway after returning home. Still dressed in her book signing outfit, her polished knee high boots tapped as she walked along. Haru let her eyes drift across the area Yuki's voice had led her to all those years ago. It didn't look any different. Haru sighed. She missed her snowy friend and only now realised she was the one who had comforted her that night. How she wished she understood why she didn't remember Yuki then but now could recall all her memories and not just the ones she had assumed were dreams. She approached the cafe and looked around the tables until she found what she was looking for. Haru let out a sigh of relief that Muta was still manning his post. She walked over to him and crouched down.

'Hey' she said softly.

The cat's head turned and looked at her with disinterested eyes before turning away again.

'Oh come on you old fatso I know you can understand me.' she grumbled before digging in her bag for one of the promotional plushies that Sakoto had dropped off earlier in the week. She plonked it on the table in front of the cat.

Muta's head shot up at the noise and then stared at his fuzzy equivalent. 

'Holy fishsticks!' he murmured before turning his attention back to the girl next to him ' Haru?'

'Muta' she acknowledged with a tilt of her head before taking a seat and ordering a drink from a passing waitress.

'You look...' started the flummoxed cat.

'Different?' suggested Haru smiling at him. Her glossy chestnut hair was pulled back in a long braid, her skin had a warm glow and she was smartly dressed. A rather different image from the panicked, pasty schoolgirl she had once been ' Well it has been seven years.'

'How is this possible?' he muttered still in shock.

'What do you mean?' she asked smiling at the waitress as her drink arrived and she discretely paid for it.

'That you know who I am. That you remember me at all.' he said.

'It's a good question to which I don't have the answer.' replied Haru as she stirred the milk into her tea 'Earlier something snapped and all my memories came flooding back. I've known there has been something missing for years.'

'Still a boiled grass fan I see. How are you taking this so calmly?' asked the cat suspiciously.

'Oh I've already had my freak out and screamed at the sky.' replied Haru keeping calm on the outside but the feeling of butterflies was building inside.

'The Refuge magic causes any humans to forget their interaction with the Bureau and Refuge itself once they fall asleep.' explained Muta ' It's a protection mechanism. You truly must have something special in you to break through it.'

Haru flushed light pink at the underhand compliment. Gone were the days of scarlet blushes.

'Well us Yoshiokas are a stubborn lot.' she replied as she drained her cup and looked expectantly and the big white cat.

'All right Chicky.' he replied with a gruff laugh ' I know what you want but I ain't going to make it easy for you.'

A grin spread across Haru's face. Okay she might nearly be twenty five but she felt the excitement of her seventeen year old self again.

The alleyway narrowed and soon the archway stood before her. The Refuge seemed to glow with a welcoming light. It housed the one she truly missed even if she had been prevented from realising it. The butterflies inside her decided to throw a party. Haru took a deep breath as she walked into the courtyard. As soon as she stepped in she realised something was different. The houses no longer looked like they belonged to a toy town and Toto's column was towering above her. Muta was standing at her side as large as he had been in the Cat Kingdom.

'Well it looks like you have been accepted Chicky.' he said 'The Refuge seems pleased to see you. I don't think it will be the only one. Go and make your introductions.'

Muta grinned and held his paw out to the Bureau.

Haru swallowed hard. Her excitement bubbled but a seed of doubt worried that Baron wouldn't remember her or be pleased to see her. Before she knew she was standing before the double doors she had squeezed herself through on her last visit. She carefully knocked on the door and bounced on the balls of her feet anxiously. Haru heard the sound of footsteps approaching from the inside. The door opened illuminating a figure. Before he even had a chance to look out she flung herself into his arms.

Baron staggered backwards into the Bureau, his back hitting the sofa by the force that had catapulted into him. A pair of arms were around his neck and a head nestling into the crook of his shoulder. It made it hard to identify the visitor although something felt right about the way they slotted into his arms. Baron breathed in their scent. One he had truly been unable to forget.

'Haru?' he asked cautiously hoping he wasn't mistaken.

The form in his arms shuddered slightly before slowly leaning away from him. Large chocolate brown eyes met his glowing green ones.

'Hi Baron' sighed Haru hiccupping slightly ' I missed you.'

Baron let out a chuckle pulling her back to him. He nuzzled her hair.

'I missed you too Haru.' he replied ' You were worth the wait.'

Baron did not know why the Refuge had changed it's rules when it came to Haru and why so suddenly after all these years but she was back and to him that was all that mattered.