Patience uses a cream-colored kitten: A sweet cream-colored kitten sits perfectly upright with her tail curled neatly around her paws, her amber eyes reflecting a serene wisdom that seems far beyond her kitten years.

Dovie comments to Preston. “There’s a whole lot of bleeding arms after this meet and greet, I suspect.”

Patience uses a cream-colored kitten: A sweet cream-colored kitten attempts to play but does so with such gentle movements that even her pounces look more like polite requests than predatory attacks.

Nemi hums softly.

Marina holds her hands up to show she has no beef with Matthew, before reaching to where Miles’s thrown card has been chucked at the Montrose. “I’ll fill out the card for you, but you have to fight with Miles if you just wanna take her home,” she explains to him, “What number’s the cat got on her?”

“You are furrocious!” Malin is claiming to the wild kitten she’s unwilling to let go of, and she sounds quite proud of the little thing. Then she looks at Buck. “Oh, really?” Then, “Ow!”

“Do any of them catch your eye?” Adelaide asks Diego, grabbing an absolute unit from the court, and looking absolutely befuddled as it just curls up in her arms and attempts to nap.

“Knowing your luck, you’ll get him,” Miles calls back over to Matthew. “For what it’s worth, I think you two look great together. Hope you get him!”

Nemi dies inside as she checks her contact list.

“He’s got the eye of the tiger!” Malin is proclaiming about the orange cat who is missing an eye.

Shay uses a lanky tuxedo cat: A lanky tuxedo cat stretches upward, revealing just how remarkably long and thin he really is, before folding back down like a collapsible measuring stick.

Adelaide uses a chunky Ragdoll cat: A chunky Ragdoll cat sits upright with perfect posture, his colorpoint markings framing his face beautifully while his blue eyes survey everything with benevolent interest.

“Keep in mind that you can rank up to three cats you’d like to take home,” Miles yells out. “So if your first choice has been swiped by some luckier cat parent, but you loved others, you have options.”

Ambrose doesn’t actually head thataway, but that’s where his attention wanders, before he looks back to Sofia. “That’s what I thought. There are always exceptions,” he supposes her way, gaze heading to the orange cat, too. And then it’s off to the Maine Coon, and the Ragdoll. “Honestly.”

Matthew relaxes when Marina’s throwing up that pacifying gesture and finally begins to cooperate, “Thirty two.” The cat still squirms, but at least there’re no claws, yet.

Derek uses a grey kitten: A mischievous grey kitten sits perfectly innocent while his twitching tail and sparkling eyes betray the fact that he’s definitely up to something, even if nobody can prove it yet.

Reaching out to stroke the sizeable ragdoll, Diego says, “That one looks like a very good cuddler, Madame… But I’ve never had a pet before, so I don’t know what makes a good one.” He purses his lips. “I like the way that Siamese cats look, but there aren’t any in these cages, at least…”

“Can we switch yet?” Aeryn wonders.

Diego uses a chunky Ragdoll cat: A chunky Ragdoll cat blinks his beautiful blue eyes slowly and deliberately, each blink conveying a sense of peaceful love for everything around him.

Diego uses a Russian Blue cat: A dainty Russian Blue settles gracefully into a comfortable position, arranging herself with the unconscious elegance of someone born to be beautiful.

Lorelei chews her bottom lip a little roughly as she seems to consider her next move.

“OHHH, I like this one’s tail,” Shay exclaims, holding up the lanky tuxedo cat in his hands for inspection, before settling the lanky guy down on the ground, petting a hand along his black & white fur. “Riight, who else…”

Sofia harumphs quietly to Ambrose, sending a glance his way and saying, “Yeah, I mean, I guess we should stay and look for a little while at least… even if neither of us is in the market for more cat in our life.”

Dovie eagerly seems to be awaiting switching.

Derek uses a grey kitten: A mischievous grey kitten sits perfectly innocent while his twitching tail and sparkling eyes betray the fact that he’s definitely up to something, even if nobody can prove it yet.

“You are Pawsguard’s fiercest protector, little one,” Malin claims as she tries to keep the kitten close to her body, calm in her energy now. “The one eyed ruler. You will have feasts in Cathalla. With me.” She supports his chest and hind legs, lessening her hold on the one-eyed little dude and hums sweetly and softly at him.

“Okay, everybody. Last ten minutes. Please start putting the cats back in the appropriate cages and wrapping up,” Miles yells out, as people seem to be ready to move on.

Adelaide nods her head to Diego as though this is a matter of grave importance. “Is there a siamese cat?” Miles gets asked, so she can cheat and hop over to another section even if it hasn’t been thirty minutes yet – a girl’s only got so much time.

Nemi turns to Diego and hums. “It varies on the cats personality- And breed. But usually soft and fluffy like the attention of cuddles due to how the fluff can… null the effects of them trying to scratch and rub themselves to satisfy itches. But also personality is a bit thing for them.”

From near Matthew rises Marina, heading to the jar to drop a card into it. “Matthew’s card’s in there, so he can’t put in another one,” she relays to Miles matter-of-factly, “He only wants that one cat.”

“A couple, I think,” Miles answers Adelaide.

Shiloh gives his cat a few more happy pets before lifting him up and returning him to the cage.

Shiloh uses a British Shorthair cat: A plump British Shorthair yawns extensively, revealing his pink tongue and the impressive capacity of his mouth before settling back into his preferred state of peaceful drowsiness.

“Buckaroo is a master kitten whisperer,” Malin proclaims as she begins to put the orange kitten in the lower portion of her halter top, wrapping him up snugly to try and maintain the calmness. “He’s a purrito now.”

“Malin I hope you get him!” Aeryn calls.

“Cats back in their cages, give them a kiss goodbye!” Miles calls out one more time, and starts to move from cage to cage to check and ensure that all cats are where they belong.

Shay uses a fluffy Siamese kitten: A fluffy Siamese kitten bounces sideways with all four paws off the ground simultaneously, demonstrating the peculiar physics that seem to govern kitten movement.

Derek uses a grey kitten: A mischievous grey kitten discovers that he can knock things over and becomes immediately fascinated by this newfound superpower, testing it with scientific dedication.

“Five more minutes!” Shay calls out to Miles, still a little absorbed in playing with all the different cats, it seems.

“Very good,” Adelaide tells Miles. “I only have forty minutes before I must depart, so I shall skip the last five minutes here. I have met the most dignified ladies and gentlemen at the hopscotch court.” She doesn’t wait for his response, before beckoning Diego over and moving to the see-saws. Sorry Miles.

Lorelei darts past Malin skipping and bouncing distractedly as she bounds around Malin like a happy deer, sending off flashes of light.

The Montrose beams a wide, appreciative smile towards Marina, head dipping in her direction. “Thanks,” he says, plopping down as the cat finally slips free to explore, crouching low with the focus of something about to commit minor crimes. Matthew looks on, approving.

“I totally get it,” Miles gives Adelaide a thumbs-up.

Rather than return to the see-saws, Marina ventures towards Miles.

Derek grins as the kitten he was holding goes and knocks down a cup. “Oh, you rascal.” he teases the little gentleman kitty, before after Miles’ call out he scoops up the little one and takes him back to the cage to settle him in. “You’re a clever little one – maybe I’ll write you in, too.” he advises the little gray kitten with a smile, some genuine warmth there.

Malin looks like she just might cry after taming the wild, tiny beast with his one eye. “I will come back for you,” she promises Odin. “You traded that eye for ultimate purr-owess, I can tell.” She watches Lorelei gleefully, though, despite being heartbroken to have to put down the kitten.

“We have two cats missing from the sandboxes and two cats missing from the see-saws,” Miles calls out. “Please put them back for now. Matthew, there’s another Maine Coon. At least one.”

Malin sniffles a little, still gazing down at the little guy.

Malin rubs at her bleeding arms.

Shay uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon yawns extensively, revealing a cavernous pink mouth and tongue before settling his great head back down with a contented sigh.

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder, kiss the little guys and girls goodbye so that we can rotate,” Miles urges again.

Shay says “Wah! Big boy over here.“

Shay uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon turns his great head slowly to observe something, his amber eyes reflecting a patient wisdom that suggests he’s seen it all before.

Sitting far back, Eloa watches everyone petting cats as she taps away on her phone.

Evalina says “Where are we rotating to? What is the order?“

Shiloh waves to Patience as she joins the hopscotch court “There’s an amazing loaf of a cat in there. I’m gonna miss him.”

“Perfect, thanks everybody.” Miles starts gesturing. “If you’re at the sandboxes, go to the hopscotch court. Hopscotch court to see-saws. See-saws to sandboxes. Madame Carrow, do your thing, I understand your time’s important.”

Patience waves to Shiloh too. “Yeah? My baby’s back there and I don’t want to leave her!” she bemoans to him with full understanding of this heartache. “Good luck getting your loaf!

Matthew leans in towards the Maine Coon, features sober and serious as he delivers a small speech, crouching low to meet the cat’s eyes. “Listen, we’ve been through a lot in the last twelve minutes,” he says, voice hushed, “You and me? We’ve got a bond, Clickbait, don’t forget that when some tourist waves a tuna treat in your face,” he looks at the other people milling about. The cat blinks slowly, utterly unmoved, but at least doesn’t bolt, which Matthew takes as a small and meaningful victory.

Adelaide uses a scrappy alley cat: A scrappy alley cat tests something cautiously with one paw, his patchy coat bristling slightly as he applies the hard-won wisdom that has kept him thriving in tough circumstances.

Shiloh waves to Patience as he departs before his eyes move to the cages, smirking at Matthew “Clickbait’s mine!” He snickers.

“I found my three,” Aeryn wanders over to Malin.

Marina uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon begins to purr, the sound starting as a low rumble deep in his chest before building to a resonant vibration that seems to fill the entire space around him.

Matthew glares at Shiloh, “I don’t think so!”

“Dibs on the Bengal,” Shay points towards one of the cages located around the hopscotch court, grinning toothily.

Sofia considers Ambrose for a few beats, looking at all the cats being paired off with their prospective humans and then letting out a little sigh. “Does seem like a recipe for heartbreak, overinvesting in one I might not be able to get… you’re right, let’s just see if there are any left over and go from there.” She gives one last look over her shoulder and tugs on the arm of the man’s suitjacket, looking ready, if not slightly hesitant to go.

Marina uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon slowly blinks his amber eyes in what appears to be a gesture of benevolent approval toward whatever has caught his attention.

“He reminds of me you,” Adelaide informs Diego once her finger’s gotten batted at by the scrappy alley cat, and hands him over.

Malin looks to Aeryn, “I found my one,” as a light trickle of blood slips down her forearms.

Nemi uses a tiny black kitten: A tiny black kitten discovers that rapid movement in circles creates a fun spinning sensation and proceeds to chase her tail with scientific dedication.

“Rotate,” Miles repeats, hand gesturing in a big wheel motion in the air.

Dovie uses a Russian Blue cat: A dainty Russian Blue makes a soft, melodious trill that sounds more like gentle music than a typical cat vocalization, clearly expressing some delicate feline sentiment.

Derek uses a lean Bengal cat: A lean Bengal cat sits perfectly upright with his distinctive markings on full display, his green eyes tracking movement with the unwavering focus of a surveillance camera.

Marina hefts the massive Maine Coon into her arms, resting her chin on top of his head. “Look at this giant baby,” she coos, rubbing her jaw along the fluffy giant.

Lorelei rotates in space like a cute little top.

Shiloh flashes a wide grin at Matthew “Don’t worry, I’m just messing with ya. I’m after a scottish fold.”

Marina uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon sits upright in a perfect sphinx pose, his impressive bulk arranged with dignity while his tufted ears swivel to track distant sounds.

Aeryn fixates of Malin and her arm for a few long moments. “I do recall you saying you liked one,” she murmurs. “Only one, though? I figure three is plenty for the loft.”

Dovie uses a rambunctious tabby kitten: A rambunctious tabby kitten launches himself at something three times his size with complete confidence, his tiny claws extended and his yellow eyes blazing with determination.

Nemi looks to Shay with an amazed look on her face as she holds up the black kitten. “Look!” she states in a dragged out manner.

Nemi uses a tiny black kitten: A tiny black kitten tries to groom herself but keeps getting distracted by her own paws, which apparently move in mysterious ways that require investigation.

Diego uses a scrappy alley cat: A scrappy alley cat stretches his lean muscles with the satisfied air of someone who’s earned every moment of comfort through his own resourcefulness and determination.

Dovie holds up a little tabby kitten. “Awww sweetie. I have furniture you can destroy!”

Marina uses a sleek grey cat: A sleek grey cat stretches her entire body in one fluid motion, extending her front paws far forward while her stubby tail points straight up like an exclamation mark.

Matthew reluctantly leaves that Maine Coon in the last box only to catch sight of another Maine Coon – this one in Marina’s arms. “That’s a good cat,” he reasons, “but it’s no clickbait.”

Marina uses a sleek grey cat: A sleek grey cat settles into a sphinx-like position, her stubby tail curled around her side while she maintains a regal watch over her domain.

Dovie uses a chunky Ragdoll cat: A chunky Ragdoll cat grooms his luxurious fur with careful attention, his pink tongue working through the silky strands while maintaining his characteristic zen-like calm.

“Bro, someone stole the Bengal cat, what the hell,” Shay shrugs his shoulders helplessly, pouting at Nemi, although he reaches to pet-pet the kitten in Nemi’s arms. “Aww, that’s a good kitty. Okay, lemme look at the others.”

Shiloh looks in the cage and his eyes widen, a scottish fold! He immediately leans forward and nabs it, the cat batting at him slowly “It loves me!”

Malin nods to Aeryn. “Only one. Mab will kill me anyway.”

“You don’t have to pet any other ones,” Marina promises Matthew, “I already put your card in.”

“She will not,” Aeryn grins at Malin.

Marina uses a sleek grey cat: A sleek grey cat stretches her entire body in one fluid motion, extending her front paws far forward while her stubby tail points straight up like an exclamation mark.

Preston uses a chunky Ragdoll cat: A chunky Ragdoll cat begins to purr with a deep, resonant rumble that seems to vibrate through his entire substantial frame, creating a sound of pure contentment.

Shay uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau stretches luxuriously, showing off the beautiful spot patterns that flow across her silver coat like ancient hieroglyphics come to life.

“Oh, and there we are,” Adelaide lifts a Siamese cat up into the air, showing her – or him – off to Diego. “Is that what you were looking for?”

Adelaide uses a Siamese cat: A vocal Siamese cat demonstrates his impressive vocal range with a series of sounds that progress from soft trills to full-throated announcements, each clearly distinct and purposeful.

Nemi uses a Russian Blue cat: A dainty Russian Blue steps delicately forward, placing each small paw with ballet-like precision as if she’s walking on the finest crystal.

Shay uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau stalks something with the methodical precision of a master hunter, each step calculated and silent as she displays textbook predatory technique.

Derek uses a lean Bengal cat: A lean Bengal cat climbs vertically with remarkable ease, his powerful claws finding purchase on any available surface while his long tail provides perfect balance.

Marina uses a stocky ginger tomcat: A stocky ginger tom rolls partially onto his side, exposing his thick belly fur while maintaining the relaxed alertness of someone who’s never truly off guard.

Shay uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau tests her powerful hindquarters with a graceful leap, her athletic build evident as she effortlessly covers impressive distance.

Nemi uses a Russian Blue cat: A dainty Russian Blue blinks slowly and deliberately, her emerald eyes conveying a sense of peaceful contentment with her immediate surroundings.

Lupita uses an one-eyed orange kitten: A one-eyed orange kitten digs his claws into the nearest surface and squats, preparing to pounce on something, or someone.

“Miles, it’s the raffle card?” Aeryn wonders.

Evalina uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix makes a soft, rumbling trill that sounds more like distant thunder than a typical cat vocalization, her voice matching her impressive stature.

Shiloh uses a Scottish Fold cat: A quirky Scottish Fold tilts her round head at an angle that seems physically impossible, her yellow eyes wide with what appears to be profound contemplation of something only she can perceive.

Nemi softly pets the Russian blue as she smiles softly

“Yeah,” Miles calls back to Aeryn. “You just fill out the raffle card and then put it in the jar, once yuo have your top three.”

Marina uses a stocky ginger tomcat: A stocky ginger tom slowly blinks his green eyes in what appears to be a gesture of approval, his expression suggesting he’s pleased with whatever he’s observing.

“I already know what cat I want,” Preston calls out, “Can I just put my number in fro the raffle already?”

Shay uses a tiny black kitten: A tiny black kitten stalks something with exaggerated stealth, her belly nearly touching the ground as she demonstrates hunting techniques that would be impressive if she weren’t the size of a dust bunny.

Buck uses a chunky Ragdoll cat: A chunky Ragdoll cat curls up into an impressive circle of fluff, his dark points creating beautiful contrast patterns while his blue eyes remain peacefully half-closed.

Rewarding a scrappy alley cat with patchy fur and street-smart eyes for all his troubles with a few nibbles of wet food, Diego says over to Adelaide, “It can be tricky to tell whether you have more interest in scarred and ugly things, or refined and beautiful ones… But I wouldn’t mind giving him a home he doesn’t have to fight over too much.” As he glances over to Adelaide and her Siamese, he says, “Quite a loud-mouth, isn’t he? And very handsome… But if you favour the little black kitten, that works just fine for me.” The scrapper gets an extra helping of finger-tuna before he’s gently returned to his box.

Shay uses a tiny black kitten: A tiny black kitten gets distracted by her own shadow and immediately begins an elaborate dance of attack and retreat, convinced she’s found a worthy opponent.

“Given that you spent an hour scoping them out,” Miles calls back to Preston in playful accusation. “I mean, yeah, probably, that’s not the end of the world,” he admits.

Buck uses a chunky Ragdoll cat: A chunky Ragdoll cat blinks his beautiful blue eyes slowly and deliberately, each blink conveying a sense of peaceful love for everything around him.

Dovie uses a wiry Abyssinian cat: A wiry Abyssinian cat suddenly freezes in perfect alertness, every muscle taut as her oversized ears lock onto some fascinating sound that requires immediate investigation.

Matthew can’t help but be drawn the cats, seemingly open to attempt to connect with a second. He calls towards Malin and Aeryn, “I might get two, Maine Coons…”

Shay uses a tiny black kitten: A tiny black kitten launches herself at something much larger than herself with absolute fearlessness, her yellow eyes wide with the thrill of adventure.

Matthew uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon yawns extensively, revealing a cavernous pink mouth and tongue before settling his great head back down with a contented sigh.

Shay says “Ohhh, YES!“

Lupita uses a stocky ginger tomcat: A stocky ginger tom slowly blinks his green eyes in what appears to be a gesture of approval, his expression suggesting he’s pleased with whatever he’s observing.

“Wait, but I love him,” Marina complains to Matthew.

Malin glances over at Matthew as she fills out her card.

Nemi looks to Diego and comments. “The better part about kittens is the worst part. they’ll sharpen their claws on furniture- but as such are still young and can be trained to use scratching posts instead of furniture.” She states with a soft nod.

Marina uses a lanky tuxedo cat: A lanky tuxedo cat stretches upward, revealing just how remarkably long and thin he really is, before folding back down like a collapsible measuring stick.

Hannes uses a sleek Bombay cat: A sleek Bombay cat moves with liquid grace, his obsidian coat rippling over defined muscles as he demonstrates the athletic prowess hidden beneath his elegant exterior.

Dovie nods at Preston. “I dunno, something about kitten energy.”

Marina uses a lanky tuxedo cat: A lanky tuxedo cat attempts a graceful leap but miscalculates the distance, landing awkwardly but immediately pretending the outcome was exactly what he intended.

Preston nods at Dovie. “Kitten’s are great.”

“My interests are many and varied,” Adelaide informs Diego, handing over the Siamese as well for him to consider while her eyes move over back to the cats, searching for her next target.

“Oh, this one?” Matthew asks, holding the Maine Coon towards Marina, he at least seems to respect the bonds of first rights to bonding with cats. “Well, only if it’s not going to be claimed,” he reasons, clearly growing fond of the cat.

Matthew uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon attempts to groom his shoulder, his enormous tongue making quick work of his thick fur while his amber eyes take on a look of meditative concentration.

Diego uses a Siamese cat: A vocal Siamese cat settles into a comfortable position but continues his running dialogue, his elegant tail twitching in time with the rhythm of his ongoing monologue.

Derek uses a lean Bengal cat: A lean Bengal cat stretches his lean frame to its full impressive length, showing off the beautiful rosette patterns that flow along his golden coat like living artwork.

Marina snorts softly. “I’m sure lots of people love him. Do you want me to get your card back out so I can put him on it?” she wonders to Matthew.

Stelle uses a scruffy calico cat: A scruffy calico cat investigates every corner and crevice within reach, her pink nose working overtime as she gathers intelligence on her surroundings.

Adelaide uses a sleek Bombay cat: A sleek Bombay cat moves with liquid grace, his obsidian coat rippling over defined muscles as he demonstrates the athletic prowess hidden beneath his elegant exterior.

Evalina uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix tilts her large head thoughtfully, her ear tufts catching the light while her mismatched eyes reflect different aspects of whatever has captured her attention.

Diego says “Very chatty catty…“

Matthew shakes his head, “No. I’m loyal to Clickbait.”

Marina uses a fluffy Siamese kitten: A fluffy Siamese kitten tumbles head over heels while chasing her own ridiculously fluffy tail, squeaking with delight each time she catches a glimpse of it.

Marina uses a fluffy Siamese kitten: A fluffy Siamese kitten lets out a series of high-pitched squeaky mews that sound more like bird chirps than cat calls, clearly demanding immediate attention.

Lorelei plants her hands on her hips and sways back and forth as she observes the cats from an aloof dog-loving angle, now and then tossing her wild coppery curls back as the inevitably stray near her face via the simple chaos of their orientation, or the result of some far-off butterfly flapping.

Marina uses a fluffy Siamese kitten: A fluffy Siamese kitten sits with her oversized ears perked at maximum alertness, her huge blue eyes tracking something invisible with the intensity of a surveillance system.

Matthew drops the cat back in, checks his phone, and then looks over until he spies Preston, sending a nod that way.

Adelaide uses a sleek Bombay cat: A sleek Bombay cat stretches luxuriously, his black fur catching the light in waves while his copper eyes remain alert and focused on his surroundings.

Adelaide uses a sleek Bombay cat: A sleek Bombay cat vocalizes with a rich, melodious sound that seems to emerge from somewhere deep in his chest, his copper eyes bright with whatever message he’s conveying.

Derek scribbles at his card as the Bengal stretches along, and he looks at him somewhat admiringly, then making a little addition there to his card.

“Do you see ghosts too?” Marina asks a fluffy Siamese kitten with blue eyes, tilting her head as she takes a lookt to where the kitten is staring.

“How’s everybody doing,” Miles calls out from the kiosk. “I know some of you fell in love at first sight. Do you need a bit more time at your current places, or do you want me to pick up the pace for the next rotation?” he asks for the crowd’s feedback.

Matthew asks Marina, “So we are only allowed to walk out of here with one cat?”

Shiloh uses a Scottish Fold cat: A quirky Scottish Fold settles into what appears to be a comfortable position but looks more like she’s posing for an abstract art piece, her folded ears and round eyes giving her an eternally puzzled expression.

“I’m good to rotate!” Preston calls back to Miles.

Dovie tells Miles. “My vote is to move to the next!”

Shiloh says “I’m happy to rotate.“

“Quite so,” Adelaide nods her agreement to Diego, pausing when the Bombay cat she’s conversing with pauses to speak. “I do believe you are quite right, handsome sir,” she tells him, and hands him over to Diego.

Marina shrugs as she lets the kitten scamper back into its cage. “Ask Miles,” she offers to Matthew, “I think we’d have to wait for everyone’s cards to get pulled first, then see what’s left.”

Adelaide says “I am good to move on to the last spot.“

“I’m good to move on!” Marina calls to Miles.

“Any cats that weren’t picked will be available for adoption on a first-come first-serve basis,” Miles overhears Matthew and gives him an answer. “If you’re ready, let’s get the cats back where they belong for the next rotation. Thanks for following the rules, you guys are doing great.”

Dovie uses a tiny black kitten: A tiny black kitten launches herself at something much larger than herself with absolute fearlessness, her yellow eyes wide with the thrill of adventure.

Matthew accepts that and stands, waiting for the next set of musical cats. Rules are rules, even if they’re made to be broken.

“Okay, there’s a cat over here by the sandboxes that doesn’t belong,” Miles starts peering between the cages, counting and taking stock.

Adelaide waits for Diego to put the cats away before she wanders over to the sandboxes.

Marina brushes her hands off and gets her shoes from where she set them down, ready to move on to the hopscotch court for a final round of cat. She pauses to look into the cages again. “…I don’t think that Bengal belongs here.”

Settling the highly vocal Siamese cat back into his box, Diego informs Adelaide, “Well, that one is handsome and has a lot of personality, like myself.” Of course, he’s only handsome from the neck down. “I think the black kitten and the ragdoll have been my favourite so far…”

“The Bengal’s over at the hopscotch, I’m pretty sure.” Shay calls out to the group at the sandboxes. “I wanted to take a look at it.”

Malin points after the skittish woman, telling Aeryn, “She looks so much different with panties on!”

Dovie uses a lean Bengal cat: A lean Bengal cat suddenly explodes into a brief burst of frenetic activity, racing in a tight pattern before coming to an abrupt stop as if nothing unusual had occurred.

“Okay, one cat still missing from the see-saws. Once they’re back, we’re good to rotate,” Miles gives a heads-up.

Aeryn starts to laugh, nodding at Malin. “I think so too.”

Shay says “BENGAL. “

Marina takes the Bengal back to where it belongs as she heads for the hopscotch court, sliding the cat back into its cage just in time for Dovie to take it back out again.

Shay uses a lean Bengal cat: A lean Bengal cat sits perfectly upright with his distinctive markings on full display, his green eyes tracking movement with the unwavering focus of a surveillance camera.

Preston uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix makes a soft, rumbling trill that sounds more like distant thunder than a typical cat vocalization, her voice matching her impressive stature.

Shay uses a lean Bengal cat: A lean Bengal cat freezes mid-stride with one paw raised, his ears swiveling independently as he processes multiple sounds with the intensity of a wild hunter.

Shay uses a lean Bengal cat: A lean Bengal cat crouches low with his spotted haunches coiled like springs, his green eyes locked onto something with laser-focused predatory intensity.

“Ahem,” Adelaide states aloud, and quickly drops the Bombay cat back into the see-saws.

Buck uses a scrappy alley cat: A scrappy alley cat settles into a resting position that still maintains perfect awareness, his patchy coat and sharp eyes creating the image of someone who’s learned to rest with one eye always open.

“Cats back and rotate,” Miles announces.

Marina uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau demonstrates her legendary speed with a sudden burst of acceleration, her spots flowing like liquid mercury as she moves with breathtaking swiftness.

Marina uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau vocalizes with a soft chirping trill that sounds more exotic than a typical meow, as if she’s speaking in the ancient language of her ancestors.

Adelaide uses a stocky ginger tomcat: A stocky ginger tom settles down heavily with a contented rumble, his substantial weight making his chosen resting spot seem suddenly much more secure.

Marina uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau settles into a sphinx-like position, her front paws perfectly aligned and her green eyes maintaining a watchful expression of dignified alertness.

Lorelei does a wild ballet-girl style spin, in the way of cheese-style products rather than a cheese itself.

Diego uses a fluffy Siamese kitten: A fluffy Siamese kitten sits with her oversized ears perked at maximum alertness, her huge blue eyes tracking something invisible with the intensity of a surveillance system.

Shay uses a void cat: A mysterious void cat appears to fade partially into darkness before solidifying again, as if she exists simultaneously in multiple dimensions and occasionally shifts between them.

Marina uses a wiry Abyssinian cat: A wiry Abyssinian cat demonstrates her impressive vertical leap, her lean frame uncoiling like a spring as she effortlessly reaches seemingly impossible heights.

Marina uses a wiry Abyssinian cat: A wiry Abyssinian cat suddenly freezes in perfect alertness, every muscle taut as her oversized ears lock onto some fascinating sound that requires immediate investigation.

Shay uses a void cat: A mysterious void cat curls up in the deepest shadow available, becoming nearly invisible except for the occasional glint of yellow eyes that suggest something magical rests within the darkness.

Shay uses a void cat: A mysterious void cat sits perfectly still in a shadowy spot, her black form nearly invisible except for the eerie glow of her yellow eyes watching everything with ancient patience.

Marina uses a wiry Abyssinian cat: A wiry Abyssinian cat paces with restless energy, her ticked coat catching the light as she searches for the next interesting challenge or adventure.

Shay says “What the crap, I like this one, too. Hells.“

Diego says “Whoops – free for all in there now.“

Stelle uses a rambunctious tabby kitten: A rambunctious tabby kitten launches himself at something three times his size with complete confidence, his tiny claws extended and his yellow eyes blazing with determination.

Marina uses a dignified gentleman: A dignified senior cat grooms his silver-threaded coat with methodical precision, taking his time to ensure every whisker and patch of fur meets his exacting standards.

Adelaide uses a tiny tortoiseshell cat: A tiny tortoiseshell cat grooms herself with meticulous precision, each lick deliberate and thorough as she maintains her impeccable standards of personal presentation.

Patience can’t help but laugh when Diego gives the cats free food.

Marina uses a dignified gentleman: A dignified senior cat makes a soft, contemplative sound deep in his throat, as if he’s commenting thoughtfully on some aspect of existence only he fully understands.

Preston uses a void cat: A mysterious void cat moves with supernatural silence, her dark form flowing like liquid shadow while her luminous eyes track movement with predatory precision.

Preston uses a void cat: A mysterious void cat settles into a sphinx-like position where shadows gather, her yellow eyes becoming the only indication that something alive occupies the space.

Preston uses a void cat: A mysterious void cat tilts her head with otherworldly curiosity, her yellow eyes reflecting an intelligence that seems far older and more mysterious than any ordinary feline mind.

Preston uses a void cat: A mysterious void cat appears to fade partially into darkness before solidifying again, as if she exists simultaneously in multiple dimensions and occasionally shifts between them.

Marina uses a dignified gentleman: A dignified senior cat makes a soft, contemplative sound deep in his throat, as if he’s commenting thoughtfully on some aspect of existence only he fully understands.

Shay uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix tilts her large head thoughtfully, her ear tufts catching the light while her mismatched eyes reflect different aspects of whatever has captured her attention.

Shay uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix sits in perfect sphinx position, her impressive tail curled around her side while her heterochromatic gaze holds a serene wisdom that seems almost mystical.

Adelaide looks over all the assembled ladies and gentlemen – and the riff-raff, too, informing Diego with much generosity, “I shall let the third be your choice.”

Stelle uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau settles into a sphinx-like position, her front paws perfectly aligned and her green eyes maintaining a watchful expression of dignified alertness.

Nemi uses a grey kitten: A mischievous grey kitten curls up as if to nap, but his blue eyes remain bright and alert, clearly just conserving energy for his next brilliant scheme.

Shay says “I know exactly which one I want.“

“Take some time at your last stop, and then feel free to wander around and mingle. In fifteen minutes, I want all the cats back and I’ll start drawing,” Miles repeats instructions. “If you know which cats you’re interested in, take a card,” he shakes a tray full of them. “Then fill it out and put it in the jars. If you have to leave early, I’ll hold your cat for you but if and only if you put your phone number down.”

Nemi nods softly.

Lorelei giggles and holds her hands to her cheeks as she does a little stage-voice hollar. “Everyone got locked in on the first set they saw.”

Patience leans over and points at the dignified old cat that Marina pets and calls over, “Oh my gosh, that cat reminds me of Ambrose.

Evalina uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon slowly blinks his amber eyes in what appears to be a gesture of benevolent approval toward whatever has caught his attention.

Marina snorts, letting the dignified senior cat get comfortable back in his crate. She heads for the ticket kiosk, so she can loiter near Miles. “He’s really cute,” she enthuses, “Old cats deserve love too!”

Dovie uses a grey kitten: A mischievous grey kitten gets that unmistakable look in his blue eyes that suggests he’s just had a brilliant idea that will probably result in delightful trouble for everyone involved.

Shiloh looks over the cats in the sandbox, humming curiously.

Diego uses a tiny tortoiseshell cat: A tiny tortoiseshell cat executes a perfect pounce that showcases her remarkable agility, landing exactly where she intended with feline precision.

Diego uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon slowly blinks his amber eyes in what appears to be a gesture of benevolent approval toward whatever has caught his attention.

“For. Sure,” Miles emphatically agrees with Marina, holding his palm up to offer her a high-five when she comes back towards the ticket booth.

Dovie uses a Siamese cat: A vocal Siamese cat tilts his head at an inquiring angle, his blue eyes expectant as he waits for a response to whatever question he’s just posed to the universe.

Adelaide doesn’t laugh, but it’s a close thing when the cat she’s just handed over to diego jumps right out of his arms immediately.

Shay hogs a fluffy Maine Coon mix with mismatched eyes all to himself. It’s quite clear that he holds this one dearly, cradling it like one would a baby.

Shiloh uses a sleek grey cat: A sleek grey cat stretches her entire body in one fluid motion, extending her front paws far forward while her stubby tail points straight up like an exclamation mark.

Derek makes his way over to the hopscotch court then, squinting with curiosity as he slips an Abyssinian out of a cage.

Derek uses a wiry Abyssinian cat: A wiry Abyssinian cat paces with restless energy, her ticked coat catching the light as she searches for the next interesting challenge or adventure.

Marina smacks her hand against Miles’s. “This was really successful. I bet so many cats are gonna go home tonight,” she offers up.

Dovie uses a cream-colored kitten: A sweet cream-colored kitten grooms herself with meticulous gentleness, each lick deliberate and careful as she maintains her pristine cream-colored coat with natural elegance.

Her frown deepens, but Patience spends a few more moments petting kittens and cats, before rising to her feet and smoothing down her skirt. “That’s my baby,” she tells Dovie, doting on the cutie from a distance, but apparently she’s not lingering long. On the way past, she leans in to hug Obadiah.

Nemi says “I think I’m done.“

Nemi nods softly as she puts her card in a glass jar.

Dovie uses a curious calico kitten: A curious calico kitten stretches up on her hind legs to investigate something just out of reach, her bright green eyes wide with determination to solve this fascinating puzzle.

Shiloh says “I love it.“

Shiloh uses a lanky tuxedo cat: A lanky tuxedo cat tilts his head thoughtfully, his bright green eyes focusing intently on something while his expression suggests he’s working through a particularly puzzling problem.

“I’ve put my card in the jar, I hope I get the right one.” Buck says with a smile.

Adelaide is catted out, for the time being. She stands there with her hands folded behind her back, simply watching Diego make the last pick.

Dovie uses a scrappy alley cat: A scrappy alley cat tests something cautiously with one paw, his patchy coat bristling slightly as he applies the hard-won wisdom that has kept him thriving in tough circumstances.

“If I find out anybody has stolen cats,” Miles announces, perhaps from paranoia, perhaps because he’s received some prescient warning of nefarious misdeeds afoot. “I will track you down, break into your house, and fill your closet with fish. You will never be able to get the smell out. You will have to move. It will not be fun,” he issues more threats, these maybe less empty, while giving Hannes a thumbs-up.

Derek uses a wiry Abyssinian cat: A wiry Abyssinian cat paces with restless energy, her ticked coat catching the light as she searches for the next interesting challenge or adventure.

“Do we sign our names?” Preston asks holding up a car.

“Do we sign our names?” Preston asks holding up a card. (fix)

A befuddled look is given to Hannes for a minute, before Marina’s phone is brought up. She pushes the screen twice before demanding, “Define ‘lekker’.” In short order, a feminine voice with a transatlantic accent recites the information: ‘Lekker. Adjective. Pleasant or enjoyable; nice; lovely.’

“Yeah, you just fill it in,” Miles agrees to Preston. The cards, as it happens, can be customized freely.

Shay raises a hand up, his other still occupied with hugging the Maine Coon with mismatched eyes. “Do we just put a single number of our favorite cat on the raffle card, or do we put multiple ones that we like in a ranking?” he asks Miles.

Lorelei strikes a taunting pose, fanning out one hand next to her cheek as she bends slightly to tease back. “Don’t threaten me with a good time, my fish-closet is very understocked.”

Derek uses a Russian Blue cat: A dainty Russian Blue steps delicately forward, placing each small paw with ballet-like precision as if she’s walking on the finest crystal.

“Oh, yeah! It was great,” Marina agrees with Hannes.

Derek uses a Russian Blue cat: A dainty Russian Blue grooms her silver-blue coat with meticulous care, each lick deliberate and thorough as she maintains her impeccable appearance.

“You can pick up to three,” Miles tells Shay.

Pax, having gotten her hug and then wandered off, Obadiah wanders over to the family from behind and rests his chin on Marina’s shoulder. “What we doing?”

Matthew is watching Shay and the cat he’s cradling in his arms with avid interest.

Seated under the tree, Eloa watches as everyone pets a plethora of active cars. She has her phone in her lap and taps away at it. “If any left over cat can probably take one at the shop without Pixel going too crazy.” She calls out to Miles.

Derek uses a Russian Blue cat: A dainty Russian Blue curls up into a perfect crescent shape, her silver-tipped fur creating beautiful shadows and highlights as she settles in for a peaceful rest.

Nemi walks over as she sighs softly, smiling at the event. “Watching people observe cats and kittens.”

“Waiting for everyone to get their cards in,” Marina answers Obadiah, turning her head just a bit so she can talk to him more directly. “Then Miles can pull cards, and everyone gets a cat. Then what’s left over is first-come, first-serve, and that’s when I’m gonna find a cat for me.”

Stelle uses a sleek Bombay cat: A sleek Bombay cat vocalizes with a rich, melodious sound that seems to emerge from somewhere deep in his chest, his copper eyes bright with whatever message he’s conveying.

“Bet,” Shay announces with all the enthusiasm of a man of focus, commitment, sheer will…

“Okay, five minute warning. Start getting the cats back in their cages and fill out your cards,” Miles calls out in instruction. “If you’re having any issues filling out the card, let me know and I’ll get you straight.”

Derek pets the Russian Blue he’d claimed, a slight smile on his expression, before he gingerly picks her up and returns her to the cage.

Obadiah nods a little bit standing up right. “I have been told to come home with two. I’ll wait and see what’s left and find the two lost causes.” He grins and winks at Marina before looking around, “Is Miles behaving or is he doing that thing he does when he gets too wound up?”

“Hey, look,” Miles replies to Obadiah. “There is nothing weird about threatening to break into peoples’ houses and hide fish in their closets,” he insists.

Nemi turns to Miles. “That is actually completely weird.”

Shiloh places his card in the jar before nodding firmly as he settles in by the ticket kiosk.

Marina’s hand gets put in Hannes’s so she can give him a firm shake, releasing afterwards. “You like cats, Hannes?”

Shay was in the midst of writing down on his raffle card with some struggle, seeing how he’s still clinging onto the Maine Coon with him, when the question is prompted by Malin. He perks his head up, eyeing Buck. “Thank you, Mr. Ransom, but I can introduce myself,” he turns to Malin then. “Shay Kerrigan, pleasure. Who’re you?”

“All the cats back in their cages,” Miles announces once more. “We’re missing one from the see-saws, I think.”

Malin has bits of blood still seeping out of the cat scratch wounds along her forearms, but she offers a partially cat-claw lined hand in an offer to shake as she tells Shay, “Lovely to meet you, Shay. I’m Dobie Fairchild.”

“Alright, here, here,” Shay shuffles over, a little reluctantly, to put the Maine Coon back in the see-saw cage.

“Clickbait needs to go in so Matthew can have her picked,” Marina offers to Shay.

Marina says “Otherwise, he might cry.“

Lorelei smiles and pats Malin on the shoulder. “Dobie Unrosen Fairchild the 1st.” She clarifies, as if Malin were being modest.

Obadiah gives Marina a knowing smile and a reassuring pat on her back.

Aeryn laces the fingers of one hand with Malin’s.

“Is anybody still filling out their card?” Miles calls out. “Let me know if you need any help or explanation.”

Adelaide grabs a card and jots down some details in a cursive, looping script that is certainly going to be hard to read, and then plops it into the jar.

Matthew is nodding from where he’s standing, content to watch the interaction between Malin and Shay from his place at the sandbox.

Shay returns from placing the Maine Coon back into the cage, and stuffing his card in the jar, to accept Malin’s hand for a firm shake. “Lovely to meet you, too,” he simply says, displaying a polite enough smile.

Malin returns the handshake in a professional manner. “I’m sure I’ll see you around, Shay — the Kerrigan who did not get his knees bashed in with a baseball bat.” Then she tacks on, “Yet,” paired with an impish little grin before nodding to Buck. “I have no doubts.”

Lorelei corrects Malin “It was one of those expandable police baton things.” She wanders over to the ticket-takery.

“Well, I’m glad another Kerrigan already beat me to it, and got themselves beat,” Shay tells Malin, with a slight bow of his posture towards, before quickly straightening his posture upright to drift his attention over towards the kiosk.

“Last call for cards in progress,” Miles announces, raising his wrist to check his watch as he puts a timetable on things. “Five minutes and then I’m going to start drawing.”

Matthew chimes in, “I thought it was a pipe,” over to Malin and Lorelei

“Well, I know it’s fate whatever cat I get. It’ll be shedding hair all over my desk and files.” Buck notes.

Malin hums thoughtfully, listening to the input for possible weapon types for busting caps. Knee caps.

Malin supposes, “The cannon would be more fun, anyway.”

Evalina approaches Preston from behind like something straight from a bad horror flick. Blood running down her arms, her hair frazzled, an obsessed stare in wide eyes. She reaches from behind him, chuckling hollow and mad as her long, normally-so-elegant, scratched fingers squeeze his shoulders, “P-Prestie-” She gulps, “There’s cats…”

Matthew can’t help but wander to the see-saws, choosing to stand beside Malin.

Nemi smiles, looking over to Adelaide and giving a soft smile and a little bow of her head in respect before she goes back to hovering near the boss man Obadiah.

Malin looks over at Matthew, smiling widely at him with those filler enhanced lips.

Matthew visibly brightens for Malin’s smile and he settles in beside her, draping an arm across her shoulders, leaning against his friend. “Alright, we adding to the list of people to cannonize?” he wonders casually. ”

“I shall lay a most dreadful curse upon whosoever dares lay claim to my chosen feline companions,” Adelaide declares aloud for everyone to hear, so secrecy may not be the aim here.

Despite the fact that he said five minutes only two minutes ago, Miles seems to believe he’s read the room and determine that no additional time is needed. That the people must know. “Okay, okay, I won’t torture you with the wait any more,” he promises. “Unless somebody yells that they’re still filling out their card in the next five seconds I’m starting.”

Malin itches at some of the scratches on her left arm. “There’s definitely some potential,” she informs Matthew before her attention shifts to Miles.

“Oh ok,” Obadiah says to Miles. “Yeah that was what I was telling Rina: Esme said pick two lost causes for us.” He looks to Nemi, “Hey girly. How was the day?”

Aeryn appears to be on pins and needles waiting.

Nemi smiles softly to Obadiah. “Doing good, wondering what adventures you got up to without your assistant.”

“There’s at least thirty,” Marina offers to Preston

In Miles’s hand goes to pull out the first card, and then Miles announces, “The first cat chosen and going home with their human is number 32, going home with Shay!” Striding over to the cages at the see-saws, Miles retrieves the cat in question and delivers them directly to Shay’s arms.

Lorelei rests a hand on the edge of the table, weight settled into one hip as she lifts her heel in a lazy arc behind her. Her gaze lingers on the raffle basket with mild curiosity, eyes bright beneath a lazy sweep of lashes. A faint smile curls at the corner of her mouth, thoughtful and idle, as if she were up to something.

Dovie claps for Shay. “Congratulations!!”

Nemi turns to Shay and says. “Traitor… Nooooooo,” she states and chuckles softly, obviously joking.

Obadiah shrugs, “In my mind? Flaying people alive for being bad drivers, fleshforming crude things on their foreheads, and other crimes against humanity and the Venice Accords. In reality: driving.”

Adelaide isn’t worried at all. She simply comes to stand next to Diego, her hands folded behind her back, and stares quite intently at Miles.

When Shay gets the fluffy Maine Coon mix, Marina winces.

Shay nearly leaps out of joy with the cat being delivered to him, skittering over to meet Miles’s approach and retrieve his prize. “Oh, hell yeah.”

Nemi nods softly.

“Next up…” Miles looks around the assembled crowd. “Going home with Ms. Lupita Rosario is kitten number ten. Lupita, would you mind raising your hand for me?”

“A powerful cat for a powerful warrior.” Buck says with a grin.

Matthew watches as Clickbait is officially claimed by someone else, his jaw dropping in slow, dramatic disbelief. “Nah, absolutely not- foul play, Mercer!” he calls out, pointing an accusatory finger at Miles like he’s just watched a rigged election unfold.

Buck points to someone as he says, “She’s over here, Miles.”

Preston blinks at Shay, staring at him, before turning his attention back to Evalina. “Yeah, sure, that’s what I’ll do. Burn it down.”

Shay uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix stretches luxuriously, her silver tabby markings flowing like liquid metal across her thick coat while her heterochromatic gaze surveys her surroundings peacefully.

“That cat blinked at me twice, that’s basically a legal agreement in Catscourt,” Matthew claims after, settling his arms into a loose cross overchest.

Evalina raises a fist as well, agreeing with Matthew, oddly, “Yes! Foul play! That cat must be rolled again! It is critical I tell you! It is crucial! That cat belongs in a different home!” She shouts, a fury to her, hate in her eyes.

Aeryn wraps an arm around Malin in consolation.

“It’s in Fate’s hands,” Miles washes his hands of this grievous sin like Pontius Pilate to Matthew, and already moving on to the next drawing. And then the next while he waits for ‘Lupita’.

Malin leans into Aeryn, ready for retribution.

Matthew’s dusky eyes go dark like a storm and he turns to speak quietly to Malin.

Sparing an unbothered glance behind him at the potentially ongoing ruckus, Shay’s reaction is just a lift of his shoulders while he whistles a tune, no doubt meant for the Maine Coon with mismatched eyes that he’s cradling so lovingly. “Wonder what I’ma call you.”

“Ouch. Third drawing is Matthew, with number thirty-two as his only pick. So close,” Miles announces with a wince. “Matthew, do you have a second pick?”

“Didn’t Lupita walk off?” Preston calls out towards Miles.

“His second one is 17,” Marina raises her voice for Matthew, since she filled out his card the first time.

“I don’t know any Lupita,” Miles shrugs in reply to Preston.

“Lupita is Ambrose’s girlfriend. You can probably text him if she didn’t put a phone number down” Buck adds.

“What? No, Sofia.” Preston mentions to Buck.

“Number seventeen?” Miles confirms with Marina, then goes to fetch Matthew’s second choice. “I’m pretty sure that’s not true,” he tells Buck with a laugh.

“Wait, I mean Alphonse, from The Pack.” Buck adds.

Marina tries to catch Matthew’s eyes, giving a ‘1’ and ‘7’ with her fingers. “Yeah, 17.”

“I don’t think so?” Aeryn blinks at Buck. “She’s the one who was in the apar- ahem.”

Matthew shoots Miles a sharp glare, but since@Marina seems to be handling the negotiateons, he leaves her to it without a word. Shay, however, is getting holes bored into his skull from the sheer intensity of the Montrose death-stare.

“Sorry, I get names wrong sometimes, they sound pretty similar.” Buck says with a chuckle.

“Not even a little,” Aeryn stares to Buck.

Obadiah looks to Dovie and Derek. “No funny stuff. I know fate shenanigans when I see them.”

“The Thong Thrower?” Malin asks Aeryn, blinking as well.

Aeryn nods at Malin. “The very same.”

“Next up is Madame Carrow,” Miles calls out in the nick of time. “With number 25.”

“Well, at least she never locks her door,” Malin muses aloud.

Aeryn snickers softly.

“WHO’S A GOOD GIRL,” Shay scritch-scritches all along the nape and behind an ear of the Maine Coon, before he continues with the low, whistling tune, occasionally turning around to glance at Matthew.

Lorelei claps and cheers for Adelaide, bouncing in a very bouncy sort of way.

Derek looks over to Obadiah innocently. “No shenanigans,” he advises with a knit of his brows. “Well, beyond what I can’t control,” he adds with a lackadaisical raise of his hand. “The Bombay kitty was my favorite; he was a handsome, refined gentleman.”

“And our next drawing,” Miles reaches into the jar and pulls out another. “Is Buck Ransom, adopting the scrappy alley cat, number thirty-five!” he announces.

Marina shifts her weight between her feet, her platform sandals clacking together where they dangle. “The Bombay cat made me think I was looking at you in cat-shape,” she tells Derek.

Eloa claps for Shiloh as he wins some cat or rather and waves a cat toy at the man. “Want cat toy to take home with?”

“Nice. I figured this tough bastard would be at home with me in my ratty old office.” Buck says with a grin.

Shay uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix curls up into what appears to be an impossible circle of silver tabby fluff, her magnificent tail wrapping around her like a luxurious blanket while her different-colored eyes slowly drift closed.

Eloa claps for Shay the right person as he wins some cat or rather and waves a cat toy at the man. “Want cat toy to take home with?”

Derek shakes his head to Dovie with a slight smile. “None of my three have been claimed as of yet, I don’t think.” he informs her, before he looks over to Marina with a grin. “You think? I could see it.” he muses.

Aeryn is turning her eyes skyward with hope.

Shay flashes a beaming grin to Eloa. “Yes please, Eloa, thank you so much. I’ll grab it after this?”

“Sorry Evalina,” Miles calls out after pulling the next card. “Your first two picks are gone, but you’ll be able to take home number thirty-nine,” he heads towards the cages to fetch the next adopted cat.

Marina nods in confirmation. “Like, spitting image,” she reveals, a bat overhead causing her to squint into the darkness.

Aeryn gasps. “Thirty nine was one of mine,” she begins to look nervous as she speaks.

Malin provides Aeryn’s back with a gentle, reassuring rub.

“A shame – I had my heart quite set on little Diego,” Adelaide says as the scrappy alley cat goes to Buck, but she still cradles her tiny little fluffball of anger close, curled up on the palm of one hand. “I shall head home; business calls, unfortunately.” There’s a nod to Miles. “This was quite excellent. I shall be back later, if there are cats remaining. One cannot have a single cat without a companion.”

Matthew narrows his eyes on Shay, watching every glance made his way. His eyes move around the crowd, locking eyes with a few individuals, shooting off texts. THe Montrose stare sharpens with suspicion, each flick of Shay’z gaze only fueling his agitation.

After pulling the next card, Miles stops to pull out his phone and send a text before announcing. “And as proof to Matthew that this was not, in fact, rigged, the next drawing is Pax, taking home number thirty-eight. That would’ve been my first pull, just saying. I like Shay. I don’t like Shay that much,” he defends his integrity while heading over to collect a kitten, who finds a new home atop his shoulder while he continues the drawing

“And next up is Nemi,” Miles projects out to the assembled gathering. “Who wants unlucky number thirteen to come home with her.”

“No cat is unlucky!” Marina hollers, raising a fist.

Nemi hums softly. “Thirteen is a great number… poor girls just shy!” She states and nods softly.

Nemi uses a nervous white cat: A fluffy white cat fluffs up to twice her already considerable size at the first sign of anything unusual, transforming into what appears to be an indignant white puff pastry.

Obadiah flashes Dovie a winning smile and moves his arm from the crook of her arm to around the small of her back. “Woo Nemi! A nervous cat fits you purrfectly!”

Aeryn begins to wtiddle her thumbs, nervously.

Shay uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix curls up into what appears to be an impossible circle of silver tabby fluff, her magnificent tail wrapping around her like a luxurious blanket while her different-colored eyes slowly drift closed.

Aeryn also begins to twiddle them.

Shay uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix yawns extensively, revealing the impressive capacity of her mouth before settling back into her preferred state of dignified relaxation.

Dovie leans against Obadiah while anxiously looking at certain kittens.

Malin nods to Lorelei.

Nemi carefully takes the cat and smiles softly before she jumps at the yelling next to her, and the cat puffs up from Obadiah. well at least they match…. the cat just IMMEDIATELY boroughs itself in her jacket for warmth as she nods and smiles.

“Stelle’s first choice,” Miles calls out. “Is number thirty-nine…” he wanders over to the cages to see it the cat’s still available.

Aeryn sighs softly.

Malin slips an arm behind Aeryn, resting a hand on the other woman’s far hip.

“Second choice,” Miles announces on recalling thirty-nine’s adoption. “Is twelve…”

As others come to the park, Marina lifts a hand in greeting. “Hey, are you Lupita?” she wonders of Lupita.

Shay eventually places his full attention on the ticket kiosk instead, as more names are being announced, causing him to offer his ‘applause’ by… tap-taping the fluffy side of the Maine Coon in his arm.

Malin blinks a bit over at Preston’s words.

Roused from the threat of sleep by the utterance of her name Stelle holds her hands out gratefully. Soon the calico kitty is nestled in the blonde’s arms, a dip of her head given to Miles. “Lovely euh… event, by the way. Love the towel.”

Obadiah nods to Nemi, “Let me know what you need.”

Preston cocks his head towards Malin. “What?”

It’s very stylish, isn’t it?” Miles agrees to Stelle with a grin after handing off the cat. He heads back to the jars to progress to the next drawing.

“Oh, I am,” Lupita says, slightly thrown off by being addressed by name.”

Dovie tells Lupita. “I think your name was drawn, you may want to tell Miles

“This little fella’s all yours,” Miles tells Lupita, stepping up to hand her a feisty lil orange guy.

Shiloh looks over at Shay with a frown.

When Lupita confirms who she is, Marina points a finger in her direction. “Miles! Miles, this is Lupita, she got a cat earlier!”

Nemi states with a nod as she sees Dovie and Obadiah together, giving Obadiah’s shoulder a slight punch thats more for encouragement.

“Next up is Shiloh, first choice is cat number twenty-nine,” Miles announces, heading over to check for the cat in question.

Lupita cuddles the kitten into her chest, expression showing she’s about half a second from crying. “Oh… I… oh wow,” she mumbles, happy.

Shiloh blinks, grinning brightly at Miles “YES!”

Obadiah glances to Nemi and nods with a smile before going back to his phone and watching the proceedings.

Shiloh hugs the British Shorthair close to his chest, “Jimbo, you’ve found a home.”

Nemi uses a nervous white cat: A fluffy white cat freezes completely at the slightest unexpected sound, her entire body going rigid while her ears swivel frantically to locate the source of disturbance.

Malin leans in and presses a very gentle kiss to Aeryn’s temple. “It’s way past my bedtime. I need to get home, but I hope you can get a cat.”

Shiloh hefts the cat up, grinning nearly ear to ear “Alright, let’s get you home. I’m gonna get a sidecar for you.” He looks over at Dovie, smiling wide “Thanks!”

Shay uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix yawns extensively, revealing the impressive capacity of her mouth before settling back into her preferred state of dignified relaxation.

Matthew keeps his gaze locked on Clickbait in Shay’s arms, extending his hadn as if claiming rightful ownership while regarding the man holding it as nothing more than a stand-in, an imposter. Amid the rigged raffle chaos, cats are being handed out, but one in particular catches his eye. He leans toward Malin, lowering his voice to ra whisper.

“And the next draw is Preston,” Miles declares. “Whose house could still end up smelling like fish.” He heads over to check the cages after flashing a grin at Preston. “With first choice… 17.”

“Do you want me to drive you?” Aeryn asks Malin, returning that kiss to her cheek with one of her own, pressed to Malin’s face with adoration.

“Second choice, twenty-five,” Miles rattles off on finding the first pick missing.

“All my picks are gone,” Preston mentions to Miles. “They’ve been scooped up already.”

Alphonse places a supportive arm over Lupita’s shoulder, smiling brightly.

“Only if you aren’t waiting for a cat,” Malin replies to Aeryn sincerely.

Marina adjusts her glasses with two fingers, venturing in the direction of Matthew. “Matty, lemme see your cat,” she demands of him, holding her arms out for the large cat he was gifted earlier.

Malin nods to Matthew.

“I am entirely hoping for one or several,” Aeryn admits.

“Oh, no,” Miles laments. “All three of Preston’s first choices are missing. Were there any others you liked?” he asks Preston.

Luka whisper to alphonse Found our guy?

Lifting his hand up, Preston glances towards Matthew, and then towards Marina. “Marina, pick a cat for me!”

Malin replies, “I’ll get myself home,” to Aeryn, squeezing lightly at her hip before withdrawing the hand.

Shiloh walks away with his cat of choice, nearly skipping with joy.

Matthew points Marina towards Preston, “Go do that?” he asks quietly, “me and PReston are gonna trade.”

Marina pauses, looking back at Preston for a minute. “The Egyptian Mau,” she suggests to Miles after a moment of considering the tall fellow.

“Wise,” Miles approves of Preston’s decision. “It’s better to have a cat choose you, or chosen for you, than to choose one oneself.”

Preston smiles at Marina, and Miles, cuddling the cat close. “Thank you!”

“Derek is next!” Miles calls out, heading over to the cages to check them for the choices.

Dovie cheers for Derek

“Wait has no one taken the Bengal??” Dovie asks.

“With the pretty Bombay, number thirty-three,” Miles announces, heading over to hand the cat off into Derek’s arms.

“Bengal is still there,” Marina confirms to Dovie.

Derek beams over to Preston at the cat he’s presented with. “A fine kitty cat,” he declares before he looks up to Miles with a grin. “Oh, wonderful!” he chimes happily as he’s presented with the Bombay kitty-cat, which he accepts gingerly.

Derek uses a sleek Bombay cat: A sleek Bombay cat crouches low in a perfect hunting position, his copper eyes locked onto something with laser focus while his black form becomes one with the shadows.

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Malin promises Aeryn before she waves to Matthew and Lorelei, and heads off towards home.

With his new Egyptian Mau, Preston marches over towards Matthew, holding it out towards him. The man is cradling it close, but he’s sort of holding it towards Matthew, in a trade deal.

Matthew appraoches the kiosk with his really cute, and lovable Maine Coone, but it’s no clickbait, I guess the Montrose has a type. “Okay Preston,” he says, “I’ve secured your seventeen and this cat is certainly exceptional.”

“And to Miss Aeryn Montrose,” Miles calls out, just as Aeryn drifts back in. “The Siamese.”

Matthew uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau tests her powerful hindquarters with a graceful leap, her athletic build evident as she effortlessly covers impressive distance.

Matthew uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau flicks her banded tail once in acknowledgment, the gesture somehow conveying both ancient wisdom and modern feline sophistication.

It’s a cat-trade, one of the greatest trade deals in the history of trade deals have just occured. “Thanks, Matthew,” Preston grins at him, holding out his fist for a fistbump.

“Oh, yay!” Aeryn nods, smiling.

Eloa makes her way from underneath the tree to offer Shay a feather on a stick toy.

Preston uses a massive Maine Coon: A massive Maine Coon attempts to groom his shoulder, his enormous tongue making quick work of his thick fur while his amber eyes take on a look of meditative concentration.

“Cats like this are usually fifteen-hundred dollars,” Marina offers to Matthew, “So it’s a fancy cat.”

“Oof,” Miles winces as he pulls out the next card. “Unfortunately for Malin, the one-eyed orange kitten that she named Odin was destined for another,” he declares, though with clear sympathy.

Aeryn says “I’ll get her second pick.“

“His name will be Bagheera, or Bug for short.” Derek informs Dovie with a happy smile as he pets the short-haired black cat, seeming gleeful.

“You got it,” Miles gives Aeryn a thumbs-up.

Matthew tips his head towards Preston, “Hey, at least one of us is walkin’ out with a first choice.” Though what Marina shares does earn an appreciative look. “Oh, this is the perfect cat for Clickbait to play with,” he confirms, like the cat wasn’t already in the arms of some other guy.

Dovie gushes at Derek. “She’s perfect!! We’ll have to get our cats kitty crowns to wear.”

Shay steps closer to Eloa to accept the stick toy, cheeky little grin on display for the latina. “Thank ya kindly, Eloa. I still need to get those notes from you by the way, my ass /forgot/.”

Matthew says “Who got Odin? “

Preston walks away from Matthew now and back towards Evalina, smiling at her. “I’m good to go,” he mentions, “If you wanna get home? Don’t think I should be carrying these around for very long..”

Aeryn says “She says she doesn’t really have a choice, but I would entirely take that scottish fold on her behalf if someone didn’t already.“

Aeryn blinks innocently.

“I have them here!” Eloa waves a sheath of paper at someone although is careful to snatch it back from the cats curious paws.

Lorelei looks a little bored, though more in a hot way than an actually driven mad by the inanity of it all sort of way. Leaning and dissociating empty-headily as she plays with her hair and stares through her phone screen with a thousand yard scroll.

“I have them here!” Eloa waves a sheath of paper at Shay although is careful to snatch it back from the cats curious paws. “You is lucky get cat.” She tells him with a grin as she reaches out to offer some fingers for Shay’s new cat to sniff

Aeryn uses a Siamese cat: A vocal Siamese cat begins grooming his seal-pointed coat but keeps pausing to add important observations about the grooming process, as if providing a live tutorial.

“Odin went to Lupita,” Miles answers Matthew problematically, and at serious risk of adding fuel to the fires of a feline blood feud. “Let me check,” he heads over to look at the cages for the Scottish Fold Aeryn mentioned.

“I have them here!” Eloa waves a sheath of paper at Shay although is careful to snatch it back from the cats curious paws. “You is lucky get cat.” She tells him with a grin as she reaches out to offer some fingers for Shay’s new cat to sniff (repost)

“Percival,” Aeryn decides, nodding at the cat in her arms.

Lorelei says “Donkey Haute.“

“We should order some tuna from Japan for Bug… and my future cat,” Dovie tells Derek, casting an anxious glance towards the cages.

“Thank you,” Aeryn tells Miles, shifting the cats she carries.

“The Fold is so cute,” Miles appears reluctant to hand the feline off to Aeryn, but does all the same. “Tell Malin I feel her pain. Odin was my favorite, too, but a cat herder isn’t supposed to pick and choose.”

Aeryn nods to Miles. “They bonded, he even scratched her,” she explains.

“Dovie! At long last, and literally last,” Miles announces, finally quelling Dovie’s pain as he goes to fetch her cat.

Dovie squeaks in excitement, holding out her hands for the calico kitten!

Dovie uses a curious calico kitten: A curious calico kitten pounces enthusiastically on something invisible, her calico patches blurring together as she demonstrates her developing hunting instincts with maximum adorableness.

Eloa smiles at Marina, “Eloa will also take home cat no one wants I think. Leave in shop be shop cat.”

“Oh, certainly! Only the best for my dear Bug.” Derek declares as he cradles the copper-eyed gentleman cat against his shoulder, supporting him, before he looks to someone’ calico kitten with a grin. “That one’s adorable.” he muses.

Dovie uses a curious calico kitten: A curious calico kitten makes a series of inquisitive chirps and squeaks that sound more like she’s conducting an interview than making typical kitten sounds.

“Oh, certainly! Only the best for my dear Bug.” Derek declares as he cradles the copper-eyed gentleman cat against his shoulder, supporting him, before he looks to Dovie’s calico kitten with a grin. “That one’s adorable.” he muses.

“Thanks so much, I’ll get the papers from you after this, alright? Still busy cuddling this cat, I love her,” Shay buries his nose within the luxurious fur of the Maine Coon, rubbing contentedly. He perks his head back up to smile to Eloa, bringing the cat closer to her for the sniff.

Dovie beams at Derek and Obadiah, all smiles. “What should I call her??”

“All the cards have been drawn. If you’d like to adopt any additional cats to keep yours company, or if you were waiting to take in the ones that need love the most, just let me know. The rest are all still available to go to a loving home,” Miles announces.

As the last card is called, Marina breaks away from where she’s chatting, where Matthew is giving her a look, to beeline for the cats near the sandboxes. She seems to know exactly what cats she’s looking for, because two get scooped up.

“Of course.” Eloa flashes Shay a bright smile.

Nemi nods to Shay. “My Lil gal is all cuddled up in my jacket and won’t move so I’m just comfortably carrying her.”

Matthew stretches to his full height, observing Shay over on those see-saws and then over to Buck, the latter earning a lifted chin. “I’ll call you later, Ransome.”

“Did Dovie not take the Bengal?” Marina wonders.

Matthew uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau tests her powerful hindquarters with a graceful leap, her athletic build evident as she effortlessly covers impressive distance.

Buck nods to Matthew, “Sounds good. My humber is 710-0250. I’ll be up for a bit.”

“I need to nap,” Aeryn stretches, cats in hand. “I’ve been awake too long today. Thank you Miles, and I’ll see you all later.” Matthew gets a wave and a smile, as she makes her way out, steadying a feline on each shoulder.

“Of course,” Miles agrees to Dovie. “I want as many of them as possible to go to a loving home.”

“They’re sooo cute, aren’t they?” Shay scrunches up his nose, looking thoroughly pleased as he remarks towards Nemi with a little bounce to his posture while he’s hugging the Maine Coon in his warmth.

Obadiah swoops in after his cousin and pulls out two, cuddling both as a pair, the black one coming over his shoulder.

Lifting his hand, Miles waves to Aeryn as she prepares to depart. “Thanks for coming, to those who are leaving. I really appreciate all of you coming to give these little guys homes.”

Dovie holds a bunch of cat cages. “Okay!”

Marina takes a glance around, then scoops up a third cat: the oldest, most dignified of the elderly cats. Three cats for the baby Mercer, it seems. “Anyways — Matthew. Reach out, we’ll see what we can do.”

Dovie uses a lean Bengal cat: A lean Bengal cat vocalizes with a series of chirps and trills that sound more like exotic bird calls than traditional cat meows, clearly expressing some complex feline opinion.

Aeryn says “Wait, are all of these able to be adopted?“

Shay uses a fluffy Maine Coon mix: A fluffy Maine Coon mix sits in perfect sphinx position, her impressive tail curled around her side while her heterochromatic gaze holds a serene wisdom that seems almost mystical.

Aeryn says “The ones left now?“

“Yeah,” Miles agrees to Aeryn.

Marina uses a fluffy Siamese kitten: A fluffy Siamese kitten pounces enthusiastically on absolutely nothing, landing in a small puff of cream-colored fur before immediately looking around for her next target.

“Any that are leftover, we’ll take in at the villa and foster until we can find a good spot for them,” Miles explains his intentions for the felines to Aeryn.

Matthew, for the first time, truly studies the Egyptian Mau, gently scrunching the fur behind its ears and at the nape of its neck. “You really are a good cat,” he murmurs softly, voice dropping into a gentle, protective tone. “And you even got the Montrose M. I won’t let them shave youno, I won’t.”

“Ahem,” Miles clears his throat. “Sorry, the manse. Ambrose says it’s a manse, but I always call it the villa de Vasquez.”

Aeryn takes a look around, and then she’s juggling cats, withdrawing a kitten.

Stelle drifts a bit closer to the hopscotch court and, though sleep threatens to take her, she reaches down and claims one last cat for her and her other half.

Evalina says “…I can’t believe nobody took the grey kitten. I don’t have the time to raise a kitten but… It’s one of the cutest“

“I was rather surprised as well; Bengals are quite fancy cats – though they need an attentive owner too. They quite like to play.” Derek recalls with a smile, petting his Bombay casually, before he looks to Dovie as she retrieves the Bengal, a nod given. “An excellent choice.” he adds with a grin.

Matthew uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau stalks something with the methodical precision of a master hunter, each step calculated and silent as she displays textbook predatory technique.

Catless and aloof enough be perhaps taken as catlike herself, Lorelei lifts her nose slightly as if above it all.

Derek uses a sleek Bombay cat: A sleek Bombay cat settles into a comfortable position with fluid motion, his black coat creating beautiful shadows and highlights while his copper eyes maintain their perpetually alert expression.

“Okay, now I’m going before my loft turns into kitty paradise,” Aeryn waves, and then she’s gone.

Marina watches Matthew for a bit, snorting softly. Then she speaks to the little Siamese kitten: “He’s way more in love than he thinks he is,” she suggests, heading towards the street. “I’m going home, My! Gotta introduce the babies to the fishies.”

“If there’s any left, I can pick up one or a couple more of ’em to bring home,” Shay struts on over to the ticket kiosk closer to where Miles is after stating.

Marina says “For a cat?“

Matthew look sup, catching Marina’s words, though he dalays an answer, “Yeah, I’ll text you later.”

Matthew uses a spotted Egyptian Mau: A spotted Egyptian Mau stalks something with the methodical precision of a master hunter, each step calculated and silent as she displays textbook predatory technique.

Obadiah nods to Dovie. “Where first?”

Dovie takes her various cat cages and walks off!

Shay says “Err… “

Matthew is at least appeased with his cat, but Shay still earns a glare, the cat in his arms sent a little clicking call before he turns to leave.

Shiloh says “Do you happen to know of a place that makes cat-sized side cars?“

Obadiah nods to someone and then tells someone and Miles “Love the event! I am still working on family game night at King’s so… Keep that on your radar.”

Obadiah nods to Dovie and then tells someone and Miles “Love the event! I am still working on family game night at King’s so… Keep that on your radar.”

Obadiah nods to Dovie and then tells Miles “Love the event! I am still working on family game night at King’s so… Keep that on your radar.”

Nemi says “I am going home after a quick trip to the store-“

Shiloh says “Then why’d you even butt in?“

“Thanks again for coming, guys,” Miles repeats, heading over to the cages to peer within each. “And sure thing, Shay.” He fetches the kitten in question to hand over. “Hell yeah,” he calls back to Obadiah.

Nemi nods softly to Miles. “This was nice.” she turns to Obadiah and hums. “Should tell me who wins…” She comments and nods.

Shiloh squints, seemingly a bit agitated but he just shakes his head and looks around.

Shiloh grins at Miles “Ey, congrats on the event! Good turn out, I’d say.”

Surprised to find a tortie still lurking in one of the cages, Miles delicately hoists the skittish cat out and gives it a big hug. “Oh, it’s okay, honey,” he soothes the cat, walking over to present the feline to Eloa. “Think you could take care of them?” he asks hopefully.

Shay hoists the two babies separate from one another in his hands, handling their heft with enough ease. “Love ’em already. Gonna have to think up of actual names.”

“Well shit. All that howling means that we all should get the fuck home I think.” Buck notes.

“That one was a cutie.” Derek advises Shay with a little smile to the kitten he selects. “Little rascal.” He stretches out, gingerly inviting his new Bombay companion to his shoulder as the howls pick up, and he holds him a little closer. “…Best be going, I imagine.” he declares.

Nemi says “Yeah I’m not dealing with the wolf pack tonight-“

Shiloh says “Your mood changes so easily asking about a cat side-car sours it?“

Nemi says “Huntings off the menu for tonight.“

“I know, right?” So cute, yo,” Shay beams a grin to Derek in clear agreement. “Yeah, let’s move on for now I suppose.”

“I know, right? So cute, yo,” Shay beams a grin to Derek in clear agreement. “Yeah, let’s move on for now I suppose.” (fix)

Nemi defends with.

Nemi humps, petting her kitty and smiling softly before walking off.

Shiloh looks over to Shay, frowning a bit “Should I get my spear? I don’t want the cats to get hurt.”

Finding the last cat left, Miles reaches in to retrieve the drowsy, fluffy Persian. “Okay, princess, here we go,” he delicately pries and lifts her out of the cage. “Aren’t you sweet. Sleepy girl,” he mutters down to her. “I’m going to start cleaning up. Ambrose or Sofia will probably want this last girl.”

“Oh, do you have the spear on you right now?” Shay inquires Shiloh, gaze drifting over towards Miles. “I mean if Miles is still sticking around to clean up, maybe he wants some company. Would be best if it’s the armed kind of company, I bet.”

Shiloh says “It’s on the side of my bike.“

Shiloh says “Let me go get it.“

Shay says “Might as well.“

“My kitty will be safe at home. I’ll have my concierge fetch me some supplies to care for him.” Derek snuggles his Bombay kitty as he claims the cage he came in. “Let’s go, Bug.” he states to the kitty as he makes his way off.

“I’m pretty sure I could take half the wolves in town with a knife between my teeth and a cat in each arm. Barefoot. In the snow. Naked,” Miles brags to those still present.

“Probably true,” Shay snorts his amusement to Miles. “But Shiloh’s fetching his spear anyway.”

Evalina claps her hand together as Miles claims that, “Oh, you could?” She grins, “I’d just /love/ to see that,” She elbows Preston softly, “Wouldn’t you? It’d be quite a sight…”

“I don’t know if I’m interested in watching Miles figh-” Preston blinks at himself, “Actually, I don’t know, that’d probably be pretty cool to watch, I won’t lie.”

“I don’t know if I’d risk it. I know a bunch of those wolves spar each other constantly. Jenny’s one of their newer ones and she’s a hell of a bastard to fight.” Buck says with a smirk.

Hugging her cat to her chest, Eloa frowns at the howls and glances around at the others. “Surely they won’t attack here right?” She asks uneasily

Shiloh says “Okay, it seems I left my spear at home.“

Evalina giggles, raising the void kitty, narrowly dodging one of its claws, “If they do attack here, Darkness will end it.” She pauses. “Shadow?”

Preston looks towards that void kitty. “Darkness.”

“If they do you just make fun of their manhood to try and bait them into fighting one on one and then you,” Miles starts giving instructions on how to fight werewolves only for the kitten on his shoulder to meow at him. He stops. “Okay, maybe I should clear out. Thanks again for coming by, everybody. Have a good night.”

Shay bobs a knowing nod to Shiloh. “That’s fine. I don’t think they’ll attack, and Miles can take care of himself it sounds like.”

Shiloh waves at Miles “Be safe!”

Shay says “Oh, that’s where they went.“

Dismantling what he can, Miles takes down most of the cages, posters, jars, and other furniture for the event, hauling it out towards his bike on the street. “It’ll probably take me a couple trips, but I can grab my spear after the first one just in cas– oh there they go.”

Eloa waves at Miles, “Thanks for runningthis Miles.”

Eloa says “You might need rescue wolves“

Shiloh says “I’ll owe you a forever debt for giving me Jimbo.“

“Of course,” Miles waves back at Eloa. “Thank all of you for giving these guys homes.”

Buck uses a scrappy alley cat: A scrappy alley cat tests something cautiously with one paw, his patchy coat bristling slightly as he applies the hard-won wisdom that has kept him thriving in tough circumstances.