Another week passed before I could talk more freely with him. Said his name was Pierre.

"Good name for a cat," I commented.

"Thanks... but really, it's more of a disguise..."

Oh, wait. I've heard of this.

"Then... you're a shape-shifter!"

"...Yes."

Somehow he's not too pleased?

"So how was it that you got here?"

Pierre sighed. "Pure luck, I should say. Been wandering the streets since I parted ways with Davin. Never seen him since."

"Davin who?"

"My friend. Took the form of a dog."

Cats and dogs... friends?!

"Well, you might say we are the exception."

"Right... didn't see that coming, though."

"Hey. The way you dress, you're one of those upper-class kids. Right?"

"Say that again..."

"Thanks for saving me."

"We've been through this--Hey!"

He quite suddenly grabbed the ribbons round my neck and pulled them towards him.

"...and this for plunging me into the pond!"

With his other hand he raised a fist as if to hit; but then he seemed to reflect and let me go, leaving me coughing for a couple seconds.

"...I truly apologize for that."

"Tch... no, don't get it wrong! Might be said I don't have a bit of respect. They'd dump me off again."

"I won't let that." As tough as a 12-year-old could manage. "I want you to stay."

He shrugged.

"Oh, and you can get back to rest in that soft big bed now. Won't be needing it anymore, anyway."

"And you'll sleep..."

"There." He pointed down.

"The floor?"

"What's the matter; never seen a cat sleeping, richie boy?"

"It's 'Millicas'. Call me Milli if you like."

"Pierre. Got no nicknames."

"Gah... look, we're going all over again. Will you just stay... please?"

"Well... I'll need to check on Davin, at least. Might be he's looking for me. We're quite close, see."

"Will he come here?"

"That, or I go to him."

"But your fever!"

"Doesn't matter--it's dropped. Gonna take a look around, for now--see ya!"

With that, POOF, he resumed as a black cat.

Never thought I would actually encounter anything supernatural around here, other than the Three Factions...