Cats of Harbinger

As I concentrated, a faint image flickered in my mind, a sense of unease emanating from a nearby alleyway. I opened my eyes and turned to IM.

"I think I found something," I said, my voice low. "Let's go."

We left the court, making our way towards the alleyway. As we approached, the feeling of unease grew stronger. We turned a corner, and there it was—not a threat, but a strong Harbinger in the form of a cat wearing a black robe.

"Hmm, another masterless Harbinger?" IM remarked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"Are there that many?" I asked.

"Yeah, quite a few, actually. Let me talk to it." IM walked closer to the cat. "Hey there," he greeted it.

"Hmm? What do you want, kid?" the cat replied, its voice not quite matching the movement of its mouth.

"Are you masterless?" IM asked bluntly.

"Yeah, I'm still waiting for my master, whether they haven't been born yet or I just haven't found them," the cat explained.

IM looked at me and shrugged. "Well, Xian, looks like we found another stray."

I knelt down in front of the cat, studying its enigmatic gaze. "What's your name?" I asked gently.

The cat tilted its head, considering the question. "They call me... Kuro," it replied, its voice a soft purr.

"Kuro, huh?" I mused. "That's a fitting name for a shadow cat."

Kuro let out a low growl, a hint of amusement in its eyes. "It's just a name I've been called a lot, since it sounds cool. And it's a Japanese word, meaning 'black', right?"

"I wouldn't know, I'm not really into anime," I replied with a shrug.

The cat sighed, its tail flicking back and forth. "But I had a different name before."

"Have you served a master before?" IM asked, curious.

Kuro nodded. "I used to belong to someone named Rong."

Rong...? That's an absurd name for a kitten, I thought, stifling a laugh.

"Rong?" IM echoed, raising an eyebrow. "That's an unusual name."

"It was my master's name," Kuro explained. "He was a powerful sorcerer, a master of the dark arts. But he was also... cruel. He used me for his own selfish purposes, forcing me to do his bidding, no matter how dangerous or unethical."

A flicker of sadness crossed Kuro's eyes. "I served him for many years, hoping that one day he would change, that he would see me as more than just a tool. But he never did."

"What happened to him?" I asked gently.

"He was killed," Kuro replied, his voice flat. "By another sorcerer, a rival who sought his power. I was freed that day, but I was also... lost. I didn't know what to do with my newfound freedom. I wandered for a long time, searching for a new master, someone who would treat me with kindness and respect."

"Wait, what sorcerer? I've never heard of that," I said to Kuro, genuinely surprised.

"Hmm? That's weird. Your Harbinger is this strong, and you've never heard of other sorcerers? Heh, or maybe you just don't want to know because you're already powerful," Kuro teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, it's not that. I'm just... new to all of this. I'm still learning about the hidden world and all its inhabitants."

Kuro nodded, his tail swishing back and forth. "I understand. It can be a lot to take in at first." He paused, then looked up at me with a hopeful expression. "Sorcerers are rare, probably one in a hundred Unveiled or Seers. The sorcerer who killed my former master was named Ra Jullan."

"Ra Jullan... Blue Blood..." I repeated, the name unfamiliar but intriguing.

"Yep, he was a Seer," Kuro confirmed.

I nodded, pondering Kuro's words. This cat seemed to possess a wealth of knowledge about the hidden world. Perhaps if I took him in, I could learn even more.

"Hey, you're masterless, right?" I asked, cautiously broaching the subject.

"Mhm? Yeah, why?" Kuro replied, tilting his head inquisitively.

"Want to come with us? We're from an Unveiled family. If you join us, you might be able to uncover more information about the past..." I offered, hoping he would accept.

"Hmm? Doesn't your Harbinger have a lot of information?" Kuro countered, his gaze shifting to IM.

"Well, he was born when I was born," I explained.

"Ah... a newborn Harbinger, I see..." Kuro mused, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

"What's your power, kid?" Kuro added, his gaze shifting back to me.

"Imagination Manifestation," I replied, a hint of pride in my voice.

Kuro's eyes widened in surprise. "The Fool God?"

I nodded slowly, still trying to come to terms with the revelation myself. "Apparently," I said, a wry smile tugging at my lips.

Kuro's tail twitched excitedly. "Interesting... very interesting," he purred. "A master with such a powerful ability... and a Harbinger who has evolved into a human. This could be a very beneficial partnership."

He paused, his gaze piercing into mine. "I accept your offer," he declared. "I will join your family, and I will help you in any way I can."

Alright, a new team member... two Harbingers, I guess? But it seems this cat can't evolve since I can only have one evolved Harbinger, right? I thought, confused.

"We should head back to the basketball court, Xian," IM said, breaking my train of thought.

"Uh, Kuro, can people see you?" I asked, turning to the cat.

Kuro nodded. "Yeah, why?"

"Oh, good. Just stay inside my jacket, okay? We'll play some more until the afternoon."

Kuro nodded and followed us from behind, keeping a low profile. The rest of the basketball game was a blur, and soon we were heading back home.

When we arrived, we found Kuro being bathed by my mother.

"Here, if you want to belong here, you need to take a shower!" she said cheerfully, pouring a large bucket of water over him.

"Aghhh! Water! Water! Help!" Kuro yelled, struggling in vain.

IM and I just watched, amused by the scene. Of course, my mother didn't understand what Kuro was saying.

After the rather traumatic bath, Kuro emerged from the bathroom, his fur damp and ruffled. He shook himself off, sending droplets of water flying in all directions.

"That was... unpleasant," he grumbled, his voice still a bit muffled from the water.

"Xian, teach that cat to use the litter box in the bathroom. I don't want him pooping everywhere," my mother instructed.

"Yeah, Mom, don't worry. This cat is smart," I replied, trying to reassure her.

"Ah, also, your father asked earlier if you and IM could go help out at the tea shop," she added.

"What happened to his workers?" I asked, curious.

"A lot of them took time off, so he needs some help running the place," she explained before heading upstairs.

IM and I exchanged glances. It wasn't exactly the thrilling superhero adventure we had envisioned, but helping out my dad at the tea shop seemed like a good way to spend the day.

"Wanna go now?" I asked both of them.

"Me?" Kuro tilted his head in confusion.

"I mean, you wouldn't want to stay here alone, would you?" I asked.

He nodded, "Yeah, sounds fun. I'll just hang out there, though."

With the decision made, IM and I geared up and headed out on our motorcycles. Kuro, true to his word, nestled comfortably in the pocket of my jacket. The sun was already setting, casting a warm glow over the city as we rode towards my dad's tea shop.

The ride was pleasant, the cool evening breeze a welcome relief after the heat of the day. I couldn't help but smile as I felt Kuro's soft fur against my chest. It was strange to think that this seemingly ordinary cat was actually a powerful Harbinger, a being from another realm. But I was grateful for his company, his presence a reminder that I wasn't alone in this extraordinary world.

We arrived at the tea shop, a quaint little establishment nestled in a quiet corner of the city. The warm light spilling from the windows beckoned us inside, promising a cozy atmosphere and a welcome respite from the day's adventures.

As we stepped inside, the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of pastries and cakes. The tea shop was decorated in a traditional Indonesian style, with intricately carved wooden furniture, colorful batik fabrics, and soft, warm lighting. It was a haven of tranquility, a place where one could escape the hustle and bustle of the city and simply enjoy a cup of tea and good company.

My dad, was busy behind the counter, serving customers with a practiced ease. He looked up as we entered, his face lighting up with a warm smile.

"Xian! IM!" he greeted us, his voice filled with genuine affection. "It's good to see you boys. What brings you here?"

"Mom said you needed some help," I explained, gesturing towards the bustling shop.

My dad chuckled, wiping his hands on his apron. "Ah, yes, it's been a bit hectic today. Some of my staff took the day off, and I'm a bit short-handed."

"We're happy to help," IM said, stepping forward. "What can we do?"

My dad beamed. "Wonderful! Well, IM, you can help me behind the counter, taking orders and serving customers. And Xian, you can help clear tables and wash dishes."

I groaned inwardly. Washing dishes was definitely not my idea of a good time. But I knew it was important to help my dad, so I put on a smile and nodded.

< Chapter 145 > Fin.