Whenever there was down time from training I would try and learn more about the estate. The grounds of the estate were so massive I would often get lost between the endless hall and gardens. My mom assigned staff to always escort me so I wouldn't get lost. It wasn’t as fun exploring with someone following behind you. I hated having the estate staff help me.

One day after my lessons instead of going to my room for bed I set off to explore before my escort could arrive. I found myself way to the gardens I had wandered into an area full of shrines. Some of the shrines were to my family's ancestors, some to our gods. It was starting to get dark outside and hard to see. I wasn’t scared of the dark or anything, I just didn’t want to worry everyone too much.

*Meow.* I heard, causing me to jump. I looked around trying to see what made that sound.

*Meow!* It called out again louder than before.

“Whaaa!” I called out as something climbed up my leg then up my back to rest on my shoulder and shoulder blade.

“Meow!” it screamed into my ear. I was frozen with fear.

*Hehe, are you scared?* The feminine voice said.

“N-no!” I replied but in a shaky voice. I couldn’t wrap my head around what was happening.

*You sound scared to me.* Whatever was on my shoulder jumped down and came to sit in front of me. Even though it was dark I could tell it was something small.

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*Don’t you remember me?* The coldness of the question sent shivers down my spine. I was scared to answer incorrectly so I remained silent.

*Cat got your tongue I see.* She said as she stepped forward out of the shadows. I could make out it was a gray cat! Wait when it speaks its mouth doesn’t move.

*Oh so you figured that out already?* it said with a snicker.

“Eh!?!” but I didn’t even say anything. How did she know what I was thinking?

*That’s correct, you are hearing my thoughts well, the ones I want you to hear.* She said into my head. It was common for catkin to be able to talk to cats but to know their thoughts and her being able to hear mine was something else.

*Yes.* She declared with a triumphant meow, her mouth moving for the first time. She then jumped at me like a long lost pet. Catching her instantly I fell backwards onto the grass of the gardens.

*Don’t worry, I am here to protect you. Your mother helped me forge the contract. You are my new master.* She said before rolling around on my chest and then curling up into a purring ball.

“What is your name?” I asked aloud, still not used to talking through thoughts. Opening one eye she spoke into my mind.

*I don’t have a mortal name. You will have to give me one.* Jeez, I don't know anything about them. I just met them and they want me to name them. All I know is they seem to like purring, rolling around and scaring me. A purring roll, Poro?

*I like that name, Poro it is!* Poro agreed.

“Wait! No! That wasn’t a serious suggestion, it sounds like a name a baby would come up with!”

“Yawn!” *Too bad you gave me a mortal name and I already accepted it. The contract is now forged Master.*

“Wait Master? Contract? What are you talking about?” However Poro was already asleep on me and I was too stunned and scared to awaken her.