“Master get back here!” Shadow yelled as she ran after me.
“I refuse! Leave me alone you crazy scary cat lady!” I cried.
I’d just been forced into another bath and wanted to change into my hoodie when Shadow attacked me!
She was currently trying to make me wear a pink dress. I told her I didn’t feel like cosplaying today only for her to take offense.
I ran down the hall half naked with only a towel around my waist. Even though I was originally a guy, I still felt the need to hold my left arm over my chest.
Originally I put the towel around my waist out of habit, but something inside me told me to try and cover my chest.
“Master don't be shy! You'll look so cute in it!” begged shadow.
I turned a corner only to realize it was a dead end. I’ve been living here for so long yet I always forget the layout in times like these.
I clawed at the wall hoping to find some sort of secret entrance. There had to be one! This was a fancy castle after all!
“Scooby-Doo don’t fail me now!” I cried as I rushed to the nearest bookshelf and started to throw books on the floor.
One of these had to be a lever or something! I could only reach books as high as the third shelf.
If I was an adult…. which I am! Then I’d put it at the top where kids couldn’t reach it. I started to stack the books into a makeshift staircase.
Shadow stopped in her tracks then called for me in confusion. “Master, what are you doing?” I looked back to Shadow.
She was giving me that look that said I’d better stop before she got mad and tried to eat me. Ah, no… that last part wasn't Real. Stupid brain.
I looked back to the books that were scattered on the floor. Man someone should really clean this up.
That person would probably end up being Shadow…. Oh. I looked back to the cat girl and sheepishly apologized. “Sorry Shadow. My imagination got the best of me…. again.”
She ignored my apology. “Put it on Master!” She took a threatening step forward holding up the dress.
I took a step back realizing I hit the wall. “Leave me alone you crazy cat lady!” I cried.
I felt like my life was in danger. In a panic I grabbed a book and threw it at her. She ducked and the book flew across the hallway.
“Master! What's gotten into you! We do not throw things inside the castle!” Oh crap! She was actually mad now! I was only digging the hole deeper!
I looked around for anyway to get out of this situation. There was none. Just because I haven’t worn a dress in a while, doesn’t mean I'm gonna do it now.
Now irritated she pointed to the space in front of her. “Get over here right now before I get really mad! You've already made a mess of everything!”
I felt a little guilty about the mess I made and the look on her face told me she was just about done with me.
Am I an idiot? I feel like if I’d just talked to her like a normal person none of this would of happened. She was really scary sometimes.
Not only did I run out of the bath half naked, I also tracked water around the castle and made a mess out of the books.
To top it off I also threw a book at her.….. wait a sec! I stood up straight then rummaged through my menu.
A swipe here, a tap there, and my towel was replaced by a white hoodie and basketball shorts. I was still a little wet but that was okay.
Despite the water, I felt as comfy as can be. Shadow looked at me like I was playing a trick. I smiled at her then started to pick up the books.
“Master, what are you doing now? Didn't I tell you to come here?” She sounded unsure. Almost as if she’d realized she didn’t actually have power over me.
Normally her angry voice was enough to force some part of me to panic, and run around like a chicken with its head cut off. I just needed to calm down and think straight.
Once I focused on what was actually going on, I finally managed to think clearly. The giant hallway started to lose some of its color and became smaller.
Shadow herself started to shrink, her shadowy claws vanishing. She looked human again. Well, as human as a cat girl could be.
It was almost like coming down from an acid trip. I had imagined the whole thing. Shadow had sparked my imagination when her eyes did that slit thing.
It’s been getting harder lately to act my age. Not sure why. Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m pretending to be Aku.
Maybe I’m not pretending and I’m actually just Aku, but don’t realize it because I was Isaac originally. The whole thing was strange. I wasn’t sure where Isaac began and Aku ended.
Shadow was still waiting for an answer so I have her one. “I remembered something.” I grabbed the last two books and slid them into the book shelf.
“I don't care. Just because you cleaned up part of your mess doesn’t get you off. As punishment I think letting me dress you up will be appropriate.” She said that last part while struggling to hide her smile.
At least I knew where her priorities were. I sighed before my anxiety could rise. She’s just a person not a monster.
This whole situation was strange. “No, I'm an adult. I don't need to listen to you.” It was so simple.
I should really try to stand up to her more. My hands still seemed to shake. Standing up to her was like staring down a dragon. I couldn’t even meet her eyes.
Shadow scoffed. “Now you’re an adult? Really?” She crossed her arms. “Alright, fine. We’ll see how that goes.” She had the smuggest look on her face.
Shadow turned around and walked away. Was it really that easy? I was free. I’m such an idiot! Why didn’t I do this before!
I couldn’t help but notice I wasn’t wearing any underwear right now. I was still wet too.
Later that day
I was in the fish tank playing games when I realized it was an hour passed lunch. Strange, Shadow didn't say anything.
My tummy rumbled demanding food. I decided to see what the hold up was. It's not like Shadow to not nag me about lunch.
Usually I’d be playing games and she would keep telling me to come eat. She would say “Pause the game”
I can't pause it! Its an arcade game! There is no pause! She should know that! She plays those games too!
Shadow only says stuff like that because she knows it bothers me. Anyway, downstairs looked pretty empty. Our resident cat girl wasn't here.
The kitchen was cold implying that no one had cooked anything recently. Strange, did something happen?
Party Chat
Aku: Shadow is everything okay?
I paced back and forth waiting for a response. Oh no! What if the toilet mimic got her!
A few days ago I’d gone to the restroom one night, when one of the toilets I was on made a strange noise. Since then it’s been kind of hard to go to the restroom at night.
I just end up holding it till morning. Sometimes I don’t make it. Usually I get away with it by using cleanse on the bed and my clothes.
Right when I was about to grab the mythical rank toilet plunger from the guild armory, shadow responded.
Shadow: Everything is fine. What's the matter?
I was so relieved. I really didn't want to fight a toilet mimic. It would probably throw poop everywhere.
Aku: Where are you? What happened to lunch?
Shadow: What are you talking about Master? You’re the one that said and I quote. “I’m an adult” make your own lunch.
Aku: But, but Shadow! I’m too short to cook stuff!
I felt a pang of fear growing inside me. The need to cry and apologize was raging, but before it could take hold I clamped down and swallowed it.
I get what she was doing, but that was so cruel! Is she really okay with letting me cook my own food? It’s kind of dangerous.
I couldn’t cave now. If I did then I’d never get any kind of independence. Last thing I want was for her to start telling me, what to wear, what to eat, when to sleep.
Actually she already does those things… Well, she did do those things. Not anymore I guess. Still, I can only imagine she’d use this as an excuse to control me.
Oh, what’s that Master? You want to go out to buy fireworks? No I don’t think so. What I say goes because I’m the adult here. You tried it already and came crying back to me when you couldn’t cook for yourself.
She would be so annoying if I let her win. Enforcing all kinds of strict rules. Like no more wearing whatever I want and stricter bed times. I’d only just got that up to ten o’clock.
She was having too much fun with this whole situation. Its really gotten out of hand. I’m starting to think she’s not actually my friend.
For some reason, not having her around made me feel a little lonely, and there was also this fear of having to face the world alone.
The only real good thing out of this was at least she wouldn’t make me sleep with her anymore.
We hadn't shared a bed In almost a week, and I wouldn’t call it a bad experience…. What am I talking about, I’m married! I nearly slammed my head against the wall before a thought entered my head.
But… it’s not really like that… Yeah right! like my wife would understand! I shook my head in hopes of shaking off my dumb thoughts.
On to the current problem. It's not like I wasn’t willing to cook for myself. It's just that it was dangerous, and a bit of a hassle.
I checked party chat again. It looked like she responded.
Party chat
Shadow: Oh, are you saying you don’t want to be an adult anymore?
I thought about just going out to eat, but that also came with its own risks, besides, cooking by myself would totally shut her up.
Aku: Okay, I’ll cook for myself then.
Shadow: Master, your gonna burn the castle down.
It sounded like she was trying a different angle, but I was gonna destroy her, before she had a chance to make me feel bad.
I muted the chat and closed the text window. She thought she could scare me into compliance! Ha!
Well, I wasn’t backing down! I’m American, we don’t negotiate with terrorists! We nuke them until they surrender!
That’s what dad told my mom once on 4th of July when she tried to get him to slow down on the alcohol.
I made my way to the kitchen and started getting the ingredients out. There was lots of meat, so I was gonna cook some chicken breast.
You know I never understood why we had a walk in fridge. In-game nothing ever spoiled and in the new world we had infinite timeless storage.
Well at least we still got an exp boost from having it, so I guess it served a purpose, and to top it off. I’ll make some for Shadow too. She’s gonna freak out when she tastes it.
Maybe she’ll start respecting me and we can take turns cooking. She’ll be so proud. I’m not useless. I can do stuff too.
Looking through the guild armory I found a cheep white plastic chair. It was perfect for standing on.
I grabbed a pan and put it on the stove. I moved the dial and watched as the runes lit up.
A blue flame came to life under the pan. Heading back to the two chicken breasts I'd left on the counter, I got my seasoning ready.
The two breasts were on a plate. I moved the chair into place and got on top. Moving the two over to the chopping board, I used a kitchen knife to cut the meat horizontally. This would make the chicken cook faster.
I then started to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and some paprika. Once seasoned I put the meat back on the plate then got off my chair.
I moved the plate over to the counter near the stove. Then set my chair up in front of the stove. I was still missing something.
“Oh right!” I made my way over to the pantry and looked for some olive oil. Surely enough there it was.
I got up on the chair and was ready to start cooking. The olive oil went on the pan and almost immediately started to sizzle.
I couldn’t help but notice there was a message icon with the number 39 over it. It must have been Shadow.
She’s probably trying to offer me an out. Something stupid like “I’ll forgive you but from now on, you'll have to do whatever I say” I'm not falling for it. She can go fuck a duck. “Quack quack!”
I crossed my arms and puffed out my cheeks. I don't care even if she cries. I won't be her doll forever.
The oil was really starting to jump and I felt a tiny bit of it land on my arm. “ow!” I cried.
Right, I always forget that part. I lifted one of the chicken breasts and lowered it slowly into the pan.
I made sure to let the meat fall in the other direction, so I wouldn't be splashed whit oil. Learned that one the hard way.
I did the same with the other one. Everything was perfect. That was until Shadow showed up.
“Master what are you doing, stop that!” She scared me and I whipped myself around only to slip and fall.
I tried to grab something and ended up with my hand on the edge of the pan. It flipped over with me causing a horrible burning pain over my legs.
“Aaah!” I cried as I hit the floor nearly cracking my skull on the counter. Shadow rushed over.
“Oh my god!” She lifted me up as my legs burned in intense pain.
Oh god, this was so much worse than the time my brother triple dog dared me, to knock over that stupid wasps nest!
Shadow pulled out a potion from her hot bar and made me drink. It was pleasantly sweet. I felt the pain subside as the red skin on my legs started to heal.
The cat girl was in tears. “I can't believe you would do something like this! You stupid, stupid child!” She gave my thigh a hard smack. It was nothing compared to the pain I felt from the oil.
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Was this karma for that guy I hit with the plate of sausages? That made no sense. He totally deserved it.
She carried me to the bath and left me there to wash myself. I didn't say anything since she seemed to be really mad at the moment.
It was better to wait for her to cool down. This was all her fault! If she hadn't scared me none of that would of happened!
Whenever I try to do anything she’s always yelling at me. Even when I’m just doing something simple like going to the bathroom, or trying to reach something on a high shelf.
I hate her. She treats me like I’m useless. Like I’m too stupid to do anything by myself. Granted, I might of done some things that were pretty irresponsible.
Like when I tried to climb out onto the roof because it was a nice and windy day. The breeze felt really good and just having the window open wasn’t enough.
Or like that time I bought that tent and set it up in the fish tank, only to try and use a fire ball to cook s’mores.
I might of burned my hand but now I know fire balls don't work as camp fires. So you know… lesson learned. Knowledge is power and I'm stronger for it.
I wasn’t useless. You didn’t need to yell at me all the time. I know when I mess up. She didn't have to do that.
I’m an adult. It’s not my fault my head has some strange child like entity influencing my thoughts. This sucks! I was doing so well.
Everything was going great until she showed up. It was so frustrating. I still had oil on me and a bit of the seasoning clung to my hoodie.
I could already see her using this as an excuse to make me out to be a helpless child. I dropped those thoughts before they could take hold.
Right now I had something else to worry about. I had oil on my hoodie and shorts. The only reason it didn’t burn, was because my clothes were very baggy, and it never touched my skin.
Even then most of it got on my legs and only splashed a little on my clothes. In hindsight I might of used a little too much oil. Still, I couldn’t keep wearing these clothes.
The thought to just cleanse myself came to mind, but that would probably upset Shadow even more.
She didn’t see cleanse as a viable option when it came to cleaning oneself, or washing ones clothes. I still didn’t understand why.
In her words “That’s not how one washes things! It’s way to gentle to work! There’s no way that little sacred art can strip away filth off of people and fabric alike! That makes no sense Master! Now get in the bath, or I’ll wash you outside in the yard with a brush and a bar of soap! Is that what you want!”
The thought of being washed in such a public place made me want to dig a three block hole, jump inside and cover the opening with dirt. Why would she even suggest that!
I don’t think she was serious. She just wanted me in the bath. After some crying and pleading her threat actually worked.
To be fair that argument had happened every single time I needed to wash myself. She was probably tired of it By then, and went to the most extreme threat she could think of.
Opening my menu I looked up the sacred art cleanse, and after thinking about it. I couldn’t use it. There’s just no way it’ll go well.
She would probably use that as an excuse to say I didn’t know how to take care of myself. Then she would probably start ripping into me again…. Making me feel like garbage.
I sighed and took my clothes off. Then hopped into the large bath. The water felt great. The best part was no one could see the tears.
Later
Shadow was laying on the couch in the fish tank. She looked like she was crying. I wasn't sure on what to do.
Should I try to cheer her up, or should I give her some space? I felt kind of bad. I don't know why, but I did.
Did I actually do something wrong? Maybe muting my chat was a bad idea, I just didn’t want to listen to her anymore.
She always makes me feel useless. Then she smiles, hugs me, and tries to make me feel secure. It’s weird.
It’s almost like she’s destroying my confidence while turning herself into my source of stability. That sounds crazy right?
I’m not crazy. I know Shadow thinks I am but I’m not. Well, I hope I’m not. I’m tired of being so insecure.
Shadow can't be upset whit me. She's the one in the wrong….. then why do I feel so bad? I don't like it when she cries, and I hate being the reason she cries.
Am I the worst, or am I in the right? I don't know. Part of me wants to just leave things as they are, but the other part of me wants to try and cheer her up.
Another part of me wants to eat her soul. It's probably cause I haven't eaten yet…. Yeah that makes sense… right?
I looked to the paintings on the wall, paintings of people and monsters. “Stop looking at me like that! I'm not crazy! Your crazy!” I covered my mouth hoping Shadow hadn't heard me.
She definitely did and it looked like she was chill. No movement no reaction. Just mopey lazy Shadow.
You know… there was also another part of me that wants me to drink bleach…. I'm gonna ignore those last two.
Alice said I shouldn’t listen to intrusive thoughts. Especially if they tell me to hurt people.
I pulled a silver coin out. If it’s heads, I’ll try to cheer her up and resolve things. If it’s tails, I’ll leave it as is and we’ll slowly grow apart.
I tossed the coin up and caught it. Revealing it showed….. Hydra? I looked on the other side and saw a cross. “Eh?”
I scratched my head wondering what to do. I’m an adult, think it through. What would be best?
Whatever strange dependence we have isn’t healthy. It’s just weird. I like Shadow though. She’s really nice to me. Most of the time.
If that went away it would make me sad…. But there was something wrong with this whole situation.
Instead of standing here thinking about it we should talk it out. I just hope she’s reasonable for once.
I also hope my imagination doesn’t go wild and make her out to be a monster again.
How do I approach her? She’s to emotional right now. I don’t think our conversation will be all that productive. Maybe I Should cheer her up first!
That gave me an idea. The idea made me sad. It’s for Shadow. Besides I haven’t cosplayed in a while. Man I really miss being a guy.
Later
I’d only just arrived back at the fish tank. Shadow was still there. She wasn’t crying anymore, instead she just seemed to sulk.
I was wearing the dress she had before, and added some petticoats along with some white tights.
I also had on some pink shoes, and for an extra charm boost I managed to put my hair up into pigtails.
It took a few tries to get them even, but it was well worth it as my charm boost went up by 25%. It was currently sitting at 102%.
I could feel the cuteness radiating off of me, like I was done kind of cutness reactor about to go nuclear. It was almost sickening. Who knew what danger this frilly gear might attract.
It was as if I’d killed a unicorn and bathed in its rainbowy blood. Then grinded its horn into glitter and rubbed it all over.
I mean sure I looked cute, but at the same time I felt like it was way too much. I hope I don't give anyone diabetes.
I knew a guy like that once. He watched one too many cat videos and was diagnosed with type two diabetes.
The fact that the outfit matched my eyes made me really want to rip it off. Somehow the ghost ribbon had actually lowered my charm stat.
I suspected it had something to do with it not fitting in with my pigtails. Sure it could change color to match my outfit, but it would look strange sitting between the pigtails.
In the end I used some pink ribbons I found to tie little bows around the bass of each tail.
Looking in the mirror made me smile, up until I realized I wasn’t seeing a cute kid. I was looking at myself. I felt like such a weirdo.
The need to tear my clothes off only seemed to grow with every passing moment.
Back when I first came to this world the idea of cosplay sounded like fun, but that had been a while ago.
Right now I really just wanted some guy clothes to chill out in. Even my voice had started to get on my nerves.
Sure there was still the occasional joy I felt at seeing Aku in a mirror, but it was now immediately followed by a feeling of disgust when I realized it was actually just me.
I will say that on occasion Akus personality shone through and I ended up wearing a dress, but that was only every once in a while.
I can say that right now that side of my brain is pretty happy. So happy in fact that it wants to twirl the dress around.
I did just that, imagining a wave of mana lashing out from the end of the dress. It felt even more effective thanks to all the petticoats under my skirt.
Most of the time when I felt like dressing up, there was an even stronger feeling of disgust to go along with it.
I sucked it up and stepped forward. Shadow heard me come in, and she immediately turned her head towards the couch, in an attempt to ignore me.
This was gonna be a whole thing wasn’t it. I sighed and walked over. She didn’t budge as I made it to her side.
I cleared my throat and let my inner Aku shine. Excitedly I called to the mopey cat girl “Shadow, Shadow! Look!” She didn’t say a word as I twirled around causing my dress to sway.
Twirling dresses was one of the only pleasures I still felt. It always felt like I was performing a cool attack.
Sadly she didn’t react at all. She hadn’t even seen me. The idea that I wasted precious social energy made me want to tear these clothes off and lay on the floor. I bet that would get her attention.
I puffed my cheeks. Then drooped to my knees beside her. “Shadow please! I wanna show you something! It’s important!” I shook her back and forth to no avail.
Seeing her limp like that reminded me of the time I tried to bring my puppy Lucky back to life, back when I was four.
I felt tears gathering as the pain filled memory flashed before my mind. Almost immediately I sucked it up and continued harassing my cat girl.
“if you don't look I’ll cry, and we’ll both drown! I don't wanna drown Shadow!” She nearly growled at me as her ears twitched. Seeing that she wasn’t actually dead made me feel better.
Why wasn't this working? I was giving her my best material. Maybe if I’m more annoying I can get a reaction out of her.
“Shadow, I’m gonna touch your tail. Say something if you don’t want me to.” I gave her a moment.
I shrugged my shoulders. “She didn’t say nooooo.” I sang. Then reached for her super soft tail. I couldn’t help but smile gleefully at the thought of touching it again.
Before I could reach it though my dreams were cut down when her tail moved away. “Oh… is this a game Shadow? I wanna play!”
I tried again but it was too fast. It was so fun that I started giggling. No matter how fast I was her tail would move out of the way. How could she even see me right now?
I tried one more time, but not only did she move it out of the way, she also knocked me upside the head with it.
I was so shocked that the pain hadn't registered until a moment after. I rubbed my head as tears gathered in the corners of my eyes. She plays really rough.
Maybe I should try something else before she uses her tail to choke me to death.
Reaching into my inventory, I pulled out Snowball. I sat Snowball on Shadow’s arm and made her move to simulate talking.
Using my own mouth I made Snowball noises. “nya nya nya!” Shadow seemed to get more annoyed as she pushed Snowball off of her.
I ignored the harsh treatment of my favorite plushy, not wanting to believe she would miss treat her like that.
“Snowball says you need to get up. She says your being a grumpy pants.” Somehow there was a bit of joy rising inside me. She was always annoying me, so this was payback.
What next though, even Snowball the wise cat couldn’t get her to talk. I looked to Snowball and she gave me a look as if saying “I tried” I gave her a head pat for her hard work.
What else could I do to annoy her, but not get myself smacked again. Her ears look fluffy. I bet there soft!
I started trying to touch her ears. When ever I would touch one. It would flick itself away.
I did that for a bit until they stopped twitching all together and went limp. She was trying to make them seem less fun and it worked.
Maybe I should try something else. Like arts and crafts. Last time we built a replica of the castle out of popsicle sticks!
“Shadow lets draw together! I want to draw you!” I was actually afraid of Shadows drawings, but as long as she wasn't drawing me I was okay with it.
I ran around the room getting some paper and crayons. Once everything was gathered I put everything on the table in front of the couch.
I put Snowball down on the table in a sitting position. “One paper and a blue crayon for Snowball.” I said as I slid a peace of white paper in front of the cat plushy.
Snowballs favorite color was blue, so the blue crayon was fitting for her. She wasn’t actually gonna draw anything. Snowball just likes having the option.
I moved the last peace’s of paper into place. “One for me, and one more for Shadow.” I looked to Shadow. She hadn’t moved.
It made me sad so I made up an excuse. “it’s okay Shadow. You probably have a tummy ache from not eating yet. I’ll get you a snack.”
I ran over to the mini fridge and pulled out a pudding cup. I think Shadow likes chocolate. Then put it on the table with a plastic spoon.
“You can eat it when you like! I’m gonna draw you!” I got on my knees in front of my paper and started to draw Shadow.
Her color palette consisted of black, light brown, and gold. It wasn’t very good, but it kind of looked like her.
“What do you think Snowball” I showed my work to the plush doll on the table. She said it looked nice.
All of a sudden I felt very proud of it. I moved to show it to Shadow. “look shadow!”
She didn’t respond and continued to ignore me. “Shadow…. You don’t like it?” no response.
I tried to shake her again, but it did nothing. Why was she ignoring me? “Sh-Shadow stop it! Say something!” I cried.
I wiped tears from my eyes. I don’t think she realized I was crying. Why won’t she talk to me?
“Come on Shadow! Let's play together! We still haven't beaten Fish’s high score on puck-man.” His score had been on there for over a year.
Maybe if I cuddle with her she’ll be happy again. She loves doing that. I always refuse when she asks. You know since I’m married and all, but I just wanted her to stop being sad.
I tried to crawl onto the couch with her, but she was in a very awkward position and I couldn't find space.
“Shadow I’m sleepy let's sleep together.” I couldn't believe the words coming out of my mouth, but this had gone on long enough.
She didn't move. I was really starting to get worried. What if Shadow really doesn’t like me anymore. More of my tears started to spill.
“Shadow if you don’t say something I’m running away!” I reached for Snowball and hugged her close to my chest. She was the only comfort I had left.
I could no longer tell the difference between my feelings and Aku’s, but I didn’t care.
The cat girl had, had enough and turned around startling me. “What the hfil do you want!” She was also in tears.
I couldn't help but notice she was wearing head phones, which explained why she hadn’t heard my begging and crying from before. They fell out when she turned her head to me.
The head phones were designed for cat-kin. Once they went in they were unable to hear the rest of the world.
It was nice since their hearing was so strong, that they could often hear through walls.
I pushed myself back away from the couch. “You don't have to be so mean.’ I cried.
My charm had finally washed over her, as I could see the hints of a joyful smile on her face.
I might of over done it as Shadow wrapped her arms around me and Snowball, pulling us into a hug.
She rolled around on the couch with us in her arms and kissed my head over and over again, while making happy noises.
She didn't seem mad anymore and seeing her happy was a good thing. This was only the start. We still needed to establish some boundaries.
“Master, I knew you'd come back to me. Adult life is hard isn't it? Don’t worry I’ll keep you safe.” I didn't like where this was going.
“I’m an adult!” I declared.
“Shut up! No you’re not!” She retorted.
I forgot she was a crazy person. I couldn't get out of this hold she had me in. Even Snowball was stuck.
Something was wrong here. Was it my super boosted charm? Oh, crap! What did I do! Is she ever gonna let me go!
I wanted to open my menu and un-equip the outfit, but my right arm was stuck in the hug and my left arm was under me.
My brain was to panicked to do it without the menu! Without focus I couldn’t get it to even open!
In a panicked voice I said “Shadow! I need to use the restroom!”
She smiled and said “Aww, what’s the matter Master? Do you need to go potty? Ask properly now.” She teased.
This again! I hate it when she does that! What the hell did she mean by ask properly. Did she want me to beg or something!
Well, I’m in trouble now. She was so infatuated with my charm that she had essentially been brain washed. “Shadow, I’m an adult!” I reaffirmed.
She chuckled then leaned in close to me. “I don’t want any more kisses Shadow! I’m married!” I cried.
She laughed again then said “I’m not gonna kiss you. I’ll just eat you instead!” She bit down on my shoulder.
“Ah! No please don’t eat me!” I’d heard of people wanting to eat children up because they were cute, but she was serious!
It wouldn’t even be cannibalism since she’s a cat girl. It made so much sense now. Cats eat their owners and she’s always calling me Master!
I started sobbing, as I realized I was going to be torn limb from limb, and it was all my fault! Why did I have to dress like this!
“Oh, sorry. did that hurt? Your such a cry baby. I didn’t even bite you that hard.” She sounded worried, but at the same time annoyed.
“y-y-your not gonna e-eat me.” I had a case of the sniffles and the tears in my eyes kept me from seeing Shadow clearly.
“I’m not gonna eat you Master. I swear your head always comes up with the craziest scenarios.” She kissed my forehead.
I wiggled around trying to get free. “I’m an adult stop treating me like a kid!” I yelled. She sighed in response as if tired of me.
Her hand was very gentle as it stroked my head “Master, what am I supposed to do? You act like a child, you make messes, you break things, you can hardly take care of yourself, and you always look to me for comfort.”
Why was she making sense? In the end I could only respond in a quiet and nervous voice “That's not… I don't mean to… I only come to you because… you make things better.”
“Of course I do. I’m a mom. I’m good at that sort of stuff, but you need to understand that when you act like a child, my response is to treat you like one. If you don’t like it then start being responsible.”
She was cutting deep now. I didn’t know what to say. I was a burden to her as much as she was to me…. But we still enjoyed each other’s company.
“I know I’m a handful sometimes but I just want a little dignity is all!” Was that a lot to ask for.
“Dignity? What about the time you threw a tantrum at that water fountain. Back when I took all that candy away. Candy that you planned to eat in one sitting.” Yeah, I wasn’t proud of that one.
“Okay so I might take my own dignity at times, but you don’t have to add to it.” That was fair right?
“Master the only thing you are telling me, is that you don’t want me to stop you when you act irresponsibly.”
“I don’t want to wear girl clothes all the time.” I gave it my last try. Might as well throw all my cards on the table.
“You’ve been wearing the same shorts and hoodie for the last week, and you don’t even wash your clothes! You just rotate them over and over again! Is it so wrong for me to try and make you wear something clean!”
Wait that’s… how did she turn everything around on me! That’s so strange! This was not going the way I was expecting!
“Besides Master. You look really cute. You cant blame me for wanting to dress you up.” That was… understandable. I too felt the need to do that sometimes.
“Are you still mad at me?” I asked.
She chuckled. “I was never mad at you. I was mad at myself. If I’d just cooked you something you wouldn’t have gotten burned.”
“That wasn’t your fault. It was all an accident. I’m okay.” I smiled up at her hoping my insane charm would smooth things over.
There was now a frown on her face. A look into her past that I didn’t understand. “I remember when I was a kid my mom wouldn't cook for me. I was so hungry I decided to do it myself. I ended up burning my hand. I still have the scar to this day.”
Looking at the strange relationship we had, I asked “Shadow, are we weirdos?”
She nodded “Totally… 100%, especially you Master.” She chuckled. I did too. We laughed for way too long.
Sure our relationship was strange, but it kind of worked. Maybe one day we'll work through our traumas, but for now we were okay.
“You look so cute Master. Please stay like this for the rest of the day.” She patted my head.
“I don't want to!” I whined.
“if you don't I’ll make you eat carrots for lunch.” She gave me her smuggest smile.
“No! They taste like toenails! Let me go already you crazy cat lady! I don’t care how much crap I put you through I want freedom!” She pinched my cheek. “Ow!”
“language Master. Keep acting like a child and I’ll keep treating you like one.”
How do I prove maturity? Maybe if I try to be nice, and reasonable she’ll actually listen to me. “I'm sorry. Can you please let me go Shadow?” Just like that I felt her hug soften.
“Sure thing Master.” She sat up.
Was it really that easy? I just had to stop yelling and demanding things. Was this a trap. This feels like a trap.
I looked at her suspiciously. “if I change clothes will you be upset?”
“You can do whatever you want Master… I wonder what I’m in the mood for? Some grilled fish, maybe a hamburger stake? I could also follow it up with some… cake.”
My eyes perked up at the mention of cake. “Cake sounds great! I could go for some cake!” I couldn’t stop myself from bouncing on the couch in anticipation.
“Yeah, I haven’t made carrot cake in a while.” Her words were so disgusting to me, that I almost gagged.
“Ew! Carrot cake is gross! I hate it! Can’t you make chocolate cake instead?” My voice was whiny again, and I realized I was acting like a child.
“Um… I mean you can do whatever you want Shadow.” It hit me then what she was doing, and I absolutely hated it.
Out of pure frustration tears started to form again in the corners of my eyes. I looked down at my feet in shame.
“Um… Shadow… you know I think I might keep these clothes on for today.” I hated hearing the words coming out of my mouth.
Shadow smiled from ear to ear. “Yeah you know I think chocolate cake would be really good too. I can even add in some fudge.”
My mouth watered. She was controlling me with delicious sweets, but I’d like to think of it as a trade. Wearing these clothes was just a small sacrifice for cake.
On second thought…… the whole thing felt wrong. “Shadow… you’re manipulating me. Is this really a healthy relationship? I don't like it. It makes me feel used.”
Her face fell into a frown. “Yeah I guess it’s a bit toxic….. I see your point… how about this. I’ll cook up some food and bake the chocolate cake, because I like it when you smile, and you can wear those clothes for the day, because you know it'll make me happy.”
That sounded nice. I like it when Shadow is happy. “Okay, but I don't wanna wear so many petticoats. I've got like five of them on, and they’re really annoying.”
“That many!” She touched my skirt feeling how puffy the whole thing was. “Yeah that's four too many.”
a few clicks later and only one was left. It felt way better now. The whole thing still sucked, but it wasn't as bad as before. Besides, I was gonna eat cake tonight.
After that I helped with some of the cooking, and we baked the cake together. I even got to eat the left over fudge right out of the bowl.