The moon hung high above, its silvery light filtering through the thin veil of mist that clung to the bamboo surrounding the hot spring. The gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze harmonized with the soft trickle of water spilling over the stones. The small private spring, just outside the sliding doors of their inn room, was nestled into the landscape like a hidden sanctuary. Steam rose in lazy curls, meandering around the edges of the natural pool and giving the setting an dreamy quality.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

In his full cat form, Felix stretched languidly on a smooth rock at the edge of the spring, his sleek, silvery-white fur glowing faintly in the moonlight. The heat from the water and the cool touch of the night air created a perfect balance, lulling him into a state of utter relaxation. His tail flicked lazily, dipping into the warm water occasionally as he listened to the chatter of his humans. 

Sorath leaned back against the edge of the spring, his muscular arms stretched along the edges. His long shaggy dark hair was tied up in a knot, and he wore an easy grin, clearly enjoying himself. “This,” he declared, his voice echoing slightly in the enclosed space, “is what I’m talking about. No dishes, no arguments, just bliss.”

From across the pool, Virgil splashed lazily, his legs kicking up ripples in the water. “And no chores either,” he added with his own mischievous grin, tossing a small pebble at Sorath, which bounced off his chest with a plop into the water. “I could stay here forever.”

“See? Isn’t this better than worrying about training schedules or fighting evil for a night?” Albrecht cooed, leaning his chin on his folded arms resting on the edge of the spring. His bright blonde hair flopped into his eyes, for once loosened from their usual slicked back style, and his typically arrogant demeanor had relaxed, his features softened in the soothing warmth of the water.

“I guess,” Felix murmured, flicking his tail dismissively. His voice had a sleepy lilt to it, though the tip of his ears twitched in agreement.

Virgil swam over in probably what he thought was a sneaky manner, a wet hand reaching out to flick water droplets at the medium sized silvery white cat. “You’re way too uptight, Felix. Look at you—you’ve turned into a fluffy puddle of stress. This is why I keep telling you to chill more.”

Felix cracked one ruby eye open to regard his annoying human. “Sure, Virgil. If only your idea of chilling wasn’t sending others into stressful knots with your antics.”

Virgil laughed brightly, sending ripples across the surface of the pool. “Hey, I was entertaining everyone. There’s a difference.” He splashed some water in Felix’s direction, the droplets gleaming like liquid silver in the moonlight.

Felix hissed softly, leaping nimbly to another rock to avoid the spray. His white fur puffed out slightly, making him appear like an annoyed cloud. “Stop that. Or I’ll land on your head next time and we’ll see if you won’t go bald prematurely.”

“Gasp! Felix! You wound me!”

Thel, seated against a backdrop of a thick cluster of bamboo, quirked his lips up slightly in a manner that was either amused or condescending. But then again that was the norm for the youngest of Felix’s human pets. He was resting with his arms crossed, his eyes closed but clearly still engaged in the conversation. “Don’t waste your energy on him, Felix. You’ll only encourage him.”

“Oh, come on, Thel,” Virgil retorted. “You’ve to admit that without me to liven things up it’ll be so boring.”

Thel opened one sharp, carnelian eye, his smirk taking on a mean little twist. “Hardly.”

“Enough bickering,” Albrecht demanded from the far end of the pool. “Anyone up for some wine?”

At some point, he had brought over a tray with a porcelain wine jar and small cups, which now sat on a flat rock within arm’s reach. Carefully, he poured a refreshingly chilly cup of plum wine and held it out to Felix with a flourish. “Here, dearest. Try some of their plum wine. I heard it’s quite tasty.”

Felix turned his head lazily, blinking at the offered wine. He transformed briefly, his form shimmering until he appeared as a young man with silvery-white hair, pointed ears, and that large fluffy tail. Taking the cup, he muttered, “Thanks, Albrecht,” before sipping the wine, his shoulders visibly relaxing. “I needed this. No more wilderness simulations, no more survival drills. Hah~”

Albrecht sat perched on the carved stone at the edge of the water next to Felix, a towel neatly folded over his lap. His attentiveness hadn’t entirely dissipated, even in this relaxed setting. In fact, Felix felt as if the attention of all his humans were even more unnervingly focused on him than usual. 

Thel’s gaze always settled on him when not closed in meditation. Sorath and Virgil would also glance over under wet lashes too often to be casual. And Albrecht was even clingier than usual. Case in point—

Albrecht glanced at Felix’s damp fur critically. “You’ll need a proper grooming session after this,” he said, looking like he was already mentally cataloging the brushes and oils required.

Felix groaned. “I’m fine, Albrecht. I don’t need a full spa treatment every time I get wet.”

“That’s debatable,” Albrecht replied primly.

Sorath chuckled. “Leave him be, Al. He’s finally unwinding, and you want to ruin it by brandishing a comb?”

Thel, sitting upright with perfect posture in his own submerged stone seat, sipped his wine with deliberate refinement. He glanced at Virgil, who had taken to floating on his back, arms stretched out like he was drifting in a lazy river. “If you keep guzzling water and lounging like that, you’ll look like a bloated corpse.”

Virgil’s eyes sparkled, “How did you know I was trying to do an impression of a drowned man!”

Felix choked on the sudden laughter. He looked up to meet Virgil’s bright twinkling eyes, a playful smile splitting the other’s face.

Sorath and Albrecht rolled their eyes in long-suffering exasperation. Thel only snorted.

It was a testament to the hot springs’ relaxing effects that no one picked at the opening Virgil gave and launched into a new volley of insults and banter. Instead, conversation lulled into a comfortable silence as the group settled further into the hot spring. The water lapped gently against the edges, the soothing heat seeping into their muscles and calming their minds.

Felix stretched languidly on his rock, his fur damp but drying quickly in the warmth. His ruby eyes drifted shut, and for the first time in what felt like days, his mind was at ease. Work and training still weighed heavily on him, but for now, he allowed himself to let go.

Thel poured a ladle of warm water over his shoulder, the sound breaking the silence softly. “This place has its charms,” he admitted.

“Not bad for a discount booking,” Albrecht added with a hint of pride.

“Still doesn’t explain why it was so cheap,” Sorath said, casually paranoid like a good heir of an affluent family. “I get the feeling there’s more to this place than meets the eye.”

Felix’s ears twitched at Sorath’s comment, and a faint unease crept into his otherwise relaxed posture. He couldn’t quite place it, but something about Misty Springs didn’t sit right with him. He sniffed the air absentmindedly, catching a faint metallic tang that made his nose twitch and ears flatten against his head.

Virgil noticed his subtle change in demeanor and splashed him again lightly. “Hey, don’t start brooding already. This is supposed to be a getaway, remember?”

Felix batted at the water with his paw. “I’m not brooding,” he muttered, though his tone was distracted.

Sorath reached over and gently scratched behind Felix’s ears in apology, eliciting a reluctant purr. “Virgil’s right. Just enjoy the moment. I’m probably just being paranoid.”

The group lingered in the spring for a while longer, the tranquil atmosphere working its magic. Eventually, the chill of the night air began to creep in, prompting Thel to stand and drape a towel over his shoulders.

“We should head back inside,” he announced. “Dinner will be served soon, and I’d prefer to eat without worrying about catching a cold.”

The others reluctantly followed his lead, stepping out of the water and drying off with the soft towels provided by the inn. Felix transformed back into his human form, his damp silvery-white hair cascading over his shoulders.

As they made their way back inside, Felix cast one last glance at the moonlit spring. The faint unease lingered, but he shook it off. For now, he chose to focus on the warmth of his humans’ presence and the promise of a hearty meal waiting for them inside.

*

Like the rest of the place, the dining hall of Misty Springs Inn was a cozy haven of rustic charm. Exposed wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and walls adorned with faded landscape paintings added a touch of homeliness. Tables were arranged with simple linen cloths, and the warm glow of hanging lanterns cast soft shadows across the room. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs, inspiring an increased appetite in all who entered.

Felix and his humans made their way to a table near the center of the room, where a small vase of daisies provided a cheerful touch. The group settled into their chairs, the remnants of steam still rising from their skin after their soak in the hot spring.

Virgil stretched his arms over his head with a contented sigh. “Man, if the food is half as good as that soak, I’m gonna roll out of here.”

Sorath smiled contently, scanning the room as a server approached with glasses of water. “This is my kind of ambiance. Nothing worse than posh pretentiousness when trying to eat.”

Albrecht arched an eyebrow, clearly disagreeing, but he replied diplomatically. “Both fancy restaurants and simple family-owned diners like this one have their merits. I’m confident the meal will be satisfactory.”

Thel, seated with his back perfectly straight, glanced at the handwritten menu provided. “Rustic and straightforward. Looks like there will be a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.”

Felix only leaned his chin on one hand. He was quieter than usual, still basking in the relaxation of the hot spring. His silvery tresses, slightly damp, framed his face as he glanced over the menu. “Everything sounds good. Let’s order something to eat and turn in early tonight.”

As they waited for their food, the murmur of conversation from other tables filled the air. Felix’s head tilted slightly as snippets of nearby discussions reached him.

“How many has it been so far,” an older man whispered to his companion at a corner table. His voice was low but tinged with fear. “Just vanished without a trace. No footprints, nothing.”

“It’s the forest,” another man muttered, shaking his head. “They say something’s not right there. I warned them not to wander too far, but these kids don’t listen…”

Felix glanced toward the source of the voices but said nothing. He caught Virgil’s curious expression as the young man leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

“What’s all that about?” Virgil whispered, nodding toward the nearby tables.

Albrecht shrugged carelessly, swirling his water in its glass. “Sounds like local superstitions. Small towns always have their ghost stories.”

“Disappearances don’t sound like a ghost story to me,” Thel interjected, his brow furrowing slightly. “It might be worth keeping an eye out just so we don’t get taken off guard.”

Felix nodded his head slowly. It might just be rumors in the end, but it didn’t hurt to exercise caution. Especially when he couldn’t shake the faint unease that crept into his mind.

Their attention shifted when the doors to the dining hall opened, drawing a few greetings and cheerful calls from the other guests.

A slight, well-dressed man entered, his presence friendly and approachable. He wore a plaid coat over a casual shirt and slacks, and his warm smile instantly lit up the room. His tawny hair was neatly combed, and his kind brown eyes scanned the hall as if greeting each person individually.

“Dr. Hart!” an old woman near the entrance exclaimed, her face brightening. “Good to see you!”

The man chuckled softly, waving a hand. “Good evening, Mrs. Bailey. How’s your knee feeling?”

“Much better, thanks to you,” she replied, her gratitude palpable.

The dining hall seemed to shift as more guests and locals greeted him warmly. He moved slowly from table to table, exchanging pleasantries and checking on the well-being of others.

Sorath, observing the scene, leaned closer to Felix. “Quite the popular figure,” he remarked, his voice laced with curiosity. “Local hero, it seems.”

“Elias!” A chiding call from the proprietress who had welcomed them earlier could be heard from across the room. 

“Sorry, mom, got held up back at the clinic.”

Felix found his gaze lingering on the man, now known as Dr. Elias Hart, the local village doctor and son of the innkeepers of Misty Springs Inn. There was something about him—a subtle aura Felix couldn’t place. His senses, sharper than his humans’, picked up on a faint metallic scent emanating from the doctor. It wasn’t overpowering, but it clung to the air around him, distinct and unsettling.

Felix’s brow furrowed as he tried to pinpoint the source of his unease. The metallic tang reminded him of blood, though it wasn’t quite the same. It was just a bit off with a hint of a sugary sweetness.

“Felix?” Thel’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Something wrong?” Intense dark eyes watched Felix with an unwavering gaze.

Felix blinked, shaking his head quickly. “No, it’s nothing. Just spaced out for a second.”

Thel’s sharp gaze flicked toward the good doctor before returning to Felix. “You’re tense,” he observed. “If something’s bothering you, we should discuss it.”

“It’s fine,” Felix said, offering a small smile. “Let’s just eat and enjoy our stay.”

Their food arrived shortly after, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Virgil and Sorath debated whether they could convince the cook to share the recipe for the roasted garlic bread, while Albrecht marveled at the perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables.

Yet Felix couldn’t shake the odd feeling Elias Hart had left behind. Even as the doctor exited the hall, bidding everyone goodnight, the sweet metallic scent seemed to linger. Felix kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to alarm his humans, but the strange whispers of the locals and the unsettling presence of the doctor weighed heavily on his mind.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

As the group finished their meal and made their way back to their room, Felix couldn’t help but survey his surroundings closer, his instincts tingling. Something wasn’t right, but he pushed the thought aside for the moment. He was supposed to be on vacation. Felix only hoped he wouldn’t be that unlucky.

AN: Felix: Is a nice relaxing vacation too much to ask?!

Author: Yep. U.U I too enjoy slice-of-life but sometimes a bit of trouble is needed to keep things interesting 😆

As Felix exited the Combat Division training facility, the weight of the week lifted slightly from his shoulders. He was met by Ella and James, his newfound friends over the past week of grueling training together. Ella, always bubbly, clasped her hands behind her back, bouncing slightly on her feet. Jameson Garnetsby, who goes by James, was a freckly young man with red-orange hair and warm hazel eyes. He adjusted the strap of his gym bag over his slightly plump frame. Unlike Felix and the others James had gone to an Ivory Sanctuary at a satellite city of Mzia Capital.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“So, hot springs this weekend, huh?” Ella said, pouting slightly. “I’m so jealous! That sounds amazing. Meanwhile, I’m stuck visiting several pairs of parents with my pets. I dread the weekend of schmoozing.”

“Better you than me,” James teased, smirking. “I’m holing up with my guys and marathoning every game I haven’t touched since training started.”

Felix laughed, waving off their complaints. “I’ll let you know if the Misty Springs Inn is any good. Maybe next time we can all go together.”

Ella beamed. “It’s a deal! Don’t forget to take pictures.”

“Yeah, don’t get too comfortable,” James joked. “You’ll make the rest of us feel bad for not living it up.”

Before Felix could reply, a low rumble of a motorcycle approached. Sorath pulled up, his piercingly pale gaze hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses.

Ella and James exchanged wide-eyed looks. “He’s picking you up on that?” James asked.

Felix sighed. “Yeah. Pray for me.”

After saying goodbye, Felix climbed onto the back of the bike, wrapping his arms around Sorath’s waist.

Sorath wasted no time revving the engine of his sleek black motorcycle, the low growl vibrating through Felix’s chest as he clung tightly to Sorath. The silvery-haired Regal One wasn’t sure what was scarier—the sheer speed they were traveling at or the almost gleeful way Sorath zigzagged through traffic like it was an obstacle course. The city blurred into streaks of light and color as the motorcycle weaved through traffic with precision that bordered on recklessness.

“Do you always drive like this?” Felix shouted over the roar of the engine.

Sorath barked out a laugh, sharp and guttural, almost like a wolf dog’s. “Where’s the fun in playing it safe?”

The bike surged forward, weaving through a tight gap between two trucks. Felix yelped, tightening his grip around Sorath’s midriff until his knuckles turned white. “You’re going to get us killed!”

“Not a chance,” Sorath replied, his voice cocky. “I’ve got reflexes like a—”

Before he could finish, they sped past a flashy red sports car that was aggressively changing lanes. Without missing a beat, Sorath cut the car off with a deft swerve, forcing it to hit the brakes with a screech. The motorcycle darted ahead, and Sorath threw his head back in another loud, dog-like laugh.

Behind them, the sports car skidded to a halt at the side of the road, and its driver—an obviously spoiled human with perfectly styled hair as red as his car—poked his head out of the window, screaming obscenities. “You stupid fuck! You think you own the road?”

Felix, flustered and embarrassed, glanced over his shoulder at the irate driver. “Can you not antagonize people?” he snapped.

Sorath shrugged. “What? He had it coming. Guy drives like he’s in a fashion show.”

Felix had had enough. Releasing one arm from Sorath’s waist, he pinched his side—a sharp jab right into Sorath’s well-defined abs.

“Oi!” Sorath flinched slightly but kept control of the bike. “What was that for?”

“Slow down!” Felix shouted. “And stop cutting people off! I’d like to get home in one piece.”

Sorath grumbled something under his breath but eased up on the throttle, the motorcycle settling into a steadier pace. Felix let out a relieved sigh, though his grip on Sorath didn’t loosen.

“You know,” Sorath said after a moment, his voice still tinged with amusement, “you’re a lot meaner than you look. Guess I shouldn’t be surprised, though. The cute ones always have a bite to them.”

Felix didn’t dignify that with a response, choosing instead to focus on not having a heart attack before they reached their destination.

When they finally pulled up in front of Sphinx Tower, Felix stumbled off the bike with shaky legs and wild, disheveled hair. He shot Sorath a glare as he tried to compose himself.

“Next time,” Felix said, brushing strands of hair out of his face, “I’m taking the bus.”

Sorath blew him a kiss, taking off his shades and tucking it into the dip of his shirt collar. “Suit yourself, but you’ll miss out on all the fun.”

“Fun?” Felix muttered, shaking his head. “More like a near-death experience.”

As they walked toward the large, imposing vehicle with sweeping lines, prominent tailfins and chrome accents—Albrecht’s car of course—where the others were waiting, Albrecht immediately rushed over, his bright green eyes narrowing at Sorath. “This is precisely why I said you shouldn’t pick him up. Look at him! My dear’s a disheveled wreck!”

“I’m fine,” Felix muttered, still trying to smooth his hair down.

Sorath shrugged, throwing the keys and catching them deftly with one hand. “If anything did happen, Felix would be able to save the both of us.”

Felix puffed up in indignation before Albrecht could, jabbing his finger into Sorath’s admittedly shapely chest. “That’s no excuse for driving like you have a death wish! In fact, you can’t drive like that with or without me there as a safety net!”

He then climbed into the car, leaving Sorath rubbing his chest in bemusement and the rest of the pets who witnessed Felix giving him a dressing down to snicker with various degrees of amusement.

The car cruised down the highway, the chatter of Felix’s humans filling the air. Thel was in the driver’s seat, his posture impeccable as always, hands gripping the wheel at the perfect ten-and-two position. His crisp white shirt, recently ironed, seemed almost to reflect sunlight into the cabin. Beside him, Albrecht was animatedly gesturing with his phone, his excitement evident as he rattled off details about various discounts and promo codes.

Felix sat in the backseat, sandwiched between Sorath and Virgil. Virgil was sprawled lazily, flipping through his phone and half-listening, while Sorath leaned his elbow against the window, his usual devil-may-care smirk plastered on his face.

Felix blinked at the screen being shown at him. “Wait, you use coupons now?”

“Yes,” Albrecht said proudly. “Thel introduced me to this app, and it’s revolutionized how I approach spending. Why pay full price when you don’t have to?”

Felix raised an eyebrow, still puzzled by Albrecht’s newfound thriftiness.

“Efficient living is never a bad thing,” Thel said from the driver’s seat. “And if it stops him from hemorrhaging money on unnecessary extravagances, all the better.”

“I mean, just look at this deal!” Albrecht exclaimed, holding his phone up for Thel to see. “Half off on premium grooming products if you buy in bulk. And this one—two-for-one afternoon tea sets at that swanky café we passed last week. Can you believe the savings?”

Thel glanced at the screen during a red light and nodded approvingly. “Impressive. I had no idea you’d taken to the art of frugality so quickly, Albrecht. It’s refreshing.”

Sorath snorted from Felix’s left. “I don’t know what’s scarier—Albrecht as a coupon collector or Thel actually actively encouraging it.”

Albrecht turned in his seat, giving Sorath an affronted look. “Shows what you know. This is a skill, Goodwine. Do you have any idea how many subpar deals I had to sift through to find these gems? It’s practically a full-time job!”

“Sounds exhausting,” Virgil muttered, not looking up from his phone. “Why bother when you could just… I don’t know, not care?”

Felix stifled a laugh, amused by the exchange. “Come on, Virgil. Don’t you think it’s kind of endearing? Albrecht and Thel bonding over deals?”

“Bonding?” Sorath said with a lazy smirk. “More like nerding out. Next thing you know, they’ll be trading coupons like collectibles.”

Thel, unfazed, arched an eyebrow in the rearview mirror. “Mock all you like, but you’ll appreciate it when we save on that outrageously expensive whiskey you insist on drinking.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Albrecht said suddenly, scrolling through his phone with renewed vigor. “I think I just found a flash sale on bath oils—hot springs-themed bath oils! Perfect for this trip!”

“Tell me you’re joking,” Sorath groaned.

“I never joke when it comes to quality,” Albrecht replied primly, his nose slightly in the air.

Virgil leaned over to Felix, stage-whispering, “We’ve lost him. He’s officially been consumed by the coupon void.”

Felix laughed, shaking his head. “At least they’re having fun. You two could try being a little more supportive.”

Both Sorath and Virgil raised skeptical eyebrows, their expressions clearly saying “I’ll pass.”

By now, Thel and Albrecht were deep in discussion about the pros and cons of different coupon apps, their enthusiasm contagious enough that even Felix found himself mildly intrigued.

“So,” Felix asked, leaning forward slightly, “what’s the best deal you’ve ever found?”

“Oh, that’s easy,” Albrecht said, turning to Felix with a triumphant grin. “This trip. I got our reservations for the Misty Springs Inn at half price with free meals included!”

Felix blinked. “Really? That’s actually pretty impressive.”

“See?” Albrecht said, shooting Sorath a smug look. “Even our dearest appreciate my efforts.”

Sorath rolled his eyes, but there was a faint smile on his lips. “Fine. You get one point for that. But don’t think it means I want to hear more about bath oils.”

Thel and Albrecht ignored the two ignoramuses behind them and continued their discussion, occasionally breaking into laughter over particularly absurd discounts they’d come across, while Felix alternated between amusement and mild confusion at how much joy they seemed to derive from their newfound hobby.

Eventually bored with the coupon talk, Virgil pulled up a vlog on his phone about Misty Springs Village. He propped it on the dashboard for everyone to watch.

The video featured a cheerful influencer walking through the scenic village surrounded by steaming hot springs of various sizes. “Misty Springs Village is one of the most popular destinations in the region,” the influencer said. “With natural hot springs scattered throughout the area, it’s perfect for recharging or just relaxing with family and friends.”

The video transitioned to shots of Misty Springs Inn, a rustic yet large and homey establishment nestled at the heart of the village. The influencer pointed out the private hot springs for each room and the larger communal springs divided by gender.

“Looks fancy,” Virgil said, scrolling through more posts. “This place is all over social media. We’re lucky to get a reservation.”

Felix glanced at Albrecht, who was still scrolling through his app. “You got all of this with a promo code?”

Albrecht smiled smugly. “Of course. I don’t settle for anything less than perfection, even at a discount.”

The car rolled into Misty Springs Village just as the setting sun bathed the quaint scenery in a dusky golden glow. Felix leaned against the window as he took in the sight of the charming little village. Steam wafted up from natural hot springs scattered throughout, creating an ethereal haze that gave the town its name.

Through the rolled down windows the faint scent of sulfur, mingled with the crisp freshness of mountain air blew in. The streets were lined with charming shops and restaurants, all decorated in a quaint, rustic style that added to the village’s charm. Most of the buildings were also crafted from weathered wood and stone, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

“Wow,” Virgil said from the backseat, sounding impressed for once. “It’s like stepping into a postcard.”

Sorath inhaled, stretching as he climbed out of the car. “Smells like wet rocks and sulfur, though.”

“That’s the springs,” Albrecht corrected, adjusting his scarf despite the warm air. “You’re supposed to find it charming.”

“Charming’s one word for it,” Sorath commented with a raised brow.

The group made their way to the unmistakable Misty Springs Inn. The building was a sprawling yet rustic structure, its wooden beams and sloping roofs giving it the appearance of a grand mountain lodge. Lanterns hung along the entrance, their soft glow inviting guests to step inside. 

As they approached, Felix noticed the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the inn. Tomato vines climbed the wooden fences, and a working well stood nearby. A large sign above the double doors read Misty Springs Inn – A Family Tradition.

“This is it,” Albrecht said, his voice tinged with excitement. “Isn’t it lovely?”

The lobby was equally inviting, with polished wooden floors, a stone fireplace crackling in the corner, and plush seating scattered throughout. The air smelled faintly of lavender and cedar, and a friendly old woman approached them with a warm smile.

“Welcome to Misty Springs Inn! You must be Mr. Fitzgerald’s party,” she said, her tone welcoming.

Albrecht stepped forward, straightening his scarf. “Indeed. The reservation for a large room with a private hot spring.”

The proprietress nodded, handing him a set of keys. “Everything is ready for your stay. Meals are served in the dining hall at noon and seven in the evening, and if you’d like for your meals to be brought up, just let us know. Your room is on the second floor, with a stunning view of the main spring.”

As they made their way to their room, Felix felt the tension of the week begin to melt away. For the first time in days, he allowed himself to relax. “This place might actually be worth the hype,” he said, his voice tinged with relief.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“Just wait until you see the hot springs,” Albrecht said with enthusiasm. “You’ll be thanking me for this getaway.”

Felix shook his head with a smile. Despite the chaos and bickering that usually surrounded his humans, he had to admit—this trip was off to a good start.

The sky outside the Combat Division headquarters was painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun set. Felix trudged down the street, his body aching from the day’s demands (having gone through another simulated mission this time in an urban setting under the demands of their taskmaster Sergeant Flintstone.)

His mind replayed the day’s events—the Corrupted’s disturbing appearance, the sting of embarrassment from his secret weakness getting out, the ease and savagery with which Jax dealt that killing blow. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was out of his depth, relying too much on luck and ingrained instinct.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

When he finally reached his apartment building, the thought of a slice of pizza and sleep was the only thing keeping him moving. But as he approached his door, he heard the unmistakable sounds of an argument inside.

“Just one quiet evening,” he muttered, steeling himself before stepping in.

Even after the hot shower back at headquarters, every muscle in his body screamed for rest after the day’s grueling training. His silvery-white hair was still slightly damp from the shower, and he hadn’t bothered to fix his clothes after haphazardly throwing them on. All he wanted was a quiet evening to recharge, but the scene that greeted him was anything but peaceful.

Virgil was sprawled on the couch, throwing peanuts into the air and catching them with his mouth. Occasionally, one would bounce off his face or the couch, adding to the growing mess of snack debris surrounding him. “When’s Felix getting home?” he whined, his voice a mix of boredom and dramatic petulance. “I’m dying here. Someone text him. Is he almost home?”

Sorath, standing at the sink with his sleeves rolled up, was scrubbing a seemingly endless pile of dirty dishes. His jaw clenched tighter with every peanut Virgil dropped on the floor. “Maybe if you spent half as much time cleaning up after yourself as you do whining, this place wouldn’t look like a trash heap.”

“Relax, Mister Mzia,” Virgil drawled, not bothering to look away from his peanut toss. “I’ll clean it up later.”

That set off the fiery tempered motorcycle enthusiast.

Sorath slammed a plate onto the drying rack so hard it clattered dangerously. He whirled around, water dripping from his hands, his stormy blue-grey eyes blazing. “Later? Later?! That’s what you said all the previous times! It’s been so many times I’ve lost count! Are you a sloth or just a slob?”

Virgil yawned, barely looking up. “I’m busy conducting valuable snack research. Felix needs to know what’s worth eating.” He caught another peanut and crunched loudly. “I’m contributing in my own way.”

Sorath’s sudsy hands slapped onto the marble counter with an audible smack as if it was a certain someone’s face. “Snack research? Are you serious right now? You’ve done nothing but lounge around all day while I’ve been cleaning up your mess!”

“Okay, now you’re exaggerating, don’t think I don’t know you’re just taking your frustrations out on me—”

“That’s it!” Sorath shouted, his voice rising. “I’m done cleaning up after you! Even an infant makes less of a mess than you! You’re impossible to live with!”

Felix stood frozen in the doorway, watching this domestic spat playing out in front of him. None of them seemed to have noticed his arrival back home, too distracted with the shouting.

“As if you’re any better! Don’t act like a saint when I know you’ve been drinking from that secret stash of yours just this morning!” Virgil countered, jumping up and pointing at Sorath accusingly.

“Like you’re one to talk, at least I know when to stop before turning into a wretched drunkard that pukes all over the place!”

Felix pressed his lips into a tight thin line. Just what did his pets get up to while he was at work? There would be a serious discussion on this later. “Uh, guys? Can we not do this?”

But the bickering continued. And it seemed to only be getting worse, with Thel suddenly deciding to join in as well.

The tall young man’s raven curls were as usual, meticulously combed and parted to the side, managing to remain neat even now after an entire day. He had been silently ironing his crisp white shirts at the dining table the whole time, but only chose now to chime in with his usual cutting tone. “You really shouldn’t expect much, Goodwine. St. Lilith’s contribution to this household begins and ends with his ability to turn oxygen into carbon dioxide.”

Virgil was now jabbing his accusing finger at Thel’s direction with an offended expression. “Huh, then I guess sarcasm must be what you bring.”

“Better sarcasm than laziness,” Thel retorted, folding a perfectly ironed shirt just so to add to the finished pile next to him. “Perhaps Felix might consider sending you back. You will be sorely unmissed.”

“You’re just mad because I’m not some uptight neat freak,” Virgil shot back, gesturing at Thel’s shirts. “What’s with all the ironing, anyway? You going to a funeral or something?”

“It’s called not looking like an abandoned vagabond,” Thel snapped. “Did you not learn anything in school? It’s no wonder you’re 22 and still unchosen until Felix came along and was gullible enough to pick you.”

Albrecht sat by the window, scrolling through his phone with an air of practiced indifference. He didn’t so much as glance at the displays of ire and spewing of vitriol around him, though his posture suggested he was perfectly aware of every word being exchanged. Occasionally, he would tut or exclaim at something on his screen, as if the unfolding chaos wasn’t worth his attention.

“You could help, you know,” Sorath growled, glaring at him.

“Help with what?” Albrecht replied, still engrossed in his phone. “This riveting debate? Or the thankless task of cleaning up after that giant infant? I think I’ll pass.”

Felix pinched the bridge of his nose, the day’s exhaustion making his patience thin. “I’m serious. Cut it out.”

Not even Albrecht paid him any mind, too busy doing whatever it was on his phone.

Finally throwing his hands up in exasperation, Felix made his way to the fridge, all the while wondering when these guys would notice that he was actually back. He pulled out a box of leftover pizza, the thought of a comforting slice lifting his spirits ever so slightly.

“Felix,” Thel’s voice suddenly cut off the fight that might have spread to Albrecht as well judging by the irritated looks on both Sorath and Virgil’s faces. It was no surprise that Albrecht opening his mouth would’ve just escalated things and might’ve even been better if he had not been pulled into the argument. 

Oh, now you guys notice that your poor, exhausted owner is back. Felix turned to see him standing there, arms crossed and gaze stern. “You shouldn’t eat that.”

Felix blinked slowly, confused. “It’s just pizza.”

“It’s junk,” Thel said bluntly. He walked over, plucking the box from Felix’s hands. “You’re a Regal One. You need proper nutrition to keep up with your training.”

“I’ve had a long day, Thel. Just let me have this,” Felix said, trying to stay calm. But even as he had managed to remain composed when his pets were infighting, he now suddenly found himself feeling a little more than annoyed. 

But Thel was unyielding and did not heed the warning in Felix’s tone. He opened the garbage chute and dropped the box in without a second thought.

Virgil bolted over from the living. “Hey! That was Felix’s dinner!”

“It was garbage food,” Thel replied, unfazed. “Felix needs real sustenance, not whatever poison you keep stocking in the kitchen.”

Virgil bristled, stepping closer. “Watch that controlling asshattery! Felix is our master—he can make his own choices.”

Sorath, still fuming from the earlier argument, sided with Thel. “Maybe if you stopped filling the apartment with junk, we wouldn’t have this problem in the first place.”

The three of them devolved into another round of shouting. Felix stood there, his hands clenched into fists, his ears buzzing from the sheer volume. And his pizza gone down the garbage chute.

Finally, he snapped. “Enough!”

Everyone froze. Even Albrecht startled and finally looked up from his phone.

Felix’s fluffy white cat ears popped out from his silvery hair, twitching angrily, and his long, feathery tail lashed behind him like a whip. His ruby eyes glinted with frustration. “Coming back home shouldn’t be as exhausting as going to work! Is that too much to ask?”

A sudden chagrined silence filled the room. Sorath looked apologetic, Thel frustrated at himself, and Virgil opened his mouth several times as if to say something.

But before anyone else could speak, Albrecht rose smoothly from his seat, his earlier uncaring replaced with calm precision. He crossed the room and placed a hand on Felix’s head, gently stroking his hair. His fingers brushed over Felix’s twitching ears, calming their erratic movements.

Felix stiffened at first but couldn’t stop the tension from draining out of him under Albrecht’s soothing touch. His tail swished more slowly, and the fire in his ruby eyes dimmed.

“What are you doing?” Felix muttered, though his voice had lost most of its edge.

“Relaxing you, my dear,” Albrecht said simply, his tone as smooth as his movements.

To Felix’s horror—and slight relief—it worked. A soft purr built in his chest, and the tension in his shoulders eased.

Once Felix seemed more relaxed, Albrecht pulled back, his hand lingering for just a moment on the velvety softness of those pointed ears before he straightened. “Clearly, we all need a change of scenery. Which is why I’ve taken the liberty of planning a little getaway.”

Felix repeated skeptically. “A getaway?”

Albrecht held up his phone, displaying a reservation confirmation. “Misty Springs Inn. Three nights, two days. This weekend, starting tomorrow after you get off from work.”

Virgil’s face lit up. “Hot springs? Seriously?”

Sorath crossed his arms but didn’t argue. Even Thel seemed intrigued, though he muttered something about clever distractions.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Felix wavered, the exasperation over Albrecht being extravagant yet again struggled with the prospect of a getaway. The latter eventually won out and loosened the remaining knots in his shoulders. “Fine. But next time, leave the pizza alone.”

Thel raised an eyebrow and looked like he was about to protest but Albrecht only smiled dotingly. “Duly noted. We shall simply have gourmet pizza instead.”

AN: ever wonder what your pets do while you’re not home? 😆

The simulation room was a high tech facility straight out of a sci-fi movie. It stretched as far as the eye could see, with its ceiling domed to mimic a natural sky. Humidity hung thick in the air, clinging to Felix’s skin and dampening his silver-white hair as he surveyed the dense forest environment. Every detail was crafted to immerse trainees in a brutal survival scenario—from the uneven ground riddled with roots and jagged rocks to the rustle of simulated wildlife that made it hard to distinguish real threats from environmental noise. The air, too, smelled realistically of damp moss and wood, heavy with the illusion of an actual rainforest. 

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Trainees stood just on the edge of the simulated rainforest, waiting for their “mission” to begin. Felix shifted on his feet, eyeing the dense foliage ahead with a mix of excitement and unease. This was like playing airsoft but definitely more high tech and professional. There was also a conspicuous lack of guns since Regal Ones are weapons themselves.

“Your goal,” Sergeant Flintstone glared sternly at the recruits before him, “is to track and neutralize a simulated Corrupted. It may only be a B-Rank to some of you,” at this he shot pointed looks at Jax and Felix, “but don’t get cocky. Spread out, track it, and engage only if necessary. You’re being graded on not only physical endurance but also quick thinking and mastery of your partial transformations, so don’t screw it up.”

Felix found himself partnered with Ella, though the recruits had been ordered to split up to cover more ground. The bubbly Regal One bounced on her heels with excitement. “This’ll be fun, right?” she announced, brightly.

Across the way, Jax paired with Theo, both exchanging confident smirks.

The buzzer sounded, and the simulation began. Ella made that fighting gesture again before darting off into the underbrush, her movements light and precise. Felix hesitated before heading in his own direction—or what he thought was his direction.

Not even ten minutes into the simulation, Felix realized something was wrong. The towering trees all looked the same, and he swore he’d passed that moss-covered boulder before. He glanced at his compass, but the directions meant little to him as he tried to figure out which way was north.

In the observation room, Sergeant Flintstone furrowed thick slashing brows so tightly they could squeeze a fly as he watched Felix’s avatar spinning in circles on the map. “Bloodstone,” his voice growled through Felix’s earpiece, “what are you doing?”

Felix froze mid-step. “Uh… exploring?” he offered weakly.

“Exploring?” Flintstone raised his voice. “You’re supposed to be tracking the Corrupted, not taking a scenic tour!”

Felix winced, adjusting the earpiece instinctively. “I, uh… might have a little problem with directions. Never been great at knowing north from south… or east from west. They all kind of blur together.”

The silence that followed was broken by a loud laugh over the earpieces. Jax’s voice crackled through, dripping with mirth. “Are you serious, Bloodstone? You can’t tell left from right? How do you even get up in the morning?”

Theo joined in, his laughter just as uproarious. “The perfect Felix Bloodstone, the darling of our teachers, flawless in everything—except finding his way out of a paper bag apparently.”

Ella’s voice chimed in, trying to defend Felix. “It’s not a big deal! Direction sense isn’t everything—”

Jax cut her off, his tone gleeful. “Oh, it’s definitely a big deal. What’s he gonna do if we’re in real combat? Ask the Corrupted for directions?”

Despite the heckling, Felix pressed on, muttering under his breath as he tried to regain some semblance of focus. His embarrassment burned hot, but he refused to let Jax and Theo’s heckling get to him.

“It’s nothing really,” he cleared his throat, forcing himself to sound aloof and unruffled. “I always manage to find my way, eventually—”

His words trailed off as a strange mix of teeth chattering and a high squeaking sound sent a chill down his spine. He turned toward the source, his claws instinctively elongating. The underbrush rustled, and a grotesque creature emerged. Its vaguely rodent body was much larger than any ordinary rodent and was covered in slimy, pinkish flesh, with writhing tentacles sprouting from its back. Its glowing, pupil-less eyes locked onto Felix, and it let out a shrill cry that seemed to rattle the forest.

“Shit, found it!” Felix blurted into his earpiece, his voice rising and definitely losing the bit of composure he managed to gather earlier.

“WHAT?” Flintstone’s voice growled.

“The Corrupted! It’s right in front of me!” Felix exclaimed, already dodging a swipe from the disgusting looking rat-thing’s elongated claws.

“Hold position!” Flintstone ordered, though his voice was nearly drowned out by Jax and Theo’s indignant demands.

“You’re kidding me,” Jax said. “He actually found it by accident.” Even as he complained, heavy breathing could be heard from his end as the other clearly picked up his pace through the forest.

The Corrupted lunged, and Felix’s body reacted on instinct. He leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding a tentacle that slammed into the ground where he’d been standing. His claws slashed out, raking across one of its limbs, but the creature barely flinched.

Felix backpedaled, his tail flicking to keep him balanced as he tried to recall anything useful from their combat lectures. The Corrupted shrieked again, an awful nails on glass kind of squeaking, its tentacles whipping toward him in a flurry of attacks. He managed to dodge most of them, though one struck his shoulder, sending him stumbling back.

Despite the pain, which, what the hell—why was it so realistic?!—Felix gritted his teeth and pressed forward. His claws glinted as they partially transformed into longer, diamond-tipped weapons, silver fur like iridescent pine needles covering his hands and up along his forearms. He struck out, aiming for the creature’s glowing eyes. His attack landed, earning a shriek of rage from the Corrupted.

“That’s it, Bloodstone!” Flintstone’s voice encouraged. “Keep it distracted until backup arrives!”

“Backup would be great right about now!” Felix shot back, narrowly avoiding another swipe.

The sound of rustling leaves signaled Ella’s arrival. She burst into the clearing, her claws gleaming and her expression uncharacteristically fierce. “Hang in there, Felix!” she shouted, immediately darting toward the Corrupted.

Not a second later, Jax and Theo appeared, their expressions ranging from amused to annoyed.

“Looks like you managed to survive,” Jax snarked, as he assessed the situation, his brows furrowing at the disgusting rat monster that was their target.

“Sorry to disappoint!” Felix shouted with some ire, dodging another attack. “Are you just going to stand there or what?!”

The four trainees launched into coordinated action. Jax moved with precision, targeting the creature’s joints with rapid strikes. Ella circled the Corrupted like a nimble matador provoking a bull, her movements calculated as she looked for an opening. Theo relied on brute force as always, his claws digging into tentacles and actually tearing them like taffy with sheer power.

Felix, though a bit winded from the adrenaline rush, continued to hold his ground, getting his own hits in every now and then. His claws deflected attacks, his tail acting as a counterbalance to keep him stable.

At one point, Jax took advantage of the Corrupted being distracted with Theo grabbing and tugging its tentacles to leap onto the Corrupted’s back. His claws instantly sank into the flesh of its neck, and with a triumphant yowl, his elongated blue claws that bore a striking similarity to certain gardening tools, severed its head from its body. The B-Rank Corrupted dissolved into pixels, marking the end of the simulation.

The trainees stood panting, their bodies still feeling the echoes of the strain and bruise-pain, but victorious.

“Well, that was fun,” Jax said, his smirk returning. “I think the tally’s to me this time, Bloodstone.”

Felix rolled his eyes, as if anyone but this persistent self-proclaimed rival of his was counting. Ella seemed to agree as she looked ready to refute that claim on his behalf.

But as the room reset to its default state, Theo suddenly addressed Felix. “Seriously, how did you manage to find the Corrupted before us?”

Felix sighed, and smiled wryly. “Pure dumb luck actually.” It seemed his little “affliction” was now known to everyone.

The watching trainees erupted into laughter, while Sergeant Flintstone rubbed his temples.

“Alright. You all, that was good teamwork towards the end there. Pearlman, good job on fighting smart though you still need some work with your strikes. Onyxwood, still in need of improvement on your power fine tuning; keep working on that. Flintcroft, efficient as always if a bit reckless. That was only a simulated Corrupted, a real one will hardly let you get the drop on it so easily. Bloodstone…”

Felix braced himself for a critique.

“You’ve got potential, but that sense of direction? Fix it. As you said, that was pure dumb luck.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The comment earned another round of chuckles from the trainees, but Felix merely nodded. Despite the criticism, he still felt a small sense of accomplishment. This was his first time facing the monsters of this world—a fake imitation, sure, but it seemed real enough—and he didn’t faint or puke his guts out even when he wanted to!

(No one would ever know that his hands, now human and declawed, were actually trembling imperceptibly in his trouser pockets as the adrenaline dropped.)

The locker room was quiet, the echoes of the day’s training lingering like a charged undercurrent in the air. Felix trudged in, his muscles aching and his uniform clinging to him uncomfortably from sweat and exertion. He glanced around, hoping for a moment of solitude to collect his thoughts, but his hopes were dashed the moment he spotted Jax leaning casually against a locker.

“Bloodstone,” Jax greeted, his tone light but laced with challenge.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Felix sighed inwardly, already bracing for whatever was coming. “Flintcroft,” he replied, his voice steady but guarded.

Jax pushed off the locker and crossed his arms, his cocky swagger back in full force now that they were no longer in sight of Sergeant Flintstone. “Not bad for your first day. You’ve got some moves, I’ll give you that. But don’t think for a second you’ve got what it takes to beat me.”

Felix raised an eyebrow, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “Didn’t I already hold my own against you—twice now?”

From the corner of the room, Theo Onyxwood snorted in reluctant amusement, but he still loyally sided with Jax. “A tie isn’t a win, Bloodstone. Don’t get cocky.”

Jax stepped closer, his yellow eyes gleaming with competitive fire. “This isn’t school anymore. You’re in the real world now. And out here, I don’t plan to lose.”

Felix met his gaze unflinchingly. “Isn’t there a saying, even the best laid plans go to waste?”

The tension between them hung heavy, neither willing to back down. Jax finally gave a short laugh and tilted his head curiously, popping the tension like a needle to a balloon. “You’re a bit different than I imagined.”

Felix’s heart jumped, but his expression remained impassive. “Different?”

“Yeah. I thought you would be a boring ice block.” Jax gave him a once over with those perceptive yellow eyes. “So full of yourself, you don’t bother to see anyone else. But I guess that’s not the case.”

Felix furrowed his brows.

But Jax only turned toward the exit. “Keep up, Bloodstone. You’ll need to if you want to win. I’m looking forward to a week of free lunch.”

Theo followed him, throwing an indecipherable look at Felix as he left. Once they were gone, Felix allowed himself a moment to exhale. His fists, he realized, had been clenched tightly.

Who would’ve thought that instead of making friends he ended up making rivals first?

*

The walk home was a blur of aching limbs and swirling thoughts, but the moment Felix opened the door, the energy in the room enveloped him like a beanbag chair.

“Master’s home!” Virgil declared dramatically, bounding toward Felix with exaggerated glee. “So, did you win? Did you crush the competition? Or are those bruises the new combat chic?”

Felix rolled his eyes, too tired to engage with Virgil’s theatrics.

Sorath followed behind, more subdued but no less observant. He eyed Felix’s disheveled state and winked. “Guess the first day of work as a newbie was tough. Here,” he added, tossing an ice pack toward Felix, “you’ll need this.”

Thel appeared next, a steaming cup of tea in hand. “Rough day?” he asked, his tone unsympathetic but his eyes betraying his feelings. Sharp eyes flickered over Felix’s face, obsessively cataloging his expressions and mood. “You should consider reviewing some combat strategy books with me later. It might help.”

Before Felix could respond, Albrecht bustled into the room, his expression one of determined purpose. In his hands was a spa-level grooming kit that gleamed under the light.

“This simply won’t do,” Albrecht declared, gesturing at Felix’s rumpled appearance. “As expected, you look in need of some rejuvenation. And what better way than an at home grooming treatment? Sit, my dear.”

Felix blinked, too weary to protest as Albrecht guided him to the couch.

“You can’t be serious,” Felix muttered, but the faint hint of amusement in his tone betrayed his acceptance.

“I’m always serious,” Albrecht replied primly, already unpacking the kit with precision. “And I’ll have you know, I always got the highest marks in my masseuse and grooming 101 classes.”

“Is that really what they teach you in those finishing schools—”

“Yes, of course,” Albrecht interrupted, clearly clueing in on Felix’s delaying tactics. His voice was firm, heading off any argument. “Now trust me.”

Felix, still smiling incredulously, allowed himself to transform into his albino cat form, a rare sight that left his pets momentarily stunned despite having seen it before.

But could they blame him? If not for all the embarrassing cooing and starry eyes being directed at him in this form, he might have considered lounging around more often as a housecat. It was the most natural and comfortable form for Regal Ones after all.

As Albrecht composed himself and began to meticulously groom him, Felix let his mind drift back to the day’s events. Jax’s cocky but perceptive words, Theo’s indecipherable look, Sergeant Flintstone’s critique, and even Ella’s starstruck fondness—all of it played on a loop in his head.

Thel sat nearby, quietly flipping through a book on combat techniques. Sorath reclined on the couch, occasionally glancing at Felix, while Virgil perched on the armrest, watching the grooming session with thinly veiled interest.

At some point, Felix had migrated from the couch cushions to Albrecht’s silk-clad lap. The fancy cologne Albrecht used also seemed to have a relaxing effect as well. So even though restless thoughts plagued him, Felix found himself having to catch his purrs before they could escape him.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice you sneaking in petting while you groomed me,” Felix mumbled, his voice muffled as he rested his chin on his paws.

Albrecht didn’t even flinch, his movements precise and unbothered. “It’s part of the process,” he replied smoothly. “Grooming and a full body massage is encouraged to go hand in hand.”

Virgil snickered. “In the wise words of a certain peacock, serving the needs of one’s master is the job of a good pet. Besides, we rarely get the chance to see you in this form.”

Felix groaned, which sounded more like a rumble in his small furry chest.

Albrecht, surprisingly, did not snipe back at Virgil in that juvenile way of theirs. But judging by the look of rapture on his handsome face, Felix had doubts if he had even heard the insult at all.

As the grooming session wound down, Felix finally hopped off Albrecht’s lap much to the reluctance of the other, and transformed back into his humanoid form, stretching his arms and rolling his shoulders in complete relaxation. He grabbed the cup of tea Thel had brought him earlier, now lukewarm, and took a sip. His pets gathered around expectantly, their expressions varying from curious to downright nosy.

“Alright, spill it,” Virgil said, leaning forward with wide, shiny eyes. “What happened today? Did you fight that blue-haired what’s-his-name? Did you win?”

Felix laughed lightly, only a little self-deprecating. He leaned back on the couch. “First day of training, right? So we got paired up for sparring matches. And guess who I ended up with?”

“Flintcroft,” Thel guessed immediately, unsurprised, especially with how obsessed the other was with challenging Felix.

Felix nodded. “Jax Flintcroft. The loud and cocky blue Regal One who clearly wants to prove something.”

Sorath smirked. “Sounds insufferable.”

“Annoying, definitely,” Felix agreed, taking another sip of tea. “He’s got skill, I’ll give him that, but he’s so obsessed with beating me, it’s almost infecting me now. I think he’s still mad about that tie we had back at the Ivory Sanctuary.”

Albrecht sniffed disdainfully. “How petty. Clearly, he knows his place is beneath you but refuses to accept it.”

Felix shot him a wry look. “Well, I wouldn’t put it that way.” Felix couldn’t help recalling the surprisingly insightful comment Jax made about how “different” he was from his original image of him. “But one thing’s for sure, he’s determined to turn that tie into a win.”

Virgil leaned back, arms behind his head. “Sounds like you’ve got yourself a rival. Or, y’know, an overly competitive admirer.”

“Rival,” Felix corrected firmly, though the corner of his mouth twitched. Cocky Jax Flintcroft, an admirer? He shuddered. “And then there’s Theo Onyxwood. For now, I only get the impression that he’s Jax’s shadow, always backing him up. Not as talkative, but just as irritating.”

“Another rival?” Sorath asked, raising an eyebrow.

“More like a sidekick?” Felix replied with a questioning lilt. “Anyway, he’s skilled too. Watching him fight was… intense.” Definitely a brute force, powerhouse type. Felix wouldn’t admit to it, but he was a bit envious. No matter what Ella says, he wants to be as intimidating as Theo looked while fighting.

Thel inclined his head slightly. “So, two opponents with strong personalities and skills to match. You’ll need to be careful not to let their provocation distract you from improving.”

Felix nodded, agreeing with Thel’s pragmatic advice. “I’ll keep that in mind. But it’s not all bad. There’s Ella Pearlman.”

“Oh?” For some reason, everyone looked up at this clearly feminine name. Never mind the fact that Regal Ones were basically aro-ace and their young aren’t born the traditional way.

Felix, oblivious to his pets’ sharpened interest, facepalmed. “Yeah, her. She’s pleasant enough, but the squealing every time I do anything remotely decent is a bit embarrassing.”

Albrecht frowned slightly. “She should learn decorum. Excessive admiration is unbecoming.”

“She’s not that bad,” Felix side-eyed the pot calling the kettle black and said with a shrug. “She’s actually really smart and a great fighter. I watched her spar with Theo today—she won, barely, but she earned it. She’s bubbly, sure, but she’s clearly a smart fighter.”

Virgil yawned. “Hmm. Well, good for her.”

Thel nodded expressionlessly. “It’s good to make allies early, even if their enthusiasm is overwhelming at times. Once you join the ranks, such connections made during trainee days might prove useful in the future. Especially if, as you say, she is smart and skilled.”

Felix shifted slightly forward, placing the empty teacup on the coffee table. “Yeah, I get that. And I appreciate her support, but I don’t know how much of it is genuine respect and how much is just… idolizing an image of me. It’s hard to tell.”

“Does it matter?” Sorath asked with a devil-may-care smirk. “Take the admiration and run with it. Better to have people on your side than against you.”

“True,” Felix admitted. “But I can’t rely on anyone else to get through this. I have to focus, train harder, and make sure I don’t slip up. Sergeant Flintstone already thinks I’m holding back.”

“Your trainee instructor?” Thel asked rhetorically. “Was he fair in his judgement of you? Based on his surname, he must be from the same Regal One lineage as Flintcroft.”

Felix flapped his hand at Thel’s paranoia. “Definitely fair. Sergeant Flintstone was actually one of the officers who showed up to the rooftop incident a week ago. He seemed professional both then and now.”

There was no need to elaborate on the “rooftop incident” as everyone cast Virgil a side-eye even as the man in question grinned unrepentantly.

Albrecht stood abruptly, his expression resolute. “Well, my dear, if you need any help, just say the word. We may not have been given combat lessons in our schools but we were given the best education in how to best support our masters, that I assure you.”

Virgil clapped his hands. “And if you need someone to heckle Flinty Junior from the sidelines, I’m your guy.”

Sorath snorted. “Don’t drag him down with your antics, St. Lilith. Felix needs focus, not distractions.”

Thel nodded sharply in agreement. “I am not at all worried about this point. Your potential is immense, Felix, I am positive you will be the one laughing in the end.”

Felix looked around at his pets, their unwavering support evident in their unique ways. A small smile tugged at his lips.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“Thanks, guys,” he said softly. “I’ll make it through the trainee program with the highest remarks they will ever see. And I won’t let Jax or anyone else beat me.”

The room settled into a comfortable silence, each of his pets quietly vowing to support their master in whatever way they could. Despite the challenges ahead, Felix felt optimistic. He wasn’t alone in this strange new world—not really.

AN: Just casually dropping a wb bomb. Who me? 😶

The bright winter sun shone through the high glass windows of the Combat Division headquarters, casting streaks of light across the sprawling complex. It was a far cry from the cozy elegance of Felix’s home. The facility was a strange mix of efficiency and chaos: Regal Ones with fur of all colors and patterns sparred, snapped commands, or darted between combat zones. The air was thick with the sharp tang of sweat and the metallic shrieking of claws scraping against reinforced training mats.

Felix stepped through the entrance, his mask of stoicism betraying just a flicker of apprehension. His sleek black combat uniform, emblazoned with the gold insignia of the Combat Division, fit him snugly. Though the uniform made him look the part of a seasoned combatant, this was only his first day and there was still two weeks of training before he could truly join the ranks.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

His thoughts were interrupted by a buoyant voice.

“Ahhh! Felix Bloodstone! I knew you would look great in the combat uniforms!”

Felix turned to see a bubbly young recruit with wide blue eyes and soft caramel hair streaked with white, waving enthusiastically. Her fluffy ears twitched with excitement.

“Uh… hi?” Felix said, his voice unsure.

The girl clasped her hands in front of her chest, practically bouncing. “Omg, you don’t know how happy I was when I got accepted into the Combat Division! Everyone was so jealous when they learned I would not only be your coworker but also train with you as newbies! This is just amazing, isn’t it?!”

Felix barely had time to respond before another voice cut through the chatter.

“Pearlman, get a grip,” came Jax Flintcroft’s voice, dripping with irritation. He strode up, his signature cocky smirk in place. Behind him, his long blue tail flicked lazily.

“Don’t waste your breath fangirling over him,” Jax declared, his voice louder now, clearly intended to draw attention from the other recruits gathering nearby. “Bloodstone’s not all he’s cracked up to be.”

Ella turned to Jax with a pout. “Ugh! Haters begone! I’m tired of hearing you slander Felix—”

“Attention.” The sharp, gravelly voice of Sergeant Cain Flintstone cut through the room like a blade.

The recruits snapped to attention as the sergeant stepped forward. Flintstone was a tall, grizzled figure with a commanding presence, his gold eyes glinting with authority. The deep scar running across his jaw only added to his intimidating aura. Felix immediately recognized him as one of the combat officers who had arrived on the scene during the day of the choosing ceremony.

Flintstone surveyed the group with a scrutinizing gaze before speaking, giving Jax a warning look in particular that had Felix raise a brow in curiosity. “Welcome to the Combat Division trainee program. This will be the most grueling two weeks of your lives. Only the best make it through—”

“What happens if you don’t make it through?” That cocksure voice could only belong to Jax. And sure enough, Flintstone’s golden glare was trained on the smart aleck.

“—while the rest are relegated to logistics work or transferred to the Nurterer Division as combat instructors to little kits.” Flintstone’s glare lingered a moment longer, just enough to send the younger squirming.

Everyone else also stood up straighter, no one wanted to be relegated to desk work or worse—dealing with kittens who barely have their claws and teeth grown out.

“If any of you think this will be anything like the sparring games at the Ivory Sanctuary, you’re in for a rude awakening.”

Flintstone continued, “Here, you’ll learn to master fighting with your partial transformations—claws, tails, enhanced senses. These are not just tools; they’re extensions of your body and your life depends on mastering them. Today, we’ll start with assessment sparring. Pair up!”

Jax pointed challengingly at Felix, and the two became one of the faster ones to pair up—but not as fast as Ella and a tall black haired boy. The recruits gathered around the mat to watch the first match of the day: Ella Pearlman versus Theo Onyxwood. Felix stood at the edge of the group, arms crossed, eyes scanning the two recruits with focus as they stepped onto the mat.

Ella, with her soft caramel curls and bubbly demeanor, looked like she didn’t belong in the same ring as Theo. The tall boy was all sharp edges, his black hair slicked back, and his piercing copper eyes gleaming with an intensity that promised a brutal fight.

“Ella’s gonna get flattened,” someone muttered behind Felix, echoing the unspoken sentiment in the room.

Felix frowned. He wasn’t one to underestimate others, but Ella’s bubbly demeanor and almost dainty figure didn’t exactly scream “combat-ready.” Still, as the two squared off, he noticed something in her posture—a quiet confidence that hinted there might be more to her than met the eye.

Sergeant Flintstone raised a hand to silence the murmurs. “Pearlman. Onyxwood. Show me what you’ve got. Begin!”

The air shifted immediately as Theo lunged forward, his claws extending in a flash of gleaming obsidian. His movements were aggressive and precise, clearly honed from countless hours of practice. Ella barely dodged his first swipe, her body bending fluidly as she sidestepped, her caramel tail flicking like a dancer’s ribbon.

Theo pressed his advantage, his strikes relentless and fierce. Felix watched as Ella’s expression shifted, the sweet smile she’d worn earlier replaced by a sharp focus. She ducked under Theo’s claws and pivoted, her movements measured and deliberate.

Felix exhaled, surprised.

Ella retaliated with a sharp kick aimed at Theo’s side, forcing him to leap back. Instead of charging again, she stayed light on her feet, her tail swaying rhythmically as she circled him. Theo’s strikes were powerful but straightforward, relying on brute strength and speed. Ella, on the other hand, moved like she was playing chess, her every dodge and counter a calculated move designed to outwit her opponent.

“Is that all you’ve got, Pearlman!” Theo snarled, his frustration evident.

Ella tilted her head, a guileless smile returning to her blue eyes. “Is it my fault you’re such a brute?”

Theo growled and charged again, his tail whipping forward to trip her, but Ella sprang over it with surprising agility, landing lightly on her feet. She used the momentum to close the distance between them, her claws flashing as she struck at Theo’s exposed side. He twisted away just in time, but not before her claws grazed his shoulder.

The recruits around the mat murmured in surprise. Even Sergeant Flintstone’s golden eyes narrowed slightly, his expression betraying a flicker of approval.

Felix found himself studying Ella’s movements more closely. She wasn’t just quick; she was strategic. Every move she made seemed designed to exploit Theo’s aggressive tendencies, drawing him into overcommitting so she could strike where he was weakest.

As the match wore on, Theo’s frustration only grew, and his attacks became sloppier. Ella capitalized on his impatience, landing a sharp tail strike to his shin that sent him stumbling.

“Enough!” Flintstone barked, stepping forward as Theo regained his footing, panting heavily.

The recruits erupted in scattered applause as Ella straightened, brushing a strand of caramel hair from her face. Despite her narrow victory, she wasn’t even winded.

“Good work, Pearlman,” Flintstone said, his tone neutral but firm. He turned to Theo. “Onyxwood, control your temper. You’ve got power, but you’ll never win if you let your emotions rule you.”

Theo scowled but nodded, muttering a grudging “Yes, sir.”

Ella turned to the group with a bright smile, her bubbly sweetness snapping back into place as if she hadn’t just outmaneuvered a fierce opponent. “That was fun!”

Felix raised an eyebrow. For someone who came off as overly cheerful and fangirlish earlier, Ella had just proven she was far more than she appeared.

As she walked past him on her way to the sidelines, Ella caught Felix’s eye and made a fighting gesture at him, cheeks pinkening when they hadn’t even done so during her spar. “Your turn next, Felix. Fighting!”

Felix smiled stiffly in response. If Ella could fight like that, he had no doubt the rest of the recruits were just as skilled. The stakes were higher than he’d realized, and he couldn’t afford to falter.

He glanced at Jax, who was smirking confidently as he stepped toward the mat. No pressure, Felix, he thought grimly as he took his position. Just survive the first day.

Jax sauntered over to the other side of the mat, his smirk widening.

“Guess we’re doing this again, Bloodstone. Let’s settle things for real this time.”

Felix’s jaw tightened. Information he’d gleaned about the supposed spar at the Ivory Sanctuary resurfaced—ending in a draw, to the dismay of onlookers who’d expected Felix to trounce Jax. Most believed Felix had gone easy on him, to which Jax had somehow taken it as a personal insult.

“Fine,” Felix said simply, though his mind raced. How much of his body’s muscle memory would kick in?

As they took their positions, the other recruits gathered around the mat. Ella was practically vibrating with excitement. “Go, Felix! You’ve got this!”

“Shut up, Pearlman,” Theo snapped a few feet away but she ignored him. Clearly, even among the same crop of recruits, sides were inevitably being taken. Flintstone barked, “Begin!”

Jax lunged first, his blue claws gleaming as he aimed for Felix’s side. Felix sidestepped easily, his movements almost unnaturally smooth. Muscle memory guided him, and a strange hyperfocus state kicked in as though a switch had been flipped. The world seemed to slow, and he could track every movement of Jax’s strikes.

“Still playing defense?” Jax growled, displeasure flattening his ears. “Stop toying with me!”

If Felix had the wherewithal, he would protest how wrong this accusation was. He barely knew what he was doing, let alone have the mind to toy with his opponent! 

Instead, he was too busy avoiding each attack with calculated precision. He noticed the way Jax’s tail lashed aggressively, the subtle shifts in his footing. The muscle memory embedded in his body screamed for him to counter, but Felix hesitated, unsure of his ability to keep up the act.

Finally, with a hiss of annoyance Jax launched a sweeping tail attack aimed to unbalance him. Felix reacted instinctively. His own tail shot out—thick, muscular, and tipped with a diamond-shaped end—meeting Jax’s tail mid-swing with a sharp crack that echoed through the training hall.

The force of Felix’s counter sent Jax skidding backward, his claws digging into the mat for balance. Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Felix exhaled sharply, his tail coiling behind him in a controlled arc. He hadn’t even consciously used it; his body had done it on its own.

“Lucky shot,” Jax spat, though his confidence wavered.

Felix smirked faintly. “If you say so.”

The match escalated. Claws flashed and tails struck with lightning speed, the air around them filled with the sharp sounds of claws meeting claws and tails whipping through the air. Felix’s body moved with precision, but his mind struggled to keep up with the demands of manipulating his partial transformations. Each strike, block, and counter felt like walking a tightrope.

Toward the end of the match, Jax feigned a strike with his claws but quickly shifted, whipping his tail low in an attempt to trip Felix. Felix’s balance wavered, and panic flared.

Then, instinct took over again. Felix’s tail snapped to the side, anchoring him and counterbalancing his weight. He recovered just in time to block Jax’s follow-up strike with his claws, their impact sending sparks flying.

The match ended in a stalemate once again, both combatants panting and glaring at each other.

Flintstone clapped his hands once, signaling the end. “Enough!”

The recruits fell silent as Flintstone approached Felix and Jax. His gaze bore into them, making Felix feel as though the sergeant could see through his carefully maintained façade.

“Good effort from both of you,” Flintstone said gruffly. “But Bloodstone.”

Felix stiffened.

“You’re holding back.” Flintstone’s voice was like steel. “You’ve got potential, but hesitation will get you killed in the field. Learn to commit, or you’ll end up as another name on a casualty report.”

Felix nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. Flintstone’s critique stung, but it also sparked a fire within him. He couldn’t afford to let his inexperience—or his act—become a liability.

Flintstone shifted his gaze to Jax. “And you. You have the same problem as Onyxwood. Get a hold of your emotions and tone down that unwarranted overconfidence or I will do it for you.”

Jax muttered something under his breath but nodded.

As the recruits were dismissed for a short break, Felix let out a slow breath. He had survived the first sparring session, but he knew this was only the beginning. The real challenge lay ahead.

From the sidelines, Ella ran up to him, beaming. “You were awesome, Felix! You always look so strong and graceful when you’re fighting!”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Jax scowled but said nothing, stalking off toward the water station.

Felix managed a more natural smile for Ella’s benefit this time, but his thoughts were far from celebratory. He had a long way to go, and the weight of Sergeant Flintstone’s words hung heavily in his mind: Hesitation will get you killed.

AN: Any ideas which cat breeds are Jax, Ella and Theo? And Felix too while we’re at it? 😹

Hint: Ella has white streaked caramel hair with blue eyes. Jax has wild and thick blue hair with yellow eyes. Theo has sleek black hair with copper eyes. Felix is albino with silvery white hair and pale eyes that appear ruby red.

Worldbuilding detail: The last names of Regal Ones are jewel or precious mineral/stone inspired and usually reflect their hair (fur) or eye color. Cats of the same breed share a similar prefix ie: Flintstone and Flintcroft.