Kitten issues [Kiva's office] on Aladren Commons

Caedence Redoak

May 12, 2007 8:27 PM

Kitten issues [Kiva's office] by Caedence Redoak

Caedence was happy, which wasn’t a very frequent thing. It was her birthday. She was finally twelve. She had always been frustrated, being younger than a lot of her classmates. But her mom was out of the hospital for now, and had sent her a letter promising a special surprise this year. She had gotten her presents while she sat on Elly’s swing (which she had discovered after hearing rumors of its existence). One was a plain black journal that came with a dark red pen. She was surprised her mom didn’t get her a fluffy pink one. That would be her normal smile. She had gotten a birthday card that was signed by both parents, but she suspected her father was forced to.

Then another owl, close on the wings of the first, dropped off a picnic basket with a latched top. Small scratching noises and a few meows could be heard from within. A cat? Caedence didn’t know why her dad even agreed to let her have it. He wouldn’t let her get an owl, they always used the school owls or ones her mom rented from the local magic stores. She saw a small note attached to the lid of the basket. She read it first.

Hello, dearest, and happy twelfth birthday. We saw this cute little thing hiding in our garage. It was all dirty and hungry, so your father let me take it in and get it cleaned up. He didn’t really want me near it, he thought it would make me sick again. Silly, isn’t he? Well, we took it to the vet and got it some shots, and we worked on feeding it up. It took a bit, but it finally got used to people. It makes me think of you, sweetie, all vicious, but it’s just putting on a show Here Caedence rolled her eyes, her mom could be so stupid, So your father and I decided it could stay at school with you. Happy birthday! P.S. it’s a she-kitten

Caedence opened the basket. Inside was a small kitten. It was mostly white, but it had a black patch around its eye and it had little black socks. It looked up at her and hissed. Caedence held a hand out to it. In a white-and-black blur, needle like claws raked the skin of her hand. Caedence stopped herself from hitting the cat back. It wouldn’t be good to kill the cat. The fur on it’s neck was raised, like a little lion’s mane. It had odd fur patches, fluffy here, shorthaired there. It looked like someone took a shaver and poorly trimmed the cat’s fur.

“You need a name, right Cat?” She said to it, glaring fiercely. The kitten shrank away from the harsh stare. “Well, here it is, for now, you’re Scrap. ’Cause you just look like scraps of cloth thrown together. You best not scratch me again, Scrap, or we’ll have a problem, you and I.” She rapped the kitten’s head with a knuckle to enforce her words. The cat’s paw darted out to scratch her again, but Caedence caught it and held it firmly. The kittle mewed in pain. “Don’t do that.” Caedence said coldly before letting its paw go.

She knew she didn’t know the first thing about caring for animals, but what was she to do? Maybe she could go find that COMC substitute and bug her? Yeah, that would be what she should do. She walked down to what was normally Professor Kijewski’s office, carrying with her her presents and the cat, and rapped on the door three times. “Hello? Anyone home?” She called out.
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0 Caedence Redoak Kitten issues [Kiva's office] 94 Caedence Redoak 1 5

Professor K

May 12, 2007 9:35 PM

There are nevere issues with Kittens by Professor K

Kiva had only just returned from her personal leave. Soot decorated the curls of her dark hair and her face. Probably for the best since she was exhausted and currently in a funk with life. She had to go find the substitute as well as the Headmaster to let them both know she had returned (three months later than originally planned) and ready to get back to work (though, not really as she just wanted to crawl into bed and stay there for a long long while).

She had dropped her robes on a chair and let Ria out of her carrier. Wearing jeans and a long shirt, Kiva decided that she wouldn't be able to relax and started to unpack her books instead. Once her boxes were unpacked, she would have to go check on the animals and make sure they were properly cared for.

Kiva sighed heavily as she unpacked, pausing from time to time to close her eyes and keep herself together. She felt far older than 29 and yet, at the same time, she felt like nothing more than a helpless child. Unpacking one of her suitcases, Kiva came upon her father's old work gloves. The sight of them surprised her having not remembered packing them. Of course, the last couple of days before coming back were a bit of a blur for her.

She lifted the gloves up and held them for a moment. She stared at them and it took her a moment to realize she was shaking. Tears brimmed her eyes and she quickly brought the gloves up to her face just as a sob escaped her. She stood at her desk crying softly when there was a knock at her office door.

Kiva dropped the gloves on her desk almost as if they had burned her and wiped away the tears, causing the ash to smear even worse than before. Taking a deep breath, Kiva went to her door and opened it, discovering Caedence to be on the other side. "Caedence, is something the matter?" Kiva asked the second year, internally grateful that her voice sounded even.

0 Professor K There are nevere issues with Kittens 0 Professor K 0 5

Caedence

May 13, 2007 2:52 PM

What if you're Caedence? by Caedence

Caedence gasped as she saw the regular COMC teacher opening the door. Kiva was back! She almost smiled, but repressed the urge. Her eyes, however, betrayed her happiness. She was, however a bit confused and slightly hurt. So she leaves without explanation and can just slip back in two months later? It didn’t make any sense. And why was she so ashy? Did she use the floo network?

“P-Professor K! You’re back!” She said, her lips quirking towards the way of a smile. “That old woman wasn’t a good teacher at all. I didn’t like the unicorns, plus the guys couldn’t come up. Poor Jae…” She faded off before continuing on, “Nothing’s wrong, I just have to ask you something.”

She turned to the basket with the kitten in it. It shrank away from her, afraid. “Get over here, stupid cat!” She snapped at it, grabbing it by the scruff and pulling it from the basket. It mewed at her, but didn’t struggle. She set down the basket and held the kitten in her arms. It tilted its head to one side and bared its little teeth at Professor Kijewski.

“Mom sent it to me. I call it Scrap. See, I was hoping that substitute could tell me what to do with it, ‘cause I’ve never had a cat or nothing. The only thing I’ve had is that puffball, but it’s easy to care for. But since you’re here, can you help me?” she said, all the while keeping a firm grip on the kitten should it decide to run, “Mom gave me a note with it,” she said grabbing the note in case Professor K should want it. \n

0 Caedence What if you're Caedence? 94 Caedence 0 5

Professor K

May 14, 2007 8:50 PM

Hug it? by Professor K

The reaction Caedence (Caedence who liked to do nothing but cause trouble and be angry all the time) had upon laying eyes on Kiva wasn't a reaction Kiva had expected from anyone. She actually looked (even if only briefly) happy to see her Deputy Head. Kiva smiled down at the second year but waited for her to verify that nothing actually was wrong before continuing.

"Only just got back, come on in, Caedence." Kiva greeted, holding the door open and waiting for Caedence to come in with the kitten. "Sorry to hear the substitute wasn't to your liking. Sometimes it's hard to get used to a temp, but it was either that or you all be without Care of Magical Creatures. Go ahead and put the basket on a free chair." Kiva said, taking the kitten from Caedence and ignoring any bites or scratches the kitten sent Kiva's way having dealt with far worse in her career.

"Kittens are very easy to care for." Kiva started, this kitten was just too cute. Though, it's reactions to others meant that it wasn't socialized yet. "Probably abandoned by the way it acts, so it might take some time before it behaves well with other animals." Kiva said, mainly to herself as a reference. "It's old enough for kitten food, I'm sure. If you need some, you can come to me and I'll give you some." Kiva glanced at Caedence before putting the kitten, Scrap, on the floor to interact with Ria (who had come out to investigate).

It was interesting to see the reaction the kitten had to Ria, but Ria, having been around animals since the day she was bored, acted as though the kitten was nothing more than a measily pest. "When it comes to kittens, or any young animal, you should spend plenty of quality time with them. Get them used to you, other animals you may have, and probably those whom will be around her the most. You'll also want to teach her where the bathroom is or else you'll be cleaning up a lot of messes." Kiva explained to Caedence, watching the two cats in amusement.

0 Professor K Hug it? 0 Professor K 0 5

Caedence

May 19, 2007 12:39 PM

Yeah… I guess you can do that. by Caedence

Caedence almost prevented the two cats from meeting, afraid her cat would attack the older one, but Scrap behaved, surprisingly. Even if she was a bit timid. Caedence laughed at the cat’s timid antics. She was still afraid of any retaliation on her cat’s part, but it didn’t look too immanent. Scrap was sniffing Ria timidly, and then backing away. Caedence found it funny that Ria was acting like a teacher, noticing the little kitten, but ignoring it for the most part.

“Well… I don’t have any cat food… but I can pay you for it. I have some money,” Caedence muttered. “And, as for quality time, does that mean that I need to take it everywhere with me? Or just when I’m in the dorm? And can I take it to class?” She was really lost. She had no idea what she was doing. “How much water do they need? And does litter cost a lot?” She knew she was asking a lot of questions, and she hoped Kiva didn’t mind.

She knelt down to give the kitten a small pat. Scrap sniffed her hand then looked at her, meowing slightly. She couldn’t help but let a small ’aw’ at the kitten. Her hand moved slowly from it’s head to its tail. The kitten seemed terrified, but stayed still.

“Mom said she got the kitten used to her and…my dad,” She spit out the last two words, as if they left a bad taste in her mouth. “So it shouldn’t be tough to make it like me right?” She looked up at her favorite professor, professor Connell on her bad list currently. \n

0 Caedence Yeah… I guess you can do that. 94 Caedence 0 5

Professor K

May 19, 2007 10:48 PM

I meant you hug it. by Professor K

Kiva watched her own cat for a moment, suddenly filled with a bit of sadness. This cat had been given to her by father, she had had Ria for...ten years. She was persian, but also had a bit of Kneazle within her, making her the perfect companion. There were many things that reminded Kiva of her father, Ria was probably the most painful of them all.

Her eyes left her cat and returned their gaze onto the second year. Caedence was an enigma to Kiva. One minute the girl was on edge ready for a fight and the next, she was acting like any other girl would with a cute kitten. Kiva would never understand it. Perhaps it was how she was raised. Kiva, couldn't know for sure. Kiva had been raised in a small town with parents who believed in freedom of choice, to stand up for what one believes in, but to also take responsibility. Having dealt with Irene's situation last term, Kiva was well aware that not many grew up with the same liberties as Kiva had.

"No need to pay me, Caedence. I have plenty of cat food and kitty litter for you to have whenever you need it." Kiva answered, her face softening a bit when she smiled. "You don't necessarily have to take Scrap everywhere with you, but don't just leave her locked up in your dorm either. You shouldn't take her to class either, most professors would frown at you if you did that. Being a distraction and all." Kiva's voice was light as she said this, but also stern, indicating she didn't want Caedence to even try it.

"It's always best to leave a bowl of water out for them to drink from throughout the day. If you have the time between classes or just before a mealtime, double check to see if the water is still there." Kiva moved to one of her boxes and started digging through it until she pulled out a book and handed it to Caedence. "Here. This is a book on cats. It'll tell you all you need to know. You may keep it if you like. As for the litter, cost can vary between brands and where you buy it from. Usually it costs between five and ten dollars."

Kiva was amused by how worried Caedence appeared to be over her kitten. Though, the way she spoke of her father, Kiva frowned. It worried her to know that there was such anger behind her words. "Cats are rather independent creatures, however, they are also very loyal. Give her some time, she'll end up being the best gift you have." Kiva rested a hand on Caedence's shoulder hoping it would encourage her. After a moment, Kiva removed her hand, knowing Caedence probably wouldn't appreciate the gesture.

0 Professor K I meant you hug it. 0 Professor K 0 5

Anonymous

June 23, 2007 1:44 PM

Yeah... you'd think I would hug it.... by Anonymous

Caedence straightened up as she listened patiently to all of her instructions on how to care for Scrap. Her attention drifted slightly as she caught Scrap out of the corner of her eye prancing around like a big boss cat, occasionally making noises like conversation. Every now and then Scrap would freeze and look around fleetingly, let its ears flatten against her head, and quiver, but after a while she was back to harassing Ria.

She accepted the book on cats with a small nod of thanks. She couldn’t wait to read it! This was, actually, exciting. This would be her first, real, pet. Her other pet, the puffball, wasn’t really a pet seeing as it found its own food and purred all day… but then again, add sleeping and following their humans around, that’s what adult cats did too. Caedence didn’t care, though.

"Cats are rather independent creatures, however, they are also very loyal. Give her some time, she'll end up being the best gift you have." Kiva said with a hand placed gently on the shoulder. She flinched slightly at the gesture, and stiffened. It seemed too much like sympathy. She relaxed slightly before the hand was taken away, and relaxed fully when the hand was taken off.

“W-well, thank you for your help, Professor K. And thanks for letting me take the food and book and litter… I appreciate it.” Caedence said with a small blush. She bent over and picked up Scrap, ignoring the claws that were dug into her arm. She tossed it back into her basket and tossed the book in too, careful not to hit the kitten. She made sure her journal and pen was secure on top before she left. At the doorway, she turned around and said, “Thanks… you’ve made my birthday really great.” She smiled and left with a wave.
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0 Anonymous Yeah... you'd think I would hug it.... 0 Anonymous 0 5