[Video...!?]

[thecatcameback]

[The baseball field. A rather mundane sight for many NV network entries. This time, however, the camera seems rather adamantly set on the ground somewhere out around the pitcher's mound. Some brushing and nudging noises against the microphone seem to indicate someone try to move it, but they aren't having much success.

A small black cat with a red bandana tied around his neck appears in the frame. He, it seems, is the one so busily messing with the bulky NV. With an annoying yowl he sits down in the dirt.

Then he speaks. His mouth doesn't move but the sound of a voice is unmistakeable. And furthermore, the voice will sound quite familiar to many people. After all, it once was only a voice, no body, no form, no nothing.]

Well. Never mind then.

[Now he looks up into the camera.]

Hello Siren's Port. It's me, Sissel.

I, uh... figured a few things out while I was gone.

Comments

[electricitytrick]

So you're a talking cat that can talk to other cats, basically? And you're saying that you don't have a place to stay, as far as you know?

[A WONDERFUL IDEA IS OCCURRING TO HIM.]

How do you feel about other cats? I have two kittens and plenty of room for another cat to stay, if you need a place.

[thecatcameback]

Or dogs. Or people. And one time a desk lamp.

[Sissel tilts his head a bit at the idea.]

Do you think they would mind me? I don't mind other cats, but I'm a little strange...

[electricitytrick]

...did the lamp answer back?

[That's the more important question, after all. At least cats and dogs are alive, and Anders knows that mabari are surprisingly bright creatures as well.

The idea that his cats might not welcome Sissel doesn't bother him much either. There's one very simple solution, obviously.]

You should come visit! You can meet them, have something to eat, we can talk more... then if you like, the offers still there!

[thecatcameback]

Yes. It was haunted. [Said as though that is the most normal thing ever.]

Oh... do you have tuna fish?

[electricitytrick]

Seems a bit of an odd thing to haunt if you ask me.

[Anders pauses, trying to think of what he does have on hand.] There's a can of something, but I could pick up some tuna, if you like? I've started to get better at how the coin here works.

[thecatcameback]

I can't really judge... I've been a crossing gate, and an umbrella, and a baked yam.

[He licks his chops.]

I really do like tuna fish. But I like anything in the little cans that Kamila buys me. And I am kind of hungry...

[electricitytrick]

...Maker, you do have some interesting stories. Why don't I get some tuna and you stop by, hmm? You can meet my cats and have something to eat, and if you decide you like it there, then you're welcome to stay as long as you like. Or you can visit often, if you prefer. I'm not about to make you stay with me.

[thecatcameback]

That sounds good, Anders.

I will definitely consider your offer. I certainly don't want to be a stray again.

[electricitytrick]

All right! I'll let you know where to find me for whenever you'd like to stop by.

[And he gives Sissel the address.]

[thecatcameback]

Oh. Are those numbers? I still remember numbers. Hang on. Let me read them.

[A long, hard, cat-like stare.]

... 1.

[And another long, hard, cat-like stare.]

... W.

[... no...]

[electricitytrick]

Oh, I didn't think of that. [Awkward.] ...is there an easier way for you to remember places?

[thecatcameback]

Sorry. I tried to remember how to read... back when I thought I ever knew how to read.

Mmm... I'm good at buildings and alleys and rooftops?

[electricitytrick]

That works for me! I'll come find you, if you like? We can walk there together.

[thecatcameback]

All right. I'm at the baseball field.

[electricitytrick]

I'll be right there!

[And sure enough, it doesn't take Anders too long to get over there he might have hurried a bit, his face turning into a huge grin at the sight of Sissel.]

Oh aren't you just the cutest little kitty!

[thecatcameback]

[He's curled up in the sun next to the NV, an old-style rotary phone stuck on home plate. When he sees Anders he yawns and sits up.]

It's really amazing, having someone able to see me and talk to me, you know?

Hello Anders.

[electricitytrick]

Hello there!

[Anders crouches down and extends his hand to Sissel.]

I can imagine it would be nice to have a body again, yes. And I bet you're hungry, aren't you?

[thecatcameback]

[Sissel extends a little paw to shake.]

Nice to meet you in person, finally.

And I am pretty hungry, too...

[electricitytrick]

Oh lookit your cute little paw pads! [Pause.] Sorry, I was a bit distracted. But shall we go back to my place?

[thecatcameback]

Er, thanks. [It's cool. He's used to it.]

Sounds good to me. I'm looking forward to being away from this boring baseball field.

[electricitytrick]

All right then! Follow me!

[And Anders starts off, leading the way back through the streets towards the place he's currently staying at.]

Would you have an easier time making it back after walking here now? You know, if you ever wanted to visit or needed a place to stay.

[thecatcameback]

[Sissel follows along behind him, looking around the street as they go.]

I probably will. I have a good memory for places... which is ironic, considering I had amnesia for so long.

[electricitytrick]

Maybe you've just always had a good memory for places? [Anders suggests with a shrug.] I wouldn't say it was strange, really. People can forget their pasts without any problems remembering things they learn after that point.

[thecatcameback]

Maybe so. When I was a kitten I lived as a stray in a park, so I knew most of that park easily.

[He gingerly steps around a puddle of water on the sidewalk.]

So how have you been doing here? With the whole- magic person thing you were talking about?

[electricitytrick]

You were a stray kitten? That must have been difficult. Stray animals can sometimes become a meal to someone desperate enough.

[Anders shrugs at Sissel's question.] I've had worse problems with it back home. People here might say things if they think I can't hear them - or if they want me to overhear, I suppose - but it's not as though I'm getting dragged off in chains or anything. And it helps that I have a few bits of clothing to help me blend in more.

[He glances back and smiles.] It could be a lot worse!