Cat-astrophe for Wendy

Wendy approached the counter at Galehaven Comics, his voice eager as he set Digimon: First Frontier back on the shelf. "Boss, what's my reward for finishing the comic?"

He'd seen Barbara leave with a fluffy Snowballmon, sparking his own hopes for something grand—perhaps a fine digital-world wine.

A brew from another realm promised a taste unlike Mondstadt's ciders, a bard's dream to savor and sing of.

Lumine and Paimon edged closer, their eyes alight with anticipation for this blind-box thrill of a prize reveal.

Harlan's expression flickered with an odd twist, his tone cryptic. "Oh, it's a fantastic reward—you'll see."

Wendy grinned, puffing out his chest. "Fantastic, huh? Must be Barbatos blessing me with something special!"

A radiant beam sliced through the shop's ceiling, bathing the space before them in a shimmering glow that made Wendy squint.

Even as a wind god, he couldn't trace the light's source, deepening his awe of Harlan's mysterious craft.

The brilliance faded, unveiling a cat-like Digimon—yellow-furred, one-and-a-half meters tall, with oversized ears and a bushy tail.

"Are you my master?" it purred, its voice soft as it tilted its head toward Wendy with curious eyes.

Wendy's smile froze, a sneeze erupting as he stumbled back. "A cat—achoo!"

Cats ranked high among his fears, alongside cheese and slime, their presence triggering an instant, uncontrollable reaction.

He retreated to the wall, his voice laced with dismay. "Boss, this is your idea of a fantastic reward?"

A sting of betrayal sharpened his glare—Harlan's knowing smirk hinted at a deliberate jab at his weakness.

Harlan spread his hands, his tone innocent yet firm. "This is Meowthmon, a mature Digimon—feed it elemental power, and it'll grow into a fine helper."

"It's a solid prize, just like Barbara's Snowballmon—perfect for a bard like you, don't you think?" he added, barely hiding his amusement.

The reward was genuinely potent, but Wendy's feline phobia made it a deliciously ironic twist.

Paimon doubled over, laughter spilling out. "Oh, I can't breathe—the Songster's scared of cats!"

"This isn't a wind god's blessing—it's a prank on you!" she wheezed, reveling in his flustered retreat.

Her earlier grumpiness over Wendy's free reads vanished, replaced by glee at his predicament.

Lumine shook her head, her voice dry. "Wendy, the boss says Meowthmon could assist you, but I see it differently."

Wendy's eyes softened, a flicker of hope rising—surely the Honorary Knight understood his plight.

"I think it'd shine when you busk tomorrow—your tales up top, Meowthmon dancing below, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!" she finished, her solemn nod belying the mischief in her words.

Wendy slumped, his hand cradling his forehead as he sighed. "I was a fool to trust in kindness—the world's too cruel."

Paimon collapsed onto the table, cackling. "Lumine, how do you say that with such a straight face—I'm dying!"

Harlan nodded silently, impressed by Lumine's deadpan delivery as the shop echoed with Paimon's mirth.

Meowthmon blinked, its voice small. "Master, don't you like me?"

It sensed Wendy's aversion, its fluffy charm faltering as confusion clouded its wide, golden eyes.

It hadn't clawed or hissed—just stood there, cute and unassuming—so why the rejection?

Determined, Meowthmon padded forward, intent on bridging the gap with its reluctant master.

"Don't come near me!" Wendy yelped, panic seizing him as he bolted for the door without a backward glance.

"Master…" Meowthmon whimpered, its ears drooping as it watched him vanish into the alley beyond.

Paimon floated over, her tone soothing. "Don't worry—spend time with Wendy, share meals, chat a bit, and he'll warm up fast."

"Really?" Meowthmon asked, its gaze brightening with a fragile spark of hope.

"Of course!" Paimon chirped, her confidence masking a flicker of doubt as she puffed out her chest.

"I won't give up—I'll make my master accept me!" Meowthmon declared, its fighting spirit flaring as it dashed after Wendy.

Lumine glanced at Paimon, her voice low. "Let's tail them and see how this plays out."

She'd missed filming the chaos, and now her camera itched to capture Wendy's feline-fueled dark history.

Paimon smirked, already plotting—those clips could "persuade" Wendy into treating them to meals later.

"Absolutely!" Lumine agreed, her nod firm as they prepared to follow the bard's frantic flight.

They couldn't read more comics today anyway, and the Sky Lyre heist loomed tonight—might as well enjoy the show.

"B Boss, we'll be back tomorrow!" Paimon called, waving as they darted out the door.

Harlan nodded, a silent second of sympathy passing for Wendy—Mora-less and now saddled with a cat Digimon.

Life as a broke bard was tough enough without this furry twist of fate.

***

Support me on Patreon to read 50+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Nocturnal_Breeze