Chapter Text
Drips tapped against the dusty floorboards of the decrepit shack, the only relief from the silence. The abandoned shack was far underground, particularly close to the dominion of the mystic and unusual. Maybe it had once served a purpose, but now all it had were cracks and splinters. Despite it being far from the surface, several small critters sought refuge there. It was a safe place, separate from meddling humans or yokai.
A few stray cats, raccoons, perhaps even a rat or two took shelter there. It wasn't the best environment, but for animals who were accustomed to it, it was more than enough. It stored their food and gave their families a home.
One day, the drops of dirty water stopped, replaced by a glowing green sludge. It dripped from the ceiling and collected in a bright neon puddle. The small puddle that gathered was already enough to drench the room in a sickly light. From just a glance, it was clear just how unnatural the substance was.
Most of the animals ran, their fight or flight telling them to flee from the unknown. But a few were unable to run in time.
The most notable were two cats, a black kitten and a Siamese cat. They were half-siblings, although the Siamese was a bit older. The black kitten had barely been born, her eyes closed, her ears droopy, and her legs tiny. She could hardly stand. She certainly couldn't escape by herself. The older Siamese tried to pick up his little sister by her scruff, but they were both not able to get out before the ooze made contact with their fur.
Their forms shifted and contorted as they were mutated. Their panicked meows and mewls were easily drowned out by the sound.
The two newborn mutants took the shack as their home, however it was cramped and the splintered wood made injuries common. The Siamese soon made the choice for them to leave. They were entirely alone, forced to fend for themselves on the streets of New York City. It was a daunting new world for them, but they gave it a try. Together.
Along the way, they learned to talk, even giving themselves names. Aiden and Amaya.
Aiden, as the older sibling, took charge in gathering supplies for the two of them. He raided dumpsters, stole whatever he could, and fought to protect. It was tough work, and he often came back home injured. But, he'd do whatever he needed to for his little sister. He loved her with all of his warm heart. He sung sweet lullabies, brought toys, and purred to her when she needed it. He had always been sweet and gentle in that way.
His little sister tried to emulate him, thinking he was super awesome for his abilities. She always made a habit of asking what he'd done and how he'd done it. Then she'd surprise hug him and cut through the more ragged pillows with her little claws, testing her own stealth and strength. She laughed and cheered when she finally managed to match her brother in some ways. She developed her own style, play fighting with her brother using toy boomerangs. She grew to be very curious and cheerful.
A few years later, Aiden was caught when he tried to steal from a certain hotel. He was restrained, and could only watch as strange people went to track down his sister. Concerningly, it didn't take them very long to bring her back and restrain her beside him.
The two cats were scared of what would come next, but nothing ever did. Instead, a lady came to them, her silver tongue offering them a deal. A deal they couldn't pass up. A proper room for the two of them, in exchange for them fighting for her and carrying out 'errands'.
Left with no better choice, Aiden accepted while Amaya shivered under her deceitful glare.