Jeremiah stepped back inside, the sharp bite of early autumn nipping at his heels before the door thudded closed. For a moment, the world shrank to the soft tick of the cafe clock and the muted symphony of puppy snores. The air was thick with the aroma of coffee and a faint, lingering scent of shampoo and wet fur — a reminder of the morning's bath-time chaos.

He glanced toward the puppy enclosure. Tish and Tosh were a tumbled heap of golden fur, sprawled across their blankets, paws twitching as they dreamed. Near the counter, Milo lay stretched out on his enchanted cushion, basking in a square of sun, his breathing slow and contented. Billy floated in his bowl nearby, half-awake, one tentacle draped lazily over the rim of his castle, his eyes drifting shut.

Now what? Jeremiah wondered, a familiar restlessness curling in his chest.

He mentally cycled through his to-do list: check the new inventory, send Sam a message, maybe experiment with a few catalog features. Already he felt himself slipping into busywork. Anything to stave off the hush that settled after a milestone, when there were no urgent fires left to put out.

A flicker of motion drew his eye to the wide front window. Sunlight slanted across the display ledge, turning the plush bedding inside the cat enclosure to a golden hue. Sissy, the stray mama cat Sam had brought that morning, had finally crept from her crate. Now she crouched on the sun-warmed ledge, a silent sentinel watching the world beyond the glass.

Jeremiah's lips curled in a quiet smile as he approached, careful not to make any sudden moves.

"Hey there, Sissy," he murmured, pitching his voice low and gentle. "Taking in the view?"

Sissy's green eyes snapped to him, tracking him with a sharp, liquid wariness as they narrowed into slits. Her ears folded tight to her head, and her tail flicked a restless warning. She let out a thin, drawn-out growl, then a hiss, sharp and simmering.

Jeremiah stilled, hands held open at his sides. "It's alright, girl," he soothed, backing up a cautious step.

Sissy's muscles tensed as if ready to bolt, another growl rumbling from her chest. Only when Jeremiah retreated a little farther did she settle again, still poised for flight, her gaze never leaving him.

He lingered a moment longer, watching her slowly relax in the sun, before letting the silence fill the shop once more.

Jeremiah let out a quiet sigh, his gaze lingering on the wary feline basking in the morning sun. "I know it'll take time for a cat like Sissy to settle in," he murmured, "but I really do need to check on her kittens." He trusted Sam and the shelter — he had no doubt they'd done everything right — but years of shelter work had taught him how quickly things could change. Especially with strays, the line between healthy and at-risk could blur in a matter of hours.

The fact that Sissy was already exploring the enclosure, even if only tentatively, gave him hope. Still, it would be easier if he could find some way to reassure her, maybe convince her, just for a few minutes, to let him have a closer look at her brood.

Jeremiah hesitated, watching the nervous twitch of Sissy's tail. There had to be something he could do. Wasn't there?

An idea flickered to life. With a silent command, he brought up his System screen, searching for a solution only it could provide.

——————✴——————

〖Jeremiah Bridge〗

Distinction: ☆

System Authority: Probationary [Tutorial]

User Grade: G - 9

Mental - (G): 4

Physical - (G): 5

Supernatural - (G): 0

User Skills: [2/5] [✚]

User Equipment: N/A

Quantum Marks: 85

Active Bonds:

Attunements - [0/3]

Contracts - [1/1]

— Billy Bridge (Polaris Kraken) - Beast Skills: [1/1] [✚]

[Kraken's Grasp]

Pacts - [0/0]

——————✴——————

Jeremiah's eyes flicked to the [Attunements] tab in his System menu. Could that be the answer he was looking for? Maybe. But the memory of his last attempt with Maddie made him pause. That experience had been… less than gentle. The last thing he wanted was to spook Sissy even more.

He glanced around the shop, lowering his voice. "Hey, Mero, are you around?"

A faint rustle answered him from the pastry counter, where the fairy guide materialized, perched with half a donut in hand. "What's on your mind, kid?"

Jeremiah turned, anxious. "Is there any way to make attunements, I don't know… gentler? Less overwhelming?"

Mero arched a brow, a trace of amusement in his eyes. "Attunements are about as gentle as they come, Jeremiah."

Jeremiah frowned, thinking back. "But when I tried with Maddie, it felt almost like being swept up in a current. I'm worried I'll just make things worse."

Mero shrugged, brushing crumbs off his jeans. "That's 'cause you tried to kick the door in, kid." He rapped his knuckles lightly on the counter, voice softening. "A proper attunement is more like a gentle knock than a battering ram. Go slow. Ask, don't demand. The System will handle the rest if you let it."

Jeremiah nodded as he considered Mero's words. That made sense. His attunement with Maddie had failed because he didn't have the Mental grade to 'force' his way in. But in a real attunement that shouldn't matter. The goal was to be invited in. He took a deep breath and turned back to Sissy, his sudden attention eliciting another hiss.

"Well, then, I guess there's no time like the present…"

Sunlight bathed the ledge, making the tortoiseshell's eyes glint warily. Jeremiah focused on his breathing, grounding himself. He summoned the System interface and selected to form an Attunement, feeling for the presence on the other side of the bond. Sissy burned in his mind's eye like a bright knot of fear and fierce protectiveness.

He pictured a closed door. This time, instead of pushing, he simply reached out and rapped gently, projecting warmth and quiet safety.

For a long moment, nothing happened, and Jeremiah began to fear he'd done something wrong, or missed a step. Then, suddenly, a System window appeared.

——————❇——————

Attunement Failed

——————❇——————

Jeremiah let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. There was no backlash, no overwhelming surge of alien emotion — just a sense of soft, polite refusal as if Sissy had peered through the door and decided she wasn't ready to trust him yet.

He offered the cat a gentle smile, then stood, stretching out his stiff legs. "No hard feelings, girl," he murmured. "We'll try again when you're ready."

The next hour passed in the slow, steady rhythm of a shop coming to life. Jeremiah swept the entryway, reorganized shelves, checked on the puppies, and made notes for the afternoon. Every so often, he paused by Sissy's enclosure and gently attempted the attunement again, always careful not to push — just a respectful knock and a sense of calm invitation.

Each time, the door remained closed. Still, the refusals grew softer, the atmosphere less charged with fear.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Then, just as Jeremiah was setting out the mugs from this morning to dry in the cafe, he felt something shift. A subtle warmth brushed the edge of his mind — a tentative curiosity, like a nervous animal peeking out from its hiding place. The "door" in his mind's eye cracked open, just the smallest bit, and Jeremiah felt a faint ripple cross his mind.

He paused, not wanting to startle the fragile connection. The door soon closed again, but Jeremiah smiled nonetheless. It was progress.

——————————————————

Half an hour later and a few more gentle knocks later, Jeremiah was surprised to feel Sissy's door slowly creak open.

He blinked and turned to the cat enclosure.

Sissy was perched on the sunbathing ledge, staring at him. There was still a feeling of weariness and distrust in her eyes, but the open hostility had been replaced by a quiet curiosity.

Sissy tilted her head and a System window appeared.

——————❇——————

Attunement Complete

Connection: Weak

——————❇——————

Jeremiah's perspective shifted as the Attunement settled, a fragile thread forming between him and Sissy. The connection wasn't what he'd hoped for, but it was something. It felt as though Sissy stood at her threshold, the door cracked open just wide enough for her to watch him. Not yet ready to let him in, but willing to acknowledge his presence.

He offered a gentle smile, careful not to break the slender bond now stretching between them. "Thank you, Sissy," he whispered, locking eyes with the stray through the golden wash of sunlight. He let his mind project a steady current of reassurance, keeping his emotions even and unhurried.

The weak attunement let him brush the surface of her feelings: alert, protective, tired, but no longer on the verge of flight. Jeremiah leaned into the link, offering gratitude and quiet encouragement, content to linger at the edge rather than force his way further.

One of the kittens, a tumble of mismatched fur and wide eyes, rolled out from the crate, mewling for attention. Sissy's ears twitched, and she lept from the ledge, landing beside the kitten. Instead of moving it back into the shelter of the crate, however, she laid down beside it, gently nuzzling the tiny creature. All the while, her eyes never strayed from Jeremiah.

He smiled and, with a spark of wordless wonder, sent a ripple of affection and admiration across their fragile connection.

Sissy's response was a pulse of dignified, almost imperious pride. As if to say, "Of course they're cute. I made them."

Jeremiah chuckled, keeping his gestures small and unthreatening as he retrieved a food and water bowl from the shelf. Without breaking eye contact, Jeremiah filled them and carefully approached the access hatch at the far end of the enclosure — well away from Sissy and her kittens. Her gaze followed every movement, suspicion simmering beneath the surface, but she didn't growl or hiss. She simply watched, tense but silent, as Jeremiah set down the bowls and eased the hatch shut before retreating.

He sighed, a warm ripple of satisfaction settling in his chest. Even a tiny step forward was worth celebrating.

As he turned away from the enclosure, a shimmering System message appeared.

——————✴——————

Congratulations, User, on your first successful Attunement!

See the Beast Board for any available Beast Talismans.

——————✴——————

Jeremiah blinked, startled. "'Beast Talismans?'" he echoed aloud, the term unfamiliar. Had the System ever mentioned that before?

A rush of iridescent light zipped through the air as Mero materialized at his shoulder, grinning from ear to pointed ear. "Ah, I thought that might get your attention," the fairy crowed, his eyes dancing with anticipation. "I think you're gonna like this one, Jerry-boy."

Jeremiah shot Mero a sidelong look, both wary and intrigued. Yet, a part of him couldn't help but be curious, too.

With a mental command, Jeremiah pulled up the Beast Board.

—✦—

《ACTIVE ATTUNEMENTS 》

Sissy - (Domestic Feline)

[Status]

Bond State: Active - Awake - Weary - Curious [✚]

Bond Strength: Weak

Beast Talismans - [✚]

—✦—

A few notable differences immediately stuck out to him. The first was bond level had been replaced by bond strength, and that bond points were missing entirely. Jeremiah wasn't sure if that was because the bond strength was 'weak' or if attunements simply didn't have bond points.

The second thing was that Beast Skills had been replaced with 'Beast Talismans'.

Well, that's interesting…

Jeremiah clicked the button, and a new screen appeared.

——————✴——————

〖Beast Talisman Shop〗

[Sissy] - [Domestic Feline] - G Rank

[Quantum Marks]: 85

—✦—

Cat Nap

Rank: G

Keywords: Recovery, Rest

Description: "There's nothing better — or more strategic — than a well-timed catnap."

Drift into the perfect restorative slumber with a single use of this talisman. The user falls into a deep, dreamless sleep for up to two hours (or until naturally awakened). During this time, the body's natural healing and recovery processes are accelerated, greatly improving sleep efficiency. A night's worth of rest can be gained in a fraction of the time, and minor illnesses or injuries recover at twice the usual rate. This effect persists for 12 hours after awaking.

Uses: 3

Requirements: Body capable of natural sleep.

Cost: 5

—✦—

Cat Scratch

Rank: G

Keywords: Offensive, Natural Weapon, Support

Description: "All it takes is one swipe to remind the world: never underestimate a housecat."

Sharpen your edge! Literally! When activated, this talisman channels feline magic to hone, repair, and fortify keratin-based nails or claws. For the next hour, the user's nails or claws become exceptionally sharp, durable, and resistant to breaking or dulling. This effect can be ended at any time. Once this effect has ended, these claws will shed, leaving the nail underneath pristine and healthy.

Uses: 1

Requirements: The user must possess keratin-based nails or claws.

Cost: 5

—✦—

A Mother's Sacrifice

Rank: F

Keywords: Recovery, Support, Targeted

Description: "Her love is their shield, and love never counts the cost."

A selfless power, drawn from the deepest instincts of motherhood. When used, this talisman allows the user to take upon themselves a portion of the physical pain, illness, or fatigue suffered by an offspring or juvenile creature in their care. For the next six hours, any such creature within arm's reach recovers from sickness or injury twice as quickly, while the user absorbs a share of their symptoms or exhaustion. The talisman fades after use, leaving behind a faint, lingering warmth.

Uses: 1

Requirements: The target must be a juvenile or dependent creature in the user's care. Users will experience some degree of transferred pain or fatigue.

Cost: 10

——————✴——————

Jeremiah read through the list, his eyes lingering on each description as he let the implications settle in. Like with Billy, the System had condensed aspects of Sissy's nature into something easier to understand and qualify. Or as Mero liked to say, given it a 'Name'. Even if the skills themselves seemed a bit… niche.

Still, curiosity itched at him. He focused on Cat Scratch, partly because he could actually test that one out. While a nap sounded nice, he didn't think now was the appropriate time.

He mentally selected Cat Scratch, confirming the purchase. Five marks flickered away from his balance. In the next instant, something materialized in the air before him, drifting downward like a feather.

It landed neatly on his outstretched palm — a strip of paper, smooth and heavy, the width and length of his index and middle fingers pressed together. Dark ink formed an elegant, looping runic calligram: a cat in mid-pounce, all flowing curves and sharp, stylized claws. Jeremiah wasn't sure how he could tell, but it was unmistakably Sissy. Her posture, her fierce protectiveness, and her wary pride were all captured in every brushstroke.

Jeremiah turned it over, marveling at the fine texture. The paper seemed to pulse with faint, silvery warmth. He could sense, in some small, uncanny way, that the talisman was meant for him, yet somehow also belonged to Sissy.

"What is this, exactly?" he asked, holding up the talisman for Mero to see.

Mero perched on the back of a chair, swinging his legs. "You just made your first Beast Talisman, kid. Attunements like this don't have enough 'oomph' to give you a permanent skill. Not the way contracts or pacts do. So, the System lets you spend your marks to make a 'copy' of a skill — a useable bit of magic or instinct, tied to your connection with the beast. These little wonders are the result." He wiggled his fingers in the air, eyes dancing with mischief.

Jeremiah examined the talisman again, running his thumb along the edge. "So… like a spell scroll or something?" he asked.

So-called "spell scrolls" were magical spells inked onto specially prepared paper. They weren't as strong or as durable as a proper enchantment, but they were cheap enough to be a popular consumable for those who could afford them. Comparatively, that was. They were still by no means cheap items, given the time, resources, and skill that went into making them.

"Exactly," Mero said, nodding. "They're not exactly the same, but the idea is there."

The fairy grinned. "And because they're physical objects, you're not limited by Skill slots. You can carry and use as many as you can afford to. Though that's a poor use of them if you ask me. You're better off…"

Jeremiah's breath caught, his eyes widening as the idea struck him. "Selling them?"

Mero's grin stretched ear to ear.

Jeremiah paced, his mind whirling with ideas. He could already picture the glass display case at the front of the store — rows of shimmering talismans, each one offering a tiny fragment of magic to anyone willing to pay. Not everyone could form a Beast Bond, but anyone could buy a talisman, right?

He grinned at Mero, excitement flickering in his eyes. "So, I could stock these in the shop? Anyone could buy one and use it?"

Mero gave a low whistle. "Now you're thinking like a real shopkeeper. Anyone can use a Beast Talisman, as long as they meet the requirements. Fancier ones might be out of reach for most folks, but something basic like Cat Scratch? That could be handy for anyone who works with their hands, or anyone who finds themselves in a tight spot." He paused, his grin widening. "Course, you'd have to make more Attunements if you want a wider selection. The stronger the bond, the better — or more potent — the talismans ya can craft."

Jeremiah turned the talisman over in his hand once more. The paper still radiated a gentle, feline warmth, as if Sissy herself was curled up in his palm. It felt both fragile and strangely powerful. He could already imagine customers curious about these little slips of magic, and what it might mean for the future of the shop.

His mind spun with possibilities. Partnerships with local shelters, limited edition runs, and custom orders for regulars. This could be the thing that set the Mystical Menagerie apart from every other shop on Market Street. Even more, it was a way to include everyone — Gifted, mundane, or somewhere in between — in the strange new magic of his world.

He returned Mero's grin. "Alright, Mero. Let's see where this takes us."

Mero cackled, wings fluttering. "Now you're speaking my language, Jerry-boy. The only limit is your imagination."

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