[Vinson]

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Welcome to Return, a realistic cat genetics ARPG!
Our goal is to be a fun, educational experience with opportunities for creative lore and lots of cats. While we have a focus on genetics, don't let that scare you away - we have a lot of people willing to help you out! Don't be afraid to check out our discord, where we can answer all your genetics questions.

This is an event adopt!

Who is this cat's best friend? Why? What do they like to do together, or how did they become friends?
This friend does not have to be a Return cat! You may use any character you own.
You may answer this prompt in art and/or writing. Max of 800 words and/or one art piece, which may have a small blurb.

Ends on August 13th

Owner: Zentropy

AGAB: DFAB
Phenotype: Longhair Black Tortoiseshell Self with High White Munchkin
Genotype:
AA / BB / bmbm / Ccs / cucu / Dd / Dmdm / EE / fdfd / HrHr / ii / JbJb / kk / kurkur / ll / lplp / LsLs / mm / Mcmc / Mkmk / XOXo / pdpd / RR / ReRe / SeSe / SpSp / SpfSpf / ti+ti+ / wsws / WbWb / whwh

Aesthetics: 42
Athletics: 24
Health: 15

[Aizui]

Owner: Aizui
Cat Name: Sia [see-ah] "Cassia Bark" #E21
Characters: Tana [tah-nah] "Lantana" #F283 and Sia [see-ah] "Cassia Bark" #E21
Prompt:

Was it fate that Sia would come to know Tana or what is purely comforting to see the same coloration between the two? Similarly, this pondering would stump Sia and have her blankly gazing into Tana’s orbs. Normally, Tana would take the admiration as a compliment, but this staring was a bit on the intense side of things. Cracking a side laugh she eyed at the new member of the Kōjō clan desperately attempting to avert her gaze to keep the situation from being awkward.

“You are so beautiful –" hushed Sia forgetting that speech could be heard from all with ears. The instant the words left her lips a pink and warmed hue filled her face. How embarrassing! Stepping backward her tiny limbs couldn’t contain the event she obliviously pursued. How would she cope with by far a notion that seemed so out of place? Spewing useless knowledge of course.

” Well, I mean calicos in general and tortoiseshell cats too; which are pretty much the same except more speckled in the coats. That and what a common sight to have female calicos, so beauty is expected. Males are much more ra—“

In an instant a white paw covered the fumbling of descriptions and a more honest giggle of relief poured from Tana as she closed off the tiny female. Here green eyes now matching the golden green glow of Sia’s, ”Hush – No need to explain yourself, we are pretty aren’t we?” Her voice whispering in the embrace of Sia’s flushed ears. Too flustered to speak she nodded and wagged her tail pleased with her newfound friend.

This would be the beginning of a long relation between Tana and Sia and their relationship would grow as time would continue onward. Maybe, just maybe, Sia will be seen as more of relationship material than a best friend? Who knows?

Words: 421

[Adamented]

Owner: Adamented
Cat Name: Vaahtera (meaning Maple!)
Prompt:

Vaahtera always felt out of place even though she was never alone she was always lonely. Her best friend always said- "Some souls are destined together but are born at the wrong time." She isn't superstitious, but she can't help but believe it. It's just too much of a coincidence to be unintended.

She lamented, surrounded by strangers for years before her bestfriend was born. She never got along with their parents even though her bestfriend has been a true joy in her life since they were born. She sighs in relief, "What would I do without you. I wish we could have met sooner..."

"You came into the world early! You should have waited for me." Her bestfriend chuckled. They shook their head and rolled over, paws landing on the soft earth below with a quiet thwoomp.

What they share is a bit unorthodox, her bestfriend bonded with her over their shared difficult relationship with their mother. Their mother was an impatient and apathetic molly, constantly putting pressure and expectation on them. Their mother was oler than Vaahtera's and considered wiser although that was up for debate, the older molly enjoyed pushing others around. Especially Vaahtera. She could be harsh, when her child would fail to reach her desires, but familiar with that crushing weight Vaahtera was always at their side.

"Let's go swimming," Vaahtera purred, lifting her muzzle one last time to lap up another moment of sunlight, following her friend less gracefully, stumbling into the mud and trodding up behind her friend. They laughed quietly, rubbing their face affectionately against Vaahtera's shoulder. An unintended purr slips from their throat deep from their chest as they marvel in the softness.

"Swimming? I'll be in trouble if I'm caught in the river again," They titter nervously, their eyes distracted as they meander away from Vaahtera. Their demeanor changed and Vaahtera instantly noticed, the dipped head and tail swaying low behind them, paws taking uneasy steps, different from her bestfriend's typical mood. "I don't think I should go anymore."

Vaahtera quirks up at that in panic, a surprised mewl bursting from her maw before she can help it. "What? But you love swimming!" She feels a sinking feeling in her stomach and chest, a slight lump building in her throat. She can't help but feel disappointed, discarded. When their best friend was still so anxious and secluded, Vaahtera had taught them to swim in the early days they spent together, somewhat as a mentor, even, to the younger cat. It had brought them out of the constantly need to impress, it had brought out the bright and bubbly personality that lingered beneath that pressure and fear, their true nature that Vaahtera longed to meet. "You can't let her get under your fur again," She chides, touching her nose to her best friend's shoulders, "you're not a kitten anymore and you can do what you like. I think it's time you stand up to her."

Her best friend has always been such an encouraging force in her life, always there to support her and to chide her when she made excuses and deserved it. The least she could do was provide the same stubborn support, unwilling to back down. "I don't know..." Her friend hums and haws, still averting their pensive gaze.

"Come on, we can do it together." She purrs, nuzzling her friend again in an attempt to encourage them. Vaahtera is repeating back to them the words they have said to her a million, million times in the past. Every time she wants to give up or back away from a challenge, every time she questioned herself and what she could do, or the skills and talents she had. Any moment where she was unsure, confused, or scared, every single time that Vaahtera had ever needed them they would say these words. "I know what you're capable of."

It seems to hit the right chord with them, their ears pricking up in recognition and they lift their head, a newfound fire in their eyes as they puff up their chest and stand tall. "You know what- you're right," they scoff, rolling their eyes with the image of their mother in their mind, "I need to start thinking and acting for myself. There's no reason not to do the things that make me happy, just because she 'said so', it's absurd."

Vaahtera smiled to herself, bumping their friend's shoulder, "That's the spirit!" She chuckles and shakes her head, "This is the way I like to see you, you know? You're more like yourself."

That's what friends are for- supporting one another, bringing out each others true colors.

[777 words]

[►Athena◄]

Owner: ►Athena◄ 
Cat Name: Ave
Prompt: Ave was once again wandering the jungle just outside of her colony by herself, upset at being considered "too small" by her colony to safely go on an journey. She dreamed of being able to go and explore far off lands, finding new people and new ways of life. Instead she was stuck here, where everyone considered her to be "delicate" because of her size.

Ave's head popped up. Those were footsteps... heavy footsteps, of some beast coming her way! A quick glance revealed she had nowhere to hide and any cover would be too far away. So Ave did what she could. Just as the beast came into sight Ave puffed herself up to be twice as large and jumped towards the creature, claws out and yowling at the top of her lungs!

"Help! HELP!"

Wait... what? Ave went quiet and backed away from the strange beast. This creature, several times Ave's size, was calling for help? Were they.. actually scared of her?

"Please excuse me. I didn't know you were not aggressive and didn't mean to startle you. But... if you don't mind me asking... who, and what, are you?

"My name is Macchiato, and I'm an alpaca! But..." his head drooped as his tone turned sad, "Have you really never seen someone like me before? Oh dear, I must be even farther from home than I thought."

Macchiato then told his tale of becoming seperated from his herd by a horrible storm that caused a rockslide in the mountains where he lived. He had ended up in a river and been carried away. Luckily he'd been fine, but, hopelessly lost, he had been stumbling his way through this jungle for days, hoping to find someone, anyone, to help him.

Hearing Macchiato's tale, Ave knew they could help one another. No one from her colony would be able to say Macchiato was some small, delicate creature. So together they could travel through the jungle, to the far away mountains of Macchiato's home to reunite him with his herd. She'd be able to fulfill her dream of adventure, and Macchiato would have a knowledgeable companion, able to help guide him away from the dangers of the jungle. This would be the beginning of an amazing friendship and the adventure of a lifetime!

[Zentropy]

Owner: Zentropy
Cat Name: Mallow
Prompt: Mallow's best friend is one of the yaks that travels with a nomadic group of humans across the valley every year. His name is Bar and he usually pulls a cart with trade goods as the nomads move from one grazing field to the next. The humans are usually singing or playing music as they travel, so Mallow is quick to hear them coming. She will bound across the field to see them, only her fluffy tail visible above the grasses. Bar is very gentle and kind, so he will patiently lower his head to exchange greetings and allow Mallow to climb up onto his head, her favorite spot, while the humans begin unloading and preparing for the night. During the night Mallow will spend some time getting scratches and pets by the humans, but she will ultimately wind up sleeping in on the flat part of his back. Bar loves to feel Mallow purr, and while he can't play with her like he can with the other yaks, he appreciates her presence nonetheless.


Galaa Bayaraa

[kiro,,]

Owner: kiro,,
Cat Name: Spice
Prompt: Spice sat beneath a tree, when a little stoat jumped out from the bushes. She let out a giggle as her friend bounced around her playfully. Spice was often teased for her short legs, so when she'd come across a creature like her, it was comforting to feel like she wasn’t alone anymore. The stoat seemed to know Spice wasn’t a threat, and they would play together everyday. It was an unlikely friendship, but an amazing one.

image credit

[Vinson]

Owner: Zentropy
Cat Name: Mallow
Prompt: -snip-

congratulations! this was a very hard decision, but I loved the sweet relationship that Mallow and Bar have, as well as the connection you built between this cat and your clowder’s lore and development!

I’d like to award some prizes to everyone else who entered as well! in order of entry ;
Aizui - 12 feathers
Adamented - random munchkin myo (please post in the event shop to have this myo rolled, and link to this post as proof of ‘purchase’/ownership!)
►Athena◄ - 15 feathers
kiro,, - 10 feathers

[Zentropy]

Thank you very much!

[miraphoenix]

This cat has been health-tested! Their health is now: 15