#gamatoto is a sweetheart whos a bit fragile

[ancient-cats-unite]

Heavyhearted Farewells (pt.1)

Gamatoto says goodbye to one of his longest expedition helpers.

Gamatoto and his interns came back to camp. They just finished a 6 hour long journey to the Catseyes Caverns. Packed with XP and Catseyes.. but most importantly, a new member in tow. A very damp one too.

They were sorting items out before pickup, some resting by the campfire or chattering. Some helped their newcomer clean up with towels and blankets. Gamatoto blew his whistle twice.

"Alrighty folks! We got a new recruit! Drumroll please!"

All the interns did a makeshift drumroll tapping their knees. Gamatoto revealed a shy cat with a very shiny Silver cap behind his back.

"Introducing Sophie! Lets give her a hand!!"

Everyone clapped, much to her embarassement. Her cap glimmered in the dimming sunlight.

Soon after, everyone packed up for the night. Sophie was accompanied to her tent by Elmo and Peggy. Gamatoto tucked everyone in with a campfire story and a hug. He decided to stay up later to plan future trips. Best to let the kids sleep for now.

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He was planning to excavate more Catseyes, considering the limited time they had to do so. Estimate was that it could hold for two more days before collapsing. Haniwa Cat and Ototo came to check up on him, Catamin A in hand.

"Whats up little brother? Did you get someone new?"

Ototo cracked open the bottle with his teeth and drank some down. Haniwa rotated his arms in excitement.

Ototo was the leader of his own developement team. Serious and calculating, but he also cared about the safety of his aquaintances. He might also have a Catamin problem..

"Yep! Sophie's a recent helper! Found her in some caverns, all soggy.."

Gamatoto said, a little depressed. He always had some love for all his interns. They were all so bright-eyed, eager to help for the Cat Empire campaign. Sure, they weren't fighting in the great war, but they wanted to help in any way. Seeing his charges getting hurt or trapped just breaks his heart.

"Poor girl. We just finished up our base maintenance! Haniwa is becoming a bit of a favourite among the engineers.."

He chuckled, drinking more. Haniwa was also a pretty recent addition. They would hold down the fort in case any rogue Doges attacked or lookout on expeditions. Interns loved them for what they did.

"Now how much helpers you have now? You had 9 last time I saw you."

Ototo pulled up a chair next to Gamatoto's planning table. Haniwa spinned behind them.

"11! We have a full house!"

Ototo took a peaceful swig at his bottle before quickly slamming it down.

"Too full. Remember the conditions? You can only have 10 at a time. How am I going to say this next part.."

Ototo took a deep breath. He put down his Catamin, three quarters finished, and put a paw on his brother. Gamatoto was sensitive, so he put this in the nicest way possible.

"You might have to send someone home."

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//Authors note: dun dun duuuun! First writing thing! I'm waiting for my AO3 invite so I can post on there. For now, Gamatoto's dilema!//