#natori sighing: yes sire

[ploffskinpluffskin]

what do you think baron's original plan was before the cat kindgom just straight up Kidnapped haru. did i miss it. was he actually going to go practice some diplomacy, try to straighten things out with the king and the bureaucrats and see what the Fine Print was

bc i'm honestly really amused by the idea of that. natori just wholly embodying the obstructive bureaucrat (bureauCAT slaps knee) trope and feeling more alive than he has in ages bc of it

[cymraegdragon21]

The Dragon Challenge

Birthday Bash Prompt 7 - Dragons

'I beg your pardon, your majesty?' said Natori in confusion, surely he had misheard.

'Do you wish me to repeat myself?' growled the Cat King.

'Forgive me sire but I thought that you said that you wanted a dragon.' replied Natori.

'That's right Babe.' he grinned.

'But why?' asked his advisor in disbelief.

'I don't have one.' responded the Cat King as if it was the most obvious answer in the word.

Natori stared at him. The king had requested many strange things over the years but this had to be the most obscure.

'I don't think that it will be easy. There are no dragons in the Cat Kingdom.' explained Natori.

'Then we will need to look outside of the kingdom.' grinned the long hair 'I'm the king and everything I want I'll get.'

'Yes sire.' sighed Natori trying to think how this would even be possible. 'It's just that this is a more difficult ask.'

The Cat King sat on his throne stroking his moustache before his grin widened making Natori quake about what idea had entered his head.

'Why don't we make this a challenge for my subjects?' suggested the king 'We'll have to give them some sort of incentive of course. A prize for bravery.'

'Sire it's very dangerous.' gasped his advisor 'Some of them may die!'

'It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.' he growled 'Now go and start putting the announcement of the challenge together. You're dismissed.'

'Yes your majesty.' sighed Natori before bowing and turning to leave the room.

He pulled the curtain aside and exited the room. He was so distracted by his own thoughts he didn't see the cat coming in the opposite direction and he crashed into them causing him to fall backwards onto the floor. He looked up in surprise to see Prince Lune standing over him looking concerned whilst offering him a paw to help him back up.

'Is everything all right Natori? You seem rather distracted.' asked Lune.

'Apologies your highness. I should have been looking where I was going.' he apologised as he stood up brushing down his robe.

Lune looked over him critically.

'Father has asked you for something ridiculous again, hasn't he.' stated Lune.

Natori looked at him nervously not feeling he could speak so openly in the corridor. Lune understood the look on his father's advisor's face.

'Follow me to my study.' he said before turning around and heading back the way he had come.

'Yes your highness.' responded Natori before following him.

Lune sighed. His father seemed to be falling further into his madness. Whatever next? Catnap a human? Lune ran a paw between his ears in frustration over what Natori had told him. If his father was going to issue such a challenge there wouldn't be anything he could do to stop him. He thought about how his father's history of blowing things up when irritated was bad enough but that would be nothing compared to the carnage a fire breathing dragon could do. He groaned. It was an impossible task but that didn't mean that cats wouldn't get hurt attempting the challenge lured in by the prize his father planned to offer. As he was mulling things over a pretty white maid came in with his afternoon tea. He offered her a weak smile whilst rubbing his temples.

'Do you have a headache your highness?' she asked.

'Yes, my father.' he murmured.

The young cat attempted to hide her giggle behind her paw. They had known each other for six months since Yuki came to work at the castle. They had developed an easy friendship and if Lune admitted it to himself he had a soft spot for her.

'Father wants a dragon.' he said eventually.

Yuki almost dropped the tea pot in surprise.

'I somehow need to stop the mayhem this may cause without him finding out and somehow he gets a dragon.' continued the prince with a sigh.

Yuki looked thoughtful as she offered him a biscuit.

'Why don't you contact the Cat Bureau for help?' she suggested.

'The Cat Bureau?' he repeated.

'Yes, they are an advisory service who offer their help with cases brought to them. I've heard the one in charge is a creation.' explained Yuki.

Prince Lune leaned back in his seat and looked at her.  Perhaps this was the answer to his problem.

'Tell me about this Cat Bureau.' he smiled.

A couple of days later, once he had caught up with his duties Lune set up a portal from his study that would take him to the Cat Bureau. He stepped out onto the cobbles and looked around the courtyard. One building in particular seemed to stand out so he headed towards it. He knocked on the double doors and waited. Within a few minutes he heard footsteps approaching and the door opened to reveal the cat creation Yuki had spoken about.

'Good afternoon. Welcome to the Bureau.' he greeted ' I am Baron Humbert von Gikkingen. How may we be of service?'

'Good afternoon. I'm Prince Lune of the Cat Kingdom. I really do hope that you will be able to help us.' he sighed.

'Please come in your highness. If you can explain what assistance you are requiring then we can see if the Bureau will be able to help.' replied Baron.

'Thank you.' nodded Lune.

Lune took a seat on the sofa and showed his appreciation when handed a cup of tea. 

'Now what seems to be the problem?' asked Baron as he took his own seat.

'I don't really know where to begin.' sighed Lune.

'Well what is the biggest issue?' replied Baron.

'My father ..' began Lune 'Well he has flights of fancy I suppose you could say. He decides that he wants something and then he must have it.'

'Oh and what is it that would be so troubling?' asked Baron.

'A dragon' replied Lune causing Baron to almost drop his cup in surprise 'It's the most ridiculous request I think I have ever heard him ask. The last thing we need is a fire breathing dragon on the loose. It's bad enough that Father has a store of explosives. He almost took down one of the towers the other day.'

Baron looked over at the frustrated royal. This certainly was an unusual case that had been brought to the Bureau's doors.

'May I ask how he plans to get hold of a dragon?' he enquired.

He noticed the young prince grip his paws into fists.

'He intends to hold a challenge open to all and reward the one who succeeds greatly.' he replied 'I really fear for the lives of our citizens.'

'What is the prize that is tempting enough for them to consider risking their lives?' asked Baron.

'As much fish as they can eat.' responded Lune.

'Now I thought they had only just been able to restock the lake.' came a voice from behind causing Lune to jump and turn his head.

'How do you know about that?' he asked the large white cat who had just entered the Bureau.

Muta shrugged as he continued towards the kitchen to investigate the cupboard. Lune turned back to Baron to find the creation in deep thought.

'Has his majesty ever seen a real dragon?' he asked finally.

'No.' replied Lune shaking his head 'There are no dragons in the Cat Kingdom. He has only heard about them from stories.'

'You said he had a stock of explosives which I presume you could gain access to?' continued Baron.

'Yes.' responded Lune slowly not entirely sure where this could be leading.

'Don't worry your highness, I am confident the Cat Bureau can assist. No lives will be lost and the Cat King will get his dragon.' assured Baron.

A look of shock passed over the prince's face before he rearranged his features into a practised more neutral state.

'If you can truly do this I'll give you whatever you want.' replied Lune.

'There is no need for that your highness.' smiled Baron 'Now please tell me more about the challenge so we can prepared in advance.'

A few days later Natori was nervously standing behind the curtain at the edge of the balcony which overlooked the castle's inner courtyard. Below was where those who had signed up to the dragon challenge had gathered. Having spoken with Lune he was aware that the Cat Bureau would be amongst them ready to play their role. He still wasn't sure how they were going to achieve the impossible task which made him anxious. As he attempted to sneak a peak at the cats below he felt a claw run down his spine causing him to stiffen.

'Hey Babe.' the king purred in his ear 'Is everything ready?'

'Ye yes your majesty.' stuttered Natori more at the physical closeness of the king more than anything else.

'Excellent.' he grinned 'Looks like we have a good number of adventurers to go and fetch me my dragon.'

'Yes your majesty.' nodded Natori.

'Right, it's show time!' exclaimed the king heading out onto the balcony to address the crowd below leaving Natori behind breathing in and out into his paw to stop himself panicking.

Time passed and no dragon was presented. Potential adventurers returned exhausted but empty pawed. Natori was grateful that none had received any injuries but he could feel the king getting increasingly agitated at not getting what he wanted. He was just contemplating how he was going to appease his monarch of the inevitable when Natoru came flying through the curtained door with an ecstatic grin.

'A pair of adventurers have returned.' he squeaked 'They have captured a dragon and have brought it to the kingdom.'

Natori stood up in shock before remembering what Lune had said about the Cat Bureau. This must be their doing. His stomach flipped with anxiety, not certain what the outcome would be.

'They say that they have contained the dragon in a cave not too far away and wish to present to his majesty as soon as possible.' continued Natoru.

'Very well.' sighed Natori feeling impending doom 'Inform them that we will be there shortly. His majesty is currently having a massage.'

The shorter cat squeaked again before disappearing out the way he had come.

Natori wrung his paws anxiously as they approached the cave. He already knew that many called him neurotic behind his back but this was serious.  A dragon could mean the end of the Cat Kingdom. He watched as the king swaggered confidently in front of him. He nearly jumped out of his skin when a paw touched the sleeve of his robe.

'Don't worry Natori. It's all going to plan.' assured Lune 'No-one is going to get hurt I promise you.'

'I do hope that you are right your highness.' he sighed.

As they were led towards the cave by one of the Bureau members posing as a dragon wrangler Natori wondered where the larger cat was. A loud noise filled the air similar to an explosion causing all thoughts to fly out of his head.

'Ah it seems like he's awake.' said Baron cheerfully as he led them.

The bang was followed by a couple more and the sound of rocks falling.

'Sounds like a marvellous dragon Babe.' grinned the Cat King.

'Indeed your majesty.' nodded Baron 'Not much further now.'

'We're all doomed.' thought Natori despite the prince's assurances.

Baron slowed down as they came closer towards the mouth of the cave. The eager king attempted to head straight in causing Baron to put his arm out.

'Forgive me your majesty but dragon's can be especially grumpy when first awake. If you will allow me, I'll go in and bring him out.' he explained. 'If you would mind just standing be the side.

Natori quickly manoeuvred the king and his heir away from the mouth of the cave. Only a few minutes later a plume of fire shot out of the darkness covering the area where they had been previously standing. 

'Well that could have been a little awkward.' laughed Baron before he removed a coil of rope from his belt. 'He is rather grumpy today. Please remain here whilst I go and fetch him for you.'

By this time Natori was practically hyperventilating. He waited for the inevitable scream and further fire but there was nothing but silence. Eventually Baron returned leading out a lizard. The group gathered were surprised as its size, not much larger than a cat when on all fours. Although smaller than expected the creature certainly looked like a dragon in the stories minus the wings. The creature flicked it tongue.

'What is that Babe?' asked the Cat King.

'It's a Pogona your majesty.' explained Baron 'A small but mighty dragon.'

It certainly packs a punch from what we experienced earlier.' confirmed Lune 'Will we be able to control it?'

'Of course. Once he knows who his master is. They can be quite docile with their handlers.' replied Baron confidently 'If you would like to approach your majesty.'

For all his confidence the Cat King was looking uneasy. He moved forward too quickly which cause the ruff on the dragon to puff up and his head to bob up and down.

'Careful your majesty.' murmured Baron 'You need to approach more gently.'

The king nodded and did as advised. When he was within arms length he reached his paw out to touch the dragon's head.

'It feels cool.' he muttered in surprise.

'Yes dragons are cold blooded. He will enjoy sunbathing so the Cat Kingdom is a perfect environment.' replied Baron as he handed over the rope 'Congratulations your majesty. You now have your dragon.'

'I'm going to call him Norbert.' he grinned 'Come on Babe. Let's show you your new home.'

'I'll go with you Father.' said Lune before turning to Baron 'Natori can discuss the reward with you.'

'Of course your highness.' replied Baron with a bow.

Natori seemed glued to the spot as he watched the two cats lead the strange creature away. He turned to Baron to discover Muta had suddenly joined them. The large cat smelt of smoke.

'Are you certain the kingdom isn't in danger?' asked Natori 'Prince Lune kept assuring me bit I still feel uneasy.'

'Of course. The bearded dragon is a rather docile creature.' confirmed Baron.

'So we are unlikely to be eaten?' replied Natori.

'Not unless you're an insect.' laughed Muta 'They are mostly vegetarian.'

Natori's eyes widened.

'What about the explosions and the fire?' he demanded.

'Well Prince Lune was kind enough to allow us to take a sample of his father's collection. Also Muta is a cat of many skills and from his time in a travelling circus he learnt the art of fire breathing.' explained Baron.

'Singed my fur a few times in the beginning.' laughed the large white cat.

'So we are all safe?' asked Natori needing confirmation.

'Yes, the dragon is no threat. As long as handled correctly the most he is likely to do is hiss. He should thrive well in the Cat Kingdom but if his majesty becomes forgetful of him once the novelty has worn off we can return him to his native Australia in the Human World.' replied Baron.

For the first time in a very long time Natori felt his body sag with relief.

'Thank you Cat Bureau.' he murmured. 

[mmamagoto]

@mutastanaccount said: Ooh, how about a Cat King and Natori thing, for the requests?

Headcanon Drabble Requests | Accepting !

my embarrassing OTP? you bet! :v jkf;da in all seriousness, tho, while i really like what i’ve come up with to answer this, i also feel that my fics for this pairing are getting. uh. Repetitive laughs sorry about that orz ;;

this is about 600 words or so of fluff and Unexplained Feelings. also this is the second time i’ve connected natori to a duster of some kind, and it wasn’t entirely on purpose so i’m wondering what that’s all about. other than the. obvious

also also, yes, i’ve already made not-so-subtle allusions to the idea/headcanon of natori being the one who takes care of the king’s fur but. i still. like it, so it’s popping up again. it’s a very old married couple Thing and i’m Attached to it lmao

Haircuts hadn’t always fallen under the expansive umbrella of Natori’s responsibilities. Like many of those tasks, it’s simply been absorbed there through the years, as if he were a duster to which they cling like particles of dust. Yet neither of them have found the drive to put an end to this particular routine, even as others fall by the wayside in their shared retirement.

It’s as Natori patiently combs through matted fur that the king eventually speaks up, “We haven’t gone up to the mountain house in a while.”

“I thought you had dozed off.”

“Nah. Just thinking.”

“Hm. You’re right, though. We haven’t visited in some time.”

“We should go.”

Natori sets the comb down on the side table he’d dragged over, instead picking up the shears and an old but ornate handheld mirror, which is nonchalantly taken by Claudius. “When would you like to go, sire? I’ll organize an expedition.”

At this, the king’s posture takes on a distinctly more sullen and intractable bearing; he goes so far as to cross his arms and sink lowly into his seat. “Not like that. I’m tired of being followed everywhere like a damn duckling. I want to go alone, just the two of us.”

Natori frowns, not just because Claudius, as usual, seems to forget he’s holding a pair of sharp hair clippers which could very easily result in injury with too unpredictable a movement, but at his request, as well.

“Just the two of us, sire? I’m not certain that’d be altogether appropriate, ha.”

“Bah, I’m the king— what I say is appropriate is what’s appropriate.”

“I don’t think that’s quite how it works,” Natori responds coolly, but Claudius can still hear the smile in his voice.

“What’s the point in even being king, then?”

“Oh, everything else may have some influence in making it worth it— the luxury, the status…”

The king pauses for a long while after that, staring out at the open window across the room and the sunlight streaming in through it. Outside, he can hear the rustling of a light breeze, and the nebulous murmur of voices as servants go about their day. There’s something very tired and stale about it all, but sequestered away in this room with his old advisor layers a shroud of comforting (not tiring) familiarity over that ennui he can’t quite articulate. He doesn’t think he should tell Natori about it.

“…the company,” he eventually adds, even though Natori has long since trailed off.

In response, he can feel the fleeting tremor in the other cat’s paws as they pass over his fur and eventually slow to an absent caress, the scarcest whisper of an indefinable grief. But the disquiet doesn’t linger; only seconds later, Natori is back to combing through for stray hairs and snipping those that are too long or unruly. Claudius thinks his touch is gentler than before. He remembers the mirror in his lap and pulls it up, inspecting Natori’s handiwork.

“So, as I was saying,” he then starts again, conversationally, as if nothing had happened, “We should go. Think it’s high time I got a change of scenery, babe. I’ve been bored as sin just hanging around since Lune took over.”

Natori doesn’t respond to that, which the king finds rather strange. In the little oval mirror, he glimpses his advisor’s troubled expression and finds he isn’t certain what to say about it, having little conjecture regarding its source. Instead, he opts for distraction.

“You know I’m going one way or the other, babe.” Spoken with a defiant grin.

Here Natori sighs in his usual way, and when he answers, Claudius can tell it was meant to be with his also usual accompanying resignation, but he doesn’t quite manage it. The muted distress has vanished, replaced instead by an exasperated, but recognizably fond demeanor. “Then I will accompany you, sire.”

[cornerstonc]

Natori, carefully: Violence isn't the answer, sire. Cat King: You’re right. Natori: *sighs in relief* Cat King: Violence is the question. Natori: What? Cat King, bolting away: And the answer is yes! Natori, running after him: Sire, NO--

[mmamagoto]

i don’t have the energy or focus tonight to actually start writing it but that old idea i had about the cat king and natori getting ‘divorced’ over something trivial would definitely include a scene where the cat king, now Alone bc natori is off doing his own thing, decides to do Something Crazy Or Reckless and pauses for like a full minute waiting for natori’s inevitable protest before remembering they’re in the middle of an Argument and he’s not there jjfi;a

cat king, mimicking natori: yes, sire, i do think investing in nerf guns for the guards might be a quantifiably bad idea

cat king:

cat king, sighing: it’s just not the same