Catfishing, a Shallura Fic
Here’s a shallura fic that I’m working on~ I’ve been pulling it up every October or so and keep getting stalled, so here’s the opening. I hope you like it!
Quick summary: Witch!Allura summons Cat!Shiro to be her Familiar. But of course, he lied on his online profile. Still, she tries to keep her head up.
Allura read the directions three times over.
There was always a nervous pit in her stomach when it came to new spells. A frizzle of excitement at her fingertips; like her powers were ready to pour out of her at any moment. Allura knelt down on a blanket, as to not hurt her knees. She inhaled, steadying her hands before drawing the circle. She put the sigils on the inside, then laid alternating tributes of snowflake obsidian and Oreos over them.
Allura was glad her potential partner had sweet tooth like she did. The online profile was fitting most of her criteria in a Familiar; not too old to feel babysat by them, not too young she feels like a babysitter, a shared interest in astrology, a patient disposition, and experience in potion making.
Her dear Uncle Coran would complain that there was no fun in it anymore. The elder used to slapdash a Summoning together just to see whatever popped up. While ignoring whatever popped up was angry they were pulled away from something.
The internet expanded their worlds, yet made it seem so much smaller. Modern society didn’t know about the actual power she could wield; and Allura liked it that way. She was merely a young woman who practiced her religion. It was comforting, keeping the rituals passed down from her mother and grandmother. If the key-chains she made were never lost, or her mugs kept tea at just the right temperature, that was just a bonus.
There was only so much one could do alone, which was why she sought a Familiar. Their heightened senses and connection to magic itself aided a witch in their studies. A partner that understood their ability in its fullest, and helped it grow.
She had been trying with several these past few months. Her poor neighbors thought she was bringing her veterinary work home with her; an absentminded parrot, an overactive Xoloitzcuintle dog, a string of indecisive geckos and distracting budgies. But as Coran pointed out; Allura was a traditionalist. When she saw the listing for a house cat, it was like fate.
Allura chanted the spell softly under her breath, and placed her hands on the markings. There was a surge of power in her hands, the vertigo made her head spin. And suddenly it was over. Allura opened her eyes.
A black and white cat was in the center of the circle, as promised. Wide gray eyes were looking at her, it’s body tensed for a moment, as if ready to jump away. The profile may need updating – the picture promised a classic tuxedo, but she could see sprinklings of white hairs here and there. She could chalk it up to stress, or an outdated photo. Then she saw his front paws. There was a prosthetic made of gray and black plastic, with a shield up to his shoulder, and small parts molded to look like toes. That wasn’t typical, most feline prosthesis only had a nub to walk on. The problem was that he didn’t let her know.
She’s met with her share of liars over the internet. The Xolo dog “forgetting to mention” he hadn’t had experience in potions, a Witch and Familiar trying to add a third, an errant Demon Hunter (as if Demons existed)...it was a wonder she still tried at all.
An injury like that would require some permanent changes to her home, even if he keep his prosthetic on. Ergonomic door handles, specialized cutting boards, maybe even a shower chair? At least she already had an electric jar opener. (And Coran said it was a waste! Well, it paid for itself in pickles and kimchi more than a partner ever could!)
Allura was getting ahead of herself, as usual. She turned to the side, picking up the contract she had prepared. The unusual terms made even more sense now. “Good afternoon,” she bowed politely. “I am Allura of Clan Altea, and I ask for your partnership as a Familiar. I understand your request and have modified the standard terms.”
The Familiar blinked, then seemed to recover and bowed in turn. “Good morning Allura.” his voice was deep, held steady by composure. “I am Shiro, and I...would like a minute.” he backed up, picking up the Oreos and the contract. They seemed to disappear out of view behind him. An essential trait of a Familiar. “Do you have a bathroom I could use?”
Her welcoming smile didn’t falter, “Yes, through that hallway, first on the right.”
Shiro nodded, his feline body gracefully dipping before nearly running out of sight.
Allura waited until she heard the door close and then she sighed and stood up. This was starting out spectacularly. .
.
.
So - there’s more. And an outline. This could be the year I finish it~ Thank you~
