The village of Alber has been home to many Nekomimi for as long as it has existed, and they have thrived in this existence they have found for themselves. At some point in the past, after the village had been around for a very long time, humans eventually began arriving at the town. Upon entry into the town, all the humans have experienced a very strange phenomenon: the sudden creation of a strange jewel that has some sort of energy about it. By accident, it was found that when one of the neko come to be in possession of it, sometimes they would become capable of using strange powers. After greater study, these jewels were found to be the manifestation of human hearts, and that a mutual bond between a human and a neko would allow the pair to activate these powers. Unfortunately, these jewels were also found to be quite breakable, resulting in devastating consequences for the humans. As a precaution, the nekomimi began crafting collars specially designed to keep them safe, and the hearts are still kept in these today.

In it's place deep in the woods, Alber has remained quite peaceful for some time. Unfortunately, there have been rumors of bandits moving into the area recently, hiding in the deeper parts of the woods and sometimes attacking those who venture out of the village alone. Some strange creatures are also reported to have been seen, but the sightings are currently few and far in between. Village officials advise against travelling alone, whatever the case may be.

---

It is now morning in the village of Alber. The locals are just starting to go about their daily business: Setting up market stalls, opening the shops, beginning the daily chores, and other such things. The weather is fairly nice today, so some people are even using the morning for an early walk before starting their day.

Silvia yawned as she got out of her bed and smiled. Having settled into this village after accidentally discovering it she had learned alot and eventually got a heart gem. She went to her kitchen inside her small house and made some breakfast. Today she would enjoy the day, make friends And possibly find someone to give the collar to.

Velion held the locket and sighed as she sat in her room. She had stumbled on this place and now ad her heart in a locket, collar thing. She got a brief run down of what the thing was when she got the collar made. getting up from the bed she walked to her porch, the plant infested, garden of a porch and sat down. she had the collar locked up inside a safety box up in her dresser in a locked compartment.

Ichigo had been awake the whole night before, and it could be seen with the expression of his face. He was awfully tired, but he was currently on a mission. His hair was a mess, not brushed or taken care of, there was reminiscence of herbs hanging in it from when he fell asleep slightly at the desk. He was also wearing the same clothes from before and had a pale, dark eyed complexion. He was standing at the managers side of the store, crushing herbs in a small wooden bowl.

A sound could be heard from the upstairs as Kokoro would wobble down to the bottom step. She could be seen in a blue looking short komono with long sleeves, that was actually pajama's, and rubbing her eyes as she looked to her older brother. Concern rose to her face but she still looked tired. "Brother, why you up, you could've done that when you woke up...." here words were wavered a bit by the way she talked.

The second that Kokoro came down the stairs and said something, Ichigo jumped into a more cheerfull position and seemed like nothing wrong happened. "Hey sis, morning, could you flip the open sign?" he asked simply and it was almost as if he had brushed his hair, washed his face, and put clean clothes on after a good nights sleep. Even his ears were perked up in a good mood.

Koshi woke up with a jolt. He had a nightmare the other night, so he couldn't sleep at all. As he stood up, one of his books fell on the floor. The name of that book was The Study of Hearts. He picked it up and put it back where it belongs. He walked towards the Bathroom, to brush his teeth. His ears were perched and his tail wagging. He was eager to find out what would the day bring to him. He walked back in his room, got a change of clothes and grabbed his book. He walked outside and began walking around the town, hoping to speak with someone.

Silvia ate her breakfast in though. She was still grasping the consept of having her heart as part of a collar. Tho she was prepared for whatever happened. After she ate she cleaned up her mess in the kitchen and walked out into the village hoping to find things to buy and people to meet as well as Nekos.

Nero had been up for a while. He had to be an early riser to get the bakery ready for the people who would be coming in soon. He had just finished getting the bread baked and the select pastries he had made for the day set up. Now he was just unlocking the door and putting out the "open" sign. Not even Alex was up yet, though he suspected that he would be soon enough. The scent of the bread would likely pull him out of his slumber soon and he would want breakfast. He smiled at the thought of that little fluffy kitten bounding down the stairs, ready for a new day of clinging to his clothes or wandering around, babbling about whatever came to his mind.

Verizon was on her porch in a green dress the plants swaying in the early morning wind. Gettin she grabbed a Apple from a tree hanging in her garden and started to eat it. Picking up a woven basket she started licking her fruit trees, a third of the basket for Apple's, a third for oranges and the last third of her basket went to some sweet pears. Feeling quiet happy with her yield she started to walk to her little stall which was a few minutes from her back porch.

As a full time part-timer, Hyperion never really had a "standard sleep schedule". As so, he'd slept three hours that night, waking up in time to help around the restaurant he worked as it opened. "Welcome," he greeted as a customer entered for breakfast, Ion placing the last mat on the tables. A waitress took the customer's order as he made his way behind the counter, simultaneously tying his long black hair behind his neck. When he made his way, however, he found three other part timers already working the grills. "Uhm. What," was his only confused comment, before the boss placed a hand on his shoulder.
Hyperion glanced upwards, the taller neko ordering him, "Grab some bread from the bakery will you? We're almost out- I already placed orders yesterday."
"Oh. Yeah, sure," Hyperion commented, slipping off the apron he'd just put on, starting out and making his way to the bakers, simply following his nose to find it considering the boy was a bit shit with directions. Thankfully the store was open, much like the other stores. Opening it, he greeted politely, "Hello~. I'm here for an order from The Striped Scarf...?"

Argo sneezed. "Sorry, I'm really sick... I can't... today," he apologized to his friend, who promptly hit him on the head. "You idiot," snarked the blonde nekomimi, "I know when you're faking! Aish- forget it, just make sure to come tomorrow!"
And with that, Argo waved to his friend's storming figure, sighing as he did so. He wasn't lying, he actually was pretty sick at the moment. It was worse yesterday though, he thought as he slipped on his shoes and changed his shirt. So, considering he was much better now, he decided for a walk. "I'll be back," he whispered cheerfully to the empty house, slipping on his collar. It was Argo's heart, the jewel, and considering he wanted to have it on him in case he met The One but didn't wanna keep it in his pockets and lose it by chance, he always wore it.
Stepping out into the crisp air he hummed a tune to himself, his dark hair billowing in the wind. "What a nice day for skipping work~" he sung happily to himself.

Hearing a voice from somewhere, Nero poked his head out from the back. Had somebody come in already? He looked toward the front in search of the voice's owner and saw the other neko there. "The Striped Scarf? Oh, yes. I'll be right back." Rushing back to the kitchen, he began wrapping up the freshly baked loaves he had just set aside a little more than a few minutes ago. Thank goodness, that was good timing.

As he finished packing up the bread for the waiting customer, he could hear small footsteps on the stairs. He turned his head to see Alex on his way down, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Good morning!" Breakfast is on the table over there. I'll get you something to drink in a minute." Leaving the younger boy at the table, he brought the bread out to the counter. "Here you go! It's still warm, too."

Deep within the forest, Uruvion was sitting on a large rock in front of the campfire that was starting to burn out after a long night of him tending to it. His hands were folded in front of his face and he rested his elbows on his knees, he was obviously deep in thought. He watched the last flame die down, a bit of blonde hair covering one of his eyes, and smoke started to rise from the black ash. As he watched it, he turned his head towards the body of a bandit that had attacked him last night. It was laying face down, lifeless, beside the campfire. He didn't know why the man attacked him, but he had to act in self defense and it was Uruvion, or the bandit. The brown leather on his boots stretched a bit as he stood up. He looked at the body, closing his eyes and bowing his head as he finally re-sheathed his sword into the scabbard at his side. The hilt met the top of the sheath with a small *clink* when they met and he opened his eyes, looking into the forest. He didn't know where he was going, but he felt like he had to keep moving.

Before he departed, he knelt down to the body of the bandit, not to pay his last respects, but to pillage anything he could take that would be of use or value to him. He was able to take a small bag of gold, and a silver dagger to add to his own. Standing back up, he nodded to the lifeless body of the bandit. "Many thanks" he said in a kind sounding voice with a slight bow before continuing into the woods, unknowingly heading towards Alber.

Toccoa purred with the last sip of her tea, her closed-lips smile let her enjoy all the remnants of the huge amount of cream and sugar she used. She had been up to watch the sunrise over the rooftops on a small deck of her second floor apartment. Now it's off to help my town like I alway do! Maybe i always will... She thought throwing off the robe she wore after her bath and on her favorite shirt. A baggy white number with tight black cinches around her neck, shoulders, wrists, and waist. It did not get in the way of her work and compliments her straight-legged black pants that tapered off about mid calf where her black leather-soled walking boots started. She went out and embraced the sunshine and ruckus.

As she got to the post office where she worked, a feeling of anxiousness struck her. It was that day where she had to go to all the businesses and hand them their financial reports to fill out. She hated this time of the year! She wouldn't get the occasional thanks or compliment and wouldn't be able to even have a good conversation with any she would contact. Her ears turned to the back of her head with reconsideration with how good her day might be.

Then there was Lady Ryuko, the sweet postal clerk that gave her the day's load. After a compliment on Toccoa's habits of being early and conversation on how her son is about her age - which she politely avoided - she handed her a string-tied bundle of large paper envelopes and a smaller version with a colorful blend of letters. After putting the latter stack of letters in her small bag and hugging the former to her chest, she glided out into the main market street. First up, the bakery. At least I can smell some great creations there and dream about that until lunch.

She opened the door and started calling out.
"Delivery from Town ha-"
Her voice faded in front of the younger and older boy who both did not own this shop. She walked a little farther in and lost her apersonal tone.
"Good morning Alex! I'm looking for Nero." She made a small, amiable, smile. "And morning to you too, sir."

The sun rays glared through her window onto her face. She mumbles a bit pulling up the blanket over her face to block the sun as she turns to see the clock."Morning already?" She said out loud sitting up in bed rubbing her eyes. She got dressed quickly, putting the collar inside her left pocket going downstairs making herself some buttered toast with jam. After she was finished she left for the day going to her market stall with her mechandise in bags. She said talked to the local folk as she walked there then puts them down on the table setting up quickly.

Koshi kept walking around town, waving at the shopkeepers. He came to a halt, he remembered something really important, work. He had forgotten all about it, he was going to be late. He ran back home. Once he got there he began looking for his uniform and badge. He put them on and ran towards the station. Once he arrived, he was found with an ugly stare by his boss.

-"This has been the 4th time you are late this week, Koshi. What's your excuse this time?"

-"I'm sorry Mr. Watashi it won't happen again, I..Overslept."

Mr. Watashi shook his head. Getting a nod from his boss he walked into his office, hoping that something happened today.

Kaori smiled at a few customers as they bought a few of her items. She packed them neatly in bags handing them out as they gave her money in exchange. "Thank you please come again!" She bowed to then as they walked away then looked over at the blonde neko "Hmm...I have some new items in stock today" She walks over to them pointing at each one "I have pocky which are biscuit stick flavored with various flavors, Rice crackers, Moon cakes, Rice balls, Freshly made mochi and fried fish made to order.She points over to her open fire pit as there were a few fish cooking. She puts her hands behind her back turning to her merchandise saying more items she has like pottery and jewelery. "Call when you need something alright?." she goes to help out another customer nearby.

Silvia reached the main market place.Having eaten breakfast she was not hungry but caught the smell of bread. She also began to look at all the wares for sale. She had some money but was a shopper who spent it wisely. She smiled at the people she passed and Nekomimis.

Alex looked up at the girl. He knew her, she was the lady who made the deliveries sometimes. "He's making the bread again. I'll go get him!" He ran behind the counter to get to the back, where the kitchen was. Looking around, he could see Nero in front of the oven, moving a fresh batch of bread to be cooled. Walking behind him, Alex grabbed onto his tail, tugging on it. "Big brother! The lady with the mail is here!"

Nero turned with the bread, trying to be careful even with Alex messing with his tail. He somehow managed to get it on one of the cooling racks without mishap before looking back at the younger neko, who had already gotten distracted playing with the fur in his hands. "Alright, then. I'm coming. Lead the way." Snapped back to the present, Alex grabbed his hand and pulled him out to the front counter again. The older boy smiled at Toccoa. "Good Morning. Sorry for the wait."