InsaneJournal

The large, red-furred catlike animal blinked and tilted his head.

The slender, green-eyed girl did likewise. “I’m sorry, this glass is awfully thick,” Aerith shouted, knocking on the inside of the giant test-tube for emphasis. “I don’t believe I heard you right!”

Hojo sighed and shook his head with quiet resignation. “Seriously, these animals are so dim-witted it’s no wonder they’re on the brink of extinction.” He flipped a switch, activating the in-tube speakers. “I said, you are to breed with this animal so as to ensure not only your own species’ survival but its as well.”

Aerith’s mouth hung open. “You’re putting me on.”

“Hmph. Silly beasts.” Hojo drew an old, well-trusted pistol from his coat. “Do it, or die. It’s that simple.”

“But I thought you wanted to ensure our survival!” Aerith wailed, sidestepping the advances of the giant tomcat.

A tongue like sandpaper darted out and tasted the back of her thigh.

Aerith yelped, then reached down and swatted the creature’s nose.

A low rumbling growl issued from the animal’s throat; his tail lashed from side to side, puffing out like a startled kitten’s.

Aerith backed up until she hit the glass. “Good kitty,” she murmured, eyeing the rampant beast with growing alarm.

The growl changed tone, becoming almost like words.

“Did you say something?” Aerith whispered, leaning down.

“Play along,” the creature whispered, his lips unmoving as though he were a stage ventriloquist.

“But I can’t – you can’t! I mean, we can’t! I mean – whoa!” Aerith squawked and tried to push his nose out from under her skirt.

“Human,” the beast murmured, “I’m not into your species either. But if we make this look good, he might not kill us.”

Aerith planted her fists on her hips. “I don’t care! I’m not letting you – you – whatever it is you’d do! Especially with him watching!”

“That’s the idea,” the big cat purred. “Considering his lack of knowledge of basic interspecies noncompatibility, I doubt he’ll ever realize we’re faking it.”

“You have a point…”