Chapter Text
After regaining his memories, Kunikuzushi didn't really have much to do. He wasn't as eager to help shop owners for no pay as he was before, or visit the Akademiya, like Nahida always asked him to. And despite claiming his title as Wanderer, – only the Traveller gets to call him the stupid name they chose for him – he wasn't that keen on leaving Sumeru.
He did leave the city itself, sometimes. To walk among the wilderness and kick some fatui recruits' asses for entertainment. But somehow he felt he didn't wish to travel to any of the nearby regions.
Except for now. He'd rather be anywhere else.
– Come on, we need an outsider's perspective! – One of the Akademiya students currently pestering him pleaded.
– That's right. We could learn quite a lot from someone of Inazuman origin. – Another student, who looked the smartest among them, elaborated.
He tried to glare up at them menacingly, despite all three being at least a head taller.
– Outsider perspective my ass. Just leave me alone, you freaks. – He began to step away from the ragtag group of students cooking out in the wilderness for some reason when the third scholar spoke up.
– Just leave it, guys. He probably doesn't know how to cook and just doesn't wanna admit it. I'd be quite embarrassed as well… – The agreeing hums from the two other students angered him even more than the statement itself.
– Me? Can't cook? I can cook better than any of you amateurs.
– Prove it. – The smart one, Azmi, had her hands on her hips as she glared down at the angry little man.
– I have nothing to prove. But maybe after tasting my heavenly dishes, you'll finally realise your abilities will never compare to mine.
And that is how he ended up cooking for them. The Akademiya students showed him Sumeran recipes that he only recreated to prove he could recreate them perfectly. At the end of the day, after passing most of the dishes onto Wanderer – despite him telling them there was no way he'd eat any of it – one of the students, who he now knew as Sanad rushed back to him after their goodbyes.
– Wait! We just wanted to tell you, we're holding a cooking competition in two weeks. All expenses paid by the Akademiya, since Azmi convinced them it's related to our studies. We think you'd have a good chance of winning. – The student was smiling down at him, and Kunikuzushi still wondered why they were so eager to talk to him despite his own abrasiveness.
– Of course, I would win. You just witnessed my godly culinary skills yourself. But you're a moron if you think I'd waste my time with such foolish matters. – Wanderer tips his hat as a second goodbye and turns away.
– Well if you ever change your mind, you just have to show up. Registration's gonna be on-site, at the Bazaar.
The wanderer pays no mind to the still chattering student as he makes his way back to Sumeru city.
After a few days of his usual activities – mainly avoiding Nahida and rogue Akademiya students – Kunikuzushi realised he really had nothing better to do than a stupid cooking competition. From the ridiculous advertisements on all the notice boards, he could deduce he still had more than a week before it.
Although he was quite comfortable with his abilities, he couldn't deny that Sumeru's world of taste was quite different from any of the dishes he was used to creating. All the spices he'd never even heard of gave him a pause the first time he tried to bake a pan of baklava.
He doesn't need practice; he already has great skills that cannot be improved because he's reached the top. But, he admits, he may need to get more comfortable with Sumeran food if he wants to impress anyone in this competition.
And what better place to get acquainted with this region's cuisine, than the most famous tavern of Sumeru city. Nahida had insisted on taking him here before, so he knows Lambad's dishes will be adequate to widen his horizons.
– Hello, friend! What'll you be having today? If you can't decide, just order the Lambad Fish Roll! – The well–built man had a friendly smile on his face that Wanderer found repulsive.
– A Lambad Fish Roll? – He asked while he slid into a seat at the table tucked away in a little corner.
– It's a recipe I came up with on an adventure in my youth. The flavour of the finished product far exceeded my expectations, so I bestowed it with the great name of Lambad! – The tall man seemed excited to tell the tale of the dish. But before he could begin, the other man cut him off.
– I'll get that, then. – His aloof attitude shut off any further conversation between the two.
After waiting for an absurd amount of time – about fifteen minutes – a fresh-smelling dish was placed before the wanderer. He began to dig in.
– The fish was fresh from the water and the pitas just popped out of the oven. Be careful, it's hot!
Of course, Wanderer didn't care. He could handle eating food no matter its temperature.
His eyes narrowed as he tried to play off burning his tongue for being disgusted by the taste.
– You know, there aren't many people like you around here. Sanad mentioned a wanderer with your description once. – Lambad didn't look convinced.
– You know Sanad? – Despite it being a question, Kunikuzushi's tone couldn't be further from disinterested.
– Of course! He and all his friends have asked me for advice with their cooking club once or twice. He even invited me to a cooking competition a few days ago. I'll be honest, it seems quite unfair of me to compete with some hobbyist cooks, but he insisted.
– Hah. He's so desperate for participants that he even invited me.
The fish was left alone on the plate after the first bite. Still hot.
– From what I hear, you are quite the chef, my friend. What do they call you? – Lambad chuckled with mirth while putting a hand on the other man's shoulder.
– You may call me Wanderer. And I'm not your friend.
He cautiously tried the dish once again. At least it wasn't a thousand degrees anymore. Who would serve food that could still burn people's tongues?
– Ah, mysterious, like the Traveller. It suits you.
Lambad watched for a while while he tasted his dish. If he ever visited this tavern again, he'd come at a busier time. This man talks so much when there aren't any other customers to serve.
– It's saffron and turmeric you're tasting. They're quite prominent in our dishes.
Wanderer hummed while chewing. The taste was… interesting. Similar to many of the Sumeran dishes he'd tried before. He could get used to it.
– It's got too many spices. I can barely taste the fish anymore.
Lambad laughed as he watched the other finish the rest of the dish.
– I could always show you more types of food. I'll make you something for free if you cook me something as well. – The man was back to standing with crossed arms, the smile never having left his face.
– It's always wise to learn from your enemy. – Kunikuzushi responded, to which Lambad let out another hearty laugh.
Kazuha was very excited to finally visit Sumeru. It was too bad Beidou couldn't stay for more; she needed to sail back to Liyue for business after just a few days. But, there was so much to do here that he didn't really mind being alone for a while. He got a tour of Port Ormos from a kind scholar at the docks, and it was quite a sight to behold. After the departure of the fleet, however, he decided to visit Sumeru city.
It was a wonderful place; with beautiful architecture, and the people of the city were so in tune with nature. He wouldn't have expected anything less from the city of the dendro Archon. However, after a pleasant afternoon of browsing the wares of all the city's craftsmen, he began to sense the coming of rain. No matter, he decided he'd look around for a bit more. He heard there was a young fortune teller somewhere in this city…
And that is how Kazuha almost ended up getting soaked on his first day in Sumeru city. He sighed as he stood below one of the many tarps of the marketplace, looking sadly at his destination. The tavern was so close, but the rain that started so suddenly looked ruthless. He'd get drenched in less than a second. So he stood there, unable to do anything.
Until his saviour arrived. A young man, wearing a large hat – no doubt enough to shield both of them – approached the tavern.
– Excuse me! – He had to shout a little bit over the sound of the rain, but he knew he could still be heard. Despite this, the man continued on as if nothing had happened. Was he deaf? Well, Kazuha did not want to spend his night covering beneath a dripping tarp, so he quickly made his way to the other.
– What the fuck? – The young man turned to Kazuha as he got into his space. Their faces were nearly touching, but it was necessary if Kazuha wanted to be shielded from the rain.
– I'm sorry, friend. I saw that you were heading for the tavern, I thought I'd join you.
The man had the most unimpressed face Kazuha had ever seen.
– My hat is not an umbrella. – Despite this, he continued slow enough for Kazuha to follow a step behind.
Kunikuzushi made his way to the upstairs of the tavern with the stranger following him. He hopped over the counter. The weird guy took a seat in front of it.
– You work here? – He asked, but the other didn't feel like answering. The only reason he let the stranger take shelter under his hat was that whenever he met Nahida, she somehow always seemed to be aware of all the people he'd been rude to since they last met. He did not want this week's scolding to be any worse.
– No. – He replies, now afraid Nahida could sense he chose not to answer a polite question. Before the stranger could ask anything else, Lambad comes behind the counter, using the cafe door, like a normal person.
– Well, hello there friend! Quite the shower outside, but I've seen worse on the sea. – Lambad clasps Wanderer on the shoulder, like every time they meet. He still flinches.
– I see you've brought a friend! Who might you be, stranger? – Lambad turns to the man sitting at the counter, wearing that warm smile he always does.
– My name is Kaedehara Kazuha, I come from Inazuma. – Kunikuzushi's attention snaps to the man. The Kaedehara Kazuha? When he looks closer, he notices a red strand among the unusually white hair. He's speechless, but Lambad – like always – carries on with the conversation easily.
– Ah, so you are from Inazuma, too! Well, friend, how about you taste test for us today? We'd appreciate a third party to judge our culinary skills.
Wanderer makes no comment, but Lambad is too happy to take a break from his negative comments to point that out.
– Well, I've mostly been cooking my own meals while travelling here, so I couldn't possibly refuse. A well-made meal in a tavern is a rare delicacy for someone like myself.
Lambad laughs as he goes downstairs to the kitchen. The shorter man behind the counter doesn't follow after him, still looking at Kazuha.
– You don't work here, but you cook? – Kazuha asks, and it takes a few more moments for the other to respond. He wonders if something is really up with his hearing, or if he's just rude.
– I'm preparing for a competition. Not that I need to practice, or anything. My skills are beyond anyone else's. – Kunikuzushi leaves for the kitchen as well, before the other could respond.
– Both dishes taste heavenly. However, the fish roll encapsulates the essence of Sumeru perfectly. Although, I may be a bit biassed towards it due to my fondness for fish.
Wanderer scoffs. He decided to make tahchin for the sole reason that he is going to have to cater to Sumeru's tastes in the competition he's preparing for. Of course, he didn't choose any of the number of Inazuman dishes with seafood, as he felt that would've been an easy win. Still, he is very displeased over his loss.
– What are you, a cat?
Kazuha chokes on his next bite.
– Come now, friend! You can't win all the time! Remember, when Azmi comes over, she always says your food tastes better. And she's a regular of mine! – It's clear that Lambad just wanted to make the other feel better, but he cannot help but rub in his previous victories.
– You're right. Perhaps this man has something wrong with his taste buds. Who wouldn't prefer my dishes over yours? – And even though Kazuha winces a bit over the insult, Lambad just laughs.
– Of course, of course. Well, as the moon starts to rise, so does the tavern fill with people eager for a good dinner and a drink. I'm afraid I'll have to go serve some of our customers myself. – And as Lambad makes his way downstairs, Kunikuzushi and Kazuha are left alone. Both of them seem to be content to not fill the silence, but the wanderer finally works up the courage to say what he'd been meaning to for a while.
– Kaedehara. – At the mention of his name, the man looks up. After witnessing the friendly competition, it feels strange for him to be addressed using his family name.
A final sigh comes from Wanderer before he begins speaking.
– I am the reason for your clan's downfall. – And that is the last thing Kazuha expected to hear today. Looking into the other's serious eyes, he still wonders if it's some kind of joke. The man couldn't be much older than himself. After a few moments of waiting for him to elaborate, he responds.
– Whatever you may have done, my clan was doomed to fall. Whether or not it was with me, or someone else. – He has long since accepted that fact. He downs some of the juice Lambad gave him to finish off the dishes.
–No, you don't understand. I–
– What you did is in the past. And so is the glory of the Kaedehara clan. My petulant father had a lot to do with that. So as I've said before; my clan was doomed to fall no matter what. I have no need for your apology.
Kazuha began drinking once again. Kunikuzushi decided he didn't want to put up with his insistence. If Kazuha had decided he wasn't the one at fault, he wouldn't try to convince him otherwise. At least, not right now. His annoyance threshold for today had almost been reached with him failing Lambad's impromptu competition. Thinking back on that, he felt the need to explain himself.
– I can cook fish better than Lambad. I would've easily won if I had catered to your tastes. – Kazuha looked content to finish his meal in silence, but he still looked up at Wanderer with a smile.
– I'd love to try it then, someday.
And he hates how Kazuha speaks as if they'll meet again. What is this guy even doing in Sumeru? Isn't he supposed to finally return to his homeland and bask in the glory of defeating the Shogun?
– What are you even doing in Sumeru? – He moves to cross his arms to come over as more intimidating when a patron calls for him across from the counter. He reluctantly takes the regular's order and leaves Kazuha with his undoubtedly sub–par quality fish. Lambad asked him to help in the tavern in exchange for his cooking classes. Still, of course, the reason he does so isn't that he feels indebted for some reason. He just really doesn't have anything better to do.
After dealing with the blond man who really should get a better hobby than getting drunk off of bitter wine every other day, he goes back to Kazuha. He's finished his meal, but he seems content to just sit there, even though the rain has quieted down since he first arrived.
He glances up at the short man with a slight grin before speaking.
– To answer your question; I am simply a wanderer who roams the land. I've heard a lot about the land of Dendro while travelling with the Crux. When the opportunity arose, I chose to visit. – He looked over at Wanderer, whose cold eyes were set on the other. – What about you? Someone like you is quite a curious sight in Sumeru.
And just what the fuck did he mean by that. He was used to all the words people used to describe him; aloof and strange, an eccentric and annoying person you're better off not talking to. But something in Kazuha's eyes made him think he meant it as a compliment. He scoffed and turned to clean a glass before responding.
– I'm also a wanderer if you must know. Not many other reasons someone might end up here, except for being a student of the Akademiya. Which, I'm clearly not.
Kazuha gently hummed at his response, before inquiring once again.
– A wanderer… And what do they call you?
Wanderer looked at the other, putting down the already clean glass to have his full attention on him. He seemed hesitant to answer, despite clearly understanding the question. By now, Kazuha knew he either liked to consider his responses or just make him wait.
He looked Kazuha in the eyes before responding.
– Wanderer. – And he was still looking Kazuha straight in the eyes. The light–haired man just sat there, comprehending his answer. Then, a sudden laugh burst out of him as he raised his hand to his mouth, too late to stifle it. Wanderer did not look impressed.
– I see. At least it's easy to remember, even if it is quite a mouthful. – And he would've felt bad because of his sudden reaction, if not for the other's face shifting into a smirk.
– Speak for yourself, Ka–e–de–ha–ra. – He made sure to emphasise each syllable, making the name sound even longer than it actually was. Kazuha chuckled at the other man, hands on his hips, as if he was so proud of winning some sort of competition Kazuha didn't even know he was participating in.
– You can just call me Kazuha. I'd much prefer that.
And for just a second, Wanderer's smirk shifted into quite a curious expression. A carefully neutral face that seemed to hide a deep sorrow. But it was replaced with a frown, too soon to be noticed.
– No.
And with that, Wanderer left to serve the regular sitting at one of the seats in front of the counter.
Kazuha sighed. It was high time he left the tavern; the sun had almost completely delved below the horizon. But as he got up from his seat, and looked over at Wanderer, he knew he'd return tomorrow.
Kunikuzushi headed home not long after the sun started going down. After Erfan arrived, the bar wasn't his responsibility. He also wasn't very fond of dealing with drunkards.
And that's how he found himself at home. It was a little hut on the outskirts of the city, provided by Nahida.
It was strange to always carry a key with him. He never really had one place he could rest for more than a few months, so it was hard to see this house as home.
He had no need for sleep, but he might as well pass the time with something while he had nothing to do. And so, that is what he did.
At least he thought so. But after getting ready for bed and laying down, he felt… different. He couldn't describe how, exactly
He opened his eyes. Everything was so much brighter than it should be in the moonlight. He was sure he had turned off the lights before going to bed. Did he get something in his eyes? He reached up to his face to check. Why the fuck did it hurt to rub his eyes, and why the fuck did his hands look like that?
Something was wrong, and he decided he'd get up to figure it out. But when he tried to, he fell. Onto his hands?
Looking down, they didn't quite look like his hands. They were much thinner, and covered in dark fur. The tips white, as if he were wearing tiny socks. He didn't own tiny socks . At least this wasn't the weirdest thing that had ever happened to him. But then... he realised what his hands resembled.
He looked behind to check, and yes; he had a tail as well.
It was clear what had happened. However, there seemed to be no logic behind it.
Why the fuck was he a cat?
Well, there was a simple explanation for all of this.
Someone must’ve put a curse on him. He thought back to everything he did today, trying to think of anyone who could've cursed him. Maybe one of the shady eremites he beat up earlier in the day? Ot that strange guy in the Bazaar who asked for help with carrying some boxes. Was he mad enough at his refusal to help that he'd decide to curse a random person? Was Nahida mad enough at him for not helping to curse him?
Who knows.
Or, there was one person he met today who would have also been the culprit. Kaedehara Kazuha. But he had no reason to curse Kunikuzushi… Or did he actually hold a grudge against him, and just pretended to not mind his past actions? Still, the Kaedehara didn't seem like the kind of person to curse strangers. It must've been someone else.
But how could he find out? Wanderer's tail was rushing back and forth in annoyance. What a petty thing to do; cursing someone to turn into a cat.
There was one person who could maybe help him, but he couldn't be sure if Buer was available at this time of day. Her new hobby of observing people's dreams meant she usually wasn't at the Sanctuary at night. Or – the more irrational side of his mind provided – she could've been the one who cursed him in the first place.
Still, it was best that he asked. Hopping onto the windowsill, he is glad he left the window open to let in some air. It would no doubt be a challenge to open it like this. With his little... paws.
It's surprisingly easy to manoeuvre his way up to the Sanctuary. It's easy to balance himself. While his short legs mean the journey takes longer than usual, walking on four legs almost feels natural to him. Until someone startles him by speaking. He didn't get scared – he just really wasn't expecting anyone to approach him. Especially, since normal people don't start talking to cats in the dead of night.
– Hello, kin. Haven't seen you around, care to join our hunt?
And as Kunikuzushi looks at where the noise comes from, he sees… another cat. One whose fur is even darker than his own. Confusion runs through him as he tries to comprehend what's happening.
– Come now, Harut. Leave the stranger be. They clearly have no want for company. – And another cat. This one pure white, light blue eyes shining in the moonlight. It was clearly just meowing, but he understood it as speech. Maybe his curse had some benefits to it as well. Although, he couldn't imagine a scenario where he'd want to converse with a cat.
– Is it so wrong to be curious, Marut? Surely there is no wrong in simply asking.
He never would've thought cats spoke about such topics. He still believes most of their conversations must revolve around food and scratches. He tries to speak as well.
– Meow. – He wanted to say; Fuck off. But he supposes the cats will understand.
The cats stare at him expectedly. After a few minutes of swerving their tails, the white one turns to the other. Harut.
– Well, this one isn't very courteous.
As the black cat approaches, Wanderer's tail rises to the air as he fluffs himself up. The hiss that comes out is unintentional.
– Quite a rude one, this is. – The black cat backs away from Wanderer.
– That one does not like company, Harut. We better leave them be. – And as the white cat turns away, the other one follows. Wanderer couldn't be more glad. Why the fuck would he want to hunt, he's not a cat! Couldn't they see that? He's not the rude one here.
Thinking about the strange encounter, he continued on his way to the Sanctuary. Turns out, cats are just like people. They butt into his business and try to involve him in activities . Quite bothersome
When he finally makes it up to the Sanctuary, she is there. Buer.
She is standing by the railing, looking up at the stars. This was probably the first time Wanderer had been lucky.
–Meow!
Nahida shakes herself, and looks down to see who was the intruder to her wonderings. She smiles as she spots the small black and white cat.
– Hello there. Are you here to keep me company? – And as Nahida crouches down and reaches out her hand toward him, he backs away. She keeps her hand out as she continues to speak. – Don't be scared now, I won't hurt you. – But still, he doesn't move. He desperately wants to ask Nahida to fix whatever is wrong with him. Again.
– Meow. – And Nahida chuckles. Clearly, she doesn't understand what he's trying to say. A perfect solution to this would be if she tried to read his mind right now. But from her perspective, what reason would she have to delve into the thoughts of a cat?
– I'm supposed to be dreaming right now, but I felt the need to come out here. I wonder why that might be. – Her voice goes soft at the end of her sentence, and she starts to drop her arm. Before she could do that, however, Wanderer approached the outstretched hand. When Nahida moves to pet him with a wide smile, a bite is all she gets in return.
She sighs after a noise of hurt, and he sits down a comfortable distance away.
– Would you like to hear about my dreams? – Nahida takes a seat beside him, legs dangling between the spaces in the railing. She begins describing one of them, without needing a response. It seems she was glad to talk about dreams to anyone, even if they were just a cat.
And well, he doesn't really have anything better to do.
– Sir? Are you alright
Kunikuzushi's first response was a groan of annoyance.
– Go away. – He doesn't know why someone would disturb him so early in the morning. How did they even get into his room?
– It's not advised to sleep on the ground, sir.
Well, whoever this is, they better leave their judgements unsaid next time.
A kick to his side is what he gets for not responding.
– Asshole. – And finally, Wanderer opens his eyes. He is greeted by the harsh light of the recently risen sun, and a concerned guard standing over him.
– You are disturbing the peace, sir. Do you have anywhere to sleep? – And the guard sounds quite worried despite kicking him just a few seconds ago.
– Who do you take me for? – He tries to sound intimidating, but it's quite hard to do when he's still wiping the sleep from his eyes.
– I need to escort you out of here. Do you need any help getting up? – And he was quite content to just lay on the ground for a while. But at the implication that he's doing so because he's unable to get up, he quickly gets to his feet. A bit wobbly, but quickly nonetheless.
– Do you need any help leaving me alone? Geez. – And he begins to walk away before the baffled guard could say more.
Despite waking up on the ground and being mistaken for a homeless drunk, Wanderer couldn't be happier. Whatever the reason may be for him becoming a cat yesterday, he wasn't one anymore.
He's also glad he chooses to sleep in the same clothes he wears every day. He'd have looked like even more of a fool if he was wearing his pyjamas. Still, having his hat on would be nice.
– Good morning. What's got you up so early?
Looking toward the noise, he spots Nahida. Bright and happy, just like always. He wonders if she's figured it out. Him becoming a cat yesterday, and all.
–Buer. I–
But well, did he really become a cat? What sane explanation could there be for that? Is he sure he didn't just… dream it?
– Nothing important. Just thought I'd say hi. – He didn't show it, but it physically hurt him to say that. He knows better than to always gag at anything nice anyone says, after all of Nahida's scolding.
– That's very thoughtful of you. How have you been feeling lately? You didn't show up for that book club meeting I recommended you go to. It would really do you some good to make some friends.
With her tiny legs, it was hard for her to keep up the pace with Wanderer. But it seemed she was set on pestering him so early in the morning.
– I don't need friends. They disappoint me.
And although he was making his way down from the Sanctuary, he didn't know where he was heading. He just wanted to get away from Nahida, honestly.
– Quite the opposite actually. We've talked about this, remember? Connections are what shape us. Whoever walks with the wise, becomes wise.
Wanderer snorts and reaches to tip his hat, before remembering its absence.
– I already feel much wiser, walking with you.
Nahida smiled a bit at the low-effort joke, but did not respond. After a few more minutes of walking together, they arrived at the house that she insisted on calling his home.
– Consider what I said. I still worry about you sometimes.
Nahida could be too serious at times. Seriously, he doubts anything worse than what has already happened could happen to him. He heaved a deep sigh before responding.
– You don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself.
He reached for his key, but did not enter just yet. Nahida looked an awful lot like she wanted to invite herself into his home. He did not feel like playing host right now.
– I know. And you always tell me you'll consider what I say, and yet I haven't seen you make a single friend. – Her tiny arms were crossed, but her bug eyes made her anything but intimidating. Still, most hour–long lectures start like this, so he better comply.
– I have friends. – There. She could stop bothering him now. He opened the door and closed it as quickly as possible–
At least he tried to before a very annoying white–haired girl stopped him. Thinking back to Kazuha, maybe all white-haired people share that quality. She grabbed the door with a strength that would not be expected of her. Her bright eyes looked up at Wanderer questioningly.
– Who? – She didn't let go of the door, despite the fact that the other was trying very hard to push it closed.
– Do you really want me to start listing names? Is this an investigation?
– No, I'm just curious. You always insist all the people you mention are just acquaintances. Or, more accurately; lowly pests who are beneath you.
The door was still open, neither of them letting go.
– And they are. Now can I please have a relaxing Sunday morning in my house? Alone?
Nahida let go of the door, and it shut seconds after. He let out a deep sigh, before hearing that tinkling voice once again.
– For your information, it's Saturday.
Cool. It's not like he needed to know what day it was.
– And remember, every tree begins with a seed! – This sentence she almost shouted, like she thought he might not have heard the first one. Wanderer groaned before responding, knowing that she wouldn't leave until he did so.
VI know, Buer! – And he felt quite stupid shouting alone in his home. But soon after, he could feel the archon depart. She had a presence that was easily noticed, which made her quite easy to avoid. The only reason he didn't notice Nahida's approach earlier was that he was preoccupied.
Preoccupied with thinking about… him being a cat. The more time that passed since he woke up, the more it felt like a dream. No way all of that happened.
But then, what reason would he have to be sleeping in front of the Sanctuary? Did he eat something that made him hallucinate? Maybe, at the moment, he just convinced himself he had become a cat. For some absurd reason.
Whatever it may be, he found it best to just forget everything. It was probably just a vivid dream he had while sleepwalking. Probably an effect of Sumeru's long and strange relationship with dreams, or whatever Buer was up to lately.
It was best to just forget about it all.