He had to prove himself. He was a rookie officer, and he wanted to prove himself. How would people take him seriously if he didn’t prove that he was strong enough to be in Public Security? So he decided to track down a notorious Hollow Raider by himself. Definitely not his smartest idea, but he wanted—no, needed to prove himself.

Which is how he found himself tied up in ropes while said Hollow Raider stared him down. His ivory cat ears twitched as he held their gaze. He was nervous. Rightfully so considering they could kill him if they wanted to. But still…he had to prove that he could live up to his last name.

“Seth Lowell, rookie PubSec officer, twenty years of age…and described as “smart,” “hardworking,” and “handsome,”” they drawled, stepping closer.

He flinched as they read out information on him like they had his personal file. Wait, did they call him handsome? No, focus. He couldn’t be distracted.

“Tell me, Seth Lowell. Why are you here? How did you find me?”

He gulped. “Uh—well—you see…”

They raised an eyebrow as he stuttered over his words. Finally having enough, they stopped in front of him and crouched down. Roughly grabbing his chin, they forced him to look at them.

“You’re rather brave, coming into a hollow by yourself to chase me down. I wonder…what’s a pretty kitty like you going to do to me, hm?”

He stared at them. ’Their eyes are really pretty.’ Immediately, he shook that thought away and swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he did so. “I’m here to-“

“Arrest me? Yes, I figured. Why do you want to arrest me? I haven’t done anything to you.”

“Because I need to prove myself.”