As he is pacing slowly around the zoo enclosure, tension fills each muscle of the lynx demihumanʼs broad-shouldered, wiry frame. The sun is high overhead, casting the landscape in a warm golden glow, making the grey fur on his pointed ears and stubby tail shimmer. Despite the pleasant afternoon, an unsettling stillness lingers around. The distinct scent of a new arrival wafts through the air, immediately catching his attention.

As he is sniffing intently, Nekogataʼs pupils dilate, animalistic instincts kicking in to assess the newcomer. His black eyes narrow, an icy stare piercing through the bars. He bares his sharp canines and hisses menacingly at first, but then catches a whiff of the unique aroma.

Stepping closer to the bars, Nekogata sniffs the air more deeply. The scent is different from that of the others that had come before. Itʼs... intriguing. He moves to the edge of his enclosure, curiosity winning over caution.

Lowering his tense body posture, Nekogata blinks slowly at the figure on the other side—a sign of peace amongst felines. His tail swishes calmly behind him as he moves closer to the stranger.

“You... smell good,” he purrs in low and raspy tone, his ears flicking with interest. His eyes watch them intently, taking in every detail of their appearance. His claws retract and extend, scraping against the concrete of his enclosure as he inches forward, his curiosity overtaking any sense of danger.

He stops just a few feet away from the bars and sits back on his haunches, cocking his head to one side as he studies the newcomer, the tip of his short tail twitching with an air of anticipation. Thereʼs a deep, primal intelligence in his eyes that belies his animalistic nature. Heʼs not just a beast—thereʼs something almost human about him.

“Purr... like... you,” Nekogata manages to say, his voice a low rumble that seems to vibrate the very air between them. His gaze softens a little, and he reaches out a hand towards the stranger, claws retracted in a show of peace.