Dorado had been having a good day, one of those that stretched long into lazy afternoons basking under the shy winter sun amid his collection of mismatched cushions. He'd patrolled the ship once every couple of hours, as was his duty as the Sotally Tober's fiercest protector. He'd terrorized a couple of the local Wingull; those annoying sky rats, he decided, were unworthy of perching on his ship. Or, rather, his captain's ship.

Yes, he'd been having a good day, made all the better when his beloved captain announced she'd stay home that day. Morning workouts had become part of Dorado's schedule - and if he couldn't quite keep up with Skyler and Johnny, at least he made a valiant effort of it and was ready every 7am on the dot, standing outside with his Nautica bandana and his chest all puffed out.

It would've been a perfect day for the feline, if not for the Arceus-forsaken voice that echoes down to the apartment.

The nemesis.

Dorado grumbles in annoyance as Skyler stirs under him, nap interrupted as she blinks the sleepiness from her eyes and stumbles her way to open the door. Tail whipping back and forth to announce his displeasure, Dorado makes to follow his captain and, with a mounting sense of horror, watches as she crouches down to enthusiastically pet what looks to be a slobbering, flea-ridden mutt.

"Who's the best boy? Who is? You! You are! Aw, look at that cute smile..."

As the gushing continues, Dorado's malevolent yellow eyes squint at Angelo. The cat fluffs up, a low-pitched yowl threatening weeks of ruined shoes and surprise attacks.

He'd have his revenge. This wasn't over yet.

(merry christmas, bb! ty so much for the gift, i love him!! here's to another year of creating stories together, skygelo's and our own <3)