[Fortunately, Allen has no reason to suspect otherwise, and if he can communicate with Tim, who's to say Rin can't talk to his cat.]

A familiar? [ The interest in his voice is guileless, the sort of plain curiosity you'd expect from an outsider. He knows of the concept, but it's another thing entirely to see it in practice. Laughing: ] I'll admit I was wondering why he has two tails! Is it common for exorcists of your world to form contracts with familiars?

[ turning to smile at Rin when he catches up, though his expression is briefly shadowed when he answers: ] The graveyard. I thought it's as good a place to start as any, especially if we'll be needing shovels.