This idea has been sitting in my head and I finally drew it. Disciple Era where SJ and LQG are sent on a mission and SJ takes the hit/curse with some artifact and gets turned into a cat. The artifact breaks and he kind becomes human again. But basically anthro kitty SJ.

He's so grumpy. He loves his claws. It's like having a weapon 24/7 and no one can take them from him. Though it takes him some time to learn how to play the qin again. LQG of course has big guilt and SJ has no problem reminding him.

Also SJ's kitty ears and tail give him away.

The younger disciples find him easier to approach but he's much scarier now when LQG challenges him to a fight. The hissing, yowling, and claws make everyone a little weary.

SJ also finds himself mellowing out when he finds it easier to read people.

He's not sure it's related to scent or the energy they give off but SJ finds it easier to understand what his fellow disciples are not saying.

Also like every cat SJ has an obsession. He is a pillow theft. He can't help it. If it looks comfy he must have it.

LQG eventually gets forgiveness probably when he does something stupid SJ didn't even want and gets himself hurt. SJ smacking him with his kitty paw and calling him a fool. He was probably looking for a way to change SJ back but honestly SJ is enjoying his changed body.

A lot of his physical pains are gone. Whatever the curse/artifact was changed his body and cured him of a lot of old hurts. He's grown used to his new body and tells LQG to stop.

Thus LQG now tries to find other ways to atone/pay SJ back.