Though it has been shown that the Animalian virus can cure the physical problems relating to lobotomy, it doesn't quite fix the mental ones. While the removed lobes are restored, memories and knowledge remain lost. Also, since the virus uses animal-based DNA to repair the cerebral damage, the instincts of an animal may be more on the forefront than with other Animalians. Still, while former lobotomy patients seem simple-minded, they still had the capacity to learn as long as they had someone to take care of them and see to their reeducation.
While Daisy ended up being adopted by Brawn's family, Jioni didn't have anyone else looking out for her. Eventually, Eliza decided to take her in. As a principal, she felt obligated to help someone in desperate need of education. Not to mention with school closed, she needed something more productive to do with herself. Jioni was a pretty easy housemate to deal with and seemed to be an avid student during her remedial lessons. The problem was that her feline instincts gave her a fickle attention span. But eventually, Eliza thought Jioni was ready to meet her bondmate.
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"So, you adopted a cat Animalian?" asked Beth in confusion as they walked to Eliza's house.
"I wouldn't say 'adopt'," said Eliza, "I think it would be more accurate to say I'm her mentor."
"And how long do you think you're going to be mentoring her?" asked Beth.
"I really don't know," said Eliza, "She's made leaps and bounds since she started, but she's still not ready to be on her own."
"You think she ever will be?" asked Beth.
"I hope so," said Eliza, "Anyways, she needs to start socializing more and getting used to other Animalians."
"Sure, glad to help," said Beth, "At least you've got more to do now."
Soon after that, they went into Eliza's house. "Jioni, I've got someone to see you," called Eliza. Jioni walked over, yawning from the catnap she had apparently just woke up from. "Jioni, this is Beth. She's my-"
But as soon as she saw Beth, Jioni's tail fluffed out, she raised up her hackles, and hissed at her. "Big dog, big dog," she hissed, "Go away, I'm too big for you."
Beth and Eliza exchanged glances. "What were you saying about her being stronger than her instincts?" asked Beth dryly.
"Well, you are a pretty big dog," said Eliza.
"You're darn right I am," said Beth, flexing a muscular arm. That just made Jioni hiss and swipe out. Of course, her hand was much bigger than a cat's paw and her claws were subsequently longer.
"Maybe you shouldn't try to upset her," said Eliza.
"I wasn't trying to," said Beth, "But I guess she still needs to get used to canines."
"Yes," said Eliza, "So, maybe we should just do small encounters at first, let her build up a tolerance."
"That better not mean I have to stay away from you very long," said Beth.
"I would never consider that," said Eliza before leaning in to give Beth a soft kiss.
Jioni stopped puffing up and tilted her head in interest at the show of affection. Beth noticed the change in Jioni's expression and said, "Hi there." Jioni let out a small growl at that.
"Give her time," said Eliza, "I'm sure it won't take her too long to get used to you."
"She better not," said Beth, "You know my parents prefer me sleeping in your bed than you sleeping in mind."