Chapter One: The City

The sound of honking horns and barking dogs ebbed and flowed continuously through the city streets. In the center of this bustling world was an ancient church. It was held together now only by the ivy crawling through every hole, up every wall. The foundation was cracked. The roof was more creeping plants than stone. On the very top sat a silver cat, the setting sun lighting her pelt afire.
As she gazed downward, her gooseberry eyes took in everything. She was aware of the beady eyes of the rats behind the dumpsters across the church. Her knowing gaze followed a black and white plump tom as he prowled quickly back to his human den, who let him in hastily. Lights blazed on as the sun set. Even then, what her eyes did not tell her...her ears did.
At the very edge of the territory two cats demonstrated their claws to an unruly dog. Not far from a human den, four cats squabbled. They weren't far from shedding blood. Two belonged to the humans. Two were owned by nobody.
Once again, the city belonged to her.
The silver cat used the ivy to find the ground with adept skill. First, she disposed of the rats. They didn't even see her coming, and took but seconds. Clearing them away from the area, she made her way carefully and unhurriedly toward the fighting cats. She smelled blood. Hissing, spitting and yowling echoed among the stone walls of the city.
For a moment she watched, simply observing. Once she'd seen enough, the cat stepped from the shadows. A brindle tom was scuffling - or rather, trying to - with an orange and white long haired far more muscular and lean than his fluffy self. A blue-gray she-cat with a badly bleeding shoulder stood behind a yellow fuzzy she-cat, looking shaken and hassled.
"Tsk, tsk." Her voice was bored and irritated. "Somebody broke curfew."
The cats instantly broke a part.
"Sun, the rats are dead. Your den is safe."
He brightened. "Thanks, Moon. I hate rats!" The cat strode off, not a claw mark on his pelt.
"Rain, that dog won't bother you again. I had some friends take care of them for you. And don't worry; all three of your kits are safe. Thank Sandy for offering her home."
"Oh, thank you Moon - and you Sandy." She glared at the brindle cat.
"Apologize, Rex. She wasn't flirting; your mate was offering Rain and Sun a home. Theirs was too dangerous for kits."
"I'm sorry, Rain..."
"And?" Sandy hissed.
"I'm sorry, Sandy."
"Yeah right. Do you need help, Rain, with moving your kits to Sun's den?"
"Yes, yes. Thank you Sandy."
Moon cleared her throat. "I have arranged for the kits to be brought there. Sandy and Rex both have broken the rules - again. And this is why you housecats stay in your comfy beds at night. Some cat could have been badly hurt."
The two prodded off, heads down.
"Keep that clean, Rain. Use cobwebs to stop the bleeding."
The gray she-cat bowed her head before limping toward where the cats had fought the dog. Moon returned to her roof to wait.


It was around sunhigh when a cat prodded her awake. The scent of canned tuna hit her nose. The silver cat stretched every muscle from whiskers to tail tip before even opening her eyes. A lean yet muscular tortoiseshell tom with amber eyes watched her. He pushed a can of half-devoured tuna to her; Moon ate it hardily while listening to him talk.
"Rose's youngest kit has gone missing. She says that a human took it. I promised we'd find the little tom."
"Send Song and Rock. They know the dens the best."
"A new cat's in town from a shelter. He's shy, and a housecat now. I think he's content to stay in his yard and home."
"Name's Chance, isn't it?" She asked around a mouthful. "Little gray and white thing is missing a hind leg. Yeah. He was on king's windowsill last night."
The tom growled. "Humans shouldn't get a cat if they have dogs."
"No, humans shouldn't get a cat when they have dogs who hate them."
"Should I give him the rules?"
She licked her lips thoughtfully, getting all the taste of tuna off. "No. Tonight, at dusk, have Jinx bring this new cat to me. We have something to discuss. Oh, and Night...have Scratch meet me in the elm in Thorn's district."
"It will be done."
"Excellent."
Then the tom rose and left.


Thorn's district was more widely known as the dog district. It was a city made up of half-destroyed shops, run down apartments, warehouses and abandoned buildings. It reeked everywhere of blood, dog and human rubbish. Here the cats were terrorized by the human poison, hoards of rats nearly bigger than them and packs of wild dogs. The very cat who'd promised it to be a paradise was at the bottom of more cat deaths than cars.
It was a death wish to wonder out in the open any time of day.
Moon made her way through the shadows with utter silence. Her paws were sure; unwavering. There was no fear in her gaze. Suddenly, she launched herself onto a ledge. Then she leapt into an ancient tree. Instantly she was hidden by the leaves. Out of the shadows came a sleek, black tom with amber eyes. He was solid black.
"You called, Moon?"
"Good. You're here. That dog nearly killed Rain and her kits. This has to stop."
The black cat licked a claw. "I see. Should we give Thorn one more warning?"
She hissed "He was warned at the beginning of snowfall and end of snowmelt. I will not loose another cat! No...I have another idea."
Moon quickly and silently informed Scratch of her plan. He listened quietly, remaining still.
"It will be done."
Then the shadows consumed the cat and he was gone.
Moon made her way back to her roof in the glow of the setting sun.

Chapter Two: The Pawn

Chance twitched anxiously on the porch. He wasn't sure, but the cat couldn't let go the feeling that he was being...watched. He sniffed the air, relishing in the feel of the noon day sun. It'd been a while since he'd been out of a cage, let alone outside!
And so many friendly cats! Sandy and Rex were my favorite.

The barking of a dog made him jump. He looked around wildly, his heart racing, as memories of their teeth on his hind left leg returned. Then he saw the huge brindle dog on the chain, tied to his house. Chance's heart slowed; it was only king. He was safe. The dog didn't bother him much, since he stayed on the chain or in the back room.
"Greetings." A very unusual gave the cat a start. When he glanced over he saw a calico she-cat with one ice blue eye and one green, he relaxed slightly. The air about the cat, however, didn't help.
She was kind of creepy.
"H-hi."
"I am Jinx." The name seemed...suiting.
"I'm -"
"Chance, yes. I'm aware." She said it calmly, as if it were normal for a strange cat to know his name.
Because that isn't weird at all...

"Um...okay...so...are you a housecat too?"
The cat gave a broken, almost muffled purr of amusement. "Silly, silly kitten. Alone are those who walk between worlds. Alone always are those who see the world unseen. Humans cannot understand my kind."
That. Was. Disturbing.
He didn't say anything.
Maybe if I'm really, really still and quiet she'll go away.

"It is normal to fear the unknown. Come, Chance. Moon has summoned you."
Absolutely sure she was completely out of her mind, Chance remained where he was as she strode only centimeters from King's powerful, snapping and lunging jaws to the edge of his yard. There the she-cat waited, unmoving - utterly still. He was sure a mountain moved more. King's barking calmed. He ignored her and went into his den.
It was getting dark. He couldn't sleep knowing that cat was there! She'd watch him or something!
Will she kill me in my sleep?

So the gray and white cat limped over to her.
"Hurry. She awaits our arrival."
"Look, I just want you to leave -"
Sharp claws dug into his shoulder.
"Go."
"Alright!" He yowled in pain. "I'll go! Just get your claws out of my shoulder!"
Instantly they were out. Then the calico began to walk again. Having no other choice, the housecat followed what could very well be his death.


It was pure relief when the insane calico stopped at an abandoned church. He paused to catch his breath. The moon shone brightly; it was just past half moon. Remembering Jinx had mentioned it, he shook his head. All the way to a church to look at the moon...crazy she-cat! He glanced around to give her a piece of his mind, but the cat was nowhere to be seen.
Great. Now he was lost!
There was a flash of silver from the roof. Seconds later a small silver she-cat with amazing, piercing green eyes landed right in front of him. Yowling in shock, he leapt back - falling right into what felt like a wall. Looking back, Chance almost fainted. A huge, powerful dark gray cat glared at him with fiery amber eyes.
"Welcome, Chance, to my home." The silver cat brought his attention back to her. She was sitting with her tail lightly wrapped around her paws, her fur glowing in the moonlight. "I am Moon."
"I didn't come here willingly."
"No housecat would." She sounded half amused, half irritated.
"Then I'll be leaving now." He turned to leave.
The other cat hissed. Chance froze.
"Stone."
The cat held the visitor's gaze.
"The city isn't a very safe place, Chance. Cats come up missing, even now. The dogs may all be chained where you live, but there are those who run wild. And it's not as if every cat has shelter, warmth and food every night, or too much water to ever drink. I made sure the dogs stayed out of this district."
"So...you fight dogs and boss a bunch of strays around?" He wasn't impressed.
For a time she studied the new comer. Then the she-cat meowed quietly. "I watch the city. For those who follow the rules I'm a protector and peace keeper."
"And what are these rules?"
She snorted. "You housecats only need to worry about three; stay inside after dark, no stealing - including food and water - and don't get involved with the strays."
Chance noticed Stone wasn't moving.
"I'm not here for the rules, am I?"
"No. Other cats generally teach the new cats what goes on. I set the rules. Those close to me help me enforce them, but mostly I handle keeping things quiet. You are here because you live with King, the cat-killer. I need him."
Chance hissed "Are you insane? He'll rip your throat out, and every other cat!"
"No. He won't. Because he'll be ripping into something more important and bothersome than the cats I look after and govern."
The tom snorted. "Even if you could do it, I know the humans who took me in love that dog. They even named it...for whatever reason."
"He'll return."
I don't even have a choice here, do I?

"Fine. I'll release him."
"Excellent. We'll be watching. Jinx will take you home and explain further."
Then she and Stone scaled the ivy wall and disappeared into the church through a hidden hole. Jinx growled from behind him, making Chance jump out of his skin.
"Follow me."
He shook his head and limped after his guide.


It was almost dawn when he returned to his home, exhausted. Jinx didn't seem the least bit tired, however. Even King was asleep. The dog was snoring so loud Chance was sure Sandy could hear him three houses down.
"When you see an orange cat with a torn ear and long fur release the dog. Not until then. Then get inside quickly. He will do the rest. It will be right before dark."
Before he could say anything she'd raced away, disappearing into the shadows. With a shiver, the cat turned to his house and slipped through the cat door. He found his bed and fell fast asleep.

Sandy and Rex were in his yard around noon, calling to him until he woke up. Chance groomed, drank his cream and headed outside. The three of them chased one another and play wrestled for a while, then sat and groomed one another. It was getting late.
All day Chance had tried to find a way to release King without getting killed. Now he had a plan.
"Let's torment the old fool." Chance flicked his ear at a dozing King. He'd worn himself ragged by barking and lunging for the cats.
"What?" Sandy's eyes were wider than a car tire.
"Common, he's on the chain, right?" Rex meowed confidently.
She shrugged. "Aright. But we'll need to stay out of his range. How do you want to do it, Chance?"
"We should tangle him around that tree over there. If you two scratch him hard enough on the muzzle he'll chase you. Then, when he's tangled up, we dig up the chain thing that keeps in the ground. We race up the tree as fast as we can!"
"And what about you?"
"I'll slip in my cat door. Oh, common guys. He'll be so turned around he'll just pace the tree. It'll drive him nuts, not being able to chase us and all tangled up."
"Can't we race up the tree with his chain in the ground?" Rex sounded unsure.
"I thought you guys were brave! I bet Tiger would play this with me!"
Rex growled. Sandy looked at her paws.
Fine. Plan B then!

"Whoever gets up the tree fastest wins."
"And what's the prize?"
Chance thought on his paws. "Three days of all my cream and a pick from my toys."
Sandy looked at Rex. "I'll make that mutt bleed!"
"But I'll reach the tree first!"
"Yeah right!"
The two rushed at the dog, tag-teaming him. Chance joined them. His furious yelps filled the air. Thankfully the humans weren't home, or they'd be in trouble! When he looked ready to kill, Rex and Sandy tag-teamed getting the dog tangled around the tree. Chance began to dig on the thing that pinned the chain, quickly joined by his racing friends.
"Get up the tree now!" Chance hollered. "Or I keep it all!"
They raced up so fast the dog didn't know they were there. Chance saw the orange cat watching him the edge of his yard; his ear was wrangled almost beyond usefulness. He nodded. Chance finished digging and bolted into his home. The orange cat streaked through the yard like fire was on his paws, bit the dog's tail and turned tail. Enraged, the dog was after the speedy feline.
Chance came out to see his friends at the base of the tree, looking terrified.
"What was that stray doing?" Rex asked.
"Yeah. He's dead."
Chance mumbled about him being pretty fast, that maybe he'd get to a hiding place.
"Anyway, you were both really fast! Rex climbed faster but Sandy got there faster. She can have the cream. Want one of my toys?"
They forgot all about the stray and came inside for a toy. Sandy could have the cream tomorrow.
"Night guys." Chance said."Goodnight. Don't go back out tonight, alright? King is still loose! Be careful going home."
"We will." They left.
Chance lay down in his soft bed, but this time his dreams were tormented by the orange cat being shredded by the dog Moon had him release.

Chapter Three: King's Throne

Moon jumped to the ground, landing beside Thorn. The orange tabby tom was muscular, with broad shoulders. Two dogs stood close to him. In the shadows, she could see her own back up cats.
"I warned you that the dogs needed to stay out of my territory, Thorn. Agree now or you and your mutts will pay a heavy price."
The cat sneered "Sure, and what are you going to do against my ten dogs, miss moon-gazer? All of you will die trying to fend them off. They don't stop killing just cause a cat scratches their noses."
The sound of a low, deep barking made Thorn whirl, as if furious. The two dogs with him, black and tan brutes, turned to see what was going on. Their eyes stretched wide as King came pounding after an orange cat with a mangled ear.
"That ain't my dog!" Thorn snarled. "It's a chained one!"
"He doesn't look chained to me." Moon hissed, leaping onto the fence post and into the trees. Thorn looked at his two goons.
"Go on! Get him!"
They growled.
"Wait a second, puppy. Shouldn't your master teach that cat-muncher a lesson? He is

being a bad boy!"
The dogs looked to Thorn. His eyes went wide. The cat looked back and forth between them, then yowled and took off running. The dogs snarled furiously and took after the tom, barking at him. The orange cat suddenly leaped onto the fence then into the tree. King looked around, confused. The dog sniffed the air. He turned around a few times, found the his old scent and turned back toward home.
"Does King really hate cats?" Moon asked quietly.
"Are you kiddin'?" The orange cat panted. "He kept saying 'play, play, play' in dog. That ain't hate! He thinks I'm a livin' toy!"
"Sorry. Go on home."
"Of course."
He slipped into the shadows and was gone.
Moon waited. Then, as she heard the dogs approaching, she jumped down.
"Thorn ain't no problem, pretty cat." The dog said in rough cat. "But why should we stay outa ur place? I like cat burgers. They's an easy meal."
"Get this right, dog-breath. We can give you wounds that will kill you slowly. We can make everything you eat poison. And I'm really good at knowing what a stray needs. If I work things right, these strays won't have a reason to fear you. Don't terrorize my cats. We won't mess with your dogs. For the love of the moon, Vince, we can even work out some...agreements."
The dog looked thoughtful. "Like what, small fry?"
Moon flicked her tail. Jinx appeared with a puppy trailing after. "Leave us cats alone, Vince. Puppy's are curious, and humans love them very, very much. If you're not careful, my friend, none of your pups will see the streets off a chain again."
"Alright, moony. We'll leaves your cats alone. And these kitties too. But I ain't leavin' this town. Common, son. Let's go home."
The puppy ran up to his father and the dogs took off.
Moon told her. "You know where I'll be, Jinx. Make sure the dogs obey."
"It will be done, Moon."
"Good."
And the she-cat was gone.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 25.01.2012

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Widmung:
To all those cats who have died in the streets as a stray, and those house cats who want to do more...