In the vast, tiled expanse of the upstairs bathroom, there existed a fortress known as the Great White Basin. To the Giants, it was a bathtub. To the Fellowship a trio of intrepid foster kittens it was Base Camp.
The Fellowship consisted of three distinct personalities, often found in strategic meetings right inside their fluffy headquarters. There was Barnaby, the short haired grey tabby Scout, always the first to leap over the basin’s edge. Next was Pippin, the fluffy brown tabby Ranger, elegant but prone to dramatic flopping. Finally, there was Smokey, the solid grey Storm Cloud, a creature made entirely of fuzz and mild confusion.
Their days usually began with a briefing in the basin. Today’s mission, Conquering the High Plateaus.
The mission began awkwardly. Smokey, attempting to follow Barnaby, immediately got snagged by The Giant with the red beard. Smokey was lifted high into the air, his body becoming a shapeless nimbus of grey fluff as he stared blankly into the middle distance. He had accepted his fate as luggage.
Meanwhile, Barnaby, true to his role as Scout, was attempting stealth. He located the mysterious Blue Waterfall a hanging hand towel and initiated camouflage mode. He believed himself invisible, unaware that his entire face was poking out, eyes locked on a potential dust bunny.
Deciding stealth was boring, Barnaby changed tactics. He viewed The Giant not as a captor, but as terrain. With needle sharp claws, he scaled the denim mountain of The Giant’s leg, pausing at the summit of the knee to survey his kingdom. He demanded transport to higher ground.
The Giant obliged, depositing the kittens onto the High Plateau.
This was Pippin’s moment to shine. The Ranger immediately gravitated toward the only sign of life in this barren landscape, The Greenery. It was a strange, odorless bush in a black pot. Pippin sat next to it, blending his wild tabby fur with the artificial leaves, looking noble and untamed. He batted at a leaf. It tasted like disappointment and plastic.
Just as the Fellowship began to feel confident in this new territory, a shadow fell over the countertop.
The kittens froze. Emerging from the hallway was the true ruler of this domain, Midnight.
Midnight was sleek, silent, and ten times their size. He didn’t wobble when he walked, he glided. He hopped onto the vanity with practiced ease, ignoring the kittens entirely at first. Then, he turned his emerald eyes toward them and slowly, deliberately, licked his nose.
It was a clear message, You are small. You are crunchy. And you are playing in my yard.
The bravery of the Fellowship evaporated instantly. Pippin forgot his Ranger training and went entirely boneless when The Giant picked him up to save him from the staring contest. Barnaby scrambled down The Giant’s shirt, seeking the safety of an armpit.
The retreat was sounded. The Giant scooped up the disorganized troops and deposited them back into the safety of the Great White Basin.
Back in their fluffy bed, huddled together, the Fellowship drifted off to sleep. They had explored the High Plateaus and survived an encounter with the Shadow Boss. Tomorrow, they decided, they would stick to attacking toes under the door. It was safer work for a growing Cat.
Shannon Willis can usually be found in the company of furry friends. A passionate animal enthusiast, her work is often inspired by her deep love for cats, dogs, and the animal kingdom as a whole.
