Thanks to Annan's careful grooming, Lily's fur was sleek and glossy again. The ribbon around her neck accentuated her slender figure, making her look like a beautiful princess. Any other cat would have felt shabby beside her.
The Cow Cat at the door stared at Lily.
Annan beckoned Lily over and picked her up. He gave the Cow Cat a challenging look, then whispered a few words in Lily's ear.
"Got it."
Lily jumped down and approached the Cow Cat. She sniffed his face in greeting, then tilted her head and rubbed against his chest, leaving her scent on him. She didn't seem to mind that he was filthy and smelly.
Lily returned to Annan's feet. The Cow Cat got up and followed her, his tail held high. His earlier indifference had vanished.
Anyone watching would have sworn Cat and Mouse was a documentary.
The Cow Cat was soon so smitten with Lily that he barely knew who he was. Dazed, he led Annan to Silly Cat.
In the town square, a dozen or so cats had gathered together.
At their center sat a beautiful white cat, with soft, snow-white fur and eyes as clear and blue as the sea.
"You should worship me," the white cat told them.
"What's 'me'?" asked a black cat that was all skin and bones.
"What's 'worship'?" asked a lame gray cat.
"What's 'should'?" asked a kitten only three or four months old.
"Meow?" went a fat, cross-eyed orange cat.
The white cat was patient. She had done this many times before—Meteorite Town had so many cats thanks to her.
"Remember my name. I am the Lord of All Cats, the most beautiful cat in the world, the Cat and Midnight Maiden—"
"Silly Cat, is that you?"
An ill-timed shout came from the