The Death Cat

Dear Diary,

My life recently has been crazy and unexpected. I never thought in a million years that the owner of the pet grooming company I used to work for would help me open my own salon. The Crystal Cat palace is what I call it. We mostly deal with cats but we take in dogs as well. You see, most people don’t know that they should bathe their cats once every four to six weeks because even though they are great at cleaning themselves the cats cannot get everything out every time. If the owner does know this then nine times out of ten they don’t want to bathe their cat because cats hate water and will make bathing them a struggle.

Most people also don’t want to trim their cat's nails for the same reasons. So when their cat scratches up furniture and nice things they get upset and in some cases resort to declawing; which I am strongly against. Especially since declawing is the same as cutting the tips of your fingers off at the first knuckle after your nail. So I offer to trim your cat's claws for you. I also offer cat training. It is possible to train cats and I do it very well. I give the exact same services to dogs but I prefer cats. Cats just make me happy.

My life didn’t start being unbelievable until December 21st. It was typical winter weather. Beautiful snow and I was walking home after a long day of work with my best friend ( and huge crush) Jet. We were taking our time getting back.

“You know you didn’t have to come by when you were done working. I know you work long days like me” I told him. “And we didn’t have to walk you could have brought your car”

He chuckled. “Layla has the car today.” Layla is his most recent girlfriend and the longest relationship he’s had since I met him. “Besides I’m glad I arrived when I did otherwise I would have missed the look on that guys face after he realized you were the owner aka his boss”

I giggled softly “Yeah that was funny. I had trouble staying serious”

“Why don’t you just tell everyone you are the owner?” Jet asked me.

“You know I'm not the type to be in the spotlight, be the big boss and I hate confrontation. I would rather just be considered a friendly employee that people can approach and not fear.”

“See that’s what I like about you. Layla tends to try and be the boss then she comes home and complains when all the problems are dumped on her but when I try to vent about my bad day just to get it off my chest she doesn’t want to hear it and says that I'm making her even more stressed.” He sighed

I gently shook my head. I liked Layla at first. She seemed to be a great girlfriend but then she got promoted and transferred from the No-Kill cat shelter they both worked at. I was about to say something hoping to try to help him but I heard a faint mew from nearby.

“Did you hear that?” I asked him as I started looking at places I knew cats like to hide in.

“Yeah it’s a cat.” Jet said as he started to help me look.

After following the faint cries for about ten minutes or so I found a tiny black kitten trying to nuzzle into an old scarf that someone had discarded. “Jet over here.” I said as I carefully picked up the kitten.

Jet came over and gently took the kitten from me. “It’s maybe two weeks old. It doesn’t look hurt but it’s not going to survive much longer in the cold, especially since the weather report said there's supposed to be a storm tonight.”

I instantly took my jacket off and carefully wrapped the kitten in it. I had to make sure the kitten was warm and a little cold won’t kill me, especially since I hate the heat. “Let’s go.” I said to Jet. Our relaxing stroll became a race to get home and get the kitten warm and healthy.

With Jet being a vet assistant he knew all the best ways to make sure the kitten stayed warm and knew all the medical signs of any health problems. So when we got to my apartment I let him take the kitten while I started the formula. I have spent my entire life rescuing cats and kittens so I knew a thing or two myself. After that night. I didn’t go back to work. I spent 24/7 in my apartment making sure the kitten was going to survive. Jet had stayed over that night but went home to his girlfriend in the morning and went back to work, he did stop by a few times a week to check on the kitten and make sure I didn’t forget to eat. I tend to do that.

After three weeks the kitten was strong and healthy. Jet determined that the kitten was a girl and the only thing unusual about her was her eyes. They were as red as rubies.

“Maybe it’s some sort of DNA thing scientists haven’t figured out yet” Jet said as he did my dishes. I learned very quickly not to argue with him when he comes over and helps out.

“Maybe and it’s not like the color is affecting anything. She gets along with all my other cats. Only a few don’t like her but those ones are always little pains when I bring someone new into their territory.” I said as I played with the kitten and my cats with a toy.

“Have you decided on a name for her yet?” He asked as he walked over while drying his hands

“Nico.” I said happily.

“Isn’t that a boy's name?” He asked as he sat down

“It can be short for Nicole and I like it.”

“Ok.” He said and gently took the toy from me to play with the cats

“I’m going to take her to work in the morning. Let her socialize with more humans and hopefully find a nice home.”

“I’m surprised you're not going to keep her.”

“I mean I want to but my landlord doesn't want me having any more cats.”

“Then buy your own house you probably have the money for it.”

“Nah, I’m good.” I said smiling at him

The next morning I did just that but the reactions of my employees weren't what I was expecting. They would be happy to see Nico but once they saw her eyes that happiness turned to fear and it was that way with the customers as well but I didn’t give up. Everyday I would take Nico to work with me in hopes someone would love her the way I do. Now that I was back to work and there wasn’t much to worry about, Jet stopped coming by as often which was fine since it was normal both of us were busy. When Nico was ten weeks old she insisted on walking in front of me on the way to work and back home.

Shortly after she started doing that I noticed strange things around the shop. Piles of small bones in various hidden spots that looked like they used to be mice or rats which was really creepy. They didn’t smell or have anything on them that indicated they just recently died. They were just bones and I really didn’t like it. Then I started noticing small piles of ash or spots of burn marks on multiple different surfaces and I even found pieces of paper were burnt.

Months after bringing her to the shop I’m now standing in the break room, leaning against the back wall slowly getting a migraine as everyone in the room argues about Nico as well as other things that are completely irrelevant. Finally my senior manager snapped. She yelled at everyone using a few words I do not feel the need to repeat and told us to just calm down and breathe for a few minutes. In the eyes of the other employees she’s the big boss lady in the group. No one has a higher position then her and thankfully she knows about me wanting to be seen as a normal employee and gladly helps me.

Once everyone was quiet I looked around the room at everyone but I noticed one of the employees was missing. “Leann? Didn’t you say that this meeting was mandatory and everyone had to be in here?”

“Yes I did. Why?” She asked

“David isn’t here.”

“Come with me we’ll look for him, the rest you just stay here and try not to kill each other.” Leann said then led the way out.

When we found David I didn’t think my day could have gone worse then that. He was stealing money from the safe in Leann’s office. “What do you think you're doing?” I asked him. He jumped and stuttered as he tried to think of something to say.

“I’ll go check the cash registers” Leann said then left the room. Honestly it was a good Idea.

“You can’t do anything to me!” David finally said.

“Our manager was just here. She can fire you and I can call the police for attempting to steal.”

“You wouldn’t do that! You are too nice.”

“The registers are empty.” Leann said when she came back “What do you want to do?”

“The money is probably in the duffle bag.” I had noticed it at his feet. “Did you hide the money anywhere else or is it just there!”

“I’m not telling you anything.”

“That’s it, I'm calling the police.” Leann said but I stopped her. He was right. I am too nice for my own good.

“Alright David. I’m going to assume you are stealing because you need it. I do pay my employees well but maybe something accrued and what I pay isn’t enough so I’m going to give you two choices. One you can answer my question, give me my money back and accept your punishment which I will determine based on your reason or I can lock this door and Let Leann call the police.”

“Why the hell are you the one giving me the ultimatum? Leann is the manager.”

“Yes I am but Keaira is the owner.” Leann said.

“Just because she shares the same first name doesn't mean she’s the owner!” David snapped. I pulled out my I.D and showed him, My full name. The color drained from his face and he gave up. In the end I decided to fire him since he wouldn’t tell me the real reason and everything he came up with was a clear lie or not good enough.

After that we decided to end the meeting and close early. It still took a few hours but once it was done I couldn’t wait to get home. I had called Jet to ask him for a ride. He said he couldn’t but we continued talking as I walked as usual. I told him everything and he promised to come over on the weekend with pizza and a bunch of other junk food as we binge watched our favorite anime and relax.

“Will your girlfriend be ok with that?” I asked

“Fiance actually.”

“Wait what?” I asked as I froze in my tracks. At the same time Nico started growling.

“Yeah she proposed a few months ago.”

“And you said yes” I followed Nico’s gaze and found her staring at David.

“Yeah but I don’t know if I’m ready.”

“Then why did you say yes?” David noticed I was watching him trying to sneak up on me so he just started approaching.

“I don’t know.” Jet groaned.

“Hold on Jet.” I told him then put my headphones on my shoulders. “What do you want? I'm not letting you come back.”

“I want your cat.” He said bitterly.

“You just tried to steal from me! What makes you think I'm going to just give you my cat!”

David looked angry then the next thing I knew he picked her up and tried to run. I ran after him and grabbed his arm. That's when he shoved me back. The last thing I remember seeing was Nico clawing her way out of David's arms and jumping off his shoulder towards me as I fell off the curb and into traffic. Then everything went black.

Now most people would say the unbelievable stuff started here but once you figure out why there were mouse skeletons everywhere as well as burn marks and my cat randomly appearing you’ll understand why I said what I said when I did. I woke up to Nico’s sandpaper tongue licking my cheek. “Hey sweetie” I grumbled as I gently scratched her head without opening my eyes. I felt like I was waking up like I do every morning. Then I remembered what had happened.

My eyes shot open and I sat up quickly only to be blinded by annoying flashing lights. Once my eyes adjusted I found myself surrounded by one fire truck, one ambulance and two police cars and the poor gentleman who had the misfortune actually hit me. The paramedics rushed over to me and started talking to each other but it was muffled so I couldn’t understand them. I stood up to show them that I was fine but then I saw my body laying on the road. They were checking my vitals and doing their job; yet, I was standing right here as Nico rubbed her body between my legs.

“You are very calm right now.” A voice said from behind me and my jaw dropped. Standing before me was a lean muscular man. He had a regal face that made me imagine him leaning back on a throne. He also had honey golden eyes, long black hair and dark skin. What fascinated me the most was his wings which were black and shimmering in blue and purple.

As his features sunk in I realized that he seemed familiar but I know I've never seen him before. When a possible explanation came to mind I heard Jet’s voice. “Keaira!” He yelled. I spun around and found him walking next to my body as they put me in the back of the ambulance. That’s when I sank to the ground and started crying. Nico climbed in my lap and tried to comfort me.

“Hey it’s ok.” The man said as he put his hand on my shoulder. “You're not dead yet.”

I looked up at him. “What do you mean?”

“You are hovering between life and death.” He said.

“Am I going to die?” I asked him as I watch the ambulance leave

“I do not know that.”

I looked at him surprised. “What do you mean you don't know. You are Thanatos the god of peaceful death. You know people who have died and are going to die. You probably have a list or something.”

“Yes this is all true but this thing” He said pointing to Nico, “has made things a little more difficult.”

“She isn’t a thing! She's a cat and her name is Nico!” I said, angrily defending my kitten.

“Well you should know, your cat is from the underworld. She likes to look at my list of people going to die and then she picks someone. I’m not sure how or why it happens. She will visit that person. If they rescue her and treat her nicely they end up like you and get a choice on whether to go back or not. If they don’t treat her nicely; they abuse her or ignore her completely; she then shortens their lifespan, usually by fire.”

“What about those who want to help her but can't?” I asked.

“As far as I know I haven’t come across a situation like that.”

I looked down at Nico. She was puring as I slowly pet her. She looked up at me and I found it hard to believe a sweet kitty could kill people. “What is the ratio between people like me and people not?” I asked.

Thanatos sighed and I took that as my answer. People like me are apparently hard to come by. “Come on. You need to rest.”

“Is that even possible?” I took his hand after he offered it to me and let him help me up as I held Nico with one arm

“Remember. You're technically not dead yet. Now this may feel a little funny so forgive me.”

I don’t know why but when he said that I instantly closed my eyes. I did feel a little off like he said but when the feeling stopped I opened my eyes and found myself in the underworld. At least I’m assuming that’s where we were. “This place is cool.” I said looking around. “It’s not how I imagined.”

“The underworld is never how anyone imagines it; people see it differently depending on their religion.” Thanatos told me as we started walking or well I was floating.

“I don’t follow any religion.” I said Nico jumped out of my arms and ran around happily

“That's true but when you were a child and you learned about the Greeks in history class you became curious. Then you found those books based on them and you became obsessed.”

“That is true.” I stated

Thanatos showed me around the underworld and told me everything that was off limits as well as all the rules but as he was explaining these things I was a little distracted by the animals. Cerberus was a giant three headed Rottweiler cutie pie and the hellhounds had the body shape and face of a wolf with pitch black fur and red eyes like Nico and the personality of a loveably husky. And don’t get me started on the ghost dogs and kitties; it was basically my personal version of heaven. Thanatos told me that they usually didn’t come out of hiding like that and he had never seen Cerberus and the hellhounds act so friendly towards anyone but Hades.

I couldn’t give him an answer so he just took me into Hades palace since this whole thing with Nico is new. They haven’t found the time to create a place for those like me. So I would be staying in the palace itself which was awesome. I met Hades and Persephone and Thanatos gave Hades my file. Hades accepted me and had two of his skeleton soldiers lead me to my room.

Living in the underworld was nice. Persephone loved me just as quickly as all the animals did and I loved spending time with all the animals and trying to teach Cerberus tricks. When I would fall asleep; I could hear the conversations that were happening around me while I was in a coma in the living world. Thanatos said I could visit my body and actually see what was happening but honestly I was scared of what I would find but after what felt like a long time. I finally asked Thanatos to take me. He then left to continue his work.

When we got there Jet was sitting next to my bed holding my hand and Layla was yelling at him.

“I don’t need to be a god of love to know that marriage will not work out,” Hades said from behind me

“I’m surprised it’s lasted as long as it did.” I looked up at him. I was surprised that he was here but I decided not to question him.

“So what are you going to do?” He asked me.

“I don’t know. I’m torn. Not much in my life made me happy. Just my work and Jet.”

“What about your family?”

“I love my family, they love me but they can be stressful. That's one of the reasons why I’m struggling so much. The living world sucks but there are some good things and people that I feel are worth keeping.”

“And you’re enjoying what you’ve experienced in my palace?”

I looked away from him back at my own body. Layla was fiddling with the cords that were connecting me to the machines that were monitoring my recovery. “What is she doing?”

“She’s attempting to kill you.” Hades said coldly, “I may have a third option for you” He told me; though it was hard to focus as I could feel myself getting weaker. “But there is no time to explain the details” we watched as Layla left the room. “Whether you choose to or not, your body is about to die unless you wake up.”

“I choose the third option.” I said without hesitation. I probably should have thought about it first but I didn’t feel the need for it.

Hades usual serious expression turned into a small smile His eyes showed with what seemed to be curiosity and excitement which probably isn’t a good thing coming from the King of the dead. He put his hand in front of my face and everything went black as a chill went through my body. “Wake up.” He said. I did as he ordered and found myself laying in the hospital bed. I was back in my body again. I felt normal but at the same time different. Hades was standing in a corner of the hospital as nurses and doctors came rushing in.

“I believe you have a wedding to crash,'' he told me as he faded into the shadows.

I smiled then started laughing. As much as I don’t want to ruin my best friend's big day. I couldn't wait to see the look on Layla’s face when I walked into her wedding very much alive. The doctors spent hours trying to figure out what happened and if I was truly ok. Then I told them to contact the police. When everything was finally done. It was the next morning. I contacted Jet’s other childhood best friend to learn the time and place of the wedding since I doubt Layla sent me an invitation. Then I started to get ready.

When I got there; I didn’t make a big scene. I didn’t slam the doors open screaming, “I object.” I just opened the doors quietly and walked down the aisle until Jet noticed me. It made me happy to see his face light up and Layla’s turn from shocked to angry in five seconds.

“You are not supposed to be here.” She said bitterly. Jet looked at her. “I mean thank goodness you're awake but shouldn’t you still be in bed resting and healing.” She said, faking her concern.

“Honestly her recovery is surprising” One of the officers that had followed me said. “Especially after what you did”

“Wait what?” Jet asked.

“Layla you are her by arrested for the attempted murder of Keaira Marisol.” He said as he cuffed her and read Layla her rights The officer dragged her away kicking and screaming.

“What is going on?” Jet asked. The other officer showed him the security video of Layla messing with things in the hospital and instead of getting angry or upset he just hugged me and apologized.

Obviously the wedding was canceled and Jet moved in with me since he could no longer stand being in their shared home. It hurts me to see him so upset but I’m going to continue to be his best friend and help him through the hard times. With any luck I might have a chance to be the girl he deserves. I also have to figure out what the conditions for this third option is and figure out everything about Nico so I can take better care of the fire death cat that she is but that’s for a later time.