Note: I have not given up on my other WoW story, but this one was actually preventing me from writing the it. Damn Cat was that insistent to being written. I have bought but not read 'Before the Storm' yet so if I got anything wrong as it relates to it, sorry. Besides, since not every one reads the books, comics, etc...I really consider the in game info/story more 'canon' than anything outside it. This story was written while waiting on BfA and its pre-expansion patch so I might be a little off on my facts there as well if you're reading this after it drops.

Prologue: A Kitty Introduction

A storm approached the city as its citizens shuttered their windows for the night. Silent flashes of lighting crossed the sky over the sea, but the direction of the wind pushed the dark clouds ever closer. Soon the name sake of the city would come and with it the rains.

A small, half grown black tabby raced past the guards into the palace just when the first loud boom of thunder hit the air. The guards saw, but let the poor thing in to avoid the storm. Someone would find it in the morning to send it on its way.

Anduin, the new King of Stormwind sat at a small table in his private quarters, looking out over the sea as the storm moved in. By rights, he should be sleeping in the King's Chambers but it just didn't feel right. Not yet. Besides, his tower room had the better view even if it was smaller.

On the table, not far from his drink sat the broken compass that had a picture of himself from just before he left for Pandaria. Not too long in the way of things, but now it felt like decades.

A soft "Mew?" followed by some scratching noises drew Anduin's attention away from his sorrow and storm. He turned and saw a small paw reaching under the edge of his door. Curious, the young king got up and walked over to open the door. Just another loud crash of thunder reached his ears, a small black and gray blur raced over his feet and into his bedroom.

He closed the door and went into the bedchambers. Not seeing whatever it was, he knelt down to look under his bed. There in the darkness he saw two glowing eyes blink at him.

"Come out now, "he said in a calm voice with a hint of humor, "No one is going to hurt you."

A flash of light with an almost instant boom, caused the creature to run out in a panic only to be caught by Anduin just as it tried to run pass. The cat twist and turned trying to escape, but he noticed that it didn't use it claws or teeth. Which he was very grateful for, healing talents or no. He then brought it his chest to hold it more securely tried to help it calm down. It shivered for a good while before it settled. Luckily it seemed that the heavy rains that were now falling seem to be drowning out much of the thunder and only muffled rumbles could now be heard.

The King sat on the edge of his bed as he pulled the cat away from him with a, "Now let us get a look at you my friend."

Anduin frowned as he considered the shape the poor thing was in. Its coat was dirty and he could feel its bones. It..SHE..was either very undersized or was still growing, considering how skinny she was it could have been either. The feline must have belonged to someone at one point for around its neck was a very well made collar with even a shiny bell.

"Let me guess, you wondered off and haven't been able to find you way home,"the King muttered as he considered what to do next. He really was more of dog person and even then he didn't have the time for a pet. Well he could take care of her tonight and worry about what to do tomorrow. He held the cat close to himself with one arm as he reached over to use the rarely used bell pull. As he waited, he thought of what he might need. Food and drinking water was simple enough. A small brush and maybe some warm water with towels. A shallow box of dirt or sand perhaps? "I do hope you're litter trained my furry friend."

(Next Morning)

As the sun rose up in the East, it's rays found the open window and searched for the sleeping monarch. The bright light pulled Anduin from one of the best sleep he had since his father went off to face the Legion. A bell chime reminding him of his temporary room mate. With a smile, he looked over to see a much cleaner looking half-grown black tabby kitten sat on the open window sill, cleaning herself. The remains of her late night meal was all gone with only a licked cleaned plate and half full bowl of water giving proof of its existence.

"Why good morning, "Anduin said in greeting as he stretched. The cat froze briefly before turning, leaning forward and with a little wiggle of her butt, jumped from the window to the bed. The bell at her neck ringing as she struggled slightly after almost not making it and then starting rubbing her head along the young king's side with a loud purr. "Well you're welcome, little miss. Now why don't we get some breakfast..."

A tap at the door warned Anduin of the unavoidable servants that would be entering. "Come in, "he answered as he got out of bed and started to ready himself for the day.

(Later that day)

"My boy, what are you looking for? "Vellen asked as noticed the King looking around and then under the table.

"A cat decided to pay me a visit last night when the storm hit, "Anduin sighed. He sat down as he offered a seat to his old mentor, "It vanished while I was getting dress this morning, but has been popping up all morning. Lord Greymane even nearly tripped over her once."

"You think she might be in here? "Vellen decided to entertain the young man while they waited for the rest of the counsel. The boy seem somewhat less melacholy talking about this feline.

"Not really, "the king shrugged, "I just wanted to make certain. One of the lords for some reason has expressed a deep dislike of the kitten and has already made one attempt to harm it. Just wanted to ensure she wouldn't be in harms way when he arrives."

Vellen frowned, anyone who would even consider causing pain to a young animal should be watched carefully. True animals can be hunted and raised for food, but the slaughter should be done as painlessly as possible. Just as Vellen was to give word to his concerns the doors opened and a small crowd of nobles and military leaders walked in. He wondered which was the noble in question.

As the crowd arranged themselves by rank and so forth around the table the feline quietly made its unseen way under the table and laid down next to the king's feet. It did not sleep but seemed to pay extra attention to what was going on. After a few hours or so of discussions about finances, the Horde, problems in Redridge and so on; refreshments were called for.

As the drinks were being poured, one noble drawled, "My lord, while we are taking a break may I bring up one minor suggestion about the Keep, "a noble with slicked back, thinning hair, "I noticed more than a few...pets."

The cat's eyes narrowed as she slowly got up and then moved to peak out from the table, not at the noble in question but at the wine that was being poured into the Kings goblet. Her nose twitched as if smelling something.

A single brow rose on Anduin's face and he brought his hands together in front of him. "I don't see how a few small animals that bring joy to the inhabitants..."

With a growl the cat jumped up onto Anduin's lap causing him to jump back in surprise, and thus unintentionally making room for her to jump onto the table. She then quickly ran back and forth across the table, knocking off all the drinks and even somehow crashing into one goblet that was half way to having its contents drank.

"Shit!" "What the V..." people in the room jumped up to avoid being splashed not seeing the rage that flashed across that one slicked back noble. "Wait, that smell..."Greymane said as his nose also start twitching as the smell of the wine filled the air. He transformed into his worgen form and picked up a fallen goblet that still had a bit of wine in it. Taking a long sniff he growled, "My Lord! Poison!"

"Did any one drink any, "Anduin looked around as he mentally and spiritually prepared to start healing. Everyone shook their head in the negative, but as the king sighed in relief Vellen spoke up, "Perhaps we should also consider washing off what wine that may have been splashed upon our persons. Some poisons can be effective by skin contact as well as ingestion."

"Agreed. This meeting is concluded. Feel free to use the Keeps facilities to clean up, "Anduin said and then turned to one of the guards that had entered after hearing the racket, "See to it a few healers are brought in to look over everyone and send a message to SI:7."

(That Evening)

That night in his chambers, Anduin watched with a small smile as his tiny hero munched away at the tore up bits of smoked sagefish. He found the little tabby sleeping on the same chair he was sitting on the night before and immediately ordered food for her.

The cat growled a little as he scratched behind her ears, no doubt not liking being interrupted during something as important as dinner but he just couldn't resist. The last bit of food gone, a swipe or two of her tongue and the small plate was clean. She rubbed her head on the kings leg briefly as if in thanks and then proceed to clean herself.

"Well see you in the morning, "the king said as he made his way to bed and then muttered, "I so need to think of a name..."

The lamp dimmed and little later a light snore filled the room. The cat stopped cleaning and glanced at the sleeping man before lowing its head slightly. She then made her way up onto the table and looked at the young king one last time before jumping over to the window to leave.

(The Next Morning)

Mathias Shaw was taking his time returning to SI:7 from the Keep. It was not an enjoyable report he had to give to the King that day. The person who had attempted to poison the counsel had yet to be discovered and the hero of the hour was missing. Although he didn't like the idea that a cat of all things proved better at protecting the King, he could fully understand why his majesty might grow a bit attached to the feline.

As he made his way pass the Pig & Whistle, he just had to pause when he heard an unfamiliar woman's voice singing a rather ironic tune:

Everybody wants to be a cat
Because a cat's the only cat
Who knows where it's at.

Everybody's picking up
that feline beat.
'Cause everything else is obsolete.

To be continued…

Note: Verses at end is of course from "Everyone Wants to be a Cat" from Disney's the Aristocats, but I prefer the Dimie Cat version for this story.