SWAT KATS CHRISTMAS TALES

Chapter 4: A Christmas Prayer

(Beyond Heaven and Hell)

Dawn was peeking through the stained glass windows of St. Michaels church.

Several sleepy faces were trying to wake up as they slipped into the church door on this cold Christmas morning.

The church was done up beautifully for the holidays. A huge Christmas tree, donated by the ones arriving, stood to the right of the main alter. It's lights twinkled softly in the early morning light.

A special service was being held this morning before the regular church goers would arrive.

Father Sebastian was dressed in full panoply in preparation for the services to be held later. Only two of his most trusted priests were on hand to aid him in this very special service.

Wishing she had a cup of coffee, Ms. Briggs went to the front pews and took a seat beside her friend, Dr. Abby Sinian who smiled at her.

Sitting across from them was Mr. Kazmer who nodded a greeting at them.

The door opened and a pair of highly recognizable toms came strutting down the aisle.

"Good morning ladies." The bigger of the pair said taking a seat behind the she-kats.

"Good morning, T-Bone, Razor." Callie said warmly.

"Man, if it weren't so important, I would still be in bed." T-Bone growled a bit.

"Yeah, I like my sleep too." Callie smirked.

"Heh! This is the best time of day for me. I do my best work and inventing early in the morning." Razor said in amusement.

"No surprise there." Callie chuckled. Abby laughed as well.

Suddenly the door of the church swung open again and in walked Commander Feral with his lover, Rowena on his arm.

He looked contented which was a far cry from how he'd looked a year ago.

Everyone called a greeting to him and he nodded acknowledgment as he escorted Rowena to a seat beside her grandfather.

Instead of sitting down with the others, Feral walked up to Father Sebastian.

"Are we ready?" He asked quietly.

"Now that you have arrived, yes." Sebastian said warmly.

Feral nodded and took a position one step down from the alter while Father Sebastian went up to stand at the alter itself.

For the next hour, he conducted a mini-service. At its conclusion he gestured for Feral. The big tom stepped up to stand beside the Father. He turned to face the handful of faces watching him solemnly.

He raised his arms and spoke to the heavens.

"Oh heavenly father, bless this group for their steadfast protection of your flock and your servant against the evils of the hell region. Give us strength to see us through another year. Your humble servant, Ulysses Feral. Amen!" He prayed. Amens echoed his.

For a long moment there was silence then softly at first then more loudly a heavenly chorus was heard. Feral lifted his voice to join it as his audience listened in awe. When the song ended, their hearts were lightened and they sat at peace, no one said a word.

From the ceiling a glowing light mixed with sunshine struck the floor before the alter. It brightened to near incandescence for a moment then disappeared leaving a beautiful she-kat in its place.

Feral smiled happily and stepped down to reach out and hug her.

"Mother."

"My son!" She said warmly. "Blessings on you all and to you most of all Ulysses."

"I'm glad you could come for this occasion." He said sincerely.

"What would Christmas be without your loved ones gathered together to celebrate our holiest of holidays." She said gently. "I'm proud of you my son. You have done well and our lord is pleased with you."

Feral blushed with pleasure. "I try mother. But I couldn't do it without my circle of friends." He gestured behind him.

She turned and smiled warmly at the shining faces staring at her with awe. "Blessings on you all for all your hard work and your steadfast guardianship of my son. Merry Christmas."

They all murmured 'Merry Christmas' back to her.

She turned back to her son and gave him another warm hug then began to disappear. "Farewell, my son. Keep safe and enjoy another good year."

"I will, mother. Farewell. I love you." Feral said quietly.

She smiled and slowly vanished from view.

Silence fell once more then the others got up from their seats and came to Feral's side.

They all hugged and after wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, left for their homes.

Father Sebastian sighed and felt warm inside. It was a wonderful service and he was proud that St. Michaels was so blessed to be responsible for the protection of one of God's children and being blessed and visited by his angel mother. What more could one ask for. It was going to be a good year.