Chapter 21: Dealing with whims

- No care - said the female cat - Let's wait for Joey's signal, we'll get out of here and you say your line.

- I'm sorry if this causes any inconvenience - said the Royal Guard in distress.

- Don't worry about that, after this my tour with the theater begins and I will leave this kingdom, I don't have anyone to give explanations - said Matilda amusingly, you could see that she is very happy.

- I hope that you will do well, although I haven't had the opportunity to see your plays - he said - Must be beautiful.

- We can arrange that, I will give you some tickets so you can go - said the female cat – These are valid anywhere we will be.

- Thank you very much - said Puss surprised at her gesture.

- You're welcome - said Maltida - You always have to know art, it's beautiful.

- There is no doubt about it - He answered in agreement - Can I ask you a question?

- Go ahead - she answered.

- What favor did you owe Joey? - Puss asked again, since his friend omitted that information.

- A little problem I had some time ago with a moron who was obsessed with me... He followed me everywhere, he looked like a psychopath... Then Joey came and helped me to get rid of him - said Matilda - He didn't want to receive anything in return, but I insisted if he needed something he should ask me for it.

- I understand - said Puss.

- Speaking of your friend... he's sending me the signal right now.

The Royal Guard didn't even bother to look back, so he acted as normal as possible, inside the "Dating Zone" that they were in, after the evening was over, they came out of there. Matilda just ran a hand over Puss' arm.

- So... - she started to "acting" - See you at the Moon Festival?

- Sure - he said - Come see me tomorrow afternoon after my shift.

- Don't be naughty, we said Festival - she accused him in a funny way.

- Please, there's still time for the festival... - he asked as if he were asking Kitty, it was the only way he could find to make it come out as natural as possible.

- Okay... - she said and before leaving, she "kissed" him on the cheek; since she really pretended to do that - See you.

- Goodbye - said Puss.

He hoped this would be the most credible... As his task was finished and he pretended to go to the barracks and actually just stayed around.

Joey had only this one chance, he waited patiently behind a wall, paying attention to the recently finished scene of Puss and Matilda. He carefully and closely observed any suspicious activity.

Until he saw it...

The guy was almost hidden on the roof of the tavern they had visited, he had not entered, he looked like he had been waiting for a long time besides being attentive to what his friend was doing so as not to miss any detail of what had happened.

Joey headed to his location, climbing up carefully so as not to alarm him. Before facing him, he whistled softly for Puss to come.

- May I ask... What are you doing spying on a Royal Guard? - he asked suddenly, startling the stranger, who was so aware of what he was doing that he was taken by surprise at his presence. When Joey saw him, he became strangely familiar, he was a complete gray cat and he was wearing a hood to hide his identity.

He pretended not to understand - Who said I was listening and/or following anyone? - he asked.

- It's bad enough to be snooping around a Royal Guard.

- I wasn't doing that - he denied.

- I can even think that you are following the rest of my comrades and selling this information outside - he countered seriously.

- What evidence do you have? - he asked.

- Strange that you should say that, I saw you clearly - he answered. -I have enough evidence that I obviously won't tell you.

At that moment, Puss arrived where they were. The Royal Guard couldn't bear to see him and grabbed roughly by the neck, right where the cloth of the hood he was wearing was.

- Who sent you?! - he demanded to know in anger - What do you want from me?!

- Nobody sends me! - he said in a cut-throat voice.

-No? - He asked angrily - Choose: tell us what you were doing at this moment, or we will accuse you of being a spy of the kingdom.

- So you weren't doing it? - Choose: Tell us what you were doing at this moment, or we will accuse you of being a spy for the kingdom.

- Puss, calm down - said his friend, while the orange-toned cat kept his composure, he just wanted to scare him.

- Say it! - he demanded - I saw you following me several times!

- It was just a research job, it was a mandate from the palace! - he answered.

- Who is in charge of that? - he asked again.

Again, he was silent, he definitely did not want to talk, but he was confirming his suspicions just talking about the palace.

- Enough - said Joey - We are not to tolerate this - he added. He went to handcuff him and take to the barracks.

When they arrived at that place, they left him in a remand prison that they had. The two only had to wait for the Captain to arrive. Puss and Joey still had time to wait. They got out of that room leaving the guy alone.

- You can see that he is nervous - said Puss, already calmer because this guy was in his custody.

- Yes, besides he fell into the trap, it came out better than we expected - he said as Joey and his friend nodded in agreement -The best thing of all is that I was able to talk to the manager of the tavern bar, the one who gave the information so that he could testify anonymously.

- That's great! That'll help us a lot! - said the orange cat.

-With that testimony and our report, we'll be ready with this business - said Joey.

- Oh buddy! I don't know what I'd do without you! - he said with relief and comedy, since the chases are over.

- Maybe you' d be a pet in the palace - he joked - but... you' re welcome brother, that' s what we' re here for.

Puss shook his head – Here - He said, giving him some tickets that Maltida had given him.

- So you can go to the theater... And you have to receive it!. Matilda gave to me, she was very grateful you helped her that time, as I did.

- Thank you... - said Joey with a smile.

- To you, you deserve it - said the orange cat.

At that moment, the captain arrived who told the details of the "case", agreed with everything and would even take him as a possible suspect who was investigating the squadron for the events that occurred a few days ago with the Elite. Since anything could be possible with that. Fortunately, everything went in his favor, and the two of them didn't have to get involved in that issue anymore.

A few days later, Puss finally went to the lower sector to leave a message for Kitty at the place where she was practicing, which said that the same afternoon or night they could meet at the tavern and on their balcony.

Kitty was between happy and angry, the first is because she would see Puss after so many days and angry about the next.

It turns out that her boyfriend didn't have a very busy week at the barracks and that's why he wasn't allowed to meet her. The truth is that Puss was in big trouble, she knew he was being spied on days ago and she found out thanks to her friend who had told her that Joey would be out for a few days because of that problem and he was helping him.

Kitty shook her head, crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, she was already on the balcony waiting for him, a few minutes passed until she heard him arrive.

You could tell that Puss came out in a hurry he was agitated and smiled widely when he saw her. But Kitty did not flinch, even when he came closer, only raised an eyebrow.

- Is something wrong? - he asked, noticing this detail.

- Mmmm - She answered - I was wondering when you intended to tell me what was going on.

- What are you talking about? - asked the confused orange cat.

- I will be very specific - said Kitty seriously - Did you think that I wouldn't notice your problem? Why didn't you tell me?

- How did you find out? – Puss asked surprised to realize what she meant.

- Joey told Claire, he said he would "help his partner", then she detailed to me it was you and there was a damn spy - she replied upset.

Her boyfriend was silent for a moment - I didn't want to worry you about that...

- I'm upset about that, I was worried anyway and you could have had my help, Puss! - she claimed.

- I didn't think you'd find out, I did it to protect you. What if you got hit because of me? - her boyfriend defended himself.

- Okay, but there to hide from me? - We would have found a way to solve it together, that's why I'm with you, don't you think?

- Kitty, don't exaggerate - He said - I would have loved to ask for your help, but one thing I won't do is make you take that risk so they can catch you. I didn't know what I was facing.

It was Kitty's turn to be silent, it was something she couldn't discuss. Even though she wanted to help him...

Her boyfriend took her hands lovingly and gently touched the back of them.

- I bet it was your princess's psycho idea - she said once she calmed down.

- First, she's not my princess - he corrected - And yes, she was behind of this.

Kitty laughed slightly at the correction he made.

- I am not surprised she is involved in this, if she doesn't leave you alone... - added the dark female cat in warning mode.

- And you're still defending me... - he hinted.

- Of course - she said. Finally, they came closer to kiss.

- Do you forgive me? - he asked.

- Only if you promise that if something happens, at least tell me - she said.

- I promise - said Puss, and they kissed again, but this time passionately.

- Not to mention that I had to wait a week to see you - said the female cat.

- Hey! It's not like I planned it! - Her boyfriend defended himself and Kitty laughed.

- I just hope she doesn't bother you again.

- Let's not worry about that anymore - said Puss - Tomorrow I'm free. Do you think we'll go and investigate the next way to the prison? Remember... it's a whole day that you have to be with me... - he tempted

- I think it's a great idea - she agreed - I'll find an excuse to get away.

- Of course, you will - said Puss. - When I finish the last task, I'll have a surprise for you.

Kitty was surprised to hear that she was going to talk, but her boyfriend put a hand in her mouth.

- It's a surprise - he said - Even if you're anxious, you'll have to know how to wait.

- But Puss! - She complained.

- You'll see! - He insisted, giving her a loving kiss on the forehead, she looked at him resignedly - How are things there?

- Much better - She answered - We have built some houses in other areas and... well we are trying to plan another robbery, we need food and medicine, but I don't know when - she said - By the way, they have already started the construction of the towers.

- What? So soon? - He asked in surprise.

- Yes, that caught us off guard too - she replied.

- They were supposed to start in a week - he said.

- There must be another reason - said Kitty - Or maybe not, but that doesn't matter, it won't be something to worry about if we leave here.

- That's right - agreed Puss.

- And let it be soon, it is already pissing me off we are being separated all the time - she said.

- Me too and it comes with a scolding included when it happens - he added, referring to Joey and Claire.

- Don't mention it - asked the female cat.

The couple settled down on the balcony, sat down next to each other, Puss rested his back on the wall and passed one arm to the side of his girlfriend as she curled up.

The next day, Kitty was leaving the house in a hurry, it was getting late, she grabbed a few things before she left.

- Kitty! - said her friend a little angrily.

- Now what did I do? - she asked.

Her friend looked at her upset and put her hands on her hips.

- When do you plan to tell me, huh? - she asked.

- What are you talking about? - she asked and turned around, she was confused.

- Don't pretend to be stupid! - she accused her.

- Damn it, Claire! Will you be specific for once! - demanded to know, she was breaking her patience.

- Several weeks ago, you went to the supply house, didn't you? - asked her friend.

- Yes... And what about that? - asked the dark female cat.

- You were seen with someone - she said seriously.

Kitty was stuck in the place and without words, she didn't expect an answer like that.

- Who told you that? - asked the female cat.

- It doesn't matter! - answered Claire.

- Of course it matters! - she demanded.

- Why did you go with that stranger in a hood and cape to that house? - she asked - Why all the mystery? According to what I was told, you were in a romantic mood.

- And since when did you become so gossipy? - asked Kitty.

- Answer me - asked her friend.

The female cat tried to prolong the discussion so she could think about what she was going to say and get out of it. It was confirmed it was about Puss, from the time they went through those caves, the good thing about it is they didn't know it was about him.

She sighed in exhaustion - What a way to misinterpret things...

- Yes, of course - she said.

- Claire, seriously... that stranger you say, is from the middle ring and he owed me a favor - she said - I helped him cross and he accompanied me to that house to reveal another secret - she lied.

- How do you explain you approached him? - she asked again.

- I won't tell you until you tell me your source - demanded Kitty a little nervously.

- Someone from the barracks, one who was recently included, a young one - answered without option.

The female cat rolled her eyes - Claire! He's always getting into everything and he knows everything. Why do you think he was recruited? But he never checks anything.

- Okay! Okay! - said the two-colored cat without a choice.

- I am not with anyone - clarified Kitty - I kissed him on the cheek that day because he gave me a very important information...

- How important? - she asked.

- There's a hidden area, but it's locked and that's exactly what I'm getting at, he got me a way to open it - she explained - When I get him in front of that Tadpole, I'll give him a round!

- No! Don't do anything to him, poor thing! - she said with sorrow.

- I won't promise anything - she said.

- Kitty! - she asked.

- It's all right - said the female cat. - Now... dear sister, will you give me permission to go out? - she ironized.

Claire rolled her eyes - Come on, you're a pain in the ass - she accused her.

- Who's talking - she answered - "I'll be late, so don't worry about that. Take care of yourself.

- You too, goodbye - she answered crossing her arms not very happy.

Finally, Kitty could leave she exhaled with relief. She was a hair away from being caught, thank God the Tadpole didn't give much detail...

What awaited her when the day of the escape came...

The dark female cat slipped quickly through the house and into the cave. It took very little time to reach the oasis, she looked for Puss, who was sitting on the water's edge with his back to her. Kitty was puzzled that he was wearing the Royal Guard's clothes, usually when they met, he rarely wore his suit, well except when he met without planning to.

Kitty approached in silence, stalking him as he moved forward, he was not even aware of her presence. She bent down to crouch and threw herself into his arms.

Puss was startled to receive his girlfriend in his arms, squeezing her tenderly she stayed at his chest level and looked at him affectionately.

- I'm sorry I'm late, I tried to get out of the way before, but Claire delayed me - she said.

- Don't worry, what matters is that you arrived," answered Puss, giving her a little kiss and she caressed his neck with her head, purring at ease.

- I love the way you look in that outfit, Puss - she flattered in a low voice.

- Thank you very much, my lady - she answered.

- Why did you come like that? Not that I am complaining - she asked.

- Ah, it just occurred to me, because we are going to the prison area, I thought it would be better if they saw me in this in case of any inconvenience... They won't tell me anything if they see me like this - he explained.

- You're right, better to be safe and if that's the case I can hide - she agreed and her boyfriend nodded.

- Besides, we don't know what we will find out there - added the orange cat.

The female cat watched him, his tone of voice told her there was something wrong with him, she noticed it was strange.

- Did something happen? - she asked, her boyfriend looked at her and knew immediately - Ah. Dulcinea...

Puss sighed in annoyance.

- Today she was unbearable, she hadn't spoken to me for weeks - he said - She was despising me and ordering me around at every moment during the work shift, I had to accompany her everywhere since there was activity in the palace - he replied. - She behaved very despotic.

- The usual - said Kitty rolling her eyes- I promise you, I will leave her a gift before we leave.

Puss laughed lightly, his dear Kitty always trying to cheer him up - What will you do? - he asked shaking his head, amused.

- It will be a nice surprise - she answered - You'll see, and she won't bother you anymore - she added. The female cat stroked his cheek, and with the other hand passed it behind her boyfriend's neck. She looked at him for a few seconds and came closer to give him an Eskimo kiss before kissing him on the lips.

- Kitty, I love you a lot, I don't know what I would do without you, nor do I know what would become of me if I hadn't met you, maybe... I would have been the puppet or pet as Joey says - said the orange cat taking her chin.

She smiled softly at his words - My mother said that there are no coincidences, only the inevitable - she said.

- Very wise words - said Puss taking her hand - I find her absolutely right.

- Yes - she said - Although I always wondered when that day would come to prove those words... I said to myself, "What a coincidence, I had to fall into the worst place in the world without my parents - she said with a bit of humor.

- I have the answer for that - he said - You were in the wrong place at the wrong time - he added cheerfully - Even that destiny is your mission in life.

- Yes, you're right - she said, amusingly.

- Not that I want to ruin this precious moment, but... we'd better walk before we're late - proposed Puss.

- A little longer - she asked he shook his head.

- You're spoiled... - he accused her as a joke.

- Hey! I remind you I wasn't with you for a week! - she said. Puss laughed.

- That's true - he agreed, laughing.

- I got bored a lot besides being worried... - she reproached.

- All right! All right! I get it! - he claimed resignedly.

- That's the way I like it - she said triumphantly, and he sighed.

He looked at her again in the eyes...he felt the need to tell her what had happened, but in more detail, precisely about Matilda, he did not know how she would take it.

- And what's wrong with you now? - she asked worriedly. Both Puss and she had become very perceptive about the feelings of the other.

- You know me better than anyone else - said the orange cat.

- And you know me - replied Kitty, smiling.

Puss took out the other two tickets that the actress had given him, told her what they were for, that he had also given Joey another two. Then he detailed what had happened and what they had to do to catch the damned spy.

- It was the only way we could get his attention, because Dulcinea is investigating what I'm doing and "discovering me in something suspicious" - said Puss - Well that's what we believe with Joey - he added - Believe me it was uncomfortable, thank goodness it was the actress who helped me.

Kitty looked at him and smiled sympathetically - Puss...you don't have to give me those explanations that way, I trust you completely - she assured him - The important thing is that you solved it, I don't want you to feel that way about that.

The female cat got up and hugged his neck with both hands, giving him little kisses until her boyfriend was lying on the grass and she was on top of him. Puss was caressing her waist as she kissed deeply.

Kitty stopped abruptly, interrupting the gesture, and raised her head, sharpening her ear.

- What is it? - he asked worried and agitated at the same time, due to the lack of air.

- Someone is coming - she said, lowering her voice slightly.

- It can't be possible - said the perplexed Puss.

- What shall we do? - she asked in a low voice.

- Hide - he said - I'll go and see.

Kitty nodded, looked around for a suitable place, she chose a nearby tree and climbed it to the top and hid among the branches.

Puss for his part walked silently to the sector where the three roads separated and tried to capture where the sound came from, as it was so dark, he stood and waited for the one that caused those sounds to appear.