I wrote this back in late 2015 when my writing ability wasn't the best. I intend to rewrite this entire story, hopefully improving it in some way, shape or form (if possible), and eventually end it just to tie up loose ends. Thanks for reading.


I woke up at the crack of dawn to the sound of Knox, my neighbor, shrieking as usual. I slowly opened my eyes, groaning at the fact that tomorrow became today, making tomorrow yet another day away. Another useless morning, afternoon, and night were what awaited me.

I slowly dragged myself to my bathroom, staring at myself blankly in the mirror. I hadn't cleaned myself thoroughly in over a month. I scratched at my overlong whiskers, acknowledging the fact that they were disgustingly long but not caring one bit. I stepped slowly into the shower and turned it on. Cold water blasted down upon me, blessing me with freezing temperatures that cleared my mind for a second or two. I just stood there in the storm, letting it take me over as I just thought about my life.

Everyone calls me Kid Cat. I'm a young feline of twenty, an outsider to the real world. I barely got through my senior year, I passed with straight D's while also holding the title of the best runner in the county. I felt like I was the king of the world, even if I only dominated a minuscule portion of the world for four short years. But there was one aspect of my life that never seemed full. There was just a small, little, particularly shaped hole.

...

Isabelle.

A Shih Tzu, the same age as me. We met in kindergarten and that pooch has been playing fetch in my head ever since. We were friends throughout our school careers, but I could never break it to her that I liked her. We weren't very close so I always felt unfulfilled. Sure, I had a few high school relationships and more one night stands than I would like to admit, but she was always there in my head. She moved here after high school, and I followed in desperation, awkwardly saying that it was just a "coincidence" when she asked me how crazy it was. We talked occasionally during school, but we became actual friends when she wanted to come over every weekend to play board games or watch a movie or just talk. I finally felt like there might be a chance, some hope for that unobtainable relationship... and then he showed up.

Wyatt.

Wyatt was my polar opposite. He was an A+ student since fucking preschool, he's a year older than me, and he's the geek of all geeks. Oh yeah, he's also the mayor of this town. He just showed up one day and since then, Isabelle spent less and less time with me and more and more time with him. After an intense thunderstorm, Wyatt's house burned down and Isabelle invited him to live with her. They always mention the other as their "roommate", but everyone here knows that there's something more going on between the two of them.

Since then, my life has been pretty shit, I can't lie. It's been a roller-coaster of emotion. A year of... contemplating, wondering what I've been doing with my life for the past... well, forever. It feels weird when you finally get a chance at what you really want and then it all just slips away. But was it what I really wanted? Even I didn't know at this point.

I turned the shower off, twisting the handle till the water ceased spouting. I weakly shook myself, not caring that my fur remained somewhat moist, and quickly dressed into my normal get-up. That red tracksuit and helmet never failed me. I looked at myself in the mirror, trying to smile faintly. I couldn't, only a sigh escaped me. Hanging my head in defeat not only in the grand war but the recently lost battle, I went outside and headed for the Roost.

"Usual," I muttered as I came through the front door, sitting down at the counter. In all honesty, I didn't even have to say anything and Brewster would still know what to do. He was a smart pigeon, sure he was practically silent but I grew fond of him almost immediately. He just had an inviting presence, this feeling of safety. A few seconds later, a steaming cup of Blue Mountain Coffee graced my eyesight. I handed Brewster some bells and we nodded at each other, our little way of thanking each other.

I found myself staring at the inside of my coffee for quite some time. I gazed into the concoction, holding a spoon and lightly swirling the liquid. I did this practically every morning, thinking about my life and where it all went wrong, letting my drink decrease in temperature as I created a whirlpool.

"Hey, buddy!" I heard a voice say. I looked over and saw Wyatt walk into the Roost. Ah damn. This also happened practically every morning, but it always surprised me and made a groan emerge from deep inside. He looked somewhat like a child, he was wearing a gray Robocop shirt and gray sweatpants with black running shoes even though I had never seen him go faster than a light stroll.

"Hey," I said, trying to sound as cheerful as possible. He sat down next to me as Brewster quickly moved towards us.

"Usual," Wyatt said, handing him some bells. "So, Kid Cat, what's up?"

"Eh, nothing much, psst," I said, knowing that any second now he would know that I was faking this cheery mood. I always did fake it. Truth be told, I was never genuine with him which in turn created this persona of me being an outright arse. I felt like he knew that I didn't like him, but he still always treated me as his best bud.

"Ah," he muttered, realizing yet again that I wasn't gonna let him learn anything about me at all. I recall hearing Alfonso tell me that Isabelle fought with him once about me, that Wyatt made an offhanded remark that I was quiet and reserved. Isabelle exploded a little, telling Wyatt that I was pretty outgoing and loud-spoken... or maybe that was a dream I had?

Brewster set Wyatt's coffee in front of him, Wyatt dropping a loud and unneeded "thanks!" I looked down into my mug as Wyatt tried to pry Brewster up for a little conversation. Still full. I looked up quickly and noticed that Wyatt was still struggling to pry open a safe that would never budge. The coast was clear so I quietly and discretely picked up the coffee and gulped it down in a matter of moments, the hot liquid pouring down my mouth. It burned. I set it down, burped, and walked out as casually as I possibly could.

"Whew," I mumbled, as I closed the door to the Roost. I thought that a quick walk might help ease my mind before I returned to my normal whining. I headed down to the beach and saw my old friend, Gulliver, lying on the sand. I approached him slowly, my hands in my pockets and my posture ever so slightly slouched. I lightly kicked him, trying to get his attention. He stirred a bit but didn't get up. For my next course of action, I sat down next to him and flicked him on the beak. That did it. He shot up, no doubt startled by the abrupt and disturbing tap. He landed back down in the sand, only to find me beside him.

"Hey," I said to him.

"Oh, it's just you," he grumbled, obviously perturbed by my rude awakening. "I remember where I was going, don't fret. I'll be up and out of here in a minute or two."

"Alright," I said, sitting next to him. We sat there in silence for a while, just gazing out into the ocean. It would've been beautiful if the sun was setting, the reflection of the beams off the cool ocean. Alas, it was morning, blinding rays crashing down upon us. Yet, I had my visor and Gulliver's eyes had grown accustomed to the abuse, preventing any destruction and only allowing us to fully appreciate its beauty. After a bit, he took out a small flask. I licked my lips almost instantly when he pulled it out. I forgot that Gulliver always carried around alcohol with him, it had been a while since I had seen the old bugger. He noticed my reaction immediately, responding by offering the canister to me.

"Take it," he muttered. He handed it to me. I took a small, baby sip of it. Just one little sip. It brightened my day as nothing else could. I handed it back to him, but he pushed it back towards me and shook his head. "Why don't you keep it, consider it a gift. You could use it more than me."

"Thanks."

"I'm going to head out. I'll take a train to my next destination, see you around."

"Okay, see you later," I said, taking another sip of the whiskey. He shook my paw and headed off. Gulliver and I were never really close, but there was some mutual respect between the two of us. I never gave him the same treatment that everyone else did, I talked with him about things other than his voyages. I guess having some friends pays off in the long run, eh?

I stayed for a while longer, if a while longer can be considered several hours as I watched the sunset, still babying my present. And while I sat, cradling my new best friend, I just thought of her. That's all I did. She never failed to be right on time for my long contemplation sessions, beautiful as ever, with enough joy to fill a sunny day, a smile wide enough to cure anyone's depression, a heart big enough to help anyone in need...

My paws grasped the whiskey, I could feel the capsule giving way to my claws. I couldn't do this anymore. I couldn't just let this slide. I couldn't live on like this. I was in love, and there was someone that was interfering with that love.

Wyatt.

That piece of shit walked in when things were finally falling into place. It finally seemed like she was opening up to me, but then Tortimer left, Wyatt showed up, and she fell for him. She was about to tell me something, and then the tram stopped, the new mayor came, and she was gone. I never heard what she wanted to say to me. She told me she couldn't come over, she was too busy with her duties now. It was always another excuse, mainly from Wyatt if it ever seemed like I had an opening.

He ruined everything. I could have had her but, but!

I chugged the rest and threw it in the ocean.

I was going to kill him.

I was going to kill him for ruining my life. Sure you might think, why Kid Cat, isn't that a little quick? Aren't you going a little overboard? No, I don't think I am at all, I think I'm completely sane. I think I know exactly what I'm talking about. I see that there is no reasonable, alternative option.

I'm gonna kill the dude.

I laughed, stood up, and headed back to my house. Hopefully, no one had seen me, I doubt anyone who saw an unkempt, alcohol chugging animal laugh out loud by himself would think they weren't about to do something stupid. I had a flintlock pistol my grandfather had given me from his collection before he passed. He told me only to use it in the direst of circumstances. It was given to him by his father and his father before him. It was time to finally put it to use. I took it off its small stand, examining it. When I first arrived here, Blathers asked if he could have it. I told him no, and that it'd play an important role in the future. I guess the future was now.

I loaded the flint into the gun, then loaded black powder down the muzzle. I wrapped the ball in a patch and put it in the muzzle. I tamped it down with a ramrod and primed the flash pan with primer. It was ready. With all this work, I'd better get a modern age gun soon, but I had to do this as soon as possible before I came to my senses. I already felt like a different cat.

Even now my plan seemed somewhat foolish, but I had to do it. If it wasn't now, when would it happen? If I didn't get her now, it would be impossible. I prepped for the upcoming incident quite quickly, stuffing some food and other various objects in my hiking backpack. I hadn't hiked in forever, but my P.E. teacher gave it to me right before I graduated. He was obsessed with it, maybe he thought his prodigy might get into it a little too. I put in a few family photos, some of my childhood toys I had brought from home, my grandfather's war medals, and anything else I could fit. I was leaving my life behind, starting anew, but not before I tied up a few loose ends.

It's time.


I was standing outside of the Town Hall. It was a little chilly outside, fall had decided to come a bit earlier this year, my red tracksuit barely providing any comfort from the elements. But, being the cat that I am, I was jogging a little in place in an attempt to warm my body up. A few animals passed by, most of them not questioning what I was doing. Alfonso asked me why I was getting ready for a run this late. I told him that I wish I was going on a run and he laughed, assuming I was making a little joke when in all actuality I was getting pumped to murder the mayor in cold blood, the murder weapon lying heavy in my pocket.

I had to do what had to be done, I couldn't wait out here any longer. I took a deep breath, This is the start of your new life, a new beginning. I opened the door, only to find Isabelle standing right in front of me.

"Kid Cat!" she exclaimed, hugging me with her signature mood-boosting smile. I flinched slightly. She hadn't said anything to me in almost a month which, in all honesty, was my fault. I had been avoiding her. She came in with Wyatt at The Roost a few times, but I started going through the bathroom whenever I saw her coming in, hopping out of the window to avoid confrontation.

It was nice. She was warm and I was cold... I started to hug her back, it felt right...

"How are you?" she asked, breaking off the hug.

"Fine," I said, after a few moments. I was a little dazed after the hug, I hadn't even felt the warmth of another in... too long.

"Are you sure? I haven't seen you in forever!" She hugged me again, this time tighter. I almost made a noise I was so happy. I guess our friendship really meant that much to her. I did kind of disappear after Wyatt showed up. What caused me to give up completely and resort to being in the state I am now was when I walked in one day to ask Wyatt a question about the state of a pothole Resetti made next to my house, only to find the two of them laughing and smiling, intently engaged in a game of go fish.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Sorry about that, been busy." She let go of me and smiled.

"It's fine, we're all busy! Just feel free to stop by whenever you can, I'd love to spend some more time together!" She would... love to? Heh, she would love to... maybe I was jumping the gun a little, literally and figuratively. Maybe I could deal with just being a good friend of hers, or maybe there was some hope for a future relationship.

The flintlock pistol seemed to weigh even more while my conscience did the same.

"Hey, Kid Cat!" I heard from the back. I hadn't even noticed he was here. Wyatt was sitting down at his desk looking over some paperwork. Just hearing him speak made me almost pull another 360.

"Hey, Wyatt," I said, my voice almost cracking. Isabelle still looked really stoked to see me. I looked her in her eyes and smiled, something I hadn't done in a while. She did the same almost instantly, but I could see the twinkle she once had in her eye for me was no longer present. And, I would imagine it wouldn't be present for a washed-up feline.

"Well, I need to be heading home," Isabelle declared, interrupting our little moment. "It was really great to see you again Kid Cat! Wyatt, I'll see you at home!"

"I'll be home in no time," Wyatt said, looking up from his work and shooting a wink at Isabelle. She giggled in a manner I had never heard before. She opened the door and vanished. "So Kid Cat, what is it that you're up to my guy?" Wyatt said to me after returning to his papers, not giving me the same attention he gave Isabelle.

"Eh, nothing," I said, walking up to him. I was still unsure about the whole murdering him idea so I thought I would just make some small talk. "Checking in on ya, that's all." He looked up at me and rose an eyebrow, obviously not convinced. I had been as negative as I could with him ever since he arrived. "I, uh, feel bad about how I've been treating you ever since you showed up and wanted to apologize." A fat lie but the only thing I could think of in such a short time. A smile broke out on his face.

"Oh Kid Cat, I forgive you!" He gave me a hug that was even tighter than Isabelle's which I wasn't sure was possible. "Finally! I feel like we should've been best buds a long, long time ago! You almost made my day!" I grunted.

"Almost huh?" I said, unimpressed by the gesture. Yet, this time he didn't see through my sarcasm, nodding eagerly.

"Check this out," he said, taking a key from out of his pocket. It was a simple brass key, a stereotypical one that one would imagine when a kid thought of a key. He opened up a drawer and took out a small jewelry box.

No fucking way.

My heart sank. He couldn't be serious, no, there's no possible way right? What could be the coincidence, the night I think I might still have a chance, the night where I come to kill him but have a change of heart, the night... this night. God, why did I have to be somewhat nice to him, why did I have to? Why did I have to do a lot of things? But reason had no place here

I took the gun out of my pocket and shot him as he opened the box.


No words came out of his mouth before he died, he just fell backward, the momentum of the bullet pushing his entire body back. I dropped the gun, shaking. I did it. I killed Wyatt. I slowly walked back, grabbing a tissue from Isabelle's desk.

"H-Holy shit," I mumbled, unable to come up with anything else as I wiped the blood off my visor and the rest of my body. The gunshot was loud, thunderous, there's no way every animal in the town didn't hear it. I had to act fast, I didn't want to get caught.

I looked over at Wyatt.

Still dead.

I grabbed him quickly and looked in his hand. Yeah, just what I thought. I left it there and started looking for that little brass key. Not in his left pocket, not in his right... wait, a keyring? No, not the right one. Maybe in his back pocket? As I lifted him up, I remembered that he left it on the desk. Guess the mind gets lost after killing someone, eh? I snatched it up immediately and opened the drawer up. There was nothing else inside other than a polaroid of him and Isabelle hugging each other with huge smiles proudly overstaying their welcome.

I got lost in their eyes for a while, trying to put myself in place of Wyatt, trying to make myself the good guy. I crumpled it up, but still felt inclined to hold on to it so I shoved it into my pocket. I closed the drawer and remembered that the front door was still unlocked. I darted to it as quickly as I could, stumbling over every other key in the long line, trying to find the one labeled "Town Hall." Right as I heard the click, I saw the doorknob turn.

"W-Wyatt? H-honey are you there?"

Fuck.

I started to slowly tip-toe away from the door, trying to be as quiet as I possibly could. If I had no way of dealing with her being married, how in all hell could I handle being confronted for murdering her future husband in cold blood? I didn't even let him protest, I didn't even let him reason with me, I just let the bullet fly without a moment of hesitation. I just... did it.

"B-baby? Baby, please be okay!"

My tip-toeing turned into a slight jog as I reached the window. It was my only chance. I could hear the deadbolt slowly turn, even the door was scared of what was within the building. I opened the window and jumped out, sprinting as fast as I could, the door opening as soon as I had made my escape. I saw the entire town flocking to the Town Hall, everyone had heard the shot, no one was out of the loop. As I grew closer and closer to my exit, eyes started looking upon me, but they were soon distracted by the loud, cracking scream.

"Shit, shit, shit," I chanted to myself, knowing that I was most likely fucked beyond belief. I ran inside the tram station before anyone could stop me, slamming my paw on the glass of Porter's booth over and over again.

"Kid Cat? What's wrong?" he asked, somewhat startled by my rude awakening. I had no idea someone could be such a heavy sleeper that they were able to sleep through a gunshot and a shriek louder than a bomb dropping, but it was the best thing that had happened to me all day.

"A tram, w-when's the ne-next tram?" I asked him, the words coming out in bursts between pants.

"Now my friend!"

I turned around as the tram pulled in, an unintentionally, randomly brilliant plan, no matter how inhumane it was. I jumped on without a moment's notice.