Shadow has been in a depression about the use of her powers, now her depression is increased by Phoebe’s response to her caregiver being in the hospital with COVID 19.  It has drawn Shadow to Dark Techno.  She is currently listening to  Markus Volkner, a fav  Dark Techno DJ of shadow’s. Here is a Clubbing TV live-stream of Volkner in action.  Volkner has the shadowthecat.com  seal of approval this week.  

“Thank you for all coming to this important meeting. We have a lot to discuss today,” said Suzie. “First up is Bueadelaire on his update on your family members and how they are handling COVID 19, ” concluded Suzie. “Thank you, Suzie. I want every to know it was risky we saught this information. It could lead to us being found by the government. So I have good and bad news for everyone. Suzie your family is doing fine. No one has COVID 19. Peter, your wife was exposed to COVID 19 by her doctor during a routine appointment. She is waiting for test results,” said Bueadelaire. “OMG,” said Peter. “When will the results come back,” said Peter nervously. “We should know by the end of the day. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear,” said Bueadelaire. “Shadow your caregiver misses you very much. He can’t wait for your return once things calm down. He is COVID 19 negative,” said Bueadelaire. “Phoebe, I’m afraid I have upsetting news for you. Your caregiver is in the Hospital with COVID 19,” said Buedeliare interrupted by Phoebe whimpering and crying and screaming “No.” Shadow and Suzie went over to comfort Phoebe. “He is on a respirator and the doctors don’t know if he’ll survive,” said Bueadelaire. “I’m so sorry Phoebe. Know this you are not alone. Even though we have known you for a short time, we all care about you deeply. You will not be alone during this situation. You can talk to any of us about it, said Bueadelaire now trying to console Phoebe he lay in a ball on the floor whimpering saying, “No, No, Why God!” over and over. And then she became quiet in a curled up ball on the floor, her fur damp from her crying.

“I know this has been difficult for all of us. Phoebe, We are with you,” said Suzie. As difficult as this news has been, it’s time we discuss Captain Cattitude’s power and those of Shadow and our decision regarding the matter. Peter began Buedelaire, Suzie, and I met and discussed the issue. It was a difficult one because we could see the merits of the powers as well as the danger they can impose. We have decided Shadow should continue practicing her powers because we can see where they could be beneficial if the government finds us. She is not to be taught any other ones without first discussing with the three of us, Suzie, Bueadelaire, and me of what they do. We must admit we are afraid both Shadow and Captain Catttide have these powers, but the way they could help us outbids the way they could harm us,” said Peter.

“As for Captain Cattitude, he is to reveal what powers he has and is not to use them unless the three of us agree he can. We will have a discussion with Captain Cattitude tomorrow. Today is almost over. I think we have all receive news we need time to digest. The meeting is adjourned, said Peter.

Everyone gathered around Phoebe who still was not moving or speaking. “Is she gonna be alright, said Shadow wiping tears away from her furry face. Time will tell. We know she is highly emotional. “We all have to keep an eye on her and pray she doesn’t crack from the news, said Bueadelaire looking down at the now comatose Phoebe. With that, Bueadelaire picked up Phoebe and took her to her bed to lay down. Shadow went with him and try to comfort Phoebe by holding her hand telling her she will be with her through this fighting back tears as she looked at her motionless, quiet BFF…

It’s been three days and Shadow and Phoebe have not talked with each other. Phoebe was aggravating the situation by making loud noises whenever possible.  Up to this point, Shadow has been ignoring it, but a battle storm was percolating in Shadow.  She was reaching her breaking point. Today the sky is going to fall down. 

“Rock Me, Amadeus,” was blasting off the internet radio station Phoebe was purposefully playing. She knew Shadow disliked the song. Phoebe turned it up a notch, just to get a rise out of Shadow.  So far, the past days, Shadow had not responded.  

“Turn that crap off!” shouted Shadow at the top of her lungs.  “Yes,” thought Phoebe, it worked. “I can listen to what I want to listen to,”  barked by Phoebe in defiance. “You’re playing that song on purpose for the last three days to try to get at me.  Well, guess what, it worked.  TURN THAT SHIT OFF!!” Shadow hissed, the fur on her back rising up., Phoebe just simply said, “NO”. At that, Shadow jumped out of her bed and side-walked to the computer to turn it off.  Phoebe blocked her.”Get out of my way,” said Shadow her teeth clenching and her claws starting to jump out of her paws,  Phoebe got scared and backed up. “Fine have it your way; you always do,” taunted Phoebe in a roaring bark that caused Captain Cattitude, Suzie, Bueadelaire, and Peter to come rushing into the room.  “That’s enough girls.  It’s sad to see how you two are carrying on.   You’re BFFs, remember.  It’s just us six in the house.  What you two do affects the whole house.  We are concerned you girls are overreacting.  Each pushing the other’s buttons.  Phoebe we have heard you play that same song three days in a row.  Obviously, you were trying to get a rise out of Shadow.  Well, congrats, it worked.  Now, you two need to make up and start acting like BFFs toward each other,” said Suzie. Baudelaire said, “it saddens me that you two are not talking to each other.  When you first got here, you two were inseparable.  Now, just because, Shadow has powers that make you scared, you no longer talk to each other. Please kiss and make up.” Peter exploded,’” this is why Shadow should never have been taught how to access and use her powers.  She’s too young.  And this fighting between you two proves it!”

Phoebe and Shadow looked at each other and realized things have changed,  Shadow has changed.  Shadow wondered if things could go back to how they were. She has missed talking and giggling with Phoebe since the fighting had begun. Shadow made the first move, “I’m sorry Phoebe.  I miss your company.  We are BFFs, remember.  I promise i want ever use my powers unless we are in danger.  I could have used them on you during this fighting, but I did not.  I care about you and I don’t want you to be afraid of me.  I would never intentionally hurt you.”  Phoebe started to cry, “I’ve treated you badly.  I’m sorry, but I am afraid of you.  I know the type of character you are and you would never use your powers to hurt anyone.  I was just jealous because you are getting the limelight, and I am getting none.  Can you forgive me?” 

The two looked at each other and ran to each other and gave each other a big bear hug.  “I’m sorry,”  they said to each other.

“Perfect,” said Suzie now can you girls help me with breakfast.  I think it will be good for you.”

“I’m so happy you two are working on mending your relationship,” said Bueadelaire.   “Next time you two have an argument come to Suzie to talk it out.  Now, let’s all get back to work,  Bueadelaire how’s your family update report coming along?  Remember it’s due today.” said Peter

This afternoon we will let you know our decision about Shadow and Captain Cattitude’s powers and give you updates on your family members.” concluded Peter. With that, everyone dispersed the room.  Shadow and Phoebe were holding hands as they raced to the kitchen, giggling the whole way…

Everyone left the room in silence.  Each still in shock over what powers Shadow and Captain Cattitude possess. It was noticeable that Phoebe and Shadow weren’t speaking to each other and were briskly walking back to their room. Everyone knew a fight was brewing. 

Shadow got to her’s and phoebe’s room first.  She was furious at Pheobe.  “How dare her blab,”, she thought. Phoebe came in next.  She couldn’t even look at Shadow.  She knew Shadow was extremely upset with her.  As soon as she entered the room, Shadow slammed the bedroom door shut.

“I knew you told someone,” said Shadow scrunching up her face in disgust, her whiskers twitching back and forth.  “Who did you tell?” she concluded. Phoebe said, “It slipped out while I was talking to Suzie.  “You can’t keep anything to yourself.  You’re just a big gossip girl,” said Shadow grinding her paws into the ground. Phoebe began to cry.  “I didn’t mean to.  It just came out,” said Phoebe wiping away the tears cascading down her furry face.  “Oh please, you knew what you were doing.  you always know when you are gossiping, if not me than someone else,” said Shadow turning her back on Phoebe. “You think you’re better than me, don’t you?” said Phoebe raising her voice.  “You always think you are better than me.  I’m tired of it.  Go find another BFF.  You always have to have all the attention directed at you. Look at me I have an alien friend and the government is after me,” said Phoebe in a childish voice.  “Oh, and I built an interactive satellite dish to find him.  I’m such a superstar,” said Phoebe as she started to walk out the door of their bedroom. “That’s not fair.  I can’t help it that my interactive satellite dish worked and I certainly wasn’t searching for what I found.  You’re just jealous because you didn’t find Captain Cattitude, I did,” said Shadow as the pushed Phoebe aside to get out of their bedroom…

The three of them, Suzie, Peter, and Beaudelaire stood outside Captain Cattitude’s bedroom door.  Suzie was furious with Captain Cattitude.  What was he thinking? Shadow is only a year old.  She’s too young to understand the impact these powers can have on her and others, she thought. 

Peter knocked on the door.  “Captain Cattitude we need to talk to you and by we I mean myself, Suzie and Baudelinare.  We know what powers Shadow has now and we are deeply concerned she is too young to have access to such dangerous powers,” said Peter. “Please open up the door,” he concluded. 

Inside Captain Cattitude and Shadow were practicing her powers.  Captain Cattitude was miffed that somehow they found out what powers she has.  He wondered he told them.  “Shadow did you discuss you could stop time with anyone?”  “No, but Phoebe was outside the door while we were training. She must have said something.  You know what a gossip she is,” said Shadow highly annoyed with Phoebe. “Come in,” said Captain Cattitude. 

All three came into the bedroom and immediately started asking questions and passing judgment at Captain Cattitude. “What exactly have you been teaching Shadow?” said Suzie trying to fight down her anger at him. “Shadow is my responsibility.  I’m concerned you’re exposing her to her powers too early.  She is only one year old.  She is still a kitten,” said Buedelaire with anger in his voice. Peter jumped in next.  “I’m security around here.  I never would have approved of this training if I thought it was real.  I am totally alarmed these are real, and she should not have been taught them.  Hell, we don’t even know what powers you possess.  In fact, we know nothing about your abilities or motives. What is your motive that you came to Earth for Shadow?” said Peters. 

“I understand you are all angry and concerned about what I have taught Shadow.  First, I had to teach her these powers.  It’s part of her makeup being a descendent of Catmoon cross-breeding with Egyptian cats.  These powers would have come to fruition on her own.  She would have thought she was going crazy when these powers started entering her conscious mind. She would not have had any support when these powers became uncontrollable to her.  I have taught her how to access them and how to shut them off.  She would not have had that ability if it weren’t for me teaching how to do so.  I have also taught her when these powers should be used.  She is never to use them unless it is to protect her or us.  As you have said, the government is still after us.  And according to you, your government wants to capture me and dissect me.  I would like to avoid that situation if at all possible. As for her being one year o, she is intelligent and more mature for her age. I hope you do not start treating me or shadow as less than.  We are equal to all of you.  We just happen to have powers that can help us in this situation we find ourselves in, concluded Captain Cattitude. 

“What powers does she have access to anyway,” said Suzie still not impressed or satisfied with Captain Caatttide’s reasoning.  “The powers she can access is she can levitate, read people’s minds.  You knew about those two powers. The one I hid from you is the one ai knew would cause problems for you.  Shadow can stop time. And I realize that sounds alarming.  But, I have told her she is not to use these powers unless absolutely necessary to protect us.  She understands this and I believe she won’t use these unless it becomes necessary. 

“What exactly do you mean she can stop time and what does that mean,” said Baudelaire. She has the ability to move in time.  Time still moves for her but people around her time stops.  She thus can escape from a room or take away a weapon without the person knowing until she starts time up again.   “Could you have her demonstrate or yourself how this works?”  “Of course, I will demonstrate how it works.  Captain Cattitude began to wiggle his ears and swish his tail back and forth then wiggle his nose.  Color began to fade from the room and Captain Cattitude started to have an outer red glow around him.  And then time stops.  Everyone else was motionless and he was able to move among them.  He decided to move Shadow from where she was standing to have her standing on the bed.  He took Suzie’s hand and placed them together as if she was clapping.  He moved Peter’s weapon from out of his holder to place it in Beaudelaire’s hand.  Once he was done he returned time back to normal. Suzie was the first to speak.  “When did Shadow move?”  “Why are my hands together? Said Suzie. Beaudelaire was in shock.  “How did I get Peter’s gun?” said Beaudelaire. Shadow was the only one who was giggling hilariously. “You did this while you stopped time?” said Peter. “Yes, you remained frozen in time and I can move in time,” said Captain Cattitude. 

“I could see how these powers could be used to help escape danger, but I also see how they could be highly dangerous if missedused. For now, I want all training to stop until we have time to discuss this among ourselves if we want such powers to be used,” said Peter. “Yes, I agree with Peter.  We need to discuss this as a group.  I’m not so sure I want her to ever use the powers,” said Suzie.  Let’s meet tomorrow at 10:00 AM to discuss this.  Right now, I think we should all go to bed and think about what we discovered today.  It’s getting late,” said Suzie. “Yes, I am sleepy,” said Phoebe. Shadow just glared at her BFF.  She was so angry with her for blabbing…

The Setting

Phoebe was bored.  It was afternoon. Shadow was practicing her powers with Captain Cattitude. Phoebe decided to help Suzie in the kitchen to make lunch. 

“Hi, Suzie.  Can I help you?  I’m tired of not having anything to do.  A person can only do Photoshop for so much.  It’s been eighteen days.  I’m so sick of Photoshop,” said Phoebe,  “Sure, you can wash the tomatoes.  We’re having grilled cheese with tomatoes,” said Suzie  Phoebe grabbed the tomatoes out of the refrigerator, walked to the industrial-sized sink, and began to gently wash the tomatoes. 

“You know this isolation is hard.  I miss my owner Nick, so much.  Have you been able to see if our family members are safe and don’t have COVID 19.” said Phoebe beginning to tear up.  “No, honey, I haven’t, but we are working on it.  I know how hard this has been for everyone.  I miss my husband,” said Suzie with watery eyes.  “Is that why you are crying, Phoebe because you miss your friends and your owner?”  “Yes, plus other things,” said Phoebe.  “I’m worried about Captain Cattitude and what he is teaching Shadow. I’m scared of both of them,” said Phoebe now crying harder.  Phoebe, what do you know?” Suzie replied with concern in her voice. “Shadow is learning powers that are dangerous,” said Phoebe regretting she said it as soon as she heard it come out of her mouth.  “What do you mean?” Suzie said. “She can levitate, she can read peoples’ minds and the one that scares me to the bones is she can stop time,” said Phoebe realizing she violated Shadow’s trust.  ‘Why am I always gossiping,” she thought. “WHAT!” said Suzie highly alarmed as she dropped the butter knife she was holding to the ground.  “Nevermind, it was nothing. I shouldn’t have said anything,” said Phoebe trying to backtrack on what she said.  “This information you revealed is serious.  We need to let others know what is going on and discuss what we are going to do about it.  It’s important everyone feels safe.  Now, with what I know, I certainly don’t feel safe, “Where are Shadow and Captain Cattitude now?” “They are in Captain Cattitude’s bedroom practicing her new powers, I suppose.  “We must put a stop to this until we know more about these powers,”  said Suzie as she started to walk briskly out of the kitchen.  “Where are you going?” asked Phoebe now fearing her best would know she was the one that told.  “I’m getting Peter and Bueadelare then we are going to have a talk with Captain Cattidue and Shadow…” said Suzie.

Tossing and turning, her mind going a mile a minute, Shadow found she couldn’t sleep. At 4:00 AM, she snuck out of her room and went to the kitchen to run and slide to her heart’s content. She had never felt so alive with energy.  It seemed to seethe out of her pores. At 6:00 AM, Shadow went back to her bedroom and got under her covers and acted like she was asleep. Phoebe would be up soon, she thought.  She was not looking forward to the conversation she needed to have with Phoebe regarding her ‘superweapon’  comment.

As Shadow pretended to be asleep, she heard a noise come from Phoebe’s bunk bed below her. “Great, here we go,” thought Shadow.  More movement and noise below, Phoebe was awake.  Shadow decided to break the silence: “Good morning, Phoebe.:” “Good morning, said Phoebe with attitude in her voice back to Shadow.  “Shall we talk about what is bothering you?” said Shadow.’’ “Yes, let’s talk about how Captain ALIEN is turning my friend into a superweapon.  I know you can stop time, levitate, and read people’s minds. I find this all very disturbing  How do I know you aren’t reading my mind now?” said Phoebe. Shadow replied,  “I understand why you are scared. I am scared too.  I’m learning from Captain Cattitude I can only use these powers when there is danger present. I am not reading your mind.  I would never invade your space without asking. You need to trust me.  I promise I will only use these powers when necessary.” Phoebe replied, “Time will tell.  I know you are my BFF, but you are changing.  I know you got up early this morning and were gone for two hours.  What were you doing?  

“Honestly, I was running and sliding around in the kitchen.  I have nervous energy,” said Shadow. “You expect me to believe that,” said Phoebe.  “Yes, I do,” said Shadow.  “I have never lied to you.  You have to know that.  Please, can we go back to how we were before my powers came into existence?” said Shadow.  Phoebe changed the subject. “Come on let’s go eat breakfast,” said Phoebe. Shadow didn’t want to have bad feelings between them, so she said, “Ok, we can pick this up later…”

Shadow started shaking like an internal earthquake was going off.  She felt tired and exhausted. She fainted.  When she woke up a concerned captain cattitude was kneeling before her with elixir from Catmoon.  “It’s rough the first time you stop time.  Here drink this, It’s from Catmoon.  It will help you feel better. Without it,  you will be exhausted for several days.

With her hand shaking uncontrollably, Shadow reached for the elixir. She immediately drunk it down. She became more light-headed and felt a rush throughout her body. She became scared. “What’s happening?” she said barely able to talk. “The elixir is doing its job.  You feel weaker at first, but then you’ll feel energized like a rocket blasting off into outer space.  Give it a second,” he said. 

Shadow felt her body becoming hot and her heartbeat speeding up like a train at top speed. Electrical impulses were ravaging her body. Then, she became still and felt this overwhelming rush of energy travel up and down her body.  She could take on the world.  “There, I see the elixir has done its job. How do you feel?” said Captain Cattitude. Shadow replied in a quick, loud voice, “LIke I can take on the world.  I feel so jazzed to be alive. I want to run and shout from the top of the rooftops that I am here and to look out,” “Oh my, the elixir seems to have a stronger effect on you then the Catmoonings Hopefully the strength of it on you will die down soon.  For now, go to your room and keep a low profile.” “Sure thing boss”, said shadow as she jumped to her feet like she had springs on her paws. Shadow left the room and then ran and slid down the hallway to her room, giggling the whole time. Phoebe was not in the room as she slammed open the door to their bedroom.  “Whew, she is not here,” she thought aloud. Shadow climbed in bed knowing she would not sleep.  “I need to appear I am tired.  This is going to be hard when all I want to do is run up and down the hallways” she thought to herself. Just then Phoebe walked in.  “Good night Pheobe,” said shadow as she pushed herself further under the covers. “Good night superweapon,” she quipped back. “Huh,” said Shadow. “I know what power you learned.  I eavesdropped yesterday.  He is turning into something that scares the pants off me.  I don’t feel I can trust you,” said Phoebe. “Can we talk about this tomorrow? I’m exhausted, said shadow who knew she was lying to her BFF. “Fine,” quipped Phoebe as she started to change into her pajamas…

On her way to Captain Cattitude’s room, Shadow’s  heartbeat began racing out of control, she started to sweat, and she felt her fur start to tingle  “Are you ready to get this new power functioning correctly?” said Captain Cattitude as he motioned her to sit in a chair in front of him.“Yes, sir,” shadow immediately replied.  “Well, then, let”s get started,” replied Captain Cattitude.  Shadow stood up from the chair and began to wiggle her nose, swish her tail back and forth, and then wiggle ner nose.  This time she didn’t lose balance. “Purrfect,” said Captain Cattitude.you even started to glow a bit.  Now, we want to add the mind element to it,” he said. “Focus on freezing time by saying aloud  ‘umbra diablo Conte.” Try it again while saying those words aloud. Shadow tried the process.  She began to turn red.  “What’s happening,” said Shadow. “Your powers are growing significantly. As this power grows you take on properties of the colors around you.  You started to turn red because my guess is you were looking in the direction of the red roses on my nightstand.  Continuing what you are doing and the room will soon look greyish and color will disappear. When this happens the enchantment will take on even more power and time will stop.  

Shadow saw the room lose all its color and begin to look grey. And then it happened.- everything stopped moving but her. 

Shadow looked around the colorless room.  Time was still moving for her but everything seemed to be frozen  She walked up to Captain Cattitude and moved his paw to a different position. She laughed about the position she put him in. Then, suddenly it hit her – how do I get back to normal time.  She began to panic. Ten minutes had passed according to her watch.  She looked around the room and saw it was slightly regaining its color. Another five minutes passed, the room was vibrant with its original color,  and time began to click away as it had before she stopped time. When the room was completely colorful again, Captain Cattitude realized his paw had been moved.  “Good golly, it worked,” he said…

Visual Effects by Franchesca Az

Shadow was levitating in her and Phoebe’s bedroom.  She got no sleep as she was upset by Phoebe dissing her last night.  Her body cast an eerie green glow in the bedroom.  Phoebe woke up and was startled to see Shadow floating in the air. “Ay! “ Phoebe screamed. This startled Shadow who immediately fell to the ground. “Don’t scare me like that.  I lost my concentration,” said shadow rubbing her back end. Phoebe did not apologize, instead, she got up from the bed and headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

Shadow went to the dining room to go have breakfast; she couldn’t be bothered with Phoebe’s attitude this morning. Captain Cattitude, Suzie, Peter, and Beauldelaire were already around the table eating breakfast. “Good morning everyone,” said shadow as she took a seat. “Good morning,”  said everyone back to her.   On the table were pancakes, fruit cups, coffee, and orange juice. Shadow helped herself to the pancakes and fruit cups. Phoebe came into the dining room and sat as far away as she could from Shadow and Captain Cattitude. Shadow noticed this and thought how rude. “When can we continue our training Captain Cattitude.  “As soon as I finish my coffee, we can begin,” said Captain Cattitude to Shadow. “Ok,” said Shadow.  Shadow immediately gulped down her food,  She couldn’t wait to leave the table and Phoebe’s vibe towards her. Captain Cattitude took the last sip of his coffee.
“Come on Shadow let’s start your training,” he said. He then began to make his way to his bedroom. Shadow followed suit…