“I see.” Mom frowned thoughtfully. “Well, if he won’t come to us, maybe we should go to him. Come and help me with the breakfast things, Kitty.”
Kitty and her mom made a stack of golden pancakes that smelled so delicious they made Kitty’s mouth water. They carried the pancakes out to the rooftop, along with some fresh orange juice. They also brought out some fresh fish in case the kitten was hungry. They spread Kitty’s blanket on a small, flat area of the roof near the chimney.
Kitty poured some syrup on her pancake and took a bite.“Mmm! Everything tastes better when you eat outside.”
“It really does!” said her mom, laughing.
“I wonder if this fish tastes good too,” said Kitty, glancing at the chimney.
The kitten’s face peered out again, and his nose twitched as he smelled the breakfast. He crept up to the bowl of fish.
“Good morning!” Kitty beamed. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“Good morning.” The kitten flicked his tail shyly and then nibbled some food from the bowl. “This fish is so yummy!”
“Did someone say fish?” Figaro leaped along the rooftops, stopping to preen his sleek black-and-white fur. “I hope there’s enough for me!”
Katsumi, who was behind him, waved her elegant tail.“Honestly, Figaro! You shouldn’t invite yourself to someone else’s meal.”
Pixie, arriving last, sniffed the air. The sun gleamed on her silky white coat.“It does smell delicious. I can imagine I’ve walked into a splendid banquet!”
Katsumi bowed to Kitty and her mom.“Sorry for interrupting your breakfast! We just came to say good morning and to thank Kitty for her help last night.”
“Good morning!” Mom smiled. “You’re welcome to join us. I have plenty more fish in the fridge.”
“That is most kind!” exclaimed Figaro while Katsumi and Pixie murmured their thanks.
Mom climbed inside and reappeared with three more bowls of food.
The ginger kitten finished his breakfast and licked the bowl with his little pink tongue.“That was delicious!” He crept over to Kitty and curled up in her lap.
Kitty smiled and stroked his fur gently.
“Good morning!” Dad lifted Max onto the rooftop. “Do I smell pancakes?”
Soon everyone was eating breakfast and talking about Kitty’s adventure the night before. Figaro reminded them all that it had been his idea to fetch Kitty in the first place.
“I was certain Kitty’s catlike superpowers would be just what we needed,” he told everyone.
Kitty blushed.“I didn’t think I could do it … but it got easier the more I tried!”
“I’m very proud of you, Kitty.” Mom beamed at her before turning to the kitten. “And maybe you’d like to come live with us? We have plenty of room here, and we’d love you to stay. I’m sure it would be nicer than sleeping outside on some doorstep.”
Kitty’s heart skipped. She’d hoped her family would love the kitten as much as she did. She held her breath, waiting for him to reply.
“Youreally want me to stay?” He looked from Mom to Kitty. “Not just for one day, but forever?”
“Yes, please do!” Kitty stroked him between the ears. “And I think we should help you to choose a name.” She wrinkled her forehead, thinking. “How about Pumpkin? It suits you because you have such lovely orange fur.”
The kitten purred.“I love that name! Do you really think it suits me?”
“It’s perfect for you!” Katsumi told him.
Pumpkin rubbed his face against Kitty’s and she held him tight, feeling his soft fur against her cheek.
“I think … maybe one day soon … I’d like to go on another adventure in the moonlight,” said Pumpkin.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t be too scared of the dark?” asked Kitty.
Pumpkin thought hard about this.“Maybe a little bit, but it’s much easier to be brave when I’m with you.”
Kitty hugged him tight. She was so happy to have found Pumpkin, and she was looking forward to having another adventure, too!
2. KITTY AND THE TIGER TREASURE
Chapter
1
Kitty sprang from the sofa to the door in a single bound.“Stop right there!” She pointed her finger at Pumpkin the cat. “You won’t get away with it this time!”
Pumpkin, a roly-poly ginger kitten with black whiskers, scampered out of reach.“Can’t catch me!” he meowed, darting into Kitty’s bedroom.
Kitty chased after him, giggling. Pumpkin leaped onto the bed and rolled over to let Kitty tickle his fluffy tummy.
Kitty’s mom came in. “What are you two up to? There’s a lot of giggling going on in here.”
“We’re playing Catch the Bandit!” Kitty told her. “It’s a new game we invented, and it helps me improve my superpowers.”
“I see!” Mom smoothed back Kitty’s dark hair. “I’m glad you’re practicing, but it’s getting late. It’s time to settle down and go to bed.”
Kitty climbed under her blanket.“I am very sleepy.”
“I’m not surprised!” Mom smiled as she tucked Kitty in.
Kitty smiled back. She knew her mom understood how important it was to practice her powers. Kitty’s family had a special secret. Mom was a real superhero and went out at night to use her catlike abilities to help people. Kitty and her little brother, Max, had the same superpowers as their mom. Kitty could see in the dark and hear noises from far away. She could also balance perfectly and perform amazing somersaults. Best of all, she could talk to animals!
A few weeks before, Kitty had been on her very first nighttime adventure. She had met Pumpkin, who had no place to stay. Kitty was so happy the kitten had come home with her. Now he was part of the family, and he slept on Kitty’s bed every night.
“Don’t forget we’ve got a big day tomorrow,” added Mom as she tidied Kitty’s clothes. “We’re going to the Hallam City Museum to see the new exhibit. The Golden Tiger statue will be there, along with lots of other ancient treasures.”
Kitty sat up in bed again.“Is the Golden Tiger really covered with diamonds?”
“That’s right! And it has large eyes made of emeralds,” Mom told her.
“I can’t wait to see it!” cried Kitty.
“I’m glad you’re excited,” said Mom, laughing. “Sleep well, honey!”
Kitty turned on her night-light and snuggled down under the covers. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow. The new treasures at the museum were supposed to be amazing. The Golden Tiger statue was decorated with dozens of jewels. Kitty couldn’t wait to see them all winking and glittering!
Pumpkin padded across the bed and flopped down beside her. His eyes shined in the dim light, and his fur was velvety soft against Kitty’s arm. Kitty sighed and closed her eyes. Pictures of imaginary treasure floated around in her head.
Pumpkin wriggled.“Kitty, are you asleep?” he whispered.
Kitty’s eyes opened. “Not yet! What’s wrong, Pumpkin?”
The kitten’s whiskers twitched. “What’s the Golden Tiger statue like? Is it enormous?”
“It looks small in the pictures. It’s probably no bigger than you!” Kitty smiled.
“Then why is it so special?” asked Pumpkin.
“Mom says it was buried in an ancient tomb for thousands of years before archaeologists found it. It’s made of gold and covered in diamonds. The tiger’s eyes are made from sparkling emeralds.”
“It must be valuable, then.” Pumpkin snuggled against Kitty’s shoulder.
“It’s priceless!” Kitty told him. “And it could be magical, too. The legend says that the Golden Tiger listens to your heart’s desire, and if you touch its paw, it will grant your greatest wish.”
Pumpkin’s eyes widened.
“Dad told me all about it,” continued Kitty. “Lots of people have had good luck after seeing the statue, but there’s a curse, too. If a bad person does something to make the statue angry, it will conjure up ghostly spirits to seek revenge!”