They say every hero faces a rival.

A nemesis.

An equal.

A challenger.

Today, I met mine.

His name is Shadow.

A sleek, smug, jet-black tomcat who struts through my backyard like he owns it.

I first spotted him perched on the neighbor’s wall —

tail flicking, eyes narrowed, like a villain straight out of a drama series.

He made no attempt to hide.

He wanted me to see him.

And oh, I saw.

I marched outside, fur fluffed, head high.

The wind blew through my whiskers.

We locked eyes.

He jumped down.

I walked forward.

The arena: the backyard.

The prize: dominance.

The time: now.

Shadow: "You're in my sunlight, Meowster."

Meowster: "Funny. I don’t remember signing this territory over to 'scrawny alley mutts.'"

Shadow: "Big words from a house-cat who sleeps on a princess pillow."

Meowster: "Better than sleeping in trash, tuna breath."

The tension crackled like static.

Tail flick.

Ears flatten.

Shoulders low.

The dance begins.

He circles. I mirror.

Two predators, locked in ritual.

Then — a yowl.

The signal is given.

He leaps. I duck.

He swipes. I counter.

Paw meets paw in a flurry of fur.

The sounds echo through the street:

HISSSSSS!

YAAWWRRRR!

MRAAAAOOOW!

A flailing tumble into the bushes.

Leaves fly.

Dignity? Gone.

We break apart — chests heaving.

Staring. Waiting.

Then, suddenly — a bark.

Oh no.

The Dog has arrived.

Both of us freeze.

We look at each other.

Truce.

We scatter in opposite directions, with synchronized grace only enemies can share.

I retreat inside, panting, one ear slightly bent.

Victory? Debatable.

Honor? Intact.

Warrior pride? Eternal.

I collapse on the windowsill and glare out.

Shadow is gone.

But he’ll be back.

And when he does, I’ll be ready.

With sharpened claws...

and better comebacks.

Cat nip:

It began with a bag.

Not just any bag —

a green velvet pouch, slightly torn, stuffed with something magical.

Something... forbidden.

Catnip.

Not the dry store-bought stuff.

No, no.

This was the good stuff.

Imported. Aged. Dangerous.

I found it under the garden gnome.

Buried. Hidden.

Left behind by someone who knew what they were doing.

I sniffed it once and time slowed down.

My tail started doing things I didn’t approve of.

The lawn sparkled.

And that’s when I heard his voice.

Shadow: “Careful. That much catnip and you'll start seeing squirrels that owe you money.”

Meowster: (spinning around) “You again? What, couldn’t find an alley to nap in?”

Shadow: “I follow the scent of danger and drama. Both seem to lead to you.”

He slinked out from behind the hedge, sleek as a villain on a movie poster.

His tail flicked in amusement.

Meowster: “If you came to challenge me again, you’re late. I already defeated a cucumber today.”

Shadow: “I came to warn you, Whisker Knight.”

Meowster: (pauses) “...Whisker Knight?”

Shadow: “Yes. Legendary warrior. Defender of cushions. Slayer of vacuum beasts.”

Meowster: “Flattered. Go on.”

Shadow: “That catnip isn't ordinary. It’s part of a stash once owned by... El Tigre.”

Meowster: (gasps) “The Feral King?”

Shadow: “The same. Rumor says anyone who takes it becomes... cursed. Addicted. Ridiculous.”

Meowster: “Like you?”

Shadow: “Excuse me? I microdose.”

We both stared at the pouch in silence.

Then... the neighbor’s toddler appeared at the window.

Sticky hands. Loud voice. A known threat.

Meowster: “Retreat?”

Shadow: “Together.”

Meowster: “You touch my tail, you lose it.”

Shadow: “Noted.”

We darted through the bushes, the pouch in my mouth.

A squeaky toy hit the ground behind us.

We didn’t look back.

Now back inside, I hide the pouch beneath the sofa.

Shadow may be annoying.

Infuriating.

Egotistical.

But today…

we were a team.

Just for a moment.

👑 The Overlord’s Weekly Tally

• ✅ Defended the backyard from mysterious dark fluffball

• ✅ Got called “Whisker Knight” (will be printing on business cards)

• ✅ Didn’t get hit by squeaky toy

• ✅ Escaped toddler encounter alive

• ✅ Gained catnip stash of mythical origins

• ⬜ Tell human about possible curse

• ⬜ Share catnip with shadow? (highly debated)

🐱 Meowster Asks You

💬 What would you do if you found forbidden catnip from the Feral King?
Comment below — Meowster might respond... if he's not too busy being legendary. 😼

📢 Want More Chaos?

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