Why They Have 9 Lives - Unexpected Friendship (STORY ALERT-SEE DESCRIPTION FOR STORY)

Death strode into the alley, and bent over the cardboard box labeled "Free Kitenz" and lifted out the emaciated, matted, nearly dead ball of fur. "It's time little one." He said. The kitten lifted it's tiny head, and stared at him. Death prepared himself for the inevitable terror, anger, bargaining, biting, scratching that came when so many creatures realized the end was near. But as the kitten stared up at him, it's tired weak face was lit with wonder. Someone had picked it up! Someone was taking it home! It weakly lept up and put it's paws on his chin and nuzzled his face. And for the first time in millennia... ...Death was shocked. After a few moments he shook his head, grabbed his ledger and made a note. "Cats- Earth -Mamal-- 9 Lives" Then he settled the kitten on his shoulder and said "You're not going today. You're coming with me." And that is how death got his first pet.