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"Ladies and Gentlemen! It's the show you've been waiting for! Cast your eyes to the skies for Kabo!"

A large winged panther swooped down from the rafters of the dark auditorium to land on the stage with his arms and wings spread in pose. He looked down at his feet to the mark on the stage that he stood upon and noticed the spotlight was off center.

"Craig!" the cat shouted as he dropped his arms and wings in exasperation. "I thought we worked this out."

"I know, but I can't see that mark from up here," came the reply from above.

"If I can see it to land on it, you can see it to get the spot on it. What are we here, amateurs? You'd better get it right tonight. I've got important people coming and I can't afford to be made a fool of with my career at stake."

"Your career is a joke," came a full voice from stage left as a tiger walked out towards the panther.

"I've got big things coming for me."

"Yeah, like bills. You can't afford this place if you flop like last week. You'll be in debt past your wingtips. You're already swimming in it."

"Hey, I'm not the one that screwed up," the panther snapped as he poked at his chest expressively.

"You're a performer. What happened to the show must go on? You're supposed to work around little mishaps like that, not throw a fit and storm off because they turned on the reds instead of the greens."

"They're trying to make a fool of me, because they are jealous of my talent."

"They're not jealous. Most of the crew has been working through the night to get the lights and effects set up for you and you just give them a hard time. If perfection of your appearance is that important to your success, then you, are a fake," The tiger's resonant voice rolled over the smaller cat like a barrel of wine. He put his paw on the panther's shoulder as a friend, "but I know you're not. I've watched you and you wouldn't have gotten this far on nothing. Tonight could be a big night for you, if you can pull yourself together and actually do the show."

Kabo shrugged off the tiger's paw, "I'll be perfect tonight; just don't any of you screw things up for me." He turned and stormed off behind the curtain, shaking his wings in a curse at the crew.

The tiger shook his head; then turned up to the rafters, "Okay, Craig, take a break, but I want you back in here early tonight, practicing swinging that spot." A door slammed backstage. "We're going to be perfect and if he flops tonight, he'll have nobody to blame but himself."

Kabo grabbed his coat on his way out and slammed the stage door as he left. Muttering to himself, he walked out of the alley and down the street. When he felt he was far enough away, he turned down another alley and screamed his frustration at a wall. He punched a dumpster, then cursed it, shaking the sting out of his paw. "Stupid men, can't even do their jobs right. How am I supposed to perform like that? I should fire 'em all. Even a fish could do their jobs better," he shouted to the wall.

"You got som'n against humans, pussy?" came a voice from behind him.

The cat turned to face a group of 3 men and a woman, armed and looking at him viciously.

"Only ones that don't do their jobs right," Kabo responded.

"Well maybe it's you that's not doin' yer job right. You're definitely not where you should be."

One of the other men spoke up, "Maybe we should do our job for him."

"Sounds good to me. How 'bout you, pussy?"

"What are your jobs?" Kabo asked defiantly.

"Why, we're thugs. We beat the shit outta people for money," the lead thug replied with a smile, smacking the bat he carried into his hand threateningly.

"I don't have any money with me. I left it at the theatre," the cat responded, still not showing any fear.

"Aw. Well,whaddaya say guys, is the first one free?"

The group laughed and he swung his bat.Kabo jumped backwards to avoid the swing, then charged in and leapt over their heads to escape, but the woman in the back grabbed his foot and he fell, crashing hard in the paved alley. She kicked him and he scrambled to get to his feet. Once he was up she swung the pipe she carried and knocked him into the wall.

One of the men grabbed the back of his coat and flung him at the other wall, holding onto the coat. Kabo was wrenched off his feet again and fell hard on his wings as the coat ripped.

"Well, look at this freak," the woman spoke up. "E's not even a normal animal. Maybe we should 'elp 'im out and remove those wings for 'im."

"Good idea," agreed another thug as he came forward wielding a large knife.

Kabo rolled away, but the man swung and sliced the cat's side.

"Stop it!" came a young voice from the end of the alley.

The thugs stopped and looked at the boy standing there and one spoke up, "Get outta 'ere, kid. You don' wanna see this"

"But I am seeing it, so stop it!" came the reply.

"Go home, kid," the woman ordered.

"I am home, you go home."

A few passersby were stopping to see what the boy was looking at and the thugs started to get nervous.

"Damn it, let's get outta here," a thug said as he tossed the board he had picked up and ran out of the alley, past the boy.

One of the thugs kicked Kabo one last time as they all ran out; then stopped at the end of the alley and threatened the brave child before running off, "Watch where you stick your nose, boy."

Kabo picked himself up and limped down the alley towards the boy, "Thanks."

"Are you okay?"

The injured cat groaned, "Yeah."

"We should get you to a hospital where they can fix you up."

"I'll live."

"At least come home with me so you can clean it."

Kabo started to object, but winced as a surge of pain shot through his side when he tried to walk away, "Okay, kid. How far?"

"Right here," the boy said, pointing to a door to the building beside the alley. "Me and my dad live over Mr. Lane's coat store here."

"Ah, so you are home."

"Yep."

They went through the door beside the store and up the stairs to the apartment where the boy lived. He paused at the door, looked at the cat and offered his hand, "I'm Chris."

The panther shook the boy's hand weakly, "Kabo."

Chris unlocked the door and opened it, "My dad told me not to let any strangers in."

"That's a good idea," the panther said and stood in the hall.

The boy turned and grabbed Kabo's paw, "Come on in. You need to get cleaned up." He led the panther through the apartment to the bathroom. Climbing up on the counter and pulling the medicine cabinet open, he took out bandages and alcohol and other items before climbing down. "Do you need any help with it?" he asked.

"No. I think I can manage."

"Okay. I'm gonna go get dinner ready. My dad should be home in an hour or so." He left Kabo to tend to his wounds and closed the door behind him.

The panther showered and wrapped a bandage around his middle. He left his top off, but tied his pants around him and brushed his fur down neatly. Picking up his coat and top, he looked at the holes in both, then opened the door and followed his nose to the kitchen.

He found Chris setting the table for three.

"Feeling better?" Chris asked when he noticed the panther enter the kitchen.

"A bit. Thanks." Kabo tried to think of some way to leave before the kid's father came home. He did not want an incident that would contradict the boy's kind gesture. "So, when will your mother be home?"

"She won't," Chris responded plainly as he continued to prepare for dinner.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Kabo wished he could take that question back and now really wanted to disappear.

"For what?" Chris paused and looked at the nervous cat.

"I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories," he apologized.

"I don't have any. I never had a mother."

"But everyone has a mother," Kabo retorted.

"Well, I was born from my mother, but she died right away. I never knew her, so I didn't have a mother the way most people think of one and I don't really miss her."

"But she was still your mother."

"Yeah, but dad says its okay not to miss her since I didn't know her, as long as I remember that she gave birth to me and am thankful to her for that. And I am."

Before Kabo could respond, the door to the apartment opened and Chris' father walked in. "Smells good. What are we having tonight?"

"Company," Chris replied as he ran to hug his dad and welcome him home.

"Company?" His father asked. "Is it baked, broiled, boiled, fried?"

"Dad," Chris scolded as he took his father's hand and led him to the kitchen. "This is Kabo," he said as he gestured to the winged panther standing by the table.

"Good evening, sir. You have a very kindhearted boy," Kabo said, moving a paw to his bandage.

The boy's father had grown suddenly solemn as he saw Kabo, "Thank you. Will you excuse us for a moment." He herded Chris into another room, but Kabo could still hear their whispers.

"What did I tell you about letting strangers into the house?"

"But he needed help," Chris retorted.

"You should have just called the police, like I've taught you."

"He didn't want me to."

"What do you mean? Why were you even talking to him?"

"Those bad guys were beating up on him in the alley and I stopped them."

"You got into a fight?"

"No, dad. I told them to stop and they didn't like everybody looking at them."

"Did they hurt you?"

"No, they were scared," Chris beamed.

"You still shouldn't have gotten involved."

"But they would have killed him."

Kabo decided he should save the boy any more trouble for him and spoke up, "I should get going. I need to get back to the theatre to practice for tonight's show."

Chris rushed to stop him, "No, don't go. I made dinner."

"I don't want to overstay my welcome and I have some things to do before tonight. Thanks for your help, Chris,"Kabo said as he headed for the door.

Chris' father looked at his son a moment then spoke, "No, stay for dinner at least. I'd like a chance to hear more about my son's heroic day and to show you better hospitality than I have so far."

"Please," Chris added.

Kabo smiled and nodded and Chris dashed excitedly to the kitchen, "It's almost ready!"

The cat returned to the table as Chris' father removed his coat and put his bag away. When he returned to the kitchen,Kabo offered his paw, "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I am Kabo, the Kat Kaboodle."

The man took the panther's paw and shook it, "My name is Marcus Derril. I assume you've met my son."

Kabo smiled, "He is a very brave and caring boy."

"I know," Mr. Derril pulled a chair away from the table and sat down. "I'm just worried that his chivalry is going to get him hurt one day."

Kabo nodded and sat at the place set across form him.

"So, what was their excuse this time?"

"Pardon?" Kabo asked.

"The gang that was beating you up." Mr. Derril clarified.

"Oh. I don't think they really needed one."

"They don't, but they usually taunt their victims for somethingerother. Why were you in the alley?"

"Ah. Well, I was having a bad day at work and needed to get away."

"So you decided to vacation in our dead-end alley?"

"I was just looking for someplace out of the way that I could let my frustrations out, without going too far."

"So you found a good wall to scream at. They're pretty good at listening, though they're not always the only thing that can hear you, as I guess you found out."

Kabo smirked at the joke and nodded, "Yeah, I yelled at the wall about my coworkers' mistakes and that gang came up behind me. They told me their job was beating people up and offered a demonstration. I told them I had no money with me, so they offered a free sample."

Marcus laughed, "I bet."

"I declined, but they insisted."

"So, where did Chris come in?"

"After they had done a bit of bashing, he appeared at the end of the alley and told them to stop."

"So, he stayed out of reach?"

Kabo nodded as Chris brought drinks to the table and announced that dinner was ready. Kabo smiled and spoke a little louder so Chris could overhear him as he went back to the kitchen, "Yeah, those thugs were terrified at just the sight of him."

Mr. Derril laughed a little, "Please, don't encourage him."

Kabo smiled, "He was smart enough not to go in alone. So, he brought the entire street with him. The gang didn't like having their maleficence spotlighted and left, posthaste."

Mr. Derril smiled and sighed, "I just hope they won't come back for revenge."

Kabo sighed, "I wish there was something I could do to fix the trouble I've started for you."

"There's nothing you can do to change their minds if they are set on hurting us."

Chris came out of the kitchen, carrying a large bowl of noodles with a pot of sauce balanced on top and a basket of bread hung from his thumb and set them on the table.

"At least let me repay you for your hospitality."

"It's alright, you've been no real trouble. I'm sure they would have done something to us eventually."

"No, I insist. At least come to my show tonight, no charge."

"I'd love to!" Chris piped up.

"I've had a long day and I'll have an even longer one tomorrow, I should probably get to bed early tonight," his father commented.

"Please, dad. I wanna go see the show."

Mr. Derril pondered a moment, "Do you have any school work or chores left to do?"

"Nope. I've done it all," Chris announced proudly.

"I'd better not find anything you've missed."

"I'll even check everything again before I go. Please, dad."

His father turned to Kabo, "Will you take care of him and bring him home safe after the show?"

"I'll make sure he is well protected," Kabo promised.

"I've seen the results of your protection," Mr. Derril chided, looking at Kabo's bandages.

"I wasn't trying to fight them. I..."

"I know," Marcus interrupted with a smile, "Are you going to be able to perform tonight?"

"I'll manage. The show must go on."

"Well, I guess it should be okay, then," Mr. Derril smiled and Chris cheered, jumping up to hug his father.

"We should probably have some of this delicious smelling dinner before it gets too cold," Kabo suggested.

Chris agreed and started serving the noodles and sauce.

After dinner, Chris hurried to make sure everything was cleaned up and all his chores done so he could go to the show. Then he and Kabo left for the theatre.

When they arrived, Kabo got his new friend a ticket and found a good seat for him, then snuck backstage to get ready for the show.

The stage was set and the audience was filtering in and settling down as the lights dimmed. Craig stood on the walk by the spot, waiting for Kabo to get into place. He looked over as the door opened and saw the panther in full costume, walk to the opening in the rail. He pressed a button that lit a light backstage, signaling he was ready and the tiger cleared his throat, taking a deep breath before turning on his mic.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! It's the show you've been waiting for! Now, cast your eyes to the skies for Kabo!"

The dark cat leapt from his perch and spread his wings. The sequins and tinsel in his costume glittered down his sides as he glided through the lights to land on the mark with the spotlight surrounding him perfectly. He stood with his arms at his sides and wings spread, staring at the audience with a grim look on his face. A young man waited stage left for the cue to start the next sound track, but it never came.

Kabo took a breath and spoke in a loud voice, full of determination, "Turn off the colored lights and the effects and the music. Tonight you will get to see me." He untied the lace at his neck and let the top of his costume fall away, hiding the glimmer.

A startled gasp washed over the crowd and was mirrored on the puzzled faces of the crew.

The tiger smiled as he watched his old friend begin his performance as he had years ago, alone on a small street stage.

The audience applauded his feats, politely at first, then more enthusiastically as the show progressed. When he finished his last routine, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He posed on stage with his arms and wings spread, turning to look at the entire audience with the same grim look, but with his chin held higher.

As he turned, his tiger friend standing stage left noticed a gash in his side that was not there that morning and was not bleeding at the beginning of the show had reopened. The tiger fretfully beckoned for his friend to come off stage, but the panther ignored him. He glanced offstage; then leapt into the air, flapping with powerfully determined strokes, and flew out of the lights, over the startled audience and back up to the walk where Craig was applauding as well.

"Great show."

Kabo glanced at him solemnly before turning to walk quietly down the walk and through the door.

The tiger rushed out the stage door and around the hall to Kabo's dressing room. He saw his friend enter the room from down the hall and called out to him, but the panther ignored him. When he got to the door he knocked and Kabo answered.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"May I come in?"

Kabo let go of the door and walked back to the chair in front of the mirror. He started tending to his wound with items from the first-aid kit he had dumped on the table below the mirror.

"What happened," the tiger asked.

"I had a little trouble after practice."

"What kind of trouble?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle."

"It looks serious. We should get it looked at."

"I'll live."

The tiger sighed in exasperation. "I guess you proved tonight that you really don't need us."

"I guess."

There was a knock on the door and the tiger turned to answer it. The sound technician peeked in, "There's folks waiting here to see Kabo."

The tiger turned, "Are you ready for your important guests?"

The panther tucked the end of the bandage he had wrapped around his middle into itself and got up to put on a robe he wore backwards for the sake of his wings before nodding, "Let them in."

The young man pushed the door open and directed in a well-dressed wolf and elderly man; then closed the door behind them.

The wolf spoke up, "You are quite talented and it seems the audience agrees, though we were expecting a more flamboyant show."

Kabo remained silent as the wolf continued, "I have to admit, we were surprised that you actually finished the show, considering your recent performances."

Kabo sat down and the wolf grew a little nervous in the silence. Clearing his throat, he got down to business, "We have decided to sponsor your show."

The man beside him spoke up, "If you can be consistent with them."

"Yes," agreed the wolf, "We will not tolerate you walking out on a show at any time."

Kabo replied, "I can."

"We would like to include music and special effects with your show, because that is what our audiences expect," the wolf included.

"Using my crew?"

"If you would like. We can also provide crew, since it sounded tonight like there are some problems."

Kabo spoke sternly, "There are no problems. This crew is great. You will not find any better."

The tiger looked at Kabo in surprise from behind the visitors, but kept his mouth shut.

"Very well."

There was a small knock on the door and the tiger turned to open it.

"We'll prepare the papers and you can come by the office to..."

A small boy in the hall spoke to the tiger in the door, "I came to see Kabo."

"Arrange everything," the wolf continued without noticing, "You are going to be a..."

"Let him in,"Kabo interrupted, looking past the agitated wolf.

The boy walked in past the tiger, between the wolf and old man and up to Kabo, "That was a great show."

The cat smiled and lifted him into his lap while trying not to wince in pain, "This is Chris. He will get in to every show he wants for free."

"You can't do that," the wolf objected, "We can't afford to be giving free passes to all your friends."

"Then take if out of my pay if you have to," the panther glared at the wolf. "He is not my friend. He is my savior and will get whatever he wants."

The wolf started to object again, but the old man put his hand on the wolf's shoulder to stop him, "We can handle that. It will be good PR to help combat your man-hater image."

"I have never said that I hate humans."

"But the public believes what the media tells it to whether it is true or not. We will just have to tell them to believe something different."

Kabo held the young boy in his lap close to him, "I will come by tomorrow to sign your papers."

"9 am," the wolf confirmed as he turned to leave and Kabo nodded.

After the door closed behind them, the tiger looked at Kabo curiously, "Would you like to tell me what happened?"

"How about over some ice cream?" Kabo offered as he let the boy down and stood up.

"Yeah," the boy agreed.

"Considering your new career, I think we can afford it now" the tiger smiled as he opened the door.

"Am I still a joke?" Kabo asked.

The tiger patted him on the back as they walked out, "The good kind, my friend, the good kind. I am sure we will laugh about this someday."