Succubus

13- The fetid commode, scratch and sniff ancestry, and a conversation with cats

*Oona's POV*

I found the female cat first, sitting on the larger sofa. I remembered Crow had called her Femme, a strange name. She observed me with a poker face as I approached. Though I figured she, too, was a Kellas cat, I felt my understanding was with Crow.

"Good evening. Do you know where Crow is?" She did not speak, just gave a small nod and jumped off the sofa, leading me to a litter box by a washer and dryer set in the small pantry. She stopped a small distance away and cleared her throat loudly.

Crow's voice came out, irritated, from the litter box. "Just a minute you harridan! Andy was too busy pumping his sausage all day to scoop, and I can't concentrate in this filth!"

The female cat scrunched her face and sighed. "Oona, idiot!" She then padded over to a corner and curled into what I had come to think of as one of the many 'cat loaf' positions used by felines when recumbent. It was hard not to chuckle.

After hearing a few softly muttered expletives and scratching noises, Crow emerged from the litter pan with a scowl. "Yes? Oona, I'm not sure what could possibly motivate you to pay us a visit, though you are welcome. I apologize if I am abrupt. Your attentions have left Andy quite preoccupied and he has been negligent in his performance of the duties necessary for our upkeep."

I nodded. "Crow, I shall be forward and fair with you. Unexpected things have occurred with Andy. I am trying to determine why. I want to ensure his safety."

Crow smirked. "Well, that answers that question. It seems that you were unawares of Andy's parentage after all. As it happens, I have answers for you. But in exchange, you must do something for us." Crow stood, without fear, confident.

Shit. I had no desire to be sent on some mad quest by a half-breed feline sprite. Time was of the essence. For all I knew, Andy might be able to control my mind or even actions. "And that would be?"

"Dump all the litter out of the litter box, and replace it with fresh. And try and persuade Andy to keep up with it regularly." I saw the girl cat nodding solemnly from her place in the corner. Oh, Andy... Was it really so bad that they were asking me to clean their toilet?

Their proposition was more than fair, and I accepted. "Certainly. I have not done this before myself, but I have watched Andy do it many times."

I walked over to the bathroom pan and took the top off. I instantly comprehended why they had asked for my help. I would not care for such a foul commode either.

I thought for a moment, remembering Andy's routine. I went to the kitchen and looked under the sink, finding the garbage bags and retrieving one. I then cautiously scooped the fetid contents of the box into the bag using the potty-scoop. The very last dregs had to be poured. Peering behind the small shelving unit in the pantry, I found the fresh kitty litter, and refilled the litter box. Feeling accomplished, I added a small dash of the 'deodorizing' powder. I saw Crow nod in approval from the corner of my eye as I mixed it in with the rest of the litter using the scoop. Afterwards, I washed my hands. Poor felines!