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Morgana had done more for the world in his few years of life than most cats would do in a lifetime. Became a thief, saved the world (twice), and got to see more of Japan than he could have ever imaged.
All that hard work and action meant a very well deserved retirement.
It had been a couple years since their last world-saving event. Morgana and Joker had hardly strayed from each others side. Even if his current ramen shop job wasn't super glamorous, Morgana enjoyed the stability of his current life. Especially since he had far more years of life than a regular housecat. He knew that his life was directly tied to Joker. So as long as he didn't get himself killed, Morgana was sure to live a long life (for a cat at least).
That meant plenty more days like this. Walking along the city streets, waving in-between people’s legs as he made his rounds around town. Keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity. Even in his retirement, he still had to keep the city safe. He’d stop by some shops or cafes to check in on the owners, and receive plenty of pets in return. Though his main stop along the way was the streets seafood market. It was a little hidden, less for consumers and more for restaurants. But it was nonetheless stocked with the freshest fish.
And it just so happened Morgana was their favorite visitor.
“Aww isn't it the little tomcat!”
Right on schedule, Morgana waltzed in like he owned the place. The whole store stopping their tasks to look at him with admiration. Like every day the owner would kneel down and scratch his chubby cheeks (a side affect of Joker not taking his balls), then give him a serving of whatever he happened to be cutting or arranging.
“Got some swordfish for you today, wanna try some?”
Morgana smiled “Yes please!”
They couldn't understand him, but he seemed to get by on his meows and charm. Watching from below, he saw the man cut a small piece from the de-finned swordfish on his table.
“Here you go buddy, Hope you like it!”
Morgana inhaled the fish. Savoring the light sweetness of the fresh meat. The briny scent and rich texture. Licking his chops to get every last bit of it.
“You’re the best!” He meowed back.
That wasn't the end of his feast. When the shipment of prawns came in, Morgana was allowed to snatch up any that were below standard. Munching on fresh prawns as the employees smiled and laughed. Same with the sardines. When one was split on accident, it got tossed Morganas way. Adding it to a small pile in front of the tomcat.
This was the life. Free fish every day, a heated blanket at home with his best friend, getting to go wherever he wanted instead of being stuck inside like a regular cat. If this is what the rest of his life looked like, Morgana was more than happy to live it.
———-
“Look, your cat is pretty overweight. I don’t know what’s causing it, but you need to remedy it. What have you been feeding him?”
The vet-tech held Morgana by the scruff as she patted his body. Ignoring his angry meows and bristling tail. Joker couldn't do much but watch from the sidelines with a confused face.
“I just feed him the normal canned food.” He scratched the back of his neck “half a tin in the morning, half at night.”
“Really? Do you think someone else has been feeding him? I know he’s an indoor-outdoor cat, maybe he’s been getting some extra calories.”
Morgana glared daggers at Joker. Hoping he wouldn't realize, hoping the boy would just keep his mouth-
“Ohhh I know” he snapped his fingers “there’s a seafood market nearby. I guess he’s been getting into their stock.”
Morgana yowled in anguish “joker how dare you! I don’t steal from them, I am their guest of honor! They love me there!”
The vet laughed. Unable to hear Morgana's words as he begged for a second chance.
“Well maybe you should tell them to stop feeding him, that’ll probably help with the pounds.”
Joker just nodded along. Picking Morgana back up and placing the fat cat into his carrier. Trying not to laugh at his pitiful begging.
“You just feed me canned food like a pheasant! On the streets I’m treated like a king! That's what I deserve!! I saved the world for gods sake I deserve some fatty tuna now and then!”
“Yea yea”
“What am I even in trouble for? Eating some fish? Some succulent fish? This is tyranny!!”
“Come on lard-ass we gotta get you home.”
“Jokerrr….”
————
Joker may be able to take him to the vet, but no person could stop Morgana from getting his fill.
He sauntered over to the market like usual. With even more determination. Putting on the charm with some meows and plenty of pets, it wasn't long before the owner walked up to him.
“How’s it goin’ little guy? You hungry?”
“You bet I am! My friend wants to stop me from going here, but nobody can stop me!”
His voice tapered off as the owner noticed something. Pulling on Morganas collar and squinting.
“Heh, guess your freeloader days are over, sorry man.”
“What? No fish??” Morgana rubbed against his legs and begged the man “what is it? Did Joker say something? I knew he did!”
It was then that Morgana noticed something on his collar. In the reflection of a metal bucket he saw his bright yellow collar inscribed with marker.
DO NOT FEED, ON A DIET
He growled. Joker must have done it. Scribbled it on his collar while he was sleeping. Try as he might, he couldn't get the damn thing off, and it seemed everybody in the market had picked up on it.
“Aww little guy is on a diet.”
“He needs it, look at those cheeks”
Someone prodded at his belly, laughing at the sight. Morgana just rolled his eyes.
“I’m not fat!! That's my primordial pouch!”
The shop owner shooed him out soon after. Leaving him sulking on the streets. Having to walk home in shame with the whole town knowing he was on a diet. Once a thief, a hero, now the mockery of the town.
“Jokers gonna wake up to one hell of a hairball in his bed…just you wait.”