Scars (Part II of J.H. White's Puss in Boots)

Chapter Twenty-Six: Reversed

After what seemed like an infinitely painful eternity, Kitty finished crying, kissed Puss one last time, and walked slowly out of the hall.

When she got outside, she saw the time machine. She supposed this was the end. She would just go back to her life, she would take care of Maria as best she could.

She told herself she would never love another the way she loved Puss. She would never marry again.

She stepped slowly towards the machine, and then she saw somebody in the distance. A white female cat. She suddenly realized that she had met her only once, during the war. Dulcinea.

She moved closer and said, "I knew this would happen. Scars told me. I know you're grieving, and I know this doesn't make a lot of sense, but I have travelled in a stolen time machine from ten years ago to tell you that Puss can be brought back."

Kitty came closer to Dulcinea. "If there is any way to bring back my husband, tell me now."

"Okay. But be warned, the journey is not easy."

"I don't care. I will do whatever it takes."

Dulcinea sighed. "You must go to the Cráneo Ensangrentado thief den, or whatever is left of it in this time. There, you will find the location of Scars in my time. He knew I would tell you, and he fled. But he told the bartender in the den. He will know. If you kill Scars, he will have never killed Puss. Puss will be alive."

Kitty stared at her, and then pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Dulcinea replied. "Now, go. Scars will know you're coming for him."

Kitty bid her goodbye and set out. She realized about a mile out that she didn't even know where she was going. She needed information. She needed a drink, and she knew exactly where to go.