Some Try, Brisbys Do

Kristy and Justin

Kristy scampered through the fields. It was dangerous out there today. Because of the plow, a lot of animals were driven from their homes and were wandering the field looking for new places to live. And of course there was Dragon. Kristy was kept on her toes the whole trip. Every little noise or movement frightened her thinking it was Dragon or any other animal that could hurt her.

The rosebush was less than a mile away. Kristy looked around and sighed in relief. Dragon was nowhere in sight. Kristy took a few steps forward before she heard a growl. She felt warm air behind her, almost as if someone was breathing behind her. Kristy screamed as she turned to see Dragon behind her. The old cat's eyes glowed different colors. His sharp teeth were exposed as he made a sound which was a mix of a roar and a meow.

Kristy scrambled to her feet and ran as fast as she could toward the rosebush.

"Brutus!" she called out. "Brutus, help!"

She smiled when she saw the large black rat poke his head out of the entrance of the bush. He held his arms out for her as she came running. Kristy jumped into Brutus' arms, making him pull her inside, leaving Dragon to crash into the thorns of the bush.

"Thank you", Kristy said. "Do you know where Justin is?"

"He's down below", Brutus said. "The council's gathered and Justin's making sure no trouble happens."

"Thanks."

Kristy started her way down to the bottom of the bush. She noticed that electric cord that the rats stole from the house the other night had been put to use. There were more lights than before lighting up in the bush. She entered the lantern that led to the council and stood as it went underwater. Kristy waited for the water to drain before stepping out.

"Hello?" she called out. "Justin, are you there?"

"Shh!"

Kristy looked to see Justin standing outside the council room's door. He leaned in and pressed his ear to the door.

"What's going on?" Kristy asked.

"It's Jenner", Justin said. "He's attacking Nicodemus."

"Attacking?"

"He's trying to turn the council against him. He thinks Nicodemus can't lead the rats to a good life anymore."

"Oh Justin", Kristy sighed.

Justin looked at her and noticed how tired and upset she looked. He pulled away from the door and wrapped his arms around her. Kristy sighed as she wrapped her arms around him in return.

"I just had the most horrible day ever", she said. "It's moving day."

"Moving day?" Justin asked.

"Every spring when the farmer plows through the garden, we have to leave our houses and move to a new one to stay safe. Well, I live with Jonathan's family. His son, Timothy is too sick to even get out of bed. I stayed to protect him. The house was going to fall apart and almost died. Luckily Elizabeth, Jonathan's wife stopped the plow from crushing us."

Justin held her tight. He had no idea Jonathan had a family that was in this much danger.

"I just had to see you", Kristy said. "I don't know what's going to happen and I just wanted to be with you."

She buried her face in his chest.

"I love you, Justin", she mumbled.

"What?" Justin asked shocked.

"I love you", Kristy repeated.

Justin's gaze softened as he picked her up to reach his height. Kristy smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I love you too", he said.

He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.