Lassoing the Cresent Moon

41. Playing Hero

We headed toward the lift. I wasn't ready for whatever this was apparently, but I never had been prepared for any of this.

I tilted my head as we approached the lift. Then back at our group.

"We're not going to fit."

"I should fit with Angel." Terry wrapped an arm around me bringing me closer.

Poppy looked at us, then the lift, before glaring at Theodore.

"Send the cat down first. I don't trust him with Kissy."

I glanced at Kissy who seemed to be cowering at the idea of being left with Catnap.

Theo didn't say much. He didn't meet their gazes as he went and crouched to fit in the lift. He fit, but barely, the extra set of orange legs strapped to his back didn't help.

Poppy lifted a lever and I watched the lift go down.

"I know trust is earned, but you don't have to be afraid." Terry passed a hand on Kissy's leg.

I turned toward them.

Terry still retained his leadership qualities after all these years. His voice was gentle and warm. A kind of comfort that didn't belong in this place.

"We're watching him, and we have your back, right Angel?" Terry turned to me as gave Kissy a few pats.

"Right..." my voice came out softer than I meant to.

There were more creaks as the lift came back up.

Poppy turned to Kissy. "As soon as we reach the bottom, we'll send the lift back up. Just hold tight, okay?" Then she gestured at me. "After you!"

I headed toward the lift with Terry behind me. The two of us were so close. My head fit perfectly under his muzzle. He felt warm against my back. He didn't seem like a dog anymore, he felt like Terry, my Terry.

My mind nearly ran off course when Poppy stepped in and the lift started going down. "Alright. Once we hit the ground, we need to be cautious--"

For once I was grateful Poppy was Bossy. I was here for Sam, not-

I took a deep sigh.

This wasn't the place.

This wasn't the time.

My hands shot to the side as the lift stopped abruptly. I wobbled a little trying to catch my balance. Terry only barely caught Poppy.

A loud roar was heard just as the elevator was low enough to take Kissy out of our sights.

"What? What is she doing?"

Terry lifted Poppy as high as he could hoping for a better view.

"This isn't-" she tried to stand on her tip toes, nearly jumping in Terry's hands.

Another roar came as the ground shook.

"No...No No!"

She looked down at the elevator. It was so slow!

"We're coming just hold on!"

I crouched down, ready to leave as soon as we reached the floor but this damn thing wasn't moving. Another rescue mission and we hadn't even gotten down yet!

"Come on. Come on! Go Faster!" Poppy tapped her legs impatiently.

"KISSY!" Poppy's voice echoed as we went past Sub level D. Her breathing quickened as she glanced ahead at DogDay, then at me.