Scarlet Forest - Forest of Hope

Chapter 5

We watched the black cat stop and set the branch down in a pile of random objets, ranging from toy mice to pieces of rubble.

"I think that should be enough for today," the tom purrs to himself, "so for now, I deserve a 'Good job Wanoko!'"

We glance at the pale gray tom, who beckons us to go in there.

"Hey! Give him back the medicine he needs!" I call out as Blue and I follow him out. The jet black tom, Wanoko as he calls himself, turns.

"Again, kid? You should know I won't stop till I get myself what I need to survive." he growls. "And you brought friends? Hmm,where'd you find them?"

"My name is Rocky! And I found them outside Midori's house!" the tom wails. "Please! I don't want Midori to die!"

"Wanako, or whatever your name is, give him the branch back, or you'll face the wrath of my beautiful evergreen!" Blue growls,and I step forward.

"As the leader of the Scarlet Forest, I will not allow you to steal Rocky's belongings!" I attempt to stand tall and seem formal, despite being uncomfortable.

"Scarlet Forest you say? How much does living there cost, Evergreen?" Wanoko questions me, getting up in my face. I take a deep breath.

"It costs nothing at all, as long as you defend us and hunt for us. You have to pitch in and help make dens, though." I glance a Blue, knowing I got myself into an extremely awkward situation.

"A price I think I can pay. Take your branch back, Pebbles. Heal Mimiko, or whatever he name is. And," Wanoko puts a mischevious smile on his face that seems to be happy, "Evergreen and Bubbles can take me to this Scarlet Forest."