The Song of the Wild

Chapter Five

      Sully finally managed to convince Rosa, though she still muttered to herself about him being a "fluff-brain".

      That day, Naomi came over when the sun was leaving its highest peak. She didn't come alone this time. This time, a tall, gangly human was accompanying her. He had a short tuft of dusky brown hair and green eyes, just like Naomi.

      Sully stared at the human. Then he stared at Naomi. Who is this?

      Naomi patted the human's back. He's my brother, Max. He's not really sure about becoming a zookeeper, so.... Try to convince him, will you?

      Sully bristled. Max didn't look very friendly. He was clutching a brown glass bottle that reeked of a nasty substance.

      Naomi saw him growl at the bottle, and said, It's just beer, Sully. Max likes it. Personally, I don't, but...

      Max was staring at Sully harshly. Then, he barked something at Naomi. It sounded like a question. Naomi replied in a softer tone. Max looked back at Sully, somewhat disbelievingly.

      He doesn't believe I can talk to you, Naomi explained.

     Does he believe that I need to be back in the wild?

     Naomi flinched and looked somewhat hurt. Of course he does! Just because he drinks beer, doesn't mean that he doesn't know what's good for animals!

     Sully turned around and started pacing the den. He couldn't believe that this human would be the key to their escape plan. Somehow, he looked unstable.

      Oona appeared next to the fence. What's wrong, deary?

      It's... It's that man! He's supposed to help us escape! Sully growled.

      Oona craned her neck to glance at Max. Her nostrils flared. What's that smell?

       That's Max, Sully said. Looks like he's going to be a wonderful help, huh?

      Looks aren't all that matter! Naomi snapped, overhearing what Sully had said.

      Sully growled and padded back towards the transparent wall. Fine. So what is he here for?

       He's here to help YOU get out of this place! Naomi's green eyes were as hard as flint.

Sully let out a huge sigh. Okay.... What's the plan?

We already discussed this, Sully, Naomi said impatiently. Max gets a job as a zookeeper and convinces his boss to let him take the post for the night watch. Then, on the day of the plan, at night, his friend David will come over with his delivery truck. I'll be in the zoo. When the zookeepers leave, I'll call Max to tell him to come and unlock the cages. After he does that, I'll lead your family and the bears--

Their names are Oona and Rosa, Sully interrupted.

Naomi ignored him. --out of the zoo, where David will be waiting with his truck. Max and I will put you in the back of the truck, with some water and a litter box. Don't judge, she said, seeing the look on Sully's face. Max will then stay at the zoo, David and I drive you to Yosemite. We'll only travel by night and cover the license plate. It'll take us roughly 4 hours to get there.

Sully stared at his paws. She really had planned everything out. He felt bad for doubting her organization. How many days will it take us to put the plan in place?

Naomi cast a doubtful look at Max. I don't know. Probably a week or more.

Sully's tail drooped. All right. And then he padded away, leaving Naomi alone with Max.

In the den, Mother-wolf was grooming her beautiful fur. Ever since she had known that they were to be freed, she was more active, spent more time outside, and cleaned herself much more than before. When she saw him, she grinned, letting her tongue loll out of her mouth. His siblings were still reluctant to approach him, but when he yapped comfortingly and licked their noses, they purred and rubbed themselves against him.