As the Southern Six took Rhodey and Kate on their backs through forest and land, the weather started getting colder, and soon snow began to cover everything. Minnesota was near. Then they spotted the village.
“Home’s up ahead, guys!” Denahi said.
When they arrived, Luk added:
“Thanks for selecting Wolfsky Transport Service!”
Then Shak Nool, the village shaman showed up, and welcomed his Wolfskies.
“It seems you’ve brought with yourselves a mouse and a… cat? Are they your prey?”
“No! They’re in love, and we want to help them save their relationship.” Tamarak said to him.
“Ohhh. I see.”
“Wait, he can understand you?” Kate asked.
“Of course, he’s a shaman.” Luk said.
“So, could you let us take them to a circus in Minnesota? There is somebody that can help them!” Hokani said.
“Yeah, master. See if their love is true and worth it.” Kula said.
“Fine. Take them to my wigwam.” Shak Nool said.
“His wigwhat?” Rhodey asked.
“It’s the tent where he lives. Every native around here has one.” Denahi said.
“Uhh, can’t he use his powers to grant our wish?” Kate asked.
“Of course not. He’s a shaman, not a magician.”
Once there, Shak Nool told Rhodey and Kate to enter a small pool that was there.
“Now, close your eyes and rest your body.”
Both suddenly, relaxation took over their bodies and they felt something coming out of them. Shak Nool, using his spiritual vision, noticed that it was their souls becoming one. Then he told them to stop and get out of the water.
“I’ve seen everything. Even though you are two enemy species by nature, you are the same deep inside. The spirits have made it clear. You were always destined to be together, even before you met. It is true love.”
“Remember, master, we’re born from a love between natural enemies, wolf and dog, and still, you’ve kept us and taken care of us for a long time!”
“I know, Atka. Love can sometimes be so strong that it breaks the barriers of nature and can unite two different species.”
“So that means you’re gonna help them?”
“Yes. You can have my sled. But you’ll have to depart in the morning. The night is coming, and it can be very dangerous. Mouse and cat, you can stay with us tonight.”
“Awesome! We have guests! We can stay up all night, have dinner, and tell us spooky stories.”
“Don’t get too excited, Kula. We’ll just give them a place to sleep. However, there IS something fun we can do. Some nights, the villagers dance to celebrate something special. And this seems like a perfect occasion to celebrate!”
Rhodey and Kate were eager to dance, just like in the old times, so they couldn’t wait. When the night arrived, Shak Nool went outside, and cried an indian call, so everyone could hear him and come out of their wigwams.
“Attention, everybody. Tonight, we celebrate the birth of a love between a cat and a mouse. This love did the impossible, and tomorrow, we will help them to get them on their way to eternal happiness together. Because I believe all creatures deserve to be happy with a couple, no matter the species.”
Everyone cheered, and began to dance.
“Let’s go, guys. The party already started. Hurry up, come on!” Denahi said.
“Wait a minute, Denahi.” Atka said. “First we must get the boy ready.”
He meant giving Rhodey tribal facepaint for the dance.
“As for you, mademoiselle, we’ll get you prepared for the night, too!” Tamarak said.
Once they got their makeup, they went out and joined the dance party.
The music was very good and upbeat. Even the Southern Light Six joined in! Kate and Rhodey had a blast like never before. Mainly because they were among people who could comprehend and respect their love. At the end, both kissed. The Southern Light Six gave a howl, and everyone clapped and cheered. After that everyone went to sleep.
Meanwhile, back in the forest, Bruise’s Clan were already taken by the Cat Lady to her house. She gave them all they needed, and all the Street Cats felt just like home. They even made new cat friends! However, Bruise told them:
“Guys, I know you love this place. I love it too. It reminds me of the nice old days, when I used to be loved by someone. BUT, we still got work to do! Kate the traitor and that mouse are still roaming free! We must finish them once and for all! Then, we will return here, to this place that has become a home for all of us. So let’s go find them! Now!”
Taking advantage of the Cat Lady being distracted in the kitchen, Bruise and his clan went out the house to search for Kate and Rhodey. What they didn’t notice is that the Mice Clan had followed them all along, by catching their scent and using the classic trick of traveling through the sewers until coming out of one at one side of the street, where the Cat Lady’s house was located. They also had one mission, rescue their friend from the claws of the cats, and apparently they wouldn’t be stopping at anything.
TO BE CONTINUED