Chapter 49
What boss, one of the large cats asked as he turned around.
That cat isnt going to be our prey, another cat, just like Nikki announced. He was a solid black color.
B-but boss! She trespassed, the large cat complained.
The smaller house cat chuckled. No. Just bring her in and let her have a bath in the stream.
Nikkis voice soon returned, and she walked back with one of the large cats back to the cave.
What is your name, Nikki asked the cat. My name is Nikki.
I am Rocket, he replied. I lead this pack of bobcats.
Bobcats?! Nikki asked, shocked. Were these guys really bobcats?
Yes, bobcats. But, of course, Im not a bobcat, just a regular cat, he explained.
Hey boss, can we gather some fish, one of the bobcats, named Jupiter, asked Rocket.
Yes, Rocket replied.
Why do they call you boss, Nikki asked.
I dont know. Ive already told them they dont have to, he replied.
Meanwhile, Gingernut, Fenix, Sunny, and Jazzy were searching through the countryside in their search for Jazzy. They had already stopped at a lake for some fish; they were now approaching a river with the Pine Forest in sight.
Dont you think we should also search for Bella, Rupert, Bonnie, and Bullet, Jazzy suggested.
Theyve probably been hunted by a predator of some sort, Fenix replied.
They might be still alive, Gingernut said, trying to convince Fenix to search for them.
We need to find Nikki, Sunny explained.
3 weeks later
Over the next few weeks, Rocket and Nikki had grown quite fond of each other. Autumn was also approaching.
Rocket, I think that we need to save up on food, Nikki warned, remembering the conflict between Jazzy and Gingernut from last year.
Why, Rocket asked.
Because, Nikki explained. Do you smell that? Thats the smell of a frost. See all of those leaves? Thats autumn. When winter comes, we wont have anything to eat. Rocket understood this and dispatched the bobcats to find some food.
3 months later
You know, the first bobcat suggested, we really should think of names for them.
Well, I dont know, Nikki replied. I think Ill call this one Luna, but Im not sure.
You could name that one Jet, Rocket suggested.
Spring was just around the corner. Gingernut and Fenix had hatched chicks again; Nikki had her kittens, and the winter seemed to be getting shorter and shorter. Little did they know the trouble that would soon sneak up on them again.
To be continued