Not Yet Decoded

by kloudscringe

Summary:

It all started with the click of the game disc’s case being closed, and what happened next was something neither of them saw coming. Dave and Bambi both planned to have a fun, laid-back weekend like old times, but to their dismay those dreams are shattered when the two of them are sucked into the game themselves. Through trials and challenges, they are expected to traverse the land in hopes of finding an exit.

Notes:

This is my first fic posted here please be nice to me I'm sorry if I formatted anything wrong 😔😔
I'll probably add more tags as I go along idk

Chapter 1: Prologue

Tropical trees enshrouded the landscape, large ferns overhanging the pathway as a figure took slow, careful steps, treading past a few vines that jutted out onto the stone. He felt the grooves of the cobblestone under his shoes, the friction as his heels dragged over them. Birds chirped in the forest as he continued walking. Hands trembling, the silhouette brought the letter he had been holding close to his face to inspect it, wondering what the contents of it contained. The letter’s paper had begun to furl, threatening to tear against his sweaty hands and tight grip. Blinking in surprise, he scrambled to shove it back in his satchel slung across his waist, not wanting to damage it further. A simple messenger has no business prying in on it.

Continuing the leisurely walk, he pushed on, coming across a sign with words etched poorly into it. Confused, he took the letter reluctantly out of his satchel, squinting to read the words.

Lifting his head a moment later, he leaned forward to read the words on the sign. Arrows pointed in opposite directions, and each split off into different cobblestone pathways. The one to the left, labeled Whispering Meadow, seemed to change into a clearer pathway outlined by rocks, and he was sure he could hear the faint sound of a waterfall rumbling nearby in the distance.

The other arrow pointed off to the other pathway, which just looked identical to where the figure had come from, with tropical trees stretching so high the sun could barely filter through the branches above. The arrow was labeled Creek of Serenity, and, once more, the cat looked at the card again. He remembered his mentor’s words as they popped into his mind. 

“And Rowan, I swear to the heavens above, if you can’t complete such a simple task like this, you’re unteachable!”

Rowan quivered, desperate to do something right for once. His mentor, Alfie, had put his trust in him for once, so he had to make it count. Recalling the description, Alfie never mentioned the so-called Whispering Meadow, so, without hesitation, Rowan took the other pathway. Scampering forward with excitement, he tried his best to keep his eyes focused on the path ahead, knowing how easily it was to distract him. That was what Alfie hated the most about him; his attention span. Giving himself a shake, Rowan continued on, doubt beginning to darken the edges of his mind. Was this the right way? What if he was wrong? Should he turn back and ask for clearer instructions? Maybe a map?

Don’t be stupid! Rowan berated himself.

How could he possibly be wrong? He’d used context clues. This was the only logical way. Nothing else would make sense. Right?

Rowan let out a small sigh of frustration. This always happens! This was why Alfie thought he was unteachable! All he did was second guess himself.

Marching on, Rowan was determined with false confidence, hyping himself up in his head as he jumped over a spindly log that was blocking the path. Leaves fluttered down to his feet every now and then, but he paid no attention to them.

Rowan had no idea how long he’d been traveling for, but to his dismay he felt his legs growing weaker by the second as he tried his best to continue his journey. He knew he couldn’t reach his destination in one day, but disappointment still coursed through his veins as he hunkered down next to a tree, keeping watch for anything worthy of note.

Once he was determined there was nothing deeper going on, Rowan pulled out the small flask of water he held in his satchel, taking a reluctant sip of the liquid. Yawning, he sealed it shut before snuggling up under the canopy and closing his eyes, drifting off into a pleasant sleep.

***

Rowan woke in a panic, confused and wondering how long he’d slept for. Looking through the trees, he spotted the pale orange tinge of the sky as dawn crept over the horizon. Stifling a sigh of relief, he straightened up, looking through his satchel to make sure he hadn’t lost anything.

After re-checking twice, he confirmed that everything was in its spot, and he was off once more down the pathway.

At some point, Rowan spotted a bridge in the distance; a tiny, wooden one that looked past its prime as he neared it. At that moment, Rowan realized why this direction had been titled Creek of Serenity. Under the bridge, a creek loomed, stretching as far as the eye could see. Leaves littered the water the same way they littered the path. Moss curled around the pebbles and rocks jarred out of the water, causing rifts in the gentle surge.

Rowan took his first step onto the old, wooden bridge, hearing it creak and slightly give way beneath him. Fear gripped his heart, but the bridge never fully gave way as he took another step onto the deteriorating interior.

He couldn’t help but wonder whether he’d be better off trying to jump across the creek, but the possibility of the letter getting wet was too high, and Rowan thought better of it.

Step after step, Rowan jumped down to the other side, relief practically choking him as he and the bridge both came out unscathed. He didn’t know what he would’ve done if the bridge collapsed on him; who knew if this place was special to someone?

Rowan hated the feeling of his boots squelching against the mud beneath him, but he knew there was no other way to get to his destination, and, if anything, he was just being sensitive. At least, that’s something Alfie would probably say, anyway. Gritting his teeth, Rowan trudged through the mud, ignoring the shivers that ran through him every time he felt the grit and stone beneath him.

Thankfully, the gods were in his favor, as not much later the path began to clear, and the mud resided. Picking up his pace with newfound determination, Rowan broke into a trot, surveying his surroundings every now and then in case he was spotted.

He knew that it didn’t really matter, and that if anyone spotted him, he could just tell them he was a messenger, but it was nice to think of escape plans every now and then. Plus, it wasn’t hurting anyone. Maybe it’d even come in handy someday.

Rowan couldn’t help but wonder what he’d be like when he was older. Would he be talking about this mission he was currently embarking on, or would he come across more important tales to tell? Rowan gave a little bounce of excitement. He couldn’t wait to grow up and be in control of his own life!

For once in a long time, Rowan liked being a messenger. He always thought he was just a last choice, to be used for useless manners, but now he looked at it as a step to getting older. He wondered how many more steps he’d have to take until then.

Rowan climbed the steep hill that had formed beneath him, hauling himself up a large boulder as he peered at the landscape down below.

Before him, the land stretched out into a plain, and rivulets of water ran through tussocks of grass, slipping over pebbles and minerals, leading toward a small pool in the middle of the clearing.

Rowan leapt down, struggling to catch his footing as he landed on the glossy grass beneath him. The place seemed to stretch as far as he could see, and for a moment Rowan was sure he’d get lost if he took another step.

Thoughts from before flashed through his mind, and he continued on graciously, skirting past the pool.

Things are going great! Rowan bounced forward excitedly. I’m finally going to fulfill a mission, and then Alfie won’t have anything mean to say! Triumph surged through him, but he stopped when he noticed what looked like to be a large cabin ahead of him. How had he not seen it before?

Compared to it, Rowan felt like an ant. A no good, worthless little ant. Then again, that was how he felt every time he saw his own home. The walls were outlined with polished wood that bounced off the reflection of the sun, hurting his eyes. As he approached, more of it came into view. The ceiling of it sloped up towards the sky, but Rowan didn’t dare trying to follow it, knowing he’d probably leave blind if he did.

Stumbling forward reluctantly, Rowan was just about to reach the front steps when, suddenly, a loud rumbling sounded out across the horizon. Freezing, he began looking around for the source of the sound, but before he could identify the source the wind picked up, practically blowing him off his feet. Letting out a small wail of dismay, he clung to the grass, squeezing his eyes shut as the cacophony got louder.

Rowan had been stripped of his senses as he tried to stand up, only to tumble over again. With a gasp of horror, he realized that the contents of his bag had begun to spill out, being taken away into the wind. “No!” He cried out, trying to grab the letter just as it slipped away. He felt his claws brush against the delicate envelope, but it was too late. It swirled away into oblivion, leaving Rowan staring after the emptiness as the earth shook around him.

The next thing Rowan felt was someone grabbing him by the back of his scarf, jerking him backward. A cry escaped his mouth, but all his ‘savior’ said was, “Are you stupid?! What do you think you’re doing out here?”

Rowan was speechless as the unidentified person tightened their grip on him, hauling him away out of the plain. “The letter...” Rowan choked out, reaching a hand out in the direction he’d last seen it.

“Be quiet, why don’t you?” The voice shouted.

Wincing, Rowan bit his bottom lip to stifle any other words he wanted to say. Rowan let out a small yelp as he was abruptly tossed forward into something. Rubbing at his stinging eyes, he sat up, looking around. It looked like an ordinary house; he could still hear the dreadful cracking and rumbling outside accompanied by the wind, but he was safe now. Trembling, he brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, eyes wide.

“Who are you?” The harsh voice asked, the sound of a door locking following shortly after.

“Wh... What’s goi-”

"Who are you?!"

Rowan shied away, keeping his gaze fixated on the wooden tiles beneath him. Before he could get a word out, the cat continued talking.

“Should’ve seen this coming! This is insane!”

Rowan looked up. Outlined in the gloom, he saw a lanky figure that stood with his hands clenched as he peered through the blinds of what appeared to be a window. The sun from outside cast a small light across his face, illuminating it enough just for Rowan to be able to make out his features. The cat wore a black mask over his mouth, covering half of his face, accompanied with a large hat that his ears poked through. A long cape was draped over his shoulders, running down to the back of his haunches. His eyes were chips of ice as he glared outside for another moment before shutting the blinds.

“Are you a thief?” The strange cat asked as he whirled around to face Rowan.

“No, no I’m not!” Rowan protested. Rowan flinched as the horrible noises continued outside, shaking the house. “I’m Rowan.” Silence stretched out between them, only the world outside audible.

The figure sighed with annoyance before introducing himself. “I’m Quinn. Mind telling me what you were doing out there?”

Rowan quivered. “I was... I was delivering a letter.”

Quinn stared at him disapprovingly. “What were you thinking, roaming around outside like that?!” Quinn turned back to face the blinds, looking out again.

“I didn’t know! I don’t know what’s even happening outside! There was no warning!” Rowan shot back, desperate to explain himself.

Quinn looked over his shoulder. “How old are you?”

Rowan blinked. “That’s kinda a we-”

“Will you just answer the question?!”

Rowan flinched once more. “...Sixteen...” He mumbled.

“Sixteen? The last time this happened you were probably still a kit. Hell, you probably don’t even remember or even know! Seriously, has no one ever told you about this?”

“About what?”

“Oh, bless your innocent soul!" Quinn spat, venom in his voice. “I can’t believe no one has gone out of their way to bring this to the light. People will just brush it off as another earthquake.”

“I thought it was an earthquake, but...”

“Then you’re wrong! Explain the wind then. Explain the wind that had you clinging onto that grass for dear life!” Quinn snapped, whirling back around to face him. 

Rowan shivered as he locked eyes with Quinn. He didn’t know. “...Then what is it...?” Rowan stammered.

“I’ve studied this for years. I’ve tried to get to the core of it all. I haven’t found any clear explanation, but the only conclusion I can come to is that the world is falling apart.”

Chapter 2

“Bye Dad!” A cheerful voice squeaked out as Tristan gave Dave a hug.

“Bye, Tristan,” Dave gave Tristan a small pat on the shoulder as his gaze lingered over towards the couch, where Bambi was sitting playing on his phone. “You’ll watch him, right?” Dave asked anxiously.

“Huh?” Bambi looked up. “Oh, yeah, sure, whatever.” Bambi muttered as he shook his free hand in a shooing motion, sounding rather annoyed.

“Don’t worry!” Tristan beamed before announcing proudly, “I can take care of myself!”

“I’m sure you can,” Dave replied fondly, a smile across his face as he brought his attention back to his son. “I’ll be back soon, alright?”

Tristan paused for a moment before asking quietly, “How long are you gonna be gone for?”

“Not long. I’ll get going now, okay? You two have fun.” As Dave wheeled his way to the door, he remembered one last thing. “Oh, one last thing,” He turned back around to face Tristan. “If you wanna call or text me anytime, ask Bambi if you can use his phone.”

“Okay!” Tristan replied, grinning.

Bambi’s jarring voice sounded out a moment later. “You acting like you going to war!” 

Dave rolled his eyes, yet said nothing else as he turned around to open the door, leaving the house a moment later. Locking the door, Dave turned around to look at the street ahead of him for a moment before heading to the sidewalk flanking the pavement. Putting a hand above his eyes to block out the sunlight threatening to blind him, Dave began making his way down the sidewalk. Clouds obscured the sky ahead, eventually filtering the sunshine as shade bathed the landscape. Dave smiled, relishing the breeze as he took a deep breath in, exhaling slowly. He wished he could stay here, rooted to the spot, enjoying the beauty of nature, but he knew that if he didn’t get back soon Bambi would practically blow up his phone with text messages.

***

Dave opened the door, slightly startled by the chime it made as he entered the store. His gaze lingered around for a moment before he spotted a young cashier sitting at the register, looking rather bored as he swiped absentmindedly on his phone. Glancing around, Dave realized that no one else occupied the store except the two of them. Shrugging, he turned to the shelf closest to him, putting a finger to his mouth as his eyes traced each and every case on display. Raising an eyebrow, Dave picked up a game from one of the shelves, realizing just then that he’d never asked Bambi what kind of game he’d like. Taking his phone out, Dave called Bambi, propping his phone up between his shoulder and his cheek for a moment as he put the game back. The phone continued buzzing for a few moments before Dave heard the satisfying click of someone answering. “Bambi?” Dave asked as he held his phone.

“Huh?” Bambi’s voice sounded out on the other end, followed shortly after by the sound of Tristan greeting Dave in the background cheerfully.

“Hi! Um, I was just wondering, what kind of game would you prefer?”

A loud silence stretched between them for a few seconds before Bambi asked, “What?”

“Y’know, like, I dunno, an adventure game, an action game, something like that?”

“Oh. I don’t fuckin’ know...” Bambi muttered before adding, “Surprise me, I guess.”

As Dave listened to Bambi, a game on the shelf opposite of him caught his eye. “Hmm... Alrighty then!” Dave replied, hanging up a moment later. Dave wheeled himself over to the other shelf, picking up the game he’d taken an interest in. The cover design had a black silhouette perched on a cliff, peeking across a vast expanse of land below, trees sloping upward. A mist seemed to cling to the trees, tinting them a slight blue while stars hung upon the sky above. “Hm.” Dave ran a finger along the cover thoughtfully before flipping it over to read what was printed on the back. In a world where cats- Oh! It’s a cat! Dave flipped the case back over to see that, surely enough, the black silhouette had ears, pricked in a way to amplify hearing. Dave smiled, realizing that he must’ve been paying too much attention to the setting rather than the shadow inhabiting it. Flipping it back over, Dave continued reading the words printed on it.

In a world where cats thrive, shadows cling to the past, tainting the present. Danger hangs on the horizon, threatening the world of Arsafohe. A savior is needed, to provide a solution to divisions. Four must become one to broaden the horizon.

Dave leaned back in his wheelchair, feeling rather tempted as he rested the game on his lap for a moment. He liked the concept of it; it was mysterious, and didn’t let on much, which, in his opinion, was a pretty good marketing technique. His only wonder was whether Bambi would like it or not. Shrugging off the idea, Dave sat upright. He did say to surprise him, Dave recalled. Nodding to himself, Dave decided to get it. Dave looked at the price, deemed that $19.99 was reasonable, and went over to the cashier. The cashier set his phone down as Dave approached, greeting him with a wave.

“Hey.” The boy greeted, taking the game gracefully out of Dave’s hands as he handed it to him.

“Hi!” Dave replied, realizing a moment later that he hadn’t looked at the title of the game he’d chosen.

The cashier glanced down at the game before exclaiming, “Oh! I don’t think anyone’s ever bought this one before,”

Dave cocked his head slightly. “Really?”

“Mhm! It’s just been sitting on display collecting dust for as long as I can remember. We never got more in stock though, for some reason,”

Huh. Dave nodded absentmindedly, curiosity weaving its way into his thoughts.

“Is this all you’ll be getting today?” The cashier’s voice broke Dave’s train of thought.

“Huh? Oh, yeah, yup.”

After Dave paid for it he left, promising the boy behind the register that he’d let him know how the game went if he ever decided to come back to the store. As Dave headed back home, he remembered the fact that he still didn’t know what the name of the game was. Taking the game out of the plastic bag it had been put in alongside its receipt, Dave glanced at the golden letters printed on the bottom of the front, which read Not Yet Decoded. “Hm.” Shrugging, Dave put it back in the bag, continuing his course back home.

By the time Dave reached the front door, it had begun to rain, a gentle drizzle that stained the pavement a dark gray. Dave grabbed his keys, unlocking the door moments later. Dave peered through the door as he opened it slightly before saying, “I’m ho-”

“Yay, Dad’s back!” Tristan exclaimed, his voice sounding slightly muffled, and a moment later he burst out of his room, rushing over to the door to open it for Dave.

As Dave came in, Tristan thrust a slightly crumpled piece of paper in front of his face, smiling and pointing at it before saying, “Look! Bambi and I drew each other!”

Dave took the paper out of Tristan’s hands, pulling it slightly farther from his face in order for his eyes to register it. He smiled softly as he gazed down at the crayon drawing. “Aw, cute,” Dave replied as he handed the paper back to Tristan.

Tristan turned around as Bambi came out of Tristan’s room. “Bambi! Show Dad your drawing!” He exclaimed, pointing towards Dave excitedly.

Bambi stared at Tristan in disbelief for a moment before rolling his eyes and handing it to him, watching as Tristan turned around to show it to Dave.

Dave glanced at the drawing for a moment before looking at Bambi. “That was sweet of you!” Dave said as he handed the paper to Tristan.

“I wanna go draw some more!” Tristan looked back at Dave expectantly, as if silently asking for his approval.

“Sure, go ahead,” Dave watched in amusement as Tristan waved before vanishing into his room. Turning his attention back to Bambi, Dave set the bag he was holding down on the floor before thanking him for watching Tristan.

Bambi shrugged. “You welcome.”

“Oh, let me show you what I got!” Dave grabbed the bag off the floor. “Here, we can probably set it up now if you want, considering the fact that Tristan is busy.”

“Where?” Bambi asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“My room,” Dave replied, wheeling past Bambi and opening the door to his own room.

Bambi followed him, shutting the door behind him as he asked, “What you get?”

Dave got out of his wheelchair, leaning against it as he sat on the floor next to his bed. “One second,” Dave mumbled as he took the game out of the plastic bag, handing it over to Bambi. “I thought it looked inte-”

“Fuck is this?” Bambi asked, flipping it over, looking puzzled. Before Dave could say anything, Bambi continued. “Cats? What is important about cats?”

“I thought it looked interesting,” Dave finished.

“This barely even got explanation!” Bambi retorted.

“That’s what I thought was interesting about it,” Dave smiled again before adding, “You did say to surprise you.”

“This isn’t interesting! And what the fuck is a ‘arasafohee’?

Dave shrugged. “I’m guessing it’s what the world in the game is called,” Leaning forward, Dave tapped the front of the case, specifically the trees on the cover.

“You don’t even know what it about, do you?”

Dave went quiet for a few moments before saying slowly, “...No. But! Like I said! That’s what I think makes it interesting!”

Bambi clenched his fists for a moment before sighing and saying, “Okay, fine. How do we set it up?”

“We don’t really have to do much,” Dave said quickly, pointing at something towards the bottom of the TV in his room. “See that little console thing?”

Bambi looked behind himself, spotted it, and made his way over to it.

“Uh...” Dave thought for a moment, realizing how little terms he knew when it came to this kind of stuff. “Pop out the tiny thing on the left and put the... Disc in...? Sorry, I don’t remember how to do this stuff.” Dave apologized quickly. Dave watched as Bambi took the disc out of the case before pressing it into the slot.

After a few seconds, Bambi said, “It won’t go in.”

“Try flipping it over?” Dave replied hesitantly.

“I already try that!” Bambi shot back.

Yet, as Dave watched Bambi, he caught a glimpse of the shiny silver disc reflecting the light in the room as it was flipped over, resulting in Dave having to stifle a smile. Dave heard the sound of the disc clicking into place as Bambi shut the compartment, looking back at Dave.

“That it?”

“Mhm, I think so!” Dave replied excitedly, picking up the remote from his bedside table as Bambi sat down near him, still looking rather irritated. Dave turned it on, but nothing happened. There was a silence that stretched between them, despite the TV having an indicator that it was on. “Oh.” Dave laughed. “Maybe we did something wrong? I mean, I haven’t done something li-” Dave was cut off as a bright burst of white illuminated the room, resulting in him putting an arm up to shield himself from the blinding light. A wind picked up, seemingly out of nowhere, and, with horror, Dave spotted Bambi attempting to back up, only for the current to pull him closer to wherever it was coming from. “Bambi!” Dave shouted, putting his arm down to see that a void had opened up where he had last seen the console. Dave leaned forward, trying to reach Bambi in time. “Bambi! Bambi, grab my hand!” Dave called out, outstretching his right arm as he kept his left hand firmly grasped on his wheelchair.

Bambi reached to grab it, but it was too late. A gust of wind pulled him back in an urgent manner, and as Bambi fell back the void seemed to swallow him whole.

No! “Bambi!” Dave cried out, seeing nothing but shadows as Bambi vanished into the black hole. Dave froze as he heard the sound of a door slamming open in the hallway, followed by Tristan calling out for him. “Just a-” Dave was cut off as his wheelchair began to dislodge itself from against the wall, and as Dave tried to push it back, it began to lean forward, dragging Dave with it towards the blackness that awaited him. “Just a second!” Dave shouted before his wheelchair slammed against him, knocking the wind out of him as he slid into the darkness of the vast void, terror shooting through him as the hole he’d fallen through disappeared.

Dave plummeted down the endless void, his eyes forced shut as wind blurred past his face, making his eyes water as he squinted, just for a moment, to catch a glimpse of the atmosphere. Sparks of color bounced around, seeming to get bigger the more Dave stared at them. Closing his eyes again, Dave tried to take a breath, but much to his dismay, there was nothing. No air. Just wind, colors, and a vast void that seemed to stretch farther than the eye could ever see. Coughing, spluttering, Dave fought against the endless tide of air, but he knew it was no use. Was this really the way things ended? Dave coughed once more, his throat and lungs burning as he blindly tried to reach out, to grab anything in reach, but there was nothing. Lightheaded, Dave felt his senses begin to slip away, but in that exact moment, he felt something, like he was breaking a surface of some sort. 

Dave hit the ground, dazed. He didn’t dare to open his eyes; all he was focused on was gulping in breath after breath, feeling the burning in his chest reside after a few moments.

Reluctantly, Dave opened his eyes, his vision adjusting to the sunshine cascading across his field of view as he glanced at the blades of grass beneath his fingertips. Tearing his gaze away from the lush greenery, he rolled onto his back, looking up to see a vast sky overhead.

“What the...?” Dave mumbled to himself, sitting up as he placed a hand against his head before looking around once more. Bushes and trees dotted the landscape, alongside a few tiny streams. As Dave investigated his surroundings, he suddenly remembered the other victim of the fall. “Bambi?”

“Fuck!” A voice shouted in response, and a moment later Bambi forced his way out of a bush near Dave, looking angry and disoriented. Bambi’s gaze darted around for a moment before flouncing over to Dave, his fists clenched. “Where the fu-“

Dave’s heart sank with realization a moment later, and, cutting Bambi off, he looked over his shoulder frantically. “Tristan?” Dave called. “Tristan?!”

Bambi stared at him as if he were crazy. “Tristan isn’t-”

“I heard him!” Dave cut Bambi off once more. “I heard his voice. He could’ve fallen with us! Tristan?”

“I don’t think he-”

“Oh, what if he’s hurt?!” Dave cried out, his eyes widening at the thought of his son being injured. “We have to find him!”

Bambi seemed to tremble with fury as he snapped, “Where the fuck are we?!”

Dave turned his attention back to him. “I have no idea! I don’t know what happened!”

“This your fault!” Bambi shouted as he turned to face Dave.

“Mine?!” Dave gazed at Bambi in disbelief. “How? I didn’t do anything!” Dave protested.

“If you have not gotten that game we wouldn’t be here!”

“I’m sorry!” Dave cried out, his heart pounding heavy in his chest as he glanced around frantically, burying his face in his arms a moment later. Dave had grown awfully aware of the fact that his eyes had begun to sting as he tried his best to hold back his tears. Dave let out a small sniffle, half expecting Bambi to go off on him once again, but he was silent.

“Uh, Dave?”

“Just leave me alone,” Dave waved one of his hands in the direction he’d last seen Bambi. “I messed up. I’m sorry.”

“Dave, come on, I didn’t mean it,” Bambi’s voice was curt, yet a hint of concern tainted his words.

Dave scoffed. “Oh, yeah, sure, you didn’t mean it,” He remarked, his voice breaking towards the end of his sentence. Dave heard Bambi sigh, followed by footsteps fading away. Lifting his head, Dave looked around for a moment before spotting Bambi in front of a bush, trying to grab something that Dave couldn’t make out. After a few seconds, Bambi hauled something gray out of the bushes, propping it up and turning around to face Dave. “Oh.” Dave looked away, wiping at his eyes as Bambi wheeled his wheelchair over to him. Dave blinked and glanced back at Bambi as he held his hand out, shaking it after a few moments of Dave not doing anything.

“Come on.”

“But I-”

“Come on! ” Bambi snapped impatiently.

Dave grabbed his hand, hauling himself into his wheelchair with Bambi’s help.

Bambi let go of his hand, shaking it out before turning around to observe their surroundings. The ground sloped up and down slightly, revealing more and more valleys beyond. Bambi turned around, looking past Dave, who had his arms crossed. The ground sloped up into another faint hill while the trees grew thicker, coating the woodland in a thin layer of shade. “Where are we?"

Dave straightened up, shrugging as he met Bambi’s gaze. “How should I know? What happened, anyway?” Dave asked, shaking his head in an attempt to jog his memory.

“Don’t know,” Bambi replied as he took a few careless steps towards the forest.

“Where are you going?”

“Going to see if I can find anything here.” Bambi pointed towards the trees as he walked up the tiny slope. “Wait here.” Bambi added as he slipped into the undergrowth. 

Dave stared at the spot he’d last seen Bambi, anticipating his return. After a few moments, Dave let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Sliding out of his wheelchair until he sat comfortably on the ground, Dave felt the springy grass under his palms. It felt normal. Dave watched as the blades of green filtered through his fingers, gleaming in the sun overhead. It looked normal. Yet that still didn’t answer the question he had; what was this place? Had he dreamed it all? When would the dream have started? Dave shook his head, dread rising like bile in his throat. This is not a dream.

Dave tightened his grip on the grass, fingernails striking dirt as he glanced around once more. There was nothing out of the ordinary here; just him, alone in this vast sea of greenery. Nothing.

Dave wasn’t sure how long he’d sat there, head swimming with questions, but he was snapped out of it shortly after by the sound of frantic footsteps behind him. Jumping, Dave looked over his shoulder to see Bambi force a few branches apart, stepping onto the plain grass less than a second later. Shaking the grit from his fingernails, Dave opened his mouth to ask something as Bambi approached, but all Bambi did was put a finger to his own mouth to tell Dave to be quiet. Dave raised an eyebrow. “Did you fi-”

“Shush!” Bambi hissed out, his gaze darting over towards the bushes for a split second before he started hauling Dave into his wheelchair.

“Hey!” Dave protested. “What are you-”

Bambi shushed him again before whispering, “I heard voices.”

Dave’s heart fluttered in his chest hopefully. This could be their way out! “Maybe they can help us!” Dave whispered back eagerly, but it was clear that Bambi thought otherwise as he began pushing Dave and his wheelchair away from the woods.

“Help?!” Bambi echoed. “Is you crazy? They can be dangerous!”

“So what? I’m sure after we explain what- Oof! Ow, Bambi, stop!” Dave protested as Bambi grabbed him by the collar of his sweater, hauling him out of his wheelchair and shoving him into a last-minute hiding spot in a bush. “Stop it, I wanna talk to them!” Dave added, pushing him away, trying to untangle himself from the bush branches afterwards. Despite this, both of them froze at the sound of a faint voice echoing through the woodland.

“...and so I said to him, if he wanted it he should’ve just said so!”

Dave blinked, casting a look of confusion towards Bambi. Bambi was still facing Dave, but his eyes had darted towards the direction the voice was coming from, his knuckles tense, whitening as he gripped Dave’s wheelchair. Dave jumped as the footsteps came closer, and, flinching, Dave backed further into the bush, heart pounding. What was I thinking?! Bambi’s right, they could be dangerous! Dave looked up just in time to see Bambi glare at him for a moment, a look that displayed his thoughts oh-so clearly. Look at what you’ve done. Dave looked away, heart heavy in his chest. He just wanted to go home.

Bambi clenched his fists as he turned to face the trees, letting go of Dave's wheelchair in the process.

Dave felt nauseous as the bushes rustled, and a moment later a figure stepped out of the greenery. Dave froze. It’s fluffy. Why is it fluffy?

“So he got all angry at me for saying that, but like, what else was I supposed to say? It’s just the truth!” The figure rambled on, letting out a small scoff afterward.

Dave noticed Bambi slightly relax, confusion bright in his eyes. The sunlight cascading on Dave’s eyes made it hard for him to make out what exactly this thing was, but he noticed two fluffy ears pointed upward. What is that?

“Ohhh, don’t even get me started on the-” The strange silhouette stopped, turning directly towards Dave and Bambi. “Uh, Quinn? What are those?”

“Once again, a failure in the system of education, huh?” Another voice sounded out from the trees, a second figure popping out of the bushes a moment later. “Well- ...woah.”

Bambi darted forward a few steps towards them before shouting, “Get outta here!”

The first one jumped back, clearly startled, while the second one seemed unphased, looking rather curious. A moment later it turned to whisper to the other one, keeping its eyes trained on Dave and Bambi as it spoke in a hushed voice.

Bambi turned around to face Dave, looking highly offended. “They think they better than us!”

Dave stared at him, raising an eyebrow. Dave froze a moment later as the two unfamiliar faces began making their way over to them.

Bambi tore his gaze away from Dave, leaping forward to spit out, “I said, get the fuck outta here!”

The first one backed away, while the second one did nothing but step closer.

“Fuckin’ bitch!” Bambi snarled, looking as if he were about to pounce at any moment.

While Bambi shouted profanities, Dave inspected the creature in front of them, and with a lingering feeling of dread, he realized that they were cats. But these aren’t normal cats! They’re standing on their hind legs! Dave put a hand against his chest to slow his breathing, trying to ignore the realization that seeped through his mind, staining his thoughts. The game had a cat on it. So it wasn't a normal cat? Does that mean... Dave inhaled sharply, but the time for ideas to start making their ways into his head wasn’t now. Dave jumped as the second cat whipped out a spear, seemingly out of nowhere, pointing it directly at Bambi. “Hey, hey hey hey!” Dave protested, forcing himself out of the last few scraggly branches of the bush before crawling in front of Bambi. “Leave him alone! There’s no need for v-”

“Quiet, you two!” The cat, Quinn, snapped. The lanky cat slinked closer to Dave, holding the spear close to his head.

Dave’s breath hitched, silently pleading for the cat to have a change in heart.

Bambi sprang forward, leaping past Dave to aim for the spear, attempting to dislodge the spear from the cat. Instead, Quinn whipped the spear at Bambi, almost as if he were playing golf and Bambi was the golf ball, flinging him back a few feet as Bambi’s cry of dismay was cut off with a grunt against the impact. The tinier cat from before sprang over to Bambi, grabbing his tiny thrashing body to restrain him before glancing up.

“Rowan, keep that little thing right there,” Quinn hissed, his gaze darting between Dave and Bambi.

Dave began to back away, but he flinched once more as Quinn whirled around to look back at him, eyes cold. “Please, let us explain! We don’t mean any harm, honestly!” Dave cried out, a feeble attempt to establish peace.

“Listen here, you two,” Quinn hissed.

Dave blinked. You completely ignored me!

“You two are what we call anomalies. Tell us who and what you two are and why you’re here, and I might go easy on you.”

“Wait!” Dave protested. “I... Uh... I have a... A question! I have a question!”

“Spit it out.”

“My son, have you seen him? Red shirt, blue pants, yellow shoes?”

Bambi fought out of Rowan’s grip for a moment to shout, “I done told you already, he ain’t h-” Bambi’s interception was cut off as Rowan silenced him once more.

Dave paid no attention to Bambi, only ever-so-slightly narrowing his eyes. “Well? Please tell me you’ve seen him,” Dave added, desperation seeping its way into his words. “I don’t know where he is,” Dave’s last sentence came out as a hushed whisper.

“Nope.” Quinn replied, straightening up. “If your ‘son’ was here, we’d have found him already. Plus, we found you two together, did we not?” Quinn clicked his tongue as he stared down at Dave. “Kind of a shame how you have no idea how or what your son is doing. You sure this isn’t just a distraction to buy yourself some time?”

“Why would I lie about this?!” Dave scoffed in disbelief and hurt, the words surprisingly stinging him. “How am I supposed to find my son if I don’t know where he is?!”

“Once again, that’s your problem. Your fault you lost your own son. Can you believe that?” Quinn asked with a small chuckle as he looked over at Rowan.

Rowan glanced up from inspecting Bambi’s hat. “Uh...” He began, eyes darting between Dave and Quinn. “I dunno, you tell me.” Rowan took a hand off of Bambi’s mouth and lifted him into the air to stare at his face. “Hi, little guy!”

"Fuck you!" Bambi yelled, attempting to fight out of his grasp once again as he lashed out at Rowan.

“This is serious!” Dave cried out, tears of frustration threatening to show.

“Then explain why your son isn’t here.” Quinn hissed.

“Haven’t I told you enough?” Dave retorted. “Him and I-” Dave pointed at Bambi. “-just randomly arrived here without my son, but I knew where he was before!”

“‘Randomly arrived?’”

“Yes! Why won’t you believe me?”

“Take a wild guess. It’s hard to believe.” Quinn pointed the spear back at him, eyes as cold as ice, zero trace of any empathy within them.

Dave narrowed his eyes, feeling his lip tremble. Dave glanced over to see that Bambi had fastened his teeth into Rowan’s arm, getting shaken off a moment later. Bambi glared at Rowan one last time before hurrying back over to Dave.

“Why don’t you leave us the fuck alone?” Bambi spat.

“Mmm, yeah, no, we can’t. As I said before, you two things are what we call anomalies. You don’t belong here.” Quinn replied.

“We’ve explained ourselves,” Dave piped up quietly. “haven't we?”

“Yeah! We done explain ourselves already!” Bambi added, glaring up at the cat.

Rowan had already returned behind Quinn, looking past him.

“And who’s this?” Bambi asked, pointing at Rowan. “This you lil’ sidekick? Lil’ partner in crime?”

Dave snorted as he wiped at his eyes, smiling at Bambi’s insults.

“Him?” Quinn looked over his shoulder. “He’s just some random cat I saved. That good enough for you?”

Bambi stared at him for a moment. “Fuck you.” Bambi turned around, walking back over to the bush to haul Dave’s wheelchair out of the slightly-withered twigs.

Dave turned around, crawling closer to Bambi, but his movement did not go undetected as he felt sharp claws pierce the collar of his sweater, scraping against his neck threateningly. Dave opened his mouth angrily to say something, but all he could muster was a tiny squeal as he was lifted into the air. The front of his sweater tightened around his neck, forcing out a cough as he struggled to free himself from Quinn’s grasp.

“Hey!” Bambi shouted, jumping forward. Bambi grabbed Dave by one of his prosthetics, about to attempt to pull him free, but thought better of it.

“Do you really think we’re going to leave you two out here unsupervised?” Quinn hissed before dropping Dave, shaking out his hand afterward. “Didn’t expect it to be that heavy,” he muttered as he glared down at Dave, who was rubbing at his neck with another pained cough.

“Alright, alright!” Dave spat out hoarsely. “We won’t go anywhere, just, please, don’t hurt us!”

“Well, he’s almost as big as you,” Rowan interrupted, replying to Quinn’s former insult. “The other one’s pretty light. He’s tiny.”

“Wow, eyes? You have eyes? He’s tiny?! Can't believe it! What an amazing observation, bravo!” Quinn shot back sarcastically.

“At least I’m not the one who tried to grab one by its pelt. How would you feel if someone grabbed you like that?”

“Wouldn’t care. Don’t know why that thing is so up in arms over it.”

“Maybe it just doesn’t like being touched.”

“Maybe.”

“Stop talking like we aren’t here!” Bambi shouted. “He’s not ‘up in arms’ over it, it fucking hurts!”

“They’re interesting.” Rowan commented, squinting as he observed the two.

“They’re not ‘interesting,’ they’re threats!" Quinn snapped.

Dave had clambered back into his wheelchair by the time that the two strange cats had stopped bickering, while Bambi stood next to him, glaring at them. “So, where do you want us to go?” Dave asked flatly.

Quinn’s eyes burned into Dave's, making him flinch. “Let’s take them back to the cabin.” Quinn decided as he turned back to Rowan.

Rowan nodded his approval before hurrying towards Dave and Bambi excitedly, Quinn following slowly behind. “Come on, little guy!” Rowan said as he stretched his arms out towards Bambi.

Bambi looked him up and down, taking a few steps behind Dave’s wheelchair. “The fuck is this?”

Quinn answered before Rowan could. “What’s stopping you from running away?”

Dave sighed before mumbling to Bambi, “Let’s just get this over with.” Dave didn’t bother fighting the cat as Quinn picked him up properly this time, yet, one more question crossed his mind. “What about my wheelchair?”

“What, you need that thing?”

“Obviously!” Dave shot back irritably.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Rowan, can you make two trips?” Quinn asked, looking towards Rowan who held a very upset-looking Bambi.

“Mhm!”

“Okay, let’s go, then.”

Dave’s eyes widened with dismay upon the realization that there was no way out of this other than to oblige.

Chapter 3

Bambi swore on his entire non-existent bloodline that he’d never gotten that fast out of anyone’s grip ever. If anything, he could even say he got out of those wretched claws faster than a white family leaving for the airport. He sprang out of the god-forsaken damn paws that held him the moment before, almost face planting into the mud with his successful attempt. While in the process of readjusting his hat, Bambi realized that a structure seemed to have appeared in front of them; upon further investigation, Bambi realized it was a cabin.

“Here we are,” Quinn said unenthusiastically, breaking Bambi’s train of thought. Quinn set Dave down on the grass, taken by surprise when Dave fell forward, arms out to catch his fall as he landed on the grass, sitting up a moment later to glare at Quinn.

“Hey!” Dave cried out, wiping the grass stains off of his shirt as best as he could.

“Huh?” Quinn replied.

“Do I look like I can stand? Why do you think I need a wheelchair?!”

Quinn turned around to Rowan, raising an eyebrow. “Whatever. That one-” Quinn pointed at Dave. “-wants his whale-car or whatever it's called.”

“Oh, come on! I just said it!” Dave broke in once more.

“Yeah, yeah,” Quinn waved Dave off. “Go get it.”

“‘Kay.” Rowan replied before turning and bolting off.

Bambi completely ignored whatever they were talking about as he approached the house, eyebrows raised.

Quinn leaned towards Dave to say, “Does your little pet like cabins a lot?”

The fuck? “Pet?!” Bambi whirled around. “I’m not anyone’s fucking pet!” Bambi rushed back to Quinn with a middle finger up, glaring at him. “Don’t fucking call me that again! I look like a pet to yous? You look damn well pet alright! I gonna put you on a leash ya dumb cat!”

All Quinn did was let out a snort of amusement, which only fueled Bambi’s anger more. Bitch. Bambi whirled around before pointing at the cabin in front of them. “So, what’s this? Ya home?”

“Yeah, you could say that.” Quinn muttered absentmindedly as he dragged Dave forward a few feet by the arm so that the two of them were next to Bambi.

“I didn't see it a second ago.”

“Safety precautions. It’s just an illusion.”

Bambi stared. “The house or the invisible?”

“Invisibility,” Quinn corrected. “Yes, it's invisibility, don’t be dumb.”

At this point Dave had sat up and had his gaze locked on the tiny building before them before sighing not long after. “Can we please not waste our time? And don’t drag me!” Dave added, shooting a glare at Quinn.

“Gladly,” Quinn replied over his shoulder as he headed towards the steps leading up to the front door.

Bambi watched the cat doubtfully before turning to Dave with a shrug. “Want me to help?”

Dave sunk his elbows into the soil below him as he laced his hands together, propping his chin on them a moment later. “I’ll wait.”

Bambi raised an eyebrow. “For what?”

“For that other one to get back with my wheelchair!” Dave shot back irritably.

“Okay, okay, goddamn,” Bambi replied, waving his hands around in an exaggerated expression, raising his eyebrows in mock shock. Turning around with frustration, Bambi stomped up the few steps, the door slightly ajar. Harshly opening it, Bambi walked into the establishment, kicking the door shut behind him.

Quinn, who had been looking at something before, turned around to face Bambi. “Where’s the blue one?”

“Waiting,” Bambi replied with a tiny scoff. “So how the fuck are we supposed to get outta here?”

“Door.” Quinn pointed towards the door absentmindedly.

“What?”

“It’s a house. You don’t have doors? If you wanna go out-”

“I’m not talking about the damn house!” Bambi shouted. “I know what the fuck a door is! You think I’m stupid?”

Quinn seemed unphased as he turned back around to continue doing something. “If you’re trying to look for one of the other realms, you wouldn’t-”

“Bambi!” A voice shouted outside.

Flinching, Bambi looked over his shoulder, ignoring Quinn’s question as to whether it was his name or not. Sighing dramatically, Bambi turned away from the cat, heading back outside. He was greeted by a rather-upset looking Dave. At this point Dave had already sat up, his arms crossed. “What?” Bambi asked.

“I could hear you shouting all the way out here!” Dave glanced around before beckoning Bambi closer to him with his left hand.

Bambi sighed again as he marched over to Dave. “What?”

“You better not slip up!” Dave spoke in an urgent, hushed voice.

“Slip what?”

“We can’t let them know they’re in a darn video game!” Dave whispered.

“I’m not gonna!” Bambi shot back, stepping away.

“Hey, guys, look!” A cheerful voice sounded out a moment later. Rowan stepped out of a few clumps of shrub, dragging Dave’s wheelchair against the ground, flattening the grass beneath it in two straight lines as he proceeded.

Dave shot Bambi one last warning glance before perking up and saying, “Thank you!”

Doesn’t even trust me! Bambi furrowed his brows, losing his train of thought as Rowan reached Dave.

“Yeah, no problem.” Rowan replied, tail twitching as he abruptly took a closer look at the wheelchair. “So this is your, uh... Whale-car?” He asked, sounding rather amused.

Dave shook his head slightly. “No, it’s called a wheelchair. It helps me get around.”

“Oh, so it’s like a wheel with chairs on it?”

Bambi bit his bottom lip to stifle his laugh, turning away a moment later, taking a few steps towards the house as he snickered under his breath, laughing further upon Dave’s reply.

“Uh... No, it’s more like a chair with wheels on it.”

“What’s the difference?”

Bambi took in a deep, shaky breath as he turned around to face the two with a straight face.

Dave looked even further disturbed. “Uhm... Forget it.” Dave replied with a nervous laugh as he hauled himself into his wheelchair. 

Bambi walked over behind Dave’s wheelchair, pushing it towards the cabin a few feet away. Rowan hurried past them, opening the door and vanishing inside. After a few moments of silence, Bambi remarked, “That bitch stupid as fuck.”

“Bambi!” Dave cried out before laughing a moment later. “Oh, my gosh, that was so awkward. Could you see me? I wanted that to end so badly!”

All Bambi did was smirk for a moment before stopping at the steps, raising an eyebrow.

Dave must’ve sensed his uncertainty. “I can just crawl up them, easy-peasy.” Dave made his way up the three steps easily, turning and backing up to look down towards Bambi.

Bambi turned the wheelchair around so the back was facing the stairs and put his hands against the bottom of it, trying his best to shove it up the stairs as best as he could. He felt the weight against him release as Dave grabbed the top of it, hauling it up with one last yank.

Not long after, Dave made his way through the door in his wheelchair, Bambi behind him.

“Took you two long enough!” Quinn snapped over his shoulder, whirling around to face them.

“Well I’m sorry your house has steps!” Dave replied.

Rolling his eyes, Bambi walked away, looking at the wall closest to him. Looking up, he caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a sketch of something with a few pins in it. Boring, Bambi concluded, yawning. There were multiple withering wooden shelves that barely seemed to hold up. “This place fuc-”

“Both of you, shut up and start explaining!” Quinn interrupted, slamming one of his hands against the desk next to him. “I know your name is Bimba or something like that,” Quinn began as his gaze flickered towards Bambi.

“Stop pronouncing shit wrong!” Bambi called out frustratedly.

“Let me finish.”

“Say it!”

“No, let me finish.”

“Say my name!”

“I said let me finish.”

Bambi glared at Quinn angrily, but remained silent.

“Thank you, Bambi,” Quinn continued, ignoring Bambi’s scoff as he turned to face Dave. “Your name is...?”

“He said his name was Dave.” Rowan piped up.

“Okay... Now how about you telling us why you’re actually here?” Quinn asked accusingly.

“I already told you we don’t know!” Dave cried out. “I’m trying to find my son, but heaven forbid I can do that when you two strangers decide to barge in and act like you know everything!”

“I told you already, what kind of father loses their own son? If he winds up dead it’s your fault.”

Dave’s shoulders sagged with defeat, followed by a small whimper.

“Hey!” Bambi shouted. “You don’t know our whole fuckin’ story!”

“So? I can still give my input.”

“Yeah!” Rowan added once more.

“You don’t seem to want us here. Why can’t you just let us go?” Dave asked quietly, looking back up at Quinn.

“What do you have, short term memory loss?” Quinn spat. “I’ve already told you two, you’re both anomalies. You’re not cats. You’re lucky I didn’t kill you with this!” Quinn pulled out the spear once again, spinning it between his claws as he glared at Dave.

“You’re impressively fucking annoying!” Bambi yelled out furiously.

“Okay okay okay!” Dave spoke quickly, panic fresh in his voice. “Just don’t... Don’t- Just kill... Ugh! Just don’t kill us! Please!” Dave stammered desperately.

What in god’s green earth does this dumb bitch want? Bambi pondered. What’s an anomaly? No maly? Bambi was convinced this had to be some kind of social experiment. These things were babbling on and on like a damn broken record! Half of the shit they said hardly made sense either! ...At least to Bambi. Dave acted like one wrong word would result in World War III. By the time Bambi turned his attention back to the three they had already begun arguing once more. Dave and Quinn were going on about who knows what, while all Rowan did was add little bits of commentary every now and then.

“Oh, puh-lease, you have no idea what it’s like!” Dave said. “We have no idea how we managed to end up here!”

“You can’t just magically pop in out of nowhere! You’re crazy, both of you! You haven’t even specified what you two vermin are!”

“Vermin? How many hairballs do you cough up on a daily basis?”

Bambi snorted, pursing his lips to stifle his laughter as an awkward silence fell upon the atmosphere.

Quinn stared at Dave for a moment before chuckling slightly before bursting out into full-blown laughing. “Oh, that’s funny,” Quinn managed to get out as he walked past Dave.

Dave instinctively put his arms up to protect himself, but stopped when Quinn walked straight past him. Turning around, Dave watched as Quinn fiddled with the blinds on the windows next to the door.

“How would that...” Quinn wheezed. “How would that even work?”

“You think we lick ourselves?” Rowan asked.

Bambi raised an eyebrow. “You do, back in-” Bambi was silenced with a glare from Dave. Dave continued glaring at him for another moment before locking his fingers together and turning his attention back to Quinn.

“Sorry, ignore him. I’m guessing he’s probably just a little confused-” Dave’s gaze flickered towards Bambi once again. “-about this whole thing. I am too. Can you please help us get out of here? We really don’t know-”

“First it was the pudgy tiny green one preaching to me about getting out, and now it’s you. I’m telling you both, if you wanna get a breath of fresh air, be my guest and take the door.” Quinn interrupted, pointing at the door behind him.

“Pudgy?!” Bambi echoed in disbelief.

“Oh, no, no no no, we’re not doing that,” Dave broke in. “You better not insult my friends or I’m gonna get real-”

“Shut up.” Quinn replied.

“Stop interru-”

“No.”

“Liste-”

“No.”

Dave’s frown deepened as he furrowed his eyebrows.

Quinn remained silent for a second before saying, “Okay, seems like we’re on the same page. You keep your mouth shut, and I do the talking.”

“Whatev-”

“Ah!” Quinn interrupted, glaring at Dave. “Mouth shut.”

“Well maybe I will take the dang door!” Dave snapped, turning around in his wheelchair and opening the door. With one last glare, he slammed the door behind him.

“Interesting thing.” Quinn picked at his claws for a moment as his gaze trailed over to Bambi. “What? You gonna say something? Stop staring at me like that.”

Bambi narrowed his eyes, but before he could say anything, a small “whoa!” came from outside, accompanied by the sound of crashing. “Ah, shit.” Bambi turned away, opening the door to see Dave on his stomach lying on the ground, grass stains on his clothes as his wheelchair laid haphazardly on top of him. Bambi exchanged a glance with Dave as he walked down the steps, pushing the wheelchair off. We need to get out of here. Looking over his shoulder, Bambi spotted Quinn standing in the doorway. “Gonna tell us how to get outta here?” Bambi remarked as he lifted Dave up.

Quinn raised an eyebrow. “You’re outside.”

“What we mean is, uh...” Dave trailed off. “How do we get out of... here?” Dave moved his arms around to emphasize the area they were in.

Rowan sneaked up next to Quinn to whisper something to him, to which Quinn responded, “Maybe.”

“Maybe? Maybe what?” Bambi echoed.

“Nothing, nothing. What are you guys looking for? Are you looking for one of the other realms?”

“...Realms?” Dave asked, a worried expression on his face as he looked back at Bambi.

Bambi blinked, remembering how the cat had mentioned it before. “Huh?”

“This is Herashel’s realm. Y’know, the god?"

“Her... Ash Elle?” Dave echoed.

“Why are you breaking it up like that?” Quinn asked. “Herashel. I’m not a teacher, it’s common sense.”

Holy shit, is this a religion? Bambi asked himself.

“God of Happiness? Ring a bell?” Quinn asked once again disapprovingly.

Dave and Bambi both stared at him with wide-eyed confusion.

Quinn backed away. “Whoa.”

Rowan looked up. “What?”

“These things are incredibly stupid.”

“Hey!” Dave cried.

“It’s true. I’m being serious. This is common knowledge. You’re practically fed it on a tube like it’s the only thing you are supposed to remember your entire life.”

“Well, all the gods deserve respect,” Rowan began.

“Don’t preach to me, I couldn't care less about the gods. I mean, I don’t even care about them and I even know a bunch about them. How do these things know absolutely nothing? They just... appeared! Out of nowhere!”

“What if they’re gods?” Rowan inquired.

“Fat chance. These are just anomalies. They seem to be causing us more trouble than it’s worth, so...”

“You will not kill us! Not until we get out of this place!” Dave intercepted, sitting up straight.

“Wow. Big tough guy, am I right?” Quinn muttered. “Ugh, fine... I’d be doing both of us a favor doing it, but since you guys oh-so-insist..."

Bambi perked up. Oh, shit! They’re gonna do a ritual!

“Tomorrow we’ll take you to the Citadel of Bliss. We can ask what’s-her-name if she has any input on this situation.”

Rowan gasped. “You can't disrespect a god like that!”

“She’s not a god. Herashel supposedly was. This cat’s simply just taking her place like many descendants before and ruling the realm until she dies. Not a god.” Quinn repeated.

“Why are you being so disrespectful?”

“Because I don’t believe in gods.”

“Uh, Citadel of Bliss?” Dave repeated. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Only if you get seen!” Quinn said enthusiastically. “Anyway, I have a wagon of some sort up in the attic. We can cover you guys in blankets and take you there.”

“Really? Like, right now?” Dave asked, beginning to sound hopeful.

Bambi raised his eyebrow. “Why are we agreeing to this?”

“You don’t have much of a choice. Also... Dave, don’t be stupid. Do you really think we’re about to go waltzing there right now? You’d probably like that. No, we’ll go tomorrow.” Quinn replied.

“We’d both fuckin’ like it cause we’ll be outta here!” Bambi flared up once again. “We gotta get outta here as fast as possible, cause he-” Bambi nudged Dave. “-has a kid and I have shit to do.”

Dave rubbed his arm where Bambi had nudged him, looking rather upset.

“...Whatever. I’m going inside.”

Rowan stopped Quinn. “Are you sure? What if they...”

Without looking back, Quinn replied, “I’m sure they both know that they’d die trying to get anywhere else. They’ll stay put because we’re the only ones that won’t kill them.” The door shut in front of Quinn and Rowan, and shortly after muffled voices came from the house.

“Why are we taking their word for it?” Bambi asked angrily. “They could be lying.”

“Who cares?” Dave sighed. “If we have to wait till tomorrow that’s what we’ll do. It’s better than nothing, I suppose.” After a moment of silence, Dave asked quietly, “What do you think Tristan is doing right now?”

“How should I know?”

“Good point.”

“...You thinkin’ the same thing I am?”

“What?”

“This like a damn cult or something! A religion?”

Dave raised an eyebrow, looking at Bambi like he’d gone crazy. “I have no idea what you’re saying.”

“God?”

“I dunno. Maybe it’s just a belief. That doesn’t necessarily make it a religion though. It could just be a story everyone collectively puts faith into because they don’t have anything else to do so with.”

Bambi stayed silent, looking off into the distance as Dave continued.

“Ugh, whatever it is, it’s mind-boggling to me. I really hope that this whole citadel thing is gonna help us.”

“How?”

Dave shrugged. “Whoever Quinn was referring to could be the answer. He didn’t say her name, but...”

“This whole thing fucking stupid. Serious, what compelled you to buy that shit?”

“I’m working with the same information as you are!” Dave protested. “You told me to surprise you, I saw something fantasy related... I-I’m a sucker for fantasy...” Dave trailed off at Bambi’s annoyed expression. “You know, why do I even bother explaining to you? It’s clear you don’t listen.”

“I listen, I'm just angry.”

“Angry? Angry over me trying to have fun with you?!” Dave straightened up with frustration, but when Bambi had no reaction, he sighed, slumping his shoulders. “Can’t even make my own friends happy without screwing it up.”

“I come back when you stop your self loathing.” Bambi stood up, walking back towards the steps of the house. Behind him, he heard Dave say, “Point taken.” Frowning, Bambi opened the door to see Quinn holding a book open in front of Rowan.

“It shows right here that-” Quinn was saying.

“That isn’t even the right timeline!” Rowan interrupted, glaring at the book.

“What?” Bambi asked, watching as Quinn slammed the book shut, setting it somewhere behind him. Quinn glared at him.

“What do you want?”

“Nothing.”

“Where’s your friend?”

“Still outside.”

“What, you ditching him?”

“No.”

“So why are you here?”

“You let us in before. I’m assume that we still able to come in?”

Quinn rolled his eyes as he turned back around to grab the book he had been holding previously, facing Rowan as he muttered, “Now where were we...”

Bambi turned his attention back to the sketch with pins in it. He knew he had called it boring before, but... there was really nothing else to work with. Bambi attempted to get a closer look, but his height didn’t allow it. Biting back a scoff, Bambi turned away, looking around for something else to at least pique his interest. Glancing at a small dresser his height, Bambi walked over to it, seeing a few pieces of paper littering each cabinet. Bambi picked up a piece of paper that hung out dexterously, turning the withered page around in his hands until he could read it correctly. The words jumbled on the page seemed to mess with him; they were so closely written together and messy that even if Bambi tried to read every word he couldn’t. It was like it required some kind of deciphering. Bambi folded the paper cautiously, sticking it in the pocket of his overalls. Who has this kinda shit lying around? These considered souvenirs? Bambi didn’t bother looking over his shoulder, knowing that’d probably draw more attention to him than less. Bambi put his hand on the top of the wooden dresser, feeling something small and cold underneath his hand. Sliding his hand off while holding it, Bambi glanced at what appeared to be some sort of coin. It shone brightly under the dim light above him, glistening. Bambi put it in his pocket, deciding that he’d give it to Dave as a souvenir. If it is classified as one, anyway. Turning around, Bambi eyed Quinn and Rowan, who were still arguing over that book from before. Narrowing his eyes, Bambi headed for the door, opening it and shutting it behind him, surprised that the two hadn’t said anything. By the time Bambi had gotten outside, Dave had moved from sitting in front of the stairs to the left of them. Bambi walked down the stairs, coming up next to Dave’s left side. “Dave, guess what!”

“What?” Dave asked absentmindedly, not taking his eyes off the sky. 

“Looks what I found!” Bambi took the gold coin out of his pocket, practically shoving it in Dave’s face.

“Huh?” Dave took the coin from Bambi's hand, inspecting it. “Where’d you find this?”

“Inside. It’s souvenir, isn’t it?”

“What? No, Bambi! Did you ask for this?”

Bambi’s gaze darted away for a second. “Uh... Yes?”

“This is stealing!” Dave gasped, the coin dropping from his hands. “Why’d you steal that?”

Bambi shrugged. “We in a-”

“Shhh!” Dave hissed through gritted teeth. “What if they hear you?” Dave continued in a hushed voice. “And... it’s still stealing either way!”

Bambi picked the coin up. “Should I bury it?”

“No! What if it has value or something?”

“Value?” You serious? “These bitches done nothing for us! If anything they deserve things stealed!”

“No, they don’t!” Dave shot back. “They said we could go to that place tomorrow. That could be our way out. If we disrespect them, who knows what they’ll do? One of them seems awfully motivated to kill us. What’d happen then?”

“Is that trick question? Cause we be dead.”

“Just go put it back!”

“Okay, okay,” Bambi turned away, putting it back in his pocket. For fucks sake! Walking back inside, Bambi simply put the coin back on the dresser, but was stopped when he heard Quinn’s voice.

“What are you poking around at?” Quinn asked; he had one hand on the book as if to keep his spot as he looked over his shoulder, Rowan looking past him.

“...Paper.” Bambi replied. “Can’t read it though.”

Quinn was quiet for a moment before Rowan interrupted, tapping his claw on the paper to bring Quinn back to whatever they were debating about.

As they did so, Bambi walked back outside.

Dave perked up as Bambi came next to him. “Well? Did you put it back?”

“Yes!” Bambi retorted. Stop treat me like a child! “I don’t need guide.”

“I’m not guiding you,” Dave responded frostily. “I’m telling you that theft is bad. I’d expect you to know that better than anyone else."

Bambi narrowed his eyes, holding his tongue. This all your fault! You just wanna shift blames! Bambi peered past Dave to see the sun slipping down the horizon, tainting the sky a soft orange. Anger flashed through him. “Great. Where we supposed to sleep?”

“Where do you think?” Dave shot back, still sounding cold. “Those cats wouldn’t want to let us out of their sight, especially at night.” Dave glanced at the cabin nervously. “They’ll probably let us sleep in there with them.”

“Probably?” Bambi echoed.

Dave avoided the question. “Let’s just go back inside,” he muttered, dragging himself over to the stairs to crawl up them a moment later.

Bambi couldn’t help but feel a flash of relief when Dave didn’t ask him to haul the wheelchair back up the steps. They’d leave it outside for the night, and just hope that no one would steal it. Following Dave inside, Bambi kicked the door shut, glancing up to see that Quinn and Rowan had quit their arguing and instead were talking in hushed voices. Clearing his throat, Bambi asked, “Sleep?”

Quinn snapped out of the conversation, locking gazes with Bambi. “What?”

“Can we sleep?”

Quinn blinked slowly before nodding. Before he could say anything, Rowan interrupted.

“I’ve been sleeping in the attic! There’s tons of blankets and pillows there. You guys can join me if you’d like!”

Dave grimaced. “No thanks.” He responded flatly, Bambi nodding in agreement.

“You can sleep on the floor, then.” Quinn said before Rowan could open his mouth. “Come on,” Quinn flicked his tail against Rowan’s leg. “Let’s go get some blankets.”

“And pillows!” Bambi snapped, watching as the two took the tiny spiral staircase leading into the attic. “Sleeping on the floor!” Bambi hissed under his breath.

“It’s not all bad,” Dave murmured. “At least we aren’t sleeping outside.”

Bambi rolled his eyes, saying nothing as Rowan and Quinn descended from the stairs, each holding a few blankets and pillows. Quinn tossed them at Dave and Bambi, while Rowan set the rest down near Dave. Bambi heard Dave mutter a small thanks, continuing to watch as Dave picked up one of the pillows.

“Huh.”

“What?” Bambi asked.

“Nothing. I just didn’t expect these to be in such good condition.”

“What, you a pillow connoisseur now?”

Dave remained quiet as he propped the pillow on the floor next to a bookshelf to his right, a few feet away from the end of Quinn’s bed. Taking off his prosthetics, he put them in an empty shelf on the bottom of the bookshelf before hauling a couple of the blankets over, letting them fall on him as he laid down. “Go to sleep,” Dave said quietly as he closed his eyes.

“Kind of hard when you’re worried someone gonna kill you in you sleep!” Bambi hissed, but still grabbed a pillow nonetheless, setting it at the foot of Quinn’s bed. He pulled a tiny blanket towards him, looking up to see Rowan scampering back up the stairs into the attic. Hope it’s going to sleep. Shortly after, the lights were turned off. Bambi closed his eyes, willing himself to fall asleep, but he knew he wasn’t tired. Opening his eyes again and looking behind him, he saw that Dave was already asleep. Grumbling to himself, he turned back around. It was going to be a long night.

Chapter 4

Dave was woken promptly with a kick to the face that sent him reeling as he was torn out of his dream. Pain coursed through his face, but it was forgotten a moment later as a thought popped into his mind. Did I sleep in again? Keeping his eyes shut against the bright light cascading onto him, he reached for his bedside table only to feel the hard floor beneath him. And fell out of my bed?! Upon opening his eyes, Dave was filled with dread as he recognized his surroundings. It wasn’t a dream, Dave thought miserably. Looking over, Dave noticed that Bambi was still asleep, and, with a twinge of annoyance, realized that Bambi must’ve kicked him by accident. Movement caught the corner of Dave’s eye. Looking over, he realized that the two cats from before, Quinn and Rowan, were bringing the previously-mentioned wagon down from the attic. As Dave sat up, wiping his eyes, he nudged Bambi a few times before turning his full attention to the cats.

“What?” Bambi grumbled as he sat up, kicking the rest of a blanket off of him as he followed Dave’s gaze to see Quinn set down the wagon. “You seriously bringin’ us in that?”

“Would you rather go waltzing in there by yourself?” Quinn snarled back, silencing him. “Come on.” Quinn turned the wagon sideways as he shoved it out the door, the clamor of it falling down the stairs erupting shortly after. “I’m not waiting all day for you two to hurry up,” He added as Rowan rushed out the door after the wagon.

“Let’s go,” Dave sighed, put his prosthetics back on, and crawled toward the doorway. He let out a small gasp as he felt paws grab him, and a moment later Quinn was carrying him out the door and down the stairs. “Put me down!” Dave spluttered in shock. Dave’s heart lurched as he dropped, only to land in the wagon a second later with a sigh of relief. “What about my wheelchair?”

“The other one’s so tiny we can probably fit it.” Quinn muttered, turning around towards the wheelchair as Bambi hauled himself into the wagon.

“Bastard.” Bambi blurted out.

Dave glared at him for a moment, stopping when Quinn put the wheelchair in the wagon next to him while Bambi sat at the end. Dave paused, realizing that Rowan was gone, only to see him emerge from the house the next second, carrying a blanket.

Rowan glanced at the wheelchair before asking Quinn, “Isn’t it gonna be heavy?”

“It’s not that bad,” Quinn replied briskly, grabbing the handle and pulling the wagon a few feet ahead.

Dave tensed as it moved beneath them, startled. A blanket enveloped them moments later, and Dave had to stifle the urge to take it off. Bambi looked equally as upset, lowering himself so that the blanket wouldn’t touch him. “I’m tired,” Dave mumbled as the wagon began to move again. A shrill of fear ran through him as he realized that now they were on their way to meet a stranger. What if she turned them away?

Bambi’s voice cut through his thoughts. “We slept on floor.”

“Yeah, that’s probably why.” No other reason! Dave rested his head against his wheelchair. What are we supposed to say when we get there? What if we aren’t believed there too? Dave narrowed his eyes. Someone has to understand! What will we do if no one does? The wagon bumped underneath them as it hit a rock. I have to get home.

***

The rumbling underneath them eventually began to smooth. We must be on a pathway now. Or maybe a sidewalk? He could hear voices now; faint, but definitely there. The wagon seemed to be going up a slope of some sort, as his wheelchair began to slip away towards the end near Bambi. Bambi ignored it, instead trying to peek from underneath the blanket.

“What you think is going on?” He asked moments later.

“I don’t know,” Dave replied fearfully as the voices grew louder. “And stop trying to look! We’re not supposed to be seen, remember?”

All Bambi did was flip him off, continuing to peer from under the blanket. “Holy shit!”

“What?”

“It like a whole marketplace!”

“You saw what you saw,” Dave began, though curiosity sparked through him. “Now stop looking before someone catches us!” To Dave’s relief, Bambi stopped, sitting against the end of the wagon.

“There was bunch of cats!” Bambi continued, looking more excited than scared.

“How can you be so happy about this?” Dave berated him. “This is dangerous! We could be-” Dave was cut off as the wagon bumped against something once more. “We could be...” Dave trailed off as he heard voices from behind him at the front of the wagon.

“Quinn.” A voice said darkly.

“Nyx.” Quinn greeted.

“Rowan, isn’t it?” The previous voice, Nyx, asked.

“Mhm!” Rowan replied.

“Have you come only to bring him back?” There was another moment of silence before Nyx asked, “What’s with the blanket in the back?”

Dave’s heart quickened.

“Nothing worth your time,” Quinn replied. “We’ve brought it here for... I’m sorry, what’s her name?”

“Hermione,” Dave managed to catch Rowan’s whisper.

“Hermione.” Quinn repeated.

Another moment of silence. “Go ahead,” Nyx replied warily while Dave’s heart filled with relief. Dave felt the wagon begin to move once more underneath them. “They’re letting us in!” Dave whispered hopefully, while Bambi looked unamused.

“Who the hell is this god they taking us to see?”

“They already told us she’s not a god,” Dave began. “The first one, Herashel, supposedly was.”

“Oh, now you in on it too!” Bambi snapped.

“I’m not!” Dave protested, falling silent after. I don’t want to argue. Not while we’re so close to getting help. The two sat in silence the rest of the way. At some point, another conversation was exchanged between Quinn, Rowan, and a few unknown voices. Moments later, the light seeping through the blanket above them began to dim. Blocking out the rest of his environment, Dave hoped they’d reach their destination soon as he closed his eyes.

Dave didn’t know how long he sat there for. Time seemed to move slower than before, and all he could hear was the rumbles of the wagon below. Dave was about to try and lay down, but a sharp, cheery voice sounded out from near them.

“Greetings!” The voice called out. Footsteps came forward, stopping a few feet away, as if the stranger was approaching Rowan and Quinn. “...Quinn,” The voice greeted nervously.

Dave blinked. Why was everyone greeting Quinn like that?

“Hermione,” Quinn replied, this time sounding more respectful. “It is good to see you again.”

“So it is.” Hermione replied. “You’re Rowan, aren’t you? Have you delivered that letter just fine?”

“Yup!”

“Good, good,” Hermione purred. “I’m glad you’re okay after...” She trailed off, clearing her throat. “Anyway! What have you got there?”

Dave’s heart sank. She’s talking about us. But what letter? I haven’t heard anything about any let-

“We seemed to have found two... anomalies. We encountered them yesterday.” Quinn told the rest of the story to Hermione, while Dave looked over at Bambi. Bambi’s fists were clenched as he listened to the voices.

“Interesting...” Hermione began. “Well, why don’t I take a look at them? You two can wait outside.”

Dave wanted to cry out, “You can’t leave us alone with her!” but by the time he had prepared himself to say it, Quinn and Rowan’s footsteps had already retreated. She’s going to kill us! Dave jerked up, eyes wide as the blanket was gently lifted off of both him and Bambi. Luminous green eyes met his gaze, glimmering with both pity and curiosity.

“Oh,” Hermione murmured, sounding sad. “You poor things. Don’t worry, you’re sa-”

“Don’t touch me!” Dave cried out, cowering underneath her. Bambi had already stood up, glaring at the cat.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” she replied, sounding utterly surprised. She backed up as Bambi leapt out of the wagon, dragging out a protesting Dave with him.

Dave sat up, shaking. He took in the cat's features. She wore a hat similar to Quinn’s, her long ears poking out, pricked as she gazed at him. The hat was green, and a few yellow flowers, which looked like sunflowers, marked each side. Different colored jewels were attached to the rim, sparkling under the dim light. The rest of the hat was green with lines of black streaking through it, accompanied by white dots that resembled the night sky. She wore a black top lined by green, black tassels hanging from the bottom. There was a skirt around her waist colored the same way, and she wore stockings that were black checkered with green, white, and gray. Her feet were covered by short boots that had yellow flowers embroidered on the outside, and her fur was white with swirls of different shades of brown. Light brown stripes inhabited the swirls. Hermione’s tail was long, slim, and fluffy, with a black bow attached near the end. She held a staff in her hand, which looked like it had been carved with wood. Lines of green glowed from the ripples in the bark, and the top of the staff curved over, almost like a circle. Attached to the bottom of the circle was yet another gem, hanging on by a string.

“Well?” Her voice broke Dave’s thoughts.

“Huh?”

“Where do you two come from?” She asked, casting her gaze across the two once more. “What are your names?”

“Bambi.” Bambi blurted out, glaring up at her angrily.

“Dave.” Dave added quickly, shooting Bambi a warning glare. “We aren’t from here. We... don’t necessarily know how we got here.” Dave flinched as he felt Bambi staring at him. “I don’t know if my son is here too,” Dave continued shakily. “But if he isn’t, I have to get home as soon as possible. He’s all alone.” Dave went silent for a moment before adding, “We come from a place called Earth.” Dave hoped to see a flash of recognition in Hermione’s eyes, but instead her gaze clouded with confusion.

“Hmm... It’s interesting. Recently, each leader has decided to investigate the strange gate towards the center of all of our realms. It’s been there for ages. It looks as if it requires four...”

“Four what?” Bambi snapped.

“Four crystals,” Hermione finished sharply. “That letter I had Rowan send... It contained a map of the locations of each crystal. There is one in each realm, but they were sealed away a long time ago by the gods.” She glanced up for a moment, her gaze thoughtful as it clouded wistfully. “All four of us have wondered whether that is the key to the gate.” Hermione looked back down, her eyes locking with Dave’s. “But maybe the gate isn’t for us. Maybe it's for you.”

Dave felt himself begin to tremble. “But we don’t know anything about all of that!” He gasped. “Surely there’s an easier way? Plus, Rowan didn’t mention a letter of any sort…”

Hermione’s whiskers twitched. “Good. He’s reliable, then.”

“But the letter might have something we need!”

“Maybe you can explain that you need it back. I’m sure Arnav would’ve looked at it by now.”

Arnav? “I don’t know who that is or where we’re supposed to go!”

“Arnav is another one of the current leaders. He lives in Arnish’s realm. Arnish was the original god. That place might be dangerous for you two, though. It’s very hot. The cats there are not the nicest ones you’ll ever meet. Lots of fire. Smoke. Hot springs.” Hermione closed her eyes for a moment before opening them. “I’m sure you’ll find answers there, but this is all I can do. I cannot leave here. I must look after my cats.”

“But-”

“You want to see your son again, don’t you?” Hermione asked, her eyes shimmering with sympathy.

Dave blinked before replying sadly, "More than anything.”

“Then go. Little one,” Hermione continued, facing Bambi.

“Little one?!” Bambi cried in astonishment.

“Would you mind fetching Quinn and Rowan, my dear?”

Bambi’s eyes blazed as he whipped around, stalking off to the door. Dave watched as Quinn and Rowan followed him back into the room moments after.

Hermione beckoned the two forward. “I have talked with the two, and I might have an idea that could help them.” Her ear twitched with annoyance as she added, “I almost regret sending you out. I said a lot you two should’ve heard.” Shaking her head, she flicked her tail for Quinn and Rowan to follow her a few feet away. “It’s fine. Nothing I can’t explain again.”

Bambi sat down next to Dave, looking beyond pissed, glaring at the three as they talked in hushed voices. “Fucking little one,” He muttered under his breath. “Rude fucking cat.”

“We might be able to get home now, though!” Dave whispered eagerly.

“Uh, yeah, after doing whatever the fuck any of that means!” Bambi retorted, referring to what Hermione had said to them previously.

“It can’t be that hard.” Can it? Dave looked up as Quinn raised his voice.

“That’ll be easy. He lost it.”

Rowan gasped. “Did not!”

“Did too!” Quinn snapped back. “After the whole you know what, I had to save him because someone was stupid enough to send him out during that time with that letter.”

“No one knew!” Rowan protested before turning back to Hermione. “I’m not going to be punished, am I?” He asked miserably. “Alfie already hates me enough!”

“Idiot.” Bambi whispered.

“No, no, you won't be punished,” Hermione replied. “Why don’t you two accompany them on their journey?” She gestured towards Dave and Bambi. “After all, you two are the ones who found them. Why not help them get back home?”

“We don’t need help!” Bambi spat, letting out a small grunt as Dave shoved him.

“Don’t listen to him!” Dave managed to blurt out. “We’ll take all the help we can get.” Dave pushed Bambi away as Bambi shoved him back harder. “Stop it!”

While the two argued, the three cats continued talking.

“Can we, please?” Rowan beamed at Quinn. “It’ll be fun!”

“I have no choice, do I?” Quinn asked, turning his cold gaze onto Hermione.

Hermione nodded with a slight smile. “Do it. It’s the least you can do after all you did.” There was an edge to her voice that managed to make Quinn flinch.

Dave and Bambi’s argument was interrupted when Rowan came bounding over to them.

“We’re gonna help!” Rowan squealed. “And I’m not being punished!”

Dave shot one last look at Bambi before saying, “That’s great!”

“Woohoo.” Bambi added unenthusiastically as he jabbed Dave in the arm one last time.

Just let them help us! Dave thought with frustration.

Quinn padded over to them, his fur ruffled. “Guess we’re helping you two,” he growled.

Not so great. Dave glanced at Quinn, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

“Let’s go!” Rowan cheered, racing for the door.

“Hang on!” Quinn called, but Rowan didn’t come back. Sighing, he continued. “Come on, get back in the wagon.”

“Do we have to?” Dave asked.

Hermione answered for him. “Do as he says!” She called. “I don’t want you two being seen here either.”

“Goddammit!” Bambi shouted, but got in nonetheless, grabbing Dave by the collar of his sweater to pull him in with him.

Dave didn’t fight back, scrambling up into the wagon. He sat down once more, irritation flaring through him as Quinn covered them with the blanket once more. “What are we, pigs getting sent to the slaughterhouse? I’m sick of this!”

“How you think I fucking feel?” Bambi replied. “You dragged us into this mess!”

“I said I was sorry! I know as much as you do. I just want to get us back home!”

Bambi stared at him for another moment before turning his back on him.

Dave felt a prickle of guilt. He’s all I have left, Dave realized. I don’t know what I’d do without him, but why do we always have to fight?

***

By the time the four of them had arrived back at Quinn’s cabin, all Dave wanted to do was sleep, but Quinn and Rowan had other plans.

“Well,” Quinn began, looking up at the bright blue sky. “We’ve got plenty of daylight to burn. Why don’t we start looking for the letter while it’s fresh on our minds?” Quinn said, an edge to his voice as he glanced at Rowan pointedly.

“Good idea!” Rowan chirped, clearly unbothered by Quinn’s attitude.

“Let me come!” Bambi piped up as he jumped out of the wagon. For once, Quinn didn’t argue, nodding instead. “And Dave can come too!” Bambi added, glancing at Dave hopefully as Dave’s heart sank.

“Do I have to?” Dave asked reluctantly. “I just wanna sleep.”

“You weren’t the one hauling a wagon through the forest!” Quinn snapped, making Dave flinch.

“Fuck off, I ain’t talking to you!” Bambi replied, glaring at Quinn before looking back towards Dave. “Please?”

Dave’s heart ached. Bambi was clearly trying his best to include Dave, but Dave didn’t want to be included. He just wanted to be left alone. Yet, knowing that he was the one who got them into this mess in the first place, Dave felt obligated to say yes. “Okay.”

Bambi smiled for a moment before shooting Quinn another glare. “I’ll pull it,” He said, hauling Dave’s wheelchair out of the wagon for a moment before setting it down near the steps leading up to the door.

Dave was confused at first, but felt a flash of irritation as he realized what Bambi meant. Right. Can’t use my wheelchair in the woods. Dave looked around at the grass. Or anywhere, for that matter, he added to himself. This was humiliating! All he would do was slow them all down, yet Bambi was being so insistent on him coming for no reason. Can’t he realize that? I don’t want to come! Dave kept his thoughts to himself, focusing his eyes on the grass below. It shifted beneath him as Bambi grabbed the handle, pulling him a few feet over to Quinn and Rowan, who were already discussing the last place Rowan had seen the letter.

“Well, when you saved me I saw it go that way,” Rowan said, pointing behind him, which led into more trees.

“Saved you?” Dave asked, curious.

“Oh.” Rowan looked at Quinn, who fixed him with a hard look. “It’s nothing important, really,” He laughed nervously, following as Quinn began heading toward the direction Rowan had pointed at.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Bambi muttered, looking back towards Dave. All Dave could do was shrug.

It must’ve been a pretty serious letter, Dave pondered before shaking his head. Of course it is! It might be our way back home! The sunlight above began to falter as they began to head under the cover of the trees. But this place is so big, Dave thought. How are we supposed to find it here? Dave laid back down in the wagon, listening to the three talking as Bambi hurried after Quinn and Rowan.

“So, how’d you two meet?” Quinn asked.

“Me and Dave?” There was a moment of silence before Bambi replied, “Corn maze.”

“A maze?”

“Uh-huh. What about you?”

“I actually met Quinn the day before you two came along,” Rowan chipped in, sounding shy. “I was trying to deliver the letter but didn’t realize how dangerous it was. Thankfully, he saved me!”

Dave raised an eyebrow. Rowan’s words seemed so carefully picked, and Dave was sure that there was more to what happened than he was letting on. How do you lose a letter like that? What could’ve possibly happened that resulted in the letter getting lost like this? Maybe Rowan was lying. But then again, Quinn had silenced him before with a look, so the two knew something Dave and Bambi didn’t. I hope they trust us enough to tell us soon. We need everything we can get.

“What’s it like where you guys are from?” Rowan asked.

“We live in a neighborhood.” Bambi replied flatly.

“Stop talking and start looking!” Quinn’s harsh voice broke the peace.

“We can do both!” Rowan protested, but the two fell silent nonetheless.

Dave could hear Quinn’s tail swishing against fallen leaves as Quinn continued. “We should split up. I’ll go this way. Rowan, go that way, and Bambi, that way.” Dave didn’t take his eyes off the grass as the ground moved beneath him once more.

Bambi must’ve noticed because he asked, “Can you help look?”

“Okay,” Dave sighed, straightening up. Bambi was already looking towards the ground, so Dave brought his gaze up to the trees above. It could’ve gotten stuck somewhere high. Dave spent what felt like eternity looking up through the trees as they continued to traverse the land. His hope had dwindled a long time ago, and this was proving that further. The two had looped around at some point, coming face to face with Quinn.

“Find anything?” He asked, looking annoyed as Bambi shook his head. “If only I had known how important it was,” Quinn growled. “I would’ve looked for it instantly.” With a sigh, Quinn added, “Well, that’s that. Let’s go find Rowan. He probably didn’t-” A loud yowl sounded through the trees, making Dave jump. Quinn whirled around in the direction of the sound. “Rowan!” Quinn called, bounding off into the forest.

Dave’s heart pounded as he was slammed against a side of the wagon. Bambi had taken a sharp turn, running after Quinn, the wagon trailing after him as he jerked it forward every few seconds. Dave almost fell out as Bambi burst out of a few bushes. Rowan stood a few feet away, bouncing up and down with his hands in the air.

“Look!” Rowan cheered, pointing up. “I see it!”

Quinn slowed to a halt next to Rowan. “You had me scared out of my fur!”

“Sorry.” Rowan apologized half-heartedly. “But do you see it?”

Dave looked up. Sure enough, lodged between two spindly branches far up the tree, was a ragged envelope drifting in the wind. Dave watched in confusion and amazement as Rowan kicked off his boots, unsheathed his claws, and leapt into the tree, hauling himself up as if he were a squirrel. Dave tried to catch Bambi’s eye, but Bambi had his back toward him, looking up.

“Careful!” Quinn called as the trunk and branches began to thin out. Rowan sent multiple decaying leaves and wood chips falling down as he lunged into the next branch, vanishing.

“He’s going to fall!” Dave wailed, covering his eyes as he turned away. “I can’t look!” All Dave could hear was the sound of leaves brushing and twigs falling as he waited in fear for a sickening thud. It never came. Claws scraping against bark began to get gradually louder, a gentle thump following shortly after. Looking up, Dave felt a rush of relief to see Rowan panting, holding the letter in his paws as his eyes shone.

“I got it!” Rowan exclaimed, rushing over to Quinn.

“Good job,” Quinn replied, taking the letter from Rowan as he handed it to him before hurrying over to put his boots back on.

Dave’s heart still thumped in his chest as he let out a sigh of relief. “That was amazing!” Dave breathed, looking at Rowan as he headed over.

Rowan did nothing but flick his ear in acknowledgment as he rushed over to Quinn once more, bouncing around him. “Can we open it? Can we? Please!”

Quinn shooed him away. “Not until we get home,” he replied sharply.

Home. Dave felt a pang of loss.

“Okay,” Rowan said before vanishing into the woodland. “See you there!”

“Dumb cat!” Quinn hissed.

“Hey, he did good!” Dave protested. Dave looked over as Bambi nodded, and Dave was surprised to see Bambi look genuinely impressed for once in his life.

“He could teach me a few things,” Bambi said, winking at Dave before grabbing the handle of the wagon once more, turning around in the direction Rowan had gone. “Then I don’t need help with the farm!”

“I like helping, though,” Dave replied, leaning back to look up at the branches above once more.

“Oh.”

Meanwhile, Quinn’s ears pricked with interest. “A farm?”

“Yep. All mine. Don’t get ideas.”

Dave smirked as he looked over to see Bambi facing the other way, still looking towards the direction Rowan had run off in. Turning back, Dave beckoned Quinn closer with his hand. Quinn leaned forward, watching his step as Dave whispered into his ear, “He stole it, but that’s between you and me.”

The few whiskers poking out of Quinn’s mask twitched with amusement as he straightened up, his face betraying nothing as he picked up his pace, hurrying past Bambi.

“God!” Bambi spat. “Fast ass cats!” He continued, running forward. By the time the two reached the cabin, Bambi was out of breath, coughing as he face-planted into the dirt.

Dave sat up, climbing out of the wagon and grabbing Bambi’s hand, hauling him back to his feet. “You didn’t have to do that, you know,” Dave said with a hint of laughter. “The cabin isn’t going anywhere.”

Bambi jerked his hand away, dusting himself off before turning accusingly towards Quinn and Rowan. “ They were in a hurry!”

“We can wait.” Quinn replied coldly as he crossed his arms. “In fact, I would’ve enjoyed that more.”

Rowan, who hung back behind Quinn, bounded forward in front him. “Just open it!”

“Fine, fine!” Quinn snapped, holding the letter above his head as he walked over to the steps to the cabin.

“Ugh.” Dave muttered. I’m so sick of-

“Yeah!” Bambi exclaimed, hoisting Dave up in his hands and holding him over his head much to Dave’s dismay.

“Put me down!” Dave gasped, fear shrilling through him. The sky above and the grass below blurred past him as Bambi thundered up the steps, cutting the last few rays of sunlight from Dave’s view as he was plunged into shade.

“Dave?” Bambi lowered Dave from above so he could look at him.

Dave looked up, realizing that, while they were inside of the cabin, he was also shaking. Before Bambi could ask, Dave answered. “I’m fine, I’m fine! Just put me down!” Dave sat upright as Bambi set him on the floor, continuing to watch as Dave backed away until he accidentally slammed against the bookshelf behind him. Dave looked up again to see that Bambi had vanished. Looking over, he watched as Bambi clambered up onto Quinn’s bed, hopping onto the nightstand to look at the map as Quinn laid it on the desk next to it. Dave fixed his gaze on the wooden floor as he brought his legs close to him, wrapping his arms around his prosthetics protectively. I don’t know why I’m so scared. The three voices chatting about the map seemed to fade away as Dave closed his eyes, leaning against the bookshelf. Bambi wouldn’t have done that if he knew it would’ve scared me.

Dave thought about another thing that bothered him. Why am I still upset? This could be our way home. It still feels as hopeless as it did before, though. What if this isn’t the answer? Dave felt claws of longing squeeze his heart as the next thought crossed his mind. I miss Tristan. Determination hardened in his chest. I’ll do this for him. Who else will? A hard lump formed in Dave’s throat. I’m all he has. What will happen to him if I never come back? Dave’s eyes flew open as he heard a voice next to him.

“You okay?”

Dave looked up to see Bambi standing next to him, holding a crumpled, folded up paper. “I’m fine.”

“I didn’t try to scare you.”

“I know.”

Bambi stood there for another moment before waving the paper slightly. “I show you the map.”

“What?” Dave asked as Bambi sat down next to him. “Oh, right.” Dave watched as Bambi unfurled the tattered paper, which looked more like a scroll by the time it was completely open. Dave grabbed one end with his right hand as Bambi held the other end, pointing at a patch of grass on a part of the map.

“Quinn says we’re somewhere here.”

“Uh-huh.” Dave replied. I can see it.

“So, he says,” Bambi continued, moving his finger down the map to a red circle on the green area. “These red circles are crystals. And...” Bambi trailed off, frowning as he thought. “This way,” Bambi began once more. “Go this way, over here...” Bambi’s finger landed on a blue-ish coloring to the bottom left of the map. “This large place is, uh... Sar... Sardonia’s..." Bambi squinted, reading the writing that Quinn must’ve written. “Realm. Crystal there. Then this up here-” Bambi brought his finger up to the top left corner of the map, which faded into a purple area. “-is For-Forel-Forelico’s, um...” Bambi jerked his finger towards another red circle. “Crystal! Last one over here.” Bambi’s finger landed on the last spot, a red segment of the map. He looked up at Dave expectantly.

Before Dave could say anything, Bambi jerked forward abruptly, eyes wide as he stared at a tiny segment of writing on the map. “Arnish place. This place.” Bambi pointed his finger on the red place again before flickering his gaze towards Dave once more. Dave opened his mouth, but Bambi already had his gaze locked on the paper again. “Oh! Oh!” Bambi started once again. “This place the middle,” Bambi put his finger on the middle of the map. “It where the gate is. We put the crystals there.”

Dave blinked, looking at Bambi, expecting him to start talking once again, but this time he seemed genuinely done. Dave tore his gaze away, looking back at the map. His head swam with questions, but there were little to no answers. He tried his best to understand what Bambi was saying, but this place... It’s huge. Dave felt tightness grip his chest, and he forced himself to take in a deep breath. Dave felt hollow with dread. None of this is going to be easy.

Chapter 5

Bambi sat in the darkness, a blanket wrapped around him as he stared at the floor beneath him. Shivering, he straightened up, shaking the blanket off as he hurried forward to the dresser on the other side of the room. Reaching carefully into the pocket of his overalls, he slipped the paper he had grabbed a few days ago back into the dresser before backing up, looking over to see that Quinn hadn’t moved, still asleep. Triumph surging through him, he scurried back over to his pillow, stopping as a harsh gust of wind hit him, practically knocking him off his feet. Standing rigid, Bambi turned around to see that the door was slightly ajar, swaying in the breeze as another surge of wind seeped inside. Triumph spoiled and replaced with annoyance, Bambi marched over to the door, reaching up to grab the doorknob. As he was in the process of doing so, a noise caused him to freeze. On the other side of the door, he could hear what sounded like sniffling. Putting a finger against his lip, Bambi looked over one last time before clenching his fist and slipping outside. Of course, as someone should, he made sure the door was fully shut behind him before turning around. Bambi blinked in surprise. “Dave?”

Dave, who was sitting on one of the steps, straightened up, wiping his face aggressively before looking over his shoulder. “Hi!” Dave exclaimed, sounding awfully cheerful. “Sorry, did I wake you up?” Dave asked as he wiped at his eyes again.

Bambi narrowed his eyes. “You forgot to shut a door.” He replied flatly.

“Oh! Um...” Dave let out a strained, nervous laugh. His apology came out as a whisper as he murmured, “Sorry.”

Bambi turned around, about to go back inside, but he stopped himself. Oh.  Turning back around, he walked over to Dave. “What the matter?” Bambi asked as he sat down next to him. He was sure he already knew the answer, but what else was he supposed to say?

“What isn’t the matter?” Dave asked sarcastically, gesturing dramatically with his hands as a tear ran down his cheek. “I probably sound like a broken record.” He added harshly.

“What’s that mean?” Bambi asked innocently.

“You know what I mean,” Dave continued. “I can see it in your face. You blame me for all of this. If it weren’t for me, we wouldn’t be stuck here and you know it.”

Bambi felt a prick of guilt, looking away. There was a layer of truth in Dave’s words that left him speechless. Read me like a book.  Bambi snorted, crossing his hands. Looking up overhead, he noticed the night sky. Trees cast gentle shadows among the trees before them, accompanied by an owl hooting in the distance. Moonlight cascaded from above, illuminating the grass in what could only be described as a field of silver. And, in that light, the tear streaks on Dave’s face were more visible than ever.

A twinge of anger made Bambi stiffen; not at Dave, but at the fact that he didn’t know how to cheer him up. Bambi brought his gaze back up towards the sheet of darkness above, dotted with gentle bursts of white that contributed to the light dawning on them below. A thought suddenly emerged in Bambi’s mind. “Hey,” He began, nudging Dave. Dave turned to look at him. “Remember that time Tristan had insist on sleeping outside?”

Dave raised an eyebrow, only to furrow it a moment later as he thought. His clouded gaze seemed to clear as he remembered the event. Letting out a quiet laugh, Dave replied, “Yes.” He paused for a moment before saying in disbelief, “Sleeping out in the backyard! I tried to tell him not to, but...” Dave began laughing again.

Bambi wasn’t sure whether it was because Dave was overtired, had just been crying, or just genuinely found it that funny, because all that could be heard from Dave were quiet snickers.

Dave stopped for a moment, coughing. “Oh, my chest,” He attempted to take a deep breath. It didn’t help as he began laughing once more. “He didn’t even last out there for fifteen minutes! Remember what he came back saying?”

At this point, Bambi was laughing too. Not because of the whole Tristan-sleeping-outside thing, but solely because of how funny Dave’s laugh was. “That he got bit by spider,” Bambi answered.

“Yes!” Dave squealed, slapping his hand on the wooden step below him. “I was telling him not to do it and then that happens!”

Bambi rolled his eyes with a smirk before saying, “Don’t act stupid! You fussed like crazy!”

Dave gasped in mock astonishment. “No!” Dave laughed again before leaning back, looking up towards the sky himself. “That kid is something else,” he breathed. “So funny without trying.”

“And smart,” Bambi reminded him.

“With what we’re talking about right now, it seems the opposite.” Dave replied, still smiling.

Bambi knew it was risky, bringing up Tristan when that was the main thing bringing Dave down, yet it had gone better than he thought. Bambi wanted to get into Dave’s mind that Tristan was smart; which he was, which meant that Tristan would know what to do if they both went missing. Probably.  Bambi winced, quickly reminding himself that Dave constantly left phone numbers on the fridge door, pinned there by a magnet of some math symbol Bambi was too dumb to remember. And there was a house phone! It was always perched next to the toaster on the counter of Dave’s kitchen. Bambi squinted, knowing that there was some connection between the numbers and the phone. Instead of being too dumb to remember, he was too tired to. As if reading his mind, Dave spoke.

“Well,” Dave began. “I think I’m about ready to hit the hay. Actually, this time.” Seeing Bambi’s confused look, he corrected himself. “I mean I’m going to actually go to sleep.”

“Oh,” Bambi replied, wiping at his eyes. “Yeah.” Standing up, he followed Dave back inside, making sure the door was actually fully shut. Bambi passed Dave as he took his prosthetics off, and, laying against his own pillow, Bambi closed his eyes.

***

Bambi swore he’d only shut his eyes for a few moments, yet the sunlight assaulting his face told him otherwise. Rolling over, he buried his face into the pillow he’d fallen asleep on with a grunt. Bambi’s hopes and dreams of falling back asleep were destroyed simultaneously as he heard the gentle thumping of footsteps coming down from the attic stairs.

“Good morning!” Rowan cheered, greeted by Quinn letting out a small sigh of disapproval. The gentle creaking of Quinn’s bed in front of him told Bambi that Quinn must’ve sat up.

“What are you doing?” Quinn asked sleepily.

“When can we set out? I’m so excited!”

“The sun isn't even fully out yet!”

“So? That means we’ll have more time to head out!”

There was a moment of silence before Quinn said quieter, “Those two aren’t even awake yet. I don’t wanna deal with-”

Dave cut him off before he could finish. “I’m awake.” Upon Bambi sitting up with annoyance, Dave added, “He’s awake too.”

Quinn muttered something under his breath before standing up, tail lashing.

“...So?” Rowan asked.

“What?” Quinn snapped.

“When can we go?” Rowan quickly grabbed the map off of Quinn’s desk, waving it around as he held it up to his own face. “Which way are we gonna go first? Should we-”

“Enough!” Quinn raised his voice, silencing him before grabbing the map out of Rowan’s hands.

Bambi looked over to see Dave glancing at him warily before gesturing his hand, raising his eyebrows as if expecting Bambi to stop the two’s bickering. Bambi put his hands up in an X, shaking his head quickly. Dave facepalmed for a moment before clearing his throat, causing the two cats to turn away from each other and glance at him.

“That’s a good question, though,” Dave began. “Where are we going to go?”

“Well, I could probably get to that sooner if Rowan-” Quinn glared at Rowan through slitted eyes before continuing, “could keep his mouth shut for a few minutes!”

“But he said it was a good question!” Rowan replied, waving towards Dave as if his opinion dictated the whole world.

Quinn was silent, staring at the map for what felt like an eternity before he eventually spoke. “Alright, I’ve got it.”

Rowan perked up again, opening his mouth to say something, but Bambi cut him off. “What?”

Quinn grabbed a red marker off his desk before padding over to Dave and Bambi, sitting down in front of the two with the map between them as Rowan hurried to sit down next to him.

“I’m thinking,” Quinn said as he took the cap off the marker, “since we’re here, obviously the first place we should go to is this one.” Quinn tapped the marker on the red circle in Herashel’s realm. He ran a line over to the crystal in Sardonia’s realm. “Next, here, and then the crystal in Forelico’s realm. Arnish’s is the most dangerous, and since you two are dumb enough to think that waltzing into the Citadel of Bliss is okay, I say we save it for last.”

Bambi growled at Quinn’s remark, stopping when he felt Dave gently slap his hand. Bambi straightened up. “We should just get it over with first!”

“We have to be careful!”

“What do you know about being careful?” Dave asked. Before Bambi could feel any form of gratitude towards Dave, it wilted as Dave said quickly, “I’m not saying I agree with Bambi. But, seriously? Who was the one wanting to kill us again?”

“You’re welcome for not.” Quinn muttered before sighing. “I’m only doing this because Hermione will kill me if I don’t.”

“Nonsense!” Rowan piped up. “She was so sweet! And pretty, and-”

“Blah blah blah,” Quinn interrupted. “It’s an exaggeration.” He added more quietly, “You don’t know her the way I do.”

Bambi ignored everything they said, seething at the fact that Dave was willing to take Quinn’s opinion over his. He’s a bitch!

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dave asked. Bambi froze, wondering whether he’d said that out loud, only to realize that Dave was asking Quinn the question.

“Quiet!” Quinn snapped. “It seems like my plan is favored more than Bambi’s, so it’s settled. We’ll save it for last.” Quinn tapped the marker on the red section of the map one last time, eyes glittering with malicious mockery as he continued. “Unless you want to go there by yourself, Bambi.”

Bambi gasped, furious, but before he could speak, Dave exclaimed, “I won’t let him!”

“Fine, fine,” Quinn replied, straightening up.

Bambi narrowed his eyes. “Son of a-”   Bambi’s last word was muffled as Dave slapped a hand over his mouth.

“Put a sock in it!” Dave whispered.

Bambi let out a small “Mmm!” of disapproval, but stayed quiet as Dave took his hand off his mouth.

Dave wiped his hand on his sweater for a moment before turning his attention back to the map. “This place is huge.”

“Obviously.” Quinn said unenthusiastically. “And we’re gonna have to go through all of it because of you two idiots.”

“It’ll be fun!” Rowan finally spoke before turning to face Bambi. “Don’t worry,” Rowan said gently, reaching out to pat Bambi on the head only to get another slap. “If you really wanna go there first, you won’t be alone. I’ll come!”

“We’re not doing that.”

“Yeah!” Dave chipped in. “Like I said before, I won't let him do that!”

“Stop treat me like a child!” Bambi shouted, slamming his fists on the floor with each word. “I ain’t fuckin’ doin’ it!”

Dave let out a sigh of relief while Rowan’s eyes rounded with sympathy. “Aw, poor thing,” Rowan murmured, wrapping his tail around Bambi. “It’ll be okay.”

Bambi leapt away, whirling around a moment later to flail his hands at Rowan. “What’d I just say? What’d I just say?!” Quinn snorted, which only fueled Bambi’s anger even more.

“Stop it, Bambi!” Dave gasped, jerking Bambi away before he could land a hit on Rowan. “I’m so sorry!” Dave cried out, looking at Rowan.

Rowan seemed unphased. “It’s fine!”

I can’t believe it! Bambi thought in astonishment. Why’s Dave defending them? Bambi shook Dave off, settling down on the pillow once more.

“Sorry,” Dave apologized again. “When are we able to head out?” He asked, casting his gaze over the map once more.

Quinn shrugged. “Whenever.”

“Really?” Dave perked up hopefully.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Rowan exclaimed, standing up before whisking past Quinn towards the door. “This is gonna be great! It’s like a vacation!” He squealed as he opened the door.

“Don’t call it that!” Quinn shouted after him, ears flattened. “Well?” Quinn asked, turning his attention back to Dave and Bambi. “Are you ready?” His voice sounded challenging, as if he believed the two wouldn’t actually agree to go.

Bambi glared at Dave. “Well?” Clearly I’m not the one making decisions here!

Dave ignored Bambi’s bitter tone, continuing to stare at Quinn. “Of course I’m ready!”

Bambi blinked, his anger melting. What about me? Standing up, Bambi declared, “So am I.” Dave smiled at his answer, still oblivious to how Bambi truly felt. As Dave put his prosthetics on, Bambi finally met Quinn’s gaze. Within the deep blue depths was a trace of curiosity. Frowning, Bambi hurried past him, bursting outside to see that Rowan had already put Dave’s wheelchair in the wagon.

Rowan straightened up, readjusting his scarf as he turned to face Bambi. “Hey!” Rowan exclaimed. “What’s taking the other two so long?”

Bambi attempted to shrug with his hands as he rolled his eyes.

Rowan approached Bambi quickly before asking in a low voice, “Are you scared?”

Bambi stared back in disbelief. “No!”

“Don’t worry. You can tell me. I’ll protect you!”

“Will you stop it?!” Bambi shouted, his words drowned out a second later by the sound of Quinn snickering. A moment later the door opened, hopefully for the last time, revealing Quinn holding a rather-unamused looking Dave by the waist in one of his arms. The map in Dave’s left hand swayed as Quinn walked down the steps, putting him down in the wagon. Dave crossed his arms, leaning against his wheelchair.

“Oh! Oh!” Rowan interrupted, streaking past Bambi to slam the door open again.

Quinn’s voice sounded out harshly. “Don’t do that!”

Rowan emerged a moment later, holding another blanket in his hands , dropping it next to Dave. Dave gave him a questioning glance. “What? You don’t want extra blankets?” Rowan asked.

“I’m fine with it.” Dave began. “But... What are we supposed to do with the crystals? How big are they? Are we just gonna leave them sitting around?”

“Hmm...” Rowan thought for a moment before saying, “I know!” Spinning on his heel, he hurried to the door another time.

“Rowan!” Quinn began.

“Just one last thing, I promise!”

Bambi backed away from Quinn and Dave, looking around at his surroundings. Though he was still relatively pissed, he forced himself to look over at Dave. Dave, who was still awaiting an answer, was staring at the door curiously, waiting for Rowan to come rushing out.

Rowan hurried out, kicked the door shut, and took the satchel slung around his shoulder off. “Here!” Rowan said, pointing at the satchel to reveal that it was empty. “We’ll put them in here! In fact, you can hold onto them!” Rowan shoved the satchel into Dave’s hands. “It was my grandma’s though, so please be gentle with it.”

Dave smiled, nodding earnestly as he slung it over his own shoulder.

Now they wanna give him shit! Bambi’s mouth gaped open in shock. What the fuck?!

Quinn eyed Rowan warily, expecting him to say that he forgot something, but it never came. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Are we all ready?”

“Of course we are!” Rowan replied.

Bambi watched in horror as Dave put the map in the satchel, looking thoughtful. Growling, Bambi approached the wagon, feeling a flash of indignation as Dave seemed to not realize he was there. Clearing his throat, Bambi grabbed the handle of the wagon, but by the time Dave looked up, Bambi had turned to face Quinn. “Mhm.”

“I can pull it, if you want,” Rowan began quickly.

Bambi flinched, angry that everyone was treating Dave like some sort of burden. But Bambi was still mad at Dave, and would rather die than stay in the wagon with him. “I’ll do it,” Bambi shot back sharply.

“Won’t your little legs get tired?”

“Oh, my god! Will you shut up?!”

Quinn snorted as he approached Rowan. “Alright, alright, give him a break,” Quinn muttered.

“A break from what?” Rowan asked.

“Dave?” Quinn asked, ignoring Rowan’s question. “Mind if I borrow it?”

Dave looked up, looking confused for a moment before realizing what he meant. Dave handed the map from the satchel to Quinn shortly after. Quinn squinted at the map for another moment before saying, “Okay, this way.” He dropped the map back in Dave’s hands and began heading forward, into the trees once more.

“Oh! I went this way on my way here!” Rowan exclaimed, bounding after Quinn.

Bambi stood there for another moment before shaking himself and following.

“I hope he’s right,” Dave broke the silence.

“Mhm.” Bambi muttered, slipping past a small pool of water as he followed the commotion Rowan was making. Picking up his pace, he kept his eyes on Quinn’s tail tip as it vanished between bushes and branches; Bambi almost crashed into him as he came to a halt. Emerging from the bushes, Bambi took in what was in front of him.

“This part sucked,” Rowan concluded before turning back to face Bambi. “Are you sure you don’t wanna get in?” He asked, gesturing towards the wagon.

“Of course I am!” Bambi spat, jerking the wagon after him as he splashed into the mud.

“Be careful!” Dave cried out, sounding worried.

Quinn easily stepped past Bambi. “What I’m thinking is,” Quinn began, flicking his ear upon stepping in a particularly deep section of the mud. “We’ll cross this stupid bridge and start heading for the river.”

“But that’s so far!” Rowan complained.

“Be quiet!” Quinn snapped. The mud gradually grew shallow, and a few feet away stood a tattered bridge, a creek surging beneath it.

Bambi was practically wading through the mud, and by the time he reached the grass, he almost wished he’d agreed to Rowan’s offer. The grit clung to his clothes, sinking into his skin. Suppressing a shiver, he stared at the bridge. Dave voiced his concerns.

“Is that safe?”

“Yeah!” Rowan skipped over to the bridge, his tail sweeping over the grass as he took a step onto it. “I was able to cross it.”

Bambi watched in disbelief as Rowan took carefully-timed steps over the splintering wood. The leap he made onto the other side caused the bridge to shake upon the force, but it managed to fall still after shaking back and forth a couple of times. “That ain’t safe.”

Quinn was silent for a moment before saying, “Okay.”

The next thing Bambi saw was the bridge blurring past him as he was scooped off the ground and hurled into the air. Bambi yelled before slamming into something, breathless as he hit the ground. Bambi’s head spun as he heard Dave shout his name. Stumbling to his feet, visual snow beginning to dissipate, the world spun once more as he was picked up again, followed by Rowan’s voice.

“You hurt him!”

“I missed!” Quinn shouted back. “You were supposed to catch him!”

“Fuck you!” Bambi yelled before feeling Rowan wrap his arms around him.

“Are you okay? You’ll be okay! Don’t worry.”

Bambi groaned and slapped him a few times. “I’m fine!”

“Bambi!” Dave repeated.

Bambi opened his eyes as Rowan put him down. He was confused as to how Dave had gotten over, but looking past him, he saw that Quinn was crossing the bridge once more to grab the wagon, wheelchair, and blankets.

“Are you okay?” Dave asked, eyes round with fear.

“I’m fine.” Bambi repeated angrily.

As Quinn crossed the bridge one last time, Dave blew up on him. “What the heck was that for?!” Dave practically wailed. “He’s so light that the bridge probably wouldn’t budge if he went across!”

“He said it wasn’t safe,” Quinn replied nonchalantly. Despite this, he still asked, “You okay?”

“I’m fucking fine!” Bambi hollered, though his head still spun as he stumbled over to the wagon, about to grab the handle. Before he could, Rowan picked him up and set him down in the wagon on top of one of the blankets.

“I’ll pull it!” Rowan added after his gesture, patting Bambi on the hat.

Bambi said nothing. Dave was in the wagon in a heartbeat, sitting next to him as he asked urgently, “Are you sure you’re okay? I’m so sorry!”

The pounding in Bambi’s head drowned out his previous grudges against Dave as he repeated for the umpteenth time, “I’m fine.”

“Okay,” Dave replied, sounding relieved before apologizing again. Bambi ignored him, turning away and closing his eyes as the wagon began to move.

***

“The waterfall!” Rowan cried out, jerking Bambi awake. Sitting up, blinking the sleep out of his eyes, he looked over just in time to see Rowan vanish through the trees. Confused, he glanced over towards the handle, realizing that Quinn was the one pulling the wagon now.

“Don’t run off!” Quinn said, but the sound of returning footsteps never came, and all he could do was sigh.

“You ain’t gonna chase after him?” Bambi asked, sitting up. Dave whipped around, relief sparking in his eyes as he laid them on Bambi.

“No,” Quinn retorted sharply. “He’s not in danger. If anything, all he is is a danger to himself.”

Bambi winced upon realizing that the previous mud he had encountered had hardened into a firm, brown shell on his overalls. Looking down, he also realized that some of the grit had showered down onto the blanket he was sitting on, leaving chestnut-colored stains on the once-perfect pink fleece blanket. Bambi didn’t have much time to sulk; by the time he was about to start complaining, a beam of sunshine burst through the trees, blinding him. Blinking away tears, he took in his surroundings as his eyes adjusted to the sudden shift in lighting.

It was huge. Loud. A waterfall descended from above, rumbling as it splashed into the body of water beneath, sending spray and foam across the pebbly shore. A stream cut through the water, vanishing between a bundle of shrubbery that delved into the heart of the forest. Here, however, the forest had broken up into a small clearing, which allowed the sun to both blind visitors and further outline the cataract. There, in the midst of it all, was a happy Rowan splashing and playing around in the water, squealing in delight as the water buffeted his fur.

Dave’s gasp broke Bambi’s train of thought. “It’s gorgeous!” He breathed, eyeing the waterfall in awe. Quinn remained quiet, pulling the wagon to a halt a few feet away from the shore. Dave leaned forward, making his way out of the wagon and landing on a patch of grass. Bambi hopped out next to him, shaking himself for a moment before straightening up. Before he could walk away, Dave decided to hold him verbally hostage by asking, “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Bambi looked over, nodding absentmindedly. “I guess.”

“I wish Tristan could see this,” Dave sighed before adding, “I hope he’s okay.”

“He is,” Bambi insisted, though he knew that the truth was unknown. When Dave said nothing else, Bambi reached out, giving him the tiniest pat on the shoulder before turning away and wandering over to the stream he had spotted before. A shudder passed through him as he stepped into the lakelet. The cold water surged past him in a gentle flow, carrying bubbles and froth from the main source of water into the forest. Shivering, grumbling to himself, Bambi put his hands under the water and began rubbing at his overalls in hopes of getting some of the grime off.

After a few minutes of vigorous scrubbing, Bambi emerged from the water, his teeth chattering as he hurried over to a patch of grass the sun shone directly on. Quivering, he sunk into the grass, watching through slitted eyes as that stupid cat continued playing in the water. Dumbass! How do you like that shit? Snorting in disapproval, Bambi turned away, facing the darkness of the trees as he basked in the sunlight.

The sun provided little to no warmth as Bambi hunched over in the grass. He could hear something brushing through the pasture behind him, ignoring it until a faint shadow fell upon him. Looking over with a glare, he stopped when he realized it was just Dave, holding the same pink fleece blanket.

Dave looked startled for a moment before asking, “Are you cold?”

Bambi turned around to fully face him. “No.” However, his faint trembling said otherwise.

“Here,” Dave continued, putting his hands behind Bambi to wrap the large blanket around him.

Bambi glared at him again. “Now it’s wet.”

“So? It’s already dirty.”

Bambi didn’t protest, instead wrapping the blanket tighter around himself.

“Do you need help drying off?” Dave asked.

“No.”

“Okay.” Silence stretched out between them for several heartbeats before Dave inhaled and finally blurted out, “Are you mad at me?”

“What?!”

“I said, are you mad at me?”

“No.” Bambi replied, wincing at how fast he said it.

“Are you sure?”

Instead of replying, Bambi looked away, unable to meet his gaze. Dave took it as a cue to continue.

“I feel terrible about this whole thing,” Dave confessed. “I don’t know how to repay you.”

“Tell me something I don’t know!” Bambi spat angrily, feeling a flash of regret as Dave flinched. Despite this, he pressed on. “Why the fuck would you do this?” Bambi knew that what he was saying was unfair, but he couldn’t stop. “God! I don’t wanna do this. I don’t wanna fucking do this! Just leave me alone!” Whirling around, he screwed eyes shut as he tightened his grip on the blanket.

Dave’s voice was steady, laced strong with hurt. “Okay. I will. But not because you told me to.”

Bambi opened his eyes as he heard Dave slip away through the grass. As Bambi sat there, a single thought crossed his mind. Why didn’t he feel better? Surely telling Dave off would’ve helped? If anything, Bambi just felt worse; he felt bad for blaming and hurting Dave’s feelings. Bambi debated on whether or not to call Dave back and apologize, but by the time his mind was made up and he looked over, he saw that Dave was sitting back on the pebbly shore, Rowan bobbing over to him and saying something Bambi couldn’t make out. Furious, he whipped back around. Fine! Go hang out with the stupid cats! See if I fucking care!

Standing up, Bambi flounced over to the wagon, taking off the blanket and shoving it in. In that brief moment, Bambi managed to catch a few words of Dave and Rowan’s conversation.

“...like swimming?” Rowan’s voice drifted from the water.

“Not really,” Dave replied.

Bambi snarled, backing away. After a few moments, he came to a halt, surprised as another voice growled behind him.

“What do you want?” Quinn asked.

Whirling around, Bambi snapped, “Nothing!” Bambi finally looked down to see what Quinn was doing. In one hand, Quinn held a rock, and in the other his spear, sharpening the tip. Despite this knowledge, Bambi still asked, “What are you doing?”

“What’s it look like?” Quinn muttered, not taking his eyes off his spear as he ran the rock against the tip once more, an unpleasant grating sound radiating from it.

“Sharpen it.” Bambi concluded, continuing to watch.

Quinn flipped the spear over, running the rock on the other side as he abruptly questioned, “You sure you two are friends?” Following the question, he flicked his ear towards the direction of Dave.

Bambi scoffed, putting his hands up in utter disbelief as he exclaimed, “Of course we are!”

“...Right.”

“I’m being serious! We’re friends!” Bambi continued, highly offended. “Oh! Oh! And, you know what? I have yet to have an apology!”

Quinn’s whiskers twitched. “For?”

“Throwing me!” Bambi practically shouted. “It fucking hurt! You a bitch!”

Quinn straightened up, looking at him for the first time since they’d started talking. “What... What is this? What is this beach you speak of?”

Bambi’s eyes widened in both shock and confusion. “I... You know! A... I...” Bambi looked around, waving his hands in the air to further solidify his surprise. Quinn raised an eyebrow, and Bambi stopped, hot with embarrassment. “Umm... Uh... Fuck you!” Bambi spat, turning around and scrambling away.

As Bambi retreated to his former sunny grass patch, only one thing was on his mind. I’m surrounded by a bunch of idiots!

Chapter 6

Notes:

Me when I don't update this shit in over a year? World be kind ok?

Edit: GUYS WTF DAVE AND BAMBI VOLUME 1 TOMORROW OH MY GOD IM LOSING MY MIND

Dave jerked awake, thrashing around for a moment before falling still as he propped himself up with his right arm. The bushes around him rattled for several upcoming seconds before falling still. Dave rubbed his temples, realizing that what had woken him up moments before had been a nightmare. Sitting up, Dave caught his breath before looking around, trying to remember how he ended up here. Dave recalled how, after his conversation with Rowan, the four headed past the waterfall, found a copse to settle at for the night, and called it a day. Dave had been happy to go to sleep early; he had grabbed the other blanket from the wagon, which was sleek and black, put it on the ground beneath a bush, and tried his best to sleep. Evidently I did, Dave thought grumpily, rubbing his eyes. He had originally left the pink fleece blanket he’d previously given to Bambi alone, but looking down now, he realized that it had been tucked over him. Speaking of Bambi… Dave finally turned his attention to the snoring farmer, who was curled up on the blanket near Dave’s legs.

Frowning, Dave attempted to crawl from underneath the blanket, trying to kick it off himself with one of his prosthetics. Dave forced a section of the bush apart and jerked out, ignoring the twigs that dug into his shirt and attempted to pull him back into the undergrowth. Dave freed himself from the shackles of branches and roots, sitting on his knees. Looking over, he realized that Bambi had fallen silent; Dave’s escapade had resulted in Bambi being rolled over. Bambi laid on his face for a few more seconds before snorting and rolling back over, scratching under one of the straps of his overalls. After a few heartbeats, his snoring resumed. Biting back a sigh of relief, Dave crawled further away, finding a small patch of moonlight that filtered through the trees above. He laid down, folding his hands and placing them behind his head as he gazed up at the star-flecked sky. I wish Tristan were here to see this. The longing that gripped Dave lasted for a few moments before something else grabbed his attention. Swiveling his head to the left, fear trickled down his spine as he locked gazes with a pair of eyes that stared back at him in the gloom of the bushes. Dave jerked upright, his mouth opening in the beginning of a shriek, but it died in his throat when a familiar figure pushed his way through the bushes, green eyes wide with concern. “Rowan!” Dave managed to choke out, his voice barely a whisper.

“I’m sorry!” Rowan blurted out. “I didn’t mean to spy! You just looked so sad.”

Dave’s chest heaved as he continued to stare at the cat. When Rowan cocked his head, Dave realized he had yet to respond. “I’m fine,” he managed to say.

“What are you doing?” Rowan asked cheerfully, hurrying over to sit beside Dave.

Dave shot a quick glance at the stars overhead. “I don’t know.”

“Are you sure? It looked like you were stargazing!” Rowan beamed, his tail waving as he cast his own glance at the sky.

“I guess,” Dave replied, laying back down on the grass. Dave ignored Rowan, who copied him and laid back as well. After a few moments, Dave found it hard to ignore him any longer; Rowan’s eyes kept darting towards him before flitting back up at the sky, as if he expected Dave to do something. Stifling a sigh, Dave asked, “What?”

Rowan squirmed around for a moment, as if he were uncomfortable. “Well…” Rowan began, finally resting his gaze on Dave for more than a millisecond. “Y’know how you mentioned hairballs? And how you think we lick ourselves?” Rowan’s face scrunched slightly with amusement at the last few words.

Dave blinked, not wanting to be reminded of his failed attempt at an insult. “Yes?”

“What gave you that idea?” Rowan looked Dave up and down. “Do you guys…” Rowan threw a look over his shoulder towards the muffled sounds of Bambi snoring. “Lick yourselves?”

Dave straightened up, taken aback. “No! It’s just…” Dave struggled to find the words. “Where I’m from, we have cats too. They-”

“You do?!” Rowan perked up instantly. “Really?”

“Yes, they-”

“What are they like? Do they know about Herashel? Arnish? Oh, oh! Are there any messengers, like me? Maybe we could help each other! There’s never enough messengers. I would love to have a-”

“Wait, wait.” Dave interrupted. “Wait. They aren’t exactly like you guys… at all. They lick themselves, and that's where I got the idea that-”

“Is that all?” Rowan asked, his eyes shining as he clung to each and every word Dave spoke.

“No. They’re very… domesticated. They walk on all fours, like a…” Dave stopped. Normal cat. Clearing his throat, he continued. “They don’t talk, like you guys. Well, they do to an extent by meowing, I suppose… We can’t understand them, though. They love living with humans, like me for example. They like to be pet, and they groom themselves by licking their own fur.”

“Really?” Rowan repeated, sounding breathless.

Dave nodded, wondering if he just gave the poor cat an unintentional existential crisis. Instead, Rowan looked eager.

“That’s amazing! Maybe, when all of this is over, I could visit you and meet them!”

Absolutely not. “Maybe,” Dave conceded.

“Yay!” Rowan cheered, purring as he rolled onto his stomach, digging his claws into the grass with a stretch.

Dave eyed Rowan’s claws, shuddering as they glinted in the moonlight. Dave shook his head. He wouldn’t hurt you! Dave looked towards the bushes Rowan had emerged from before. Would Quinn? Dave remembered the way Quinn had thrust his spear at Dave’s head, quivering upon reliving the memory. Definitely.

Dave wasn’t sure how long he’d had his eyes fixed on Rowan’s claws for, but he snapped out of it when the glow from above seemed to dim. Turning his attention back to the sky, he watched as dark clouds began to conceal the moon above. “That doesn’t look good,” Dave muttered under his breath.

Rowan looked over his shoulder at the moon before glancing back at Dave and stating matter-of-factly, “Those are clouds.”

“I know what a cloud is,” Dave retorted. “What I meant is that it looks like it’s going to rain soon.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hm?”

“How do you know it’s gonna rain? They’re just clouds.”

“They’re darker,” Dave began, feeling a small flicker of satisfaction at the idea of educating the cat on something he’d just been indirectly accused of not knowing. “Rain clouds appear darker due to the fact that they are thicker and denser. The water droplets they carry limit the amount of light that can penetrate the cloud, which ends up in them looking… well, gray.”

“Huh.” Rowan cast another brief look towards the sky, then back at Dave once more. “You can tell all of that just because of its color?”

“Sure can!” Dave replied, wincing as he heard the sound of a raindrop hitting the grass next to him.

Rowan rolled over and sat up, looking intrigued. “What else do you know?” He asked, only acknowledging the rain with a flick of his ear.

“Well… probably as much as you do. Where I’m from, it’s really just common sense to know that,” Dave added. “From the looks of it, we should probably get back under shelter…” Or lack thereof, anyway, Dave thought with a grunt of disapproval.

“If you say so,” Rowan said, his whiskers twitching. The cat looked as if he had more questions, but if he did, he must’ve held his tongue as he stood up and scampered back into the undergrowth he’d come from.

Dave left the moonlit patch of grass as he crawled back over to the bushes, cursing under his breath as he forced himself through the woven branches. Dave lied down, got about as comfortable as you’d expect lying in a bush to be, and shut his eyes. Just as Dave felt himself begin to drift off, the rumbling of thunder made him aware of his surroundings once more. As if this were the sky's last straw, rain came in full force, plunging the forest into a drizzly gloom. Just my luck! Dave thought miserably, a chill creeping up his spine as rain began to filter through the bushes, landing on his sweater and seeping into his skin. Grumbling, he pulled the pink blanket over his shoulder, squeezed his eyes shut, and silently prayed he’d fall asleep soon.

***

“...not looking good.” Dave opened his eyes, just barely picking up Quinn’s voice over the sound of the rain pounding relentlessly into the forest. Peeking through the bushes, he caught the silhouettes of Quinn and Rowan, who, from the sound of it, seemed to be discussing the current weather situation.

“Dave was really smart! He predicted the rain!” Rowan exclaimed, sounding much more cheerful than his companion.

“Did he now?” Quinn replied bluntly, sounding unimpressed.

“Mhm! He also said that…”

Dave didn’t bother listening to the rest of what he had to say. Looking towards Bambi, he prodded him a few times. “Bambi.” Nothing. “Bambi!”

“Whuh?” Bambi mumbled, his eyes bleary with sleep as he sat up. “What you want?” He asked, gaze hardening with irritation.

Off to yet another great start, I see, Dave groaned inwardly.

“Well?” Bambi prompted sharply.

Dave pointed in the direction the voices were coming from. “They’re both awake; I’m assuming they’ll want to get going soon.”

“…Uh-huh.” Bambi muttered as he stood up, eyes flashing when his movement sent a flurry of raindrops around him.

Dave cleared his throat, feeling a need to continue the conversation. “Quinn mentioned a river, didn’t he? That’s what we’re looking for, I’m guessing,” Dave continued, fumbling with the satchel in an attempt to take a peek at the map. “I wonder what we’ll…” Dave trailed off as Bambi pushed through the leaves, dragging the pink blanket behind him. “Oh. Oookay…”

Dave watched as the trembling foliage grew still, shaking himself a moment later. Grabbing the black blanket, Dave plunged after Bambi, emerging from the undergrowth to see Bambi with the two cats a few feet away.

Bambi glanced over his shoulder. “Took ya long enough!” He exclaimed, turning around to face him. “And you’re the one that woke me up!”

“Yeah, well, you didn’t exactly give me a chance to-”

“Will you two zip it?” Quinn snarled, shaking his pelt as rain continued to fall upon them. “I’d rather get moving than listen to you two argue.”

“We don’t argue!” Dave blurted out.

“Yeah, yeah, okay, whatever helps you sleep at night,” Quinn growled, whirling around to fetch the wagon.

Rowan watched Quinn pad away before looking back towards Dave and Bambi and saying, “I don’t think he likes waking up early.”

“I don’t think I like you,” Quinn retorted, pulling the wagon behind him as he came to a halt next to Dave and Bambi.

“Yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night,” Rowan mocked cheekily, his eyes gleaming.

Quinn flattened his ears. “Just get in the wagon,” He hissed through gritted teeth.

“I don’t hear you denying it!”

While Quinn reprimanded Rowan, Dave scrambled into the wagon clumsily. Dave watched as Quinn and Rowan quarreled before exchanging a glance with Bambi. “Hypocrite,” Dave whispered, crossing his arms.

Bambi snorted, letting out a chuckle as he placed the pink blanket next to the black one in the wagon.

Dave raised an eyebrow as Bambi grabbed the handle of the wagon. “You sure you’re not tired of pulling me around?” Dave asked with a laugh.

“Fine, thanks. Hey!” Bambi shouted at Quinn and Rowan. “We go now?”

Rowan dropped the argument instantly, scurrying over to Bambi. “Yes, yes! Let’s go, Quinn, let’s go!”

Quinn heaved a sigh before saying, “Yes, let's.”

Dave watched as Quinn began to head back the way they came. “Uh, Quinn?”

“Hm?” Quinn replied, not breaking his stride.

“Aren’t we backtracking?”

“The waterfall’s source of water is the river. If we follow the water we’ll find the river.”

“Ah, right,” Dave murmured, hot with embarrassment. Despite this brief moment of warmth, the chill in the air didn’t fail to make Dave shudder;  Dave could see why Bambi would much rather pull the wagon instead of sitting still in the rain. Not like I have much of a choice anyway, Dave thought sourly.

The sound of the waterfall greeting his ears roused Dave from his thoughts.

“See that?” Quinn began, motioning towards the current with his tail; a few feet away it dropped, leading to the waterfall they had previously encountered. “We follow it.”

Yes, I can make that inference, Dave replied silently.

“How long ya think it’ll take to get to it?” Bambi asked as they began following the stream away from the waterfall.

“Long enough,” Quinn growled, silently declaring the conversation at an end as he picked up the pace.

Rowan hung back with the two as Quinn distanced himself from them. “I’m sure it won’t take that long,” He chirped. “When all of this is over, I’ll get to say that I’ve visited all four realms! Don’t think I’ve heard of a messenger doing all that before!”

“Good for you,” Bambi said bluntly.

Dave frowned. You could at least act a little interested! “Messengers don’t often get to visit the other realms?”

Rowan perked up, his eagerness returning at the prospect of a question. “Nope! Usually important letters to other realms are delivered by the writers themselves, but sometimes they can’t. That’s where us messengers come in and save the day!”

Before Dave could say anything, Bambi beat him to it. “Ain’t you the same one that lost-”

Dave cut him off. “Will you be quiet? Anyways, Rowan, that doesn’t sound too bad. In fact, we have a similar system.”

“You do?”

“Mhm! Some people take up the occupation of being a mailman, which, you know, as it sounds… they deliver mail to their respective residence.”

“A mailman, huh?” Rowan repeated. “Eh… whatever you wanna call it, I guess. Messenger is totally better though.”

“Oh, definitely,” Dave replied enthusiastically. “Sounds much more… formal.”

“Yeah! …It kinda sucks though, cause no one ever really takes us seriously either way.”

“How come?”

“Something about there being better ways to contribute to society,” Rowan said with a scoff. “I think messengers are helpful.”

“Well, who cares what other people think? As long as you consider it helpful, and it makes you happy, I don’t see why it matters to others.”

“You’re right!” Rowan exclaimed. “It’s just hard to convince other cats to believe that.”

Dave felt a jab of pity for the brown tom, but he couldn’t think of more to say.

“You ever try convincing?” Bambi asked.

“Um… no,” Rowan admitted sheepishly.

“Maybe use you words.”

Rowan’s eyes sparked with newfound determination. “Got it! Anything else?”

Dave smiled, amused by Rowan’s not-so-subtle infatuation with Bambi.

“Uh… no. Start with that.”

Rowan nodded quickly. “Okay! Hey, Quinn!” He called, hurrying to catch up with the silver cat.

Dave watched Rowan depart for another moment before turning his attention to Bambi. “That was nice of you.”

“Nice?” Bambi glanced at Dave, looking confused. Upon Dave nodding in response, he said, “Not nice, just common sense.”

***

For what felt like an eternity, the four followed the snaking path of water; at some point Bambi decided to opt out and now sat opposite of Dave on the wagon, patting his hands against the side of it in boredom as he eyed the ground.

Dave leaned against his wheelchair, stifling a sigh; the weather showed no sign of stopping soon. Dave squeezed his eyes shut, but opened them once more at the sound of rumbling. Is that thunder?

“I see it!” Rowan squealed, hurrying forward.

Dave looked over; the trees had begun to thin out, revealing a river swollen with rain.

“We’re too late,” Quinn hissed, following Rowan to the bank with the wagon close behind.

Dave eyed the waterway in horror. It rushed past aggressively, spraying the group as waves clashed against one another. “Is there a bridge here, too, or…?” Dave managed to stammer out.

“Not that I know of. It’s overflowing. We’re gonna have to wait for the rain to stop.”

I don’t want to wait! Dave wailed silently.

“Come on!” Rowan intercepted. “I’m sure it’s not that bad. Come here, you!” Rowan lifted Bambi out of the wagon, much to Dave’s dismay.

“Wait!” Bambi began, reaching out for Dave as Rowan swept him away towards the tide. “Put me down!”

“Bambi!” Dave cried out.

Rowan planted a foot in the river, putting his other one in a heartbeat after. He took another step, looking over his shoulder at Quinn and Dave. “See? I told you, it’s-” Rowan slipped, his yelp cut off as the two vanished into the murky depths.

“Bambi!” Dave wailed out, rolling out of the wagon. Before he could make it to the river, Quinn got down, grabbing him by the collar of his sweatshirt.

“Don’t.”

Dave stared at Quinn. “Are you going to do anything?”

Quinn blinked, tearing his gaze off Dave and pricking his ears.

Following his gaze, Dave let out a small gasp. “Bambi!”

Bambi had managed to grab a sturdy bough anchored underneath the waves, holding onto it tightly as the river threatened to loosen his grip. Grabbing his hat as it swirled past, he put it back on, his eyes narrowing as foam sprayed into his eyes.

Just when he thought the rumbling couldn’t get any louder, Dave heard crashing upstream; looking over his shoulder, he felt sick with dread. The force of the water had managed to bring with it a hefty chunk of debris that bustled down the slope, hurtling towards Bambi. “Bambi!” Dave shouted once more, turning his attention back towards his suspended friend.

Bambi managed to catch Dave’s gaze, his eyes reflecting the fear Dave felt. Bambi turned his attention back to the debris as it approached; he pushed himself away from the branchlet, heading for the opposite bank just as the detritus swept over him.

Dave held his breath, trembling as he waited for the rest of the rubble to continue its journey downstream. The moment it cleared Dave shoved Quinn away; he looked across, dizzy with relief as he spotted Bambi haul himself out of the water before it could sweep him away once more. Spluttering, he coughed up a mouthful of water before dragging himself further away from the shore.

Dave continued to eye Bambi, desperate to get across. Pausing, Dave remembered something. “Where’s Rowan?”

As if answering his question, Rowan stumbled out of shrubbery on the far left side, shaking his fur out before heading over to Bambi. Dave watched as Rowan kneeled down in an attempt to help Bambi up, only for Bambi to slap his hand away. That’s a good sign.

“Come on.” Quinn grunted, picking Dave up off the ground.

Dave felt a shrill of fear, holding the satchel close to his chest. “It’s flooded!” He managed to choke out.

Quinn didn’t respond, stepping into the current. The water stained his fur a dark gray that blended with the river's complexion; Dave couldn’t tell where his fur ended and the water began. He braced himself for impact, but it never came. Quinn’s steps were calculated, making sure with each step that he dug his feet into the mud to anchor himself. Dave closed his eyes, opening them when he felt grass beneath him. Raising his head, he watched as Quinn plunged into the river again to fetch the wagon. “Bambi… Bambi!” Dave exclaimed, crawling over to him. 

Rowan was still beside him, his eyes round with guilt. “I’m sorry!”

Dave looked up at him. “Go see if Quinn needs your help,” Dave instructed curtly.

Rowan cast another glance at Bambi before scampering away, calling out Quinn’s name in the process.

“You okay?” Dave asked frantically, holding his breath as he awaited Bambi’s response.

Bambi sat upright, coughing. “Oh, I’m fine,” Bambi’s voice was laced with scorn. “Thing just-” Gagging, he pushed on. “Just tried to drown me, but I’m fine!”

Dave heaved a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you’re okay,” he breathed, his voice barely audible over the commotion by the riverside.

Bambi grumbled before mumbling with a shudder, “Not melanie.”

Dave eyed him, perplexed. “…You mean mentally?”

“That’s what I said.”

Dave scoffed, rolling his eyes with a small chuckle. His brief laughter subsided at the sound of splashing on the bank, and, looking over his shoulder, Dave watched as Rowan helped Quinn carry the wagon and its contents above the lapping waves. The two made it across without a struggle; after all, it was mainly Quinn doing the heavy lifting. If anything, Rowan was simply there for moral support. Sodden fur clung to their wiry frames as the two abandoned the rapids, Quinn letting out a grunt as he planted the wagon firmly in the soil. In a heartbeat Quinn headed over to the two, fiddling with his belt and shaking his cape out before taking off his mask.

Dave opened his mouth with the intent of speaking, but any words he wanted to say dried up on his tongue once he got a good look at Quinn’s full face. His muzzle was laced with scars; a long, winding one ran up his left cheek while five consecutive slashes donned his right. A jagged scar ran from his left nostril down past his bottom lip, leaving a small opening that, if looked at in the right angle, exposed his teeth and gums. The family reunion of scars came to an end at Quinn’s neck; a singular, ragged scar ran across his throat. Where said scar ended, Dave didn’t know; the water that clung to Quinn’s pelt and weighed his fur down made it hard for Dave to see where each scar began and ended. Dave was unsure how long he’d sat there staring, but Bambi’s voice eventually broke him out of the trance.

“Fine,” Bambi said sourly before breaking out into a fit of coughs.

Dave blinked, looking between the two in confusion before realizing that Quinn must’ve asked Bambi a question. When Rowan sidled up to Quinn’s side, Dave felt his anger reawaken at full force. He darted forward, positioning himself between the cats and Bambi, glaring up at them. “What is wrong with you two?!” Dave began harshly. “Do you just pick up any kid and not listen to them telling you to put them down?”

“I’m not a-”

Dave whirled around to look at Bambi, taking a deep breath before saying gently, “Yes, I’m aware. But you know what I meant!” Dave’s voice crescendoed into a shout towards the end, and he spun back around to face the cats once more. Dave heard Bambi inhale sharply with intent of replying, but he began coughing instead. “You don’t just pick someone up without their permission, let alone do something they’re literally asking you not to do!”

“Yeah, Rowan,” Quinn muttered pointedly as he angled an ear towards him.

Dave’s frustration boiled over as he spat out, “You did it too!” The hot rage cascading over Dave made the rain pelting down on him feel like acid; had he been the more powerful one here, he’d have that permanent smug look wiped off of Quinn’s face in no time.

“Dave, calm-”

At the sound of Bambi’s voice, Dave rounded on him again. “I am calm!” Dave paused, his body heaving with every breath as he met his gaze. Bambi’s eyes were glazed with exhaustion, but behind that they harbored a sliver of something else. Concern. Dave’s breath hitched as he recalled what happens every single time he experiences a negative emotion so strongly. It took all of Dave’s strength to stifle the urge to hyperventilate as all the memories rushed back; the more Dave thought about it, the longer it was left to simmer in his mind, Dave could’ve sworn it was about to happen again right here, right now.

Red blurred at the edges of his vision. Wait, no it wasn’t… no, it definitely was! …Maybe? Was he imagining it? Before Dave could consider all of these possibilities, pain erupted throughout his skull, blocking out any sound and rendering Dave blind as his vision blurred. This prompted him to squeeze his eyes shut. Dave gritted his teeth so hard he was convinced that they’d crack; just as the pressure in both his head and his jaw became almost too much to bear, the agony began to ebb away, instead being replaced with a feeling of inexplicable numbness. Dave took in a deep, shaky breath as his senses slowly returned; sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste…

What felt like a century of suffering for him seemed to only last a few seconds for everyone else. Bambi was still there, holding his gaze; if anything, he might’ve even looked more concerned than before. Dave blinked a few more times to rid himself of any excess haziness before heaving a sigh. “I’m calm,” he managed to choke out, his voice barely audible over the storm. Dave turned back to face Quinn and Rowan, about to blurt out an apology, but Quinn spoke first.

“Why don’t we continue this somewhere else?” He asked, voice heavy with anger as his tail lashed irritably.

Dave eyed Quinn for a moment before remembering that questions do, in fact, require an answer. “Oh! Um. Yeah, that… that sounds good…”

“Get in.” Quinn growled, motioning towards the wagon with his tail as he squeezed his mask out for good measure before putting it back on.

Dave watched as Bambi struggled to his feet, wobbling for a moment before staggering forward and limping towards the wagon. Dave followed reluctantly, his muscles shrieking in protest as he dragged himself towards and into the wagon. Dave said nothing, his back to Quinn by the time he came over to grab the handle of the wagon and pull them away from the river and into yet another forest. As much as Dave wanted to sleep everything off, he forced himself to keep his eyes trained on Bambi, who had his hat turned downward so it could cover his eyes as he dozed off. His hands were crossed, resting on the pocket of his overalls. From the other side of the wagon, Dave could see the small tremors of shivering as Bambi slept. Letting out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding until now, Dave pawed at the two blankets they’d been provided, feeling around for the driest spot he could find. One of the corners of the pink fleece blanket was particularly dry, and, pulling it forward, Dave secured it snugly around Bambi’s quivering frame.

Dave sat back to lean against his wheelchair, watching as Bambi visually relaxed into the blanket, nuzzling his chin under it. Stifling a yawn, Dave closed his eyes for what only felt like a second until he was roused once more by the sound of a yelp and Quinn shouting Rowan’s name. Dave heard the sound of something hitting the ground, and as the wagon began to slide backward, Dave realized it was the sound of Quinn letting go of the handle. The wagon dipped downward before slamming into, and getting lodged between, a sturdy bush and tree. Bambi jerked forward as branches of the bush jabbed him in the back of the head; grumbling sleepily, he caught his hat before it could fall into his lap and fixed it so it was on properly. He raised his head, cocking a confused eyebrow towards Dave. All Dave could do was shrug, casting a glance over his shoulder in the process. When Dave looked back, a few leaves of the tree above broke loose, bringing with them a shower of raindrops. Dave scrunched his face up, lowering his head as they landed on the back of his neck. Shuddering, he straightened up before saying, “I’m gonna go see what’s up.” Bambi’s only response was a yawn.

Half-climbing, half-falling out of the wagon, Dave landed in the wet grass and followed the wagon’s wheel marks in the ground back to the top of the slope. What Dave saw made him wonder whether or not Quinn was currently experiencing a mental crisis. He was kneeling down, peering into a cluster of ferns and calling out Rowan’s name. As Dave approached, he heard Quinn muttering under his breath in frustration, prompting Dave to clear his throat.

Quinn spun around, a hand on his belt, but he stopped once he realized it was Dave. “Go back,” he ordered, nodding back in the direction of the wagon.

“What are you doing?”

“Go back!” Quinn snapped before adding with a hiss, “Rowan fell in a hole like the idiot he is.”

“Fell?” Dave echoed. “Is he okay?”

“Should be,” Quinn retorted before calling into the ferns, “You okay?”

“I’m fine!” Huh. Rowan really was down there.

Quinn’s eyes narrowed in concentration before he continued. “What’s it like down there?”

“Dry,” came Rowan’s voice. “Well, except for…” The rest of Rowan’s words were inaudible as a gust of wind set the foliage around the two rustling.

“Except for what?” Quinn shouted.

“It’s cramped,” Rowan called, his voice raised to amplify audibility. “And I think the water’s rising…”

“Rowan, we need to get you out of there,” Quinn began.

Really? I thought letting him drown down there would be a better idea! Dave thought sarcastically as Quinn stated the obvious.

“Do you see any light coming from anywhere? If not, just take whichever route out that leads upwards and away from the water.” Quinn poked his muzzle through the ferns, pulling them apart in an attempt to see anything in the hole. After a few moments he said, “I see you. Keep going that way. I’ll go that way as well and try to meet you somewhere.” Straightening up, Quinn walked over to Dave. “Let’s go.”

Dave eyed him warily. “I thought you were going alone. You said I’ll, after all,” Dave added, an edge to his voice. “Wh- Hey!” Dave yelped out as Quinn snatched him up off the ground and descended back down to the wagon.

Quinn dropped him into the wagon, shoving him aggressively before snarling, “I don’t have time for this!” Fur spiking with annoyance, he grabbed the wagon handle and headed back up, supposedly heading the way Rowan went, which was towards the right.

Dave practically tumbled into Bambi, apologizing sheepishly as he struggled to back up. Right as Dave got situated, he lurched forward again as Quinn skidded to a halt, dropping the handle of the wagon and hurrying away. Dave sighed, sitting up and looking over in the direction Quinn went. His irritability shifted to curiosity as he saw what Quinn was inspecting; a relatively-large cave opened up against a wall, with a few tinier holes around it.

“Rowan? Hey, Rowan!” Quinn yelled, vanishing into the shadows the cave cast.

Dave blinked, suddenly feeling exposed. For once in his life, he didn’t want Quinn out of his sight. Forgetting about Bambi, Dave slid out of the wagon, following Quinn into the darkness.

Inside, it wasn’t half bad; it was well-lit due to a small gap in the ceiling, and it didn’t take long for Dave’s eyes to adjust to the gloom. Looking to the left, he watched as Quinn leaned over what looked like a sheer drop; shuddering, Dave resisted the urge to look away as Quinn dangled precariously off the edge before hauling Rowan out of the umbra. The two fell backwards, Quinn notably more graceful than Rowan ever could be.

Rowan let out a small “Oof!” as he landed on top of Quinn before rolling off of him to get up and shake himself off, spraying both Quinn and Dave in the process. As Rowan was readjusting his scarf, he only then seemed to realize Dave was there. “Where’s Bambi?”

“Outside still.” By the time Dave got the words out, Rowan was already scampering outside, saying he’d go fetch him.

“Stupid, stupid cat,” Quinn hissed as he dusted off one of his shoulders.

Dave didn’t reply. Instead, he watched as Rowan brought the wagon into the cave. Bambi peeked out, surveying his surroundings with an unimpressed glare.

“Can we stay here for the night? Please?” Rowan asked, bouncing on his toes.

“...Fine,” Quinn replied before hissing out, “Look where you’re going next time, why don’t you?”

Dave was too tired to go back and forth on every possible risk they could face here, really only having the energy to ask one question. “What if it floods?” He knew it was unlikely, but he’d rather be safe than sorry.

Quinn answered, angling an ear at the spot he’d pulled Rowan out of. “Rowan came from all the way down there. I doubt it’ll fill up that fast.”

All Dave could muster in response was a yawn. Grabbing the black blanket from the wagon, Dave dragged himself a few feet further into the cavern before practically collapsing on his side. A chill ran down his spine at the dampness that still clung to the blanket as he draped it over himself. Dave swore he could already feel the stiffness in his limbs that he’d wake up to from sleeping on such a surface; stifling another yawn, Dave closed his eyes with a sigh of content as the gentle rhythm of the rain lulled him to sleep.