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Author: Howard Buchin The Write Place
Ridley-Roo and Zelda-Lu
(Shortcut to Chapters 1-3 ...... 4,5 ...6)
Chapter 7
Ridley and Zelda Lu:Descent into Danger
Zelda-Lu was trembling as we approached the flowing stream with our friend Gomer guiding us. "Ridley-Roo, did you hear me? I can't swim!" Zelda yelled out. "I think we should turn around right now. This is not going to work Ridley-Roo. I can't swim. Your big friend there, Gomer, has made a bad plan."
"I heard you, Zelda-Lu, but you know there's no going back now," I stuttered. I tried getting his attention by rubbing on his pant leg. I looked at Gomer to see which way he was heading. We were going for the stream and a very large problem. Zelda was already scared silly and the water was getting closer.
"Uh, now easy there, my little friends," Gomer spoke out. "Gee, I'm not that great a swimmer myself, and I am not so sure about crossing this darn stream." Then Gomer perked up. "Hey, just a second. There's a large piece of driftwood over there! With your sharp claws, you could hang onto the wood while I do some flutter-kicks to get us across the stream." Gomer seemed pleased with his new idea.
"You know, Zelda-Lu, he might just have something there. What do you think? That idea might just get us across, don't ya think?" I blurted out to Zelda.
"Well, I guess it might work, as long as Gomer doesn't try swimming too fast..." Zelda hesitated, and then said, "All right, Ridley, I'm willing to give it a shot."
We were now standing on the banks of the stream and we could make out some of the shapes of some small fish that were frolicking below the surface. Gomer hoisted up this large piece of driftwood and slid it into the water. Then he reached down and gently grabbed Zelda-Lu and me. Once we came to rest on the driftwood, we sank our claws into it as much as possible. "Try not to move around too much, Zelda, I wouldn't want this thing to roll over and throw us into the stream."
Zelda's paw had just touched the water's edge and already her teeth were chattering and grinding. "Okay mates, hold tight, cause I am going to push off from the bank," Gomer said.
With a whoosh, we were starting to cross the stream. There wasn't that much of a current, but enough so that Gomer was starting to kick with his legs fairly swiftly. "Are you okay, Zelda-Lu?" I asked. "Yes, Ridley, I am okay, but we better not tip over or I will not be okay very long," Zelda snapped back at me.
"Hey, Zelda, I think I can see the other bank from here. It's not too far to go now," I said with my teeth chattering just a little bit too. "Are we all right down there, my little water-cats?" Gomer asked. I started to feel cold and hardly mustered a sound in response. But I gave out a weak little "Meow Meow." I just wanted to let Gomer know we were okay.
"Arrr mateys, I think I spy some land, starboard side. Hang on tight now." As Gomer spoke, we clutched the driftwood more tightly. "Hey Diddle-Diddle, the Cats and their fiddles, they love to play - everyday - they love to play." It seemed as if Gomer was singing some type of song to himself. "Ah, I think the other bank is only a minute or so away. Are you two going be okay? You're not too scared down there are you, missy?"
"I am too scared, Ridley. I wish this ride would end already!" Zelda-Lu was getting impatient. All of a sudden we felt a krr-thunk, and just like that, we landed on the opposing bank. Ah, safe at last. Gomer was dripping wet as he moved the driftwood so that we could get up on to the bank of the stream. "Well my little mates, I's going to have to stay here and dry out these clothes so - I guess you'll have to find your own way from here," Gomer spoke sadly.
"Hey Ridley, this means we are going to have to go it alone, through these dark tunnels now," Zelda murmured. "Yeah, I guess that's about the size of it," I returned. We both gave Gomer a nudge and a purrr as we started to make our way up from the bank back towards a path. We gave a meow meow, letting Gomer have our warmest goodbye and thanks.
The path lay ahead of us. We had just started out when I spied what looked like another crumpled up piece of paper with some words written down on it.
You've chosen well and gotten far,
Through darkened tunnels without being marred.
Now see your way & keep on the path,
It's easier to take your time, and do the math.
"Wow, Zelda-Lu, this poem is the strangest one we've found, isn't it?" I exclaimed.
"I don't have any idea what that means, Ridley. Wow! Look over on the other side of the path. There is a whole bunch of beautiful flowers. They look very yummy for eating don't they?" Zelda excitedly said.
"I don’t know, Zelda-Lu. Remember the poem said that we should keep to the path. I am not sure if anything that is growing down here might be good for us," I shot back.
"Oh come on, Ridley," Zelda exclaimed. "I always eat flowers and nothing's happened to me so far. I say we try them out!"
"Zelda, wait, wait up. I am coming with you. We can't afford to be separated just in case anything happens," I worriedly said.
"Oh Ridley-Roo, you really should lighten up now and again. We need to enjoy ourselves," Zelda cockily said.
Zelda was first to reach the flowers and right away she started biting into some of the pretty blossoms. She had eaten through three or four of them, when suddenly she started chasing things around. I couldn't see what Zelda was chasing.
Zelda blurted out, "Oh Ridley, come on, now help me, Ridley. I need you to help me to chase these little mice. This patch seems to have hundreds of them. I wonder where they came from? Can't you see them?"
I'd just started eating a flower. Come to think of it, I was having a strange feeling coming over me. It was a funny feeling I was experiencing, but not so as I was seeing magical mice or anything.
"Oh look, Ridley! One of them just scooted up into a tree. Come on. Help me chase it down. It isn't the funniest looking mouse you have ever seen?"
More the like the funniest that I had never seen. "Zelda-Lu, I am not sure what it is you're seeing, but I just can't see what it is you are talking about," I softly spoke to Zelda.
Suddenly, I began to feel very tired for no reason. "Hey Zelda-Lu, I think we need to rest. Maybe just for a short while. I'm starting to feel my eyes getting heavy and I am so sleepy, aren't you?" Just as I spoke these words, I found myself beside a cozy little spot. I hadn't seen it before, right behind this big tree. I remember thinking that it was probably not a good idea to sleep and leave Zelda chasing mice, but just then I laid my tired head down. I felt myself going peacefully into a restful slumber.
Before I did, I looked over at Zelda-Lu and she appeared to still be chasing her mouse around in circles. I think those flowers must have had something in them. We were acting suddenly very differently than two lost cats scared and far way from our home.
I went out like a light.End of chapter 7
(Shortcut to Chapters 1-3 ...... 4,5 ..... 6)
Chapter 8
Ridley and Zelda Make Haste
Time ticked slowly away as Ridley and Zelda began to return from their magical journey that began and ended in dreamland. Zelda-Lu continued to chase magical mice around and around in circles until she started to feel fatigued. At the same moment, Ridley-Roo was dreaming of big bowls of deliciously juicy stew with lots of sauce, just the way he loved it. They both were slow to become aware of their real life surroundings as all illusions ebbed and they eased their way back into reality.
Ridley Roo and Zelda-Lu were feeling the effects of the magical flowers wearing off. Ridley found himself waking up from his long sweet dream still feeling a bit hazy. Zelda came to as well, realizing that the reality around her was very different from her dreams. She foundherself resting comfortably beside her mate, Ridley Roo. They were at the base of a large tree with branches spreading out wide, and as happens with most of our good dreams, both of them wished they could spend more time in dream world, but couldn't. The dream was over.
Zelda looked over at Ridley and motioned for him to listen closely as she had somethingimportant to say. "Ridley Roo," Zelda shrugged her shoulder blades and said, "I guess allthat just happened to us was only a dream." Then she remembered their friend Gomer. "Now Gomer was not a dream. He was a good friend Ridley. We must find a way to let him know how much we appreciated his help when we needed it." "Yes-yes," Ridley nodded, "the next time we see Gomer, we must remember to thank him for all that he did for us. He was so very helpful when we needed help."
"Ridley," Zelda said, "I'm kind of cold now. I don't feel too comfortable being down here among the tunnels and caverns. There's never any sunshine, and I really miss its brightness and warmth. Let's start searching for a shortcut out of here. We've stayed down here long enough."
"Okay-okay," Ridley replied, "I guess we'll begin following a path to the side there. It's bound to lead us somewhere or other." "Oh yes Ridley, all paths lead somewhere, but we want the one that's going to lead us outta here the quickest. I want to be back where we can watch the trees sway, and relax in the afternoon Sun, and or gaze out at the stars & Moon in the night sky."
After her last comment, Ridley noticed there was a path leading up around the foreboding tunnels and past the caves. It seemed different. Possibly that was the path that would lead to some opening. Past the rocks, and over creeks and caverns they walked. They'd been lost, but soon they'd be finding their way home, Ridley hoped.
Pointing to his right, Ridley gestured, "Come on Zelda, let's take this path." Quickly they darted up the winding pathway. On and on they went and had the feeling that they were ascending some kind of a hill. Ridley wondered who exactly did inhabit these massive tunnels under the ground. They were the most unusual things he'd ever come across. But the path began to ascend towards the light and towards ground level.
It was exciting to think that after all this time below the surface of the earth they should soon be back out into the warm sunshine again.
All of a sudden there seemed to be a strong beam of sunlight filtering through the darkness. Nearing the end of the pathway, Ridley abruptly said, "Look Zelda, over to your right." Ridley couldn't contain his excitement. "I think that's the way we've been looking for, out of this maze!"
As they were scooting along, they suddenly popped out into the warm sunshine. There was a gentle breeze that was blowing. Just then a golden-coloured tamarind monkey swung down from where he was hiding among the tree branches. The monkey squeaked and squealed as he swung down from his tree to get closer to Ridley and Zelda making sure to get their attention.
"Well hello there, my little monkey friend," said Ridley. "It seems that this monkey is trying to tell us something, Zelda." "Wee-wee, chirp-chirp," the monkey chattered. It was at that moment they realized why the monkey was making such a hullabaloo. Right across the path from them slithered a large boa constrictor. Boas don't carry venom, but once they get hold of a victim they will squeeze tight until their prey cannot draw any more breaths. It would not take long for death to arrive. "Ridley, watch out for heavens sake! Look down the path. That giant snake seems like he's on the prowl for his next meal. He looks pretty hungry!" Zelda said nervously. Ridley replied, "I think if we don't bother him then he'll probably leave us alone. When was the last time you heard about a snake devouring a cat?"
"I don't read all the news that's printed, but I don't care. If that snake comes within twenty feet of me, I am going to scream louder than you have ever heard me scream," Zelda replied. "Okay, okay, Zelda-Lu," Ridley said. "Just calm yourself down now. I think we should slowly pick up the pace so we don't get too much the attention from this Boa - and maybe he can find some other prey to squeeze." "Oh Ridley-Roo," Zelda retorted, "you really like seeing me get nervous and excited don't you?"
Just then a large hedgehog appeared from behind a small bush. "Don't be afraid, Zee-Lu, he's not meaning to hurt us. I actually think he is trying to tell us something. Look he's pointing his snout towards that path that is leading up the hill. Let's get ourselves moving, Zelda-Lu, cause times-a-wastin." So up they went trying to move quickly but trying to stay upright and not trip over the rocks and indents in the path. It felt wonderful to be back out in the bright sunshine again.
Ridley looked over at Zelda-Lu, and just past her shoulder, he caught a glimpse of a mean looking reptile. He was nasty. His forked tongue was darting in and out of his mouth exposing his sharp teeth. "Zelda-Lu, watch out! There is a lizard sneaking right up behind you!" Ridley blurted out. Zelda jumped up with a start, and she bolted off with Ridley rushing up behind her along the pathway. Moving quickly they motored, as fast as they could move, making sure to escape from the leathery lizard. Suddenly Ridley could hear two human voices talking. It sounded like they were not far away, but on another path close by.
"Thomas, I told you, there's no point complaining about it. Your cat must've just up and run away. You can always find another cat like that," the female voice said.
"No-no, I don't think so. Everett was really special. He used to snuggle up with me at night right by my side. He was like my best friend - always. You can't just find another cat like that," the younger sounding male voice said. The female voice seemed like it belonged to his mom. "Now Thomas, you're just working yourself up into a frenzy. It'll get you nowhere," the mom said. "Everett is gone and he's not likely to come back real soon. Life goes on though, just like the old saying goes."
"Hey Zelda-Lu, it sounds like this little guy lost his cat, and now he's looking for a new one. What d'ya think if we just try to move a little closer and maybe if he sees us, he'll want to take us home?" Ridley suggested.
"Well Ridley, I don't know after what happened with Maude and Harold. But I suppose it is worth a try at least. Why don't we move closer to see what path they are taking?" Zelda said nervously.
They moved closer to where Thomas and his Mom were walking along the path. Both cats started to dart in and out from the bushes so that the humans might see them.
"Hey look, Mom!" he said. "Did you see those two cats? They looked like they belong together and were playing and having fun. Can we try to take those two stray cats home with us?" His mom replied, "Well, if we can get close enough to catch them, I guess we could. I couldn't really get a close look at them to see what type of cats they are."
"Oh there they are again, Mom. I'm going over to where they are. Look! The bigger one is rubbing himself against my leg. Isn't that cute? Come here, little fellow, I won't hurt you."
"My, my, they do seem friendly, Thomas. Yes, I think we could try to take them with us and see if they would be happy in our home," his mom said.
"Look at the female cat. She doesn't seem very friendly, but is she ever cute. Come here, Girl."
At that moment Thomas bent down and scooped the larger cat up into his arms. His mom reached down and scooped the female cat up into her arms. "Well, I think we should try to get back to the car using the short cuts to see if we can get some food for these two. They look famished!" Thomas said. Thomas and Peggy (his Mom) were happy to have found two cats so willing and happy to go home with them.
"Hey Zelda-Lu, what do you think of this latest development?" Ridley stuttered.
"Well Ridley, I hope things will work out with these new cat keepers we've found. Of course after what happened the last time", Zelda-Lu commented, "things are bound to be better I hope."End of chapter 8
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