"Did you hear that?" a voice whispers in the darkness.
"Yeah; sounded like someone screaming," a second voice whispers back.
"Sounds like someone needs help; I'm going to go check it out."
"No surprise there; let me know how it goes."
"You'll follow me; you always do."
"You think you know me so well… and you do, so let's go. Shall I wake-"
"No, let her sleep; we shouldn't be long."
The two slide out of bed, dress quickly, and head out into the night.
The two friends cover the area surrounding their home, heading in the direction they heard the scream come from; it doesn't take long before they come across the bike and the lifeless lynx a few yards from it.
"Here she is!" the second voice calls.
"I see her," the first replies as she joins the second. "It's Maria! And she's hurt! We'd better get her home and patched up."
"What's Maria doing all the way out here at this time of night?"
"No idea; we'll ask her in the morning. Now give me a hand."
Early morning, a thoroughly-bandaged Maria stirs awake; slowly opening her eyes, she's greeted by a big smiling face topped with ginger hair. Training and instinct take over; within seconds, Maria has flipped herself on top of the puppy, pinning her to the sofa. "Where am I? Who are you? What's going on?" Maria growls.
"My treehouse, Milla Basset, and getting yourself into trouble," a stern yet kindly voice replies.
Maria looks to the owner of the voice. The sight of a purple dragoness and her green wildcat friend takes her by surprise; she falls off the sofa, landing with an undignified thud. "I… I mean… I didn't… Lilac?" Maria asks, picking herself up.
"Correct," Lilac confirms. "Welcome to our home. Now, why-"
Maria throws herself at Lilac, hugging her tightly. "I found you I found you I found you I found you I found you!" she babbles, crying unrestrained tears of joy and relief.
Lilac, surprised by Maria's reaction, exchanges confused looks with Carol. "Whatever's wrong, we're here to help," she replies reassuringly, holding Maria gently. "What happened?"
"I found you… I finally found you… It's not all over… We can save them…" Maria replies, her voice weak yet clearly relieved.
"This… might take a while," Lilac sighs. "Carol, can you sort out breakfast?"
"Sure thing," Carol agrees, heading to the kitchen.
"You OK Milla?" Lilac asks.
"Yeah," Milla assures, sitting up. "Sorry for waking her up."
"Don't worry about it; saved me the hassle," Lilac winks.