Chapter 2: The Legend Begins:

Where could he be? I know he's here somewhere, but where? Thought the young, but grown-up Rose as she held her sword the best she could, until her paw was sweating. As she waited for her father to come out of hiding with an attack. Slowly walking around the outside of the den, and as slowly turning around every few seconds just to be sure and clear of her father. As her boots, that now fit her perfectly silently tapped the cement, and as her hat fitting perfectly upon her head, as it blocked the sun's powerful rays from her eyes. If one didn't know better you'd think Rose was Puss himself.

"Come on, Papa...you know I can find you!" Rose called out, getting a bit bored.

That's probably what he's waiting for is for me to get tired and catch me off guard! Nice try Dad, nice try!

Rose continued to surveillance her surroundings for her father, even though she realized what he was doing she couldn't help, but agree it was working. She was getting more tired by the minute. Then she remembered something her father taught her:

"In order to get your enemy to attack you, you must act as if you don't except them. But once they attack you. You'll be ready for them!"

Rose's eyes widened as she realized what her father was doing. She smirked as she put her sword back into her belt pouch, and began to walk around, but still had her paw hovering over her sword handle.

Puss was hiding in the bushes, eying his daughter as he surveillances his daughter using his advice.

"Good Rose. Very, very good...But let's see if you know the first defense move." Puss said to himself as he slowly came out of hiding.

Only to have him hide behind a fruit stand, once Rose turned around after she heard the rustling of leaves.

"Hm.." Rose said as she began walking back to where Puss just ran off to.

She was now ahead of him to where Puss saw her back. He smiled as he slowly began to sneak up upon his unsuspecting daughter.

Rose heard his boots gently tap on the cement, but like she was taught. She pretended not to notice.

Sheeth! Clang!

"Mom was right...those are a lot of heels for a guy..." Rose smirked as she saw her father with his sword in his paws, and her own weapon in hers and both their swords were in contact with one another. Rose succeeded the first part of her training.

"¡Muy bien, Rose...your becoming more like me and your mother every day...I'm so proud of you.." Puss said as he put a hand on Rose's shoulder.

"Gracias, Papa...your compliments mean everything to me..I want to become legendary just like you!" Rose replied, hugging her father. Which he always returned.

"I know you do, mi hija...and you will...turning out as good as I can imagine...of course you'll become like me..." Puss told his proud youngest.

Then Puss remembered of the life his other daughters: Dezeray and Sierra. Both of them were housewives. Dezeray was already a happy mother of two boys. Sierra was expecting a baby daughter within the next 5 months.

Rose was the only one, who hasn't settled down. Finding a mate was the last thing on Rose's mind. Puss knew this cause he was the same way, until Kitty came into his life. She helped him realize that sometimes the real adventure is the adventure of doing something you never imagined of doing. Like for Puss starting a family was quite the adventure if you asked him.

Since she was so much like him, Puss hoped that after living all her adventures and noble quests. She would settle down, like he did.

Though he didn't want to gripe to much about it, for he knew Rose had other things on her mind, and didn't want to rush her life for her. Besides, if she is going to be like him and her mother, she'll have to get used to your life flying past you, within each adventure, with each quest. They seemed to fly past Puss now that his life has slowed down a bit.

"Papa! I love you very much...I know I've said it many times before, but I can't stop saying it...you mean so much to me..." Rose said as she wrapped her arms around her father again.

Puss smiled, as he hugged his daughter back, and whispered an "I love you too." Into her ear.

"Come on, we better head back to the den. Your mamá is waiting for us..." Puss said as him and his daughter made their way back to the den

Since Rose was still young, and she had not yet settled down, she still stayed at the den with her non-aging parents.

As Rose was polishing her sword, her mother came into the living room.

"Rose, can you do me a favor?" Kitty asked.

"Sure Mamá, what is it?" Rose asked standing up and putting her sword back into her belt pouch.

"I need you to send these hand-me-downs to Dezeray's home. There for her young boys." Kitty said giving her youngest a sack filled with shirts, pants, belts, and other hand-me-downs.

"Alright, is it still that old stable home near the edge of the kingdom?" Rose asked as she headed out the door.

"Si, mi hija." Kitty responded.

"Okay, I'm off, tell dad where I am okay! He's in the back!" With that Rose left the shed and headed to the edge of the kingdom where a whole acre is taken for those in need of a home for their families.

Kitty saw Puss right where Rose said he's be, in the back of the den...which was where their daughters rooms would be. Dezeray's was on the far right, Sierra's was in the middle. The first door you'd see, and then there was Rose's on the far left. He went through each one of them, and was now in Rose's room. Looking all around him.

As he began reminiscing on all those memories he had of Rose and him in her room. All those times they laughed, they talked, and they'd fight too, but it was fighting in a playful way. Rose never had a fight with Puss, she was too much like him, and for that she thought to much like him and always agreed to his opinion, because it would be the same as hers.

"It's not going to be long, until she'll be just like you and the orphanage. She'd hate to leave here, but she knows it would be best, especially knowing she knows all she needs to. Because you taught her all she needs to know..." Kitty said as she sat down beside Puss on Rose's bed.

"I know, it's just it all went by so fast...too fast..I miss those days when she was just a kitten..I sometimes wish I'd be able to go back in time. Back when she would take my hat, when she'd tackle me, when I'd twirl her around and hold her in my arms. But now, if know one knew better they'd mistake her for me, she'll be ready for any fight, any duel, and she's street smart to know how to trick others and how not to fall for others tricks..." Puss explained.

"I understand...Puss, I understand very well.." Kitty said as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"Where is Rose anyway?" Puss asked.

"Oh, I asked her to go take some clothes over to Dezeray's. She and her small family have had a bit of a rough start at their new home. It's the second time they've moved. Though she assures me they'll be staying here longer than last." Kitty informed.

Puss nodded. "I hope she don't run into any banditos...I know she'll be able to protect herself, but now they've been starting their own gangs, and I haven't taught Rose enough about fighting off a group."

"Really, cause I asked her about fighting against a group single handed. And you know what she said to me?"

Puss smirked. "What did she say?"

"There's no need to worry much, you just got more enemies just do the same as you did to the first." Kitty recited.

Puss chuckled. Rose was his daughter alright.

"Don't worry, Kitty...I'll teach her some more techniques tomorrow. I promise..." Puss said as he yawned.

Where's Fuga? He's usually always out on the streets when I'm walking them, where could that fool of a cat be? Rose thought as she carried her sack of clothes for her sister and flung them over her shoulder.

Fuga was a friend of hers she met when she was about 15. She's 22 now. She met him after leaving Dezeray's home after helping Dezeray's family move in. Fuga lived in one of the stables, that Dezeray's family lived in. Fuga was the only friend Rose had, that wasn't her father.

Fuga was a tuxedo cat, but his fur was more of a gray than black. The grayness of his fur covered his upper body and entire tail. While the white covered his chest and lower body. He had light green eyes much like Puss'. He too was a swordsman and adventurer. He also takes a liking to Rose, but he hides it by friendly teases.

The reason he was named Fuga was because of the many times he got caught running away from the orphanage he stayed at while in his kitten stage. He's escaped so many times, and sense he was in Spain at the time. They named him Fuga, the Spanish word for escape. Finally though when he escaped once again the nurses decided to let him go. He said he hopped onto a ship to Far, Far Away and settled into the stables and that's how he got here.

Rose had to admit though there were times when he was a real fool, but to her surprise. He is actually pretty street-smart. He even taught Rose a thing or two.

"Well, well, well. Isn't it the youngest daughter, of the one, the only, the legendary Puss in Boots? Rose in Boots!" Fuga said as he came walking toward her from behind.

"Ha, ha, ha. Your a humorous cat, Fuga." Rose said sarcastically.

"Gracias, senorita..." Fuga said, bowing down with his hat in his hands. Yes he too had a hat and sword belt. Much like Rose and Puss.

"That was sarcasm, Senor.." Rose corrected him.

"Whatever. I take it as a compliment.." Fuga said.

"What's this bag for?" Fuga asked as he playfully patted the bag as any cat would with any toy hanging on to a rope or with any other toy of theirs.

"It's for my sister...you know Dezeray?" Rose answered.

"Oh! Yeah, I met her...well no duh! She's my neighbor..! Are those clothes for her two boys?" Fuga asked.

Rose nodded.

"Let's see...what were their names?" Fuga held his chin at thought.

Rose rolled her eyes. "Junior and Diego."

"Right! I knew that!" Fuga insisted.

"Yeah, whatever...I gotta go and give these to her anyways.." Rose said as she began walking off.

"Mind if I join you? I just got back from the bar, and bored stiff. It's way more fun being here with you..." Fuga said.

Rose's eyes widened at that comment. The bar was one of the best cat hang-outs through out the kingdom! Any cat would have a nine-lives worth of fun there!

"Y-You really mean that?" Rose asked.

Fuga nodded.

Rose was still shocked a bit, but slowly calmed herself down as the two cats made their way to Dezeray's stable.

"Dezeray! It's me! Rose!" Rose called.

"AUNT ROSE!" Two twin black and white tuxedo cats cried as they ran up to Rose.

Junior and Diego were twin tuxedo cats, the only thing that helped you tell the difference between them were their paws. For each boy one of their paws had a patch of white fur. Junior's white patch was on his right paw. While Diego's was on his left.

Rose was chuckling and laughing as her two nephews piled on top of her with hugs.

Fuga smiled at the sight. He loved seeing Rose smile and laugh, for some reason it just made his heart flutter a bit. He knew why, but he was just wondering is it worth feeling like that? Is it worth mentioning?

"Hey, how are my favorite boys doing! I got something to give to your Momma..where is she?" Rose asked.

"She's in the kitchen!" Diego said.

"Gracias!" Rose said, then she remembered she was the only daughter of Puss' that caught on to learning Spanish.

"I mean! Thanks!" Rose corrected as she head to the kitchen.

Rose walked into the kitchen. She saw her sister cooking.

"Hey, Dezeray! I brought you some clothes for your boys.." Rose greeted.

"Oh, hi..Rose, just set them on the table..." Dezeray said softly and low.

Rose knew something was wrong.

"So where's Marc?" Rose asked. Dezeray started sniffling.

"D-Dezeray? A-Are you okay?" Rose started getting worried for her oldest sister.

"Y-Yeah..I'm fine.." Dezeray said, unsuccessfully drying off the tears that began to flow.

"Dezeray Softpaws! Don't lie to me! Now please tell me what's wrong?" Rose asked, holding her sister's paws as Dezeray began crying.

"I-I caught him! I caught that cold-hearted tomcat!"

"Doing what?"

"Cheating..."

Rose's eyes widened as she covered her mouth from shock.

"D-Dezeray...I-I'm so sorry...I-I had no idea!" Rose said lost for words, she was so shocked.

"It's okay...no one knows. He doesn't even know I know. But he'll soon get the idea I caught him when I never allow him into this house again!" Dezeray said with a threat in her voice.

Rose took hold of her sword handle. "But Junior nor Diego know...right?"

Dezeray nodded. "I...I will tell them, but not right now...I'll wait until their father tries to come home..."

Dezeray started drying up her tears.

"Come on...you gotta be strong..I bet it hurts, but the less we think about it the faster we get healed..." Rose advised.

"Thanks, Rose..Your the best." Dezeray hugged her youngest sister's neck. Rose returned the embrace.

"Well...I need to head back...home...Be strong Dezeray...if you ever need me you know where I'll be don't hesitate to come okay?" Rose reminded.

"Yes, dear sister..." Dezeray assured.

"Bye, Dezeray! Bye boys! Adios!" Rose waved as she walked out the door to be met with Fuga.

"What was up with Dezeray?" Fuga asked.

"How did you know there was something wrong with Dezeray?" Rose asked.

"There's a huge window here..." Fuga pointed to the window.

"Fuga! You eavesdropper!" Rose laughed as she playfully punched him in the chest.

"Ow! Oh, you asked for it now!" Fuga said as he drew his sword.

"Oh it's so on!" Rose said in confidence as she drew her sword as well.

The two friends got lost in a duel. With every attack Fuga made, Rose would make a defense move. With every attack move there was a defense move.

"Are you sure you can keep up?" Fuga asked chuckling.

"Ha! You should be asking yourself that, mi amigo!" Rose said.

"Oh, really? Rose in Boots?" Fuga asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Si, Fuga.." Rose smirked.

The two continued on with the battle. Every time they'd meet up they would have little duels like this. They didn't do it for rivalry like Rose's parents did for awhile. They didn't do it to prove themselves worthy of one another, they were both equals in a way. They just did it for the fun of it, out of friendly fun. There was nothing wrong with that.

Sadly though, the duel had to be put to an end do to the sun setting and Rose's tendency to head back home.

"See you tomorrow, Fuga! Don't get yourself into too much trouble, now..." Rose said as she began to walk away.

"I will, I will no worries!" Fuga assured as he too began walking off.

Rose turned her head around to see him, he did the same. She smiled at him and tipped her hat, like her father would do, and with that she was off back to the den.

"Rose...there you are what took you so long mi hija?" Puss asked.

"Oh, I was visiting with an..an amigo! On my way to and from Dezeray's..." Rose answered.

"So how's Dezeray?" Kitty asked.

"She...she was fine..." Rose said.

"Was? What do you mean by was?" Kitty asked.

"Well, she was fine, happy and go-lucky. But soon enough she starts crying. Her no good husband: Marc...she caught him cheating on her.." Rose answered

Kitty got wide eyed. She remembered the feeling of worrying about being cheated on. Knowing Puss' little womanizing abilities, and how all the female felines that swooned in his presence. Even how some of the human females fell for him. Though after a few years of being together, she realized how foolish she was to think Puss would ever hurt her in the most painful way possible...in the heart, she knew now that Puss would never want to hurt her.

Though now, what she felt foolish of worrying about might not have happened to her, but now it's happened to her oldest daughter.

"I ought to go down there tomorrow, it's already gotten too dark for anyone to be out there..." Kitty said feeling sorry for her oldest.

"Say, where did Papa go?" Rose asked looking around for Puss.

"He's in the bedroom now, he's had a rough day after your training today.." Kitty said.

"He really hasn't been feeling well this pass week. He seems to be getting weaker by the minute, but he hides it very well. But not too well to where I can't recognize it!" Rose insisted.

"I know mi hija. Just leave him be and wait for him to come to his senses." Kitty advised.

Rose wasn't so sure, but then again, it was just like being in a duel. There'll be times when you have to let your opponent win or at least make them feel that way, in order to catch them off guard for the perfect attack at the perfect moment.

Rose went into her room and looked out her window. As the stars gleamed softly lightning up the dark night sky. With assistance from the moon's rays as well. She sighed she loved the life she was living.

Her father, her mother, her sisters, Fuga, the den, the training. The boots, the hat, and sword she had to always remind her who she was and who she was born to be: The young female protégé of Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws.

All she needed was an adventure, a quest, same far away journey, some mission to take her to places. To have her name be repeated throughout all the lands "The Adventures of Rose in Boots...the young protégé of the one and only Puss in Boots!" All she was missing, the only thing she needed was an adventure, a journey, a quest, a mission of some sort...where ever that chance would be?