Chapter 4

The next day, Salley was in the forest working on her training program. Thanks to Espio's

teachings, she became very successful. However, she didn't see her mentor at all that day. While she was

meditating, she was thinking about him giving her lessons and talking to her. It hurt her a little bit.

Suddenly, she sensed something in the bushes. She thought it was Espio, since he can

turn himself invisible. "Okay, Espio, I know you're behind me, so show yourself." There was silence. "Espio,

knock it off. If you're trying to scare me, it's not going to work."

Salley heard snickers coming from the bushes. Then, a few wolves came out from them

and smirked at her. She was really frightened now.

"Well, boys," said the hugest wolf. "Looks like we've found ourselves a feline. Sounds

like the best prey of the day."

"P-prey?" said Salley, shaking like a leaf.

"Then, what are we waiting for, boss?" said another wolf. "Let's dine on her flesh while

she's still alive." As the wolves slowly walked to Salley, she gasped in horror.



Meanwhile, at the Chaotix Detective Agency, Espio was meditating, until he heard a

girly scream. Espio opened his eyes in surprise. "Salley," he thought. He knew that she was in trouble and

he had to come and rescue her. As he ran, he said to his boss, "Sorry, Vector, but I've got to take care of

some business."

The green crocodile turned to him and said, "Hey, Espio, where are you going? Espio!" It

was too late. Espio had already left before Vector could get an answer.

Back in the forest, Salley was surrounded by the wolves. She tried to attack them, but

they were too strong for her.

"Give it up, girl," said the huge wolf. "You don't stand a chance against us."

Just as Salley was about to give up hope, a certain ninja attacked some of the wolves.

"Espio!" Salley exclaimed.

Espio turned to Salley. "I heard you scream, so I came to save you."

The two ninjas looked at the wolves who were laughing at them. "Well, look at this," said

the wolf leader, "if it ain't the feline's prince charming. Too bad we can't let you get in our way of dining on

the girl."

Defending Salley, Espio said, "I won't let you creeps do anything to hurt her!"

"Try us. Get him, boys!" The wolves charged at Salley and Espio. They quickly attacked

them with their weapons and hands. They were strong, but they didn't care.

Then, the leader walked to Salley with a smirk on his face. Salley held up her shurukin,

but she didn't move because she was really scared. She tried to escape him, but his hand grasped onto her

neck.

"You're mine, now, kitten," said the wolf, raising his other hand in the air. Before he was

about to kill the cat-girl, he felt a sharp pain in his back. Espio had stabbed him with his kunai. The wolf

yowled in pain and cursed at the chameleon-ninja. Then, in just two seconds, he fell down, dead.

The other wolves were so frightened. "Oh my God, that psycho killed him!" shouted one

of them.



"We're dead meat without a leader," said another one.

"Let's get out of here before we're next!" said the third one as they all ran away.

"And stay out, you cowards!" said Espio, pointing out his kunai. After he put it away, he

turned to see Salley, sitting on the ground. She was also panting heavily and sweating because the wolves

scared the heck out of her. Espio kneeled down beside her, looking concerned. "Salley, are you all right?"

"I'm a little bit scared to death," Salley replied, while panting faster.

Espio tried to reassure her. "Shhh…calm down. It's over, now."

Salley took a deep breath and smiled at the ninja. "I really owe to you, Espio." The

chameleon smiled at her back. Then, Salley noticed something; blood was dripping from Espio's horn, and it

had a tiny crack in it. "Espio, you're horn's bleeding!"

Espio was surprised. "It is?" He touched his horn and saw a little bit of blood on his

finger. "Oh my God, it is." Espio stood up from the ground.

Salley stood up too. "Here, I'll patch it up for you." She took out an emergency kit and

opened it. "Good thing I usually carry this, in case of emergencies." She took out a roll of bandages, cut it a

few inches, and wrapped it around Espio's injured horn. After she tied it on, she said, "There you go. Good as

new."

Espio touched his horn and smiled. "Thank you." Then, he noticed something on

Salley. "What's with the black diamond on your chest?"

Salley didn't know what he was talking about, until she touched her chest. "Oh, this?

Well, to be honest, I don't really know. I had it since I was born. My parents say that it's a birthmark, but I

think it's something more."

"A black, diamond-shaped birthmark? Sounds pretty weird if you ask me, no offense."

"None taken." Salley sighed and looked sad.

Espio noticed that. "Salley, what's the matter?"

"Espio…I'm sorry."

Espio was confused. "For what? You didn't do anything wrong."

"Yes, I did. I know that you wanted me to be brave and attack that wolf, but I got so

scared that I couldn't move. And I got you involved in it. I know that ninjas are supposed to be brave, but I'm



just the opposite. I guess I'm not worthy to be a ninja after all." Salley's eyes were watered with tears. "I

don't deserve to be your apprentice!" The purple cat-girl cried her eyes out, but covered her face with her

hands. Espio took pity on her, so he placed his hand on her cheek. Salley looked up to him and removed her

hands from her face. However, she still had tears rolling down her face.

"Salley," said Espio in a soothing voice, "it's okay to be afraid. Believe me, most ninjas

try to be brave, but sometimes, they can't help it. Even I get scared at times." Espio wiped Salley's tear with

his thumb. "There's no reason to cry, and I still want you to be my apprentice. I think you're a fine ninja,

Salley. You just need more training and confidence and you'll get there." Salley calmed down a little bit.

"And please, no more tears. I'd like to see a smile on your face. Okay?"

Salley made a slight smile and nodded.

After Espio removed his hand from Salley's cheek, he looked at his wristwatch. "I've

got to get going. I'm assuming Vector's wondering where I am."

"Already?" said Salley, looking sad again.

"Like I said, don't worry about me. Maybe, we'll see each other again soon."

"You're probably right."

"Remember, keep training and you'll do really well."

"Yes, sir." Salley made a salute. The two ninjas went their separate ways, back to

where they came from.

The End