The leaves shuddered in the trees high above as Blossom squeezed herself out of her den. The slabs of stone covered in moss and a bush growing alongside it. Shaking out her fur, moss littered the ground as a warm breeze blew through her fur. Spring had come at last. Her dark green eyes shining with excitement as she padded over to the familiar brown tabby tom.

Two seasons ago, she was a housecat that was abandoned. She didn't understand why back then. She we was old enough to be on her own, but she knew nothing about hunting and the like. That was until she met the strange bi-colored cat. He was black and white with yellow eyes that blazed like the harsh fake-suns that the Nofurs used in their dens.

She could remember his voice, silky and warm. The chill racing down her spine all over again. She shook it off, knowing he brought her to the Forest Colony to live. Yet, she could remember the disappointment that lingered in his gaze. She was still confused and puzzled. She sat down, enjoying the warm sun as she waited for her close friend, Scout, to awaken.

Coco, that was the name of the black and white cat. Mayor listened to him, as though he held more power over him than any other cat. How so? She didn't know. She rolled onto her back, purring as the morning sunlight warmed her belly. Whatever Coco was looking for, she was hoping he would find it. Her ears twitched as a familiar mew came to her ears.

"Blossom? What in the forest are you doing?"

She glanced over, seeing the familiar brown tabby pelt. Blossom rolled over, blinking warmly to her close friend. Ever since that summer, Scout had taken the role to teach her the ways of the colony. With a stretch, she rose to her paws and walked up to him. She enjoyed hunting with him since he knew all the good hunting spots.

"I was waiting for you while enjoying the sun." She replied with a purr, rubbing against him. "So, shall we do some hunting?"

Scout nodded, "Of course. I'll take you to a new place. To the Fallen Giant."

"Fallen Giant?"

Scout nodded, "It's to the south of our usual hunting grounds and borders. I just think you'll like it there. Doc says rabbits can be found there so let's hope for the best."

Blossom nodded, excitement making her fluff up her fur. "Let's get going! We can explore and claim it for Forest Colony!" She trilled, rushing out of the colony's camp. Blossom barely heard Scout yelling for her to slow down. She pelted out, slowing to a trot to let Scout catch up. Once he was, they made quick work to this "Fallen Giant" her friend spoke about.

The forest was peaceful, the warm winds promising good hunting. No cat could resist the warmth and neither could the prey. She licked her jaws, ready to catch and eat some fresh prey. She slowed when Scout took the lead, a step faster than normal. She blinked, surprised. Peering ahead, she saw a massive log with mice and squirrels scurrying around it.

Scout was on alert, his sky-colored eyes flickering to and fro. His ears twitching as he slowed down. Blossom parted her jaws, tasting the air carefully. She could only smell mouse and squirrel. Nothing dangerous at least. Flicking her tail at his flank she finally had a report from her end to share. He flicked an ear, the sign that she was allowed to speak to him.

"I don't scent anything unusual here."

"I don't hear or see anything either." He reported back.

"Shall we explore?" She suggested, knowing that if they didn't he wouldn't feel safe. Blossom, herself, had less sense than he did, but he taught her to be considerate and thoughtful. "You stalk to the other side of the giant log from the right and I'll meet you on the other side from the left."

He didn't look at her, hesitating. "What if there is danger? Can you handle yourself? What if Mystic Colony or Mountain Domain cats are in this place?"

"Scout, I'll be fine. I have you to sneak up on them should it happen."

He finally looked to her, his gaze soft and warm. "Sometimes, I forget that you're not the lost cat in the forest anymore."

"Well, I have grown a lot with your help. I'm not the best fighter, but I will fight to the best of my ability until you come to my aid." With a nod, Scout broke away from her side and she took to the opposite direction. They were combing through the meadow grass, stalking carefully to not disturb the prey before they could hunt.

From her vantage point, he was invisible among the green grass. His pelt moving slowly, so slowly she almost couldn't see him. She was following his lead, glancing to him to make sure she wasn't going too fast and looking ahead to check for danger. She tasted the air many times, but nothing changed. There was no other colony cats except themselves.

Soon, she passed by the massive log, it was hollow in the middle where she could see a rabbit napping inside. She flicked her ears in surprise. Perhaps it wasn't napping, but sleeping. She tasted the air again, but the wind wasn't in her favor. Slowly raising her tail, she felt her fur blowing to the southeast. With a soft snort, she went back to checking for danger. As long as the rabbit stayed put, she had nothing to worry about.

With careful steps, they met back up and faced the log. They shared their reports to one another, both relieved that they were not in any danger. Back when they met, Blossom was just turning a year old and still had a lot to learn. Now, they were like partners in crime. They fought and hunted side by side. With a warm purr, she rubbed her cheek against his.

"I'm glad you're safe." She breathed.

"I'm glad you are, too." He rumbled in return.

Blossom purred softly, leading the way to the massive log. "Come on, there is a rabbit hiding in there. You can flush it out and I can pounce on it."

Scout nodded, chuckling softly, "As you wish."

As long as he had Blossom, Scout felt brave enough to take on the unknown, knowing he wasn't alone in the process.

Friendship is precious. . .

It also can give way to a bridge known as love. . .