Marinette's pocket elf sat humming, knitting a pattern on her magic wand. It wasn't a real magic wand, but it would help her today. She sighed as she looked up at her work. She'd accidentally left her red hat hanging on the side, but she could always get that later.
"Hello, Little Elf!" Marinette walked into her cabin in the forest. She had been gathering berries in the cool hours of the day, before it got to warm and the birds ate all the berries. "Hello, my dear. Did you find some berries?" the Pocket Elf asked, gesturing to her basket. "Yes, only I'm not very happy because Cat is still moping about his cabin because he forgot to pay the troll when we crossed over the bridge. He paid when we came back through, but he still feels bad about it." "It seems like your friend could use a bit of confidence." Marinette nodded, the only sound was the clicking of needles as the Pocket Elf sewed on her magic wand. "I have a idea!" Marinette said, the elf looked up at her, her kind eyes twinkling.
"Cat and I are friends with a few of chimpunks in the forest. With winter coming they need some extra help and make sure no one steals their supply." the elf nodded. She knew Cat Noir liked to help anyone that passed by his door, it didn't matter if the creature was big or small.
Just before Marinette went out the door, the Pocket Elf called, "Take your magic wand! It may help you on your quest!" Marinette picked up and smiled. She was beginning to hatch another plan.
Two chimpunks darted across her path, one twisting in midair as the other chased it through the leaves, chattering and chattering angrily.
"Are you two fighting again?" Marinette asked the pair. "There are plenty of nuts and berries in the forest, we can share." The first chipmunk, who name was Scavenger, chirped at her. "I don't want to hunt for nuts and berries! Why can't Hunter share?" Before Marinette could say anything, Scavenger knocked the nut out of Hunter's mouth and took off running. "He's always stealing my food," Hunter told Marinette. Marinette picked up Hunter, and stroked his brown and striped back. "Don't worry, Hunter. I have a idea."
As Marinette crossed the stream to Cat's hut, the chilly water woke her toes, making them tingle. Autumn may be here for the moment, but Winter would be knocking on the door shortly. She pulled her cloak a little tighter, as she entered Red Mushroom Meadow. She sniffed the air, Cat must be baking, so she was surprised to see him washing his face with his paw on one of the mushrooms. "Good morning, Cat!" she called, and carefully pulled herself up onto one of the mushrooms. She hopped from stool to stool carefully, as some of the mushrooms let out a stinky scent!
"Is it, Princess?" Cat asked, his usual playful and bright eyes dull. "You need to let go of what happened the other day, the troll forgave you!" Cat sighed, and continued to wash not saying anything for the moment. "I made muffins if you'd like to join me," Cat said instead, and hopped off the mushroom.
Cat's place was neat as a pin as it always was, and Marinette's mouth watered as he pulled the muffins from the oven. She poured the tea, and they sat down to eat breakfast. Morning sunlight poured through the windows, its buttery light sending warm sunspots onto the floor. The curtains tangled in the light breeze, and Marinette couldn't help the smile from lighting her face on this beautiful day. "Huh, I'm glad you have a reason to smile, Princess." Marinette got up from the table, ignoring her warm muffin for the moment. "Hey, we're my Cat Noir? The one who naps in the sun and tells puns?" she scratched at his soft black ears, but she only got a feeble purr out of the process. "My confidence just isn't there, Marinette. I wish I could get it back." "Well," she say, pulling out her magic wand, "maybe there is. Scavenger stole one of Hunter's acorns again and he could use someone to guard the nest. You could even use the magic wand." "That Scavenger, he's a such a bully! He steals from the other animals too! We need to do something about this!" Cat picked up his muffin and ate it quickly. He was at the door in no time. "Well, what are you waiting for Princess?"
Marinette giggled and grabbed her muffin. Everything was going to plan. "Maybe I can hold it in my tail," Cat teased Marinette, holding it in his leather-belt black tail. As they approached Hunter's nest, Marinette could see the chipmunk looking upset.
"Hunter, where all the nuts in your larder? When I walked by early this morning, it was full, even spilling out." "That-that thieving Scavenger took all my nuts! I need help to restore my larder, but if I go back out into the forest, he'll just grab more!" "I think I can help with that," Cat said, smiling. "You go with Marinette to collect nuts and berries, Hunter. I'll stay here and guard the nest." "But what if Scavenger comes back?" Hunter chattered. "Don't worry, leave that to me."
Tugging at the nuts on one of the bushes, Marinette noticed how much faster Hunter was. That's why she had named him that, because he was always on the hunt for food.
They were just going to the nest, when they saw Scavenger looking nervous as he darted towards Hunter's den. "Where is Cat Noir?" Hunter whispered to Marinette, his small whiskers quivering. Marinette put a finger to lips. She trusted Cat to have a plan.
Scavenger bounded up to the nest, a greedy look in his eye, when Cat leaped from behind a bush. "With the power of my magic wand I order you to freeze!" Scavenger stood frozen as he stared at the giant black cat. To the little chipmunk, Cat Noir must look as big as a panther!
"Stealing is never the answer, Scavenger. This wasn't a real magic wand, but when I caught you doing something wrong you still froze." "I'm sorry, Cat Noir! Scavenger said, a pleading whine to his voice. Hunter dashed up to the other chipmunk, shaking his tail. "Thank goodness Cat was here! You know, Scavenger you would have helped you find nuts, but you only wanted to steal!" "As punishment, you won't be gathering nuts today," Marinette said. "But we'll help you tomorrow, to help you learn your lesson." "I deserve to be punished ," the chipmunk said, and slipped off to his own nest nestled deep in the forest.
"How did you know it wasn't a magic wand, Kitty?" Marinette asked, later as the sat in a sunspot together. "Easy," Cat grinned. "I wished for a tuna from the stream, but it didn't happen. I knew I could use the element of surprise on Scavenger, and it worked. Thanks for restoring my confidence, Marinette." "Your welcome, Cat," Marinette said, squeezing his hand and kissing his cheek.
Perched at the window, the Pocket Elf watched the pair. When the two friends worked together, there was nothing they couldn't get done.