Author´s note: Fourth round in the frying pan, lads! Anything can happen! I'm doing an extra job here, doing the whole thing in one day but it's worth it.
4. Trust
A storm is falling over the place. Everything is dark and nobody walks the streets, save for Buxton who is heading for the Roundabout. A sudden gust of wind and thunder scares him, and he runs for shelter. When he finds cover under the wooden horses, he is surprised to see two golden cat eyes staring at him with a big smile. This habitant of the town was not with the others, who is it?
"You know, you are one pain in the neck" Says Chess making his whole face appear. "I saw you last night talking with the Lady in blue."
"So what?" Buxton pays no mind.
"Let´s put it this way." He turns 360° degrees in the air. "If you keep on going with that plan of yours, I will make you regret it... seriously."
"You don´t scare me" the cyan feline hisses.
"Booh-ho-hoho. What should I do? I'm no use..." Big grin. "You have no idea of how mean I can be, amigo mío, but please. If you want, go on. But I warned you already. Forewarned is forearmed. Florence and Dougal are my friends, pal. And if you mess up with this village, you mess up with me"
"I thought that flea bag hated cats"
"He does but let´s say, we are just friendly enemies. And I'm just that odd. Ta!" Chess vanishes into the thin air with a smile. "And don´t even think of using Zeebad, my friend. I´ll be keeping an eye."
Meanwhile, Dougal is trying to calm himself. All this storm is getting into his nerves while Florence tries to do some cleaning. Just then, she notices Chess sitting on the sill cleaning his paws.
"Haven´t see you arrive" smiles the child.
"We cats are mysterious creatures, my dear. Don´t try too hard to understand." He smiles and comes inside. "Morning, my querido chucho"
"What are you doing here?" Grumbles Dougal.
"Having a stroll. Finding somewhere not wet. The usual. So, tell me. Do you get along with this Buxton?" the cat resumes his washing routine.
"Not in a million years" replies the dog.
"I do but, Dougal keeps frowning at him" says Florence.
"I see" the feline puts its tail as a question mark. "Well, I can tell that we do have here a little clash of opinions. And I don´t either get along with our blue friend. But not because I dislike having other cat in town."
"Oh, pity" the girl seems sad to hear it.
"Florence, that blue vermin wants..." the dog intervenes.
"Dougal!"
"Peace on earth, I beg you. First thing I have notice is that you guys have been arguing since Buxton arrived. So please, relax" Chess decides that is enough. The two friends share a glance. Chess is right. They have always had trust, friendship, everything, no matter the day.
"I´m sorry, Dougal. I didn´t mean to upset you" whispers Florence
"Me too. I wanted to protect you and all we got was quarreling. But I still think that that cat is no good. Trust me, please" Dougal licks her.
"Well, I don´t know. But I must admit that there are certain things here that make no sense at all. That cold gust, your vision, Buxton´s appearance, those flowers in the hill and this strange attitude that Zebedee has. What do you think, Chess?" the girl goes thoughtful.
"You surely are one keen eye, my dear. Yes, you got all that right and everything´s quite strange. But little I can tell you for now, but to be on guard and stay together at all costs. It might save your lives." He vanishes into the thin air.
"Florence..."
"We better follow his advice. But don´t worry, we will still be friends" she gives her friend a kiss.
"I have no doubts about that. How about a cake to celebrate it?"
"Dougal." Little glare but quickly softens it. "Oh, all right. Guess it´s a good idea after all."
"Yes!" They walk towards the kitchen.
XXXX
Meanwhile, Zebedee wakes up all of a sudden. Another nightmare and a sudden pain in the arm. This can´t be good. What he saw in the factory can only mean one thing and his first stop is at the roundabout where all is quiet. Too quiet. Sam is in his usual spot and everyone´s at their homes. Hmm? A sound captures his attention. The springer is ready to defend himself but no danger seems to show up. Or at least not in front of him.
Before he can prevent it, something hits him from behind.
XXX
Dougal has decided to talk with everyone and make up but, before he and Florence can reach the plaza, Sam arrives in a hurry. He looks very distressed.
"Sam, what´s wrong?" the girl asks.
"Ye got to help me. There ain´t a moment to lose!" begged the toy soldier.
"Wait, what?" Dougal blinks.
"What happened?" Florence fears the worse.
"Somethin' awful. Hurry!" they run outside.
Hahaha!
Finally back! Phew. And here we are with some bacon in the frying pan!
Get ready, this is just a warm-up.
Next stop: Out of the Blue