Hi! I have seen Puss in boots:The last wish new movie and can't get enough of it. This little story is just an excuse to see these characters interact again. Please forgive any grammatical or spelling error, English isn't my native language.
After a little adventure, Team Friendship sat together around the fire. It was a busy day for them. They helped some local people, defeated some villains and had some fun.
"That was amazing!" said the little dog in excitement.
"It really was perrito" agreed Kitty shining her blade and looking amused by the always happy little puppy.
Puss, on the other hand, wasn't exactly as happy as his two friends "You shouldn't run at that guy like that Perrito. He was about to toss you from the carriage" he scolded sternly.
"I was only trying to help"
"Relax Puss no harm was done I got him. That's how teams work".
"I know that Kitty but it was avoidable. That put you two in needless danger" Puss didn't relent.
"Seriously you are the one saying that? We have been through worse" Kitty didn't seem to understand why he was making such a big deal out of it but Perrito kind of understood where he is coming from.
"No Puss is right. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry".
Seeing genuine regret and sadness in his little friend's eyes Puss patted his head " It's alright amigo. Just be more careful next time".
" How about a little music now?" He added to break the awkward silence and avoid Kitty's concerned looks. It worked! for the rest of the night was joyful and then the three of them went to sleep.
Later that night Puss woke up abruptly he was sweating and his heartbeats racing. Taking a look at his surroundings he sighed in relief it was just a nightmare. Puss was glad he didn't wake up any of his friends he stared at them for a long moment in the dark. The sky was clear and the full moon illuminated the darkness of night. Puss was thankful for his cat's eyes for seeing their chests go up and down brought him so much peace and comfort. After losing any hope of returning to sleep he put on his hat and cape and decided to start the fire again and sat by it heating some milk to drink.
His late encounter with Death was still fresh in his mind. Although it has benefitted him and changed his view of life for the better he still shuddered whenever he thought of how close he was to die not in a battle, not as a legend but because of his own arrogance. Sometimes moments of melancholic realization that not only he but everyone he knows is going to die hit him. The idea of not being able to defend his loved ones scared him a lot and haunted his dreams recently. All these thoughts made him restless after a glance to make sure his companions were still asleep he stood up and went for a little stroll around the camp wishing to clear his mind. It was supposed to be a safe area with no criminals or dangerous creatures but Puss in boots never let his guard down.
Even with these attempts, Puss found it hard to relax. He was about to return to the camp when a chill wind blew and a shadow moved in the distance. Puss put his grip on his sword ready for anything then he heard a familiar sound, the dreadful soft whistle of Death. It sounded softer and more calming than before but it was unmistakably the same whistle. Puss tightens his grip on his sword and moved his ears to locate the direction of the sound but he wasn't able to decide, it seemed to be coming from everywhere. Anyway, his wait didn't last for long as a deep voice came from behind him "Buenas noches, gato".
Puss reacted immediately by turning around and pointing his sword at the Big Wolf who pushed his hood back and stood there unaffected.
"I didn't come to fight you"
Puss kept his sword ready still his eyes slightly widened.
"It isn't the time for you to go nor your friends either. Don't be so scared". Added the wolf after seeing the look on Puss's face.
"Who said I'm scared?" Puss finally spoke.
"Your tail betrayed you, gatito" answered the wolf with a smirk. Looking at it Puss was embarrassed to find his tail fully puffed up. He brushed it down quickly with his paws and tried to maintain his composure
"It's a reflex! you startled me a little".
The embodiment of death chuckled softly "There is no shame in the fear of death, it is natural just don't let it rule your life" he said matter of factly.
"Right" Puss cleared his throat "So what brings Death himself to me then?" he would rather not talk about his fears with Death of all beings.
"I was passing by".
"Just that?" Puss thought to himself. He was tired, he really wanted to leave, to bid the Wolf goodbye so they both can go on their separate ways. The idea of being haunted by Death didn't help his current state of mind
but the wolf didn't seem like he was going to leave he didn't speak either he just stood there staring with his red glowing eyes like he was expecting Puss to say or do something.
"You are chasing after someone?" Puss said without more thinking.
"No. I don't normally chase people around gato. I was simply doing my job".
He knew that meant someone just died despite not knowing that person he felt grief for his death and bowed his head in respect.
"Don't be sad. It wasn't a sad death" Said the Death solemnly.
"How?" Puss was curious about his idea of sad and "not sad" death.
"Do you know what I really love?" asked the Wolf ignoring his question.
"More than the smell of fear?"
"Yeah, a lot more than that" said the Wolf laughing before answering his question "A life well lived. Every good story has an ending it is what makes it special. Leaving your mortal body after a long fulfilled life isn't entirely sad".
"Does Death feel sad sometimes?" Although Puss was hesitant to ask, seeing that the Wolf was in a chatty mood encouraged him and it was better than standing there in awkward silence.
"I do" he nodded his head
"When I take the life of a small child or that of a parent from their kids who still need them and many others. Everything happens for a reason even if it's beyond my wisdom. Still, It is impossible not to feel sad when you collect the souls of those who die due to the cruelty of this world" His glowing eyes softened as he said that, the gleam of them was surprisingly warm and comforting. Puss couldn't believe those were the same bloodthirsty eyes that haunted him. This made him see death in a different light "I guess death can be a mercy for some people".
"There are times that fill me with rage too" The wolf growled, his sharp teeth shining in the darkness and Puss could see that scary look in his eyes again.
"When a terrible person gets an easy death. Although it is nothing compared to what waiting for them in the afterlife, you can be sure that I won't make that moment any easy for them even if they died in their sleep" his expression returned neutral after that and he added "Another thing that I can't stand are those who waste their life but you already know that by now, don't you?"
"Of course. You don't need to tell me twice lobo" answered Puss while avoiding looking at the Wolf's eyes.
The Wolf was pleased to hear that for he smiled.
"What bothered your sleep at this hour gato?" It was his turn to ask.
"Nothing! I...It's a beautiful night...Ifelt like walking" He struggled to find an excuse.
"Our last fight still gives you nightmares" It wasn't a question.
Although his tone was not mocking or teasing Puss was annoyed by what he said
"That isn't what those nightmares are about!" he said defensively.
" What are they about then?"
Puss didn't understand why would Death care about that, does his suffering still please him? He was too tired to argue or to lie. "If you must know. In those nightmares, I fail to protect my friends I watch helplessly as they die. They ask me to save them but I can't" he let out a sigh.
"I mean no disrespect lobo but realizing that I can lose any of them at any time makes me feel all of this is worthless. I know it isn't but sometimes I can't help feeling it. Before I used to think I could save everyone but now I know I can't, not always." "I guess your right I didn't think about that before meeting you. I admit that I have nightmares about our fight as well". Puss thought he was admitting a lot of things lately. He did really change!
"What was the last thing you said when we fought?"
"That's I know I can't defeat you but I will keep fighting for my life" Puss repeated.
"Exactly. Apply these words to your friends as well and you will be alright. You can't stop me when their destined time comes but it shouldn't stop you from trying"
"Balance is important. You should be careful, a little fear helps you stay alive but worrying too much about the end will prevent you from enjoying the journey. Like your life in that old lady's house".
His life there was miserable he might be safe there but his soul would have died had he stayed there. Puss in boots isn't a lapcat.
"You knew I was there?"
"I know a lot of things gato" The wolf looked satisfied with himself.
"But why didn't you attack me then? You are confusing me lobo. You were undoubtedly trying to kill me but sometimes I feel like you were trying to show me things I miss".
"Who knows? Maybe I tried to kill you, maybe I was trying to teach you a lesson" said the Death keeping that air of ambiguity around him. "Or maybe I was indeed enraged by some arrogant local hero that I decided to go out of my way to punish him. I have seen him wasting his lives 8 times it was the same every time he never learned but since I was technically breaking the rules I'd give him an honourable fight and some time, just to make sure such a change is indeed impossible".
Puss felt scared, reprimanded and relieved at the same time.
"I got to admit that you proved me wrong and fought well"
"Gracias. That me a lot coming from you" Puss finally said.
Suddenly something moved in the bushes
"Who's there? Show yourself" cried Puss.
Perrito jumped at him "Puss! You are here! I woke up and didn't find you so I followed your scent I was worried that you need a companion. Are you ok?"
"Don't worry Perrito I'm fine".
Perrito looked at the Wolf, who was still there, he was worried for a moment but took another glance at Puss and relaxed to see him unharmed "Hello Mr Wolf! Sorry I didn't see you. I hope you aren't still mad at Puss"
"I'm not" answered the big Wolf.
"Great! I want to apologise that I didn't recognize you in the dark forest with that hood last time. You could have asked me and I would have told you that Puss is a good guy tho" Perrito wasn't afraid of him and talked to him like an old friend.
"It's alright Perrito. That was something between me and Puss alone but it's settled now".
"You know him Perrito?" Asked Puss a little surprised.
"Oh yeah. Do you remember that story I told you earlier when I played hide and seek and ended up in the river? When I got to the bank of the river the Wolf was there I thought he was fishing or something he talked to me a bit and told me to be careful and said something about it isn't the time yet".
Puss looked concerned at Perrito who began to get it slowly "Oh. Ooooooooh!" The realization scared him.
"Like I told you it wasn't your time yet, not due to any interference from me." said the Death in a matter-of-fact way then his gaze softened as he looked at Perrito and added "Your will to live is admirable. How is your life now?"
"It's greater than ever! Every day there is a new adventure, I have two best friends and I'm Puss's therapy dog!" His previous fear was completely forgotten.
"Perrito! What did I tell you about introducing yourself as my therapy dog?" Puss said mildly annoyed but in his heart, he was happy for his friend and grateful for his help.
"Sorry" Perrito smiled at him apologetically.
"Glad to hear that. You three can learn a lot from each other" the Wolf smiled at the little dog. He pulled the hood over his head and said while looking at Puss "There is still a time to dawn it's worth going back to sleep. I have to leave adios for now".
Puss tipped his hat "Until next time lobo".
"Goodbye, Mr Wolf! Thank you for checking on us" Perrito waved as the embodiment of Death walked away whistling softly until he faded.
"Come on, Perrito. We better return to the camp before Kitty wakes up and thinks we left her".
He felt strangely better, this conversation somehow put his mind at ease and he decided to take Wolf's advice and go back to sleep and have some rest. Whatever tomorrow brings Puss in boots and his friends will be ready!
Thanks for reading! Please review.