I liked writing this chapter, it's amusing. I find writing these a lot easier than the other story I'm writing, it may have something to do with the fact that I'm writting 4 times less for just one chapter. lol.

The next day was another beautiful day. Sunlight filtered through the trees and the air was warm and heavy with trapped moisture.

Crysta awoke to a familiar song. This melody stood out from the chorus of birdsong which blended into a constant wave of noise. It was something that she has listened to for years and for some reason that she cannot fathom, she could never get tired of it. It was smooth and comforting, yet exciting and mischievous.

Crysta looked out through the opening of her tree but couldn't see the red headed owner of the tune. Giddy, she lifted herself from her bed of leaves and flew out the opening. Following the sweet music, Crysta found herself near Pips' tree but he obviously wasn't inside. The notes became clearer and sharper as she got closer to the small glade and saw him, in his own little world playing his blow pipes. He was sat on a rock next to the small pool of water and had one foot dipped in it. The serene expression on his face almost convinced Crysta not to disturb him.

Slowly and silently, so not to give away her presence, Crysta flew around the glade and hid herself amongst the trees. As she gradually became closer to the rock Pips was resting on, she noticed that some fish had come to listen to his tune and were dancing beneath the surface. Crysta giggled at the sight and continued to move closer. Now positioned behind and above him, she quickly selected a cupped leaf and plucked it silently from the branch. She carefully balanced it in her arms so the water it had collected didn't spill. She then flew directly above him and dumped the contents on top of Pips head.

Pips spluttered and flew away instinctively. He turned sharply and saw Crysta floating in the air above his resting spot, clutching her stomach in unrestrained laughter. Shock turned into annoyance and then mischievousness. He'd get her back for that.

Whilst Crysta was distracted, Pips flew as fast as his wings could carry him and begun shaking the branch above her.

Too late to react to the gust of wind that was unquestionably caused by Pips, Crysta was drenched as the leaves were shook of their water and rained down upon her. Pips laughed at her soaked form and flew towards her smugly.

Crysta gave him an annoyed glare and then suddenly smirked. Pips lifted his arms to protect his face as Crysta began to spin abnormally fast and dispel the water like a wet wombat.

Pips was more soaked than before.

Crysta stopped spinning and gave him a smug smile, surprisingly un-dizzy. She then took off, leaving Pips no time to dry himself off before he too chased after her.

It was like a ritual dance. Every morning they would twist and turn and force each other on until they were both near exhaustion. Seeing who could out last the other or who could fly the fastest. Pips proudly remained that champion.

Pips lead Crysta on towards a knotted tree. He dived and weaved amongst the tangled roots and once free, showed off his trademark skill of flying backwards. Like this, he could watch Crysta frown in annoyance and compare how far behind she was to his magical trail of green. She closed her eyes in concentration and managed to gain some distance but he still remained in the lead.

The last hurdle was straight ahead. A fallen hollow log had for years been the finishing line for their little competition and the winner was the one who flew out the other end first.

Pips was the first to enter with Crysta close behind him. Half way through Crysta leveled with him and Pips smirked as he added a small amount of speed. He was going to win again…but something went wrong.

The recent rains and the decomposing stability of the log had caught up with it and part of it collapsed right in front of Pips. Pips luckily dodged but the sudden danger struck up a fear for Crysta's safety and he stopped in his tracks.

As soon as Crysta saw the log collapse she escaped through one of the holes in the side, but Pips was still in there.

'Pips!' Crysta called.

Pips was relieved that she got out but he begun to fear for himself as the log began to collapse in other places. The nearest way out was the hollow end and Pips made no hesitation to take it. Pips barely shot out before the whole roof of the log caved in. Pips breathed heavily and found all the air rush out of him as a streak of blue slammed into him.

'You idiot! What were you thinking?!'

Crysta had her arms wrapped around him and Pips found it difficult to breathe. Not because she was squeezing him so tightly but because she was so close, the rare physical contact that he secretly craved. He in turn wrapped his arms around her thin waist, savoring the closeness before she inevitably pushed him away. They looked at each other intensely. They were both breathing deeply from the race and covered in sweat. Pips hair was still damp from Crysta's prank and clung to his face and neck. Crysta raised a hand to brush them away but hesitated when she saw Pips' forest green eyes follow her every move. There was an affectionate gleam in his eye. He gently grasped her hand and placed it against his cheek, turning his face into her palm. His eyes still watched her and she felt numb as a chill crawled up her spine. She was pinned by his gaze and her tiny heart thundered in her chest. She couldn't move. All she could do was watch as Pips' face came ever closer to hers…

'DANGER! DANGER! CALL THE POLICE! CALL THE NATIONAL GUARD! CALL THE U.S. EMBASY!'

…but the spell was broken.

'That damn Bat,' Pips growled through his teeth.

Crysta had already broken out of his embrace to confront the hysteric bat and was trying to calm him down.

'Batty! What's wrong?'

'Crysta!' Batty cried, 'We must go. Go far away where they can't find us. Call 911 we're in trouble. TROUBLE!!!'

Batty had grabbed Cyrsta by the shoulders and was shaking her madly. Pips came to her rescue and flicked at the antenna sticking out of the side of Batty's head. It sparked and Batty's eyes immediately went wide and his ears and fur stood on end.

'Peace dude, you're killing the vibe,' he suddenly said, relaxed.

Pips and Crysta hadn't a clue what he was talking about as Batty began acting like a hippy. Which they, of course, don't have a clue about.

'Batty, what are you talking about?' asked Crysta.

Crysta's voice snapped Batty back to reality and he began to cower and yell in fear.

'No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, not again. They are not taking me back. I refuse to become a piece of merchandise. You can not take away my rights! I want my phone call!'

'Batty!' both Crysta and Pips yelled.

'They're here! They're back!'

'Who's back?'

'The humans!'

Cliffhanger Ha ha ha! Batty you stupid bat! now Pips is pissed! Review.