Ham-Ham the Wandering Black Hamster
Book 1: Journeys
Arc: The Meaning of Power, Chapter 11: Helping a Friend
The next morning, just as Ham-Ham and Rai were about to set out, they were stopped by the mayor's wife.
"Oh my, it's you two. Although I know that I thanked you already, I must give my thanks again. The herb that you brought back saved my husband's life."
"It was no problem ma'am," chorused Rai and Ham-Ham.
"Say are you two heading out east to the town of Guoy?"
Ham-Ham: "Guoy?"
Rai: "It's the town that we are going to. Yes we are."
"Then be careful, there have been reports of various attacks in that region somewhere in the middle between Elderan and Guoy."
Ham-Ham: "Thank you for the warning."
Rai: "Thank you, but I think that we'll be fine since we did survive the Razgriz."
With that said, the two started to move east along the road ready for whatever they may face.
Timeskip – 3 days later
Ham-Ham and Rai were somewhere on the road between Guoy and Elderan and after three days of uneventful travel. As they walked, they saw a speck in the distance. The speck turned out to be a carriage that was being attacked by some sort of feline. It had two long sharp teeth in the front of its mouth and black spots in odd places around its body along with sharp claws and teeth and a blunt tail. When they saw the Felion in all its glory, they also saw a hamster in the carriage.
Immediately, they reacted.
While Rai went to take the hamster onboard to safety, Ham-Ham went to drive off the cat-like creature. The Felion noticed someone interfering with his prey; he changed his sights on Ham-Ham who was running toward him.
Thanks to Ham-Ham's lightening armor, when the Felion attacked, he received a big zap
in his paw. Felions are used to mauling their prey so it was surprised when it couldn't make physical contact with the hamster in front of him.
The two combatants begun to circle one another in an attempt to find an opening in their opponent's guard. By then, Ham-Ham saw that Rai had taken the other hamster to safety. Once the Felion saw Ham-Ham look back, he pounced on Ham-Ham. Ham-Ham anticipated the attack with his connection of the flow already had his staff raised against the creature. A simple two words were enough to hurdle the creature against the tree.
Ham-Ham: "Black Lightening"
It hit the Felion straight in the stomach, but it wasn't enough to cause a fatal blow. The animal, although injured, knew that the hamster in front of him was stronger than him. Needless to say, the Felion ran back into the forest.
As Ham-Ham walked to join the group, all he saw was a blur running at him and knocking him to the ground. He was quite confused until he recognized the hamster as Leliel. While Ham-Ham was waiting for Leliel to calm down, Rai was watching the scene before him with question marks above his head while mumbling something like,
"What the Hell?"
After a few minutes, Leliel managed to regain her composure and got off of Ham-Ham.
Leliel: "Sniff, thanks for saving me you two."
Ham: "No problem. Leliel, this is my friend Rai and Rai this is Leliel."
Rai: "Nice to meet you princess. I am Rai, future biologist/zoologist extraordinaire!"
Ham: "I don't think she's impressed," looking at Leliel's sweat drop. "Anyway, what are those creatures?"
Rai: "Those cat-like creatures are called Felion. They are known for being vicious hunters using their sharp claws and teeth. Some of the most important features that they have are their blunt tail and the two long teeth in the front of their mouth."
Leliel: "Ham-Ham, I need your help. One of my friends who's traveling with me managed to flee into the forest, but I'm not sure if she's safe."
Ham: "Arrg, this could be hard with all of those Felion in the forests, but I am interested in why they are attacking the travelers recently. However, what will we do with the carriage and the ponies?"
Rai: "Well, we could split up since it would be easier for you to navigate the forest and defend yourself without us. I could take Leliel and the carriage to Guoy while you find her friend."
Ham: "That would probably be the best bet. Is that okay with you Leliel?"
Leliel: "Yea that would be fine. My friend's name in Lilis and please bring her back safely."
Ham: "I'll do what I can."
Leliel: "And Ham-Ham."
Ham: "Yes?"
Leliel: "Stay safe, all right."
Ham: "Of course!"
With the final words said, Ham-Ham began to focus on his task as Rai and Leliel disappeared off into the distance.
Like he did with Plaguren, he began to spread his senses to search for any small energy readings since Lilis' energy in her body is smaller than the Felion. Somewhere northwest in the forest, he sensed a small mass of energy before a large wave of power overran his senses. Ham-Ham assumed that this was where all of the Felion were and realized that getting to Lilis just became much harder. Perhaps he might even have to save her from the Felion.
Ham-Ham being selfless would do anything to keep his promise, thus he continued to go deeper into the forest despite the dangers. He expected danger in the forest, but nothing jumped out at him as he walked.
The sun was starting to set after Ham-Ham walked deeper into the forest for a few hours. By late afternoon, he finally came across a clearing. When he saw what was in the clearing, Ham-Ham's words summed up his situation nicely,
"….Oh Crap."
In the clearly has a whole tribe of Felion and all of them turned and stared at Ham-Ham once they noticed him. Also at the other end of the clearing was another hamster that was guarded by a Felion, which he assumed was Lilis. Just as the Felion was getting ready to pounce, a mighty voice yelled out,
"Stop!"
The resounding voice came from the largest Felion in the clearing. This Felion was the leader of the tribe since the other Felion stopped at her command. Her voice was deep and soothing as she talked,
"Come hamster, step forth."
As Ham-Ham walked forth, the feline realized why Zanbar lost to the black hamster before her.
"Ahh, so you're an elder and quite a powerful one for someone so young. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Ferona, the leader of the Western Felion tribe."
"I am Ham-Ham the Wandering Black Hamster and why did you declare yourself as the Leader of the Western Felion Tribe?" as Ham-Ham tilts his head to the side in confusion.
"You must not know about us that well then. In the New World, there are four main Felion tribes centered on Guoy, Sham, and Khen. Now, what is your purpose inside of our lands young elder."
"One of my friend's friends ran into the forest when one of your tribesmen attacked them. I am looking for a female hamster named Lilis."
"That's me," squeaked the frightened Lilis.
Ferona: "Hmm, perhaps we could both benefit from this. Recently, the Northern Felion tribe has become more aggressive than usual, that and they have begun attacking the Town of Guoy and its inhabitants. We rarely attack hamsters since we have plenty of ferocious animals even deeper inside these forests. In turn, your species started to send hunting parties to attack us. Although they are largely unsuccessful, they have caused a few casualties."
"I want you to investigate the cause of why the Northern tribe has become so aggressive and try to convince your kind to stop attacking us, the Western tribe. In turn, we won't try to pursue the girl."
Ham: "What about Lilis and her safety?"
Ferona: "A compromise then. Lilis will go with you, but along with our strongest hunter. He will watch you so you won't try to get out of our deal. Zanbar, come and bring the girl."
The Felion next to Lilis grabbed her with his mouth and brought her before Ham-Ham and Ferona.
Ferona: "Now off you go, hopefully you can resolve the situation for both of our kinds."
Ham: "Not that I don't mind helping, why ask me when there are other hamsters?"
Ferona: "You really don't know much do you?" (Insert sweat drop) "You are an elder and they keep the peacefulness of nature. Most of them can be trusted and they have the capabilities. It isn't evening yet, so you three may want to leave now in order to make up traveling time."
Ham: "Very well, thank you for your explanations and I will try to resolve this peacefully, for both our species sake."
The group of three walked out of the clearing and began to set their sights on Guoy. The coming days would test the resolve of Ham-Ham and his friends, while Ham-Ham would learn the true meaning of power, both good and bad.