Hello, everyone. Welcome to my second published story. I originally thought of this one as a crossover for a different story, but realized that it would probably be better here. I hope everyone enjoys. Please rate and review.

Chapter 1: The Maelstrom

The ship bounced along the shifting sea. One moment, it was being pushed gently up to the crest of a wave, the next it slid down a gentle slope to meet the next one. The wind touched the sails, gently pushing the ship along. Not a bird or shark was in sight.

Standing at the wheel was a small cat. One paw was on the wheel, while another was feeling the wind in his fur. A long dark cape billowed in the wind. Gleaming in the light was a silver sword, strapped to the belt of this furry figure. The sword leaned against the leather of a shiny black boot. Completing the look was a smooth black hat, with a golden feather tucked into a folded corner. The feline took a deep breath in. "Ah, nothing like the salty smell of the sea, don't you all agree?"

The cat turned to look behind him to see two other animals standing there. One of them was a cat like him, with dark, night-like fur to complement the first cat's sunny orange fur. This cat also wore boots and a belt, though a dagger hung at the second cat's side rather than a sword. The other creature was a small dog. This dog's fur was unkempt and partly hidden by a dirty sock he wore. This rather mangy look was contrasted with his face, which had the brightest eyes and largest smile. A smile that matched the dog's shining personality.

The dog grinned. "Yes, Puss. I'm really enjoying my first sea voyage. Is it always like this?"

Puss in Boots grinned. "Well, Perrito, sometimes, the sea can be rather calming. Other times, it can be rather rough-"

"And other times, it can dampen one's pride." The black cat interjected.

Puss looked over at the cat. "Kitty, if you're referring to the incident with the trident, then let me assure you, I had everything under control."

Kitty nodded. "Oh sure, was that before or after the cannon?"

Puss opened his mouth to speak, only to realize that he had no comeback ready. He then closed his mouth, shooting Kitty a mock-serious glance. Even though it had been a few days since Puss and Kitty had reunited in the search for the Last Wish, they were already getting along as if they had never split apart.

Perrito looked between the two. "So, what happened with the trident?"

Kitty and Puss looked at each other. Kitty motioned to Puss, indicating that he should go on. Puss shrugged his shoulders. "It's a long tale, Perrito. You see-"

A large gust blew over the three. Puss looked up to see storm clouds right above them.

"That came out of nowhere," Kitty said.

Puss nodded. "I agree." He turned to the others. "Tie up the ropes and batten down the hatches, you two."

As the others ran to their posts, Puss looked ahead. The lightning and thunder had started booming, and if those sounds were any indication, this was going to be a huge storm. Great. Just what they needed.

Perrito pointed towards the horizon. "What's that?"

Kitty looked where he was pointing and her face paled. "Puss, it's a maelstrom."

Puss in Boots blanched. A maelstrom. A huge whirlpool that formed due to shifting currents. How had one formed so quickly? These seas weren't known for such fierce forces of nature. "Kitty, where is it?"

"Off our port bow."

"Is it in the early stages?"

Kitty shook her head. "No. It's already huge and getting bigger by the minute."

Puss in Boots frowned. First the storm, now a large maelstrom. This was becoming a very abnormal day. Puss turned the wheel to starboard. If they could ride the currents outside the maelstrom, perhaps they could avoid it.

"Puss, look out!" Perrito yelled.

Several things happened at once. The ship suddenly bumped into a rock, causing it to shake. Perrito, looking out the port side, suddenly found himself free of the ship and heading towards the sea. And Kitty, already moving to Perrito to tell him to move away from the edge, leaped forward to grab him. One paw on Perrito and one paw on the railing, Kitty looked over at Puss. "Puss! Help!"

Puss in Boots gulped. Thinking fast, he tied a piece of rope around the wheel, to ensure there weren't any other surprises. He then started running forward towards Kitty and Perrito. Unfortunately, the rain had made the railing slick, causing Kitty's clawless paw to start sliding off the railing. Already, Puss could see that he wasn't going to make it. So instead, Puss started running for the nearest lifeboat. With a swish of his sword, it was free.

The lifeboat was already in the water and moving by the time Kitty and Perrito had fallen in. Puss stroked the oars, making his way towards them. Just a little farther. They were so close. Would he make it? Yes, he would. Quickly, Kitty and Perrito climbed aboard, helped up by Puss.

Puss embraced them both. "Are you ok?"

Perrito nodded. "I'm fine, Puss."

"So am I," Kitty added.

Puss pushed away, clearing his throat. "Right. What say we get out of here, muchachos?"

Getting out, however, proved more difficult than getting in. The rowboat had been swept deeper and deeper into the vortex. A few strokes of the oars made everyone realize that rowing would be futile.

Puss turned to the others. "If anyone has ideas, now would be the time to share them."

Perrito grabbed the wet rope tied to the boat. "Maybe we could throw this at the ship and see if it catches onto something."

"What can we use to latch onto?" Kitty asked.

"Maybe that?" Perrito asked, pointing at one of the oars.

Puss and Kitty looked at each other. Perrito might be the naivest of the bunch, but he came up with some pretty good ideas.

Kitty and Perrito tied the rope while Puss aimed it. If he could throw it far enough, it might be able to hit the ship. With a grunt Puss flung the projectile as hard as he could. To his surprise, the oar sailed farther than he had thought. It easily reached the ship's side, catching onto the railing.

Puss smiled. "Well, that wasn't so hard."

A loud snap occurred. Puss cringed embarrassed. "That was the rope breaking, wasn't it?"

Kitty nodded. "Yes it was."

"Maybe we could try something else?" Perrito asked.

A quick glance ahead showed that any future ideas would be moot. They were right at the point of the maelstrom's vortex where they would be pulled under. Quickly, Puss grabbed the others. "It's been a great honor sailing with you all."

"Likewise," Kitty and Perrito replied.

Puss closed his eyes, bracing for… nothing. After a few minutes, Puss opened his eyes to see an astonishing sight. Instead of going vertically downward, the rowboat seemed to be traveling horizontally, the water swirling around it. Not a trace of water seemed to be hitting the group. If anything, the animals' fur was getting drier.

In a minute, everything changed. The water turned brown and hard. The light got darker and darker. The way behind closed, turning into stone. Soon, the rowboat stopped moving. Puss looked down to see dry earth below them. The rowboat had stopped in a cave.

Puss looked at the others. "Does this make sense to anyone?"

Perrito shook his head. "Your guess is as good as mine, Puss."

Kitty took a tentative step out. "It's hard earth. Somehow, we went from a vast sea to a dry cave. Were there any portals where we were sailing?"

Puss shook his head. "Not that I'm aware of. The seas of Atlantis have been portal-free since the city's great deluge. And the forecast said new portals wouldn't open in our world for a decade."

"Regardless of how we got here," Perrito said. "maybe we should see where we are?"

Puss nodded. "Indeed, Perrito. I will lead the way."

"In your dreams," Kitty said.

"Maybe you can both lead the way?" Perrito asked.

Puss and Kitty looked at each other and shrugged. Best compromise they were going to get.

It didn't take long to reach the edge of the cave. Facing them was a large forest. Trees stood up like flag banners. Snow blanketed the ground and trees, providing a natural pillow to the land. The sun shined weakly, casting a subdued glow on everything. Icicles pointed down, gleaming beautifully in the sun.

Puss shook his head. "This does not look familiar. I do like the wintry touch, though."

Perrito shook his head. "Something's off."

Kitty looked over at Perrito. "Is it the cold?"

"No. Well, there is that. But do any of you hear anything?"

Puss shook his head. "I don't think so."

"Exactly. I haven't heard a single sound since we got here."

Puss paused. Perrito was right. There was no sound to be had. Not the tweet of a bird or trickle of a river. The silence was the only voice the forest seemed to give.

Something flickered in the distance. Puss squinted. "Anyone else see that?"

"The glimmer?" Kitty asked.

"Yes. It seems to come from beyond the trees."

"Think we should check it out?"

Puss nodded. "Yes. But we must do so cautiously. We don't know anything about this place. This could be as dangerous as the Dark Forest. Everyone move cautiously and be quiet."

As the group started to move, Puss looked around. This forest seemed both beautiful and sinister at the same time. Sheer silence met great beauty. Not a great combination for a place like this. One thing was for sure. Getting home would be top priority. And Puss would not rest until he and his friends succeeded in that goal.