Chapter 4

Things get complicated

Kitty's pov

When things started to move around the house again, I tried to catch the vases and other objects made of glass. Dulcinea fell in Puss's arms again. I feel like she is doing it on purpose. I rolled my eyes as I was holding onto the table. Perrito started barking loudly. Seconds after the earthquake stopped, Puss opened the door for us and we ran right into the street, only to see terrified people standing outside of the castle, waiting for Fiona and Shrek to give them advice. We all smiled and waved at them shyly. They glared at us and started yelling:

''Fiona! Shrek!''

I tried to cover up their screams, but they were too many and they couldn't hear what I was saying.

''The king and queen are not home!"

The civilians totally ignored us and continued their protest.

''Let's get back to our trip to stop the earthquakes.'' I suggested.

''They will destroy the castle soon if we leave right now. I know them too well.'' warned Dulcinea.

''She's right.'' Puss agreed.

''We should call them on our way! We shouldn't waste more time!''

They all agreed.

I have to help them find out the cause of the sudden earthquakes. Dulcinea and Puss didn't get to tell us where we would find the book, so I had no other choice other than following them blindly. I trusted Puss more than anything, so I knew he would guide us right. Dulcinea and Puss ran to the nearest train station. I didn't know what they were doing so I asked.

''What are we doing here?''

''We have to go back in San Lorenzo. The book is there.'' Puss informed me.

They bought the tickets with the spare cash everyone had in their pockets and we hopped in the next train to San Lorenzo. Dulcinea called Fiona and explained everything that happened while they were away in another city.

''We will come home immediately to calm down the civilians. You don't need to worry about that. Go and save the world!" Fiona encouraged us.

Dulcinea greeted her goodbye and hung up. Puss and Dulcinea sat down next to each other and started to tell us about their past together with the Netherworld.

''Remember that date of ours at the lake that was interrupted by an earthquake?'' Dulcinea laughed.

''Of course I do. It was our first real date!''

''Exactly! We wanted a romantic getaway and all our friends came with us in the end! The only time we were alone together was then!''

They laughed when they remembered the memory. I groaned and told them to hurry.

''We don't have time for your memorable first dates! Tell us more about the Netherworld!''

''Fine fine. It's a long road until San Lorenzo, I estimate an hour. We have plenty of time, don't worry about that, Kitty.'' said Dulcinea.

''No, I was just saying. Start.''

''Basically, the Netherworld came out of nowhere, and plenty of monsters came out of the portal and attacked the village. Puss defeated them with my help every time, but the problem was that more and more monsters came out. For the portal to close, Puss had to sacrifice himself and abandon us. The time was taken back so Puss would never have met any of us, but he still had the memories. No one in the village remembers him, so he will have to meet them again.''

''Exactly. I am quite nervous.''

''I understand! You don't have to worry.''

Interesting story, I guess. We will defeat it once and for all! This time I will help too! I am not going to give up until we succeed!

The train stopped abruptly and we rushed out right in the heart of the village. Everyone jumped and ran to hug Dulcinea. The only time I felt like I fitted in was then because all of us except Dulcinea were kind of shy.

''You didn't tell us there were so many kids here.'' I commented.

''I take care of these kids! It's an orphanage!''

I can't stand her. Now she does charity in her free time too!? I can't compete with her! Puss didn't know if he should hug them too considering they didn't remember him. I carried Perrito around as we walked and looked at the poor houses built out of wood. One of the kids who was a pig came up to me.

''Another cat! Wow!''

''Hi!'' I saluted the children.

Puss felt out of place, so he decided to make things move faster.

''Enough with the reunion! We have to find the book.''

''Who are you and what book are you talking about?'' asked the kids.

Puss looked disappointed when he heard the first question, but it was not like he wasn't already aware. I sighed. As Dulcinea was still talking to the kids, Puss, Perrito and I waited in silence. Neither of us had a clue where the book was.

''Let's go!"

She walked not so far away from us and opened a door.

''I remember this….'' said Puss.

''Of course you do!" exclaimed Dulcinea.

We entered a weird bar. A lot of people were gambling and talking loudly. I can't think of a single good memory Puss would have from here.

''Pajuna!'' Dulcinea called someone.

What an unusual name. Who could it be? A cow turned to us and poured Dulcinea a glass of warm milk.

''We came here to get the secret thing from the secret safe I have.'' Dulcinea said while drinking the milk.

''Oh, okay. Who are your friends? Do you want a glass of milk?''

''You bet I do.'' I said.

I quickly left the table for a bit and stole some cash from a man's pocket in a second by just silently ripping it when he wasn't attentive.

''Where did you get that? We were in a money crisis earlier with the tickets!" asked Dulcinea.

''I have my secrets too, just like you.''

I put the money on the table and bought another three glasses. Pajuna left us alone and continued her job at the bar.

''I am so frustrated that no one remembers me…'' said Puss.

''Maybe the one that helped us reverse time and make them forget you can help us again…''

Puss thought about it and agreed, but we all knew that the first duty was to find the book and use it to close the portal. Dulcinea lifted up a piece of wood from the floor that seemed like it was cut on purpose. That's her hiding spot for the keys?!

''A hole in the floor? I would have never thought about that. And come on, I am the best thief you met.'' I laughed, holding Puss's boots.

Puss laughed and took them back, again impressed by my skills of stealing without anyone in a room full of people noticing. Dulcinea signalled us to come with her and opened one of the doors that had a clear sign that said: DO NOT ENTER IF YOU'RE NOT AUTHORIZED. The message was pretty clear, but Dulcinea still pressed the latch slowly and opened the door widely so we could see everything. I gasped at what was inside. The tiniest safe I have ever seen in my life of stealing and forcing open every safe I saw. I was a bit confused because she could have used a safe with a code. The door to the safe unlocked and Dulcinea suddenly was paler than usual.

''G-guys…''

End of chapter 4.

I am so sorry for my sudden disappearance of almost three months on this story. I haven't found my inspiration and time, but I hope you are still reading. I am waiting for your opinion. Do you like the new characters such as Pajuna and the children? They will have a big role in the future. This was just the beginning. If you want more chapters, favourite and follow. Thank you for your support.