As Leo bounded through a hole in his yard he felt free. He raised his snout and sniffed the air, experiencing the smell of the forest life. He shrugged off his collar and bounded through the words barking joyously. Leo’s brown colored coat kept him warm and seemed to almost camouflage him. He slowed down as he came to a rushing river. He leaned down and lapped a few quick gulps. Then suddenly lifted his head.
Leo sniffed the air and found a new scent he couldn't quite identify. “Who’s there?” he barked
The owner of the scent replied, “My name is Callie. I was trying to find my way back home when I smelled you.”
Leo said, “What are you?”
The creature jumped down from a tree branch and stretched. As it stretched Leo realized what it was. It was a cat.
“Oh, well I'm Leo.” he barked.
“You have the smell of humans on you.” Callie hissed as she recoiled.
“I was born into a nest of humans but I never liked it. So I escaped.” Leo replied.
“Ahh. I once ran away from a similar fate when I was young. You are lucky to have gotten this far. This is the dark side of the forest, farthest from the city where more dangerous animals live.” Callie purred.
“Well, do you know anywhere I can get food around here? Cause I'm kind of getting hungry.” Leo said.
“There are fish in the river, mice and other animals in the forest. If you want I can help you.” Callie meowed.
As the two headed away into the woods, Leo never once wondered about why this cat was being so helpful.
“Thank you for helping me,” Leo barked, ”Is there anything I can do to repay you?”
“Unless you think you can help me get over the river no, little puppy.” Callie replied.
Leo thought for a while then came up with his answer. He used to swim a lot at home so he figured if Callie rode on his back he could get her across.
As Leo swam, Callie kept glancing at the trees as if she was worried.
“Are you worried about something Callie?” Leo asked curiously.
“Oh just trying to see if there are any animals that might try attacking.” Callie said distractedly.
“Huh, ok. Well we’re at the shore.” Leo said as he climbed the bank.
“Than-” Callie was interrupted by a loud yowl. “T-that sounded like Cinder…”
“Who’s Cinder?”Leo asked.
“She’s my adopted kit. I must go now. Good bye” Callie said as she sprinted away.
“Wait! Can I help?” Leo shouted but Callie was already gone. He started running in the direction Callie went, not realizing the trouble he might be in.
Leo watched as Callie bounded into an old brick oven. He saw a gray she-cat, similar to Callie, let out a cry of happiness when she saw Callie. The two cats started grooming each other and purring. Leo watched for a while and was about to leave when another cat rushed in panting. All three rushed away with worried expressions. Leo followed as quietly and quickly as he could so he wouldn't startle them.
The cats arrived at a small clearing where two cats were fighting. The cat that had fetched Callie and who Leo guessed was her sister, pulled the black cat off a dark tom and wrestled with him. Leo watched until Callie, her sister, and two other cats left the clearing. Leo bounded up to the black tom and realized he was still breathing but faintly. Leo used some leaves to stop the bleeding then flung him across his back and looked for a place that he could dig and make a den. He treated the tom until he was well then they stayed there for several years longer. But Leo never realized the truth about the black tom who said his name was Diablo.