Chapter 1
Pumpkin Auken--a glamorous orange cat who had enormous green eyes and wore elegant clothing--was tending to his garden outside. The garden behind his own town house had a small fence around it, which kept the rabbits from his backyard. It was very early in the morning. The sun had not yet risen above the trees, and a peaceful silver mist tickled his nose and whiskers.
"The dandelions have lost their roars," Pumpkin said as he observed that the lion-faced plants growing in a garden patch had remained silent. "I have just the thing for them."
He went into his greenhouse, where he grabbed the food he had invented. He called the plant food Roaring Seed. This was one of the things Pumpkin was famous for. He had done many wonders for the universe when it came to innovation.
Pumpkin had built a prototype for his upcoming invention, the Boot-Hoot. The prototype was a diorama of a mobile-home camper that he would design for traveling around the globe--not to mention for the dimensions of other worlds yet to be discovered.
The reason he was creating such a thing was because he had heard talk earlier in town all about an unfortunate incident that had happened to an unknown city called Atlantis. He overhead a story at the bar he went to on nights when there was a full moon. He had seen a couple of mousers sitting there at the bar last time, sharing a toast in celebration for the kingdom that once existed in the sky. They were saying the kingdom had gotten blown up and had fallen to pieces after some kind of invasion, and its magic had been drained. No one specifically knew why. However, the kingdom wasn't too good to begin with, and the search for the princess was called off.
The rest of the cats believed the princess had died along with the queen after the chaos was created. A thought then came to Pumpkin about the odd event a while ago. When was the last time he had ever spoken to his brother? He had called him ages ago, and a response should have come by now.
Maybe something came up with him, and it's why I ain't hearing anything yet, Pumpkin thought as he prepared to spray his dandelions to strengthen their energy.
The dandelions are not acting as lionish as they should while the other flowers he had were all right, like the catnips that snapped at the bugs flying past him. Pumpkin took time to observe the finest things in life with his knowledgeable eyes. "My poor babies. You are so deserving of this drink. Sorry it took so long. You must've starved."
"PUMPKIN!" a super-high pitched voice came from inside his home, bringing him back from tending to his garden. He crinkled his eyebrows as the glass-stained windows surrounding him broke, and he turned to face the back door leading toward his house. Standing before the patio in his small backyard was Tigger with a huge grin on his face.
"Tigger," Pumpkin said, "I guess you have gotten my message haven't you?"
"Yep, and I am also here for some tea and biscuits," Tigger said.
He's a petite tannish cat who also had green compassionate eyes. He was wearing a detective's outfit upon entering the garden, and it looked as if he was having a complicated time getting his muddy black boots off his feet.
Tigger got up after taking his muddy boots off and left them on the floor. He strolled over to take an overview of the black, red, and white paper. The image upon it showed the book of crystals drained of its magic, and there was information about the kingdom's rumble, with evidence of the gemstone being scattered across the universe as these crashed into other dimensions, creating chaos. There was even a number to call for anyone having any leads or information on the crystals' whereabouts.
"They're holding a prize for the one who collects and returns the crystals to the kingdom, restoring order in the other dimensions," Pumpkin continued to explain, "Ya, know I sense that we will be able to find those crystals and collect that reward. We both know what those crystals not only affect our world but also could affect other worlds, for we are all connected. What happens here can have an effect on the other realms and vice versa."
"Hmm...ya think?"
"So what do you think? How about you and I going and getting these crystals in order to collect this reward being offered."
"Well, okay." Tigger sounded rather convinced. "It has been a while since we've been camping or traveling together. I'd love to go on an adventure."
"But how? It would take a while for me to build the Boot-Hoot. You know I just have its prototype finished, so we don't have any transportation yet."
A shout came from over the fence, "Hey, Pumpkin and Tigger, guess what?!"
Pumpkin and Tigger turned their heads to see another cat, who was midgetlike with black fur as dark as a shadow and a white chin, making him almost look like some kind of feline in a tuxedo. He was trying to peek over the backyard, which they had fenced off.
"What?" Pumpkin asked, rolling his eyes at the unwelcome nuisance of their cousin Nicky, "What is it now, Nicky?"
"You'll never believe what I have done."
"I bet not," Pumpkin grumbled as he had a seat in his chair, pouring himself a cup of tea. And he said while taking a sip, "Please do tell us what idiotic plot you've done this time."
"I took your prototype and built the Boot-Hoot," Nicky announced.
Pumpkin spat out the tea he was drinking directly into Tigger's face as he choked on the rest of the liquid, which he swallowed.
"Thanks, Pumpkin. I needed a shower," Tigger growled, patting himself dry after being spat on.
Pumpkin smiled sheepishly and said, "Sorry." And then he glanced back at Nicky with his eyes filled with a little agitation. "You what? Can you repeat that?"
"I built your Boot-Hoot invention. Want to come and see?" Nicky kept on urging the two cats. He was so full of energy and excitement, "I really finished the Boot-Hoot."
"Pumpkin..." Tigger looked his brother in the eye, his smile growing even larger as it stretched out to his ears, "It couldn't be better timing."
Pumpkin sighed. Unpleasant thoughts and images began forming inside his mind. This can't be. Nicky couldn't possibly have finished the project he'd been working on for more than a week. They after Nicky had an incident with a snapping turtle, which sent him too trusting of his cousin's words. "Well, let's check out his words Tigger. Let's see if it is roadworthy."
"Follow me," said Nicky.
Pumpkin and Tigger followed Nicky out front to inspect the Boot-Hoot. Their eyes widened as their cousin moved out of the way.
Pumpkin couldn't believe it. Nicky really had completed the vehicle. It was the same image he had on his blueprints. His cousin must've stolen them from the day he had on his blueprints. His cousin must've stolen them from his invention prototype of the Boot-Hoot. Here it was, the fantastic Boot-Hoot standing in one piece. Just to be sure he walked up to the vehicle and began tapping upon it from its door to the wheels, examining every inch. There were no loose screws or minor adjustments to be made. It was created as it should be, and it was as steady as a fiddle.
"I can't find any issues," Pumpkin announced, making Tigger and Nicky sigh with relief.
"If you can't find any problems," Tigger said, walking up and placing a paw on his brother's shoulder, "does that mean we can begin packing to head out and be on our way?"
Pumpkin nodded. "We could go..." But then something came to his mind. "However, what about my garden? I can't leave it unattended."
"I will look after it while you're away," Nicky stepped up boldly. "Besides, I couldn't go with you guys anyway. You know how easily I get lost with my mind jumbling around and sending me off into tangents. I cannot control that part of myself. Besides, I did my part in building the Boot-Hoot. Now it's up to you and Tigger. You both will need it, but this doesn't mean I won't be in contact. As additional upgrade, I installed a projector screen within the thingy so you can call me from anywhere anytime in any of the other dimensions during your travels."
"That's very clever of you, Nicky. I couldn't have built this better myself," Pumpkin said. "Oh, but just one more thing. How did you know we needed this?"
"Yeah. Freaky, isn't it?" Nicky replied.
Then out of nowhere, a flying suitcase and a trunk came for a landing at their feet. Pumpkin glanced over with Nicky as they could witness Tigger coming with several bags all packed with all Pumpkin's stuff and his stuff from inside their houses.
"I never thought I'd see a trunk fly," Pumpkin said as Tigger returned to them.
"Well, you can find a flying trunk anywhere," Tigger informed, "I received it from Dimension number 2."
"The Lost Luggage?"
"Yep, that's where I got it. These were sold to me. Trust me, these bags will be handy," Tigger said as he placed them into the Boot-Hoot, "what direction shall we take, Pumpkin?"
Pumpkin found himself staring off into space at the luggage inside the Boot-Hoot. The trunk was indeed beautiful. It reminded him of a childhood storybook he had read as a kitten, "The Flying Trunk."
This couldnt be real. That trunk couldn't possibly fly and hold magic. Yet do I believe my eyes? Did I see those bags in? Tigger could be pulling my leg, telling me he purchased them in dimension 2.
Just then, he heard his brother yell, "PUMPKIN, COME ON! STOP STARING OFF INTO SPACE, AND LET'S GET GOING!"
Pumpkin didn't know what to think about these flying trunks or what to take to help guide them.
"I don't know. Did you grab a map?" Pumpkin questioned.
"Yep, it's right here." Tigger opened his luggage, which held an old map of all the dimensional worlds.
The next stop was the parrot library, which was a little ways from them as Pumpkin scanned the map further. His eyes then landed on a second star in the northern direction.
Tigger noticed Pumpkin reading the map and asked again, "So what direction do we head in?"
"North," Pumpkin muttered. "We head north toward the second star to the right."
"Then let's get going. I ain't getting any younger," Tigger said as he hopped into the vehicle and took a seat in the passenger seat next to the driving wheel.
Pumpkin then turned to Nicky, who stood there with open arms. He embraced him and said, "Take good care of my home. Watch over it, and don't answer the door for any strangers outside of our community."
"Don't worry about it. Your home is safe with me. No invaders shall pass," Nicky winked, giving Pumpkin a hint that it was all going to be fine. "Good luck finding those crystals."
Pumpkin then walked around the Boot-Hoot toward the driver's door. He hopped into the driver's seat and shut the door while Tigger closed up the windows. The clouds in the sky were gathering and a small storm might be on the way.
Tigger listened to his big brother, turning on the engine, which made a small rattling sound, and then began to puff out black smoke from its rear. It let out a loud meow as the headlights came on, giving them a good view of the road going beyond the horizon.
Pumpkin began to put it in drive, and the Boot-Hoot began rolling away from Gramal City, which they called their home. Following the radar Nicky had installed, they headed north.
Nicky could be seen waving goodbye from the rearview mirror as Pumpkin focused on heading down the road. He waved goodbye, but their cousin was already heading back. He then heard Tigger clear his throat, bringing his attention back to the start of their expedition.
"I can't believe it," Tigger said. "We're finally off on a new adventure. A journey better than any other we've had."
"Tell me about it," Pumpkin replied as he glanced at the setting sun on the horizon. It was almost fading from the clouds, making the sky have a nice shade of sapphire and purple as stars began to twinkle right before their eyes. "You and I are going to make quite a team."
They drove for a couple of hours until they got hungry and tired. They managed to find a place to crash for the night and make camp. They made it to a place called Tortoiseshell Beach.
"Look at where we are, Tigger. Tortoiseshell Beach--a place where we've fished with our folks," Pumpkin pointed out. "This is a good place to find dinner and crash for the evening."
"Most excellent. I could use a good, tasty slab of smoked fish." Tigger licked his chops as the thought of hunting salon in the shallow ends of the water came to his mind. "And especially if you spice it up a little with paprika, dill, and lemon butter."
"Let's get out our fishing rods," Pumpkin instructed. "Do you know where they are?"
"I do. They're packed in the trunk," Tigger said. He went over to the marked trunk that said Fishing Supplies and took out a black rod, which was obviously long enough to be Pumpkin's. He fishing rod was much shorter and lighter.
They even got out a can of worms. Then they sat upon the dock, allowing the salty sea air to give off a cleansing smell of the ocean as they waited for a bite on their rods.
Tigger began to think. "How are we going to find our way to the crystals, Pumpkin?"
Pumpkin didn't answer.
Tigger tried to ask again. "Pumpkin..."
"Huh? What?"
"Did you hear my question?
"No, please ask me again."
"Uh...how are we going to find our way to the crystals?" Tigger asked, rather irritated at having to ask him a second time.
Pumpkin said, "I don't know." He was too busy keeping his eye on the fishing line and staring off into the sky. Just then, a streak of light flashed across the sky. Could that have been a shooting star? He rubbed his eyes and murmured, "What the? Did you see that?"
"See what?" Tigger could see Pumpkin pointing up at the sky. It didn't take long for another streak of light to come toward them, bewildering him about what he and his brother were viewing. "I--I can't believe my eyes."
"What is that, Tigger? What is that sparkly thing heading right down toward us?"
"I don't know. However, let's hope it comes close enough to check it out," Tigger said, wringing his pawseagerly with anticipation.
Tigger and Pumpkin ran around the green marshes only to come to a surprise. What had crash-landed on Tortoiseshell Beach wasn't a rare rock, such as a meteorite from space or any other intergalatic object. What lay before them was a child who was unconcious from her landing.
"A girl!" Tigger shouted, "Pumpkin, there's a girl lying here in the marsh."
Pumpkin bumped into Tigger after he suddenly stopped running, and he too saw the child. There was a girl lying unconscious, and he was covered in mud from the marsh she had landed in.
"What happened to her? I wonder where she's from? Could this be the result of what the mousers were talking about?" Pumpkin asked.
"I suppose it could. I don't know really. Look at her outfit, it has very odd symbols upon it," Tigger pointed out.
Pumpkin noticed what Tigger was speaking about. The girl had long brown hair down to her shoulders, and she was very skinny. She wore a black t-shirt and overalls that had a Japanese message written across her chest.
"Should we leave her here?"
"I don't think so. We should help her."
"Good idea," Tigger agreed. "Let's bring her inside the Boot-Hoot, but be careful moving her."
"Don't worry. I'll be careful," Pumpkin said, understanding Tigger's caution.
They picked up the girl gently. Pumpkin supported her neck as they took her straight into the Boot-Hoot. Inside, they placed her on a small bed in the back and cleaned her up by changing her clothes, making her warm and comfortable. There she remained asleep for the rest of the night as Pumpkin and Tigger took turns watching over her.
While the girl was resting, they went back to check on their fishing lines, and they had dinner ready to be cooked. Pumpkin had caught a giant salmon on his line.
"We can now make those salmon muffins," Pumpkin said as he and Tigger returned to the Boot-Hoot.
"Yeah, Salmon muffins. Delicious," Tigger's mind wasn't even on food at the moment. He was too interested in wondering about the girl who had fallen from the sky.
"What's wrong?" Pumpkin asked.
"It's the girl. She's on my mind," Tigger said.
"What about her?"
"What do you plan to do with her when she wakes up?"
"Off her one of our salmon muffins and talk to her. Find out where she's from and where her parents are, and maybe ask her how she's able to fly through the sky," Pumpkin said. "I mean, it must be far away because she seems mysterious having to be someone from the sky."
Tigger said, "Well, it's late right now. Let's have dinner, hit the sack, and we'll figure this girl out tomorrow morning when she wakes up."
