episode one : "here kitty, kitty..." (the serialized adventures of marlo & norway)

8/3/2019 Episode One : "Here kitty, kitty..." (The Serialized Adventures of Marlo & Norway)

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The Serialized Adventures of Marlo & Norway: Ep.1

Written by The Public Factory

Edited by Philip R. Skaggs Jr.

Scribd Edition

Cover ImageSebastien Tanguy/Creative Commons 2.0


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Norway leapt out of the blue time cruiser with the ease of a panther leaping onto the forest floor. She

never had a problem wherever her companion went. Unlike her brother Marlo who shivered in his white

and orange coat like a tiger cub. Norway looked out across the field and sniffed the air. The fine black fur

on her back straightened up for just a moment before settling down. "A cat can never be too sure." She

reminded herself as she turned back to the entrance. "Hey, Marlo get out here. Everythings fine."

Marlo immediately poked his head out around the corner and sniffed the air. He was lean and fast.

Which helped with running away when he needed to. His sister had taken after their father and had the

build of a mouser. Or so they imagined. Her small frame hid her real mass.

Marlo timidly skulked outside. The companion that he and Norway travelled with was already gone

doing who knows what. So they had some time to explore on their own wherever and whenever theywere.

"Looks like it'll be a pretty nice. We actually have grass here. Unlike the last place. Blurgh! What a

dump that was." Norway knew that once Marlo was out and by her side his nerves would settle

themselves.

"Oh, don't remind me. It was nothing but garbage as far as the eye could see and not a single mouse.

What a joke!" Marlo bent his head down as the grass came up around him. He pretended he was

Tigerlilly, a radio drama they picked up in the time cruiser starring the one and only supercat. Marloimagined he was on the trail of some feline felons, ready to pounce.

"Hey! Do you smell that?" Norway lifted her head and pointed her body North. Her golden eyes

narrowed as she searched the skies above her for smoke.

Marlo shook his head out of the daydream he was having and followed his sister. He could smell it too

though he didn't know how she could be ready to eat again. They had just eaten only a little bit ago. Butthat was Norway. Always ready for more.

"Hey! Watch out!" A voice came from the brush ahead. The long grass blades shook. Norway steadied

herself and settled down into a position to strike at whatever was coming her way. Marlo looked around

quickly for the nearest exit, but finally decided it was best to hide behind a tuft of grass near his sister.

"Out of the way!" A golden hedgehog leapt out of the tall grass at lightning speed. He lost his footing

when he saw the large angry looking cat in front of him. He stumbled, throwing his paws in front of him

and tripped head first into the ground. Norway's eyes widened as she saw a ball of spikes come tumbling

toward her. And with a large crash, the speedy hedgehog and the two cats were tangled in a pile.

A low rumble came from underneath the hedgehog as he rubbed his head. You better get up. Shedoesnt like being sat on. Marlo wiggled each of his paws to make sure they were all in working order.

He knew he was being a overly cautious, but he had heard about a friends brother who had jumped down

from a great height and lost the feeling in his legs. After getting hit by a car.The hedgehog looked down and quickly jumped off of the black, growling mound of fur underneath

him. Oh, sorry. Sorry about that. The hedgehog looked behind him and around some more, nervously.

What do you think youre doing, spikes for brains? Norway shook herself and quickly rubbed down

the few spots of fur she could reach. Was your father a pudding head or something?

She licked her paw while waiting for the answer. Marlo couldnt help but notice that Norways claws

were out as she stared at the hedgehog.

Im sorry. Really I am. But you have to run. Hurry! Theyre on their way! The hedgehog looked over

his shoulder to the rustling of tall grass.

I never run away. But let me go ahead and ask the obvious: whos on their way? Norway lowered her

claws and looked sharply over the golden creatures shoulders.

Them. the spiky critter pointed at a large brown head peering over the grass only yards away. It was

the head of a dog with with low slung jowls. A few more dogs popped their faces up. One had sharp, darkfeatures and the other a soft, white face. They tilted their heads upwards, sniffing the air for the

hedgehogs scent.

Perhaps, we should rethink your no running away stance, Norway? Marlo tucked himself as low ashe would go.

Well, yeah, I guess it would be okay now. Just this once. Norway took in the size of the dogs. Each

head was about as large as her. She was no coward, but she wasnt stupid. Shed have to be smart about

these guys.


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Quick over here. Marlo jumped over the hedgehog and his sister and sprinted towards a tuft of burs

and sharp weeds. The hedgehog and Norway followed quickly. The three dogs drew closer as the small

trio pushed their way past the thorns.

Down. Norway whispered in a sharp tone as she pressed the hedgehog down to the floor. Marlo

couldnt help but notice a small bit of pleasure running across her face as she did so. The three laid flat

and as still as they could. The hedgehog began to shiver. Marlo rolled his eyes, at least he wasnt that

much of a coward.

Keep quiet. Marlo tried to reassure the hedgehog. Norway turned and gave her brother a hard look.

Marlo quickly held his breath and lowered his head as far as it would go. He kept thinking about the time

Tigerlilly ran across the slug invaders from Dimension 7 and how the wily cat escaped the mothershipwith some good hiding places and a little luck.

I can smell him. He ran across here. One of the dogs sniffed the ground just ahead of them. Norway

tried to see who was talking but the tall grass kept him out of her sight. She was hoping that the dogs here

had eyes just as poor as those shes come across before. She wasnt worried about their noses.

Whered he go? He just vanished. Another dog barked. Did he dig himself out? I heard hes a good

digger.

Dont be stupid. No one can dig that quickly. Norway made a note of his voice. Obviously, the alphadog. Lets just head him off. We know where he was headed. Well catch him before he makes it home.

The dogs all barked in agreement and started to run in the original direction the hedgehog was going.

The three of them sat there for a few moments while the rustling of grass and the panting of the dogs

trailed off into the distance. Finally, Marlo raised his head and let out a puff of air.

Why? How? The hedgehog was shaking and giving the two a look of bewilderment.I think you should start off with thank you. Norway faced the direction the dogs left in. Her muscles

were tense from a lack of action. She hated having to turn and hide, but she was sure she would run into

them again.

Now, what was that about? Marlo circled the golden hedgehog and wondered what kind of trouble he

could cause.

What was that about? Im Kean the golden hedgehog of prophecy. You must have heard of me.

Everyone has heard of me. Kean seemed almost insulted at the question.

Well, were not from around here. Marlo paced around a little more before settling down in front of

Kean.That must be it. See, Im the one chosen to find the lost treasure of this land. Thats why I am here.

Kean puffed out his chest and looked at the cats. He wanted them to look a little more impressed.

Golden hedgehog. Lost treasure. Got it. Norway turned away from the dogs trail finally. I assumethey were after the treasure as well.

Oh yes, some old dog named Barnaby heard about me and trapped my father and me. I escaped though

with my fathers help. And Ive been running for some time now. I just cant seem to get away. They

have my scent.

Norway and Marlo looked at each other for a few moments and then looked back at Kean.

Alright, well help you. Norway wore a serious expression upon her brow.

Wait, I didnt even ask for help. Kean replied.

I know. Marlo skipped a little as he and Norway started walking off. Suddenly, he stopped and turned

back to Kean the hedgehog. Oh, um, where are we going?

Oh, well, I need to get back to my fathers workshop. The hedgehog pointed in the direction of the

dogs trail. Im sure Barnabys pack knows that, too. Thats why they headed in that direction.

Good. Id like to run into those guys, again. Lets go. You lead the way. Norway purred with aexcitement at running her claws across the dogs faces.

Okay. Kean ran up beside them. May I ask a question?

Shoot. Marlo replied with a quick grin.Why are you so eager to help? I never even asked for any. Kean asked pushing aside the last few

burs.

Its something to do.

Something to do?


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Yeah, we get bored easy. Were cats. We need something to do. Marlo swatted a fly that buzzed by

his ear.

Oh. I see. Kean paused for a minute. May I ask another question.

Yes, as long as you stop asking to ask them. Norway slammed her heavy paw down and continued

walking. The smashed remains of the poor buzzing fly sat in her paw print.

Sure, I can do that. How come the dogs couldnt find us? They had my scent. Surely, they would have

found us.

We dont smell like every other cats you may know. Norway replied.

In fact, we kind of hide other smells. But we can smell each other. We dont know how it works so

dont ask. Its just something we could always do. Marlo added.Oh, thats why youre so faint. Kean sniffed the air near Norway.

Watch it, butter brain. Norway hopped a few steps to the side out of the way of the hedgehogs nose.

Oh, sorry. I was just trying to get a better scent.

You can smell us? Marlo seemed impressed. He jumped with excitement in front of Kean and twirled

himself.

A little. Not much."

How? Marlo hopped over Norway and walked close to Kean."I have a great sense of smell. It's the reason I'm named Kean after all. Keen sense of smell and all that?

Get it?"

"Oh. Yeah, I get it." Marlo was wondering if it would be more impolite to not laugh or fake laugh. He

decided to not laugh has he had been told on several occasions that his fake laugh was rather insulting.

"Anyway, that's how I'm supposed to find the lost treasure. With my nose doing the job." The tall grassstarted to recede. And the trio stopped just short of the open field. Marlo and Norway pushed their senses

out as far as they could. But could not detect any dog in range. Kean sniffed the air slightly and walked

ahead. Content that his nose would alert him of their approach should they return.

"How far away is your father's lab?" Norway asked.

"A good day's journey I'm afraid." Kean twisted his paws into the ground waiting to hear them moan.

He was afraid that they would change their mind and head back to wherever it was they were going.

"Oh good. I thought we had to hurry." Norway commented in a way that sounded as if it didn't matter

how far the place was. "I think I'm going to get something to eat."

Norway stopped suddenly and ducked down as far as she could go behind the short grass. It came up toher eyes when she really hunkered down. Marlo stopped as well and followed his sister's lead on instinct.

Kean merely stood quietly, confused though he understood the look both cats had in their eyes.

A few feet ahead of Norway there was a slight rustling sound coming from a patch of dried grass. Shepulled back her ears and tensed the muscles in her hind legs. She softly and slowly inched her wayforward

Marlo circled his sister. Should the small sound in front of them somehow find a way around his sister

he would be there to grab it with his speed. The yellow grass rustled again and a small head popped up

from the center. It was a brown field mouse that was busy nibbling on a thin stalk of grass.

The mouse quickly paused and moved his eyes around the field. Norway and Marlo stopped dead in

their tracks and slowly lowered themselves to the level of the grass as best they could. They remained like

that for several long moments until the mouse began nibbling on his stalk again and popped his head back

into the patch of worn grass.

Norway waited a few moments longer before moving again. Though she was not particularly hungry

she was ready to eat. She had instincts that told her to never turn down a meal even with the slightest bit

of room in your belly. She knew even if she had a companion there could always be lean times ahead.Plus, the sensation she got from the hunt was the greatest thrill. She could hear the blood in her veins

pounding faster as she honed in on the small heartbeat in the mouse's chest. Her fur bristled with

electricity and her eyes widened taking in every inch of the world. Her jaws opened slightly and shelicked her lips in preparation for the next moment.

Marlo inched back. His heart pounding just the same as Norway's. He hoped slightly that his sister

would falter and he could give chase. That was always his favorite part of the hunt. The need to test his

speed against an agile creature like the mouse is something that just put shivers in his tail. He twitched his


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ears and looked for the most likely way the little rodent would run should Norway fail. Though it was

unlikely that she would fail. She hardly went hungry as a kitten.

Norway shifted her back legs one last time and took in a sharp breath. Marlo paused and watched the

brush for the slightest bit of movement. Kean stood by nervously. Unsure if he should say or do anything.

The muscles in Norway's legs tensed one last time before she pushed her paws off the ground beneath

her and flew through the air. She landed hard on top of the mound of grass with a sharp squeal. She batted

her paw forward into the dried stalks and hit a solid form that was soft and squirming. She felt the tail of

her prey underneath her hind legs so she knew that there was little chance the mouse would be getting

away. She batted at it once again and drove her needle sharp claws into the back of the rodent just beneath

his ears. The mouse let out a yelp once again as it was tossed into the air and snapped at with Norway'sopen jaws.

Marlo stood back and bounced from one paw to the next as Norway chewed and tore at the mouse's

hide. Kean watched with a pit in his stomach. The event happened so fast that he could barely take it all

in. Norway finished off the little mouse with a quick snap of the neck and proudly displayed it to Marlo

and Kean. Marlo spun around in a circle with excitement and traipsed up to Norway to inspect the kill.

"That's a good looking mouse." Marlo was slightly upset that it didn't get away from his sister. But he

knew if by some chance it had, it wouldnt have been much of a chase.Norway set the mouse carefully down on the ground and licked the blood from her lips. Her eyes were

still wide from the hunt and she took her time taking everything in.

"It was a fine kill I suppose. But not much of a fight." Norway sighed and licked her paws. The muscles

in her body started to relax. She looked at Kean and sniffed the air. Kean started to shiver. He looked left

and right nervously."Don't look so nervous, little hedgehog. I'm not going to go after you." Norway brushed the fur on her

nose with a paw. Marlo played with the dead mouse before biting a chunk of its flesh and swallowing it

down.

"You don't have the bloodlust?" Kean squeaked with a mixture of fear and bewilderment.

"Bloodlust? You believe too many rumors, pudding brains. I'm a cat not a rabid dog. Now, if youre

done shaking we should continue onward." Norway turned away from Kean and nodded towards Marlo.

The ginger tailed cat swatted the remaining parts of the mouse one last time and sauntered after his dark

sister. Kean quickly shuffled behind both towards the dogs' trail.

"Now, where are you taking us?" Norway sniffed the air and noticed that the dogs' scents were gone.The short hunt cost them some time. Oh well, Norway couldn't worry about that now.

"Just keep going straight ahead. Do you see the large redwood?" Kean asked as he sniffed the air. He

had no trouble picking up the dogs in the air."I see it." Marlo replied before Norway had a chance to. He looked up at it in wonderment. He had

never seen anything so large. It was the perfect perch for surveying the whole world.

Norway looked at the tree and could tell just what was running through her brother's mind. But she

preferred to stay on the ground. Those dense patches of grass were the perfect hunting grounds as far as

she was concerned.

"Well, we can rest just on the other side of it. We'll be meeting someone there who will help with the

rest of our journey." Kean pointed the way as they circled the large tree. The great redwood tree acted as a

great door to a vast forest. As the trio walked around the trunk of the tree the thin grass began to turn into

a thick underbrush that spread out before them. Norway bowed her head as her eyes darted across the

forest floor. Small strands of light peaked out of the lush canopy overhead creating a sensation of dusk.

Both Marlo and Norway's favorite time of day.

Marlo hopped up and down and spun around as his tail wiggled wildly. "This is the best place in theuniverse!" He shouted. Norway gave a rare smile to her brother.

"Well, don't get too used to it." Kean interrupted as only a golden hedgehog could. "We'll be heading

east to the hill country and away from the forest.""I thought your father's workshop was that way" Marlo responded. There were clear tracks going into

the forest and signs of movement in the underbrush ahead. Norway shifted her body, eager to explore this

strange land.


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"Yes, it is. But it is far too dangerous to venture in the forest. I don't trust my nose enough to catch that

pack before they jumped out from behind a tree." Kean settled himself down. He placed a heavy frown

across his face and waited for their guide to arrive.

Norway watched as Kean started to doze off and figured that the hedgehog shouldn't have all the fun.

She opened her mouth wide and let out a yawn. Marlo responded with a small mew from the base of the

redwood tree. He had it in great bear hug a few feet off the ground. He started up the tree but lost his

nerve once he looked upwards. His head was spinning from the height and he wondered how he would

even get down. Something he rarely thought about.

Norway nudged her poor brother with her broad forehead. He tensed up and dug his claws into the dark

colored bark a little more. His emerald eyes grew wide as he tried to work up the nerve to let go. "I'mstanding right under you. Let go. Or I'm going to go lay down and leave you up there.

Marlo let out another whimper and jumped down as quick as he could. He turned in the air to plant his

feet but found his sister was still under him. The white and orange cat tumbled over his ebony sister. He

caught himself and skidded to a stop. He looked around and was glad that Kean was fast asleep under the

cool shade.

"Sometimes I can't believe we are the same age, Marlo." Norway found a spot against the tree to rub

herself and slide down for her little nap."I know. You act like such an old lady sometimes, Norway." Marlo laughed and yawned at the same

time as he hopped over his sister and flopped down nearly on top of her. She didn't seem to mind and

nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck. A short wind blew through the trees and the rustling of the

leaves caused the odd brother and sister to drift off to sleep faster than they expected.


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Part II

Norway was deep in slumber. In her favorite dream she was a jungle cat. The smooth panther that ran

the jungle behind the scenes. She would listen to the big talk coming from the tiger that stalked the forest,

but in the dark shadows she whispered deep secrets and spied many things. She struck out only when she

needed to and the power behind her strikes were unquestioned. Norway imagined the muscles beneath her

fur shaking with anticipation. The coat on her body was darker than it had ever been. She was a black

silhouette with nothing more than two golden eyes peering out. Norway kicked a little and smiled

broadly. More than any living creature has seen. Any living creature except her brother, of course.

Marlo twitched under the lowering sun. His eyes were held tight as if he was afraid he would be forced

to wake up at any minute. The lean cat dreamt of a ginger coat from nose to tail. He stalked the cityfelines for criminals as Tigerlilly. He was fearless with his strength and cunning. He never ran away. All

those who faced him turned to run. He laughed out loud at threats. He showed the sharpness of his teeth

when he smiled for everyone to know he was no push over. The dark haired villain would plot new ways

of taking over his fair city. And each time, Marlo would find a way to stop her, letting her go only

because he enjoyed the challenge. Marlo licked his lips and let out a small purr as he dreamt of another

feline felon falling beneath his paw.

There was a rustling in the underbrush a short distance away. Suddenly, there was a scurrying of feetand loud shouting. Norway opened her eyes slightly and blinked to adjust them to the night sky. Before

she could react three wild jackrabbits were on top of her kicking their powerful legs at her and Marlo. The

jackrabbits gnashed their teeth down taking clumps of fur from the two cats.

"Run! Run! We shall fend them off!" One of the rabbits shouted. Kean shook his head and pushed

himself up as fast as he could."Get off of me, you dirt clompers!" Norway shouted as she swiped a claw across the left cheek of one

the jackrabbits. Marlo hissed wildly as he righted himself on all four paws. He watched his sister take the

brunt of the kicks. Norway jumped into the mix without a care and dug two paws full of claws into the

necks of the hares.

Kean came rushing up with full speed shouting, "No! No! No!" He lowered his head into the backs of

one of the rabbits and pushed her off of Norway. Norway quickly stood up and raised the arch of her back

at the two other hares. The taller one, taking the full force of a hedgehog's head rolled on the ground but

quickly planted her feet under her.

"Kean! Hurry, before they get their heads on straight." The tall hare shouted."Oh, it's too late for that." Norway let out a low growl and bared her teeth. Marlo stood beside her and

did the same. They backed up into each other so they wouldnt split their attention between the three

rabbits too much. The rabbits responded instinctively to the two cats and froze their muscles waiting forthe right moment to shoot for the underbrush.

"No. Hold still for a moment. Listen. All of you." Kean was panting from all the excitement. The tall

rabbit looked at Kean but kept a weary eye on Norway. Marlo lowered his back ever so slightly. Norway,

however, remained in her stance and kept her eyes on the tall, slender jackrabbit.

"Listen. These are my friends." Kean told to no one in particular.

"These are your friends?" Norway and the lean rabbit responded in unison. Kean nodded rapidly.

Tindle, these cats saved me from Barnabys pack as I escaped. Kean walked timidly towards the

rabbits and brushed himself against their fur.

Did they? The tall rabbit named Tindle responded. I had heard that Barnaby was recruiting all sorts

of animal. Not just his canine compatriots.

I doubt that he would ever join himself with a feline of any stature. No offense. Kean furrowed his

brow as both Marlo and Norway raised up their backs once again.This is true. He has complete disgust when it comes to our feline brethren. Tindle finally began to

relax. But why are they with you? They have to have an angle.

We are here for ourselves. Norway placed a paw forward that made the three rabbits jump slightly. Aglint of wickedness flashed through her golden eyes.

What do you mean for yourselves? Another rabbit finally gathered his nerve and spoke up.

Just what she said. We were bored. So we just came along. Marlo replied.

Why? asked the same rabbit.


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A small figure came sprinting down the hill towards the trio. A small rabbit skidded to a halt when he

caught the reflection of Kean's golden hide. "Hey, the elder said you can come up. Just stay away from

the far east burrows."

"Fine." Norway replied. Marlo nodded in agreement.

"Good. Follow me." The young jackrabbit said as turned back to the hill traveling far slower than

before. As they marched up the hill little rabbit heads popped up left and right of the trio. The fur on the

back of Marlo twitched as he looked for the quickest escape route. Norway padded up the hill keeping her

sharp eyes pointed ahead.

A slow murmur rustled over the gathered crowd of jackrabbits as the trio passed over the hill and into

the burrows. "Try to look pleasant." Marlo whispered to Norway."I am." Norway had a crooked smile across her that frightened even her brother.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine." Kean said.

The large crowd of hares became excited as they saw the golden hedgehog sparkle in the moonlight.

Kean smiled and laughed as the hordes of rabbits surrounded him and cut off him off from the felines.

Both cats began to panic as the sea of rabbits surrounded them. Marlo tried to hop over the crowd into an

open space but soon as he did the space closed up. He lost his footing and was quickly turned over and

carried on the backs of the rabbits. "Norway!" He shouted as he lost control of his limbs."Marlo! Sorry, I can't help!" Norway was caught up in her own wave of hares.

"Calm!" A voice echoed from the back of the burrows. Marlo and Norway stopped moving as the

hordes of rabbits all paused at once. The hares all turned to face the voice. Slowly the sea of rabbits began

to separate. Marlo and Norway were slowly placed down.

"Hello, Kean." A small shriveled rabbit came hopping slowly to the front. "Forgive my burrows'excitement. We don't usually have visitors."

"Hello, Ms Kim. It's nice to see so many out." Kean bowed to the elderly rabbit and looked around. "I

see that your community's grown in the time I've been gone."

"Oh yes, we felt it necessary to expand our numbers. You can never have too many warriors." Ms Kim

replied. "Now, I hear you picked up some stragglers during your escape."

"Oh yes, this is Norway. And this her brother Marlo. They helped me lose Barnaby's pack earlier

today." Kean smiled.

"I see. And did you escape from Barnaby, too?" Ms Kim asked.

"No. We're not from around here." Norway responded."No, I suppose not." Ms Kim leaned in close and examined the two strangers in her land. "Your smell

is...off. Did you know that? Both of you?"

"Yes." Norway responded quickly."It's kind of a thing we do." Marlo interjected."Interesting. Well, you are welcome to stay. Or leave whenever you choose." Ms Kim added.

"Do you think we will just leave after traveling all this way?" Norway inquired.

"It's always a possibility with your kind. Isn't it?"

"Hmmm. I suppose so." Norway folded her paws under her body amongst the rabbits.

"Yes, I've known a few cats in my time. Though only from around these parts. But I suppose cats are

the same wherever you go." said Ms Kim. "Now, we have a few things to go over, Kean. First, the tunnel

is prepared."

"Good." Kean turned to Marlo and Norway, adding . "That's how we'll sneak in and out of the

workshop without running into Barnaby's gang."

Also, I received word from your father through a runner. He wanted me to ask you what you are

supposed to do. Now, what are you supposed to do, Kean?I am to retrieve the blue egg from Fathers workshop then seek out the lost treasure. Kean stiffened as

he said this. Marlo thought he heard a mechanical whirring for a second but that quickly faded.

Good. He just wanted me to make sure you were aware of the instructions. Ms Kim thumped theground thinking of what to say next. Also, you are not to return for him. He left clear instructions of that.

He said once you found the great treasure you would know what to do with it.

Well, Im sorry to my father but I do plan to free him. This has been his dream since he discovered

me. Kean spat.


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Too true. I was just given instructions. My part is done. Feel free to make yourselves at home, Kean.

Marlo and Norway, I am sorry but due to some insecurities amongst the population, The crowd of

rabbits eyed each other nervously. Some began to scatter. I think its best we let you sleep just outside

the burrows.

Thats fine by me. Norway responded. I would prefer a little more security than this open field

covered with holes.

The hairs on Marlos back straightened and his ears pricked up. His body responded before he was fully

aware of what was happening. He let out a screech and ran through the crowd of rabbits past Kean, Ms

Kim and Norway. The rabbits all scattered as quickly as possibly believing that the new visitors had

suddenly succumbed to bloodlust.Marlo turned from Norways direction. She had been with her brother long enough to know that though

he might not be the bravest kitten in the litter he was a great early warning system. With her golden eyes

on full alert and adrenaline pumping through her heart she pushed her senses into the darkness just past

the outskirts of the burrows. She saw a large figure dashing through the field snatching up rabbits with its

massive jaws and tossing them to the side. It was one of Barnabys pack. The dog with the soft white face

had blood and drool dripping from his hanging jaws.

Scatter! Norway shouted the command though the rabbits already had sprung into action. GivingMarlo a run for his money. Norway leapt over Kean and bowed as low as she could while keeping her

speed up. She had a huge advantage over the dog with her black coat in the night air. He stood with his

large, white body. Which was great since it made him an easy target.

Norway zigzagged as she approached the the large mutt. She figured she could circle around the dog

and attack from the back, but she wasnt sure how thick his coat was. If it was too thick shed havetrouble digging any thing sharp into his skin. Shed have a better chance of attacking from the front and

circling back for another hit.

The dogs white muzzle came into clear view. It held the lifeless body of one of the rabbits that hadnt

made it to a burrow. She was happy to see that. It would keep his jaws occupied while she attacked.

Norway pumped her legs as fast as she could get them moving and pounced with her strong limbs. She

had every claw pressed out when she landed square on his face. Digging the needle sharp nails in as deep

as she could before kicking off his face and running back into the darkness.

ARGH! The dog shouted and shook the rabbits corpse loose from his mouth. What was that?

Whats out there? Hedgehog is that you!? Are you willing to fight now that Im all alone?Norway walked in a large circle around the dog as he sat there trying to lick his wounds. The rabbits

had all but fled. There remained a few of Ms Kims warriors along with Kean helping her to a nearby

burrow. The dog opened his eyes back up. The scratches hurt but they did little damage. Norway noticedthe dog moving towards Ms Kim and Kean. She bolted for them hoping to cut in front of the dog longenough to delay him.

A smile ran across her face. What her companion would call a Cheshire cat grin if he was there to see it.

Norway reached the group well before the dog was there. She stopped in front of them and spread her

feet, ready to take a full attack head on. Youll need to move faster than that. The group of rabbits and

Kean jumped. Even in the light of the full moon, Norway was nearly invisible and just as noiseless when

she wanted to be.

Its you! The tall rabbit from earlier, Tindle, shouted from Ms Kims side.

What? Norway whispered back. She hoped that the dogs eyes wouldnt catch her there until the last

minute.

Its you! Youre the one that led him here! Tindle marched forward abandoning Ms Kim.

What do you mean? Ms Kim remarked.Dont you see. No one knew of this place. No one knew that Kean would come here. But the moment

we let outsiders into our burrows we have trouble. Tindle responded.

Look, I dont know what youre talking about. But if you are looking for trouble wait until afterwards.We still have this mutt to deal with. Norway eyed the tall rabbit at her side. Hopefully she wouldnt have

to split her attention between the two.

The dog was barreling down on them as they argued. Suddenly, he stopped a few yards away from

them. Holy cheese whip. Norway spat to herself. He had heard the commotion in the darkness and by


12/13

that time his eyes had refocused fairly well to the light again. The dog could see the silhouette of the

Norway against the Keans golden hide.

Oh, what do we have here? He shouted. Are you the one that cut me, little cat?

Yes, and be careful or I may do it again. Norway spat back.

HAHAHAHA! How cute. Where Im from we eat little cats like you for a snack. The dog replied.

Thats interesting cause Ive been all over this universe I can tell you that youve never met a little cat

like me.

The dog was taken back by that. Hed never come across a cat that had any fight in it like the one

before him. He looked past her and saw the golden hedgehog he was after and thought about how much

more fun he was going to have retrieving Kean than he originally thought. The dog bared his teeth andreadied himself for a charge. He let out a low growl and was headed towards Kean and the rabbits.

Wait! Tindle jumped between Norway and the incoming canine. The dog stopped just inches from

the tall jackrabbit and slowly backed up. Not Ms Kim. That was the deal!

So there you are, little rabbit. I was wondering if Id cracked you neck on the way in. He chuckled as

he said it. He scanned their faces but couldnt catch any clear reactions in the dark.

Tindle!? What is the meaning of this? Ms Kim asked with a sternness that even Norway noticed.

Im sorry, Ms Kim. It was for the burrows. It was to protect the burrows. She began shakinguncontrollably.

Thats right, little rabbit offered some help in finding the little golden hedgehog if we kept her home

safe and most of all her precious Ms Kim. The dog laughed through bloodied teeth.

It was to keep the burrows safe. It was only a matter of time before he was caught... Tindle continued.

But you broke your promise. You said only a few rabbits would get hurt.Sorry, I got lost in the moment. What do you expect? Im a dog. Were the new masters of this world.

Enough! You do not make deals with the devil. Ms Kim berated Tindle. We will deal with you once

this is finished.

Yes, Ms Kim. Tindle shuttered.

Good, then its settled. I can get back to my mayhem. The dog lowered his head again readying his

jaws for the animals in front of him. He whipped his teeth forward and snatched Tindle in his mouth and

tossed her high into the air. She shouted into the distance until her body hit the ground with a large

thump.

Tindle! Ms Kim yelped as her remaining warriors pulled her into a nearby hole. Kean quicklyfollowed behind.

New masters of this world? That seems almost laughable. Where Im from it is the dog who is

mastered not master. Norway had grabbed some distance between her and the dog. She paced in a circleout of his reach. The dog watched the hole that Kean vanished into. He would get rid of the cat quicklythen dig his prey out. Which should be no trouble for the best digger of the pack.

Maybe where you are from but not here. Not anymore. As soon as we have that hedgehog and find the

lost treasure then we will have all of the power. The dog shifted his paws and shook his fur loose as he

watched Norway in the darkness.

Well, its a good thing Im here to stop you. We cant have knuckleheads like you ruining everything.

Stop me? Little cat, you are no match for Horn. I will kill you swiftly then claim my prize.

Maybe so, Horn, but thankfully for me I have help. Marlo! Norway let out a great mew that carried

across the field.

Yes? Marlo answered in the darkness.

Come on out.

Do I have to?Yes, Norway replied impatiently, Im right here. Youll be fine. Silence. Marlo!

Alright, Im here. Marlo popped his head from a hole behind Horns right shoulder.

Thank you, Marlo.So theres another one of you. Makes no difference to me. Horn growled.

The dark cat replied coolly as she sat still. Her heart pounding with excitement. Horn. Marlo. Marlo.

Horn. And Im Norway. I like my enemies to know who killed them.


13/13

Continued in Episode 2 of the Serialized Adventures of Marlo & Norway!

A New Episode Every Two Weeks!

This is the first episode of an ongoing series. You can find the rest and other works here:

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About The Public Factory

The Public Factory was founded by Phil Skaggs Jr. in Fall of 2011. Located in Indiana, the main goal

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episode one : "here kitty, kitty..." (the serialized adventures of marlo & norway)

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