Bubbles and Lost Dreams
Read by Rachel Lynn Anderice
Written by Karen Backway
Chapter 8 - Meeting Mama Bear
Radar saw the whole thing. “Brilliant, just brilliant!” he cheered. “No time to waste, we must keep moving. Those badgers are angry.”
But Billy was hurt.
“Oh my, oh my,” said Billy rubbing his hoof.
“I think it is broken,” Molly commented to Abby. Both buttons were already at work, soothing and healing, a purple stain already forming.
“What is this, what is this?” asked Billy. “Kittens on a cliff; flying dogs; buttons painting purple.”
Spunky hollered, “Time to go, No time to waste.” His pendant was rattling again.
<<DOWN>> <<NOW>>
Billy had a limp but was able to escape with Spunky’s assistance. Molly and Abby followed close behind.
“Quick, quick, we can hide in here, in here,” said Billy.
Billy was very familiar with the cliffs, and knew all of the good hiding spots. “Figure out a plan. Those badgers won’t cross easily.”
“Not them, it’s The Q,” explained Spunky.
Just then Radar appeared, “The Quillza. They must have spotted us on the cliff.”
“The Quillza?” asked Billy, confused.
“Yes,'' said Molly. “We have met them before. They are nasty creatures that fire quills that sting and put you to sleep.”
“Any idea where we might find some honey?” Abby asked, not expecting an answer.
“Well yes, of course, of course,” said Billy.
“Pardon me,” Abby said with disbelief. “You know where we can find some honey?”
“Mama Bear always has a stash, we can ask her,” answered Billy.
“Is she far? The Quillza are fast,” asked Molly.
“We can stay in the tunnels, won’t be seen, won’t be seen,” answered Billy.
Billy whistled as he limped along, occasionally pointing out twists and turns. Radar was able to keep track of the turns - he was a scout afterall, but the others were hopelessly lost in the maze of under-ridge tunnels. After what seemed like a hundred turns, Billy stopped at an entrance that opened into a large cavern.
“Mama Bear lives here. She watches the comings and goings of the lands,” he said as he knocked.
“Hello, hello?” whistled Billy. “Mama Bear? Hello. Hello.”
Mama Bear, lumbered heavily to the opening.
“Well, well, well! Hello William, I’ve not seen you in these parts for a very long time. My goodness you’ve some adorable little friends,” said Mama Bear, glancing over at Molly and Abby. “And this big fella, don’t you just want to give him a great big bear hug!”
Billy introduced his friends, then asked, “Can you spare some honey?”
“Why do you need honey, William?” asked Mama Bear.
“Umm… Not sure, not sure. But I believe it's to disarm The Quillza, if I understand correctly.”
“You want to fight The Quillza? With honey? What nonsense,” said Mama Bear.
“Oh yes, please, it’s true, Mama Bear,” interrupted Abby. “Honey slows The Quillza down and stops the nasty quills they fire.”
“Nasty little things, always causing trouble. They were banished from the cliffs long ago,” said Mama Bear. “Come in, come in. You all look exhausted, you can rest here, it’s safe.”
