Alien Cats: Return to Katonia

By Sallie Cochren

When the evil-hearted DurPlunk catnaps Katonia's ruler, Sunset, two Maine Coons named Bootsie and Soxy must leave the life they have become accustomed to on Earth and return to their home planet. However, when they get back to Katonia, it seems like they will never be able to find their friend and leader. Once again, the other tribes must come to the aid of the Royals. Foxes, ferrets, and bird tribes join in the search. It won't be easy finding Sunset, though, not when it's rumored that he's being held prisoner near the dogs' tribe. No one wants to venture through their woods, still fearing that the dogs may be aggressive and attack. Yet, there may be no choice. As the cats say, "Time is tuna!" Every day that passes is another day that Sunset remains in danger. Can the good tribes of Katonia find him and rescue him before it's too late?

Includes lyrics to the songs of Katonia!

This is book 2 in the Alien Cats series.

Book 1 - Alien Cats: No Place Like Home
Book 2 - Alien Cats: Return to Katonia
Book 3 - Alien Cats: DurPlunk's Battle for Planet Earth

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sallie Cochren
• Release date: Aug 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005494780

Sallie Cochren

Sallie Cochren has always loved a good story and enjoys stories in a variety of genres. She started writing short stories and skits as a child, thinking it was a great way to spend her free time. She always wanted to write a book of her own, but her teaching career kept her so busy that there was no time to write. When she resigned from her teaching job, she finally had time to start writing and fulfill her lifelong dream.Sallie is drawn to many genres. Her stories encompass a range of writing. She has written horror novels, science fiction, psychological thrillers and even Christian fantasy. She has also written a lighter read with her Alien Cats trilogy. She is currently working on a dystopian series as well as continuing her vampire hunter series.When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading and watching movies. She also loves animals and enjoys spending time with her cat.

Book preview

Map of Katonia

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Chapter 1

It was an ordinary day, at least as ordinary as any day could be after all that had transpired in recent Katonian history. The battle against DurPlunk and the Sphynx had changed everyone. Of course, they had no choice but to fight the evil feline and his army when DurPlunk had tried to overthrow Sunset and the Royals. He had brought them to the point of war. There had been no escaping it. Sunset, being the responsible ruler that he was, had done all he could to try to avoid going to battle, but it had been impossible to avoid in the end.

At least, the Royals and their friends had won. That was the good part. The sad part was that some cats and ferrets had been injured in the battle. They had recovered, thankfully. As if the battle hadn’t been sad enough, two of Katonia’s finest felines were also now living on a faraway primitive planet. Sunset didn’t want to think about any of that right now. He simply wanted to enjoy the morning as he went on his stroll.

It was a sunny morning. Both of Katonia’s suns were high in the sky. Drysar was the larger and brighter of the two suns. It rose first and set last. Beyton still helped to warm the day, and all of the sun-loving creatures appreciated having both suns to brighten the sky. While Katonia had one more sun than Earth did, it had something in common with the distant planet. It only had one moon.

Sunset strolled along by himself, something he rarely did. It had been a long time since the Royals had felt safe walking alone. When DurPlunk had been around, everyone knew how he wanted to overthrow the Royals. It was assumed that there was safety in numbers, and the members of the Royal family didn’t want to put themselves in danger if the wrong creature caught them alone. However, now that DurPlunk was no longer a threat, Sunset didn’t believe the Sphynx army or any of their allies posed any danger. So much had happened, and many things weighed on Sunset’s mind. Today, he wanted nothing more than to be by himself so that he could have time to collect his thoughts.

He wasn’t going to get his wish for long, though. His thoughts were soon interrupted when he heard someone up in the trees softly singing a song. He stopped to listen.

Nuts! Nuts! Nuts!

We must forage for food!

Pile it all high and share

Let’s never be rude!

Squirrels are smart

Squirrels are wise!

We stack our acorns

Right up to the skies!

Almost everyone on Katonia loved to sing. The tribes had come up with special songs. The song that Sunset was hearing was the squirrels’ anthem. He sat quietly, thinking that maybe the squirrel wouldn’t spot him and that he could be left alone to his thoughts, but he didn’t have any such luck.

A chatty flying squirrel named Charlie saw Sunset and rushed down from the tall branch that he had been sitting on. He was quick to strike up a conversation.

Could it be? Could it really be?! Charlie asked, almost dumbstruck.

What? Sunset inquired.

He looked up to the magnificent Purplewood tree and saw Charlie sitting on a branch about twelve feet above him. Like the name suggested, the bark of the tree had a purplish tint in addition to its predominant brown shade. There were thin streaks of bright purple that ran down its trunk.

Am I truly seeing the ruler of Katonia out on a stroll by himself? Charlie asked.

Yes, you are, Sunset said. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?

The name is Charlie, the squirrel replied. It’s grand to meet your acquaintance!

Likewise, Sunset answered.

Sunset had heard of Charlie. The squirrel had a reputation for being longwinded. In fact, his love for talking had earned him the nickname of Chatty Charlie. Somehow, Sunset needed to keep this conversation brief. He knew he must be polite, though. It wouldn’t be looked kindly upon for the ruler of Katonia to be rude to other creatures. He wanted the good tribes to all stay loyal to him.

So, tell me. What are you doing walking all by yourself? Charlie asked.

I was trying to have some alone time, Sunset replied. Things get so busy in the palace, what with me having to oversee the entire planet and all.

Things weren’t really that busy. Most of the tribes took care of themselves unless they were facing something extraordinary like when DurPlunk had plotted to overthrow the Royals. Much of Sunset’s time was spent on his balcony sunning himself or lying on the mat in his living room with his wife, Snowflake.

Oh my, yes! I would assume that a great ruler like yourself is very busy! Charlie said. Why, I was just talking about it with members of my tribe yesterday. As you know, my tribe isn’t far from here. We are spread out in our village. Our homes are not nearly so close as other tribes’ huts. We never allow more than two squirrels per tree! It’s better that way, don’t you think?

They were currently east of the Royals’ palace grounds between the ferrets and the Ragdoll tribes. The Sphynx lived further east beyond the Ragdolls. Sunset planned to turn around before venturing too close to the Sphynx. Even though DurPlunk was no longer there, he had no desire to see any of the Sphynx. They still held him responsible for DurPlunk’s fate even if they might not be brave enough to wage another war without their former leader.

The squirrels’ tribe was east of the ferrets and south of the Sphynx. They lived between the Sphynx and the Abyssinians who were even further south. The squirrels were closer to the Abyssinians than the Sphynx. Charlie was fairly close to his tribe today. It wasn’t uncommon for squirrels to venture far away, though, especially flying squirrels like Charlie. While they couldn’t fly like the birds could, the flap of skin between their bodies and their front legs allowed them to glide long distances as they leaped from tree to tree. Charlie was the most adventurous of all the squirrels. He loved to talk to other creatures. The other squirrels were more elusive and stayed out of sight of other tribes most of the time.

I don’t know, Sunset answered, referring to Charlie’s comment that it was better to have more space between homes. We live differently. We enjoy having our loved ones close to us, but it is your choice where you build your homes and how many squirrels you allow in them.

You’ve got that right! Charlie said. We squirrels are pretty independent, as you know. No one tells us how to run our lives. Being further apart also allows me to tell my stories more often. It’s hard to hear me talking if we aren’t in the same tree. But none of that is important right now. It’s funny. My neighbor and I were just talking about you and DurPlunk. It was so wonderful how you handled that awful cat. None of us liked him. He was such a nasty cat. If he would have gotten his way, he would have surely come and tried to eat me and all of my tribe!

Well, he can’t do that now, Sunset assured Charlie, doing his best to continue walking and leave the chatty squirrel behind.

No, indeed he can’t! Charlie replied, leaping to a nearby tree to keep up with Sunset who was back on the move. And that is thanks to you! Have I told you how much my tribe and I admire your leadership? You have always been fair to us, and we have not had to fight felines to stay off of their food chain. That is, of course, except for the Sphynx. They have tried to claw us a time or two. But fortunately, we’re fast and can climb even higher onto more narrow branches than they can.

Yes, that’s good, Sunset agreed.

It’s too bad that you don’t have more control over the Sphynx, Charlie went on. But I suppose now that their leader has been exiled to Earth, they’ll behave themselves, at least a little. My tribe still stays clear of them as much as we can, except when we know we have enough distance between us so that we can escape. It brings us great merriment to harass them when we can.

I think it would be best if you leave the Sphynx alone, Sunset advised. I wouldn’t try to stir up trouble with any of them if I was you!

Oh, that is most certainly good advice, Charlie agreed. Of course you would give good advice. You are such a great ruler. I would venture to say that you are one of the smartest rulers in all of our Katonian history!

Charlie wasn’t trying to get on Sunset’s good side. While he only pledged his allegiance to the squirrel tribe, he respected Sunset, as did the other good creatures of Katonia. Charlie meant every word that he said.

My tribe and I have been so appreciative of the way you run Katonia and how you handled DurPlunk. We talk about it all of the time, Charlie reiterated.

It’s nice to know that I’m so popular, Sunset replied.

Oh, that you are! Charlie agreed. We all feel like we are in such good paws as long as you are our ruler. We all shudder to think what would have happened when that awful DurPlunk gathered his army if we hadn’t had you in charge to make wise decisions. Why, just the other day, I was talking with my girlfriend, Maricia. She agreed with me one hundred per cent. She said that we couldn’t have asked for a better ruler than you. She wondered if you would come to our tribe and tell us the story again about how you handled DurPlunk. My whole tribe would love to hear you tell us all about it. I suppose you would talk for hours and hours. I know that I would.

A Katonian hour was equal to about an hour and ten minutes on Earth.

It would take forever to get me to stop talking about it if it had been me who had been in your position! Charlie added.

Sunset had no doubts about that. Charlie loved to talk. All squirrels did really, but most of them tended to keep their conversations among their own tribe. Only a few squirrels like Charlie were this comfortable talking to other species.

Sunset didn’t know how long this conversation was going to last. He also wasn’t sure he wanted to go talk to the other squirrels, at least not right away. Charlie would surely be there, and Sunset could only imagine how long it would take to get through the conversation that would take place. Sunset thought about changing the subject. Charlie was so talkative that perhaps he would forget he had even asked Sunset to come speak to his tribe. But changing the subject might not be a good idea. It might make Charlie talk even longer. It was best to not give him any more topics to think about.

As it turned out, Sunset didn’t have to worry about giving Charlie an answer. Before he could reply to Charlie’s request, the squirrel became distracted by something and it was Charlie who wound up changing the subject.

Did you see that?! Charlie suddenly cried out.

What? No, I didn’t see anything, Sunset answered honestly.

Over there! Charlie called out. No, it’s too late now. He fluttered away already.

A moth? Sunset asked.

No, not a moth. A butterfly! Charlie answered. It was one of the six-winged butterflies. I do think they are the most interesting butterflies on Katonia. He was beautiful too. He had two blue wings with silver dots spread over them. The other four wings were red. He had little black antennae and a little black mouth. He was looking right at me, I tell you. I know he was. You should have seen the way that he flew! Did you ever wonder what it would be like to fly? As you know, I’m a flying squirrel. I can fly a little when I’m leaping between branches. Still, the butterflies just seem to dance on the air. I can’t do that. I wonder what that would feel like. And what about the birds? They can fly much higher than me or anyone else in my tribe. I think I would like very much to be able to fly like them. That would be quite spectacular indeed. I wonder what it would be like to be way up there in the sky looking down. I wonder what we look like from up there. What do they see when they see us on the ground? I suppose we are just like small specks of dust!

Sunset tried not to yawn. He was getting tired. There was something exhausting about listening to Charlie.

And did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a fish and swim through the water? Charlie asked, his squirrel mind suddenly on a new topic. Don’t get me wrong. Squirrels can swim as you probably know, but we don’t like to go under the water like the fish do. I think it would be boring being under the water all of the time. Don’t you think so?

Yes, I suppose so, Sunset said. I know I wouldn’t like it at all.

Oh, yeah. That’s right, Charlie replied. Cats aren’t very fond of water, are they?

No, I’m afraid we’re not, Sunset confirmed.

He wanted to end the conversation. He had wanted to come for a walk by himself and to have some quiet time to think. That wasn’t going to happen with Charlie around. Still, the squirrels got offended easily. Sunset had to be careful as to how he broached the subject.

It’s a beautiful day, Sunset said. Do you have any plans?

Oh, yes, of course I have plans! Charlie replied. I’ll be glad to tell you all about them.

Great! Just great! Sunset wanted to raise his paw and slap himself on the forehead. He had done it. He had changed the subject. Now, Charlie would never go away.

Maricia and I are going to go looking for nuts! Charlie continued. We know where there are some that grow in abundance. We just have to venture into the perimeter of the Abyssinian village. The Abyssinians won’t give us any trouble, not that any cat would except for the Sphynx. I’m so glad we are considered to be a valued tribe of Katonia, unlike the small rodents. I would hate to be one of them. Then, I would be fair game for the felines! As I said, the only tribe that would dare to come after us are the Sphynx, and that’s only because they think they don’t have to follow the rules. The Abyssinians are funny, though. They’re so vain. It seems like every time we go hunting nuts near their village, most of the cats are sitting around washing themselves. Most of them don’t even use their bath houses. They prefer sitting out in the sunlight. I can’t say that I blame them. It’s beautiful outside today, just the type of day you want when you plan to go hunting for nuts! I suppose that most of the Abbies will be outside grooming themselves.

The Abyssinians were often referred to as Abbies by other tribes. Their name was so long to pronounce that it was easier to use their nickname.

All of the feline villages had two bath houses, one for the females and one for the males. But Charlie was right. The Abyssinians preferred to bathe outside, feeling the warmth from Drysar and Beyton. It was doubtful that anyone would object if their bath houses were torn down.

Well, I certainly wouldn’t want to keep you from your plans, Sunset said.

Oh, you’re not keeping me from anything, Charlie assured him. I have plenty of time to talk. You know how we squirrels enjoy a good conversation. Unlike many of my friends, I don’t mind conversing with a feline, especially one as important as you.

Yes, I know, Sunset said.

How could he not know that?

It’s just that I was thinking that surely, Maricia loves a good conversation as much as you do. I wouldn’t want her getting upset with you because you weren’t around to talk to, Sunset added.

Oh, I’m sure she’s found someone to talk to. You needn’t worry about that at all, Charlie assured him.

But then, a worried look came over Charlie’s face.

What is it? Sunset asked.

Nothing, I hope, Charlie replied.

It looks like something, Sunset observed.

It’s nothing. Well, maybe something, Charlie said. You see, there’s this other squirrel. His name is Squeaky. Do you want to know how Squeaky got his name?

Sunset didn’t have time to give an answer. He continued walking as Charlie leaped to the next tree, tagging along with him.

Squeaky’s stomach makes a funny noise when he’s hungry, Charlie explained. It sounds like a mouse squeaking. So, everyone started calling him Squeaky. Come to think of it, I don’t even know what his real name is. We’ve all been calling him Squeaky for so long that that’s the only name I can remember.

That makes sense, Sunset said, trying hard not to let out an annoyed sigh. He wanted desperately to be alone.

Well, anyway, I think that Squeaky likes Maricia, Charlie continued. I caught him talking with her the other day. They were chatting away.

Isn’t that normal for squirrels? Sunset inquired. I thought you talked to everyone in your tribe.

Not to another squirrel’s girlfriend! Charlie exclaimed. It’s considered to be completely inappropriate! I scolded him and shooed him off. The thing is that Maricia seemed upset with me for doing so. I suspect she likes Squeaky. I confronted her about it, but she denied it. Still, if I’m away too long and he finds her alone again, I can just see him starting up another conversation with her!

That’s not good. You had better get back to your girlfriend right away, Sunset advised him. I wouldn’t want our conversation to come between the two of you.

Yes, you are right! I must humbly apologize. It’s not like us squirrels to break up a conversation. It’s considered to be one of the rudest things to do, but I am definitely worried about Squeaky! Maricia is beautiful. I can see why he would try to steal her from me. Thank you for being so understanding, Charlie said. If only everyone on Katonia was as understanding as you, then maybe I wouldn’t have to worry about squirrels like Squeaky. He really does think he’s something special. It just burns me up to think about it! Did I ever tell you…?

Sunset cut him off before he could finish his question.

Charlie, if you don’t go now, you may lose Maricia forever, he warned him.

Yes, you’re right. Again! Charlie replied. Whatever got into me? I must be going now. It was very grand talking to you! As you know, I enjoy talking to others. I’m not the least bit shy.

No one would ever think you were, Sunset said. It was nice talking to you also.

I’ve intruded on your morning long enough, Charlie replied. I’m glad that you do not mind me having to leave. Maricia will never believe that I saw you out walking all by yourself. She would think like me that a great ruler such as you would have lots of friends to walk with you.

Charlie was getting sidetracked again.

I do have a lot of friends, Sunset assured him. I was just in the mood to walk alone this morning.

I don’t understand it. I simply do not understand it at all! Charlie exclaimed.

What don’t you understand? Sunset asked.

You choosing to walk alone with no one to talk to, Charlie answered.

But aren’t you walking alone also? Sunset asked.

Charlie froze in place for a moment and stood on the branch. Sunset stopped and looked up at him. Charlie seemed puzzled.

Are you alright? Sunset asked.

Yes, I’m alright, Charlie replied. It’s just what you said. You are right! I am walking alone! I think I understand now. Maricia was still asleep when I went to see her this morning. I wanted someone to talk to, but I wasn’t in the mood to speak to the other squirrels. So, I went on a walk alone, hoping to find someone to speak to. I found my friend, Rolina, and we had a long conversation. Rolina is a rabbit. I told her all about the terrible rain last night. That storm was the worst one I have lived through in some time. Why, I could barely keep dry even hiding in my tree hole! It was quite a night. The wind was blowing leaves all around. Rolina was upset about it also. We were both just glad that it’s sunny today.

Sunset couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t get rid of Charlie. What was that old saying? Patience was as needed as catnip. Yes, it definitely was when he was talking to Charlie!

Rolina couldn’t talk very long. She had gathered up some carrots to take back to her children. So, I was on my own again, walking alone, as you pointed out. But then, I found you! Charlie exclaimed. Now, I know that you must have been doing the same thing I was. You were out walking, looking for someone to talk to. I suppose it is tiring talking to the same cats in the palace all of the time. I am so happy! Imagine that! Me? A simple squirrel. Yet here I am fulfilling the wish of the ruler of Katonia! I am so glad that I’m the one you found and that I could be the one to converse with you. You’re welcome!

You’re welcome? Sunset asked.

I know you were about to thank me for stopping to talk to you, Charlie responded. I saved you the effort.

Not that Charlie really thought it was an effort to say something.

Oh, of course, Sunset said. That was thoughtful. But now, I must think of you. You have fulfilled your duty. Now, you must go and find Maricia. You must keep Squeaky from moving in on your girl!

Yes, I must. But wait. I almost forgot! Charlie nearly shouted. What did you think of that storm last night?

Charlie! Maricia! Sunset tried not to be rude, but he was getting tired of trying to get rid of Charlie.

Charlie let out a big sigh and slapped his forehead with his paw.

I did it again, didn’t I? he asked.

Yes, you did, Sunset agreed. Goodbye, Charlie.

Yes, goodbye. I’ll see you on the flip side! Charlie shouted as he darted back up into the trees.

So, that was Chatty Charlie, Sunset mused. It’s easy to see how he got his name!

Sunset had strolled along a little further when he came upon another woodland creature. So much for having a quiet morning to himself.

Hoot! Hoot! Who do I see? What is your name? You must tell me!

Oliver was a wise old owl. Like all of the others in his tribe, he spoke in rhyme.

My name is Sunset. What is your name? Sunset replied, looking up to the branch that Oliver was sitting on about ten feet above the ground.

No! No! No! You aren’t doing it right, Oliver replied. You must speak in rhyme, or I will have to take flight!

Sunset wasn’t sure he wanted to play this game, but he didn’t want to offend the owls. They were considered to be a very respected tribe on Katonia. Unlike other tribes, the owls didn’t have a village. They were spread out all over Katonia and flew between the villages frequently.

Sunset had known the owls’ rule of speaking in rhyme. But seeing how they were the only tribe who spoke that way, he had forgotten to address Oliver properly.

I apologize, and I ask you your name, Sunset replied. Are you a commoner, or do you have fame?

My name is Oliver, and I am an owl. I like to hoot, but I cannot howl, Oliver answered. Now, I believe that I asked who you were. You appear Persian, and you have soft white fur.

This was definitely going to take some skill. Oliver spoke so quickly. It was obvious that he was well-versed in rhyme.

My name is Sunset of the Royal tribe of Persians, Sunset began and thought quickly of how to finish his rhyme. I rule over Katonia, and I oversee excursions.

Sunset? Really? My, oh my! My tribe won’t believe that I’m talking to this guy! Oliver replied. Now, tell me, Sunset, more about you and your tribe. Continue with your poetry so I don’t have to hide.

The words didn’t always rhyme exactly, but they came close.

Sunset knew that the owls never let someone get away from them without having a fairly lengthy conversation. He thought Chatty Charlie might fit in well with their tribe. Sunset sat down on his haunches and thought about everything that had happened recently. He only gave it a moment’s thought, though, knowing that Oliver would soon become impatient. Feeling like he could do this, he began his rhyme.

My adversary is an evil cat named DurPlunk. When he aligned with the Sphynx, it seemed like the planet’s hopes had sunk, Sunset said.

Oliver listened intently. This was going to be a good story.

Continue please before I sneeze! Oliver encouraged him.

Sunset took a moment to collect his thoughts.

Ach-choo!

It turned out that Oliver really did have to sneeze.

Bless you, Oliver. Sneezing can be boring. But now, I must get back to my story, Sunset said.

Good one! That was fun! Oliver replied.

Sunset returned to his previous thoughts.

All of the good tribes of Katonia rallied together. Foxes and ferrets joined the felines to get through the stormy weather. With Maine Coons and Siamese, the tribes all fought along. The blue jays spread the word, lifting their voices in song, Sunset said, amazing himself at how easily this was coming to him.

All working together, so many tribes! My, oh my! This gives me good vibes! Oliver replied.

Sunset knew that he had to say more, so he thought for a moment. Soon, another rhyme came to him.

Even Ravelo promised to keep a raven’s eye. Somehow, the Royals came out victorious, but a few sadly cried, he said.

Ravelo was the leader of the ravens.

No, don’t tell me anything so sad. No one should cry. That makes me feel bad! Oliver replied.

I agree, but it at least has a better ending, Sunset continued. Now, the good tribes are once again winning.

Yay! Oh, kitty! Oh, kitty! That makes me feel great! Just as good as seeing a mouse on my plate! Oliver said. But please, do tell me some more. Otherwise, my life might become a bore!

Sunset thought of a way to finish his story.

Now, with DurPlunk exiled on a distant planet called Earth, perhaps there will be peace on Katonia and all tribes will know their worth, he concluded.

Sunset hoped that had been good enough. It was challenging to constantly speak in rhyme.

Oh, that was wonderful, a tale told with wit and charm. Now, I shall fly away, and I wish you no harm! Oliver responded.

Without saying anything else, Oliver took flight and started flying away. As he flew, Sunset could hear him talking, his voice growing slowly more distant. He was able to catch one more rhyme, though.

I’ve just spoken with the ruler of our land, Oliver spoke as he flew. His tale was quite glorious. A victory so grand!

He then sang his tribe’s song, although he was too far away for Sunset to hear him now.

Wise, skillful owls

We always speak in rhyme

Only sharing wisdom

If it’s the right time

Wise, skillful owls

Clever, yes, we be

Don’t you wish you could be

An owl just like me?

After Oliver had flown away, Sunset thought about his conversation with the owl.

They’re an odd bunch, he thought to himself.

At least, Oliver hadn’t spoken to him for very long. That wasn’t expected. Sunset considered himself lucky. However, lucky was the last word to describe Sunset. Katonia’s ruler had no idea of what was about to happen. While he was enjoying breathing in the fresh air and stretching his legs, he should have been asking Oliver to hang around. But who could have known what awaited him? If only Oliver had hung around a bit longer, perhaps there would have been a happier outcome. But he had left just like Charlie had, and neither of them were around to see the fate that fell upon Sunset.

With no one there to go for help, the good cats of Katonia would find themselves once again facing a crisis, one that they could have never seen coming and one that they would struggle to find a way to fix.

Chapter 2

Meanwhile in the Maine Coon village, the cats had no idea what had just happened to Sunset. Two of them were spending time together and didn’t seem to have a care in the world.

I wonder why there is more hair sticking out of your left ear than your right ear, Tiggy observed.

Tiggy had medium gray hair with lighter gray stripes running through it. His friend, Simba, was a beautiful orange color. They were both Maine Coons.

Yeah, and I wonder why you’re so short! Simba returned the compliment.

I wonder if I should be upset by that remark, Tiggy pondered the thought.

I wonder if I would even care, Simba replied.

This was a typical feline conversation, considering where they were. It was a warm spring day, and they were hanging out in a slender Everwonder tree. Its bright pink leaves swayed gently in the soft breeze. Tiggy sat stoic on one of its strong branches while his friend, Simba, was sprawled across the branch next to him. The trees got their names because the leaves gave off a slight scent that triggered the cats’ brains to ponder questions they might not normally think of. Drawn in by the sweet aroma, they would begin to question everything about the world around them. Most of their sentences began with, I wonder. In fact, it was so common for the cats to start questioning everything about their world when they were in the Everwonder trees that the felines had written a short song about the trees. On many nights, cats could be heard singing the tune.

Have you ever sat in an Everwonder tree?

Have you ever wondered how good your life could be?

Sitting on its branches, wondering why the sky is blue,

Wondering why you’re here and about everything you do,

Have you ever wondered what all you might see,

If you were to climb up into an Everwonder tree?

On this day, the Everwonder tree was having its usual effect on Tiggy and Simba.

I wonder why the dumwits’ juice is so juicy, Tiggy said, looking deep in thought.

I wonder about that also, Simba agreed, not making any effort to move from his spot.

The dumwits were beautiful red and yellow bugs with silver wings and purple antennae. Their wings had a gold line shaped like a diamond. Their legs were big and furry and were a little comical to look at. They were considered to be one of the tastiest snacks on Katonia, but they were fast and were hard to catch. They would taunt the felines, flying just out of reach of the paws that swatted furiously at them.

Both cats sighed. They knew they would likely never get the answer to their question.

I wonder why DurPlunk chose to live among the hairless Sphynx tribe, Simba said.

We all wonder about that, Tiggy added. I wonder if it was his truly evil heart that made him leave our Maine Coon tribe.

DurPlunk had been the greatest enemy of the good cats of Katonia. He had set his sights on overthrowing the Royals. Sunset had many allies, though, and they had defeated DurPlunk and his Sphynx soldiers. Seeing no other good option, Sunset had exiled DurPlunk to go live the remainder of his life on a distant planet called Earth.

I wonder if you are right, Simba said. I wonder if someone must have an evil heart to not appreciate living among our gentle tribe.

Again, both cats sighed. It was both peaceful and a bit exhausting staying up in the Everwonder tree, wondering about so many things.

I wonder why we enjoy hanging out in the Everwonder trees, Simba said.

I wonder why they make us wonder so much, Tiggy added.

Tiggy’s last ponderance was so great that it caught Simba off guard. For a moment, he stopped his own wondering and complimented Tiggy on such a grand thought.

That’s a good one! Simba congratulated him.

Surely, no one had ever come up with such a profound thought. Simba and his friend were having a great day of wondering.

I wonder why we’re the only species that the trees have this effect on, Simba added.

It was true. Squirrels could scale the red bark of the trees and climb up to its branches and never once have a thought about anything other than whether or not they could find some nuts to eat in the trees. The trees produced a sweet nut that the squirrels loved.

Other species could come into the trees without being affected also. Many birds lighted on its branches. The blue jays were most common. They often sat in the trees, listening for news that they could go spread from tribe to tribe by singing from the treetops. Today, a beautiful blue jay named Bella came and lit on the branches a few feet above Tiggy and Simba.

Simba watched Bella intently. He wondered what it would be like to chase her. He didn’t want to hurt her, only to play with her. He was fascinated by the way birds could fly. If he rushed at her, she would surely be startled and would start to fly away.

But Bella was much higher in the tree than Simba and Tiggy were. Simba knew Bella would see him coming, long before he got to her. She would probably just go a few branches higher, seeing how it looked like she wanted to stay in the tree for a while. Not to mention, she would be annoyed to see a cat running toward her!

Simba resigned himself to stay where he was, content to watch Bella and wonder about what it would be like to be able to fly. As he watched the blue jay, he began to make a chattering sound. It was much like the sound Earth cats make when watching birds. No words came out, only a string of quick meow-like noises.

Bella seemed oblivious to the fact that Simba was watching her so intently. She was lost in her own thoughts and began to sing.

Now, Tiggy stopped wondering and joined Simba in watching Bella as she started singing her tribal song, not knowing any news that she needed to spread at the moment.

Beautiful and blue

We fly gracefully through the sky

Carrying important news

To all of the other tribes

What would others do

If