Chapter 2 - Blood of an Owl

Mousy awoke to see a long, long snake.

“Well, if it isn’t the last mouse himself - Mousy,” hissed the serpent.

Mousy blinked in confusion, staring at the creature. “How do you know my name?”

The snake grinned, revealing sharp, jagged yellow teeth.

“Well, Mousy… for I am Firework. And I’m the one who killed your parents.”

It felt as though Mousy’s very soul had left his body. His pupils shrank, and his whole body trembled with rage and grief.

With a roar, Mousy lunged at Firework, clutching a makeshift spear - a sharp rock fastened to a stick - that Oliver had crafted for gathering ferns.

“Now hold your mice, little one!” Firework bellowed, slithering aside with frightening speed.

His expression darkened, eyes narrowing. “IF YOU DARE TO STOP MY PLAN OF RULING THIS FOREST, I WILL KILL ALL OF YOU - AND END YOUR KIND AT LAST!”

In a blur, Firework lunged at Oliver and sank his fangs deep into his chest. When he pulled back, venom dripped from his teeth, glistening in the firelight.

Oliver collapsed, lifeless.

“NO!” Mousy cried, rushing to his friend’s body, tears blurring his vision. Sparks erupted around Firework as he vanished into the night.

Batzy and QueQue stirred awake, their eyes widening as they saw Mousy hunched over Oliver, sobbing.

“Firework killed him!” Mousy choked out.

Batzy and QueQue looked stricken, confusion and sorrow washing over their faces.

“Who’s Firework?” Batzy whispered, her voice breaking.

Mousy’s expression hardened, fury blazing in his eyes. He looked almost like a charging bull. “A heartless monster!” he shouted.

He grabbed a small bottle and scooped up some of the venom still dripping from Oliver’s wound.

Suddenly, Oliver stirred weakly, his voice trembling. “M-Mousy… whatever you d-d-do… promi-i-ise me… you will kill that v-v-vile snake…” His words faltered, and then he fell still, gone at last.

Mousy’s tears spilled freely as night faded into morning. The flowers around them closed once more, their colours dimming with the dawn.

“I promise,” Mousy whispered.