Chapter 7: Civilization

Rachel was completely invisible in the needles now. Some needles brushed off the trees and stuck to the soft clothing. The only way Izzie followed Rachel was Izzie's amazing sense of smell. The kite was still on Rachel's shoulder, which had come with a soft but tough shoulder pad that the bird's sharp claws didn't pierce and rip the cloth.

"Izzie, wait a sec." Rachel froze. Izzie stopped, with her tongue lolling out of her mouth. 

"Izzie, carefully, look out! The trees are dwindling down. There's a town nearby!" Rachel said excitedly, and anxiously. The kite rubbed his soft head on Rachel's head.

"Ah, I forgot about you." Rachel whispered.

"Yeah, you did!" The bird said.

"Look who's Mr. Sassy-pants. What is your name, little guy?" Rachel chuckled.

"My name is Faber. Don't wear it out." 

Rachel covered her mouth with both of her slim green-gloved arm and hands. Her face grew red and her shoulders couldn't stop shaking. Finally, she gave up and burst out laughing. Faber shot her a death glare.

"What's so funny, Giggles?" Faber shrieked.

Even Izzie rolled over onto her back and started whining, kicking with her legs.

"First of all, my name is Rachel. And umm... Nothing, you just have quite the personality, Faber. Quite the personality."

"Listen, Rachel and Faber." Izzie barked, jumping up to her paws.

Rachel shut her eyes in concentration and strained her hearing to hear faint voices and car honking. And suddenly, crashing footsteps through dry leaves and twigs. Rachel also heard heavy breathing.

"Now, who are you?" A man appeared in front of them. He was pointing a long rifle at Rachel's head. The man had a badge that said, WANTED HUNTER.