### Tinker & HISSSSSS! The cascading waters twinkled in Tinker's eyes as she licked at a mist-matted paw. "I agree." Leo rejoiced. "On one condition." Leo somehow knew he should've refrained from rejoicing. "Shadow," purred Tinker. "HISSSSSS!" hissed everyone. "Shadow is my oldest, most loyal friend. He's a delight. He loves my pouncing. I'll go nowhere without him. Take it or leave it, Leo. I care not," shrugged Tinker. "I now understand why we've never previously associated with this Tinker," snickered Skippy. Hackles raised, the crew retracted their claws and marched toward Shadow's master, Kae, and her skimmer-net course.