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Chapter 16 - Who I am
🕑 Added 2025-03-29 18:33:37 +0000 UTCThe day after the Pink Hamster Gang incident, the city was buzzing with excitement.
In the town square, a large celebratory banner with the words "Viva el Gato"—which in English means "Long live the Cat"—was stretched out. Colorful festive lanterns were everywhere, celebrating the heroism of the small feline.
On a small improvised stage, some guards surrounded the area, and the audience consisted of almost the entire town.
Perhaps this was the grandest gathering the city had seen since its founding—not because it was luxurious or extravagant, but due to the sincerity, excitement, and sheer number of people present.
The commander stepped forward on the stage, and beside him stood Puss, who was secretly both embarrassed and excited on the inside, but outwardly remained composed.
"Señor Puss... he is a hero!" the Commander declared with emotion and seriousness.
Applause!
"Señor Puss is the model of a man!"
"Ah! He is incredible!"
"So small, yet so strong!"
"That's what she said!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and celebration, and Puss found himself feeling quite pleased. But among the shouts, he also heard something odd.
There was also a group of women going wild in one area.
"AHH!! I love you, Señor Puss!"
"I fell in love first!"
"Señor Puss is mine!"
"Shut up, you wench, he's mine!!"
Then, a brawl broke out among the women—hair was pulled, slaps were exchanged, and things quickly became violent. Some guards rushed in to separate them, only to end up getting beaten themselves.
Puss couldn't help but squint one eye and shrink back slightly at the sheer brutality of those women.
'Señoras, I'm only one year old, I'm just a kitten!'
Puss thought, feeling a shiver down his spine.
The commander either didn't see the chaos or simply chose to ignore it as he continued.
"Today we see that courage and bravery come in all sizes!" he proclaimed with joy and pride.
Applause! Cheers!
The crowd was thrilled that their small and once-unknown town was now witnessing the birth of a great hero.
"Pequeño!"
Imelda's voice came from the side, and when Puss turned, he was surprised.
In her hands were beautifully polished black leather boots with red accents. There was also a gorgeous black musketeer hat with a red band and a large yellow feather, and lastly, a fine black cape.
Puss's eyes sparkled at the sight.
He had actually wanted to complete his look for a long time, but the boots were more than just an outfit—they carried a meaning. And he didn't want to rush things and lose that significance.
"These are for you, my boy. I actually had a pair of boots and a hat that I always felt were meant for you, but with the orphanage's situation improving, and those being a little worn out, everyone decided it would be better to get you a new and better gift to show our gratitude. And so, here they are. To us at the orphanage, you were a hero long before you ever defeated a single bandit."
She smiled as she placed the gifts in Puss's arms, his eyes shimmering with joy. Then, with a gentle voice, she finished:
"Wear them as a symbol of honor... and justice."
Holding the boots, cape, and hat, Puss looked at her and smiled.
The next words he spoke felt as if destiny itself had whispered them to him—or maybe he just remembered them from the movie…
"I will make you proud, Mama." he said softly.
"You already have, my Puss in Boots." Imelda said, pride shining in her eyes.
Applause!
"Puss in Boots!!!"
"Puss in Boots!!!"
"Puss in Boots!!!"
The crowd erupted into chants, celebrating the name.
Puss smiled as he heard it, feeling more and more like he truly belonged in this world.
If this were like the movie, the day would have ended there.
But Puss had a different idea.
Freeing one of his hands from the boots, cape, and hat, he raised his paw to the crowd, signaling for silence.
Slowly, the crowd quieted, allowing him to speak.
"People of San Ricardo! I thank you all for being here today to congratulate me, but there is something I must remind everyone of."
He spoke seriously, looking at the surprised crowd.
"There is another hero here in San Ricardo. Without him, I never could have helped the orphanage overcome this difficult time, nor could I have helped our brave and honorable guards—who risk their lives for us and are also heroes of this city—achieve a better and more dignified life."
The crowd was deeply moved, many understanding what he meant.
The guards, feeling honored and valued by Puss's words, stood a little taller, grateful as they remembered how much their lives had improved over the past few months—and who was responsible.
Imelda had tears in her eyes as she listened, proud of Puss for not letting the applause blind him and for remembering those who had been by his side.
But the most surprised of all was an egg who had been feeling out of place and forgotten in the crowd—until he heard those words.
He looked up, stunned, only to meet Puss's gaze. The cat was smiling at him.
"Mi amigo, Humpty Alexander Dumpty, is also a hero. He may not know how to fight and defeat bandits, but with his mind, he can make this world a better place. Come here, hero of San Ricardo!"
Puss smiled as he watched Humpty, still dazed, get pushed by the crowd toward the stage.
Humpty was a smart kid with a good heart but was socially awkward.
Perhaps in his original world, he was left dazed upon finding himself completely alone, with no one by his side. To his eyes, even Puss, his only friend and brother, seemed to drift further away as he became the city's hero.
But with just a few words and Puss's forgiveness, he sacrificed himself for San Ricardo, proving that his heart had always been good—he had simply been lost.
But in this world, Puss didn't want Humpty to walk down that path. He had kept an eye on him ever since accepting his friendship. Humpty longed for recognition and belonging, and Puss had tried to provide that for him.
Even their duo name—Hum&Puss instead of Puss&Hum—was a stubborn decision of Puss's, as he wanted to prioritize Humpty. Although Puss had to admit it sounded better that way. Either way, it had deeply moved Humpty, making him feel truly valued.
And now, once again, Puss was fighting to bring Humpty out of the shadows—into the light.
Humpty was soon on stage beside Puss, still dazed by how quickly everything had happened.
Puss smiled at him, took his hand, and raised it high.
Shouting with a grin to the crowd, he announced:
"Hero of San Ricardo!!"
"Humpty Dumpty!!" "Humpty Dumpty!!" "Humpty Dumpty!!"
"Puss in Boots!!" "Puss in Boots!!" "Puss in Boots!!"
The people began shouting their names with joy.
Humpty stood frozen in the middle of the applause, and a new sensation slowly grew in his heart… recognition.
Imelda also approached the two with a smile, but this time, she spoke to Humpty.
"My child, just as we did for Puss, we also bought a gift for our hero, Humpty Dumpty. We wanted to find a special occasion to give you both your gifts, but who would have thought the perfect moment would be today, for you two together? I've already asked someone to bring it, and it will be here soon."
Imelda spoke with a warm and gentle smile.
"For me too?!" Humpty was starting to wonder if this was a dream.
"Sí, of course! You are our hero too!" Imelda nodded firmly, pride shining in her eyes.
And it didn't take long. Soon, one of the caretakers returned, smiling, with a box in her hands.
"Here it is, Señora Imelda!" she said, sweat dripping down her face and breathless from carrying the box, but with an excited smile on her lips.
Humpty watched everything, and his heart swelled with emotion.
Imelda carefully took the large box—it seemed quite heavy.
She gently placed it on the ground and opened it. First, she pulled out a golden cape.
"How could our hero not have a cape? We thought gold would suit you." She smiled.
"Wow!" Humpty looked in admiration at the beautiful golden cape. It was obvious that he loved it.
Next, Imelda took out a stylish golden short top hat, similar to the one Humpty had in the movies, but gold-colored.
"A hat we know you love, to match your cape. And finally..."
She smiled as she spoke, and Humpty already had tears in his eyes, holding tightly onto the gifts he had received.
"A hero must have a weapon to protect the innocent from danger. And as our great engineer hero, we bought you a toolset to be your sword on this mission."
Smiling, she pulled out several pens, rulers, and other strange items from the box. That explained why it seemed so heavy before.
Puss walked over and playfully patted Humpty on the shoulder.
"I'm starting to get jealous—you clearly got more stuff than me."
He joked, nudging Humpty's shoulder. Imelda looked at Puss, worried that he might actually think that, but when she saw his relaxed expression, she sighed in relief. With a small smile, she shook her head helplessly at his teasing.
She had tried to make sure the gifts were of equal value to be fair. Puss's boots, cape, and hat weren't cheap at all—they were of the highest quality.
Hearing Puss's playful remarks, feeling the kindness and effort of the people at the orphanage, and seeing the people of San Ricardo shouting his name with excitement, Humpty felt like he still hadn't woken up.
This was everything he had ever dreamed of—having people who truly valued him. Not just with empty words, but with real feelings and genuine care.
For the first time, he didn't feel out of place in this world, where he hadn't even known what he was...
...But now, he knew who he was.
'I am Humpty Alexander Dumpty! And my home is San Ricardo!'
