The Emerald Forest was usually peaceful in the morning—birds chirping, beams of sunlight peeking through the massive canopy, and small critters scurrying around as if late for tiny rodent appointments.
But today?Today it felt busy. The forest buzzed as though it had just found out about a surprise exam.
Aru trotted beside his unlikely "team" across a mossy path. The ground was cool, soft, and glowing faintly with blue mushrooms. The air smelled of pine, mist, and… was that banana peel? Probably Tiko.
"Tiko," Rella sighed, "you're dropping banana skins every three steps."
"It's tactical!" Tiko announced proudly. "If hunters chase us, they'll slip! Bam! Comedy AND survival."
Squirlo snorted. "Or we'll slip."
Bolo grumbled. "Can we please have one mission without fruit-based warfare?"
Aru listened to their chatter, and for the first time in a long time, he didn't feel alone.Still, the pressure built in his chest.
They weren't just wandering anymore. Today they were heading to the Great Forest Council—a gathering of old, wise, dramatic animals who took everything seriously and made simple decisions impossibly complicated.
Aru gulped.He wasn't sure whether it was fear… or the fresh realization that his team was definitely not normal.
The Council Clearing
The group arrived at a massive clearing surrounded by towering trees whose branches intertwined to form a leafy dome overhead. Hundreds of fireflies floated around lazily like glowing confetti.
At the center sat animals of all shapes and sizes:
Wise Old Orin the Owl
Nana Shell, the giant tortoise, still chewing a leaf since last month
The Spicy Badgers (known for their fiery tempers AND diet)
A dramatic peacock named Lord Fluffington
And a mysterious cloaked figure sitting still as stone…
Aru whispered, "Who's that cloaked one?"
Tiko shrugged. "No idea. Either a wizard or someone who spilled soup on their fur."
Rella elbowed him. "Be respectful!"
Lord Fluffington rose dramatically, his feathers shimmering like a disco ball.
"THE MEETING BEGINS!" he shouted, startling three rabbits and causing Squirlo to fall out of a tree.
Orin the Owl cleared his throat. "We are gathered here to discuss a grave danger… THE HUNTERS."
Bolo stepped forward respectfully. "We have information about their movement."
Orin nodded gravely. "And who is this young antelope with you?"
Hundreds of eyes turned toward Aru.
He stiffened. "Uh… hi. I'm Aru. Formerly arrogant. Presently trying not to pass out."
There was a pause… then laughter spread through the clearing.
Even Nana Shell chuckled—very slowly.
"Hahaha… oh… give me a minute… still laughing… haha…"
Aru's ears heated. "I wasn't trying to be funny…"
Tiko whispered, "You're naturally funny. I love it."
Rella whispered back, "Don't encourage him."
Enter a New Star: ZARA
Suddenly the cloaked figure stood. The entire clearing instantly hushed.
The figure pulled back their hood to reveal—
A fox.But not just any fox.
Her fur shimmered silver. Her eyes glowed bright amber. A small charm dangled from her neck, etched with ancient runes.
"I am Zara of the Moonlit Clan," she said.Her voice was soft yet commanding.
Aru blinked. "M-Moonlit Clan? That sounds… fancy."
Squirlo whispered, "It is fancy. Her clan is known for magic. Real magic."
Zara approached Aru.He froze.
"You," she said. "You ran through the Old Thicket yesterday."
Aru nodded shakily. "Yes... I was… um… surviving."
"Your speed was remarkable."
Rella clapped her paws. "See! Someone notices your strengths!"
Tiko nudged him. "Say something cool!"
Aru panicked. "I—uh—I can also chew grass really fast."
Silence.
Bolo facepalmed.Zara blinked. Twice. "Impressive…?"
Lord Fluffington coughed. "Moving on!"
The Hunters' Plan
Orin flew down and spread a map drawn on giant leaves.
"The hunters have set metal traps near the northern border," he announced. "They carry nets, cages, and machines."
Zara added, "They are searching for one creature in particular."
Everyone held their breath.
Aru swallowed nervously.
"—the antelope with the massive antlers."
Aru's heart dropped.
Great. Fate had chosen him as the limited-edition collectible.
Rella grabbed his leg. "Don't panic."
Tiko grabbed his tail. "Panic! This is definitely panic time!"
Bolo placed a heavy hoof on both of them. "STOP."
Zara stepped closer. "We need a strategy."
Lord Fluffington strutted forward. "Yes! And I volunteer to be distraction! My beauty is blinding!"
Orin sighed. "No one is blinding anyone."
Nana Shell slowly raised her head. "We… must… unite."
The entire forest nodded.
Aru felt something change inside him.For the first time, he wasn't running from danger.
He was part of something bigger.
A team.A community.A forest that believed in him.
A New Mission Emerges
Zara looked directly at Aru.
"Aru, your speed can save us all," she said gently. "But you must train harder. Smarter. And braver."
He felt his chest warm.Proud—not of his antlers—But of his purpose.
Tiko clapped. "YES! Hero training arc!"
Squirlo jumped. "I brought acorns for snacks!"
Rella smiled. "We're with you."
Bolo nodded. "Always."
Aru took a deep breath.
"Alright," he said, standing tall."If the hunters want me… they're going to regret it."
Zara smirked approvingly.
"And so," Lord Fluffington announced, "THE HERO RISES!"
Aru winced. "Okay, let's not get dramatic…"
Too late.Confetti (where did he even get that?) exploded everywhere.
And the journey toward Aru's true destiny began.