Forest King

Jack woke up at the top of the pine tree castle. Today was going to be a great day. The sun was shining brightly. The forest looked so beautiful. Jack stretched his arms above his head. Today would be a perfect day.

But then, he looked down. Three crate boxes floated down the river. Followed by… Wait… What was that creature?

Jack took a closer look. The weird creature floated on his back sound asleep. Jack had to see what was going on down there. He disappeared from the tree.

--------

George twitched his nose. A butterfly flew around the tip. The little legs inched closer. George felt his nose itch. The little butterfly landed on the tip. It started walking around. The large creature slowly started to build up with its breathing.

A… A,,, A,,, Achoo!

George’s sneeze was hard enough to create waves in the river. The creature fluttered open his eyes.

“Well hello there!” a voice boomed from above. The creature looked up. A little man dressed in green sat on the riverbank. His teeth were so white as he grinned and waved.

“Yo,” he said.

“Meep?” George asked. The little man gave him a weird look.

“What are you?” he asked.

“Meep,” the creature said. The little man tilted his head.

“Is that all you can say?” he asked.

“Meep,” George said.

“Do you even understand me?” the little man asked.

“Meep,” the creature said, nodding.

“Okay,” he said, narrowing his eyes. That’s when the man in green spotted the crate boxes by the creature.

“What’s in there?” he asked. George’s eyes widened.

“Meep! Meep!” he yelped, shaking his head. The little man raised his eyebrow. He had to know what was inside. He walked into the water towards one of the boxes. George started splashing in the water.

“Meep! Meep! Meep!” he yelled. The little man tried to hold onto the box.

“Hey!” he yelled. “What are you doing? Stop!” George didn’t stop splashing.

“George!” a voice yelled inside the box. “Stop! You’re scaring me!”

“Huh?” the little man asked. He lifted the lid and looked inside. Anna Jane looked up. Both looked confused.

“Uh… Who are you?” she asked. The little man blinked.

“Who are you?” he asked.

“Meep,” George said.

----------

Minutes later, everyone sat on the shore bank. Vivian was happy to be out of her crate. The little man in green looked at his audience.

“Well now,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting this.” The three humans looked confused.

“Who are you?” Logan asked. The little man in green smirked.

“Delighted you asked!” He held out his arms. “I am Jack, King of the Forest!” Nobody spoke. Jack got lost in his laughter. The humans looked at each other.

“Okay…” Anna Jane said. “I’m Anna Jane. This is Teddy, Logan, Vivian, and that is George.”

“What are you doing?” Vivian mouthed. Jack bowed with his charm.

“Nice to meet you,” he said. “What brings you by?”

“We’re going to Chronus!” Anna Jane said. Jack froze.

“You what?” he asked. The younger girl nodded.

“That’s right,” she said. Jack thought about this for a moment. A slight smile came onto his face. Hm… This could be interesting. Jack turned to the group, smiling.

“I can help you!” he said. The humans looked at him in a strange way.

“How?” Logan asked. Jack hit himself in the chest.

“I can lead the way!” he said. Vivian raised her eyebrow.

“You can lead the way?” she asked.

“Uh-huh!” Jack said. “Follow me!” He walked down the tree-covered path. The humans looked at each other.

“Are we doing this?” Logan asked. Anna Jane and Vivian said nothing.

“Meep,” George said.

“What are you waiting for?” Jack called out. “Get going!” Like they had a choice. Better than staying out in the open. Anna Jane shrugged and followed behind Jack. Logan, Vivian, and George followed behind. The whole time the Forest King smirked to himself.