Zero

Crabbage

In a secluded realm where the boundaries of reality and enchantment intertwine, a small, vibrant forest thrived, drenched in the remnants of early morning dew. This enchanted woodland, alive with the fragrance of hawthorn, magnolia, and elm, stood as a testament to nature's artistry. Sunlight streamed through the verdant canopy, splattering the ground in a patchwork of light that danced upon the brittle leaves, nurturing a thriving mosaic of saplings that reached for the skies. Thick, gnarled branches swayed gently with the whispers of the wind, while the delicate blooms that peeked through the foliage added splashes of color to a landscape otherwise steeped in earthy tones. The air was a symphony of sounds—rustling leaves, chirping crickets, and the soft splashes of frogs leaping into the nearby lake.

Amidst this serene cacophony, two figures navigated the damp, squelching earth, their presence barely disturbing the tranquility. Astral, a stoic guardian with a fierce determination, led the way, effortlessly vanquishing any lurking threats with a swift and decisive strike. His companion, Jay, ambled alongside, absorbing the enchanting sights and sounds, the thrill of adventure simmering just beneath the surface. As they approached the edge of the forest, the greenery gave way to a sandy cove where the scene quickly shifted from tranquility to chaos. A lone man, his cart overturned and ransacked, crouched in fear surrounded by a horde of giant crabs, their menacing claws snapping in the air. Without a moment's hesitation, Astral stepped forward, his blade glinting in the dappled sunlight as he dispatched the first crab with practiced ease. The second creature lunged, only to meet the same swift fate. Jay, finding confidence in Astral's prowess, followed suit, slicing through the remaining crabs as if they were mere shadows of a fleeting challenge. It was a level one encounter, but the thrill of danger and the promise of adventure hung thick in the air, beckoning them deeper into the mysteries that lay ahead.

The crabs that had mischievously scuttled away with the fawn's prized cabbage were a spectacle of absurdity. As he turned to the humble man by the cart, adorned in a patchwork cloak that swayed gently with the coastal breeze, Astral's sense of duty clashed with his pride.

"Thank you, sir—" he began, bowing respectfully to the fawn, who stared wide-eyed, clearly bewildered by the gesture. "...uhm... no, don't do that..." the fawn stammered, earning a huff of exasperation from Astral as he looked down at the impertinent creature.

With desperation etched on his face, the man pleaded, "They stole my cabbage! Please, you must get it back!" He dropped to his knees, eyes glistening with fervor, as if the fate of the realm rested upon the return of his precious vegetable.

Astral sighed, feeling the weight of his own absurdity. How had he fallen so low? A cabbage fetcher. Astral knew this was just another chapter in their unlikely saga, where the heroes of old often found themselves in the most peculiar predicaments. With a reluctant grin, he nodded, "Alright, alright... we'll get them back." And so, the quest to reclaim the fawn's cabbage began

Yet, as the laughter of his companion Jaylen floated through the air, the ridiculousness of the situation began to seep into his bones. Jaylen chuckled, his purple eyes twinkling with mischief, "...heh, this is—"

Astral, with a sharp gaze and tousled ebony hair, paused momentarily on the winding path, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Sh—" he had begun, directing an exasperated remark towards the blonde who trailed behind him. Jaylen, visibly tense, felt heat creeping up his cheeks, his gaze dropping to the sand as self-doubt gnawed at him.

The picturesque landscape, dotted with seashells and shimmering with the promise of adventure, seemed to mock his inner turmoil. With a pronounced pout, he trudged along the beach path, kicking up tiny clouds of sand with each reluctant step.