The forest grew darker as Leo and Whiskers pressed on. The glowing paper in Leo's hand pulsed gently, casting a soft light on the mossy path ahead. The trees danced above them, their branches curling like fingers.
Whiskers moved quickly, his tiny paws silent on the forest floor. "We're close," he muttered. "Karo's lab is just ahead."
Leo was about to ask who Karo was—when a voice shouted from the distance.
??? "LEO!"
Leo spun around.
LEO (surprised) "Jace?!"
His best friend stumbled out of the trees, covered in dirt and leaves, breathing hard.
JACE (panting) "Dude! I've been looking for you forever! I followed you through the clock and then—bam! Glowing trees, weird noises, and I think a flower tried to sneeze on me!"
LEO (blinking). "You followed me?"
JACE (grinning) "Yeah! You were gonna come over for the break! And I knew you were gonna be at the library since you were late and thats what you always do after school. I was gonna play a prank on you, for being late! And then—"
Then Jace froze.
His eyes locked on Whiskers, who was now standing upright on a rock, arms crossed.
JACE "...Is that squirrel glaring at me?"
Whiskers didn't blink.
WHISKERS "Yes. And if you're done screaming, we have work to do."
Jace's jaw dropped.
JACE "It talks?!"
Whiskers hopped down and marched toward him.
WHISKERS "Yes, I talk. I also guide lost people through magical forests, dodge monsters, and occasionally save lives. So unless you want to end up as a vine's midnight snack, I suggest you stick close and keep up."
JACE (eyeing the squirrel) "What is happening right now?"
LEO "That's Whiskers. He's… kind of in charge."
Whiskers snorted.
WHISKERS "Finally, someone gets it."
He turned and started walking again.
WHISKERS (walking) "We're going to see Professor Karo."
LEO (frowning) "Who's that?"
WHISKERS (not stopping) "Scientist. Hermit. Knows more about this forest than anyone. Lives in a hidden lab. I steal his snacks sometimes. He's the only one who might know how to stop the magic from fading."
JACE (whispering) "This squirrel is seriously intense."
WHISKERS (calling back) "Still hearing you."
---
As they walked, the forest began to shift. The trees grew taller and stranger, their bark glowing faintly with ancient runes. The air buzzed with quiet energy, and the ground beneath their feet felt alive.
Finally, they reached a clearing.
At the center stood a dome-shaped structure made of twisted roots, stone, and glowing crystal. It pulsed with a soft, steady light.
WHISKERS (stopping) "We're here."
LEO (stepping forward) "This is it?"
WHISKERS (nodding) "Professor Karo's lab. Don't touch anything."
JACE (looking around) "This place looks like a cabin and a spaceship had a baby."
Leo reached for the door—but before he could knock, it creaked open on its own.
A voice echoed from inside:
??? "Took you long enough, Whiskers. And I see you brought guests."
Leo and Jace exchanged a look.
WHISKERS (sighing) "Brace yourselves. He talks more than I do.