Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy godfather who banished all the animals from the forest. His malevolence was so extreme that anyone who dared to enter the forest was doomed. The birds and all the other critters were forced to abandon their homes.
One calm morning, with the sun shining gently and a cool breeze blowing, the animals gathered to devise a plan to eliminate the evil fairy godfather.
"Who will represent us and defeat this wicked fairy?" asked the mongoose. Silence filled the air as no one volunteered.
Suddenly, a small, frail voice broke the silence. "I'll go," said a squirrel, surprising everyone.
"You’re too small," the firefly said. "You don’t stand a chance against him. This isn’t a child’s game." The firefly laughed.
"Don’t worry about me; I'm as brave as the wind," the squirrel replied confidently.
Despite their concerns, they eventually agreed to send the young squirrel on this perilous journey.
“Take this special sword. It belonged to my great grandfather and was used in the battle of Warrick,” said the mule.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t need it,” the squirrel replied calmly.
“Please, take this ring. It will keep you from being afraid,” the rabbit offered.
“I’m afraid I don’t need it,” the squirrel responded.
The mongoose then suggested, “Let’s pray together for your protection.” They formed a small circle, clasping their hands in prayer.
“Take this charm for protection,” advised the firefly.
“I won’t need anything, I already have your faith,” the squirrel said with confidence.
Prepared for the journey, the little squirrel set off while the animals watched, hoping they had made the right decision. He walked farther and farther, praying that his resolve would remain strong.
After a long trek, he reached a steep hill with a sign that read, "Welcome to Creek Forest, where no one is allowed to enter." Suddenly, the leaves began to swirl around him menacingly.
"You cannot pass. You must die. You are not the owner of the forest," they hissed.
The leaves whipped violently, but the squirrel stood firm.
"Let us swirl harder until he is no more," they chanted, but the squirrel started whistling. The leaves, unable to withstand the tune, vanished.
As he continued, sticks blocked his path, saying, “You think you can handle us? We’ll deal with you.”
They attacked, but the squirrel wrestled them until he was exhausted. Then he whistled loudly, and the sticks fell lifelessly to the ground.
A booming voice then echoed, “Father Fairy, come deal with this boy.” The trees swayed violently, but the boy remained rooted.
"What is your name? Why are you here?" the fairy godfather demanded.
The boy remained silent.
"Look around. No one survives here except me," the fairy laughed.
"He who laughs last, laughs best," the boy retorted.
“I can kill you right now,” the fairy godfather threatened. “This forest is mine.”
"You can’t have it both ways," the boy responded. "The forest belongs to all creatures. Without them, it’s dead. You need them for comfort and life."
The fairy clapped loudly, making the boy's ears ring. Despite his whistling, the sound persisted. The fairy grabbed his arm tightly, causing the boy to cry out in pain. Yet, a small voice inside urged him not to give up.
The boy fought with all his might but couldn’t break free. The fairy mocked him, “Are you such a fool to come here unprotected? I’ll teach you a lesson.”
The boy then began to preach. “God has a message for you. You are His beloved son. He loves you and wants you to forgive those who have wronged you. Let the animals return and do what’s right.”
The fairy howled in agony. “Don’t mention His name! All I wanted was my son back. I blame God for taking him from me,” the fairy sobbed. “No one has ever spoken to me like that before. So, even though I’m cruel, God still loves me?”
“He does,” the squirrel confirmed.
“You’re such a brave boy,” the fairy said softly.
“It’s me, your son. I disguised myself because you were too evil to the creatures.”
The fairy began to cry uncontrollably. “I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”
“Yes, dad,” the son replied, and they hugged tightly.
From that day forward, the fairy treated all creatures with respect and allowed them to return to the forest. He became known as the kindest fairy in Forest Creek.