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The Monster (Ágnes Molnárné Petrovszki)

Author: Aune Myllari

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Green Lomb School Part 3

One day in late October, a huge, terrifying creature appeared in the Fern Forest. Gamba was the first to see it, and in his fright he almost jumped off the branch on which he had been peacefully crouching.

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- High Wine Fairy! What kind of monster is that? Is it the dreaded Corky? - a terrifying thought crossed his mind. - I must tell the others at once!

He summoned all his courage and took wing. - Oh, I hope he can't fly! - he thought as he walked. He looked back, and though he saw no one, he kept peering over his shoulder. And he almost managed to head into the chest of the Hawk, who was coming towards him.

- Whoa!" the boy shouted at him. "What are you doing, Gamba? Watch your beak!

Poor Gamba was traumatised a second time in a few short minutes. This time he became dizzy and started to fall. Needle Hawk had to catch him and plant him on a nearby tree branch.

- What's wrong with you? You look like you've seen a ghost.

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- "S... s... s... s...", Gamba panted.

- Well, that doesn't make me any smarter! - Sűlyke was impatient. He was not particularly worried, for his friend was frightened by every little thing.

- A monster! - Gamba groaned with great difficulty, and when he was more or less conscious, he told of the horror he had seen at the edge of the forest. - It could even be that Corky has come and is going to eat everyone! - he finished, his eyes widening.

- "Come on!" said the Hawk, casually, "Cork only exists in fairy tales! I'll go and see the "monster"! - he added, with a mocking emphasis on the last word. He was sure that Gamba, in his horror, had greatly exaggerated the incident.

His partner pleaded in vain, but he could not hold him back. Once Hawk got his mind set on something, it was not easy to talk him out of it.

- Wait here, I'll be back soon! - he said, and left.

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Gamba flew up to the highest branch of the tree, curled up, and peered out from between the leaves.

To his relief, Sűlyke returned within a few minutes.

- You were right, Gamba! - he said with a much diminished smugness. - It really is a monster! The forest must be roared up at once!

- But how do we get started? Who should we tell first?

- Let's think about it for a moment! - I say you tell Aunt Zike, she'll know what to do. On the way, drop in on Uncle Sakra, his experience will be of great help. And I'll go to Father Fluffy. He'll know what kind of creature we're dealing with. I suggest the school be the rallying point. It's a strong building. We can hole up there while we figure out what to do with the monster.

Gamba couldn't come up with a better idea, so they wished each other luck and set off.

His needle-bullet split the air like a slingshot, and soon he came to the hole of Father Fluffy. The old gentleman had been running the library since the day he was a bird. He spent almost all his time there, in the company of his beloved books. He read them several times, almost by heart. It was like a living encyclopaedia. Every inhabitant of the forest turned to him for advice.

Sűlyke could only hope that this time he would find her at home. He was relieved when his knock was answered by slow footsteps and Father Fluffy appeared at the door.

- Hello, son! What brings you here? - greeted Hawk, blinking his shortsighted eyes.

- Kiss you! I think we're in big trouble! - the boy cut right to the chase, and quickly explained why he had come to see the old scientist.

- Wow! Half of this is no joke! What does this beast look like?

- Huge! Bigger than wolves and with white fur. Gamba thinks it might be Corky, but he doesn't exist, does he?

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- Well, son, even I don't know that for sure. Of course I know the legend, but I have never found any mention of it in any book.

- So who is this monster?

- I have no idea at the moment. I think I should see for myself.

- Come on, I'll show you the way! - Sűlyke shouted, and was already flying up.

- Slow down, sonny! My old wings can't handle this speed anymore!

Sűlyke slowed down, waited for Father Fluffy, and together they flew on.

Where Hawk and Gamba had seen him earlier, they found only a cold spot of the intruder, so they set out to look for him. Soon they caught sight of him: he was strolling along the path, his head down, his nose almost brushing the clearing. Every now and then he would raise his head and sniff the air.

- Hm. 'I don't think I've ever read of such an animal,' whispered his young companion, Father Planet. - I'll have to check the library and see what I can find out. And you... Where did you say the meeting place was? At the school?

- Yes. At least that's what I suggested.

- Smart idea! I also think it's the safest place, you'll no doubt find the others there. Hurry there, I'll be there as soon as I know anything. Uncle Sakra and his uncle may have already talked about something.

- Okay!" said Hawk, and he was off towards the school.

When he arrived, he found even more upheaval than he expected. Aunt Zike paced nervously back and forth. As soon as she saw the boy, she ran to him.

- Have you seen Muko and Hudo? - he asked.

- No. "What happened?", Hawk was frightened now.

- They went to the lake, but they haven't come home yet. Their parents, Uncle Sakra and Gamba's dad, went in search of them.

- I'm coming too! - the boy shouted, and he was off. He called back over his shoulder:

Father Planet went to the library to do some research.

Muko and Hudo were playing in the woods, unsuspectingly. At first they went boating on Star Lake, then they started playing hide and seek. They didn't even notice that they were getting deeper and deeper into the forest.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of twigs snapping and leaves rustling.

- "Someone is coming," Muko whispered to his friend.

- First, let's see who it is. It doesn't look to me like one of our friends is approaching. We could get in trouble!

- You are right. You stay here, I'll look around from the trees.

Hudo didn't even have time to speak, Muko had already disappeared into the foliage. Almost immediately he discovered the source of the noise: a creature the like of which he had never seen or even heard. Frightened, he could not move, but stared at the huge animal, frozen.

He watched, watched, his mind racing. Who could it be? What was he doing in the Fern Forest? Was he trying to hurt them?

As he thought, he kept his eyes on the stranger, and found himself seeing him as less and less frightening. He looked more sad. The warm-hearted Muko already felt sorry for him.

He felt safe up high, so he called out to him:

- Hi! Who are you? - she asked in a slightly shaky voice.

The stranger looked around, but did not notice Muko. Maybe he couldn't see the hair falling in his eyes.

- I'm up here! - the girl shouted, a little braver now.

- Hi! I'm Yogi - the stranger introduced himself politely when he finally discovered Muko.

- Yogi? So you're a bear? I've read a lot about them, but I've never seen a picture of one like you.

- I am not a bear, I am a dog.

- Dogaaaaaa? What the hell kind of a thing is that? Where do you live? And how did you get here? Where's your family? And if you're a dog, why did your parents name you Macy? - Muko asked his questions in a tongue-in-cheek manner, Maci didn't have a chance to answer.

While Muko was getting more and more absorbed in the questioning, Hudo was almost torn apart by the tension. He was angry at his friend for being so reckless, but even more afraid for him. He was just about to come out of hiding when Hawk swooped down out of the air next to Mukó, nearly knocking him off the branch.

- What are you doing? Are you crazy? - he snapped at her. - It's a dangerous monster and you're messing with its head?

- "It's not a monster, and I don't think it's dangerous," Mukó retorted.

- Of course! Because you can tell that just by looking! We don't even know what brought him here. Maybe he's trying to eat us all! - he unwittingly quoted Gamba's words.

- "I don't want to hurt anyone," said Yogi quietly. "I just want to go home, but I'm lost," she bowed her head sadly.

- "Of course, let's believe it!" shrieked Hawk. "All the forest dwellers have fled to the school," he turned back to Muko, "except those who are looking for you. Really, where is Hudo?

The beaver had had enough of hiding. He trusted Muko, so he summoned his courage and stepped forward with shaking legs.

- Here I am! - he tried to shout, but only a sort of gurgle escaped his lips.

He stopped beside the bush where he had been snuggling and waited for the reaction of Maci - if that is what she was called.

The dog just stood and watched the strange company. The only one he recognised was the squirrel - he'd seen a few walking in the park. He could at least tell that the squirrel was some kind of bird, but he stared at Hudo, his head cocked to the side, mesmerised.

- Hi! Who are you? - she asked him.

- I'm a hoodoo, the beaver.

- Beaver? I've never heard of such an animal. You look very interesting. Can I smell you?

- Well... Okay, I don't mind," Hudo nodded resignedly. He thought that if the dog had wanted to hurt him, he would have pounced on him long ago.

Yogi wandered over and sniffed carefully.

- "You smell of fish," he said.

- Probably because we live near water and swim a lot.

- "I like swimming too," said Yogi, cheering up a little.

- "Now, listen to me," interjected Hawk. "Everyone is scared to death. Either they're looking for you, or they're holed up in the school, discussing how to defend themselves against the monster. 'That would be you, wouldn't it,' she nodded towards Bear, 'although now I'm beginning to believe that you might not be so terrible after all. So I suggest we get to the school as soon as possible and report back. The adults will decide what to do.

- Will they not hurt you? - asked Yogi, a little worried.

- I'll go ahead and tell the others everything. They'll know you're not dangerous. In fact, if you tell us all about yourself, we might even help you get home.

- Oh, that would be great! - Yogi was enthusiastic. - Then let's go as soon as possible!

- Let's go!" replied Muko and Hudo at the same time.

By the time they arrived at the school, Sűlyke had already told all those present. The messengers were on their way to recall the search team and Father Fluffy.

The majority did not want to vote for a stranger on the basis of the opinion of three children. But when they saw Muko and Hudo happily riding on Yogi's back, they rushed out into the yard. Some of them came to the protection of the little ones, others because they didn't think the animal was dangerous anymore.

Bear hesitated at the sight of the crowd, but slowly, encouraged by Muko and Hudo, he ventured closer.

At first the forest dwellers just stared at the strange newcomer, but soon a huge commotion broke out. They bombarded him with questions, wanting to know everything about him.

Suddenly there was a whistle. Kiro's dad came back with Father Fluffy.

- What's with the racket? - the highly respected old gentleman rebuked the others. Let's wait till the others get back, then we'll have a polite chat with our guest.

The crowd was silenced. They waited, staring at Maci, only occasionally whispering to their neighbours.

Slowly, all the members of the team that had set out to find Muko and Hudo arrived.

Parents ran up to their children and happily held them close.

- "Let's go into the gym, there's room for all of us," suggested Father Fluffy.

They marched in in a nice line and took their seats in the stands. Maci was seated in the middle of the room so that everyone could see and hear him. Muko and Hudo stayed by his side - they wouldn't have left their new friend behind for the world.

At the beckoning of Father Fluffy, everyone was finally allowed to ask their questions, and Maci answered them patiently. He told us about dogs, cats, people, towns, houses, cars... The forest's father and mother listened with open mouths.

- And how did you get here from that... town? - asked Nyéti.

- I went on a trip with my hosts. I ran after a rabbit and couldn't find it... But I didn't want to hurt it! - he added immediately, as the crowd began to murmur. It's just, you know, if someone starts running away from me, I just have to chase them. I was enjoying the run, the race against the wind, and getting further and further away from my masters. By the time I came to my senses, I was looking for them in vain..." he finished ruefully.

- We will help you! - "But maybe you could stay here with us..." he added hopefully.

- "You're very kind, thank you," Maci turned to him, "but I miss my family and my home. And they must be terribly worried about me.

- "You're right, I hadn't thought of that," she nodded, although she was a little disappointed. She had already taken this big, good-natured dog to her heart, and wanted to get to know him better.

- "You must live very far away if you've never been here before," turned to Maci now.

- I don't know... We mostly just walk around our house. Sometimes, like now, we go for a drive. I don't think we've ever been here before, because looking out of the window I saw unfamiliar landscapes. You know, I love to poke my head out and enjoy the cavalcade of scents," she smiled, a little shyly.

- What do you remember? Where have you been? Did you see a hill, stream, or anything that might help you identify the place?

- These are good questions, Mother Wild," agreed Father Fluffy. - I think the High Council should discuss this with Mr Yogi. We need to work out a plan to help him.

So the Council of Elders, as they called themselves, were assembled, for they were the well-respected, mostly elderly inhabitants of the forest. They questioned Maci thoroughly, and he readily told them all he could remember.

The plan itself was not too complicated: to send scouts to the relevant locations. The decision was difficult because no one was to be put in danger. None of them had ever been outside the Fern Forest, so they didn't know what to expect.

After much deliberation and debate, the list was finally compiled. Of course, the choice was mainly birds, but Muko's and Kuro's dad also made the team.

Father Bolyga first informed those selected about the details of the plan, but immediately added that participation was voluntary.

- "This task could be dangerous," he said with a serious expression. "You all have families, we understand if you don't want to take any risks.

- "I'll do it!" the first to raise his wings was the priest of the Needle, and the others immediately followed suit.

Bear was very touched that these strangers came to his aid without thinking. She didn't even know how to thank them, she was just babbling. But everyone understood what she wanted to say and patted her shoulder encouragingly.

Father Fluffy looked at them with eyes gleaming with pride.

- "Thank you," he said simply. "Be very careful! At the slightest sign of danger, turn back immediately. And be sure to be home by sundown.

When the other forest dwellers were informed, there was a huge commotion among the children. Many of them wanted to join the mission.

- "I'm sorry, but it would be too dangerous for you," shook his head.

The little ones, with difficulty, accepted the decision. But now they were starting to worry about their parents.

After a final deliberation, the team got together. They said goodbye to the others, and everyone headed off in their designated direction.

The children immediately flocked around Maci, asking each other questions. They wanted to know everything about her. They were particularly curious about why dogs and humans live together.

Bear was happy to answer. She told me that they have important tasks. First and foremost, they guard their homes and their masters, and they feed them, teach them, heal them, pet them - wow, that's delicious! - -, play with them, walk with them, take them for walks. It's a bit like being their parents. And it's not just dogs that live with people, but cats, guinea pigs, parrots, fish, all kinds of animals.

Unfortunately, there are some farmers who do not care. Sometimes they even throw them out on the street and they can never go home again.

- "That's what happened to me," said Yogi with drooping ears, "They took me far away by car and left me alone. I was very weak because I could hardly eat and I was sick, but I tried to get home.

The children listened in horror. They could hardly believe that such evil could exist.

- But why did you want to go back to that horrible man? - asked Nüsi, puzzled.

- You know, dogs are very loyal, they love people, above all their owners. Even if he doesn't treat them well," said Yogi, bowing his head sadly.

- "And we thought you were a monster..." said Muko with tears in his eyes, and snuggled up to his friend. The others followed his example, hugging and kissing Maki.

- And what happened next? - asked Nyéti after a while.

- "My story is happier from here," the dog's eyes lit up. - A kind man saw me as I waddled along the roadside. He stopped beside me and put me in his car. He took me to a place where they take care of abandoned dogs and even cats. I think it's called a shelter. At first I was very sad because I was locked alone in a room and I was a bit scared. But they were very kind, they fed me, took me to the doctor, treated my wounds, took care of me.
When I got better, I could go out with the other dogs and have a great time chasing them.
So I had a good time, but I really missed a real owner, a loving family.
My finder used to visit me a lot with his partner, and they would take me for walks and play with me a lot.
Each time, I hoped that I might be accepted, but to my regret I was taken back again and again. Sometimes they would bring their own dogs and we would walk them and get to know them. A lovely girl dog, Peaches, who also lived at the shelter, often came with us.
Then one day the miracle happened: Bari and I were taken home! We could hardly believe that we were finally going to have a loving owner and a real home, and then we were overwhelmed with joy. Since then we have been living with them and we are very happy. Two dogs and three cats are also part of the family. They love us very much, they are the best owners in the world! If I have to, I will climb the highest mountain, swim the widest, wettest river to get back to them.

The little ones listened intently to Yogi's story. Their eyes sparkled like starlight dancing on a lake as they heard the happy ending.

Meanwhile, members of the search party left the Fern Forest and moved further and further away from home. Gamba's dad, Lagma, and Hawk's dad, Chaffer, were a couple.

On the way, they passed a vast field, a peaceful stream and a rolling hill. Pheasants cowered in bushes, peccaries huddled in their cavities, rabbits hopped, deer flitted swiftly, but they saw no one who resembled Yogi's men.

Just as they were about to turn back, they came across another patch of grass, when they saw trees in the distance.

- Yogi said they were walking in a forest. "Maybe this is it," said Lagma. Chaffy nodded, and they flew on even faster.

They hadn't even reached the forest before strange sounds struck their ears. They had never heard anything like it.

- These must be Yogi's owners - hoped Kelyűs.

But let's be careful," warned Lagma.

They flew closer, and soon they saw the two figures, who looked exactly as Maci had painted them. They walked through the forest, shouting all the while.

- They must be looking for a Mac! - said Lagma.

The two fathers looked happily at each other. Well done! For a while they looked at the strange people, mesmerized. Very different from any animal they had ever seen, they could not take their eyes off them.

Lagma was the first to wake up:

- We must leave immediately! We have to get back with Maci before her owners leave.

Chalice agreed, so they took wing. On the way back, they didn't have to search any more, so they moved much faster. They entered the schoolyard in a frenzy.

- We found them! - they shouted almost simultaneously. Everybody flocked around them, with Maci in the lead.

- Are you sure it's them? - she asked, fearing disappointment.

- "They must be the only ones," replied Chalice. "They are exactly as you described them, and they are very much looking for someone. You must be the one.

- Well, they're still looking for me! - Yogi sighed happily. She didn't know where to go for joy.

- Of course! But we have to hurry to find them! - said Lagma. - Say goodbye to the others and let's go.

Maci thanked all the inhabitants of the forest in a voice that was faint with emotion, and then said goodbye to the children one by one. It was particularly hard to say goodbye to Muko, Hudo and Willow Hawk.

- I will never forget you! I will tell my family all about you, your kindness, your selflessness," she said with tears in her eyes.

The little ones cuddled up to him, crying. For once, not even Hawk was ashamed to cry.

- We will remember you forever! - Mukó could hardly speak, he was crying. - We'll tell our children and grandchildren about the warm-hearted "monster", the kind-hearted dog, and they'll tell their children and grandchildren, so your memory will live forever in the Fern Forest.

With great difficulty they were separated. Yogi took one last look around, said goodbye, and set off with Chalice and Lagma.

The children followed them for a while and waved for a long time.

As the little ones fell behind, the group switched on. The Lagmas led the way, and Yogi ran after them, through ditch and bush, field and stream.

Birds flew up, rabbits scattered, deer ran past, but this time Maci didn't even notice them. All she could see was the image of her beloved owners. He ran, ran to find them as quickly as possible. It was getting dark, but she didn't notice.

And yes, there is the forest! He can smell the owners already! With redoubled effort, she raced on, her heart now the only thing driving her forward.

There they are! Yes, that's them! Oh, no! They're getting in the car! They're leaving!

The bear started barking:

- Coming! Don't leave me here! - But his voice was drowned out by the engine. The car started up and drove away faster and faster.

Bear ran on for a while longer, but soon collapsed from exhaustion and immense disappointment. But she almost made it! She was almost there!

The dog lay stunned, not moving. Chaffy and Lagma got down on the ground and sat quietly beside him.

A few minutes passed and Bear still didn't move. His two companions looked at each other: what next? They were at a loss.

Lagma finally spoke, very gently:

- You can't stay here alone, Yogi! Come back to us!

Bear just lay there. In her deep sorrow, she may not have heard Lagma's words.

Then suddenly they heard a rustling sound and light filtered through the trees. More noise, then human voices:

- "I promise, this really will be the last try," said one of them. "But it's so awful to go home without him...

- All right!" replied his partner. - But if we don't find him today, we'll continue the search tomorrow. We will not give up!

Bear snapped his head up. They're back! They didn't leave her! He struggled to his feet and started walking towards his owners, barking all the while:

- Here I am! Here I am!

- It's Yogi! - screamed the owner, and they both started running towards their beloved dog. When they finally came together, they fell to their knees and hugged him, laughing and crying, and then strangled him. Bear kissed them, licked them, jumped into their necks, almost knocking them over in his unbridled joy.

When they had calmed down a bit, hostiapu spoke up:

- Come on, Macika, we're going home!

The dog looked back at his two friends, thanked them once more, and then started walking with his people towards the car.

Lagma and Kelyűs watched them for a long time, then they hopped up and headed home.

Bear lay exhausted but happy in the back seat. She was a little sad to be parted from Muko and the others, but she was sure she would return to the Fern Forest in her dreams...

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