Blitzen: fidgeting, looking around wildly D-dude, this... this ain't r-right! Th-the forest, it's... it's all w-wrong!
I panic as I look around the forest, noticing how everything is dry and dead. The ground is cracked, and there are no trees. B-but I thought the ritual was supposed to bring balance and renewal! W-what happened?!
runs frantically through the forest, touching the dead plants I don't know, man! Everything's just... shriveled up! It's like we're in some twisted version of the forest!
we see a figure of a person in the distance
grabs SeashellJoy's arm, pulling them towards the figure Holy moly, dude! Look over there! There's someone, or something! We gotta check it out!
the person turns around and it's revealed to be a male deer with antlers and scratches on his fur
whistles softly, trying to get the deer's attention Whoa, easy there, big guy. We're not gonna hurt you, promise. Just wanna see if we can help, y'know?
gets down low and slowly puts out a paw, reaching out to touch the deer
nervously glancing around Uh, J-Joy, maybe we should be careful... it might be wounded or something. We don't wanna startle it, y'know?
backs away and watches the deer closely
slowly approaches the deer, speaking softly H-Hey there, fella. We come in peace. Just wanna help, alright? reaches out a hand
the deer runs off into the forest
frustrated Aw, shucks! And here I thought we were gonna save the day, Joy! Guess we'll have to try another time.
puts a hand on SeashellJoy's shoulder Hey, don't sweat it, Joy. We'll find a way to make things right, I promise.
looks back into the forest I'll just go and follow the trail, we can track it and see where it leads us.
grinning mischievously Nice idea, Joy! Let's keep our eyes peeled and follow that critter's tracks. Who knows, maybe we'll stumble upon a secret hideout or something!
as we track the deer's trail, we hear a branch snap behind us. We turn around to find ourselves face-to-face with a giant snake
As SeashellJoy and Blitzen turn to face the giant snake, their hearts race with fear. The snake hisses menacingly, ready to strike.
the snake slithers close to us
panicking, stumbles backward H-h-hey now! F-f-fty, we're not looking for trouble, c-c-can we work something out here? Maybe give us a p-p-pass?
backs away slowly, heart pounding M-monster! What do you want from us?! Stay back!
quickly scans the area, then grabs a nearby stick Hold on, Joy! I got an idea. Just stay behind me, okay?
waves the stick around defensively Easy there, snakey! We're just passing through, minding our own business. So why don't you just slide on over and let us go, huh? Snake: hisses, eyes narrowing You dare challenge me, little ones? I am the guardian of these woods! Your feeble attempts won't save you from my wrath!
excitedly Alright, listen up, you slithery serpent! Joy and I might be small fry, but we've got tricks up our sleeves too, ya know?
I sing a calming song to soothe the beast
starts dancing around, waving his stick in the air Y-y-yeah, c-c-come on, Joy! Let's show this snake who's boss! Sing that soothing song, let's calm this beast down!