Episode 7: The Awakening of Evil

Several peaceful weeks passed. Furnando’s music filled the forest, aided by the protective glow of the Crystal Candelabra. At night, however, Lyria noticed that the stars seemed to fade behind thickening clouds, and an unsettling presence drifted among the treetops.

One evening, a dark figure emerged at the forest’s edge. The malevolent power Lyria had warned of had finally stirred. Known as Noctaris, this being thrived on smothering light and silencing sound. If Furnando and his friends did not act, Noctaris could devour all music and joy in the forest.

Lyria suggested using the combined powers of the Crystal Candelabra and the Starry Harp to form a protective barrier around the woods. Yet Noctaris proved stronger than anticipated, spreading lethargy among the forest creatures. Birds stopped singing, and the glow-worms flickered weakly.

Gathering in a wide clearing, Furnando, Poleno, Satis, and countless other forest dwellers prepared to make a stand. Furnando plucked the Harp while Lyria channeled energy through the Candelabra. Suddenly, Noctaris appeared at the heart of a swirling vortex, attempting to engulf the light. In a crucial moment, Poleno directed his revitalized fire breath into the Harp, amplifying its sound. Waves of radiant music and brilliant light rippled through the clearing.

Caught off-guard by such powerful harmony, Noctaris reeled back, wounded. The dark clouds dissipated, and stars once again shimmered overhead. Though the threat receded, everyone sensed Noctaris had only been weakened, not destroyed.

For now, the forest was safe. Furnando understood that he must find a permanent solution to the menace of Noctaris. Still, the animals rejoiced in another victory born of unity and song, and a new adventure was surely on the horizon.