Morning came. It was an exciting day for Bruno.
"Ready?" Clew said.
"Yes!"
Clew flew up into the air and said, "Follow me!"
Bruno started running.
They had finally set for the Aclon Forest! They were still in the city and according to Clew, it was far.
After nearly forty minutes of non-stop running, Bruno was exhausted.
"Can we take a break?" Bruno said
"We haven't even left the city. Well then, let's take a break."
Bruno curled up himself to rest, while the crow sat down beside him.
It was a pleasant day — clear blue sky, the heat of the Sun was comforting in that Winter season.
"Is Aclon Forest more beautiful?" Bruno asked.
"Expect it a thousand times better than this."
"Wow"
After some time, they resumed their journey. Soon, they were out of the city.
"See this route? This goes straight to the Forest. It's just a little far." Clew said.
They followed the route. It was a long walk. Soon, it was evening.
"How much more do we have to walk?" Bruno asked.
"Just a little more."
They went on and on. Though on this tiring journey, it was getting interesting for Bruno — many trees were in sight now, unlike in the city, and several animals like foxes and deers can also be seen.
After some more time, it was dark, and Bruno thought that he could see the forest.
"Is that the forest you were talking about?" Bruno said.
"Right. We'll be there in no time."
Soon, they entered the forest. Since it was dark, nothing was in vision — only the sounds of bugs and the rustling of the leaves of the trees by the blowing wind could be heard.
"It will not be wise for you to explore in this dark. Let us sleep," cawed Clew.
"OK."
.....
....
Something was kicking Bruno in his face. It wasn't clear to see - but he tried to see what looked like the paws of an animal.
Bruno suddenly woke up, to find that a Lion was trying to awake him.
"H-hello. I came here to stay in this jungle."
"I brought him, since he was abandoned." Clew said.
"Were you a pet?" The Lion asked strictly and straight-to-the-point.
"Yes."
"Probably you won't be able to live here then. Animals who were kept as pets usually aren't that strong to even defend themselves. Moreover, they usually get pampered by their masters and are lazy," The Lion said.
"Please let me stay here. I'll try my best."
Many animals were seeing the scene now.
"I'm the leader of this forest. If you pass one of my tests, I'll let you stay here. The tasks aren't gonna be easy." said the Lion in his king-like voice.
"I'll do them!" Bruno said.
"Very well. You have to kill a cat and bring the dead cat here."
The thought instantly frightened Bruno — he never killed anyone; and will not even kill any anime.
"Is this the only task?" Bruno asked.
"Yes. If you don't want to do it, you leave."
"F-fine. I'll do it," and saying, he again started for the town.
"How am I going to do that," he thought, "Even, if I kill a cat, I won't be living happily — the thought of me killing an innocent animal will make me feel guilty forever. Besides, barely any dog fights and kills cats these days; at least in my city."
He didn't know that he reached the city so quick whilst he thought how we was going to do the tasks.
A white cat walked right in front of Bruno's eyes : it was that white cat whom Clew and he have given the berry to eat.
"What should I do? I'm so confused."
He thought about that matter for the whole night. The night was cold. He wanted to go to a warm place.
After a long time, he finally made up his mind.
"I'm not going to kill a cat for being in that forest. If they don't let me enter, I'll just think of some other thing for myself. Killing an innocent animal is something I can't even think of. Tomorrow morning I'll head to the Aclon Forest at once. I'll say it straight that I won't do such a task."
It was the next morning. As he had decided, Bruno headed to the Jungle of Aclon. By around the afternoon, he reached there.
Bruno cried, "King of the Forest! King of the Forest!"
Clew saw Bruno and immediately went to fetch the Lion.
"What happened? Did you bring the dead cat?" The Lion asked.
"I- I-
I couldn't complete the task. I can't kill anyone. We all are animals and we should not kill each other without any reason," Bruno said, "Besides, How would we feel if someone appeared and killed us, saying he was told to do so?"
The Lion was listening.
"I was testing you. You have kindness and honesty. Many animals, however, would do anything to get into this forest. Good job. You can join this small, happy family of us."
Bruno was surprised. He was happy that he made it!
"Congratulations!" Clew said, and many other animals congratulated Bruno too.
"Thank you."
"You should have a look inside the forest," the Lion said, and went into the woods.
He finally got a new home — a home free of human control. It was Bruno's new, and own home with his friends!