---
"Look, I'm telling you, it's not just some legend!" Azazel exclaimed, exasperation thick in his voice as he stood before the Frog Council. His sword was still stained with swamp muck from their harrowing journey, and Shadow, sat at his side with narrowed eyes.
Grand Croak, the eldest and most wrinkled of the Frog Council, frowned. His droopy eyelids fluttered slightly as if trying to stay awake. "You mean to say Gloomthorn has returned?" Grand Croak croaked, his voice heavy with disbelief. "We haven't seen that creature in centuries. Why now?"
Kaela stepped forward, clutching her stack of scrolls. "Because he never left," she interjected. "He's been here all along, growing angrier every year. And now, he's targeting your people to make a point. The disappearances aren't random."
A murmur ran through the gathered frogs, who had crowded the lily pad meeting grounds. Some of the frogs clung to each other, their wide eyes glistening with fear. Others shot skeptical glances at Azazel and his friends, doubt written plainly on their froggy faces.
Elder Taddle, a particularly stubborn member of the council, harrumphed. "And what do you propose we do?" he demanded, his throat pouch puffing out with irritation. "Gloomthorn was always dangerous. If we restore him as guardian, he could turn against us at any moment!"
"But if we don't do anything," Croaksalot croaked, his voice trembling slightly, "Ribbiton will be in even more danger. My family—" He swallowed, his eyes shining with worry. "They're counting on us."
---
The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a sword. The frogs began to argue among themselves, and the once-hushed murmurs grew into a cacophony of panicked voices. One frog wailed, "We're doomed!" while another lamented, "I knew I should've moved to the next pond over when I had the chance!"
Azazel clenched his fists. "Enough!" he shouted, his voice slicing through the chaos. The frogs fell silent, all eyes turning to him. He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the frightened crowd.
"I know you're scared," he said, his voice softer now. "But running away or hiding won't save anyone. Gloomthorn is angry, but it's because he was betrayed. If we want to save Ribbiton, we need to face our past mistakes and make things right. We have to be brave, together."
A ripple of uncertainty ran through the frogs, but Grand Croak seemed to consider Azazel's words. "Bravery is easier said than done," the elder said, his voice quiet. "But perhaps… there is truth in your words."
Kaela nodded eagerly. "I've been researching," she added, holding up a particularly worn scroll. "It turns out Ribbiton made a pact with another spirit for more power. Gloomthorn felt abandoned, and that betrayal is the root of his rage."
"And we need a way to mend that bond," Azazel said. "Kaela, what did you find?"
---
Kaela unrolled the scroll and pointed to a series of ancient runes. "There's a ritual of reconciliation we can perform," she explained. "It's a bit risky, but if we do it right, we can restore balance and convince Gloomthorn to protect Ribbiton once more."
Shadow let out a low growl, as if sensing something. His ears pricked up, and he began to slink away from the meeting ground. Azazel frowned. "What is it, Shadow?" he asked.
The big wolf didn't respond, just continued to move purposefully toward the edge of the pond. The group followed, curious and a little wary. Shadow led them to a hidden underground spring, tucked away beneath a thick canopy of willow trees. The spring's waters glowed with an eerie, soft light.
"What is this place?" Croaksalot whispered, his eyes wide with awe.
Kaela's eyes lit up. "It's an ancient sanctuary," she said, running her fingers over the carvings on the stone walls. "These symbols… they tell the story of Gloomthorn's alliance with the frogs. And here—" she pointed at a section that depicted a ritual. "This is exactly what we need."
Azazel studied the carvings, hope flickering in his chest. "So we have a chance," he said. But before anyone could celebrate, the ground trembled beneath their feet, and the water in the spring rippled ominously.
"Uh, guys?" Croaksalot said, his voice shaking. "Is it supposed to do that?"
---
The group exchanged uneasy glances. Croaksalot, trying to lighten the mood, puffed out his chest and said, "Well, lucky for you, I'm an expert on ancient frog rituals!" He struck what he must have thought was a heroic pose.
Kaela raised an eyebrow. "Really?" she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "An expert, huh?"
"Of course!" Croaksalot insisted, hopping onto a nearby rock. "I've read at least… well, one book on the subject. Probably."
But before he could continue, his foot slipped, and he let out a loud "Ribbit!" as he tumbled into the glowing spring. Water splashed everywhere, drenching Azazel and Kaela.
Kaela burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. Even Azazel, who was usually so serious, couldn't help but chuckle. Shadow let out a soft purr of amusement, his tail flicking with mirth.
Croaksalot resurfaced, sputtering and flailing. "That was... totally intentional!" he declared, his face bright red. "A demonstration of… frog agility!"
The laughter rippled through the group, a rare moment of levity amidst the looming danger. Even the usually somber atmosphere of the sanctuary seemed to lighten, if only for a moment.
---
But the reprieve was short-lived. The water in the spring began to swirl faster, and the carvings on the walls pulsed with an eerie light. Kaela's laughter faded, and she exchanged a worried glance with Azazel.
"We're running out of time," she said, her voice hushed. "Gloomthorn's power is growing."
Azazel's jaw tightened. "Then we'd better prepare for this ritual," he said. "And hope we're not too late."
Grand Croak had followed them to the sanctuary, his old eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear. "Do you really think you can stop him?" he asked, his voice wavering.
Azazel met the elder's gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "We have to," he said. "For Ribbiton, and for everyone who's counting on us."
Croaksalot, still dripping wet, hopped up beside Azazel. "Well, you've got my support!" he declared, puffing out his chest again. "Even if I'm a little… soggy."
Azazel cracked a small smile. "Glad to have you on board, Croaksalot," he said.
Kaela rolled her eyes playfully. "Let's just hope your agility improves before the ritual."
Croaksalot grinned sheepishly. "Hey, a frog can dream, right?"
Shadow let out a low rumble, his golden eyes flickering with warning. Azazel took a deep breath. The laughter and jokes had given them a brief respite, but the gravity of their task weighed heavily on his mind.
"All right," he said, his voice steady. "Let's get to work. Ribbiton is depending on us."
Croaksalot puffed out his chest one last time. "And with me on the team, what could possibly go wrong?"
Kaela shot him a look. "Don't jinx it, Croaksalot."
The frog gulped. "Right. Good point. Let's… just be careful."
And with that, the group turned their attention to the carvings, their laughter fading as the seriousness of their mission settled in once more. But even as the shadows closed in around them, Azazel felt a spark of hope.
They had a plan. Now, they just had to see it through.