It was a beautiful summer day outside. The sun is shining, its rays barely making their way through the dense foliage. The wind blows almost imperceptibly. There was an atmosphere of complete serenity and peace. The day was perfect for having fun, preferably with a group of friends. Go to the river for a swim, play soccer with friends, hide-and-seek, catch-up, or even go on a picnic.
And Cheerful Critters were going to have a big enchanting picnic on a high hill in their valley. Anouki Brightsun the jackal planned a hike, found a place to have fun, Rosie Lambcare the Sheep prepared everything necessary if someone get injured, Wolfie Wolfpunch packed some things for games, the rest gathered their favorite things and some food.
However, one of the critters did not share the idea of going on a picnic. NaughtyCoon. Despite his eternal perky mood and his constant desire to make pranks, he was not in the mood at all today.
- Ehhh... why so boring and dreary? - The raccoon thought to himself, leaning his head against the oak tree under which he was lying.
He covered his legs with his tail and put his paws behind his head, it was so calm that he might have fallen asleep. If his friends hadn't walked past that oak tree on the path at that moment. They were already fully assembled, some with backpacks, some with baskets, heading for their faithful leader Anouki. Walking along the trail, Rosie noticed a bored raccoon under a tree. He looked sleepy, and even when they showed up, he didn't even flinch. He continued lying down. While the others were busy talking, she decided to come over and invite a friend.
- Hi, NaughtyCoon! – she turned to him - we're going on a picnic. Don't you want to come with us? I can see you are...kind of bored.
The raccoon lifted his left eyelid and fixed his gaze on the sheep that was smiling at him affably.
- Mgh... - he mumbled under his breath, scratched the fur on his neck and rolling his eyes indifferently replied - nah, i'm pass…
Rosie, slightly embarrassed, squinted away from the tree, put her finger to her mouth, thought about something, and decided not to bother her friend with questions. Instead, she hurried after her friends, who had already moved a good distance away while the sheep was talking to Naughtycoon. After catching up and catching up with Rebby Rokerbun, she thought again about the strange behavior of Naughtycoon after a couple of minutes.
- He's kind of weird today... - she said to the bunny walking next to her.
- Huh!? – in disbelief, she lifted her left side of headphones as well as the eyelid of her left eye, looking at her companion next to her.
She did not hear what Rosie said, but only caught some kind of hollow babble through the music that was almost screaming into her headphones. Rosie looked down at her feet a little tensely, slightly condemning Rebby for her indifference, but looking at her again, she repeated to her what she had in mind before.
- I'm talking about Naughtycoon...He's weird today -
- And what's weird about him? - asked the companion, raising her right paw - I would say he's just calm today, but not weird in any way.
- This ''calmness'' is that gets out of everyday life - said the sheep, raising her hoof - usualy, he can't sit still. But now he's sitting there, even darker than a rain cloud. Besides, would he turn down the potential for fun?
- I wouldn't say that a picnic is fun - said Snowy, walking behind the couple - I mean, it's fun, but he prefers other fun...i guess…
- Uh-huh - Wolfie replied peevishly, leading the way - When HE's the only ONE who's having fun.
- Come on, don't get mad at him like that - Rosie turned to that wolf as she drew level.
- What else should I do!? - she was indignant, stopping and turning to the sheep - He smeared my gloves with paint, I couldn't wash them for a week!
- But anyway, he's not doing it out of spite, is he? - Corey replied in her calm voice, as always - He's just pranks a bit, that's all.
- He should know the extent of his pranks, because he literally spoils our things, - continued Wolfie, baring her teeth - and the fact that he is sitting under a tree, "calm", is just a gift from fate to us. Enjoy a moment of silence, before he decides to create new problems.
- You're too rude to him - Corey put in, looking accusingly at Wolfie - He's not offend anyone, he's just being naughty, that's all.
- Maybe he doesn't offend you - Wolfie said grumpily, hovering over the fox, still baring her fangs - but he offends me that he so vulgarly ruined my things!
- Gang, calm down! - Anouki announced, standing a meter away from the group that had fallen behind due to the discussion - Yes, Naughtycoon caused a lot of trouble. Yes, sometimes his antics lead to a real disaster. But he's still our friend. We can't leave him alone, because of what he's like.
- Aha, tell me that "the family is not without a freak," either - Wolfie muttered, crossing her paws over her chest, staring away from the leader.
- Wolfie! - Corey raised her voice to that one.
- What? - she snapped with displeasure, raising an eyebrow - I'm telling the truth!
- We also have our drawbacks too - Anouki raised her finger again - and yet we get along no matter what. We accept each other for who we are. And he should be accepted for who he is. And then judging someone behind their back is a rotten thing to do. Let's move on.
Adjusting the backpack on his back, tugging on its straps, Anouki turned around and walked along the path.
- Mghhh... - Wolfie mumbled, frowning, and continued to follow the jackal.
Everyone looked at each other, adjusted their backpacks in the same way and continued to follow.
- Still, what's wrong with him...? - Rosie continued to think to herself - is he ill by any chance…?
Mmm no, if he was ill, he would have made it clear..."
When they reached the picnic area, the animals laid out a blanket, put their backpacks and baskets of food on it, and after a minute, Wolfie took out a ball and offered to play. My friends honestly supported the idea and immediately joined the game.
Putting Rebby on the gate was such an idea, while the guys were running, she hummed notes to herself, almost every minute she wrote down one note or another in her notebook that she kept next to her.
But even when she was asked to put off writing music and return to football, it didn't get any better, she managed to concede three goals, no matter how hard she tried.
Sometimes she was distracted, sometimes she reacted late, or even got a ball right in her chest.
Rosie advised her to sit on a blanket and rest for now. Very upset, she, on the advice of a friend, went to the "bench" while the others continued to frolic. Except Snowy. He noticed how upset Rebby was and decided to support her.
- Ugh, I can't believe I missed the ball again - she complained in a low tone, approaching the blanket, and sitting down next to her backpack.
- Don't worry, Rebby – snow leopard began to comfort her - I'm sure you'll succeed someday.
- Hmmm...I hope so - she said in a sinking voice, then exhaling sharply, she tried to change the subject - Okay, if there's anything that can distract me from failure, it's good music.
She reached out, but the headphones she'd left behind weren't there. Rebby looked in disbelief at the place where they should have been lying, and to her dismay they were no longer there.
- Wait a sec, where are my headphones? - at first she said perplexedly, and then exclaimed excitedly and in frustration - Where did my headphones go?! I leaved them next to my backpack, right here!
- Are you sure you didn't put them somewhere else? - Snowy scratched his head in dismay, addressing his friend.
- No! - she said confidently and resentfully - They were definitely lying here, I turned them off and put right here, I remember it exactly!
Rebby began to look and search all over the plaid for her favorite headphones. Her paws were trembling, as were her lips and ears. Sweat began to flow, and my heart began to pound with an agitated rhythm.
- Oh...Maybe someone else saw them? - not knowing what else to say, Snowy suggested and immediately turned around and shouted - Guys! Guys!
- What's the matter? - the sheep replied.
- My headphones! - Rebby immediately screamed to the whole neighborhood - They're gone!
- Gone? - Wolfie asked, not understanding – you mean...you put them down and they disappeared?
- That's what I meant by ''GONE''! - Rebby replied, still agitated and upset, barely standing still - They seemed to have evaporated. They were here, and when I came back, they were gone!
- Are you sure you didn't put them somewhere else? - Corey asked the rabbit in the same calm, low voice.
- Look at our plaid and remember the size of my headphones - bunny said in annoyance, pointing at the plaid with both paws - Even if I offered them and forgot, they would catch my eye. Obviously.
- Well, can't argue - agreed the fox.
- Let's just search for them - Anouki suggested, addressing everyone - Maybe they just fell somewhere?
Everyone went around the neighborhood. Someone began to inspect the plaid, someone a tree growing on a hill, and the rest in the bushes. But Rebby's expensive headphones were nowhere to be found. They really seemed to have disappeared through the ground. Gathering back at the rug, it became obvious that the missing item had not been found.
- Did anyone found them? - Jackal asked, addressing the whole group.
Rebby looked at each of her friends in turn, hoping to hear that the headphones had been found. But everyone shook their heads negatively.
- Ohhhh, great, just great! - Rebby wailed in annoyance, clutching her ears - Not only did I lose in our game, but my headphones were gone!
But suddenly she abruptly raised her eyebrows and stared into the void, before anyone could ask what was wrong with her, she put her paw to her chin and spoke warily.
- Or maybe someone stole them...
Immediately, her gaze became suspicious, starting to dart from side to side.
- Oh, Rebby, who's going to steal them at all huh he-he? - replied Anouki, laughing affectedly as he approached the bunny – everyone here is friends.
- But, what if some stranger showed up here? - she did not let up, looking incredulously at the leader of the group.
- Who can be a stranger here? - Anuoki persistently noticed, raising his paws - to the nearest mile of no one...
Suddenly, his words were interrupted by a ringing chatter. Everyone pricked up their ears and looked down the hill towards the voices. Not far away, they noticed another group of colorful critters that were also having a picnic in the fresh air.
Three were sitting on a rug, the other two were standing by the bushes, and the last one was standing at an easel.
- Well, they for example! - She immediately pointed at the strangers, and said to Rebby - I haven't seen them here before. A hundred pounds – they are strangers.
- Rebby, wait a minute, don't jump to conclusions so fast - Anuoki shielded her by placing his palm in front of her - First we should go down and talk.
- Let's go and talk right now! - Bunny barked aggressively,
*Whoosh!* She sped off down the hill at full speed, leaving not even a dust in her wake. Anouki ran a paw over his face tensely.
- Ouh…Snowy, get the others together - he said to the leopard - I feel like she's going to get into trouble without us.
He nodded and turned to his friends. Rebby was rushing towards the picnic area of those unfamiliar animals. A little closer, it became clear that there were red bears, a blue elephant, and a red puppy sitting on the blanket. A chicken and a green bunny are playing badminton. And the easel has a unicorn with a blue mane.
But as it turned out, there was someone else. The purple cat that was dozing in the shade of the umbrella.
Rebby stopped three or four meters from the plaid of the critters, put her fingers in her mouth and whistled loudly, wanting to attract their attention.
- *WISTL* Hey, you! I'm talking to you! Didn't interrupt?!
Everyone looked up from their work in unison and paid attention to her. The red bear immediately turned to her with a sweet smile.
- Oh, uh...Hello - he replied, or rather SHE replied - We haven't seen you here before.
- I haven't seen you here before as well… - Rebby said incredulously, narrowing her eyes - and that's why I came.
- Umm, excuse me - the orange doggie said, rising from the blanket – something's wrong? You look kinda...tense...
- ''Wrong'' - Rebby said angrily - oh, something is REALLY wrong! And I'm sure you even know what wrong!
- Uh-uh...Wha? - the green bunny replied perplexedly, looking at the newcomer.
- Don't play silly with me! - she said, raising her index finger - I advise you to tell it better as it is. Otherwise...!
But "otherwise what" was not announced out loud, because the bunny was immediately interrupted by a scream.
- Rebby! - it turned out to be Anouki in the company of the others.
Running up to the bunny, he immediately began to scold her.
- You ran away, without really discussing anything!
- What's there to discuss? - she replied angrily - I'm sure it's one of them. They couldn't have disappeared on their own! Considering that we turned our whole clearing upside down!
- But there is no conviction that they were stolen!
- Have...you lost something? - doggie clarified, looking at the whole group of newcomers with a slight perplexity.
- Yeah, you see… - Jackal began to explain politely and slightly nervously - our friend...
- My headphones were stolen! - before he could finish, Rebby screamed - I remember exactly that I put them on the blanket, next to my backpack! And when we came back after the ball game, they weren't there.
- They just gone - Anouki corrected him sternly – they didn't been ''stolen''.
- It didn't fix the situation, you know! - Bunny snapped back.
The jackal frowned at her.
- Oh, what a shame - sighed the upset unicorn, turning to the bunny and the jackal – I lost on important thing as well, something very-very...
- You can say that again! - Rebby interrupted - I can't live without them! These headphones mean a lot to me!
- Mgh... - mumbled Anouki, massaging his eyelids with his paw - In general, we wanted to ask if you had seen these headphones by any chance?
- Mmmm... – doggie thought, casting a brief glance at each of his friends, after which he spread his hands - I'm afraid to upset you, but no.
- Like, we've been here for probably an hour, and we haven't seen any headphones - Bunny added with a shrug.
- Why should we believe that you haven't seen them? - Rebby asked suspiciously, raising an eyebrow.
- Rebby calm down - stood in front of that Anouki - it's not polite to suspect new acquaintances. You can't know for sure that they took the headphones!
- And you can't know for sure that they're telling the truth!
Rebby shoved the jackal away from her, went over to the animals' blanket and, without saying a word, began rummaging through their baskets, scattering things.
The elephant bear and the doggie immediately recoiled, while the angry bunny tried to find his headphones in other people's things.
- Rebby!
She did not react, continuing to rummage. Realizing that there was nothing in the basket, she switched to the elephant's basket.
- Hey! These are my books! Be careful with them! - the elephant declared with displeasure when Rebby began to throw out one book after another.
- Rebby, stop it, it's not right! - Anouki jumped up to her and tried to pull her away from the basket.
But the bunny did not intend to stop. She pushed the jackal away with her paw again, and switched to piggy's basket. By starting to take out or rather throw out of it all kinds of food that was prepared.
- No-o-o-o-o! - piggy screamed, pressing her hooves to her head - my PB and J toasts! My sandwiches, I've been making them all morning!
However, Rebby was not moved by her screams, suddenly she reached the basket of the red bear, and as soon as she put her hand in, she immediately took out her headphones.
- Yeah! - victoriously and angrily she exclaimed, picking up the find - What did I say!? And you say they couldn't lie. Here's the proof, right here! So you stole them.
- Wh! No! - guiltily raising her paws, bear excitedly began to justify herself - I didn't take them, honestly!
- And you think, that I'm gonna believe you?! - putting her paws on her hips, she begin drill her with a stern look - then how do you explain that they are in your basket!?
- But it really wasn't me! - assuming an unhappy face, she whined - I do not know how I got your headphones, but I did not take them!
- Stop denying it! - Bunny barked, poking her headphones at her - you've been caught RED-handed! Literally!
- Hey just wait a minute, ''sister''! - the green bunny dropped the rackets and came up, shielded her friend from the enraged Rebby - Bobbie couldn't steal your headphones. She is the kindest and nicest of us all! She couldn't have stolen anything!
Rebby now stared with displeasure at the bunny, who began to fiercely defend her friend.
- And by the way, we also have something missing! - the green one stated seriously – turned everything upside down, while were looking for it.
Suddenly, her gaze fell on the leopard that was standing behind the jackal.
- Hmm, by the way, what is this?! - She said, pointing at his paw.
Leopard looked in dismay at the paw in which he still held the brushes. And having shown them, he answered naturally
- Uh...Brushes? -
Upon hearing the word "brushes", the unicorn immediately looked at the leopard and clapped her hooves and sighed sharply with eyes full of surprise.
- These are my brushes! They're missing from my drawing kit! I've been searching them all day.
The leopard shuddered excitedly, one of his eyes twitched, his legs buckled, his ears drooped, and his forehead was quickly covered with sweat. He began to glance at each of his friends, suddenly feeling defenseless.
- Maybe we didn't steal your headphones - the green bunny spoke with increasing tension, pointing at Rebby with her finger - but YOU planted them! Meanwhile, HE stole the Crafty's brushes!
- Wh! No! - Snowy immediately responded in an excited voice, starting to wave his paws - I found them in our clearing, but I didn't take them! I swear by my paws!
- Yeah, that's how you stole them! - putting her paws on her hips, the bunny confidently declared, boring into the leopard with a disapproving look.
Snowy immediately cringed, the accusation of something he hadn't done far more painful than any knife stab. And most importantly, the soul began to rush, to freeze as if in the cold. He swallowed hard.
- You're shifting the topic to some kind of brushes! - Rebby sounded displeased, standing up for her friend - although you're protecting your friend for stealing my headphones!
- She didn't touch your headphones! - standing on tiptoe and clenching her fists, bunny declared, towering over the arguer - But your friend clearly stole the Crafty's brushes!
- That's not true! - Rebby replied, also standing up and clenching her fists as she caught up with her.
- Hoppy, Guys, calm down! - the doggie immediately called out, approaching the two bunnies and raising his paws - they are right.
- Yes, stop quarreling already - Anouki sternly addressed them, standing next to the doggie - They are also right.
- Dogday! - bunny turned to the dog with perplexity.
- Anouki! – Rebby glared at him with displeasure.
- Do you believe them?! - they suddenly said synchronously pointing at each other.
Immediately, their ears pricked up when they realized that she had said it in one voice, and a second later they were staring at each other again, baring their teeth.
- I think it's just a misunderstanding - Dogday replied, trying to keep his voice calm.
- Agree - Anouki said confidently - but there is clearly something hidden behind this misunderstanding.
- It's obvious – Hoppy turned an irritated glance at the jackal – they decided to denigrate us!
- Look at yourself! - Rebby replied, pointing at her with her finger - You're making good-natured Snowy look like a thief while your friend has my headphones!
- Who would say that! - Hoppy grinned, turning back to yellow – you attacked Bobby herself, and she didn't steal anything!"
Wolfie rolled her eyes, let out a muffled, irritated sigh, then stomped over to both arguing bunnies, put her paws on their shoulders, and in one motion pulled them apart, moving them at arm's length from each other.
- Time out girls! – she said - your endless yelling is already boring! You'll still fight over nonsense. We found headphones - great! The brushes have been returned - super! Calm down and shake your paws at last.
- No way! – Rebby was indignant, throwing off the wolf's paw from her shoulder - until I get an apology, I will not give up!
- And what are we supposed to apologize for?! – Hoppy was also outraged, jerking towards her – because you drop your headphones and stole our brushes!?
- You probably planted those brushes yourself! - Rebby poked at her again, putting her paw on her hip.
- Please calm down – Corey turned to them, trying to try them on – if anger gets the better of you, they will destroy you.
But they didn't listen to her at all, continuing to scream.
While the two bunnies continued to swear, their loud shouts managed to wake up the Catnap sleeping under the umbrella. He lifted his eyelids and saw how Hoppy and a bunny unknown to him were shouting at each other standing side by side, ready to beat each other. And as soon as Dogday and the blue Jackal approached both of them, it became clear that the matter was taking a serious turn. Humming to himself, he got up on his paws and came closer to those. As far as he could figure out, two earwigs had a fight over headphones in the hand of an unknown bunny and brushes.
- Dogday - the cat said softly, coming up and taking the dog by the shoulder - ...Calm them down?
Instantly, black dots appeared in Catnap's white pupils, and his mouth stretched into an unnaturally wide smile, which made his face look sinister and creepy. Thick red smoke came out of his mouth with a low growl. Without waiting for his friend's answer, he had already turned to the uninvited guests and took a step forward in order to make them sleep, but a dog standing next to him, startled, immediately stopped him, taking him by the shoulders, not allowing him to go to them.
- No, don't do that, Catnap! I'm sure everything can be solved...peacefully.
Catnap turned his still wild gaze to his friend in front of him, then to the quarreling animals, and sighing, he closed his eyes, the smoke stopped coming out of his mouth. Lifting his eyelids, his eyes were already calm.
Dagday exhaled with relief, released his friend, and turned around, loudly clearing his throat, addressed all the animals.
- *Cough-cough*! Listen up! I won't deny that we've lost our tassels, but you've lost your headphones. And both sides claim that they didn't steal anything. What does this mean?
- It means that they are lying! - Hoppy said without hesitation, pointing at the yellow rabbit.
- You're lying and you're not even blushing! - She said, pointing at Hoppy herself.
- Stand down! - Anouki ordered loudly - It's possible that someone just brazenly threw these stolen items at us to push us off.
- This is just speculation - Hoppy stated with displeasure, crossing her paws over her chest, looking at the jackal.
- But they are not devoid of meaning - Bubba supported him, looking at the bunny - It's very possible that someone just decided to quarrel with us and made all this noise.
- And how are we going to check it? - Wolfie asked, shrugging her shoulders and looking a little tense.
- It's simple! - without a doubt, Ricky said, stepping forward, taking a detective's hat from his bosom and immediately putting it on his head - we will conduct an investigation. First, you need to collect witness statements, check crime scenes, collect evidence, and ONLY THEN build theories and accuse someone.
Finally, he took out a magnifying glass from his bosom, turned it over in his fingers and held it up to his left eye.
- It sounds reasonable - said Bubba - I suggest we start with our clearing, since we are all here.
- In that case, let me question the victim - Ricky stuck a magnifying glass in his ear, rushed to the unicorn, taking out a notebook with a pen - When did you notice the missing brushes?
He turned to her, already ready to write down her words.
- Um... well - she said in response, slightly confused - it happened few minutes ago I guess.
- That's when my headphones disappeared! – Rebby rudely interrupted her with a loud exclamation.
- Rebby - Ricky said sternly.
She had to be silent, crossing her paws on her chest. Frowning, she squinted at the grass under her feet while her ears drooped. Ricky, in turn, cleared his throat and continued to take statements.
- So half few minutes ago - Ricky wrote it down in his notebook - and how did you realize that the brushes were missing?
- I reached for them in my briefcase - raising my hoof, I continued to interpret Crafty - and realized that they were not there!
- Where's the briefcase? - Ricky asked, raising an eyebrow and waving a paw with a pen.
- Over there - Crafty said, slightly agitated, pointing to the suitcase that lay open next to her easel.
Ricky went to the easel, crouched down in front of the box, and began to examine it through a magnifying glass, as well as everything that was around him.
- Hmm, hmm...Hmm, hmm, hmm...- he mumbled to himself, examining and pondering something
- Can you stop that fake "hmm-hmm" and get to the point? - Hoppy put her hands on her hips and muttered to the supposed detective.
- I would like ask witnesses not to interfere - the mouse said sternly, pointing at Hoppy with a magnifying glass, calling her to silence.
She had to roll her eyes a little resentfully and fall silent. Ricky continued to examine, but not the suitcase, but the grass around it. Because there was something wrong with her, namely.
- The grass is flattened around the suitcase... - he said, feeling the rumpled grass with his paw-wing = these footprints come from the side...Those trees over there.
Pointing to the nearby trees beyond which the forest begins, Ricky got to his feet, took out a magnifying glass and, looking through it at the tracks, followed them to the trees. The animals exchanged glances and followed the detective. After walking along the path for a minute, to Ricky's surprise, in addition to the simple traces of trampled grass, some large splashes and blots of something red appeared. Noticing the find, everyone froze.
- G-g-guys... is that... - Hoppy said excitedly in confusion - ... is that blood?!
- B-b-blood? - Crafty excitedly pressed her hooves to her cheeks.
- Wait… - Ricky said warily, shielding the critters - it doesn't look like blood... it smells like... paint.
He approached the red spots, drew attention to the bushes, and, crouching on tiptoe, walked through the spray paint to the bushes. There was a rustle behind them, and the twirls of the bushes twitched. Everyone held their breaths warily.
- And here's the evidence – Ricky's voice rang out, and then he appeared holding something in his hand - a half-empty jar of paint.
There was indeed an open glass jar of red paint in his hand, in which two strokes of this very paint remained.
- Oh! That's my jar of paint! I didn't even notice how red was missing from me... - Crafty sighed in surprise, then exhaled in frustration and said - ohhh, now I'll have to look for more red again.…
– Hmm-mm-hmm...whoever stole the brushes must have also taken the paint with him, but apparently dropped it... - Ricky said thoughtfully - Interesting...
- Look at this! There are paw-prints in the trees! – said Bubba, pointing to the tree trunks - apparently the thief got dirty.
- Well, that's it! – Hoppy said, pointing to the tracks and looking at the leopard - now let's check if YOU stole the brushes or not! Put your paw in!
- But there are no paint spots on me - Snowy spread his hands, curling his eyebrows, showing that there was not a single red spot on him.
- There are no spots on you right now - Hoppy said incredulously, putting her hands on her hips again - maybe you WASHED it OFF!
- Snowy, just put your paw on the print - Ricky calmly admonished him.
Snowy frowned in annoyance, squinting at his feet, then straightened up, walked to the tree, and put his paw next to the print. It turned out that his paw was two or three times the size of the thief's paw.
- hm...No - Hoppy said in surprise - his paw is much bigger than a thief's paw.
- I told you - Rebby said softly, glancing at Hoppy.
- Well, there's one less suspect – Ricky wrote in his notebook.
He sighed with relief and ran his paw over his forehead.
- I've been thinking - Dogday said thoughtfully, scratching his head with his paw - since there are paw prints here...Maybe the thief left them somewhere else?
- Now the paint is dry... - Ricky noticed, rubbing his chin – victim, how long does this paint dry?
- Well...- thought Crafty - it dries for... ten to fifteen minutes…
- Then let's check out our clearing! - Snowy immediately suggested - maybe the same thief left paw prints there too!
They immediately ran as fast as they could to the hill where they were having their picnic, the smiling critters followed them. They dispersed on the spot and began to explore the area. Trying to find red marks or spots. However, to their annoyance and disappointment, there were no red spots on the spot. And if there were, they would have noticed them after the game.
- Mgh, it's unfortunate, but apparently the paint on the thief himself had time to dry - Ricky said under his breath.
- Wait a minute…What's this? - Anouki drew everyone's attention to the trampled grass.
As it turned out, there were the same paw prints as near the blanket of Smiling critters, only they were not so noticeable, as if someone was sneaking around.
- There were no such paw prints... – Corey noticed, looking at the find - they are going to our plaid.
- They must have appeared after we went to play - Rosie said thoughtfully.
- Guys! – Snow called everyone standing by the bushes – look!
He held the branches of the bushes, pushing them apart as much as possible. There was a piece of wool lying on the grass between the roots. Apparently left by the thief at the time of his act of theft. Tricky picked up a piece of paper with interest.
- Wool... interesting – Ricky said, stroking his chin with his wing.
- Great! - Rebby suddenly declared to Hoppy - it's time for your friend to prove her innocence.
- No need - Ricky suddenly replied.
- Why!? - Rebby was indignant.
- Because this wool is dark blue - Ricky replied, showing off his find - definitely not red.
- It turns out - Dogday summed up thoughtfully - that Bobby wasn't the one who stole headphones...and brushes wasn't stolen by…
He looked at the leopard in a stupor.
- Snowy - he replied.
- Snowy, yes - Dogday repeated - but then who did it?
Ricky put his hand to his chin, stared at the sky and thought for a long time.
- Hmmmmmm...
- Tell me what's your habit of mumbling for so long – Bubba turned to him.
- It helps me think - the bat replied, and then cleared its throat loudly - so, the investigation concluded that the paw prints marks did NOT belong to Snowy, and fur did NOT belongs to…
He looked at Bobby.
- Bobby - she replied, recalling her name.
- Fur not belongs to Bobby as well - Ricky continued, - so there's someone among us who stole things and pushed us...Could someone have quietly sneaked up on both sides and swiped things while we were distracted? Has anyone heard anything?
- I don't think so - Rabby replied - we all went out to play ball before we saw that my headphones were missing.
- And my brushes were gone when we sat down to have a snack - Crafty added.
- Speaking of snacks - Pickie suddenly said - I'm hungry. Do you have any meal?
- Of course! – Rosie replied pleasantly - I have prepared something to eat with me.
Rosie went to her backpack, opened it, and suddenly saw a terrible mess. All the things were piled up, lying somehow, as if someone had brazenly thrown everything away and hastily stuffed it back in. Perplexed, Rosie began to take out her things. A thermos, a couple of boxes of tea and biscuits, a first-aid kit, and suddenly.
- What? – she examined the first–aid kit and realized that - there a paint! There's red paint on the lid of my first-aid kit!
Everyone immediately crowded around the sheep that was looking at the paint stains.
- So the thief left a trace after all – Ricky noticed, holding his notebook at the ready.
- Rosie, check if you have anything missing - Anouki suggested.
Rosie excitedly opened the first-aid kit, all the medicines, and the medical supplies lay as if the first-aid kit had been dropped. After going through everything in it, Rosie was convinced that something was missing.
- Only the peroxide is gone - she replied.
- Peroxide? - Bubba wondered - What if the thief stole the peroxide to wipe the paint off his paws?
- It could very well be... - Ricky replied, writing down a new fact in his notebook.
- Look at this! - Wolfie's voice suddenly rang out.
She was standing near the bushes, staring intently at something. Bending down, she took out something with a loud crunch of branches.
- What is it? - Tricky asked curiously.
Wolfie turned around and showed her a paper napkin
- A napkin. It was lying on the branches.
Ricky took the napkin from the wolf's hands, starting to examine and feel it.
- There is paint on it - Ricky said - ...it's a little wet... - after which he brought it to his nose and sniffed - it smells slightly of peroxide!
- So the thief could have run away in that direction! - Dogday suggested, pointing towards the bushes.
- It's not a fact – Anuoki replied, thinking, - What if the napkin was just thrown? Did the thief escape in another direction?
- Wait a minute... - Ricky pressed the napkin to his nose again and began to sniff it intensely - ...this napkin smells not only of peroxide...I smell something else...Is there anyone here with an absolute nose?
Everyone looked at each other. Dogday raised his hand and replied
- Me…
- I'm going to ask you, sir, to smell this napkin and tell me what YOU smell - Ricky said to him, handing him a napkin.
Dogday picked up a napkin and brought it close to his nose, sniffing.
- *sniff-sniff*...I can smell the almost dry peroxide - replied Dogday - ...a little paint... and...stop!...*sniff-sniff*...something...something sweet. The smell is distinct.
Dogday took a few more breaths, trying to catch the scent.
- ...Looks like... peppermint candies? – He replied.
"Something tells me that I know who this thief is...» - Anouki thought excitedly – but I want to believe, that I'm wrong''
Suddenly, there was a rustle in the bushes nearby, which attracted the attention of Сatnap. He turned around and saw that the bushes were clearly shaking.
- Eh...guys? – He turned to everyone - There's someone rustling in the bushes.
- Where!? – everyone exclaimed in one voice, paying attention to him.
He pointed to the bushes where the loud rustling was coming from.
- Wait – Dogday stepped forward, starting to sniff - *sniff-sniff * the same smell, Very strong! It comes from the bushes.
- Maybe it's him - Ricky said softly and cautiously - Just be quiet.
He put his finger to his mouth and hissed. They began to slowly creep towards the bushes, trying not to make a sound. It seemed like they were about to catch the one who was hiding in the bushes. But suddenly someone just jumped out of the bushes and started running away from the hill.
- It's definitely a thief! - Rebby screamed.
- Don't let him get away! - Ricky cried out.
The whole crowd rushed after the fleeing unknown man, who was trying by hook or by crook to escape from his pursuers. He headed into the nearby growing forest. Right through the dense trees to get lost. The little animals were trying not to miss the stranger, who had already broken away, running out into a clearing surrounded by thickets, and was more than sure that they had already lost him. Suddenly, Catnap suddenly appeared in front of him. The stranger stopped right there, shuddering with fear. The cat took a deep breath and released red smoke from its mouth, which began to envelop the stranger. He felt drowsy and collapsed on the grass, starting to sniff loudly.
By this time, the critters had reached the clearing where Catnap and presumably the thief were already. They all had one simple question.
''Who is it! Did you catch him? Who do you catch?''
Everyone exclaimed, crowding in and wanting to see who they were chasing.
But to the general surprise of the Happy animals, they saw a raccoon with dark blue fur, a patch on his cheek, and a red medallion with fire.
In disbelief, they all exclaimed in one voice – NaughtyCoon!?
- I should have guessed! - Wolfie said menacingly, grinning at the raccoon - And I said it was only a matter of time before he decides to mess around again!
- Ahhh...who is it? - Bobby asked them a question.
- This is... NaughtyCoon - replied to Anuoki with a sigh of sadness - he...well...Our friend. He likes to be naughty and disorderly.
- So it was YOUR friend after all - Hoppy scowled, putting her paws on her hips - who stole from us.
- Don't forget, sis, he stole from US, too - Rebby said to that one - For HIS OWN amusement.
- It's time to teach him a lesson! - Wolfie said menacingly, cracking her paws - Stop pretending, you won't escape punishment!
However, he did not react to this in any way, continuing to lie on the grass with his nose in the ground like a doll.
- Hey! Don't you hear me?! - Wolfie bent down and shouted almost in his ear.
There was only a strange muffled sound in response to her. It sounded like snuffling and snoring. Wolfie was confused and angry at the same time. Did he just decide to pretend to be asleep so as not to be responsible for his actions?
- Uh... hey! Hey, what kind of fools are you taking us for? – crouching down in front of him, she aggressively grabbed him by the shoulders and turned his muzzle towards her – stop fooling around!
But he wasn't fooling around at all. He was really asleep. So hard that saliva flowed out of his mouth, and after being shaken by Wolfie, he didn't even snort.
- ...Uh...him...He is not waking up… - Wolfie said in a frightened voice, shaking the raccoon again - He's not waking up, guys!
Everyone was filled with excitement and panic. They surrounded NaughtyCoon and chattered almost in one voice.
''How is he not waking up?! Are you seriously! What do you mean!?''
- What did your friend do to him? - Anouki asked the animals excitedly.
Dogday had no choice but to look at the cat, who was with a Note until they all got here.
- Catnap?
In response, Catnap squinted tensely to the side, then crossed his paws on his chest and haughtily replied
- I just put him to sleep. Don't worry, he'll come to his senses in an hour.
This news, of course, did not brighten up the current situation, but at least now it is clear what is wrong with him.
- Mghhh...I'd like to beat him up now - Wolfie muttered softly, releasing the raccoon's shoulders - but I'm afraid he won't understand why.
- Wolfie, get a grip on yourself...- Anouki said, taking his friend by the shoulder - first we should move him back. And figure it out.
- We are...we can help you - Dogday offered uncertainly, scratching his head - if…You're not offended.
- Of course we're not offended – Anouki replied calmly - and yeah, I'm sorry for that...we are brazenly accused you of stealing…
- He-he...It's okay - Dogday replied with a good–natured smile - and you forgive as as well ...That we were also accused you…
They shook hands with each other as a sign of application. Ricky unwrapped the magnifying glass in his hand and proudly announced
- Sherlock Ricky has solved the most complicated case yet again!
Immediately, a muffled chuckle that belonged to Kickin rang out from behind him.
- It sounded like a cringe - he said.
- Hey!? – Ricky was indignant, throwing an indignant look at the chicken.
Taking the raccoon by the arms and legs, the smiling and cheerful critters dragged him to the place where the Smiling ones laid out their picnic things. They laid him on a blanket and waited for the bastard to wake up from the dream that had overtaken him. Less than half an hour later, the sun did not have time to hang over the horizon, as the raccoon finally opened his sleepy eyes. He sat up and yawned loudly and long.
- What...Why... what's going on…? – he said in a half-asleep state.
- *Cough-cough* - an angry cough sounded in his ear.
NaughtyCoon shook off his head, throwing off drowsiness, looked up, and met the gaze of Anouki, the faces of his other disgruntled friends who looked at him with disapproval, and the faces of the slightly perplexed animals nearby.
- Oh, guys...How was your picnic? – forcing an innocent tone out of himself, he turned to his friends. - You...found...New friends?
- Don't you want to tell us anything? - Anouki frowned at him, crossing his paws over his chest.
– Ah... what should I tell you? - NaughtyCoon asked perplexedly, or rather pretending that he did not understand what was being said.
– Well, for example… – Rebby replied arrogantly, pretending to think - how brazenly YOU took my headphones and threw them to this cute bear!
After saying that, she pointed out that Bobby.
- And then stole our brushes! - Hoppy stepped forward, angrily pointing at NaughtyCoon, and handed them to this cute leopard!
She pointed at Snowy accordingly.
– Hey, hey, wait a minute! - the raccoon screamed guiltily, thrusting his paws forward - you misunderstood everything!
- And how were we supposed to understand this!? - furiously, Wolfie grabbed the scoundrel by his skin on his chest, baring his teeth - probably just decided to mess around again and thought you'd get away with it!
- No, it's not! – he answered fearfully, starting to kick - let me explain myself!
Everyone looked at each other, and Wolfie stared at Anouk, still glowering, waiting for his verdict. And his verdict was to let him explain himself, because he shook his head sternly at her. She had to let go of the naughty boy with a muffled exhale.
- Mgh, in general, I was bored - the raccoon began to explain - so much so that I wasn't even interested in the picnic. I wanted something more...a new acquaintance or something. So I went for a walk and saw these guys, they were having so much fun. So I thought, why not play with them and introduce you at the same time?
- And instead of just saying ''hey, guys, there are newbies in the clearing, let's get to know each other" - Wolfie replied with displeasure - you decided to push us first, and then turned it into some kind of farce with theft. It's also good that Anouki and Dogday have subdued us, but Ricky came out at you like that.
- But if you wanted us to get to know each other - Dogday interjected - why didn't you suggest it?
- Well, I thought it would be boring, – the raccoon replied, wiping off sweat - too banal and so on. So I decided to turn it into an adventure.
– Because of your adventure, we could have a fight with these guys, you fool! - Wolfie shook her fist at Tom.
- Come on, leave him alone - Anouki said condescendingly.
- Besides, I liked the way we searched for him - Dogday said with a smile - Each of us invested in the search.
- Actually, it was really exciting! - Hoppy replied with a cheeky smile, putting her hands on her hips – it's like I'm in a detective movie...
- So it didn't turn out so badly - Anouki summed up.
- Well, that's it - said NaughtyCoon with a slightly nervous smile, hoping that the conflict was settled.
- Wait… - Rosie suddenly said - where's my peroxide?
- Oh, yeah... - awkwardly, NaughtyCoon began to rub his left paw - …I got all smeared in this paint, so I had to pour it all out...
- So now you owe me a new bottle of peroxide - Rosie said unhappily, turning away from him and crossing her hooves over her chest.
- And get ME a new jar of red paint - Crafty added, also turning away and crossing her hooves.
- he-he…he…he…. - NaughtyCoon had no choice but to whine softly and feebly, twisting a semblance of a smile as he looked at the girls' backs.
Things did not turn out the way he had hoped. I shouldn't have stolen the paint and then wiped my paws with peroxide. And now he's going to have to get new peroxide and paint from somewhere. Because the girls will definitely not forget this to him until he returns it.
- In the meantime, I suggest we have a picnic together - Dogday happily suggested - in honor of getting to know each other.
- I should have had some PB toasts left! - exclaimed Pickie joyfully – will be enough for everyone!
Everyone was all for it. The happy animals went to their hill, collected their belongings, backpacks and carpet, and brought them to the blanket of smiling animals, where they shared a picnic for both companies. They shared the food they had brought, played ball together, and played badminton, which Hoppy had with him. And they even got to know each other better. And they realized that they weren't really that different, on the contrary, they even understood each other almost word for word.
Against this background, Rebby realized that she had behaved badly to Hoppy when she yelled at her while she was trying to stand up for her friend. After all, isn't that what friends should do – support their own if someone accuses them. So now that they were friends, she decided to apologize to both of them. Approaching them, she awkwardly rubbed her neck and addressed them.
- Listen Hoppy...I'm sorry for yelling at you...And yours...friend, too... – blushing slightly with shame, she said, - I was too fixated on the idea that someone stole the headphones. And Bobby…I'm sorry…I didn't behave very nicely.
She awkwardly began to rub her hand, afraid to look at her friends. Hobby glanced briefly at Bobby, who was sitting next to her. She gave her a curt nod.
- Mgh, I'm sorry too - Hoppy replied, rising from the blanket - that I shouted back and was rude to you and your friend.
- Of course, I wish we could have met under normal circumstances, – Rebby added, looking shyly at her feet, - ... but...What's done is done.
- Well, at least such an acquaintance will not be forgotten – Hoppy smiled at her – this happens only once.
– Oo-o-o-ooh let's hug together! - Bobby declared loudly, standing up with open arms.
Before the bunnies knew it, she immediately hugged both of them tightly, so much so that it became difficult for them to breathe for a moment. But despite this, her hug was very gentle, albeit a little tight.
- Gah! Bobby! Pinched it...Loosen your grip, there's nothing to breathe...! - groaned Hoppy.
When she finished hugging them, she let them go with an awkward laugh, and they decided to hug her as tightly as they could.
Anuoki and Dogday watched as their groups spent time together like old friends, as if they had known each other for several years.
- Well, it was fun - Dogday said - I hope we can meet again and have the same time.
- I'll be glad of that - the jackal replied with a smile - after all, we're friends now.
- I'd say they're the best ones - Dogday replied, still beaming.
- We'll have to do it again sometime! - NaughtyCoon declared loudly.
Which made absolutely everyone, both smiling and happy animals, look at him and shout disapprovingly in one voice.
- NAUGHTYCOON!
He awkwardly looked around at everyone, guiltily scratched the back of his head, feeling awkward
- ...Oh come one guys, I was just kidding...hee-hee... – He replied with a nervous laugh.
The end.