The sun hung lazily in the sky, bathing the lively streets of Coco Village in a golden glow. This wasn't just any ordinary island; it was a bustling paradise where people and animals lived and worked side by side. Bears sold steaming bowls of soup from cozy stalls, lions hawked shiny weapons that gleamed under the sun, and mischievous squirrels scurried about selling trinkets.
Amid the hustle and bustle, hurried footsteps grew louder, accompanied by a cheerful voice shouting, "Excuse me! Coming through!" Villagers turned to see a small blur zipping through the crowd. It was Eleo, an 8-year-old bunny kid with boundless energy and a grin as bright as the sun. His light blue shirt, featuring a cartoon bunny face, fluttered as he ran, the fluffy white trim making him look extra huggable. His pastel green overalls, dotted with tiny bunny patches, gave him an adventurous charm, while his grey sneakers—complete with little bunny ears—slapped against the cobblestones as he raced by.
Eleo's dream was to become the strongest. Why did he want to be the strongest? No one really knew. But as he dashed through the village, his determination shone brighter than the sun above.
Just as he rounded a corner, someone stepped into his path, forcing him to skid to a halt, his sneakers digging into the ground with a cloud of dust. Standing there, arms crossed, was Abby.
Abby was a striking 9-year-old fox girl with fiery red fur that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. Her sharp amber eyes gleamed with mischief and confidence. She wore a sleek black sleeveless hoodie, the hood pulled back to reveal her wild tuft of white hair. Her dark green cargo shorts had plenty of pockets, and a small belt slung across her waist carried various trinkets and tools, suggesting she was always prepared for trouble—or perhaps causing it. Around her neck hung a silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon, glinting faintly.
Abby tilted her head, her bushy tail flicking lazily behind her as she gave Eleo a teasing smirk. "In a hurry, bunny boy? Or are you just practicing for a race you'll never win?"
Eleo blinked, catching his breath. "Maybe both!" he shot back, his ears twitching as he stood his ground.
Abby sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Good grief, Eleo. Don't tell me you're thinking of leaving the village again."
Eleo's ears twitched nervously as he tried to look innocent. "What? Me? Leave? Never!"
Abby raised a skeptical brow, her arms still crossed. "Oh really? Then why are your feet shaking like jelly in the sun?"
Caught red-handed, Eleo groaned and admitted, "Fine, fine, okay! Yes, I want to leave!"
Abby threw her hands up in frustration. "Why? You've got everything you need here! No monsters, no danger, just food, fun, and peace!"
Eleo puffed out his chest, which didn't make much of a difference. "Don't worry, I'm strong!" He flexed his nonexistent muscles, his tiny arms trembling with effort.
Abby deadpanned, "Eleo, even if you know how to throw a punch, what good is that when they blast you with magic or shoot fireballs at you?"
"Hmmm…" Eleo scratched his head, then brightened. "Oh! I'll just punch their balls!"
Abby facepalmed. "Okay, but what if it's a girl?"
Eleo paused, thinking hard, then snapped his fingers. "I'll just say she's ugly!"
Abby clenched her fists, her tail bristling. "That wouldn't work."
"It worked on you!" Eleo quipped with a sly grin.
With a growl, Abby slammed her fist onto Eleo's head. "No, it didn't, jackass!"
"Owwww!" Eleo rubbed the new lump on his head, pouting. "What was that for?"
"For calling me ugly, you idiot," Abby snapped. Then, softening slightly, she asked, "Anyway, why do you want to leave so badly?"
Eleo's playful grin faded as his voice grew serious. "To fight the strongest," he said, determination shining in his eyes.
Abby frowned. "Eleo, you're not even close to their level."
"That's not all," Eleo added. "I also want to find Kuma, my master, Bojack, my older brother, and Grandpa Gou again."
Abby's expression softened. "Oh… well, that's a good reason. But don't you think you'll need a team to help you?"
"Hahaha, no way!" Eleo laughed, dismissing her concern.
"Yes, you do," Abby insisted. "You need to head to Pork Island and sign up to fight the strongest."
Eleo blinked, his nose twitching as he picked it absentmindedly. "Huh? I wasn't listening."
Abby slammed her head into his, causing another round of pained complaints from the bunny boy.
"Ow ow ow! Stop doing that!" Eleo whined, rubbing his sore head.
"I swear, I worry about you," Abby muttered.
"No need!" Eleo declared, puffing his chest again. "I'm super-duper strong, and I'll never lose!"
Abby rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile. "Yeah, sure. Let's go back to my mom's house and eat something."
Eleo's eyes lit up like fireworks. "Oh yes! I want some carrots!"
As they strolled through the lively streets of Coco Village, Abby couldn't help but glance at Eleo, her brow furrowed in curiosity. "So, Eleo… what goes on in that tiny brain of yours?"
Eleo tilted his head, visibly puzzled. "Hmm… hey, brain! What do you even do?"
Abby sighed, waving her hand dismissively. "There goes my question." She then folded her arms and gave him a side-eye. "But seriously, Eleo. Can you at least tell me why you want to become the strongest?"
Eleo suddenly stopped in his tracks, his ears drooping slightly as he fidgeted with his overalls. "Mmmmmm… I, uh… I can't tell you," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Abby raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
Eleo's cheeks flushed a bright pink, and he waved his hands in front of him as if trying to push the question away. "It's tooooooo embarrassing! Like, super embarrassing! Like… more embarrassing than peeing yourself in front of everyone!"
Abby blinked, taken aback by the odd comparison, before bursting into laughter. "Okay, okay, I get it. I won't push you. For now."
Eleo let out a relieved sigh, his blush slowly fading. Just as Abby was about to tease him further, they turned a corner, and the familiar scent of freshly baked bread and roasted vegetables wafted through the air.
"We're here," Abby said, pointing to a cozy little house nestled between two towering coconut trees. The aroma of home-cooked meals drifted from the open windows, and the gentle hum of conversation could be heard from within.
Eleo's nose twitched eagerly. "Ohhhh, I can already taste the carrots!"
Abby smirked, shaking her head as she pushed open the door. "Come on, bunny boy. Let's see if you can stuff your face without choking this time."
Eleo puffed out his chest, striding confidently inside. "Ha! I'll show you! No carrot can defeat me!"