The forest was no longer fully asleep.
Soft hissing sounds moved through the darkness.
Heavy breaths of the elephants echoed around them.
No one dared to move.
Peggy held the map tightly.
Kichy Rabbit stood frozen, afraid to even breathe.
"If we walk… they will wake," Peggy whispered.
Miku looked up.
High above them, thick branches spread across the trees, connecting one to another.
A path… above the ground.
"I have an idea," Miku said softly.
Peggy looked at him. "What is it?"
"We don't go through them…" Miku said.
"We go above them."
Kichy blinked. "Above?"
Miku nodded.
"I can climb," he said. "I can carry you… one by one."
Peggy looked up at the tall trees.
It was risky.
But below… was certain danger.
She nodded slowly.
"It's our only way."
Miku smiled.
"Stay here," he said.
With one quick move, he jumped and grabbed a low branch.
In seconds, he climbed up silently, moving like the wind.
He tested the branches.
Strong.
Safe.
He looked down.
"I'll take Kichy first," he whispered.
Kichy's ears dropped. "Me?!"
Miku grinned. "Lightest one."
Kichy slowly stepped forward.
"Don't drop me…"
"I won't," Miku said.
He climbed down quietly, lifted Kichy carefully onto his back, and climbed up again.
No sound.
No shaking.
Just smooth movement.
The snakes below stayed still.
The elephants did not wake.
Miku moved across the branches and reached a safe spot ahead.
He gently placed Kichy down.
"Stay here," he said.
"I'll bring the others."
Kichy nodded, still nervous but safe.
Miku climbed back again.
Next was Peggy.
Then Chikku.
One by one… he carried them.
Each time, moving silently.
Each time, risking everything.
Below, the forest shifted.
A snake lifted its head.
An elephant moved slightly.
But they did not fully wake.
Miku didn't stop.
His arms grew tired.
His breath became heavy.
But he kept going.
Because his friends were counting on him.
Finally, he carried the last one across.
He jumped down beside them.
For a moment… no one spoke.
Then Kichy ran to him.
"You did it!" he whispered excitedly.
Peggy smiled warmly.
"You saved us, Miku."
Chikku nodded. "A true hero."
Miku scratched his head and smiled.
"I just climbed," he said.
Ahead of them, through the dark trees…
A faint light appeared.
"The temple," Peggy said softly.
They had crossed the forest.
Without waking it.
Without losing anyone.
Together.
And this time…
It was Miku who led them to safety.