Epic by Annie Auerbach

that either,” replied Nim.
    Now completely frustrated, M.K. said, “Just tell me what you ARE saying!”
    â€œI’m saying, who gives up everything for a world that’s not even theirs?”
    M.K. had a moment of realization. “My dad does. I have to get my dad.” She headed for the exit.
    Nim called after her, “Where do you think you’re going?”
    M.K. exclaimed, “The queen said I was here for a reason. This must be it!”
    She hopped aboard a sparrow and zoomed away under the shadow of the bats. She just hoped her plan would work.

N od and the Leafmen continuously attacked the bats, while Boggans swirled all around, their warrior cries mingling with the shrieks of the bats.
    It was apparent that the Leafmen were losing. The swarm of bats was just too massive. Other bats immediately closed every hole the Leafmen opened.
    Back inside the royal chamber, Mub stood next to the pod. Suddenly, the wilted pod began to open.
    â€œThe pod!” he exclaimed. “It’s blooming in darkness.” He looked up to watch the battle above, hoping for a miracle.
    But the bats continued to fly above Moonhaven, blocking out the moon.
    Then a new fighter rose, careening wildly through the air, bobbing and weaving. He wore a Leafman helmet and cried, “Upward, brave steed! Into the fray!”
    It was Grub!
    At the same time, Nod was continuing to fight his way through the swarm of bats, and he was in trouble: one of the Boggans was about to take out Nod. Suddenly, a surprise guest took the Boggan out for him: Bufo!
    Nod was shocked to see the shady, toadlike Jinn again. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
    â€œHey, it’s my forest, too,” replied Bufo. “Plus I have money on the Leafmen—and I hate to lose!”
    He motioned behind him, and Nod turned to see the jockeys from the bird race. They were following Bufo into battle. Nod grinned. They were all on the same side now.
    As Mandrake headed toward the pod, Nod and the racers fought back, flying circles around him, dizzying his grackle, blocking its every path.
    But a squadron of Boggans swooped down, knocking the jockeys out of the sky.
    Grub came to the rescue—accidentally—as the jockeys all landed on Grub’s flailing bird. The racers thanked Grub for saving their lives.
    â€œA Leafman finds a way!” Grub proudly answered.
    Meanwhile, trying to get closer to Mandrake, Nod leaped off his bird and onto a bat. Mandrake swung his club at him.
    â€œMissed me!” Nod said tauntingly.
    â€œI wasn’t aiming for you,” Mandrake replied.
    Nod looked down to see his bat aging quickly and horribly—shriveling, molting, and finally reduced to only bones. Nod rode the bones as they plummeted to the forest floor.
    He survived the impact, but he was a long distance away now. He looked up to see Mandrake entering Moonhaven. Nod ran as fast as he could. He had to defeat Mandrake before the pod bloomed!
    Inside his house, a shaft of moonlight hit Bomba in the eye, waking him up from where he had fainted on the floor. He sat up, bleary-eyed, and looked at the shattered collection jar, then at all his equipment, specimens, and sketches.
    â€œThey’re all right about me,” Bomba said sadly to Ozzy. “All these years, chasing things that aren’t there. I actually thought I saw my daughter, two inches tall, stuck in a bug jar. I’ve lost my mind.” Then he shook his head. “And I’m talking to a dog.”
    Ozzy barked, sneezed, and drooled in response.
    Meanwhile, out in the dark forest, M.K. flew from Moonhaven, fearless and focused. She spotted a red light. It was one of Bomba’s cameras. She flew to it, and the camera turned itself on from her movement.
    â€œDad! Hey! Dad! I need your help!” she yelled, waving her arms.
    But then the light on the camera went out.
    M.K. wasn’t sure what happened, so she spurred the bird on and