Morning Announcements

Ms Crayon Rabbit stood at the window of Crayon Rabbit Tower, watching Canvas Carrot City wake up below. Her brown hair caught the morning light as she adjusted her blue mask. The giant magic crayon in her hand hummed softly.

"Another peaceful day," she said, stretching her arms.

A knock echoed through the tower. Ms Crayon Rabbit flew down the spiral staircase, her blue and black supersuit flowing behind her. She opened the heavy door to find Mayor Brushstroke, a tall human with gray hair and paint-stained fingers.

"Ms Crayon Rabbit, we need your help," he said, holding up a bright orange poster. "The Great Canvas Contest starts tomorrow, but something strange is happening."

She tilted her head. "Strange how?"

"Contestants are acting... different. Secretive. Some refuse to show their practice work." His worried eyes met hers. "The city's biggest art competition shouldn't feel this tense."

Ms Crayon Rabbit gripped her magic crayon tighter. "Tell me everything."

Shadows and Whispers

Mayor Brushstroke led Ms Crayon Rabbit through the busy streets of Canvas Carrot City. Paint shops lined the sidewalks, their windows filled with brushes and canvases. A smart woman with short hair hurried past them, clutching a stack of sketches to her chest.

"The contest registration is at Palette Plaza," the mayor explained as they walked. "But I want you to see something first."

They stopped outside Watercolor Café, where a small crowd had gathered. Through the window, Ms Crayon Rabbit watched a koala artist named Eucalyptus frantically painting over his canvas with thick black paint.

"That's the third artist today who destroyed their work," Mayor Brushstroke whispered. "Something is making them panic."

Suddenly, Eucalyptus burst through the café door. "They're watching everything!" he shouted, his gray fur bristling. "The shadows have eyes!"

The crowd murmured nervously. Ms Crayon Rabbit stepped forward, her magic crayon glowing softly. "Who's watching, Eucalyptus?"

The koala's dark eyes darted around wildly. "The Smudge Society. They said anyone who doesn't join them will never win." He dropped his paint-covered paws. "But their methods... they're not right."

Ms Crayon Rabbit exchanged glances with Mayor Brushstroke. The contest was in danger.