Morning Preparations

Artist Buck stretched his antlers as morning sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows of his castle. The two crayon towers gleamed red and yellow while the marker towers shimmered purple and green. Paint splats decorated every wall like colorful polka dots.

"Today's the Canvas Forest Art Contest!" Buck announced to his reflection in the mirror. His blue sunglass goggles caught the light as he adjusted his art-utility belt. "Time to show everyone what real creativity looks like."

He flew down to his art supply room, cape fluttering behind him. Row after row of pristine art supplies lined the shelves—fresh crayons in perfect points, markers with bright caps, brushes with soft bristles.

Buck reached for his favorite red crayon, but it crumbled in his fingers. He tried a blue marker next. The tip was completely dried out.

"What's happening?" He checked supply after supply. Every single crayon was broken. Every marker was dried up. His paintbrushes had lost their bristles.

Outside, other artists walked by with gleaming new supplies, chattering excitedly about the contest.

The Mysterious Package

Buck stared at his ruined supplies, his antlers drooping. A knock echoed through the castle.

"Special delivery!" called a cheerful voice.

Buck opened the front door to find a baker holding a large box. The humanoid otter had chocolate-brown fur and wore a white apron dusted with flour. Her whiskers twitched as she smiled.

"I'm Penny from Sweet Dreams Bakery," she said. "Someone ordered art supplies for you!"

Buck's heart leaped. "Really? Who?"

"The order was anonymous." Penny handed him the box. "Good luck at the contest!"

Buck tore open the package. Inside were dozens of broken crayon pieces and dried-up marker caps. A note read: "Now you'll never win. - Your Biggest Fan."

His super hearing picked up laughter from outside. Through the window, he spotted three artists pointing at his castle and snickering.

"They sabotaged my supplies," Buck muttered, his goggles flashing. "And they're making sure I can't get new ones."

The contest started in two hours. Every art store would be closed by now, and other artists had bought all the good supplies anyway.