FOUR AGES

“Dad, I don’t think I will need a bedtime story today.”

“Hmm, how come, Figlio?”

“... My friend made fun of me during class because I told him that you tell me stories before I go to sleep, and he said in front of everyone that only babies need bedtime stories…” Figlio stopped, looking down with sad eyes and a shaky voice.

“I’m sorry to hear that, son. So that’s what happened to you today? I see, I see.”

“Yes, and I don’t want to hear any more stories from now on.”

“Alright, alright. So you won’t want to hear the story of the fierce mother bear and the two archerfish that faced her, do you?”

“... Aw, come on, Dad! Don’t do this to me!”

“I won’t tell anyone at your school. Promise. Now, get under the covers, and give me a moment to remember…”

…

FOUR AGES

THE THREE BEARS AND THE TWO ARCHERFISH

Written by: Isabel Chiwibel (Fiverr name @Chiwibel)

Edited by: Celina Mike (Fiverr name @Celinawrite)

The archerfish are a loyal race; even in their friendships, they bond for life. Their loyalty isn't just a feeling that goes away quickly but a strong and lasting promise. To have a friend fall in battle is a promise to avenge them no matter the cost.

Two archerfish, lifelong friends, had spent half a turn of the sun following the trail of an extremely wealthy shark.

They trailed him, using the vibration of their gills to feel how the wind echoed inside the dark cave where they suspected the shark had hidden his vast treasure. Both friends walked shoulder to shoulder, spears in hand and throat sacks ready to shoot lethal water bullets at anything that moved. Whenever they stopped to search a vast area, the two brothers in arms stood back-to-back.

The older archerfish, whose left side had more scars than the right side of the body, felt complete confidence in his companion, that the two of them could handle a shark out of water, and so his mood was light. His chest was inflated with pride and the assurance that they would return triumphant with a great treasure hoard to share with their tribe.

What they soon discovered however was nothing they had ever expected to see.

Two small bear cubs looked at them from their soft grass beds. It appeared to be a temporary rest spot for the bear family before settling elsewhere.

The older archerfish told his friend to be extremely careful because the cub’s mother could still be around.

‘It can’t be!’ said the other archerfish, frustrated that they’d lost the wealthy shark and instead of a vast hoard, they only had two cubs to show for their efforts.

The cave system was so vast and intricate that the older archerfish realized they’d never find the shark. Their best hope was to leave the cubs as quickly as they could before their mother arrived. He told his friend as much, but when the younger archerfish turned, he froze.

The cubs began yapping and grunting, toppling over one another as their mother had returned and glared at the two archerfish, fangs bared and ready to strike.

The older archerfish readied himself for battle, but his friend was faster as he shot multiple lethal water bullets at the mother bear. Most of them missed, but a couple struck her with enough force to damage flesh and crush bones. But she seemed completely unfazed by the liquid missiles and instead took a single step in their direction.

It was enough, neither of the archerfish wanted to face an angry mother bear who easily shook off their water bullets as if it tickled. They both ran for their lives.

When the intruders were finally gone, the cubs ran to their mother and hugged her. They were both crying and shaking in fear, but she assured them they were safe and didn’t need to be afraid.

It wasn’t long before she watched them snoring soundly on their beds.

The mother bear ignored the two grievous water bullet wounds on her body, but instead, as she watched over her two most precious treasures as they slept, reached over slowly and placed her hand over her chest where the pain was the most excruciating…her heart.

…

“But what was wrong with her heart?”

“It’s a pain that all parents know all too well.”

“Are you saying you feel a lot of pain in your heart because my friend made fun of me in front of everyone?” Figlio placed his small hand over his father’s heart. “How can I make it go away?”

“Be yourself, even when you get stung by a friend’s words.”

Figlio thought long and hard, then finally smiling he said, “I promise I will.”

The End! Stay tuned for the next Fable next week!

Please visit the artists, writer, and editor throughout the chapters. Thank them for their hard work and ask them any questions you’d like! Thanks for your support!

Artist: Endry (Fiverr name @Endry1)

Artist: Joel (Fiverr name @jmarcanoart)

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