They advanced, using their daggers to hack away the tangled vines blocking their path. After traversing for a couple of hours, the surroundings grew eerily silent. Just as Ewan was about to suggest taking a break for a sip of water, an unusual commotion erupted beneath the ground.
"Boing!"
From beneath the layer of mulch about ten paces away, Shiny abruptly sprang out. The dirt and sand slid right off its surface, revealing a bouncy, glossy brown form. It jiggled violently as it bounded toward Ewan's feet, letting out a barrage of urgent "Pew! Pew!" noises, appearing to be in a state of extreme excitement.
"What's wrong? Did you find something?" Ewan hurriedly knelt on one knee, reaching out a hand to lightly touch the top of Shiny's head.
