Summer Froglets

     Pixel skipped happily through the Hidden Garden, pausing for a moment and slumping down against a tree, catching her breath and fanning herself with her large hands as the large weeping willow tree shaded her from the scorching sun. "Sweet daisies it's hot out. I wish we could just go back to Spring. I hate Summer. It's always so difficult to strive to help others out when the air is so stale and painfully hot..." Pixel sighed looking out at the sparkling water before her, smiling faintly as she watched a fish jump out and catch a bug. "This spot is peaceful though. Maybe I can get some rest here, and then later, I can more easily help others out in this heat." She nodded to herself, thinking that was a great idea, closing her eyes and allowing herself to rest some in the peace and quiet.

     Pixel stirred a bit some time later as she felt someone's hand on her shoulder and a voice apeaking to her in a gentle tone. "Little fox? Little fox please awaken. I am in need of assistance, and I feel as though you may be perfect for the job." Pixel squinted up at the other Scarf, the sun shining almost perfectly into her eyes from behind them. She shifted to block the sun out of her eyes, looking at the other fox a bit better, her expression changing from sleepy confusion, to a bit of surprise as she saw Dipsi, the god of the Summer season, crouched down in front of her. "Oh! Y- your grace! Lord Poseidon!" She sat up a bit better against the tree becoming much more awake from the shock. "You need my help? Why me?..." Dipsi raised his hand gently, signaling to her that it was ok. "Actually, my name is no longer Poseidon, but is now Dipsi. Regardless, little one, I require your assistance in aiding my friend. You seem as though you have a kind soul, and I need someone such as you for this task. Can you help me?" Dipsi smiled softly, offering his hand to Pixel to help her up. Pixel gently took his hand, getting up and nodding. "Yes, of course I can help. Take me to where your friend is and I'll do whatever I can Lord Dipsi."

     Dipsi lead Pixel to a small clearing in the soft blue trees, alongside one of the many shores near some of the crystal-like ponds. Lying in the shade was the goddess, Fleur, however she didn't seem to be enjoying herself all that much. Pixel couldn't believe her eyes. Not only had she just met the god of Summer, but the goddess of Spring was also mere paces from her. "The heat must be getting to me or I'm dreaming. There's no way this is all real... TWO gods?" Her jaw dropped and Dipsi looked at her, concern for Fleur painted on his expression. "Oh my sweet little fox, this is no dream, and you very much are of sound mind, however please do not put your surprise above all else here. Lady Fleur is in need of your help, as I cannot do this alone." He gestured to Fleur lain in the one shady spot as she fanned herself with a large leaf. "You see, little fox, my dear friend Fleur here hates my beautiful Summer season... I've tried everything I can think towards helping her see the beauty in my Season, however, everything I can think of, she despises. The heat, the bugs, the sun. All of it is faulty... I know not what else to even so much as attempt to have her enjoy this wonderous season..." Pixel hesitated hearing how Dipsi wished for her to convince this goddess to enjoy the one season she also disliked herself, but reluctantly, she nodded stepping closer to Fleur, smiling sweetly. "Miss Lady Fleur? My name's Pixel. I'll be helping you find the good in Summer."

     After many failed attempts at finding something to entertain the goddess, Pixel caved, close to giving up. "I'm going to get an ice cream cone. Recharge myself. I'll grab you one also. Who knows, maybe ice cream is the key to you enjoying Summer, Lady Fleur. I'll be back soon, don't go anywhere!" She put on a fake smile, but inside she was exhausted, mentally and physically from all her attempts at trying to have the goddess enjoy the season they both despised. She grumbled a bit when she was out of ear shot, ordering two strawberry ice cream from a nearby vendor, but a certain song of nature made her ears perk. Spring Peepers. After paying, Pixel took both ice cream cones and ran back to Fleur handing her one of the ice cream and looking thrilled. "I have the PERFECT idea! Eat up and I'll show you once you're done!" Fleur looked skeptical at Pixel, then disgusted at the ice cream melting and running down her fingers. "This vile frozen creme product is leaking... It's sticky... This "perfect" idea had better be worth it, as it is the last chance I am giving this blasted season."

     Once Fleur and Pixel had both finished their cones, Pixel quickly washed the ice cream off her hands with some of the nearby pond water, taking Fleur by the hand after she had done the same, dragging her along to the pond she had heard the spring peeper songs coming from, notioning for Fleur to be quiet as they crept closer to the water's edge. Fleur seemed intrigued all of the sudden, raising an eyebrow at the hamonious chirps of the tiny frogs. "Spring Peepers? But those are one of my creatures? What are they doing singing their songs of love in this horrid heat?" Pixel gently moved some foliage aside, revealing the pond and hundreds of tiny frogs in the water, on the aquatic plants, and along the shore. "Not just Sping Peepers, but young ones. Take a closer look." Fleur hesitated before stepping closer, crouching down to look at the frogs, some hopping to be sitting in her hands and even one on her shoulder. Her eyes seemed to sparkle as she finally realized. "These Peepers have... Tails?..." Pixel nodded, stepping closer herself and some more the the frogs hopping onto her. "They're froglets. Basically pre-teen froggies. They'll eventually grow out of having a tail, however through the Summer, baby tadpoles from the Spring grow up, and are eventually old enough that they can produce babies for next year. They're very tiny, but they are precious nonetheless." Pixel smiled softly as petting one of the tiny froglets gently with her big plush fingers. Dipsi watched amazed from behind the girls, putting his palm to his forehead. "Of course! Why didn't I think of that? Pixel, little fox, you're a genius! Here, allow me to reward you for your efforts." Pixel watched, confused, as Dipsi picked up a small stone, fidgeting with it some before putting a necklace of sorts around her neck, the charm being carved from the very stone into the shape of a froglet. Pixel looked at it, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, oh my gosh it's beautiful Lord Dipsi!" Both gods smiled at her and Dipsi nodded faintly. "Of course, and words cannot express how thankful I am to you for helping Fleur here see something good in Summer."