Farmer's Venture

A bright spring morning was a warm greeting to the tiny bettabo. Their black cow-like spots warmed up in the sunlight, and brought a nice fuzzy feeling to the little guy. Cleverly named Cowlick, after their adorable patterning and yeehaw nature, this little fish-like creature was ready to see the world.
Being a newcomer to the world, they're quite excited to explore and meet anyone and everyone! It's their biggest mission to meet as many friends as possible!

Still fresh and new to this world, hatching recently from their egg, they weren't too great at navigating though. Naïve and wandering aimlessly, they didn't exactly know where they were going. Especially when it comes to such bright, warm weather. The sun kept getting in their eyes, ack!
Hm.. well this was starting to tire them out more than learning how to walk a bit before. Breaking off a blade of particularly large grass, they continued onward with newfound shade though.

It had been a bit of a walk when suddenly, a small pond was found. Ah!! A refreshing drink of water, this was going to be great! Inching closer, having to wade through tall grass and large flowers blooming everywhere, they notice a small creature of sorts taking a sip too.

The small, shiny blue thing looked up to Cowlick curiously. It had a simple face, rounded, with a little sprout at the top of it's head. Though being small, it looked rather mighty, making the brave little bettabo want to be friends right away. Waddling up closer to it seemed to startle whatever it was away though. Being too tired to even chase the small creature, they sigh and decide to just take their sips of water and rest.

They figure now is a good time to take a nap while they're at it too, laying down in some gentle beds of flowers. The leaves almost cuddle the cute little fish, and they decide maybe to go find that funny looking creature when they wake up...

A few hours go by, and Cowlick finally wakes up again, the sun now in his eyes once more. It shifted just the right away in the sky to annoy them, and they think maybe it's a personal attack now.
Another small creature snaps them out of the irrational thinking though, peering over from the pond as well. This one though, was a dark purple version of the one before. Did it just roll around in some berries maybe? No no, this had to be a different one.

Being a bit more cautious this time, Cowlick inched closer, trying to keep quiet and calm. Though, being excited to make friends, they of course ended up waddling a bit too quick. The leaves under their little paws crunched, and scared this creature as well. Aw heck!
Making friends is a lot harder than they first thought... Cowlick flops down in sadness near the pond, and wriggles around with frustration. How were they supposed to reach their goal of befriending everyone, if no one wanted to even say hello?
Letting them think a bit more after the pity party, some more reasonable thoughts entered their little head. Maybe it'll get easier with different creatures... they just need to find the right one! Yeah, that's it!

Hopping back up, and dusting off any dirt, they decide to try again! Wandering through a large field, passing pretty flowers, and weaving through vines. Finally they reach a fairly occupied forest, buzzing with activity. There's hopping crickets, and beautiful butterflies that flap on by. And of course some residents as well, onlooking and wondering who the new stranger could be.
Feeling a bit intimidated now, they just waddle on through and observe. Eventually, another bettabo is excited to see them! Greeting each other with a little tail wiggle, they both chat a bit before parting ways. The new buddy was actually just passing through, heading in the other direction, so they sadly can't be Cowlick's new best friend.

A few other creatures are kind enough to give greetings, and offer snacks even, but Cowlick still feels they should press on! Saying goodbyes and thank you's, they waddle on through the forest, out the other side. Another field, this time of beautiful flowers. It was a quite breathtaking mix of colors, all enticing the little bettabo to snuggle up in the petals and take another nap for the day. All this walking sure deserved a break afterall, and from those lovely snacks, even their belly was happy.
As they noticed just then, the sun was starting to fall asleep as well. It dipped into the lower skies, creating unique colors. Which only made Cowlick yawn more, ready to enjoy a soft nap in the pretty flowers.
Tomorrow they'll look for more friends maybe...