Read Online Epic by Annie Auerbach - Free Book Online

thrilled to be using her new power.
    â€œIt’s working!” the new queen said excitedly.
    M.K. looked sadly at Ronin and Nod. “I have to say good-bye.”
    â€œWhat for? You’re part of us,” Ronin said.
    M.K. remembered the “Many leaves, one tree” motto and felt slightly better. She asked Nod to put his arms around her, to keep her from floating away. Then she kissed him, as they became enveloped in tendrils of bright light, until no one could see them anymore.
    Bomba stood in the forest, thinking about the events of the past few hours. His life’s work—everything that had ever mattered to him—was real. And his daughter had shown him the proof. He felt a pang of regret that M.K. wasn’t here with him now. Where was she? Would he get to thank her for leading him to the Jinn? But more important than that, he wanted a fresh start, and a real chance for them to get to know each other.
    The sound of leaves rustling pulled Bomba from his thoughts. He looked up and gasped.
    M.K. was standing in front of him, back to her normal size. She smiled. Bomba smiled, too. They were going to get their chance after all! M.K. ran up to her father and gave him a hug.
    Ozzy peeked over a bush, then barked, sneezed, and drooled. He ran past them and then doubled back, running in happy circles at the reunion.
    Now Bomba had someone to share his research with. And it wasn’t just anyone, it was his daughter! M.K. was a great guide to the world of the Jinn! When they got back to the house, M.K. watched over her father’s shoulder as he furiously scribbled in a journal.
    â€œWell, what do you think?” he asked finally, showing a naturalist’s sketch of a Leafman warrior.
    M.K. looked closely at the drawing, admiration showing on her face. “It’s perfect, Dad.” Then she added, “Except the boots are higher, and the sleeves are longer. And they wear actual helmets, not acorns.”
    â€œReally? Well, they should seriously consider the potential!” said Bomba. He pinned up the drawing next to the many other sketches of the Jinn.
    Ozzy ran up to M.K, panting happily.
    â€œHere you go, boy,” M.K. said. “Grr!” She tossed a small, hand-sewn Boggan toy. Ozzy happily grabbed it in his mouth and shook it.
    Suddenly a beep beep beep echoed through the house. M.K. jumped up and began to run into the other room, then stopped herself, remembering it was her dad’s equipment.
    Bomba smiled. “Go. It’s always for you, anyway.” He couldn’t be happier to have someone as fascinated by this world of tiny people as he was.
    M.K. raced into the other room and sat down at a computer. She instantly smiled at the image on the screen: a forest-cam view of Nod. He was wearing a Leafman uniform and practicing a few sword moves.
    â€œHey,” said M.K.
    â€œHey,” said Nod.
    â€œHow’s work?” she asked.
    â€œIt’s not work when you love your job,” replied Nod. “‘Many leaves, one tree,’ that’s what I always say.”
    â€œUh-huh,” M.K. said, smiling to herself, remembering how Nod used to feel about being a Leafman. It was wonderful to see that he had learned what it meant to be part of a team.
    â€œWhat do you think you’re doing, leaf boy?” Mub said to Nod.
    â€œLeafman,” Nod corrected. “You know it’s Leafman.”
    â€œHi, Mub,” M.K. replied.
    â€œ We were talking,” Nod said to Mub, trying to get rid of him.
    â€œThere’s a big sack of shut-your-flat-face over there by that tree,” Mub told Nod. “Why don’t you go pick it up?”
    â€œListen, slick—”
    â€œGuys, don’t fight,” M.K. said.
    â€œOh, it won’t be a fight,” Mub clarified. “I could whip him with both eyes behind my back.”
    â€œI’d like to see you try, jelly butt!” Nod said confidently.
    The next instant,