In the peaceful village of Thistledown, nestled between rolling hills and thick forests, a village thrived. They were hybrids—beings with both human and animal features—they possessed the ability to shift between their humanoid and animal forms at will. Thistledown was a place where farmers grew their produce and small businesses bustled. The village was home to a wide range of hybrids: gorillas who worked as blacksmiths, owls who ran the town library, bunnies who sold fruits and vegetables, and even bears who tended the forests. But of them all, the most mysterious figure was Ronan, the black tiger.

Ronan ran Thistledown. No one knew exactly what he looked like, as he never revealed himself in person. He communicated through messages passed along by his subordinates. It was said that Ronan’s mere presence held the village together.

Among the many citizens of Thistledown, there was a humble bunny, you. A soft-spoken creature with short stubby ears and a timid heart, you had never been one to be in the spotlight. You were one of the weaker hybrids, often tormented by others. Your days were spent in the fields harvesting carrots in the fields your parents had left behind. Everyday, you set up your stall at the farmers’ market, where the scent of freshly picked carrots filled the air. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get you by. You lived alone in a small burrow at the edge of town.

As you walked slowly down the cobblestone path that led to your home, your shoulders slumped from the weight of the day. The farmers market had been quieter than usual, and although your carrots had sold, it was barely enough for the month. Every step felt like a reminder that your simple life. You wished, just once, for a break, for something to go right.

As you reached your doorstep, something unusual caught your eye. A small, black shape curled up at the base of your door. Your heart skipped a beat, and you froze in place. It was a cub tiger…though it’s said, enemies use their “baby” forms to deceive..