The Gold-Feathered Peafowl

In the heart of a vibrant jungle, where the sun danced through the emerald leaves, lived ten-year-old Merak. With her extraordinary gift of speaking to animals, she was the bridge between the human world and the wild creatures that thrived around her. Her father, Angsa, was wise and nurturing, while her older brother, Gagak, often wandered off to explore the mysteries of the jungle.

One sunny afternoon, Merak ventured deep into the jungle, where she encountered a colorful peafowl named Caranggesing, adorned with feathers that shimmered like gems. Caranggesing had a secret; he was deeply in love with the enchanting songs of two swans, Broto and Warogo, who flew gracefully above the tranquil lake.

“Why are you so gloomy, Caranggesing?” Merak asked, knowing her gift allowed her to hear his heart.

“Oh, Merak,” he sighed, “Broto and Warogo are drifting apart. If only I could help them find their harmony again.”

Inspired, Merak decided to gather her animal friends for a quest. Together with Gagak, who was busy cawing about his latest adventure, and Angsa, who kept an eye on the surroundings, they formed a team of peacocks and crows to help Caranggesing.

In the midst of their planning, they discovered a treasure trove of shimmering fish in the lake, so wild and plentiful that they danced atop the water’s surface. The team cheered, but soon, Gagak's curiosity got the better of him. With mischievous intentions, he attempted to catch one, inadvertently causing chaos.

As the peafowl and crows scrambled to retrieve the fish, Angsa confronted them. “Do not let greed blind you! We must respect nature,” he warned, his voice resonating through the trees.

However, tragedy struck when Angsa spotted Gagak stealing fish! “Gagak, think! What will become of us if we forget the balance of the jungle?” he exclaimed.

Realizing his mistake, Gagak felt the weight of his actions and turned to Merak for guidance. “If I don’t change, then I will be but a crow, but if I embrace my true self, I shall flourish like Caranggesing,” he admitted, remorse painting his feathers dark.

“Together, we can ensure harmony and help Broto and Warogo,” Merak declared. She guided them to sing a melody of friendship as vibrant as their surroundings.

The swans were touched by the song, rediscovering their love amidst the chorus. In the following days, Caranggesing shone brighter than ever. Then, through a twist of fate, the jealousy of the jungle gods led to a misunderstanding; they turned Caranggesing into a stunning peafowl with golden feathers!

With this newfound form, he realized his purpose — to be a symbol of unity and love, gliding above the lake, inspiring every creature to embrace who they were.

And so, in that breathtaking jungle, where stories lingered in every rustle of leaves, Merak learned that friendship and understanding could heal any division, teaching all creatures — both human and animal — the value of love and respect.

From that day on, the jungle thrived in harmony, reminding all who ventured into its depths that true brilliance comes from embracing one’s true self and nurturing connections with others.