It was a special day. Nanni-Ji had just arrived from India.
Dad: “What’s inside this chest?” Nanni-Ji (smiling): “Just memories… and maybe a little magic.”
Ruby and Kiva hugged her tight as Dad set the heavy chest down. A soft glow slipped through its cracks—something waiting to be found.
The Bedtime Story
The evening settled softly over the house. Wrapped in a blanket, Ruby and Kiva sat beside their Nanni-Ji, their eyes wide with wonder. Her voice danced like music — part story, part secret. She told tales of a magic world called Goodiestan and friendly Jantu’s that lived there.
Nanni-Ji: “When I was your age, I had a spinning loom. It could make anything. It made clothes, sweets, even dreams of a magical world called Goodiestan with strange creatures named Jantu.”
Ruby (grinning): “A magic spinning loom?” Nanni-Ji: “Ahh, yes. But only if you believe.” Kavi (whispering): “Is Goodiestan real, Nanni?” Nanni-Ji (smiling): “Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Some stories are real only when you’re brave enough to find them.”
A faint shimmer of golden light flickered near her hand — or maybe it was just the lamp. Ruby and Kiva leaned closer, the air thick with bedtime magic.
The Secret Search
The house was quiet, wrapped in the hush of midnight. Only the soft hum of the heater filled the air.
Kiva leaned close, whispering in the dark.
Kiva: “Ruby… I can’t stop thinking about Nanni’s story.”
Ruby groaned, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
Ruby: “Go to sleep, Kiva…”
But Kiva was already on his feet, creeping toward the door.
Kiva: “What if it’s real? What if the magic spinning loom is really down there?”
The wooden floor creaked under his tiny steps. Ruby sat up, the blanket sliding off her shoulders.
Ruby (sighing): “Kiva, wait!”
A warm lamplight glowed beside her. It faded into the cool blue shadows of the hallway. The adventure quietly began.
The Basement Discovery”
The floorboards creaked as Kiva tiptoed out of bed. Ruby groaned, then sighed, tossing out of the bed with her blanket aside.
Ruby: “Kiva, wait!”
They crept down the stairs. They took one careful step at a time. A faint glow flickered from the basement below. Stacks of old toys, wooden boxes, and folded silk cloths surrounded them like forgotten treasures. Kiva’s eyes widened as he pointed toward the floor.
Kiva: “Look! Feathers… peacock feathers!” Ruby (whispering): “Those must be from Nanni’s stories…” Kiva (grinning): “Look — Nanni’s chest!”
The shimmer of the feathers glowed softly in the dark. It was as if they were guiding them to something waiting in the shadows.
The Light
The chest gave a soft click as Kiva lifted the latch. A warm glow escaped through the cracks, lighting the basement like sunrise through dust.
Ruby knelt beside him, holding her breath. Inside lay treasures wrapped in gold and silk — tiny cups, embroidered cloths, toy animals, and glittering ornaments.
Kiva (whispering): “Look at all this… ” Ruby: “Careful, don’t break anything.”
It’s like Nanni-Ji’s stories came alive — a faint shimmer rose from the bottom. There, tucked beneath the silks, something unusual caught Ruby’s eye. It was a strange wooden object folded like a puzzle. It was half-hidden under a string of golden thread.
Ruby reached for the wooden object. It felt warm, humming faintly in his hands. As Ruby leaned closer, a peacock feather drifted out of the chest, glowing brighter with every heartbeat.
Ruby: “Kiva… the feather — it’s glowing.”
The wooden frame began to unfold itself, twisting and turning until it shaped into a small spinning loom. Golden threads shimmered between its spokes, vibrating with life.
Ruby (in awe): “It’s moving on its own!” Kiva (whispering): “It’s… the magic spinning loom.”
The basement was filled with swirling light. Golden sparks danced around. Fluttering silk added to the spectacle. The whisper of peacock magic awakened for the first time in years.
Life of the Magic Spinning Loom
The loom spun faster and faster, the golden threads glowing brighter until the whole basement shimmered with light. A swirl of sparkles danced through the air — soft, like feathers caught in the wind.
Kiva (in awe): “It’s beautiful…” Ruby: “Kiva, don’t touch it!”
But it was too late. The peacock feather at the center of the loom pulsed, releasing a beam of light that filled the room. The silks and ornaments around them began to float, circling in the golden glow. The hum deepened into a whoosh of wind. The glow wrapped around them like a spinning thread.
The hum deepened into a steady rhythm — like a heartbeat made of light. Threads of gold and blue swirled around the loom. They moved faster and faster. The threads wrapped Ruby and Kiva in a spiral of shimmering air.
Kiva (laughing nervously): “Ruby… it’s spinning by itself!” Ruby (gripping his hand): “Hold on—don’t let go!”
The wind whooshed through the basement, lifting feathers, silk, and dust into the air. The glowing threads spun tighter, forming a perfect ring of light around them.
Ruby (awed): “It’s like it’s making a doorway…” Kiva: “A doorway to where?”
The light flashed brighter — a burst of gold filled the room.
Kiva: “Ruby!” Ruby: “I’m here—!”
And then in a wink — a flash and a blink of light!
The basement was empty. A swirl of gold and blue light remained. It faded slowly into the air where Ruby and Kiva once stood.
Arrival in Goodiestan
Ruby and Kiva tumbled through the sky, surrounded by clouds that shimmered like silk. Below them was a breathtaking world. Rivers glowed like ribbons. There were emerald forests and shining golden towers. These towers spiraled toward the heavens.
Spools of glowing thread and golden fabric floated around them, twisting in slow motion as they fell through the mist. The air was warm, humming softly like a melody of light.
As they drifted downward, the threads of magic caught them — slowing their fall like soft golden hands. They landed gently among tall trees and glittering leaves, the scent of jasmine and starlight in the air. Ruby looked around in awe.
Ruby (whispering): “We’re not in the basement anymore…” Kiva (grinning): “We’re in Nanni’s story.”
Ruby and Kiva landed softly on a bed of shimmering moss. Golden threads drifted around them, dissolving into the warm glow of the forest. Tall trees sparkled like glass, their branches hung with silk-like vines that glowed faintly blue. The air smelled like jasmine and morning rain.
Kiva (in awe): “Ruby… look! Everything’s glowing!” Ruby (whispering): “It’s beautiful… and weird.” Kiva (grinning): “I told you it was real!”
A soft breeze carried the sound of distant chimes. As they looked around, small firefly-like lights danced through the air, guiding them deeper into the forest.
Ruby (looking around): “Where do you think we are?” Kiva: “I told you Goodiestan… we really made it.”
They took a few cautious steps ahead — their first steps in Nanni-Ji’s story came to life.
The Lasso
A rustle echoed through the glowing forest. Ruby froze. Something was moving in the bushes.
Kiva (nervously): “Ah! What was that?” Ruby (whispering): “Quiet, Kiva… let’s see what it is.”
The movement came closer — crunch, snap, rustle. Ruby’s eyes darted to the Magic Spinning Loom, still faintly glowing beside her. She turned the wheel, her hand trembling.
Ruby: “Lasso.”
A glowing gold lasso swirled out of the spinning loom and into Ruby’s hand.
The bushes rustled violently. Ruby threw the glowing lasso toward the sound. It looped around something soft — and stopped.
Kiva (covering his eyes): “You caught it!” Ruby: “Pull it in!”
The loom spun backward, reeling in the golden thread like a fishing line. Out of the bushes stumbled a small elephant-like creature, tangled but harmless. Its big brown eyes blinked in surprise.
Creature (frightened): “Don’t hurt me!” Ruby (startled): “Oh! You’re not a monster.” Creature: “I’m Phant… a Jantu. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Kiva (peeking out): “They’re real — the Jantu are real!”
Ruby smiled and gently loosened the lasso.
Ruby: “It’s okay, Phant. We’re not from here.” Phant (curious): “Then you must’ve come through the Magic Loom.”
The forest glowed brighter around them — as if welcoming new friends.
Eyes in the Forest
The forest fell silent. Phant rubbed his trunk nervously while Ruby loosened the glowing lasso. The Magic Loom’s light dimmed, leaving soft golden sparks floating in the air.
Kiva (whispering): “Ruby… are we being watched?” Ruby (looking around): “Stay close.”
From the shadows, faint glimmers of light began. First, there was one. Then another. Eventually, a dozen pairs of glowing eyes blinked through the mist. A low hum echoed through the trees, like a forest breathing.
Kiva (uneasy): “Ruby…” Ruby: “I see them.”
Golden fireflies circled above. Something large shifted between the trees. The air grew thick with quiet magic.
Phant (whispering): “Don’t be afraid. They won’t hurt you… unless they think you’re Tin Soldiers.”
The golden thread shimmered and fluttered in the air like a living thing. Then—out of the mist—a pair of glowing eyes blinked. Ruby gasped. Kiva stepped behind his sister. From the enchanted forest, shapes began to emerge — gentle, curious, and full of wonder. One by one, the Jantu appeared.
Ruby (whispering): “Are they… the Jantu?” Phant (smiling): “Yes”
Woo – The Cunning Howler
Woo is clever, wily, and a little dramatic. He is a wolf-like Jantu who always seems to find a way to avoid hard work. He howls at every little problem, from hunger to a stubbed paw, but somehow charms everyone into helping him anyway. Beneath the complaints, Woo’s quick mind and sharp instincts often save the group from real trouble. When danger comes, his howl isn’t just for show — it’s a warning the others have learned to trust.
Ger – Brave and Feisty One
Ger is a tiger-like Jantu with bold orange stripes, endless energy, and a heart that roars louder than his growl. Ger is always ready for a game. He charges into every challenge headfirst. Sometimes, he does so before thinking it through. He’s brave, stubborn, and proud, never admitting defeat (especially to Ruby). He loves to show off his strength. Ger’s courage comes from loyalty. He’ll always stand up for his friends, no matter how big or small the danger.
Ante – Tea Lover
Ante is an elegant antelope Jantu. She’s always one step ahead. She’s also two sips into her next cup of tea. With spiral horns and bright, alert eyes, she never stops talking, planning, or worrying. Her friends can barely keep up with her racing thoughts. She makes quick conclusions, but they know her heart is in the right place. When danger stirs or a plan goes wrong, Ante’s sharp ears and quick thinking often save the day. Energetic, loyal, and endlessly curious, Ante believes every problem can be solved — as long as there’s chai involved.
Ino – Graceful Strength
Ino is a rhinoceros Jantu with a heart as strong as her hide and a voice as soft as silk. She moves with calm confidence, wearing gold and jewel-toned fabrics that shimmer like sunlight on water. Though quiet by nature, her presence fills the room — steady, kind, and wise. When her friends argue or lose their way, Ino reunites them. She reminds them that true strength isn’t about force. It’s about compassion. She carries herself like royalty, but her laughter is warm enough to make anyone feel at home.
Monk – The Quiet Thinker
Monk is a silver-furred monkey Jantu who lives halfway between laughter and meditation. He speaks rarely, but when he does, everyone listens. Monk is wise beyond his years. He sees the threads that connect all things. A single choice can ripple across Goodiestan. He’s playful too, often hanging upside down mid-thought or stealing a snack from Woo just to make him yelp. Behind his mischief, there is deep wisdom. Monk reminds the others that even in chaos, there’s balance. Sometimes, the best way forward is simply to breathe.
Phant – The Gentle Giant
Phant is a small elephant-like Jantu with a big heart and an even bigger sense of wonder. His round eyes gleam with kindness. He’s often clumsy. He trips over his own feet or sneezes sparks of magic when nervous. Loyal and polite, Phant believes in helping others before himself, even if it means getting tangled in trouble. He’s the first Jantu Ruby and Kiva meet. Through his gentle nature, they learn that courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it speaks softly, offering a helping trunk instead.
The forest lights glowed brighter, the air thick with golden notes and soft humming magic. The Jantu are here — and Goodiestan awakens.
The Jantu Speak
One by one, the Jantu stepped out from the forest and stood side by side in front of the strangers. Some were shy and peeked out from behind Phant, while others stared with wide, curious eyes. Each Jantu greeted the children in their own, very Jantu way.
Ger (growling proudly): “They don’t seem tough!
Woo (timidly): “Ger you was woo scared, just like the rest of us?”
Ger (snapping): “Was not! Woo, you were supposed to see who the strangers were — not Phant!”
Woo (holding up his paw): “I woooo was hurt…”
Ger: “What’s wrong with you now?”
Woo (pouting): “I have a woooo-booo on my paw.”
Then came Ante, bursting into the conversation like a whirlwind, teacup in hand.
Ante (talking fast): “Ante is my name. Who are these two? Why are they here? Are they trouble? They don’t look like trouble. Maybe they are. Maybe not! Oh dear—this is so exciting!”
Ruby and Kiva looked at each other, wide-eyed, trying not to laugh. They’d never met creatures quite like these before — noisy, curious, and full of life.
Ruby: “Hi, Jantu. My name is Ruby — and this is my brother, Kiva.”
Before she said another word, Monk hopped onto the Magic Spinning Loom. Monk turned the wheel playfully, a grin spreading across his face.
Monk: “I remember Loomey…”
Kiva (shooing him away): “Hey! Get off the loom!”
Ruby: “Loomey? Is that what you call it? You’ve seen this spinning loom before?”
Monk: “Yup! A very long time ago… it was so much fun to play with!”
Before Monk touched another thread, a calm but firm voice spoke from behind. Ino, the tall rhinoceros Jantu, stepped ahead with quiet authority.
Ino: “Monk. Move it.”
Monk (nervously): “Oh-oh… it’s Ino! See ya!”
Life of the Peacock feather
He scurried off, leaving the loom humming softly. Ino knelt down, her gold jewelry catching the forest light. She opened the thread chamber of the loom. She carefully lifted out a peacock quill. It was once vibrant blue, now almost white.
Ino: “Wherever you two came from, you’re not going back anytime soon.”
Ruby: “Why not?”
Ino turned the quill in her hand, her eyes full of gentle concern.
Ino: “See? It’s white — with only a trace of blue left. There’s very little magic remaining in this feather. You don’t have enough power to return home.”
Ruby’s face fell. Kiva looked at the dimming loom, his voice small and trembling.
Kiva: “Oh no…”
The forest fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath.
Monk: “You need another feather from Pek — a Jantu empress”
Ruby: “Can anyone take us to her?”
Monk (scratching his head): “Vanish… no one has seen her. No one knows where she’s gone.”
Ante (sipping her tea quickly): “Saru knows. That old bird knows everything. He probably already knows these two are here!”
Ruby: “Can you take us to this Saru?”
Ante nodded eagerly, her bells jingling.
Ante: “Of course! Follow me. I know these forests like the back of my hoof.”
Ruby looked down at the Magic Loom.
Ruby: “What about the loom? We can’t carry it through the woods.”
“It transforms,” Ino said with a knowing smile. “But first—let’s get you two into something new.”
She spun the loom’s handle, and golden threads of light wrapped around Ruby and Kiva. In a flash, Ruby wore a flowing cream-and-gold dress, and Kiva stood in a royal purple jacket and jeweled turban.
“Now you’re ready,” said Ino, giving the wheel another turn. The Magic Loom shimmered and reshaped into a glowing cycle rickshaw.
“Cool!” said Kiva, hopping on. “Hop on, everyone!” Ruby called. “Hurry up, hurry up, let’s go, let’s go!” Ante chimed in.
With everyone aboard, Ger shouted, “Off to Goodiestan Pond!” as the rickshaw rolled down the lantern-lit forest path, sparkling in the night.
Saru
Ruby, Kiva, and the Jantu rambled through the forest. They walked until they reached Goodiestan Pond. Saru stood in the shallow water searching for breakfast. The sun shimmered softly on the pond’s surface. The tall forest surrounding it cast a cool, gentle shade over the group.
“Saru!” called Ger, tail flicking with excitement.
“Quiet, please,” said the old Saru without looking up, peering into the rippling water through his round spectacles.
“What are you doing, Saru?” asked Phant.
“Oh, just searching for breakfast,” he replied calmly.
“But Saru, we have—” Ante began.
“I know, I know,” Saru interrupted with a knowing tone. “Visitors from another land, looking for a way home.”
Ruby blinked. “How did you know that?”
Saru smiled faintly. “Goodiestan Forest has a tongue of its own. You just have to be silent—and listen.” He tiptoed lightly through the water, careful not to disturb the surface.
“Sorry to interrupt your meal,” Ruby said gently, “but we need to find the enchanted empress—the one called Pek.”
“Pek…” the old crane murmured, his feathers ruffling slightly. “Why, she’s not here.”
“I tried to tell them that,” said Monk, scratching his head.
“Do you know where she is?” Ruby asked.
“I,” Saru said, gazing thoughtfully into the pond as the ripples shimmered in gold and green.
He continued to tiptoe through the water, silent and deliberate, as if the answer itself was hidden beneath the surface.
“Are you going to tell us?” Ruby asked hopefully.
“Yes,” Saru replied, “but after breakfast.”
Kiva (impatiently): “But why?” Saru (chuckling): “Patience, my dear boy. Patience will fill your belly.”
The old crane searched for his breakfast. Ruby, Kiva, and the Jantu sat beneath the shade of the trees. They waited for most of the morning. The air was still and warm—until they heard a loud splash!
Saru emerged from the pond, a wriggling fish caught in his long beak. With a graceful flap of his wings, he landed on the shore. After swallowing his meal in one big gulp, he cleared his throat and turned to the group.
Saru: “Now then, what was it you were asking?” Ruby: “Pek, the Empress. We need to find her.” Saru (nodding): “Ah yes, Empress Pek… She is being held captive.”
Phant (gasping): “Oh no!” Ger (growling): “By who? I’ll tear them apart!” Woo (moaning): “Woo so sad, so sad…”
Ruby leaned ahead.
Ruby: “Can you tell us who took her?”
Saru’s expression darkened as he gazed into the water.
Saru: “It was King Tin. He fears Empress Pek’s magic—and wants it all for himself.”
“King Tin! Where? We have to get out of here!” yelled Ante, bolting toward the trees.
Ino reached out and grabbed her by the antlers.
Ino (firmly): “Get back here, Ante! You’re not going anywhere.”
Woo covered his face with his hands.
Woo: “Woo so sad, so bad…”
Monk (seriously): “Oh-oh… that’s no joke.”
Ruby stepped ahead, her voice steady.
Ruby: “Where can we find this King Tin?”
Saru looked up toward the sun, squinting through his spectacles.
Saru: “The sun is at its highest… which means—it’s time for lunch.”
He flapped his long wings and soared across the pond before anyone reacted.
Ruby (calling out): “Wait!”
But it was too late. The old crane was already gone.
Kiva frowned, his voice quiet.
Kiva: “Do you think we’ll ever get home, Ruby?”
Ino turned to him and smiled gently.
Ino: “Of course you will, Kiva. We’ll help you get to King Tin’s castle.”
Phant’s trunk drooped in concern.
Phant: “But Ino, Pek said to never go near King Tin’s castle…”
Ino (determined): “I know. But we have to save her — and get these kids home.”
She clenched her fist with resolve.
Ino: “Anyone have a problem with that?”
The Jantu all took one step back in unison.
All Together: “No!”
King Tin Castle
The group traveled all day through the forest until the trees began to thin. At last, they emerged from the brush and stopped in their tracks. The towering walls of King Tin’s Castle stood before them. The walls gleamed silver in the sunlight, sharp and cold as a mountain of metal. From the shadows of the trees, Ruby, Kiva, and the Jantu watched the entrance closely. Dozens of Tin Soldiers stood guard, their armor clanking in perfect rhythm.
Phant (whispering): “King Tin’s castle…” Kiva: “There’s so many Tin Soldiers.” Monk: “Tin Soldiers from every corner of Goodiestan.”
The group stared in silence as a formation of guards marched past, their eyes glowing beneath steel helmets.
Ino: “How do we get in?”
Ruby narrowed her eyes, thinking.
Ruby: “What if we just… walk in?”
Everyone turned to her in shock.
All (gasping): “What?!”
Ruby smiled mischievously.
Ruby: “I’ve got a plan — and Loomey’s going to help.”
The group slipped quietly back into the brush. Moments later came a flurry of sound:
Zip! Snip! Clank! Bong! Snap!
The Magic Spinning Loom rattled and spun, threads of gold flying into the air. The light faded. Ruby, Kiva, and the Jantu stood in new shining Tin armor. Each set was a little different.
Ger (grinning): “We look like real soldiers!” Woo (groaning): “Woo doesn’t like this…”
Ruby took a deep breath and stepped ahead.
Ruby: “Alright, team. Let’s march.”
In perfect unison, they clanked their way toward the gates.
A Tin Soldier stepped ahead, blocking their path, his voice echoing hollowly from inside his helmet.
Tin Soldier: “Halt! Recognize yourselves.”
Tin Soldier Gate
Tin Soldier (in charge): “Who goes there?”
Ruby stepped ahead, puffing her chest proudly.
Ruby: “Loyal Tin Soldiers of the great King Tin!”
The Tin Soldier tilted his shiny metal head, his voice echoing slightly.
Tin Soldier: “Oh… new employees?”
Kiva (nodding quickly): “Ah… yes!”
Tin Soldier: “Union soldiers or non-union?”
Ruby blinked.
Ruby (hesitant): “Uh… non-union?”
The guard relaxed.
Tin Soldier: “Good! We’re short of Tins around here.”
Woo tilted his head, curious.
Woo: “Woo… why?”
Tin Soldier: “Because half the Tins are on Tin union strike.”
Ger: “Strike?”
Tin Soldier: “Yes! Too many Tin-hours, sore Tin-feet — and not enough oil breaks.”
Ger crossed his arms.
Ger: “Why aren’t you on strike?”
The Tin Soldier puffed out his chest plate.
Tin Soldier: “We Tin’s are management.”
Kiva (politely): “Can we go inside?”
Tin Soldier: “Of course! Tin your way in!”
With a heavy groan, the metal gates creaked open.
Ruby, Kiva, and the Jantu marched inside in their shiny new Tin Soldier suits — clanking with every step.
The Tin Union
The group marched down the long metallic corridor, their boots clanking against the polished floor. All around them, stolen art, jewels, and treasures from across Goodiestan lined the castle walls. Ruby, Kiva, and the Jantu exchanged uneasy glances. Rows of Tin Soldiers stood perfectly still beside each golden frame. Their glassy eyes followed the newcomers like statues that had come to life. At last, they reached the King’s chamber. There, on a towering throne of polished metal, King Tin was sitting. He puffed steam from his armor vents. He tapped his metal fingers impatiently on the armrest. Below his throne, several Tin Soldiers stood holding up strike signs that read:
“FAIR BREAKS FOR FAIR TINS!” “NO MORE COLD TIN FOOD!” “OIL IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE!”
To the King’s right stood the Sikh Union Tin, proud and polished, his turban gleaming under the torchlight. He held a long scroll and read aloud in a deep, resonant voice.
Sikh Tin: “The Tin Union demands, Your Royal Tin.”
King Tin groaned, waving a metal hand.
King Tin: “Alright, go ahead.”
The Sikh Tin unrolled his scroll and began reading the list with dramatic flair.
Sikh Tin: “Five union breaks instead of two. Free tin oil to heal rusty wounds. A raise for some, health care for others. No more Tin food—food cooked to order!”
When he finished, the Sikh Tin looked up, his metal mustache and beard twitching slightly.
Sikh Tin: “Do you accept, Your Royal Tin?”
King Tin slumped in his chair, letting out a loud mechanical sigh.
King Tin: “Fine…”
The Tin Soldiers erupted with joy.
Tin Soldiers (cheering): “Hurrah!”
But King Tin quickly raised a finger.
King Tin (shouting): “But NOT the food!”
All the Tin Soldiers groaned in unison.
Tin Soldiers: “Aww…”
King Tin slammed his metal fist on the armrest.
King Tin: “Now get back to work!”
“Yes, mighty King Tin!” shouted all the Tin Soldiers in unison.
The guards saluted and clanked out of the chamber, their protest signs dragging behind them.
King Tin’s Court
One by one, they dropped their union signs with a clatter and began marching back to work. None of them noticed Ruby, Kiva, and the Jantu. They blended in among the rows of metal soldiers in their shiny new tin suits. As the hall emptied, only the group and the King remained. Ruby, Kiva, and the Jantu stood frozen in their Tin disguises, unsure whether to cheer, bow, or run. King Tin leaned ahead on his golden throne, his voice echoing through the chamber.
King Tin: “Who are you? You don’t look like any of my Tin Soldiers.”
Ruby stepped ahead, her voice steady.
Ruby: “Your Royal King Tin… we Tins are from another land. We came to see the magic empress you’ve captured.”
King Tin’s metallic eyes narrowed suspiciously.
King Tin: “Why?”
Monk tilted his head.
Monk: “Yeah, why?”
Ino quickly pulled him back.
Ino (whispering): “Monk, shh!”
Kiva stepped up beside Ruby, matching her confidence.
Kiva: “We wanted to see if you truly are the greatest King in all of Goodiestan.”
The King puffed out his chest, his voice booming proudly.
King Tin: “Ha! Of course I am! To catch a Jantu Empress is no easy task!”
Monk couldn’t help blurting out—
Monk: “So… do you actually have her?”
King Tin’s eyes flashed gold as he slammed his hand on the armrest.
King Tin: “Guards! Bring out Pek—the enchanted Jantu Empress!”
His laughter echoed through the metallic hall as gears turned and heavy doors creaked open.
Empress Pek
Several Tin Guards marched in, dragging a gleaming golden birdcage. Inside sat Empress Pek, sad and surrounded by her shimmering blue sari. It pooled around her like ripples of moonlight on the cage floor.
“Woo so sad, so bad,” said Woo, covering his eyes. “She does not look happy.”
Ruby stepped ahead. “Oh, great King Tin, you are truly magnificent—but why do you keep her locked in a birdcage?”
King Tin grinned wide, his golden curls bouncing. “Her magic is mighty—but inside that cage, it is mine!
Hurrah! A big cheer for Great King Tin!”
Kiva and the Jantu gasped.
“WHAT? Ruby—what are you doing?” Kiva whispered.
“Play along, I’ll keep King Tin busy” Ruby muttered under her breath.
“Uh… okay…” Kiva forced a grin and shouted, “Hurrah!” The other Jantu quickly joined in, echoing awkward cheers.
Ruby clasped her hands. “For this grand occasion, we bring many, many gifts for Your Majesty.”
King Tin leaned ahead, eyes glittering. “Oh? I like gifts. What gifts?”
“A magic spinning loom,” Ruby said, “one that can make anything your heart desires.”
“Ooooh, splendid!” King Tin clapped his hands. “I like new things! What will it make me?”
Kiva shot Ruby a nervous look. “Are you sure about this, Ruby?”
The Rescue
Ruby grasped the loom’s golden handle and gave it a turn. The wheel spun faster and faster — whirrrr! — until a flurry of blue and gold lights burst out like fireworks. From the glowing threads, gifts began to tumble and shimmer across the floor.
“How about a new pair of sandals?” Ruby offered. King Tin slipped them on with delight. “Ah, perfect! My tin feet shall never rust again! What else?”
Ruby turned the wheel again. “A new royal robe, fit for a great King!” The fabric spun into existence, draping over him in sparkling gold and red.
“This will keep me warm on cold nights!” King Tin laughed, admiring himself.
“And finally…” Ruby shouted, raising her voice above the spinning hum, “a crown worthy of the greatest King of all!”
A magnificent golden crown landed on his head, gleaming under the palace lights. “Ohhh!” King Tin twirled. “I’ll add it to my collection!”
But then — clink. The loom wheel slowed… once… twice… and stopped.
Ruby froze. She pulled out the quill — now pale white, its glow gone. “Oh-oh,” she whispered. “No more magic.”
“What?!” King Tin’s voice thundered through the chamber. “No more?! No more?!” He stomped his golden foot. “Is that all you bring for your great King Tin!?”
Before Ruby answered, a soft voice floated through the room — calm, melodic, and firm. “Why does a King always need more?”
Everyone turned.
King Tin’s eyes went wide. “What—?!”
There stood Empress Pek, free from her cage, her feathers shining with new light. Behind her, the Jantu smiled proudly. They had freed her while King Tin was too busy dancing in his new fine things.
“Guards!” King Tin bellowed, clutching his new crown in panic.
King Tin Escape
A metallic clang! echoed through the hall as Tin Soldiers stormed in, weapons raised, surrounding their King.
King Tin (snarling): “Capture the Empress—and those trickster Tins who dared deceive your great King!”
Before anyone moved, Empress Pek straightened to her full height. Her sapphire feathers rippled, then exploded outward in a dazzling burst of golden-blue light.
With one graceful breath, she released a wave of shimmering energy. Her magic quills glowed like tiny suns, spinning through the air in radiant spirals.
The Tin Soldiers froze mid-step, their suits rattling and shaking. Even King Tin stumbled backward, his polished crown wobbling.
King Tin (panicking): “Ah! You Tins stay here! Your great King… must go to the Tin Can! Farewell!”
With a loud clank, he turned and bolted out of the room, his armor squeaking as he ran.
The Tin Soldiers stared at one another, trembling. Then one raised his hand weakly.
Tin Soldier #1: “Uh… union break!”
Tin Soldier #2: “Run!”
In an instant, the entire platoon scrambled after their King, bumping into each other as they clattered down the corridor.
The hall fell silent. A roar of joy filled the air. The Jantu cheered. Empress Pek smiled. Ruby and Kiva let out a long, relieved sigh.
Ruby (grinning): “Guess the strike’s over.” Kiva: “And so’s King Tin!”
They laughed as the last echo of Tin footsteps faded into the distance.
The Farewell at Goodiestan Forest
Safely back in the heart of Goodiestan Forest, the air shimmered with peace once more. Sunlight streamed through the trees, glinting off threads of gold still floating from the battle. Empress Pek turned to her rescuers, her radiant feathers catching every glimmer of light.
“My brave Jantu heroes,” she said, her voice calm and musical, “you have freed me and restored balance to Goodiestan. For your courage, I offer you gifts — sweets for joy, silk for comfort, and gold for your journeys ahead.”
She paused, her gaze softening as she looked at the children.
“And what shall I give the two brave souls who rescued me from King Tin’s castle?”
Ruby stepped forward shyly.
“Can you… get us home?”
Kiva pointed to the loom.
“We need more magic for our spinning loom.”
Empress Pek smiled knowingly. She plucked a few glowing peacock quills from her tail, each one sparkling with blue and gold light.
“The magic you seek lies within these quills. Take one, two, three, four—take as many as you need. But promise me one thing…”
Ruby: “Anything… we promise.” Empress Pek: “Promise to visit more.”
With that, Ino wrapped her arms around everyone in a giant embrace.
Ino: “Big hug!”
Laughter filled the clearing.
Ruby placed one of the enchanted quills into the loom’s thread chamber. Then Kiva carefully threaded the golden string through the wheel. With a gentle spin, white sparkles burst forth, filling the air with shimmering light. A glowing nimbus circle surrounded the children as the loom began to hum. The loom’s eyes opened. A beam of gold shot toward the sky. It formed a radiant window to home.
Ruby (smiling): “We’ll miss all of you.” Kiva (waving): “Bye, Jantu!”
The light wrapped around them, swirling faster until — Twinkle. Pop. Wink.
Ruby and Kiva were gone, the sound of the loom fading softly into the forest breeze.
Back Home
In a sudden flash, a nimbus of golden light filled the basement.
With a soft thump!Ruby and Kiva landed on the hard wood floor, dizzy but safe. Threads of light flickered around them before fading into the air. From above came a familiar voice.
Nanni-Ji (calling out): “Who’s down there?”
Ruby’s eyes widened.
Ruby: “Oh no… Nanni!”
The two scrambled into action. Ruby folded the Magic Spinning Loom quickly. Kiva stuffed loose threads and trinkets back into the chest.
The old stairs creaked — one step, then another — Nanni-Ji was coming down.
They slammed the chest shut, snapped the latch, and bolted upstairs just as Nanni reached the bottom step. Her eyes followed the trail of gold dust in the air.
Nanni-Ji (muttering): “What were those two up to now…?”
Then, on top of the chest, she noticed something gleaming. Slowly, she reached down and picked up a single feather — a white quill tipped with faint blue light. She smiled softly, recognition flickering in her eyes.
Nanni-Ji (whispering): “Loomey?”
The feather shimmered once, as if answering her.
A Final Message
A “Goodie Night” to all you little Jantus.
In every community and every story, somewhere, the Magic Spinning Loom hums in silence. It lies between worlds and between heartbeats. It weaves new threads, new worlds, new adventures of story and spirit. Each spark of imagination feeds its rhythm, spinning destinies that connect us all.
Wherever dreams are born… the Loom still spins.
Goodiestan Images
Some of the images shown are alternate designs and visual explorations created during the development of Goodiestan. They’re intentionally non-sequential. They vary in style and explore different character designs, moods, and story arcs. The artistic interpretations go beyond the main storyboard.
You will notice a few characters and concepts for future chapters of the Goodiestan universe. These are early glimpses of what’s to come. The story continues to grow.
Artist Blueprint 