The Brave Duck Patrol

An elephant was lounging by the grass when he spotted a line of ducks marching past. They weren't just waddling; they were stepping in perfect rhythm, chests puffed out.

"Whoa there, neighbors!" the elephant trumpeted with a grin. "Where’s the parade? Are you guys headed off to war?"

The lead duck stopped and saluted. "This is no parade, Big Guy," the Captain quacked bravely. "We are the Pond Protection Patrol! We heard a rumor of an intruder, and we’re going to defend our home!"

With a loud "Quack! Quack! Charge!" the tiny army marched into the tall reeds and disappeared.

A few minutes later, the elephant heard a massive SPLASH followed by a chorus of panicked squawks. He hurried over to the bank just in time to see the "army" scrambling in every direction.

A giant, happy hippo had just cannonballed into the center of the pond, sending a tidal wave toward the shore. The brave Captain was the first one up a tree!

The elephant chuckled. "Well, Captain," he said, "at least you gave the intruder a good scare... with your splashing!"