Native Place

"Hello, my friends."

This is how Grigory Bobrov, the president of the small country of Zelenogorie, begins his speech in a straightforward manner, standing at the podium in front of a large crowd of fellow herbivores of various species and ages. A proud beaver and a true patriot of his homeland, he succeeded his father, Alexei Bobrov, marking a unique occurrence in the history of Zelenogorie, when, despite the absence of a monarchy, power was transferred from father to son through fair and honest elections. And, speaking of honesty, these words are far from empty for Grigory. The President is convinced that honesty and perseverance are essential for success in any job, particularly in leading an entire nation. He could deceive his people and unfairly appropriate their wealth, living a life of luxury, and it's unlikely anyone would ever be able to stop him. However, that wouldn't bring him true success.

Grigory believes that true success is not measured by the accumulation of wealth. In such a case, a leader will be remembered as greedy and ineffective, leaving behind a negative legacy. No, real success lies in uplifting one's homeland and its people, excelling in various fields; so future generations, upon seeing your portrait or monument, would say from the bottom of their hearts: "He was an excellent president; he made our country strong and great."

Of course, one can say that pride and self-esteem are driving forces for Grigory. However, he doesn't see this as a major issue, as long as it enables him to effectively fulfill his presidential duties and work for the benefit of his country, beautiful Zelenogorie.

"I'm delighted to see so many citizens here today, including children and teenagers," Grigory continues. "This is crucial because we need to convey to them the significance of this day. Fifty years ago, we herbivores demonstrated to the predators that we're not just prey, not just pieces of meat for them to hunt freely. Fifty years ago, our fathers proved that we, too, can show our teeth and that we must be taken seriously. Although our citizens still face occasional attacks, the predators now understand that we are ready to fight back rather than flee, as we once did. However, we must completely eliminate such incidents, and the wall to separate us from predators currently under construction will help us achieve that goal. Furthermore, we plan to ban predators from entering our territory in the near future. We live well and prosper without them, and we don't need them at all..."

"Come on, Mom, switch it to cartoons," Sasha, the little hare, asks plaintively, addressing his mother Tatiana, who is cooking dinner.

"Son, they're talking about our fathers who fought for our future," Tatiana replies, glancing at the TV. "That’s more important than cartoons."

"Well, I know all about that..." the child protests. "So can I watch some cartoons?"

"No, you'd better take the fish to Pasha. Come on."

"Tsk... okay..." Sasha sighs and heads off to get the fish.

"There's a lot of it; let the others help you."

"Okay..." the hare mutters, continuing on his way.

Sasha and his three brothers slowly make their way to the backyard, carrying a large container of fried fish in their paws. They approach the shack, which is bigger than their house.

"Ugh, it's heavy..." Sasha says as they set the container down. He knocks on the door.

"Hey, Pasha, we brought you some fish!" Sasha calls out, but there's no response.

"Pasha!" Kolya, the second rabbit, chimes in, knocking on the door again. "We've got fish here!"

Just as Kolya is about to pull his paw back, a wolf suddenly swings the door open.

Pavel is a twenty-year-old wolf who is almost always sullen. His gray coat, combined with his pale clothing, creates a rather dull and joyless appearance. Only his intense blue eyes add a touch of brightness, making his look at least somewhat vibrant.

"Mom said to bring this over," Sasha says, gesturing to the container of fish.

"Thanks," Pavel replies dryly, taking the fish before closing the door.

The young wolf’s apartment is not very large or expensive, but it has all the essentials: a bathroom, a bed, a closet with a few belongings, a TV with a game console, and some other small necessities. Basically, it's a modest place, but Pavel, being a modest guy, doesn’t complain. After all, he understands that complaining won’t turn his home into gold.

What he has is already a big deal, considering that his mother has long been a widow, raising and feeding her seven children alone. Her successful medical career, several relatively successful books—along with one quite successful—on body care, as well as a morning health program she hosted for five years (which closed a year ago), have allowed her to earn enough to support the entire family.

Pavel is just beginning his evening meal when it suddenly starts to rain. Delighted that he had repaired the ceiling hole a few days earlier, he begins eating his hot salmon. Pavel just loves the rain, and even when it's not raining, he has a habit of listening to the sounds of raindrops through his headphones while he sleeps. Recently, he has started playing these sounds instead of music while walking, finding them much more soothing than his favorite compositions.

Now, enjoying the natural sound of the rain, Pavel settles in with a book, a newfound passion of his. Having watched a variety of films adapted from novels, he recently became curious about the experience of consuming a story in its original form.

He started with the original novel of his favorite animated film, "Heroes." Although it was difficult to get used to reading at first, and his concentration wavered from time to time, Pavel quickly became immersed in the process. The style of the novel contributed to this: it is simple and not overloaded with complex words or intricate phrases. Today, as Pavel finishes the novel, he comes to the conclusion that it’s neither superior nor inferior to the film adaptation; it's simply a different experience, with a focus on different elements.

The novel describes the fates of the characters, their appearance, and many details that remained behind the scenes in the film adaptation. It ignites the imagination and, no matter how banal it may sound, compels readers to build the book's world in their minds. Numerous scenes and details missing from the film enrich the novel, making its world feel vividly alive.

The animated film, on the other hand, features incredibly strong direction: the cinematography, acting, and music enhance many scenes even more than they do in the book. The main character is portrayed with remarkable clarity, along with the embodiment of many other characters. While the film may not offer the same scope for imagination as the book, it makes up for it with its own unique strengths. Ultimately, the greatness of both the novel and the film is a testament to one author—Alikhan Maskhadov.

"I'm heading out, Mom," Pavel says as he prepares to leave for university.

"Okay, son, good luck," Tatiana replies lovingly. "Did you remember to take your lunch?"

"Yeah, I packed it," Pavel confirms before heading out the door.

"Alright, go get those A's!"

Mikhail Krylov University is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the city, having stood for 129 years and survived the Bestial War. A peculiar aspect of this institution is that it was founded thanks to a penguin, an animal that typically inhabits northern lands and rarely ventures elsewhere. Penguins are known for being private and mysterious creatures, which makes this university an extraordinary exception to their usual reclusive behavior.

The third class is a history lesson, and judging by the sleepy expressions on many students' faces, they don't seem particularly interested. An elderly teacher discusses the history of the relationship between predators and herbivores, covering both their periods of peaceful coexistence and conflict. The topic feels somewhat awkward for nearly everyone in the classroom, where there's only one student who's actually a predator.

It’s finally a long break, and Pavel can grab a snack. Predators have faced hunger more acutely since ancient times, making their cravings much more intense than those of herbivores. Even after millions of years of evolution, this issue remains relevant. However, as Pavel sets a box of hot chicken breast and boiled rice in front of him, he doesn’t need to dwell on such problems.

Savoring a delicious lunch with a cup of hot coffee, Pavel sits contentedly alone in the corner of the dining room. No one dares to join a predator at the table, but Pavel has long grown accustomed to this attitude and doesn’t let it bother him much.

As he attends his remaining classes, Pavel occasionally catches sidelong glances from his classmates, as usual. After finally finishing, he heads home, turning on the soothing sounds of rain in his headphones.

"Mom, I’m home," Pasha announces, as he usually does when he returns.

"Oh, you’re back already, Pasha? That was quick," Tatiana replies, standing in the kitchen and speaking to her son through the window.

"The teacher got sick, so they let us out early," Pasha explains.

"Oh, I see. Have you eaten?"

"Yes," the wolf replies. "It was delicious. What’s for dinner?"

"We have some leftover fish. Is there anything else you’d like me to cook for you?" Tatiana asks solicitously.

"The fish will be fine," Pasha says, "and some rice if there’s any left."

"Okay, it’ll be ready in ten minutes."

With a rumbling stomach, Pavel heads to his shack.

Lying on his bed, the young wolf begins dialing the number from a job advertisement. Although the university offers a decent scholarship, Pavel wants to earn a bit more and keep himself occupied in the evenings. While browsing, he came across a vacancy for a consultant at a supermarket— a straightforward job that will help him gain some financial independence.

"Hello," a polite voice greets him from the other side of the line.

"Uh, hello. My name is Pavel," the young wolf replies, getting out of bed and pacing around the room. "I saw your ad for a consultant at your store yesterday, so I thought I’d call. Is the position still available?"

"Yes, it is, Pavel. Thank you for reaching out. Did you notice the note about needing a mediumsized consultant?"

"Yes, I’m of average size," Pavel explains.

"Okay, and what species are you, if I may ask?" the director inquires.

"…I’m a wolf," Pavel responds after a brief pause.

"Oh, uh… a wolf, I see," the director says, sounding taken aback. "Alright, well, Pavel, we have a few other candidates to consider. We’ll add you to the list of potential consultants."

"Got it," Pavel replies, already knowing full well that he won’t be hired.

After the interview, the wolf sets the phone down on his bedside table and lies back on the bed. Staring at the ceiling, he thinks about how he’ll need to build his career and life, especially if he can’t even get a job as a supermarket consultant. For now, that problem isn’t pressing, so after recovering from the bitter rejection, Pasha does something he hasn’t done in a long time—he turns on the TV.

A movie, an ad, a football match, another ad, more ads, and finally, the news.

"...Another predator was found this morning and urgently hospitalized. The cause is poisoning; witnesses to the incident discovered a dart in the victim's body. Although the victim's condition is now stabilized, the authorities recommend..."

Pavel turns off the TV. He's had enough of his own troubles without needing to hear about any assaults.

Catching sight of the full, beautiful moon through the window, Pasha’s ancient instincts kick in, prompting him to take an evening stroll.

"Mom, I’m going for a walk," Pasha informs Tatiana, so she won't worry.

"Okay, son. Just don’t stay out too late," Tatiana warns.

This spring evening in the city of Korolyaevo is calm and peaceful. To the left, the skyscrapers of the city center rise above the low-rise houses and trees. However, here in the mountainous outskirts, the atmosphere is more subdued, yet it is even more favorable for quiet individuals like Pavel. The houses are mostly two stories high, surrounded by lush trees and greenery. The clean streets, chirping crickets, and fluttering moths create an ideal ambiance for an evening walk.

Pavel is dressed in his usual clothes: dark blue jeans, a white T-shirt, and a grey windbreaker with the hood pulled over his head. With his head down and headphones in place, the soothing sound of rain filling his ears, he makes his way to a nearby hill that offers a stunning view of the moon he desires.

Two middle-aged sheep approach the young wolf, feeling a thrill at the sight of him, but they continue on their way nonetheless.

"And then they’re surprised that the predators are attacking us," one sheep says in a half-whisper as they pass by Pasha.

"You can say that again," her friend replies, nodding in agreement.

Pavel doesn’t hear their conversation, but even if he did, he wouldn’t give it much thought. Over the years of living here, this attitude has become habitual for him.

After nearly a hundred more steps, Pasha notices a suspicious conversation about twenty meters away. As he gets a little closer, he sees two wolverines clearly confronting a young rabbit.

"What's a little rabbit like you doing out here at this time?" one of the wolverines asks with a sly grin.

"What's the big deal?" the girl replies, slightly annoyed. "This is a neighborhood of herbivores. So is the city."

"So, you're saying the predators aren't allowed here?" the wolverine's tone grows more aggressive.

"I don't care," the rabbit responds wearily, wanting to be left alone.

"Borya, wait..." one of the wolverines continues, still blocking the rabbit's path. "Maybe this is the same avenger they're talking about on the news?"

"What?" the rabbit asks, perplexed.

"Hmm… It may be, Serge," Borya agrees, though it's obvious they have no grounds for such suspicion.

"Is there a problem?" Pasha suddenly joins the conversation, positioning himself between the wolverines and the rabbit.

"Hey, what are you—?" one of the wolverines begins aggressively, but upon seeing the large wolf, he quickly backs down. "Oh, you're a predator."

"What’s going on here?" Pasha asks.

"This rabbit is just wandering around; she looks shady," the wolverine quickly explains.

"I told you, I was just out for a walk," the rabbit tries to justify herself again, but it’s in vain.

"Shut up, nibbler," one of the wolverines taunts.

"Ha! Nibbler, that's a good one," his friend chimes in.

"Just leave," Pasha tells the wolverines, already fed up.

"What are you talking about?" the wolverines are perplexed. "Dude, you’re a predator too..."

"Go home. Quick," Pasha straightforwardly threatens.

"…Alright, okay," the wolverines concede and leave at a brisk pace.

"Thanks," the girl says, grateful to her intercessor. "I should've guessed it would come to this. These predators... I'm sorry; I didn't mean to..." The rabbit hurries to apologize, inadvertently showing tactlessness.

"It's okay," Pasha reassures her. "I can walk you home; you never know what might happen."

"No, no, thank you," the rabbit softly interrupts. "I live right next door."

"Are you sure?" the wolf asks, just to clarify.

"Yes, it's fine," the rabbit repeats. "Thanks for the help."

"Well, as you wish," Pasha calmly accepts her refusal. "Good luck."

"Thanks again," the rabbit replies, and they part ways.

After walking nearly two kilometers from home, Pasha finally reaches the hill. The climb is a bit of a struggle since there are no stairs, but the view is definitely worth it. The weather is still wonderful; a light wind gently ruffles the wolf's fur as he sits down on the fresh grass, admiring the sight of the night city, its towering skyscrapers, and especially the Moon.

As the young wolf reflects on his life and his place in this world, he wonders whether he has a future in Korolyaevo. Will he be able to achieve something? Will he find friends? These questions have remained unanswered for quite some time, and it seems unlikely that tonight will bring any change.

Only the Moon keeps the wolf company right now. Instinctively, Pasha's gaze is drawn to her; he stares at her, absorbed in the moment. And then, suddenly, he howls at her.

"Woo-gh-woo-gh," Pasha coughs out. "…I can't even howl properly."

His unsuccessful attempt to howl from the heart leaves him feeling a bit down, and he hopes that anyone who might have heard the howl won't call the police.

As Pasha continues to sit on the grass, ready to head home, his phone suddenly rings.

"Hello?" he says, but there's only silence. "Hello?" he tries again.

After a few seconds, the unknown caller hangs up.

"...Did they dial the wrong number?" Pasha wonders. With that thought lingering, he starts making his way home.

But the surprises aren't over yet. As Pasha returns by the same route, this time without headphones, he spots two suspicious characters—a young hare and a deer, both wearing masks—exiting a jewelry store with a bulging bag.

"And why did I take you with me?" the deer asks plaintively. "You can't even carry the bag."

"Would you have opened the lock with your horns?" the hare retorts.

"Stop!" the deer says, his voice low, pointing at Pasha.

They both stand still, eyes locked on each other, understanding what's happening. Suddenly…

"Run!" the hare screams, and the thieves begin to flee.

Quickly realizing that he cannot catch up with the hare, Pasha focuses on the deer. Aware that he can't get far with a bag full of jewels, the deer quickly throws them aside and increases his speed.

"The wolf is chasing me! A predator!" the deer screams, alerting the nearby police officers.

Pretty quickly, Pasha catches up with the deer and rushes at him, knocking him to the ground.

"Don't eat me! I'll give you a share!" the deer pleads in a panic.

"Save it for the judge," Pasha retorts, refusing the offer.

"Stop!" Two bear cops arrive just in time. "Paws up!"

"He was stealing with a hare," Pasha begins to explain. "Or maybe it was a rabbit; I didn't..."

"Paws up, quickly," the police repeat, this time clearly addressing Pasha.

"What are you doing?" Pasha asks, perplexed.

"Arrest him, please! He wanted to eat me!" The deer suddenly turns the tables, and the police readily believe him.

"Get on the ground, now!" they order. Realizing there's no point in making excuses, Pasha complies.

"Are you okay?" one of the officers asks the deer.

"Yes, everything is fine," he replies. "Thank you. I was just walking home when this wolf suddenly started chasing me..."

Justice doesn't prevail this evening, and the deer, as the so-called victim, is released. Pasha accepts his fate with the deepest disappointment. For some reason, he is not at all surprised that it ended that way.