The sounds of the party grew fainter, as Badger soared higher and higher through the fog in his beloved Wim-Wim, heading off to visit the only one who could help him see clearly.

Back at the party, Top Dog, Hamish, Dodgy Dave, Cheryl, Snif, Timmy, Lennie, Louie, Otto and the Earl of Doodlepoppington had started a conga line leading up the lane. They were all in high spirits. The midnight hour was not far away.

As Badger landed the Wim-Wim gently in the enchanted forest, he was met by his plucky friend, Baby Unicorn.

“It’s unusual to see you on your own Badger. What’s up?” asked the unicorn.

Badger sighed.

“Everything has gone wrong. ’Chief has left me and I don’t feel as badgical magical anymore. Plus, I tried to organise a reunion party with the gang, to cheer Pickle up, because she’s missing Pogo Paws badly. But now she’s disappeared too.”

“Okay, follow me,” said Baby Unicorn wisely. “I’m sure we can get this sorted out.”

They made their way along the golden-leaved path towards the famous crystal cave. The fog was far, far below them.

Inside, they walked quietly through avenues of gleaming, shimmering crystals, till they arrived at an archway of glittering stalactites. Badger’s eyes widened as they stepped into a chamber of pure purple light.

“Epic!” said Badger, as they stood before a wall of dazzling amethyst crystal. Baby Unicorn nodded to Badger to stay completely still.

“This,” said the unicorn, “is the Whispering Wall; the place where you will always hear the truth. Only those who stand in this spot can hear the words of wisdom that are meant for them. Whatever your question, your deepest desire for knowledge will be answered here.

“So, over to you, Badger. Close your eyes and think hard about what it is you really want to know.” Badger closed his eyes tightly. He asked where his neckerchief had gone, how he could reunite Pickle properly with her old friends, and how he could get rid of the nuisance that was Otto.

The crystals began to vibrate and pulsate with light. At first he heard mixed murmuring and mumbling, then a fully fledged whisper said: “’Chief has not deserted you, and Pickle’s friends are true. When you least expect it, you will have a rendezvous.”

Badger scratched his head, looked at Baby Unicorn and tapped the wall.

“What does that mean then? Is it a riddle?”

“Don’t touch the wall, Badger. You must not disrespect the wisdom of the amethyst. Everything you need to know is in your heart,” said Baby Unicorn.

“Oops! Sorry, Whispering Wall,” bowed Badger politely, still looking a little bewildered.

“Chin up, my friend. It’s time for you to rejoin your party. You can’t be a party pooper-scooper,” winked the unicorn. “And I have my own contribution to make to the festivities.”

Baby Unicorn pointed his horn at a box to the side of the Whispering Wall, which was giggling and jiggling. Badger looked at it suspiciously.

“Should I be worried? Will it travel back okay in the Wim-Wim?”

“Of course, Badger. It’s only some party poppers and streamers, but they do get excited about being outside of their box.”

Badger grabbed the package, said “thank you” to his friend, and boarded the Wim-Wim to head back to the party.

With the Wim-Wim’s fog lights on full beam, he came into land at the far end of the lane, feeling much calmer about his missing neckerchief. He had to simply trust that ‘Chief would return.

At the party, Cheryl had brought out her karaoke machine and Dodgy Dave was belting out his best rendition of “You ain’t nothing but a Hound Dog”. The others were jitter-bugging, twisting the night away, and having a happy hootenanny.

Badger stepped out of the Wim-Wim with his box of goodies. In the distance, he heard a muffled jingle-jangle sound. As the clink and clankle drew nearer and louder, he spotted an all too familiar sight.

A pair of big black boots thundered towards him.

The Dog Catcher had returned!