“Let’s go and tell Gonzo the good news,” said Zap.

The Bug Buddies were just about to leave Stinking Bog when they heard a disgusting squelch. A huge slug emerged from the mud. Its thick, mucus-covered body slithered up to Zap, leaving a trail of slime. Zap shuddered – that was one ugly creature …

“I sssaw what you and your friendsss did,” the slug said. “Very impressssive.”

Even though the slug was congratulating them, it didn’t sound like he meant it.

“Er, thanks,” Zap said. “My name’s Zap.”

“Yesss,” replied the slug, menacingly, “I know.”

“We’re going to celebrate our victory,” said Lurch. “Do you want to come?”

“No, thanksss,” replied the slug. “I’m, er, busy … very busy.”

Zap thought the slug’s excuse sounded like a fib. He was suddenly keen to get away from this slippery character.

“OK,” Zap said hurriedly, “bye, then.”

Zap flew out of the bog, followed by the rest of the Bug Buddies. As he led the way, he took one last look over his wings. The slug was still watching them …

 

The insects of Spinner’s Wood cheered as Zap and his friends told everyone about their victory, on Gonzo’s Rock.

“Spinner has left the wood forever!” Zap announced.

“Well done, Bug Buddies,” said Gonzo.

“It was a real team effort,” said Zap, looking at his friends with pride.

“Hooray for the Bug Buddies!” the crowd cheered.

Zap smiled as Buzz, Crunch and Lurch were lifted up by the bugs at the front of the crowd and carried around the clearing. But, before Zap could celebrate, there was something he needed to know.

“Would you really have left Spinner’s Wood?” he asked Gonzo.

“I knew that promising to leave was the only way Spinner would ever agree to a final showdown,” replied Gonzo. “But, I also knew that you wouldn’t let me down.”

Zap almost burst with pride. Suddenly, he felt himself lifted into the air …

“Don’t be shy,” said Snap, putting Zap on his shoulders. “You deserve a victory lap, too!”

Zap laughed as the tiger beetle carried him around the clearing. It was almost as fun as flying!

But his laughter paused when he spotted the giant slug watching him from behind a muddy mound. What was he doing here? Didn’t he say he was busy?

Zap wasn’t sure why, but something told him to keep an eye on that slug. He reminded Zap of Spinner in some way.

“I don’t think our adventures are over yet,” he murmured to himself, as he joined in with the celebrations. “Not by a long way …”