The gentle hum of the forest filled the air as Sprout and Cosmo wandered along the mossy path, their hands intertwined. Sprout's leafy hair glimmered under the dappling sunlight, while Cosmo's cosmic aura shimmered with soft purples and blues. It was a rare moment of peace, a quiet escape from their chaotic adventures.

"I think we've finally found a place to rest," Cosmo said, his voice calm but brimming with joy.

Sprout nodded, his eyes scanning the lush greenery. "It's perfect. Just the two of us, away from everything."

But the peace didn't last long. A faint rustling echoed from the underbrush. Both froze.

"Did you hear that?" Sprout asked, his leafy ears twitching.

Before Cosmo could respond, a shadow emerged. It was Shrimpo, his usually playful demeanor replaced by something darker. His eyes gleamed with an unnatural intensity.

"Shrimpo?" Cosmo asked, stepping forward cautiously. "What's going on?"

Shrimpo didn't answer. Instead, he raised one of his clawed arms, the air around him growing colder.

"Shrimpo, this isn't funny," Sprout said, his tone wavering.

"You two..." Shrimpo's voice was low, almost a growl. "You think you can just leave me behind? Play house in the woods while I'm stuck cleaning up your messes?"

Cosmo stepped protectively in front of Sprout. "It's not like that. We thought you'd—"

"Enough!" Shrimpo roared, slamming his claws into the ground. The earth trembled, and dark vines erupted, snaking toward the couple.

Sprout screamed as one of the vines coiled around his ankle, yanking him away from Cosmo. "Let him go!" Cosmo shouted, summoning a burst of cosmic energy to slice through the vine.

But Shrimpo was relentless. He leaped forward, claws shimmering with a dark, ominous glow. Cosmo barely had time to react before the claws struck, tearing through his celestial form.

"COSMO!" Sprout cried out, tears streaming as he struggled against the vines.

Shrimpo stood over Cosmo's fallen form, his expression cold. "You were always the star. Always shining too bright for the rest of us."

With a furious yell, Sprout broke free, his leafy limbs glowing with raw energy. He lunged at Shrimpo, striking with everything he had. For a moment, it seemed like he might overpower the shrimp-like menace.

But Shrimpo was too fast. With a swift swipe of his claw, he struck Sprout down.

As the forest grew quiet again, Shrimpo stood amidst the aftermath. He looked at his blood-stained claws and the lifeless bodies of his friends. For a moment, his expression softened, regret flickering in his eyes.

But it was too late.

He turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving the once vibrant forest in eerie silence.