As the ruby crystal shimmered in Ellie’s hand, a burst of vibrant energy radiated around them, painting the dusk with hues of amber and violet. ‘We did it, Max!’ Ellie exclaimed, her heart racing with a blend of excitement and responsibility. ‘But we still have two more to find.’ Max nodded, still in awe of their triumph. ‘What do you think the next crystal is?’
‘I’d believe it might be the sapphire crystal, known for controlling time,’ Ellie pondered, recalling ancient tales. They began walking along the winding trail towards the forest dense with mist. However, their excitement soon turned to unease when a shadowy figure emerged from the trees.
‘Vegas!’ a familiar voice called out. The figure stepped closer, revealing a tall girl with long black hair and piercing green eyes. ‘What are you doing here?’ Ellie asked, her tone hardened.
‘I’ve come for the crystals, Ellie,’ Vegas replied, her smirk revealing a hint of danger. ‘You can’t hoard their power forever. It belongs to all of us.’
Max took a protective stance next to Ellie. ‘We’re not giving them up. You know that.’
‘Ah, but you don’t understand the true potential of the crystals,’ Vegas countered, glancing at the ruby in Ellie’s palm. ‘You’ve won the first battle, but the war is far from over.’
Ignoring her taunts, Ellie turned and noticed a light flickering in the treetops. With determination, she led the way deeper into the forest. As they navigated through the tangled underbrush, they encountered an old man seated on a moss-covered stump, surrounded by intricate symbols drawn on the ground.
‘Welcome, seekers of the truth,’ he said, his voice low and soothing. ‘I am Orion, the guardian of the crystals. You are on a dangerous path.’
‘Is it possible we could help you?’ Max asked, intrigued.
Orion chuckled softly. ‘The quest is yours, but the path is fraught with challenges. To find the sapphire, you must first confront the Keeper of Time.’
Ellie exchanged glances with Max. ‘Do you know who they are?’
‘He is a dragon, ancient and wise, guarding time itself. To reach him, you must solve a riddle,’ Orion explained, pointing towards a hidden pathway shrouded in mist. ‘Listen closely—’
The riddle echoed in their minds: ‘I am not alive, but I can grow; I don’t have lungs, but I need air; I don’t have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?’
‘Fire!’ Max shouted, his excitement palpable. ‘The answer is fire!’
Orion nodded, gesturing toward the pathway. ‘Then you may proceed. Trust in your instincts, and you shall find what you seek.’
With that, Ellie and Max ventured along the misty path, excitement thrumming in their hearts. Suddenly, they stopped at the edge of a glimmering lake, where the surface shimmered like glass.
From the depths, a booming voice resonated: ‘You seek the sapphire crystal? You must prove worthy to face the Keeper of Time.’
Max stepped forward, raising his chin. ‘We are ready for whatever challenge awaits us. We won’t back down.’
A figure emerged from the lake, scales sparkling under the moonlight, revealing a majestic dragon with sapphire-blue eyes.
‘Then let it be known,’ the dragon rumbled, ‘your courage will be tested, not by strength but by wisdom and sacrifice.’
They prepared themselves, ready to uncover the next layer of their adventure, knowing that the search for the final crystal was just beginning.