The sun set high as the light creaked through the trees. Benjamin did his best to maneuver around the branches and trunks in his way. The rocket thrusters made going over cliffs and taking shortcuts easier than expected. Trekking over the leaves, as they crunched behind him, Benjamin pulled out the map and examined the route written down.

Benjamin stopped in place, trying not to lose focus and take the surroundings in. He had this feeling in his gut that he was getting closer to his destination. A loud tap rang in his ears, jolting him out of his thinking process. Benjamin turned from the sides. Where did it come from? Was it his imagination? He didn’t want to pay it any mind, but his perception shook when the ringing occurred again. He looked up as he met a strange bird-like creature face to face. It was tall with white feathers, long legs, and short wings, but a long and pointy beak. Soon, other similar creatures joined it in checking out the magician.

“Uh, hey? Could you move out of my way?” What is this thing? I don’t have time for this!

The tall birds showed no sign of stopping, as they kept staring at the ball in front of them, poking and moving the ball around. Benjamin covered his ears and winced in pain, as he tried to balance himself and not fall.

Crud, this isn’t going anywhere! I gotta get out of here, but how?

Benjamin squinted his eyes as he tried to find an opening to leave. He grinned, finding the perfect spot to squeeze in between; he just needed to time it right. Benjamin slowly headed to the control panel and activated the propellers. The sudden acceleration pushed him back as it boosted him up towards a tree, crashing it through the branches.

Benjamin rubbed his head and groaned. He opened the compartment to the exit and fell out of the vehicle, landing on the ground with a thud, rubbing his sides and muttering to himself. When he came to, more bird monsters surrounded him. Benjamin’s heart raced as he backed himself up against the bark from the trunk, and they stepped closer. Regret filled his body to the core, longing to return to the shelter, wishing he stopped Isabelle from leaving and returning home. One of the birds stared at the magician with its piercing red eyes and opened its wings. Using those wings, it grabbed the boy and dragged him in closer, causing his eyes to shrink and beads of sweat rolled down from his face.

No, I don’t want to die! It can’t end like this!

Benjamin grit his teeth and kicked it out of his way. Once he pushed it back from a reasonable distance, he rolled to dodge the other remaining monsters coming his way. Stuck in a perilous situation, nearing the edge of a cliff, he searched for something, anything, to use to help him. His eyes stumbled across a decent-sized rock beside him. He ran over to pick it up, his muscles straining, and used the rest of his strength and energy to toss the rock over the horizon. The monsters shifted their gaze at the object, then made a beeline towards it, leaving the magician in the dust.

Benjamin sighed in relief as his body fell. His throat and chest tightened, and he barely made it out of the scenario alive. He tried to catch his breath, but he didn’t have the time to relax for long, for he had a job to do. He climbed the tree from before to get his ride of transportation back down. After taking a quick break, resting inside the contraption, he continued his quest.

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This is harder than I thought. I should’ve listened to that Hugh guy when I had the chance.

.-.-.-.

Trudging across the landscape, Benjamin nearly collapsed when he reached the waterfall that led to a lake. The glittery red area surrounding it was a sight to behold. Fuzzy grass crunched beneath his feet as the boy tried to unscramble his thoughts before pressing forward. He sat by the lakeside and stared at his reflection through the sparkly, clean waters. Benjamin reached his hands over to take a drink once the coast was clear. The icy waves rushed around him, and goosebumps rose on his body, but it felt strangely pleasant and nice. He moved his hands over to drink the water, the cold liquids going down his throat in pure satisfaction as his muscles relaxed and calmed down.

After finishing up and saving water for the container, Benjamin hurried to continue his quest to find the Star Mallow. He scratched his chin and had his eyes glued to the waterfall. Deducing that things are usually behind them, he slipped into the water and swam towards it. After getting under the rushing water, he climbed over the edge of the cavern and slipped inside, panting.

Benjamin caught his breath as he stood up, poured the water out of his hat, and shook off his clothes. He took in the surrounding view. The walls around him were crystallized, colored, and covered with shining jewels, emitting light against the darkness. Benjamin stumbled and walked while looking around. He made sure not to bump into anything as he watched his footing. Not only was it bright around him, but it was also hot. Benjamin wiped the sweat from his forehead and fanned himself with his hat.

Eventually, he encountered a fork in the road, each path showcasing a different color. There were so many choices and no clue which led to a dead end and which had what he was looking for. Benjamin recalled looking at the picture from the book Hugh had shown him earlier. The Star Mallow had a magenta-like color to it. He found the closest color to magenta, went with his gut feeling, and walked down that path. After a while, a light nearly hit him in the face as he approached the end of the tunnel.

There, over the red fields, past the lights, he found himself surrounded by red-violet flowers. He trudged through the flower patch as something caught his eye. Tall magenta flowers shaped like stars glowed on top of a small hill; the glittery pollen floated down gently. That had to be the flower he needed to get. The magician leaned over and grabbed the petals as they fell into his hands. After putting them away, he made his way back to the hut.

.-.-.-.

Benjamin trekked back to where he came from, the sense of accomplishment surging through his body. The ground shook, he stumbled and nearly fell. He thought it was just his imagination when a shadow appeared from behind the waterfall. He peeked his head out and stared at a large furry creature taking a drink from the lake. Benjamin pressed his back against the rough walls, his heart pounding against his chest. He had to sneak by without being caught. Benjamin held his breath and took some steps closer. He was about to take a dip, when red eyes pierced through the waters.

The beast let out a roar, catching the magician off guard, making him lose his footing and fall into the water. The rushing tides hit him as they crashed on top of one another. Benjamin snapped out of it and swam away from the giant legs coming down, the waves pushing him further, deeper into the lake. He thought about how he got in the predicament last time, and what he was fighting for, giving himself the strength to swim back up.

Benjamin gasped for air as he climbed back up. He crept away before the creature could notice him. He pulled out his crossbow and arrow and aimed at the monster. His fingers slipped as he ended up grazing against its fur. It let out another roar as Benjamin stood there, still shaken up. He gripped his weapons and hurried back to his ride.