Night had already fallen across the planet, and only the gentle glow of the stars guided them back to the silver Gordan. But as Artemis and Helios approached, they saw something unusual. The Kensho stone, which had always remained inside the spaceship, was now miraculously floating before them in the cool evening air. A mysterious glow emanated from it, piercing the darkness and casting a magical atmosphere over the surroundings.

  Suddenly, the stone began to pulsate in vibrant colors, as if it had come to life. With a loud crack, its surface split open, and a dense, light blue mist escaped from within. Spiraling upward, it swirled above their heads and gradually took shape.

  Before the astonished eyes of the two friends, a majestic creature formed, resembling a friendly, young wolf. It had soft, dragon-like scales and curved, golden horns.

  As it floated gracefully through the air, it left a shimmering trail of stardust in its wake. The two friends watched the breathtaking spectacle, awestruck. Eventually, the creature landed effortlessly on a rocky ledge and spoke in a calm, almost melodic voice: “I am a Flow. I have absorbed the knowledge you have gathered and am now the living embodiment of the insights you have gained.”

  Artemis and Helios stood with their mouths hanging open and their eyes wide. They glanced at each other in amazement but said nothing.

  The being looked at them expectantly with its bright blue eyes. When no response came, it continued, “From now on, the universe will be my home. Alongside others of my kind, I will travel from planet to planet. As shining meteors in the night sky, our presence will inspire others to embark on their own adventures.”

  Deeply moved, Artemis and Helios listened to its words, realizing they had finally discovered the treasure of the Kensho stone. They were proud hearing the Flow’s message and felt a profound connection with it, yet they were so overwhelmed they couldn’t put it into words.

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  “You have learned much,” the grayish-white creature continued. “These experiences that have shaped and enriched you are now a part of me, too. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

  The turtle and the Linea stood very still, a broad grin slowly spreading across their faces. The Flow chuckled and nodded understandingly. “Don’t forget what you have learned. Keep your hearts open and share your experiences with others. The universe is vast and full of mysteries just waiting to be revealed,” the wolf-like being said before rising soundlessly into the night sky.

  Artemis thought back to the many nights by the pond, watching the stars. “I often wondered where shooting stars go and what they experience. Now I know,” she whispered, overflowing with a sense of fulfillment.

  Helios looked up at the stars long after the Flow’s sparkling trail had finally disappeared. His eyes shone with gratitude. “It feels as though we’ve left a lasting mark on the universe.”

  Artemis and Helios exchanged a meaningful glance, both knowing they had come to the same decision.

  “It’s time to return home, to our families,” Helios said wistfully.

  Artemis nodded. “I realized by the waterfall that I was ready to return. But only now does it feel right. I’m excited to see my family again and share all of our experiences with them.”

  As they continued on their way back to the Gordan, they saw that the Kensho stone had shattered into countless pieces. Large and small fragments sparkled on the ground before them.

  Helios picked up two pieces, clasping them in his hands, and a bright light began to shine between his fingers. When he opened them again, he held two shimmering rings. Gently, he placed one on Artemis’s claw and slipped the other onto his own finger, thinking, “A keepsake of all we have experienced and a reminder that our journey never truly ends.”

  His thoughts reached Artemis clearly—just as they had once before when they were submerged in water.

  Artemis looked at the glimmering stone ring. “Thank you, Helios. It will always remind me of our time together.”

  With a final glance at the night sky and the vastness of the universe, they boarded the spaceship, ready to begin their journey home.