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Chapter Two: The Colorless Caves
The path to the Cloudberry Crystals led through the Colorless Caves, a place where all the colors were drained from the world. The jellybean trees disappeared behind them, and soon, the friends stood at the mouth of a cave as gray as storm clouds.
"I don't like this," Poppycorn whispered, her sparkle dimming.
Luna squeezed her hoof gently. "We're together. That makes it less scary, right?"
They stepped inside, one by one. As they walked deeper, even the sound of their footsteps faded. The cave was so quiet, it felt like it was listening.
Suddenly, a shimmer flickered on the wall—a glowing riddle!
"To find what's lost and see what's true,
Name the brightest thing in you."
They all stared at each other.
"My scales?" Nimbus asked. "They sparkle when I'm happy."
"My horn!" said Poppycorn, lifting her chin. "It glows when I'm brave."
"My drawings," Luna said. "They turn ideas into pictures."
"My words," Theo added. "They help people understand."
And then—the cave lit up.
Their answers danced across the walls like paintings in light. The gray rocks softened into soft pinks and gentle yellows. The path forward revealed itself, edged in soft blues.
"You did it!" Poppycorn beamed. "You brought the color back with your hearts!"
They ran forward, laughter echoing like music. But just as they reached the edge of the cave…
RUMBLE.
The cave entrance began to close!
Nimbus grabbed Luna's hand. "Jump!"
They leapt through just in time—landing in a meadow where the grass giggled and tickled their toes.
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