Back in the Crystal Caves...
Splash blinked his eyes open and sat up. Splash looked at Reef, who was still knocked out and gently shook him.
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Reef's eyes slowly blinked open. "Did we catch them?"
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"I'm afraid not," Splash answered. "The Crimson Fang leader took them. And she has the Dragon's Heart as well."
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Reef sat up. "So...I guess that means we won't become Draconia's heroes..."
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Splash sighed, reflecting on the good times he had with the travelers. Splash then put his claws under his chin in mock thought. "Maybe we could be heroes..." Splash pointed towards the cave entrance. "To the boat!"
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"I don't know what you were just thinking about a few seconds about, but whatever it is, it's probably better than standing on my fins," said Reef. Reef and Splash left the cave to be greeted by the unfortunate sight of the boat in ruins.
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Splash shrugged. "Captain Ian can make himself a new boat."
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With that, the two dragons dove into the water. They swam side by side, Reef’s fins cutting through the water easily, while Splash used his agility and webbed claws to navigate around obstacles.
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As they approached the mainland, Splash looked over at Reef. "We need to find Solara's palace. If we can find her palace, we can find the travelers."
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Reef nodded. "And maybe we'll have a chance to make things right. We can't let the Crimson Fang leader take the Dragon's Heart without a fight."
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They reached the coastline and climbed out of the water, begging their trek through the hot desert.
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The desert sun blazed down on Reef and Splash as they trudged through the scorching sand. Reef squinted ahead, trying to spot any sign of Solara's palace through the heat waves shimmering in the distance. Splash, meanwhile, was preoccupied with trying to keep his claws free of sand.
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"I think we're lost," Splash admitted, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. "This desert is endless!"
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Reef gave Splash an incredulous look. "We’ve been walking for like... twenty minutes. How can you already be complaining?"
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Splash shrugged, panting a little. "It’s hot. And my scales are sticking to my back."
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"Just think of it as a spa day with a really, really bad temperature," Reef said with a grin.
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"Yeah, a spa day where the only thing to cool off in is sand," Splash replied dryly.
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They continued their trek, with Reef leading the way and Splash dragging his feet a bit. Every few steps, Splash would attempt to shake the sand out of his claws, making exaggerated movements that resembled a dragon trying to dance.
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Suddenly, Splash tripped over a small dune, flailing his wings in an attempt to regain his balance. "I’m okay!" he yelled, even though he was half-buried in sand. Reef stifled a laugh as he helped his friend up.
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"Careful there, or you'll be mistaken for a sand sculpture," Reef teased.
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Splash grumbled as he brushed sand off his scales. "If I’m a sculpture, I’m definitely one with a lot of character."
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Just then, they spotted a mirage of an oasis. Splash's eyes lit up with excitement. "Look! Water! Actual water!"
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Reef's gaze followed Splash's pointing claw, and he nodded. "That could be our lucky break."
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They hurried towards the oasis, only to find it was just another sand illusion. Splash groaned in frustration. "Of course it was a mirage. I should’ve known."
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"Don’t worry," Reef said, trying to stay positive. "We’ll find the palace eventually. Besides, you’re getting a good workout."
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As they trudged on, Reef tried to make the best of the situation by turning their journey into a game. "First one to spot the palace gets the last of the dried fish," he declared.
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Splash perked up. "Deal!" he said, immediately renewing his energy.
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The two dragons picked up their pace, both determined to find the palace and earn their prize. Their earlier grumbling gave way to a playful competition, and their spirits lifted laughter.
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Finally, after what felt like hours of walking and occasional silly detours, Reef spotted a few Flame Dragons and Emberflare dragons playing competitively, seeing who has the most powerful fire.
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"Let's go ask them," said Reef.
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"Excuse me!" Splash called out, trying to sound confident. "We need directions to Solara's palace. Can you point us in the direction of Solara's palace? Our previous guide didn't give us clear directions and we were hoping you could give us a little help."
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One of the flame dragons looked down at them with a skeptical expression. "And why should we help you? You don't look like you belong here," he grumbled, his fiery breath puffing out with each word.
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Reef, undeterred, stepped forward. "We’re just trying to find Solara's palace. It’s really important."
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The flame dragon snorted. "Important, huh? Everything's always important when you're lost in the desert."
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An Emberflare dragon fluttered down from a nearby rock. "Oh, don’t be such a grouch, Ignis," she said, poking the flame dragon in the side. "These two look like they’ve been through enough. What’s the harm in giving them directions?"
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Ignis rolled his eyes but nodded begrudgingly. "Fine. Head north from here until you reach the big sand dune shaped like a dragon’s head. Turn east from there, and you should see Solara’s palace in the distance."
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Reef and Splash exchanged relieved glances. "Thank you," Reef said earnestly.
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The Emberflare dragon grinned. "Good luck! And watch out for the mirages. They can be very convincing!"
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As Reef and Splash set off in the direction given, Splash looked back at the Emberflare dragon. "Thanks again!"
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The Emberflare dragon chuckled. "You're welcome! Stay safe!"
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The two dragons continued their journey, feeling more hopeful with every step. As they followed Ignis's directions, they soon spotted the large sand dune shaped like a dragon’s head. They turned east and, sure enough, the grand silhouette of Solara’s palace began to come into view on the horizon.
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"There it is!" Splash shouted with excitement. "We actually found it!"
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Reef couldn’t help but smile. "Let’s just hope we can find the travelers and get them out of there."
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"And once we save them, we'll find and stop the Crimson Fang leader and take the Dragon's Heart away from her," said Splash.
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