The Enigma of the Future

Yumi, Ryo, Lia, and Axiom set off from the cavern of Noctis toward the horizon, away from the search that awaited them for the next Fragment of Time. What lay before would be just as dangerous as it was challenging, but Yumi had found the self-confidence to be able to travel it.

"Our next stop will take us to the Celestial Observatory," she addressed them, consulting an old map. "It is said that's where the Fragment of the Future is guarded."

"This is perhaps a place in which time and space may meet," Axiom murmured while making some adjustments to his sensors. "We must be ready for anything."

The walk to the Celestial Observatory—representing days of traveling in risky terrain and with changing weather—finally placed them on the top of a high mountain. There it was, the imposing building of the observatory with its towers pointing at the stars.

Once inside the air had a mysterious feel. The interior was coated with bright constellations with intricate and mystical astrological devices. In the center was a giant floating crystal globe pulsating light.

"That Fragment of the Future's in there," pronounced Ryo resolutely, pointing at the globe. "Of course, it won't come easily."

Suddenly, the faint and mysterious voice filled the air. "To gain the Fragment of the Future, first solve the riddle that guards the power."

A holographic figure appeared, standing directly before them—an armored woman with silver hair, and her eyes were like liquid mirrors, mirrors reflecting the vast, vast cosmos. She was the Guardian of the Future.

'The riddle is with little sophistry, but with cunning, much more than knowledge,' returned the Guardian. 'Now you must show vision and courage.'

With a gesture of her hand, symbols and constellations were gliding in a whirling circle around the crystal globe, and the riddle shone through:

"The future always lies beyond the present. Three stars will line and light a way, but only one points the path to take. Which guiding star leads you to tomorrow?"

The group came together to discuss what the riddle could possibly mean. Yumi eyed the symbols for a little while, trying to perceive some kind of logic.

"I believe the answer is to be found in the constellations. We have to figure out which star it is by its position."

With that, he started crunching the data and stellar configurations on his end with his technological prowess. "It seems the third star is bound on a trajectory that doesn't seem to follow the customary pattern. That's our best bet."

Yumi only nodded, following her intuition. She had no qualms as she approached the crystal ball, tapped the third star. The globe flashed, and the Fragment of the Future floated toward her.

"You have displayed the vision required to defend the future," spoke the Guardian of the Future. "This piece is now yours."

Before they really had time to celebrate, a tremor hit the observatory. The hooded figure had returned, and they were not here for any of this.

"You are a tenacious one, but not enough to stop me!" shouted the figure, stepping toward him with the dark blade in hand.

With the wielded power of the Fragment of the Future, Yumi fiercely fought, predicting enemy movements, and, with it, conducting precise attacks together with her allies. There was no overcoming the combined power, and once more the figure in the hood retreated.

"It's not over!" was their threat as they disappeared into the darkness.

With the Fragment of the Future in their possession, Yumi and her friends knew there would be evener harder hardships ahead, but all were one, standing ready to meet any challenge that lay before them. "'We have two pieces now,' Yumi announced. She took a deep breath. 'Let's move on. We're waiting for us the next one.'"