chapter 4: the stone that changed it all part 2

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**Chapter 4: The Stone That Changed It All, Part 2**

The forest was eerily quiet as the group stood in stunned silence, trying to comprehend what had just happened. The trees around them were massive, their trunks twisted and gnarled as if they had been growing for centuries. The air was thick with an ancient, almost oppressive energy.

"Okay, let's not panic," Blake said, trying to sound calm but failing to hide the tremor in his voice. "We need to stick together and figure out where we are."

Yang glanced around, still holding the glowing stone. "This place feels... different. Like it's out of time or something."

Rhi Rhi shivered, rubbing her arms. "I don't like this. It feels like we're being watched."

Tommy looked around warily, his eyes scanning the shadows between the trees. "Let's keep moving. Maybe we can find something or someone that can help us."

They set off cautiously, staying close together as they ventured deeper into the forest. The sunlight barely penetrated the thick canopy, casting long, dark shadows that seemed to move with a life of their own. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made them jumpy and nervous.

After what felt like hours of walking, they came across a small clearing with a strange stone altar in the center. The altar was covered in the same ancient markings as the stone Yang had found.

"This looks important," Blake said, approaching the altar carefully. "Maybe it has something to do with the stone."

As they examined the altar, Yang felt a sudden chill run down his spine. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and he had the unmistakable feeling that they were not alone.

"Do you guys hear that?" Yang whispered, his voice barely audible.

The group fell silent, straining to listen. At first, there was nothing but the sound of their own breathing. Then, faintly, they heard it—a low, guttural growl, like the one from Yang's nightmare.

Rhi Rhi's eyes widened in fear. "What was that?"

Nalu backed away from the altar, his face pale. "We need to go. Now."

They turned to leave the clearing, but as they did, the growling grew louder, and they could see movement in the shadows between the trees. A pair of glowing eyes appeared, followed by another, and then another. The beast from Yang's dream was real, and it was not alone.

"Run!" Blake shouted, grabbing Rhi Rhi's hand and pulling her along.

The group sprinted through the forest, dodging trees and stumbling over roots as the growls grew closer. Yang could hear the creatures crashing through the underbrush behind them, their snarls echoing in his ears.

They burst into another clearing, panting and terrified. Blake looked around frantically. "We can't keep running forever. We need to find a way to fight them off or hide."

Tommy spotted a large, hollowed-out tree nearby. "In there! We can hide in there."

They scrambled into the tree, squeezing together in the cramped space. Yang clutched the glowing stone tightly, praying it would somehow protect them.

The growls and snarls drew closer, and they could hear the creatures circling the tree. The minutes felt like hours as they waited in terrified silence, listening to the beasts outside. The air was thick with tension, and Yang's heart pounded in his chest.

Finally, the growls began to fade, and the forest grew quiet once more. They waited a little longer, making sure the creatures were really gone before daring to move.

Blake peeked out cautiously. "I think they're gone. For now."

Yang let out a shaky breath. "That was too close. We need to figure out what this stone is and how to get back home before those things come back."

Nalu nodded, still pale but focused.We should head back to the altar. There might be more clues there."

Reluctantly, they left the safety of the hollow tree and made their way back to the clearing with the stone altar. As they examined it more closely, Yang noticed that the markings on the altar seemed to be a map, showing different locations in the forest.

"Look at this," Yang said, tracing the markings with his finger. "I think this is a map. Maybe it can lead us to answers."

Blake nodded. "It's our best shot. Let's follow it and see where it takes us."

And then the group quickly moved though the brush disappearing out of view.....