The Guardians of the Celestial Gate

Lina and Tarek are passionate about astronomy.

Lina and Tarek were not like other children. While their classmates in Rochebrume marveled at tales of dragons and enchanted kingdoms, they looked up at the stars, dreaming of invisible worlds and unfathomable mysteries. That evening, under a silver sky, their curiosity was about to lead them far beyond anything they had ever dared to imagine.

The small town of Rochebrume harbored an ancient legend, whispered around campfires: a secret gate, hidden in a cave, that led to other dimensions. Lina, with her bold spirit, and Tarek, with his unshakable logic, had sworn to find it.

“Do you really think that old story is true?” asked Tarek, his backpack clinking as they made their way down the rocky path toward the cave.

Lina adjusted her headlamp, a mischievous smile on her lips. “If it’s not true, we’ll just have spent a night exploring. But if it is… Tarek, just imagine!”

They stepped into the cave, the cool, damp air wrapping around them. The walls shimmered under the light of their headlamps, as if guarding a secret. Deep inside, in an alcove bathed in a strange glow, they found a creature in distress. It floated, barely larger than a cat, its luminous body pulsing gently. Its shape shifted, morphing from a sphere into something vaguely human.

“What is that…” whispered Tarek, taking a step back.

Lina, on the other hand, stepped forward, her eyes shining with curiosity. “Hey, you! Are you okay?”

The creature turned what seemed to be a head toward them. A soft, almost musical voice echoed in the air. “I… I’m called Luma. Please help me. They’re chasing me.”

“Who’s ‘they’?” asked Tarek, frowning.

“The Shadows,” replied Luma, her light flickering like a flame in the wind. “They come from the other side of the Celestial Gate. They want to extinguish the stars… my world… everything.”

Lina exchanged a glance with Tarek. “We’re not going to let you down, Luma. Tell us everything.”

Sitting in a circle inside the cave, Luma revealed their story. He came from a world where the stars were living beings, singing melodies that maintained the balance of the universe. The Shadows, malevolent entities, sought to plunge that world into eternal darkness. Luma, guardian of the Celestial Gate, had fled to protect his people, but he had grown weak so far from home.

“If the Shadows pass through the gate,” said Luma, his voice trembling, “nothing will be able to stop them.”

Tarek crossed his arms, thinking. “Then we need to reinforce the gate, or shut it for good. Do you know how to do that?”

Luma hesitated. “It requires… pure energy. Something you humans sometimes possess. Courage, perhaps. Or hope.”

Lina punched her palm with determination. “We’ll find it, Luma. We’ll rally all of Rochebrume if we have to!”

In the days that followed, Lina and Tarek tried everything: they drew runes around the gate, recited poems beneath the stars—but nothing worked. Luma was growing weaker, his light flickering. One night, as the Shadows rumbled behind the gate, he lost his form entirely, becoming a trembling pool of light.

“Luma! Stay with us!” cried Lina, tears in her eyes.

“I… I can’t,” he whispered. “Your emotions… they overwhelm me. But maybe… maybe they’re the key.”

Tarek's eyes widened. “Emotions? Lina, do you remember what Grandma used to say? That children’s dreams can change the world!”

Lina nodded, an idea taking root in her mind. “We’ll bring everyone here. All the children of Rochebrume. We’ll ask them to share what’s in their hearts.”

The following evening, the cave glowed with a new light. Dozens of children had gathered, laughing, whispering, some even crying. Lina stepped forward, her clear voice echoing against the walls.

“We all have fears, right? I’m afraid I’ll never uncover all the world’s mysteries. But we also have dreams! I dream of flying among the stars. What about you?”

One by one, the children spoke. “I want to be a hero!” shouted a boy. “I want my sister to get better,” whispered a girl. “I want everyone to be happy,” said another. Every word, every hope, every tear seemed to make the cave tremble with energy. The Celestial Gate shimmered, and a wave of power surged outward, pushing the Shadows back with a silent scream.

Luma regained his form, brighter than ever. “You did it,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. “You’ve created a light no Shadow can ever extinguish.”

“We did it together,” replied Lina, a radiant smile on her face.

Before leaving, Luma turned to them. “You are the Guardians of the Celestial Gate now. But one day, you’ll have to open this gate again. Not with your mind…” He placed a glowing hand over their hearts. “With this.”

“Wait, Luma!” shouted Tarek. “Will we see you again?”

Luma gave them an enigmatic smile. “Don’t try to understand the universe—try to feel it.” Then, in a burst of light, he vanished.

That night, Lina and Tarek gazed at the stars, their hearts full of courage and friendship. They knew the universe was vast, mysterious—but together, they could unlock all its secrets.

They were the Guardians of the Celestial Gate.