The Artificially Genius Doctor
Creatures in the Mirror Room

With careful steps, Tanti and Tanto walk on their adventure. After going through several hallways, they arrived at a very large room with walls covered in mirrors. The light from the torches they carried reflected shadows of themselves in all directions, creating a bewildering effect.

Tanti approached one of the mirrors and watched closely. Inside the mirror, he saw himself sitting on a park bench, accompanied by a boy who looked like Tanto but was younger. They look happy. "This is our past, Tanto," whispered Tanti, moved.

Tanto approached another mirror, "Look at this, Tant," he said in a surprised tone. In the mirror, Tanti appears with a golden crown on her head, sitting on a large throne, leading a large army against the darkness that engulfs the kingdom.

"I.. a queen?" Tanti muttered in disbelief, her eyes wide open.

However, before they could understand any further, a rumbling sound rang out across the room. A large door opened, directing them to the next hallway. However, in order to reach that door, they had to choose one of the mirrors that would become the exit portal.

"Future, past, or alternate reality. Only one of them is right. Choose wisely," a magical voice echoed throughout the room.

Tanti looked at each mirror carefully, trying to find clues. "We must choose carefully, Tanto. Wrong choice, and we can get stuck in another reality."

Tanto clasped Tanti's hand, "We have to believe in our instincts, Tant. Maybe the lead's in the music box."

Tanti nodded and slowly turned the music box. The familiar melody is back. However, this time, a soft voice resounded, like a whisper of the wind. "Find the past to find your way..."

He looked in the mirror where he saw himself sitting on a park bench. "Here you go, Tanto. It's the mirror."

Carefully, the two of them approached. Tanti took a deep breath and stepped in. Suddenly, everything turned around, and when everything returned to normal, they were in another hallway, with a large door in front of them.

They both stared at each other, relieved. "We made it, Tant," Tanto said with a smile.

Tanti nodded, "Yes, but we still have a long way to go. Let's continue."

As they stepped forward, Tanti's shadow as queen appeared behind the mirror, staring with determination and courage, and, as if encouraging Tanti to continue the journey and face the obstacles that lie ahead.

With heavy breaths and sweat running down her forehead, Tanti finally reached a large hall at the end of the labyrinth. The walls of the room are covered in sparkling mosaics depicting scenes of war, love stories, and celebrations. In the middle of the room, sat majestically a winged lion with golden fur and glittering eyes.

Tanto, who had been with him all this time, whispered in a quivering voice, "Tant, that's the guardian creature. I've heard stories about him."

Tanti gulped, "We must be careful."

The winged lion then spoke in a deep voice and echoed, "Who are you that dares to enter my territory?"

Tanti boldly stepped forward, "I am Tanti, and this is my brother, Tanto. We came looking for a way out."

The guardian creature snorted, "Before you are given a path, you must answer the riddle I gave you."

Before Tanti could answer, the winged lion looked at her with eyes full of surprise and recognition, "Wait, your eyes... I recognize your eyes. You're a descendant of the woman who saved me."

Tanti was surprised, "What? How do you know?"

The guardian creature sighed and said, "First, when I was young and had not yet gotten my wings, I was caught in a hunter's trap. Just then, a young woman came and let me go. He said that he came from a family that always kept the balance between the human world and mystical beings. I owe him a debt of gratitude and swear I'll help his descendants if they need my help."

Tanti smiled, "I am honored to hear your story, guardian creature. But we really need help getting out of this maze."

The winged lion nodded, "Alright, since you are the descendant of the woman who once saved me, I will give you a hint. However, you must answer the riddle I gave you."

Tanti nodded, "Alright, I'm ready."

"According to his conundrum," said the winged lion, "What is always walking, but never running, has no legs, but is always moving?"

Wait for a moment to think, then answer confidently, "Time! The answer is time."

The guardian creature smiled, "Right. All right, follow this path and you'll find the exit. Remember, your family's destiny is to keep the balance. Don't forget your duties."

With gratitude, Tanti and Tanto continue on their journey, entering the passage indicated by the winged lion, in hopes of getting out soon and returning to their world.

As the light from the portal faded, Tanti felt her feet return to touch the soft grass. He looked around and realized that he had returned to the garden behind his house. The afternoon sun shone on the sky in a reddish orange hue, creating an atmosphere so peaceful and contrasting with the mysterious adventure he had just gone through.

From the other side of the park, Tanto runs up to him, "Tant! You all right?" ask him with a breath.

Tanti replied with a tired smile, "I'm fine, Tan. Thank you for waiting for me."

Tanto nodded, "I was worried when you entered the portal. But, it looks like you made it."

Clenching her hands, Tanti realized that she was holding something hard and shiny. When he opened his hand, a glowing light blue crystal appeared in his palm. The crystal was cool to the touch and exuded a calming aura.

"Wow, what's that, Tant?" Tanto asked with sparkling eyes.

"It's a crystal from the crystal lake," Tanti replied, "I feel like there's power in it."

As Tanti stared at the crystal, her shine grew brighter. He felt an urge to hold it tight. However, as he did so, a number of lightning images passed through his mind: their houses being attacked, dark creatures invading, and familiar faces.

Tanto looked at him worriedly, "What happened? You look pale."

Tanti took a deep breath, "I saw something, Tan. Something that might happen in the future."

Tanto frowned, "What do you mean?"

Tanti looked at her brother seriously, "We have to prepare ourselves. I feel like there's danger coming. This crystal, I'm sure can help us."

As the sun slowly sinks, Tanti and Tanto sit together in the park, talking about what might happen and how they could protect their families. Although they were worried, they were also confident that with the crystal power and support from each other, they could face whatever came their way.

The question of how to use crystals to protect their families remains a mystery. However, with a spirit that never goes out, Tanti and Tanto are determined to find the answer.