A Shell Out Of Reach

     When whispers of unimaginable wealth had reached his ears, Cam swore allegiance to the secretive faction without hesitation. Their influence stretched across Neopia, their motives shrouded in shadow, yet their promises had taken root in his heart. He found himself weary from endless battles against the Brutes and the Seekers. Blades still clashed and spells still crackled across the battlefield, but Cam was too exhausted to continue fighting. Instead, wiping sweat from his brow, he watched and waited.

     Soon the sun descended and darkness fell over the battlefield. The war had come to a close and was replaced by a tense hush as the warriors gathered around the Obelisk.

     Suddenly a brilliant flash of light erupted from the Obelisk. Cam covered his eyes as the light flooded the battlefield.

     “I have watched as you battled…”

     The Oracle emerged from the Obelisk, slowly rising above the stone spire surrounded by light.

     “Only one is worthy of my power. I grant my boons… to the Sway.”

     Cheers rang out and celebration quickly ensued within the Sway’s ranks. Some raised their weapons while others bowed with gratitude to the Oracle. A sense of pride flowed through Cam as the realization settled in: the Sway had triumphed over their enemies, and his efforts had paid off.

     The Oracle extended her arms, and visions of power were presented before the victors.

     “Come forward, and select your boon.”

     Cam’s mind reeled as visions were shown to him by the Oracle:

     A boon to multiply bank riches, increasing his wealth.

     A boon to slash stock prices, guaranteeing success in the stock market.

     A boon to unveil rare hidden treasures in shops all across Neopia.

     His heart raced as he pondered his options, but the third option filled him with excitement! Images flitted through his head of shops stocked with magnificent treasures. He had been searching for a Dazzling Blue Mussel Shell for his collection and knew he could only find it with this boon. He had sought this piece for years but had yet to even see it! At last, his chance had arrived.

     His voice stuttered with anticipation. “I want a chance to even see it,” he whispered. Then with more conviction he declared, “I choose the boon of rare items!”

     The Oracle gazed down on him, her expression unreadable, and said, “So it shall be.”

     The light surged once more and just as suddenly as she had arrived, the Oracle descended back into the Obelisk, leaving darkness on the battlefield once more. The warriors returned home to rest before enjoying their newly obtained boons of power.

     The following morning, Cam leapt from his bed in a hurry. He gulped down a quick breakfast, threw on his clothes, and rushed out the door. There was no time to waste! The Collectable Sea Shells Shop in Maraqua awaited, and there was a long journey ahead from his home in Neopia Central.

     After his long voyage, he caught sight of the underwater city and held his breath. Shimmering schools of fish darted through vibrant coral, and sunlight filtered down through the water, scattering across the rocky seabed in dazzling colors.

     “No time to take it in,” Cam muttered to himself, shaking his head. “I’ve got work to do.”

     He arrived at the base of the stairs and stared up at the purple shell-shaped building. He hurried inside and saw shelves lined with glittering coins and shells, but his excitement faltered when he saw the crowd that had gathered. Dozens of collectors, many cloaked in Sway colours, lined the aisles hoping to leave with a rare treasure.

     The shop was run by a Maraquan Aisha with flowing purple hair. She moved like a blur, sweeping items off the shelves into a bin before vanishing into the storeroom, only to return moments later with armfuls of new stock. As soon as the stock would arrive, the silence would break as the crowd shouted bids over one another. Whoever offered fastest won the item. If you offered too low, she would dismiss your offer. If you offered too high, she would kindly inform you that she couldn’t accept such a high offer! In either case, you could offer again if you wished, but others would often get to it first.

     Hours dragged by. Cam waited, wings aching and hands twitching with impatience. He saw dozens of beautiful shells and had even purchased some, but he had yet to see anything particularly rare.

     Suddenly the shopkeeper swept back in and stacked items on the shelves with lightning speed. Out of the corner of his eye, Cam saw a glow. His heart skipped a beat as he turned his head sharply. Nestled in a dark briefcase lay a Diadem of the Deep, its golden frame gleaming. Tiny star-shaped charms dangled delicately from the diadem, swaying as if stirred by an unseen current. Beneath it, a small tag read, “Cost: 13,674 NP.”

     “I’ll give you 13,745 NP!” Cam shouted, a bit louder than he meant to.

     “I accept your offer of 13,745 NP!” the shopkeeper replied, gently handing over the Diadem to

     Cam. Then with a shake of her head she added, “But you’ve lingered long enough for today.

     You’ll have to return tomorrow.” She ushered him firmly toward the door.

     Stunned, Cam stood at the shop’s entrance. He looked down at the treasure in his hands. He

     had never dreamed of owning such a valuable item for his collection. Yet as he looked at the diadem, he couldn’t shake his desire to continue trying for the Dazzling Blue Mussel Shell.

     Clutching the diadem tightly, he set off toward Kelp for a meal and rest, vowing that tomorrow, he would try again.

     Cam awoke before dawn. This would be his final day in Maraqua before starting the long journey home, and it might be a long time before he could experience the magic of the boon again. He arrived at the shell shop early. Fewer shoppers milled about than the day prior. His hopes lifted. “Maybe today,” he whispered to himself.

     The shopkeeper worked briskly, again removing items from the shelves before returning to the storeroom. Cam watched carefully, clenching his fist as he grew more focused. Then he froze.

     The shopkeeper came sprinting out of the storeroom and stocked the shelves. Straight ahead, she placed another briefcase and opened it. There it was! The Dazzling Blue Mussel Shell! Its glossy surface shimmered like polished glass, the rippling blue and white stripes curving gracefully like waves upon the sea. A tag beneath it read, “Cost: 5,000 NP.”

     Cam’s throat tightened. His heart pounded. He opened his mouth and stuttered as he sheepishly said, “I’ll give you five thou-”

     Before he could finish, a voice rang out beside him, “I’ll give you 5,000 Neopoints!”

     Cam turned to see an Eventide Yurble standing next to him.

     “I accept your offer of 5,000 Neopoints!” the Aisha said, gently placing the shell in the Yurble’s hands. She clutched the shell to her chest and cheered with joy as she walked out the door.

     Cam’s heart sank. He was so close, but his own excitement had got in the way!

     He walked outside and paused, gazing over Maraqua one last time. Reaching into his pack, his hand brushed the shining diadem. A small smile tugged at his mouth. He hadn’t left empty-handed. He had seen the shell he had longed for, and he had gained another rare item instead.

     With renewed determination, Cam turned toward home. Next time, he promised himself, he would be ready.

     The End.