One morning, while Riccio and Pino were playing near an old oak tree, they discovered a small tunnel hidden among the roots. "What could be down there?" wondered Pino, whose curiosity always led him to explore new places.
"Only one way to find out," Riccio said with a smile. "Let's go!"
The two friends entered the tunnel, which turned out to be a secret passage to an underground world. After walking for a while, they found themselves in a large cavern lit by crystals that shone like stars. All around them, small, goblin-like creatures moved quickly, engaged in mysterious activities.
"Pino, look! This place is incredible!" exclaimed Riccio, fascinated.
"But what are these elves doing?" asked Pino, approaching one of them.
The imp, whose name was Pin, turned to them with a worried expression. "We're trying to find a way to repair our magic source," he explained. "It's a crystal that powers our entire city, but it's cracked, and if we don't fix it soon, our underworld could be plunged into darkness."
Riccio and Pino immediately offered to help. "We know a little sheep who could help us," Pino said. "His name is Pinky, and he has such a big heart that he will surely know what to do."
The elves gratefully accepted the help of their two friends, and Pino ran out of the tunnel to look for Pinky.
Soon after, Pinky came into the cave with her usual serene smile. "Show me the crystal," she said softly.
Spillo and the other goblins led the three friends to the center of the cave, where the large cracked crystal was located. The light it gave off was weak and flickering.
Pinky walked over and gently placed her soft pink cloak on the crystal. "The crystal cracked because it lacks love and unity," she explained. "But if we put our hearts together and focus on what unites us, we can repair it."
Riccio, Pino, Pinky and the elves held hands and closed their eyes, focusing on their happy memories and the times when they had helped others. Little by little, the light of the crystal began to intensify, until it became bright and warm.
When they opened their eyes, the crystal was intact and bright as ever. The goblins cheered with joy, thanking the three friends for their help.
"Thanks to you, our underground world is safe," Spillo said. "We will never forget what you have done for us."
Riccio, Pino and Pinky said goodbye fondly, knowing that they had lived another extraordinary adventure together. As they rose to the surface, they felt the warm light of the sun on their faces again, and they realized that friendship had once again performed a small miracle.
