<u>**The Island**</u>
[[Day 1]]
You awaken to water engulfing your feet. The cold has come to be a constant so you hardly notice it. The wetness on the other hand is noticeable. Apart from your socks your clothes have actually dried to some extent. *Where am I?* you wonder. You aren't floating in the ocean anymore; you know that much. The ground feels soft below you.
[[Open your eyes]]The blue sky above you is mottled with clouds. The storm that swept you into the ocean is nowhere in sight. From the corner of your eyes you can see an expanse of sand, water, and trees surrounding you.
[[Sit up]]The ocean stretches out until at some point it seems to blend into the sky. You push yourself backwards, out of the water. The sand's nothing like any beach you've been to. It's white and smooth, nothing like the rocky beaches you know.
[[Look around further]]
The trees form a vibrant green barrier preventing you from seeing beyond the beach. It reminds you of the rainforests mum would read about.
You hear a splash!
You turn to see dark curly hair just barely visible above a large rock some ways away.
[[Stay where you are]]
[[Go see who it is]]Whoever this is they don't move. Considering the rock they're hiding behind isn't big enough to even partially hide an adult you think this curly haired individual must be a child like you.
[[Go see who it is]]
[[Stay where you are ]] As you draw close to the rock a girl peaks her head above it. She observes you closely. After a moment of hesitation she pulls herself into a sitting position on the rock.
The first thing you notice is that her lower half is a tail, a shiny purple tail. At her waist the purple scales transform into dark brown skin.
You can think only one thing.
[["You're a mermaid?"]]Perhaps you should say something at least.
[[Say hello]]
[[Stay silent]]
[[Go see who it is]] "Hello!" you call out to the kid.
Nothing.
"My name's Sam. Who are you?"
Still nothing.
"Please, I just want to know where I am."
[[You hear a giggle]]After a long silence a girl peaks her head above the rock. She observes you closely. After a moment of hesitation she pulls herself into a sitting position on the rock.
The first thing you notice is that her lower half is a tail, a shiny purple tail. At her waist the purple scales transform into dark brown skin.
You can think only one thing.
[["You're a mermaid?"]]
[[Remain silent]] A girl peaks her head above the rock. She observes you closely. After a moment of hesitation she pulls herself into a sitting position on the rock.
The first thing you notice is that her lower half is a tail, a vibrant purple tail. At her waist the purple scales transform into dark brown skin.
You can think only one thing.
[["You're a mermaid?"]]"Of course I am. You witches are so stupid sometimes. Can't even tell a mermaid when you see one." She shakes her head as though she's talking to a kid who's never been to school despite the fact you're already in the fourth grade.
You're not sure what to say. Until a mere moment ago you didn't believe in mermaids.
"You didn't know you were a witch, did you?"
[[Nod]]
[["I knew"]]"Stop staring at my tail," she snaps at you.
You can't hold your tongue any longer.
[["You're a mermaid?"]] "Clownfish came the same way you did, washed up by the ocean. She didn't know she was a witch either."
[["How would you know I'm a witch"]]
[[Say nothing]]"Liar. You wouldn't have asked if I was a mermaid if you knew."
You don't have a comeback to that and you don't really want to admit that she's right.
"Clownfish came the same way you did, washed up by the ocean. She didn't know she was a witch either."
[["How would you know I'm a witch"]]
[[Say nothing]]"You'd have drowned or died of cold if you weren't a witch. Dead humans wash up too sometimes."
"What if I fell in the water real close to the island."
"Boats don't go past the barrier and that's too far away."
[["What barrier?""]]
"You'd have drowned or died of cold if you weren't a witch. Dead humans wash up too sometimes."
"What if I fell in the water real close to the island."
"Boats don't go past the barrier and that's too far away."
[["What barrier?""]]
"It's past the little islands but you can't see it. It stops boats from getting close. Any more questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?"]]
[["How do I go home?"]]
[["Who are you?"]]
[["Where am I?"]]
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," she explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[["Who are you?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["Who are you?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"You're going to go look for Clownfish now, aren't you?" she asks.
"If she didn't realize she was a witch either then she might get the shock I'm in right now."
"I guess. Well, go on then. I didn't want to hang out with you anyways!" she snaps at you.
[[Stay]]
[[Leave]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Who are you?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[[""Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[[Shake your head]] "My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]] "I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]] "My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[[Shake your head]] "I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]] "Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," she explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["Who are you?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," she explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," she explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[[Shake your head]] "An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," she explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"I said leave!"
She isn't going to talk to you any further now.
[[Leave]]You make your way into the forest. The underbrush is thick, but not so much so that you can't make your way in the direction you've chosen. You have no idea which way you're going and you don't even know how large the island is.
You're tempted to go back and ask the mermaid more questions but you doubt she's ever been into the forest or that she'd answer you.
[[Continue]]You find as time goes on you move more sluggishly. It's hard to lift your legs high enough and you keep stumbling. It doesn't help that the canopy of the trees blocks out a lot of the sunlight.
You don't really like the dark and it's got you pretty nervous. Plus the sounds of your surroundings all seem especially loud. The birds are screeching at you, the river in the distance is roaring, and you think you might have just heard a monkey.
[[Keep going]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["Where am I?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[[Shake your head]]"An island. That's as much as I know. Anything more?"
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," she explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," she explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["Who are you?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"My name's Zel. I don't know what else to tell you. Any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[["Who's Clownfish?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[["How do I go home?" ]]
[[Shake your head]]"Redheaded girl that washed up here a few years ago. Her skin's like the white stripes of a clownfish and her hair's like the orange part. I haven't seen her in a few months now. We don't like each other," Zel explains.
"Is that because you call her clownfish?" you ask.
"No! It's her fault! Do you have any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]"I've never swam past the barrier so I don't know what would really work. Have you got any other questions?"
[[Shake your head]]A snake slithers along in front of you. You practically leap backwords.
Thump! You fall on your back.
[[Try to sit up]]As you find yourself in a sitting position you hear a thunderous roar.
You look to your left, right into the eyes of a massive tiger.
You can hear your heart thumping and your breathing quickens. Despite your years of school you have absolutely no idea what to do. Mrs. Gallagher never taught you what to do if you come face to face with a tiger.
[[Stay still]]
[[Run]]
[[Try to scare it]]The tiger is quickly above you, mouth wide. The creature's teeth are giant and yellowed. They're certainly sharp enough to tear you apart.
[[You hear quick footsteps]] You pick yourself back up and run. You run like you've never run before. Unfortunately you can't run like the tiger can.
After only a few feet the tiger's knocked you to the ground. The creature stands over you, mouth wide. Its teeth are giant and yellowed. They're certainly sharp enough to tear you apart.
[[You hear quick footsteps]]You throw a stick at the creature and hit a nearby tree. It only roars louder as it comes even closer.
[[Try again]]
[[Run ]]
The second stick you throw hits the tiger in the leg. It only seems to have gotten angrier with you. Worse yet there's nothing more for you to throw.
[[Run ]]
[[Stay Still ]]You pick yourself back up and run. You run like you've never run before. Unfortunately you can't run like the tiger can.
After only a few feet the tiger's knocked you to the ground. The creature stands over you, mouth wide. Its teeth are giant and yellowed. They're certainly sharp enough to tear you apart.
[[You hear quick footsteps]]
[[You hear quick footsteps]]You pick yourself back up and run. You run like you've never run before. Unfortunately you can't run like the tiger can.
After only a few feet the tiger's knocked you to the ground. The creature stands over you, mouth wide. Its teeth are giant and yellowed. They're certainly sharp enough to tear you apart.
[[You hear quick footsteps]]
The tiger is quickly above you, mouth wide. The creature's teeth are giant and yellowed. They're certainly sharp enough to tear you apart.
[[You hear quick footsteps]] In the corner of your eye you see a man coming towards you and the tiger. He doesn't seem to be carrying anything so you assume this is probably where both of you will meet your doom.
"Beast, I order you to leave this child!" the man shouted. His voice oozed authority.
[[The tiger didn't even look at him]]"Okay, that's an issue," he mumbles under his breath just loud enough that you hear him.
"Don't worry, kid. I've got everything under control."
[[Try to stay calm]]The man grabs a stick from his pocket.
You're about to tell him that a stick won't stop the tiger when a bright light flashes through the forest.
The beast on top of you hisses before fleeing.
[[The light fades from the forest]]"Are you alright?" The man's hand is out for you to grab.
For the first time you get a good glimpse of the man. He wears a fancy tweed suit that certainly doesn't look suited to a rainforest. His face is worn with wrinkles and his blond hair is greying.
He looks friendly.
[["I'm fine"]]
[["There was a tiger"]]"This rainforest is a dangerous place, especially for a child. You're lucky I was around at the right time." He smiles as you take his hand.
[["Who are you?" ]]"This rainforest is a dangerous place, especially for a child. You're lucky I was around at the right time." He smiles as you take his hand.
[["Who are you?" ]]"I'm Sabino Valencia, you can just call me Sabino. I live in a cabin nearby."
"I'm Sam."
"Nice to meet you, Sam." He grins at you, giving your hand a good shake.
[["Where are we?"]]"Officially the island hasn't been named, but here we call it Valand. That's what my son named it."
"Your son?"
"Corbin, he's back at the cabin right now. I'd guess he's a couple years older than you."
[["What was the light?"]]
"Well, I can't say I didn't expect that question. Considering you survived the ocean you certainly deserve to know the truth." He hesitated before continuing, "What I just did was magic. Myself, my son, Emily, we're all witches."
He pauses, seemingly expecting you to react with surpise. Having already met a mermaid you're not shocked by this information. Though you do wonder whether Emily is clownfish or someone else entirely.
"You're a witch as well, that's how you survived the ocean." You're not sure what to say.
[["Uh..."]]"I know it's a lot to take in. Let's just get you back to the cabin; it's far safer there. Then we can talk about everything."
[[Follow Sabino Valencia back to the cabin]]The forest seems far less frightening when it's not just you. Though you're not quite sure about Sabino yet. He definitely seems very friendly. However, Mum always told you that someone seeming friendly doesn't necessarily mean they are.
[[The two of you approach a clearing in the forest]]The cabin at the other side of the clearing is quaint and rather typical seeming. It doesn't look like a building that houses witches. It looks more like a nice lake cabin.
[[Go inside]]"Corbin! Emily!" Sabino shouts for them from the entrance.
The inside doesn't look all that magical either. There's old looking books everywhere but that's the only thing that stands out to you as unusual.
[[You watch the stairs as you hear footsteps above]]First a boy comes down. You assume this must be Corbin. His hair's black, unlike his father's but he's just as pale. He quickly notices you but he doesn't really seem to react to your surprise presence.
Behind him a girl appears, Emily. You're sure as soon as you see her that this is the girl that the mermaid called Clownfish, with that red hair she must be. Unlike Corbin when she notices you she gives a huge smile.
[[Introduce yourself]]
[[Wait for Sabino to introduce you]]"Emily, Corbin, this is Sam. This is all new to them so go easy, okay?" The boy doesn't really acknowledge you, but the girl's grin seems to grow.
"We'll talk further this evening, Sam. You kids can get to know each other until dinner. I'll be in my study. Knock if you need me."
"Let's go to the garden." Emily grabs your hand and pulls you back outside. Corbin follows behind the two of you.
[[Go to the garden]]"Hi, I'm Sam." The boy doesn't really acknowledge you, but the girl's grin seems to grow.
"Emily, and this is Corbin," the girl says.
"We'll talk further this evening, Sam. You kids can get to know each other until dinner. I'll be in my study. Knock if you need me."
"Let's go to the garden." Emily grabs your hand and pulls you back outside. Corbin follows behind the two of you.
[[Go to the garden]]When Emily said garden you expected something at least slightly well kept. Instead what you see is very much the same as everything else you've been seing on this island, rainforest. There aren't the tall trees above the area but the wild plants are certainly there.
"Sit." Emily points to a stump across from the one she's already claimed. Corbin seems to be weeding but considering you can't figure out which plants are even meant to be there you wonder whether he knows either.
[["So, we're all witches?"]]"Yep! It won't seem so weird soon, just takes a bit of getting used to."
"You washed up on the island too, didn't you?"
"Did Sabino tell you that?"
[["No, the mermaid told me."]]For a moment Emily says nothing. Then with a sour look on her face she says, "Just ignore her, okay? She's a total jerk."
[["How'd you end up on the island?"]]
[["Where did you live before?"]]"I was boating with my grandpa and I fell overboard. That was when I was ten, four years ago now." You almost think she's going to cry and you feel bad for asking.
"I'd been playing too close to the water and fell in," you say.
"The ocean takes what it wants. It only gave us up because it had to, because we're witches."
[["Have you tried going back home?"]]"The States, on the west coast." She looks like she's trying to remember more. Instead she says, "The ocean takes what it wants. It only gave us up because it had to, because we're witches." She mumbles. Clearly she wasn't all that fond of your last question.
[["Have you tried going back home?"]]"I'm happy here. Sabino takes care of me, the island's beautiful, and I can do magic here without worrying about anyone locking me up or something."
"What about your parents?" you ask. How could she be away from her parents for years? You can hardly imagine being separate from your parents for a week.
"They've got other kids, they don't need me."
[["But don't you miss them?"]]"Sometimes. There's no guarentee I could even get home though. I'd have to pass the barrier and that's only the beginning. Let's talk about something else." She keeps changing her position on the log.
"Going inside," Corbin says. His voice gives nothing away. You can't tell whether he's happy, sad, or some other emotion. Emily just nods and he heads inside.
[["He doesn't like me, does he?"]]
[["Is he okay?"]]It's not you, it's just how he is. At first I didn't really understand but I sort of get it now. He's just not very expressive or talkative. A boy of few words, that's what Sabino says. He's not great at recognizing emotions in others either or when someone's joking, just so you know. It's just how he is," she explains.
"Oh."
"He does have emotion, lots of it. He just doesn't so much put it on display. Do you understand?"
[["Yeah, I think so"]]
[["Not really"]]"Yeah, he's fine. It's not you, it's just how he is. At first I didn't really understand but I sort of get it now. He's just not very expressive or talkative. A boy of few words, that's what Sabino says. He's not great at recognizing emotions in others either or when someone's joking, just so you know. It's just how he is," she explains.
"Oh."
"He does have emotion, lots of it. He just doesn't so much put it on display. Do you understand?"
[["Yeah, I think so"]]
[["Not really"]]"That's good. I certainly didn't get it at first. Everyone in my 'before family' was quite loud and expressive."
[[Continue talking]]"Once you're here for a while it should make more sense."
[[Continue talking]]The two of you speak for quite a while. There isn't a clock so you don't really know how much time passes. The only way you can tell time is even passing is that you can't see the sun anymore.
You talk of many things. The only real limitations seem to be that she doesn't like to talk about her time before the island or the prospect of leaving it.
A bell sounds and Emily leaps to her feet. Once again she grabs your arm.
[[Off you go, back to the cabin]]The cabin is lit by strange lanterns. They don't seem to be electric and you see no fire. You suppose they must be magic. They aren't as bright as a lightbulb would be but they provide enough light for eating dinner.
Emily leads you to the table. Sabino and Corbin are already seated. The table is piled with food and it all smells incredible. You're pretty sure you never seen this much good food in one place.
[["Dig in!"]] Sabino exclaims."Magic's really great, isn't it? Without it making a dinner like this would take all day and multiple people." Emily grins at you.
"Did you three have a good afternoon?" Sabino asks.
[["Yes"]]
[["How will I go home?"]]
[["When will I go home?"]]"That's great!" he exclaimed. "What about you Corbin, what have you gotten up to today?"
"Read," he stated.
"Anything good?" his father asked.
"It's history. Not good, interesting." He didn't look at his father.
"Must you really read all those depressing books?" Corbin doesn't say anything. "I just want you to be happy."
[["Where do the books come from?"]]
[["Can I see the books sometime?"]]Sabino drops his fork. Emily stops eating as well. Corbin only glances up at the sound before going back to clearing his plate. Emily and Sabino both look rather disappointed.
"Well, that would be rather complicated. I imagine you've heard about the barrier?" he questions.
[[Nod ]]
Sabino drops his fork. Emily stops eating as well. Corbin only glances up at the sound before going back to clearing his plate. Emily and Sabino both look rather disappointed.
"Well, that would be rather complicated. I imagine you've heard about the barrier?" he questions.
[[Nod ]]
"There aren't boats that come anywhere near the barrier so even if you got that far out finding help right away would be pretty hopeless. Considering how big the ocean is you very well might die of dehydration or starvation before you could find help." You and Emily stare at him. *Death...* Despite the topic his voice is still smooth like honey and comforting.
"Understand I'm not trying to scare you out of leaving. I just don't want you to be in harm's way. And you've got to know about the potential consequences."
[[Nod again]]
[["I want to go home"]]"Besides you could be quite happy here. Emily's certainly found happiness. Isn't that right?" His gaze meets her.
"Of course! I mean there's magic, you guys, and, well, everything else. I'm really happy here." She doesn't seem as enthusiastic as her words make her out to be. She seems happy, but you think she might be regretful as well.
"We can talk about this further another time. How about we just enjoy this dinner." It's not a suggestion, it's a demand. Your mum does that sometimes. She makes it sound like you have a choice when really you don't.
[[Go back to eating]]"We might be able to figure something out, but I don't want you to get your hopes up. You'll have to wait at least a month. Let's talk about that another time though." It's not a suggestion, it's a demand. Your mum does that sometimes. She makes it sound like you have a choice when really you don't.
[[Go back to eating]]The rest of the meal is eaten in silence. You eat so much that you're pretty sure you're going to have a tummy ache. Once everyone is overly full it's time for bed.
You borrow some of Corbin's pajamas, Emily's are way too big. Once you're ready for bed Emily brings you to what will now be your shared bedroom. Corbin needs his own space and Emily doesn't mind having a roommate.
[[Look around the bedroom]]"Corbin's mother brought them here when he was very small. She wanted him to be educated on the rest of the world." Sabino looks rather upset as he answers. You guess that Corbin's mum might be dead now.
[[Go back to eating]] "Corbin?" Sabino prompts his son.
"Yes." He doesn't look at you.
[[Go back to eating]] There's a couple beds and one looks freshly made, the wood's not even sanded yet. The walls are covered in colourful flowers and feathers. Your mum woudn't let you have feathers all over your room at home. She'd probably say that birds carry diseases or something. It almost seems like you're outside, apart from the fact here you're safe from tigers.
"Do you like my room, our room?" she quickly corrects herself. "You can change stuff a bit if you like. Make it more like home for you."
[["I like it"]]
[[Don't answer]]"Great! Well, I suppose we should go to bed" Emily helps you tuck yourself in before getting in her own bed. She points at the lantern and darkness surrounds you.
The bed's cosy. You feel safe as you drift off to sleep.
[[Day 2]]"Like I said you can change some stuff if you want. Well, goodnight." She gets in her bed. Once you've gotten into yours she points at the lantern and darkness surrounds you.
The bed's cosy. You feel safe as you drift off to sleep.
[[Day 2]]After a quiet morning with few words you find yourself and the rest of the island's witch inhabitants in the forest. Sabino assures you that as long as you don't wander too far you don't have to worry about any tigers.
"Sam, if it would make you more comfortable then I suggest you kids team up to get the firewood for the stove. I want you going in two directions though. Sam, you can join Emily or Corbin. Do whatever you like. I'll be back at the house."
[["I'd like to go with Emily"]]
[["I'd like to go with Corbin"]]
"Off you two go then." Just as his words left his mouth he was already heading back towards the cabin. *What's he do in his study all study?*
Emily and Corbin immediately start walking as well.
[[Follow Emily]]Emily looks a little disappointed, but she doesn't say anything. Sabino just nods before leaving.
Corbin starts into the forest and you follow behind him. You hear Emily's footsteps depart in the opposite direction, a little louder than if she were in a good mood.
[[Keep walking]]After many steps Corbin stops. A couple trees seem to be freshly down. Corbin breaks off branch after branch. You follow his lead.
[[Don't say anything]]
[["Hi"]]You're nearly out of branches to break. Once you're done you'll be heading back to the cabin as your sack of sticks is getting full.
[[Don't say anything ]]
[["Hi"]]He doesn't reply.
[["So, your dad mentioned you like books"]]
[["What happened to your mum?"]]Once the branches are all in the sack the two of you head back to the cabin in silence.
The day whizzes by. Emily and you talk a bit more. You and the others pick fruit. Before you know it you're being called to dinner again.
[[Go to dinner]]The dinner laid out isn't quite as spectacular as yesterday's but it's still amazing. At least at first it tasted amazing. By the time you're half way through your plate you realize something. It doesn't taste quite as real as the food at home. The flavours are duller than they seemed yesterday. In fact you get a sort of papery after taste as well. You wonder if it's the magic. You don't ask.
"You three got a lot of wood. Good job! I hope the chore wasn't too boring." He glanced at the three of you prompting a reply.
"I'm getting really good at breakng the branches with magic!" Emily exclaimed.
[[Keep eating]]Once dinner is through you and the other children head to bed.
Your bed's not quite as cosy tonight. It keeps creaking and worse yet you'd swear that you can feel the wood under the mattress. The night before the matress had felt like what you would imagine a cloud would feel like. Tonight it feels more like an actual cloud.
[[Day 3]]When you open your eyes you see only darkness. The sun hasn't come up yet. You sit up on the bed.
*Creak*
Emily doesn't seem to hear.
[[Look out the window]]"Yeah." Snap! He breaks off another branch.
"What sort of books?"
"History."
[["Can I see them, your books?"]]
[["I like make believe books"]]"She died, fell and hit her head," he says. He doesn't look sad but you remember what Emily said so you think better of asking any more question like that.
[["So, your dad mentioned you like books"]]"Yeah, back at the cabin."
"Cool."
Once the branches are all in the sack the two of you head back to the cabin in silence.
[[Follow Corbin to his room]]"I don't."
He doesn't seem to be expecting a response. Then again you can't really ever tell.
[[Don't say anything ]]Corbin's room isn't like Emily's. The wall's aren't covered in flowers or anything for that matter. Also unlike Emily's it's seems to have actual order to it.
A large portion of the wall is covered in bookshelves, each one stuffed with books. Corbin goes for the middle shelf and seems to grab a random book. He hands it to you and then grabs one for himself.
[[Open the book]]The books's at a way higher level than anything you've read. There are many words you don't even recognize. You do manage to understand some of the book though. It's about the French Revolution. You remember Mrs. Gallagher mentioning it in Social Studies.
[["What does tenacity mean?"]]"The quality of being determined."
"Thanks." You continue to read. Every so often you ask Corbin another question, which he promptly answers. He'd make quite a good dictionary.
Eventually Sabino calls the two of you to dinner.
[[Go to dinner ]]The dinner laid out isn't quite as spectacular as yesterday's but it's still amazing. At least at first it tasted amazing. By the time you're half way through your plate you realize something. It doesn't taste quite as real as the food at home. The flavours are duller than they seemed yesterday. In fact you get a sort of papery after taste as well. You wonder if it's the magic. You don't ask.
"You three got a lot of wood. Good job! I hope the chore wasn't too boring." He glanced at the three of you prompting a reply.
"I'm getting really good at breakng the branches with magic!" Emily exclaimed.
[[Keep eating ]]
Once dinner is through you and the other children head to bed.
Your bed's not quite as cosy tonight. It keeps creaking and worse yet you'd swear that you can feel the wood under the mattress. The night before the matress had felt like what you would imagine a cloud would feel like. Tonight it feels more like an actual cloud.
[[Day 3 ]]When you open your eyes you see only darkness. The sun hasn't come up yet. You sit up on the bed.
*Creak*
Emily doesn't seem to hear.
[[Look out the window ]]"What do you think so far about this place?" Emily asks.
[["I want to go home" ]]
[["It's interesting here"]]"I could teach you some magic. Lessons start tomorrow but I could teach you something now. What do you say?" She looks at you expectantly. You can't say no to that.
[["Okay"]]"I could teach you some magic. Lessons start tomorrow but I could teach you something now. What do you say?" She looks at you expectantly. You can't say no to that.
[["Okay"]]The two of you comes upon a fallen tree. Emily stops so you do as well.
"Okay, are you ready to see some magic?" she asks.
[["Yes" ]]She flicked her hand backwards and a branch snapped off. You stare in awe. Her hand was at least a metre away.
"That was epic!" you exclaim.
"Would you like to try?"
[[Nod ]]"You need to think about the branch breaking, like really focussed thinking. The movement of your wrist helps the branch to break. A wand works the best, but this trick doesn't need one. Come closer." You step closer. "Now, [[give it a try]]."
*Snap*, you think, *that's the sound the branch will make*. With your focus on the branch you flick your wrist.
*Snap!*
This time the sound wasn't in your imagination. The branch falls into the underbrush.
"Good job!"
[["That's incredible!"]]The two of you continue using magic to break branches until the sack's been filled. After that you bring it back to the cabin. Admittedly you two were rather slow working. There was far more laughter than actual work. By the time you're back there's already food on the table.
[[Go to dinner ]] The dinner laid out isn't quite as spectacular as yesterday's but it's still amazing. At least at first it tasted amazing. By the time you're half way through your plate you realize something. It doesn't taste quite as real as the food at home. The flavours are duller than they seemed yesterday. In fact you get a sort of papery after taste as well. You wonder if it's the magic. You don't ask.
"You three got a lot of wood. Good job! I hope the chore wasn't too boring." He glanced at the three of you prompting a reply.
"I'm getting really good at breakng the branches with magic! Sam's pretty good at it too, for a witch without training!" Emily exclaimed.
[[Keep eating ]]
Once dinner is through you and the other children head to bed.
Your bed's not quite as cosy tonight. It keeps creaking and worse yet you'd swear that you can feel the wood under the mattress. The night before the matress had felt like what you would imagine a cloud would feel like. Tonight it feels more like an actual cloud.
[[Day 3 ]]When you open your eyes you see only darkness. The sun hasn't come up yet. You sit up on the bed.
*Creak*
Emily doesn't seem to hear.
[[Look out the window ]]You can see light through the trees but it's faint. It's got to be before 6am but probably after 4. You can't bear to stay in this room any longer. You're awake and don't really want to be confined.
[[Leave the bedroom]]You can see light through the trees but it's faint. It's got to be before 6am but probably after 4. You can't bear to stay in this room any longer. You're awake and don't really want to be confined.
[[Leave the bedroom ]]You can see light through the trees but it's faint. It's got to be before 6am but probably after 4. You can't bear to stay in this room any longer. You're awake and don't really want to be confined.
[[Leave the bedroom ]]The floor creaks even more than the bed did. You don't hear anything to suggest you've awoken anyone though. When you get to the door to outside you don't stop. For whatever reason you feel the need to leave the cabin.
As you reach the edge of the forest you keep walking. You don't think about the dangers.
[[Keep walking ]]The floor creaks even more than the bed did. You don't hear anything to suggest you've awoken anyone though. When you get to the door to outside you don't stop. For whatever reason you feel the need to leave the cabin.
As you reach the edge of the forest you keep walking. You don't think about the dangers.
[[Keep walking ]]The floor creaks even more than the bed did. You don't hear anything to suggest you've awoken anyone though. When you get to the door to outside you don't stop. For whatever reason you feel the need to leave the cabin.
As you reach the edge of the forest you keep walking. You don't think about the dangers.
[[Keep walking ]]Before you know it you've reached the edge of the forest. You're back on the beach. It's lighter now but nowhere near as light as it was when you woke up yesterday. You hope you can get back before anyone wakes up.
[[Go towards the shore]]Before you know it you've reached the edge of the forest. You're back on the beach. It's lighter now but nowhere near as light as it was when you woke up yesterday. You hope you can get back before anyone wakes up.
[[Go towards the shore ]]Before you know it you've reached the edge of the forest. You're back on the beach. It's lighter now but nowhere near as light as it was when you woke up yesterday. You hope you can get back before anyone wakes up.
[[Go towards the shore ]]Gentle waves lap at the sand. The sound's soothing, not at all like the ocean during the storm. You dip your fingers into the cool water. The papery food and the cloud mattress weren't like this. The water's real and it feels no different from the water back home.
Your shoes are going to get wet if you don't go higher up the beach.
[[Take off your shoes]]Gentle waves lap at the sand. The sound's soothing, not at all like the ocean during the storm. You dip your fingers into the cool water. The papery food and the cloud mattress weren't like this. The water's real and it feels no different from the water back home.
Your shoes are going to get wet if you don't go higher up the beach.
[[Take off your shoes ]]Gentle waves lap at the sand. The sound's soothing, not at all like the ocean during the storm. You dip your fingers into the cool water. The papery food and the cloud mattress weren't like this. The water's real and it feels no different from the water back home.
Your shoes are going to get wet if you don't go higher up the beach.
[[Take off your shoes ]]The water surrounds your feet. It seems like it's coming in faster once your feet have been submerged. Your mum would say it's silly to personfy the ocean but you think about what Emily said. It really does seem as though it's greeting you like an old friend.
[[Stay with the ocean]]The water surrounds your feet. It seems like it's coming in faster once your feet have been submerged. Your mum would say it's silly to personfy the ocean but you think about what Emily said. It really does seem as though it's greeting you like an old friend.
[[Stay with the ocean ]]The water surrounds your feet. It seems like it's coming in faster once your feet have been submerged. Your mum would say it's silly to personfy the ocean but you think about what Emily said. It really does seem as though it's greeting you like an old friend.
[[Stay with the ocean ]]"Hey!" a familiar voice calls out.
You turn your head to see the mermaid again. She's mostly underwater but you can see her head above the water in the distance. She swims over to you.
"Remember me? I'm Zel."
[["I remember"]]"Hey!" a familiar voice calls out.
You turn your head to see the mermaid again. She's mostly underwater but you can see her head above the water in the distance. She swims over to you.
"Remember me? I'm Zel."
[["I remember" ]]"Hey!" a familiar voice calls out.
You turn your head to see the mermaid again. She's mostly underwater but you can see her head above the water in the distance. She swims over to you.
"Remember me? I'm Zel."
[["I remember" ]]"Great! You're up really early." She seems rather glad to see you even though you didn't part on the best terms last time.
"I couldn't sleep."
"Well, you might as well tell me all about your past couple days then."
[[Tell her]]"Great! You're up really early." She seems rather glad to see you even though you didn't part on the best terms last time.
"I couldn't sleep."
"Well, you might as well tell me all about your past couple days then."
[[Tell her ]]"Great! You're up really early." She seems rather glad to see you even though you didn't part on the best terms last time.
"I couldn't sleep."
"Well, you might as well tell me all about your past couple days then."
[[Tell her ]]"Emily's the jerk! I wouldn't have called her clownfish if she didn't say what she said."
"What did she say?"
"It was really horrid.She called me half-fish."
"I don't think she meant it. She seems nice. She probably didn't know it was a mean thing to say."
"Maybe."
[[Continue speaking]]"What exactly did Sabino say about the boats?"
"That they don't come anywhere near the barrier. Oh and I forgot to tell you I almost got eaten by a tiger before he rescued me."
Zel just stares at you. To be honest your not sure why. What did you say?
[["What is it?"]]"What exactly did Sabino say about the boats?"
"That they don't come anywhere near the barrier. Oh and I forgot to tell you I almost got eaten by a tiger before he rescued me."
Zel just stares at you. To be honest your not sure why. What did you say?
[["What is it?" ]]"Boats come by the barrier almost everyday."
"But-"
"I know what Sabino said. He's a liar. I knew he was horrible, but..."
"What makes him horrible?"
"Anyone who enslaves a majestic creature like a tiger has got to be horrible. He uses magic to control it."
[["How do you know?"]]"Boats come by the barrier almost everyday."
"But-"
"I know what Sabino said. He's a liar. I knew he was horrible, but..."
"What makes him horrible?"
"Anyone who enslaves a majestic creature like a tiger has got to be horrible. He uses magic to control it."
[["How do you know?" ]]"What exactly did Sabino say about the boats?"
"That they don't come anywhere near the barrier. Oh and I forgot to tell you I almost got eaten by a tiger before he rescued me."
Zel just stares at you. To be honest your not sure why. What did you say?
[["What is it?" ]]"Boats come by the barrier almost everyday."
"But-"
"I know what Sabino said. He's a liar. I knew he was horrible, but..."
"What makes him horrible?"
"Anyone who enslaves a majestic creature like a tiger has got to be horrible. He uses magic to control it."
[["How do you know?" ]]"It got free of his control once. Tried to swim away from the island. Dad thought he was rescuing it by bringing it back, but really we were just making it suffer more." Tears are streaming down her cheeks.
"Why's he pretend to be so nice if he's really mean? Why doesn't he just control us too?"
"I don't know, I guess he wants you to stay. And perhaps he's just controlling you without magic. Or maybe because you're magic too he can't. I don't know."
[["What should I do?"]]
[["I don't believe you"]]"It got free of his control once. Tried to swim away from the island. Dad thought he was rescuing it by bringing it back, but really we were just making it suffer more." Tears are streaming down her cheeks.
"Why's he pretend to be so nice if he's really mean? Why doesn't he just control us too?"
"I don't know, I guess he wants you to stay. And perhaps he's just controlling you without magic. Or maybe because you're magic too he can't. I don't know."
[["What should I do?" ]]
[["I don't believe you" ]] "It got free of his control once. Tried to swim away from the island. Dad thought he was rescuing it by bringing it back, but really we were just making it suffer more." Tears are streaming down her cheeks.
"Why's he pretend to be so nice if he's really mean? Why doesn't he just control us too?"
"I don't know, I guess he wants you to stay. And perhaps he's just controlling you without magic. Or maybe because you're magic too he can't. I don't know."
[["What should I do?" ]]
[["I don't believe you" ]]"You could make a raft or something and try to convince Clownfish and the boy to come along."
"They wouldn't believe either of us."
"You just need to find something that tells them he's bad." The sun's getting way too high.
[["I have to go"]]"Doesn't matter. What I say is true. If you change your mind I'd be willing to help you get away. Just to spite him."
The sun's coming up way more now. You have to get back before anyone wakes up.
[["I have to go"]]"You could make a raft or something and try to convince Clownfish and the boy to come along."
"They wouldn't believe either of us."
"You just need to find something that tells them he's bad." The sun's getting way too high.
[["I have to go" ]]"Doesn't matter. What I say is true. If you change your mind I'd be willing to help you get away. Just to spite him."
The sun's coming up way more now. You have to get back before anyone wakes up.
[["I have to go" ]]"You could make a raft or something and try to convince Clownfish and the boy to come along."
"They wouldn't believe either of us."
"You just need to find something that tells them he's bad." The sun's getting way too high.
[["I have to go" ]]"Doesn't matter. What I say is true. If you change your mind I'd be willing to help you get away. Just to spite him."
The sun's coming up way more now. You have to get back before anyone wakes up.
[["I have to go" ]]"Be careful," she calls out as you run for the forest.
"Bye!" you shout.
You don't see the tiger at all this time. You don't see much of anything actually. All that matters is you getting back.
[[Keep running]]"Be careful," she calls out as you run for the forest.
"Bye!" you shout.
You don't see the tiger at all this time. You don't see much of anything actually. All that matters is you getting back.
[[Keep running ]]"Be careful," she calls out as you run for the forest.
"Bye!" you shout.
You don't see the tiger at all this time. You don't see much of anything actually. All that matters is you getting back.
[[Keep running ]]By the time you reach the cabin the sun would definitely have been visible from Emily's window. Knowing this you open the door slowly, hoping it won't creak.
Sabino's already seated at the table and he immediately sees you. He gestures for you to sit down.
[[Sit down]]
[[Stay standing]]By the time you reach the cabin the sun would definitely have been visible from Emily's window. Knowing this you open the door slowly, hoping it won't creak.
Sabino's already seated at the table and he immediately sees you. He gestures for you to sit down.
[[Sit down ]]
[[Stay standing ]]By the time you reach the cabin the sun would definitely have been visible from Emily's window. Knowing this you open the door slowly, hoping it won't creak.
Sabino's already seated at the table and he immediately sees you. He gestures for you to sit down.
[[Sit down ]]
[[Stay standing ]]"You're up early." He doesn't look like he's upset with you.
"I couldn't sleep. I went walking."
"Not too far I hope; the forest's dangerous."
"I know," you say.
"After that experience with the tiger..." he trails off.
[["I didn't go far"]]"You're up early." He doesn't look like he's upset with you.
"I couldn't sleep. I went walking."
"Not too far I hope; the forest's dangerous."
"I know," you say.
"After that experience with the tiger..." he trails off.
[["I didn't go far"]]"You're up early." He doesn't look like he's upset with you.
"I couldn't slee. I went walking."
"Not too far I hope; the forest's dangerous."
"I know," you say.
"After that experience with the tiger..." he trails off.
[["I didn't go far" ]]"You're up early." He doesn't look like he's upset with you.
"I couldn't sleep. I went walking."
"Not too far I hope; the forest's dangerous."
"I know," you say.
"After that experience with the tiger..." he trails off.
[["I didn't go far" ]]"You're up early." He doesn't look like he's upset with you.
"I couldn't sleep. I went walking."
"Not too far I hope; the forest's dangerous."
"I know," you say.
"After that experience with the tiger..." he trails off.
[["I didn't go far" ]]"You're up early." He doesn't look like he's upset with you.
"I couldn't sleep. I went walking."
"Not too far I hope; the forest's dangerous."
"I know," you say.
"After that experience with the tiger..." he trails off.
[["I didn't go far" ]]"Good. That's good. I just don't want you getting hurt." He smiles at you.
"Emily! Corbin! Breakfast!" he shouts.
After an awkward silence they both end up downstairs as well. Though neither of them are particularly talkative either. You quickly eat your papery tasting breakfast.
Today there aren't any chores to worry about. You're free to do as you like. Your mind's still on what Zel said. If you could just get into his study. You don't think Emily or Corbin would help, in fact they may tell on you.
[[Wait for the right opportunity]]
[[Don't look into Sabino at all]]"Good. That's good. I just don't want you getting hurt." He smiles at you.
"Emily! Corbin! Breakfast!" he shouts.
After an awkward silence they both end up downstairs as well. Though neither of them are particularly talkative either. You quickly eat your papery tasting breakfast.
Today there aren't any chores to worry about. You're free to do as you like. Your mind's still on what Zel said. If you could just get into his study. You think Corbin may be willing to help after yesterday.
[[Ask Corbin]]
[[Don't look into Sabino at all]]"Good. That's good. I just don't want you getting hurt." He smiles at you.
"Emily! Corbin! Breakfast!" he shouts.
After an awkward silence they both end up downstairs as well. Though neither of them are particularly talkative either. You quickly eat your papery tasting breakfast.
Today there aren't any chores to worry about. You're free to do as you like. Your mind's still on what Zel said. If you could just get into his study.You're pretty sure Emily would be willing to help.
[[Ask Emily]]
[[Don't look into Sabino at all]]About an hour before lunch Sabino leaves his study to start the magic going for the meal. Corbin's reading and Emily's practicing magic outside. You sneak from Emily's room to the study.
His study's more magical than the rest of the house. Weird orbs sit along the shelves with mysterious jars dispersed throughout. You've got to find something.
[[Look through the papers on Sabino's desk]]
[[Look through the desk drawers]]
[[Get a closer look at the shelves]]"Corbin, can I ask you something?" The boy didn't look up but he nodded.
"Would you be willing to distract your dad? So, I can go in his study," you ask.
"Why?"
[["I'm curious"]]
[["I think your dad might not be as nice as he seems"]]"Emily, I need your help." She's practicing some magic, lighting candles.
"What is it?"
"I want to get into Sabino's study, but I need a distraction."
She hesitates before saying anything.
"Alright, I'll do it."
[["Thank you!"]]Mostly the papers seem to be sketches and information on spells.Nothing that tells you anything important though.
[[Look through the desk drawers]]
[[Get a closer look at the shelves]] There's a letter in the drawer. The cursive's hard to read but you're able to make sense of it after a moment.
*Dear Mr. Valencio,
The council of witches refuse to allow what you're doing. Once you've been found you will be imprisoned for the horribly heinous crime of magic theft. How you could fall from being a wonderful professor to this we can hardly imagine. If you come forward then the sentence will be less harsh.
You'll regret ever telling Mr. Schmidt about what you've done,
The Council of Witches*
[[Take the letter]]The orbs look like glass balls with whisps of colour dancing in them. The jars are far less appealing to look at. Some of them are full of dried plants but others have eyeballs and bones in them. Fortunately none look like they came from a human. There isn't anything that Corbin and Emily would find weird though.
[[Look through the papers on Sabino's desk]]
[[Look through the desk drawers]] "It's not interesting," he says.
"Please."
"Fine." He stands and puts away his book.
[["Thank you"]]"He probably isn't. You try not to display flaws," he says.
"Will you help me?"
"Sure." He stands and puts his book away.
[["Thank you"]] Corbin asks his father to discuss some historic incident in the garden. Sabino enthusiastically agrees.
His study's more magical than the rest of the house. Weird orbs sit along the shelves with mysterious jars dispersed throughout. You've got to find something.
[[Look through the papers on Sabino's desk ]]
[[Look through the desk drawers ]]
[[Get a closer look at the shelves ]]Mostly the papers seem to be sketches and information on spells.Nothing that tells you anything important though.
[[Look through the desk drawers ]]
[[Get a closer look at the shelves ]] There's a letter in the drawer. The cursive's hard to read but you're able to make sense of it after a moment.
*Dear Mr. Valencio,
The council of witches refuse to allow what you're doing. Once you've been found you will be imprisoned for the horribly heinous crime of magic theft. How you could fall from being a wonderful professor to this we can hardly imagine. If you come forward then the sentence will be less harsh.
You'll regret ever telling Mr. Schmidt about what you've done,
The Council of Witches*
[[Take the letter ]]The orbs look like glass balls with whisps of colour dancing in them. The jars are far less appealing to look at. Some of them are full of dried plants but others have eyeballs and bones in them. Fortunately none look like they came from a human. There isn't anything that Corbin and Emily would find weird though.
[[Look through the papers on Sabino's desk ]]
[[Look through the desk drawers ]] Emily tells Sabino that she thinks she say the tiger come close to the cabin. Despite what you know it easily works. He wants to assure her everything's fine you guess. Once they're out of the house you hurry into the study
His study's more magical than the rest of the house. Weird orbs sit along the shelves with mysterious jars dispersed throughout. You've got to find something.
[[Look through the papers on Sabino's desk ]]
[[Look through the desk drawers ]]
[[Get a closer look at the shelves ]]Mostly the papers seem to be sketches and information on spells.Nothing that tells you anything important though.
[[Look through the desk drawers ]]
[[Get a closer look at the shelves ]] There's a letter in the drawer. The cursive's hard to read but you're able to make sense of it after a moment.
*Dear Mr. Valencio,
The council of witches refuse to allow what you're doing. Once you've been found you will be imprisoned for the horribly heinous crime of magic theft. How you could fall from being a wonderful professor to this we can hardly imagine. If you come forward then the sentence will be less harsh.
You'll regret ever telling Mr. Schmidt about what you've done,
The Council of Witches*
[[Take the letter ]]The orbs look like glass balls with whisps of colour dancing in them. The jars are far less appealing to look at. Some of them are full of dried plants but others have eyeballs and bones in them. Fortunately none look like they came from a human. There isn't anything that Corbin and Emily would find weird though.
[[Look through the papers on Sabino's desk ]]
[[Look through the desk drawers ]] With the letter stuffed in your pocket you quickly leave the study. You ask Corbin to join you in Emily's room. He probably thinks you're being weird but he agrees. Once all three of you are in Emily's room you take the letter out of your pocket.
[[Explain]]With the letter stuffed in your pocket you quickly leave the study. After lunch you find yourself with Corbin and Emily out in the garden. You take out the letter.
[[Explain ]]With the letter stuffed in your pocket you quickly leave the study. After lunch you find yourself with Corbin and Emily out in the garden. You take out the letter.
[[Explain ]]"I don't understand," Emily says.
"Dad's stealing our magic," Corbin explains.
"But he wouldn't do that would he?" Emily asks.
[["He controls the tiger"]]
[["Boats come by where he said they don't"]]
[["He's a liar"]]"How do you know that?" Emily asks.
"Zel told me, besides when he 'rescued' me from it the whole thing did seem kind of fishy."
"Zel's a jerk, why'd we believe her over Sabino," Emily says.
"What's she got to gain by lying?" Corbin says. It didn't sound like a question but you're pretty sure it was.
[["She doesn't like Sabino..."]]
[["She doesn't like Emily..."]]
"I have heard boats around," Corbin says.
"Well, I haven't."
"I'd like to talk to the mermaid," he says.
"You two can go on your own because I don't believe this." Corbin simply stood up and left.
[[Follow him]]"Yeah, but he's my dad," Corbin says.
"Besides we'd know if he was taking our power," Emily says.
There's going to be no futher arguing.
[["I understand"]]You continue, "but if he was a good guy her lying wouldn't harm him because he could explain everything. She'd know that."
"She could just be trying to cause mischief anyways."
[["I know she isn't lying"]]
[["I remember hearing a boat before I was fully awake"]]"...She'd have no reason to try to help her."
"Who says she isn't trying to trick me?"
"The letter," Corbin says.
"It could be fake."
"That's way too much effort and false," Corbin says.
"But I'd know if he was taking my power."
[["You never knew you had power before you met Sabino though"]]
[["Would you know if someone was drinking out of your water glass if it was always filled a certain amount before being given to you? You wouldn't know any different"]]"But we don't!" Emily exclaims.
"Sorry, Sam. I care about my dad more than my magic anyways."
There's going to be no futher arguing.
[["I understand"]]"It could have been a dream," she says.
"How do you explain the letter?" Corbin asks.
"It could be ancient history. Besides I feel like I've got all my power." Emily says
[["You never knew you had power before you met Sabino though"]]
[["If he was a successful professor before.."]]"I just know, okay!" she exclaims.
"Corbin," you question.
"I don't know, Sam. I care about my dad. The letter's interesting, but..."
"What?" you ask.
"Where'd I even go if I left. I only have my dad. I'm not leaving"
There's going to be no futher arguing.
[["I understand"]]"...then he'd have to be an adult at least. He's not that old, is he?"
"Sam's right," Corbin says.
"How can you side with a kid you just met over your dad?" Emily asks.
"The letter's got to be recent and Sam couldn't write that. And like I said I have heard boats around before even though dad says they don't come that close."
"Why don't you two go talk to the fish girl then." Corbin immediately got up and left.
[[Follow him]]You don't have time to go to Zel today without Sabino noticing so the two of you build a raft instead. Corbin's not fully decided on whether he'll join you, but he wants to be ready to go if he does. Magic made the process a lot quicker than you expected. Eventually the dinner bell rings.
[[Go to dinner ]]You spend the next few hours building a raft on your own. You haven't really learned much magic so the process is pretty slow. Eventually the dinner bell rings.
[[Go to dinner ]]"I guess," she mumbles.
"What do you think, Corbin?" she asks.
"The letter's definitely real and I think I get what you mean Sam. Let's go see the mermaid."
[[The three of you head out]]You don't have time to go to Zel today without Sabino noticing so the three of you build a raft instead, even though you aren't all decided on whether you for sure want to leave. Magic makes the process a lot quicker than you expected. Eventually the dinner bell rings.
[[Go to dinner ]]"The letter's definitely genuine," Corbin says.
"You believe Sam over your dad?"
"I believe the letter. I believe there's something funny going on with the tiger. I've definitely heard boats around too. Dad lies, I wouldn't put this past him."
"He'd take our power? Wouldn't we know? For all we know it's ancient history."
[["Would you know if someone was drinking out of your water glass if it was always filled a certain amount before being given to you? You wouldn't know any different" ]]
[["If he was a successful professor before.."]] "I believe you Sam," Emily says right away.
"What about you Corbin?" you ask.
"The letter's definitely real and I think you're right about the tiger. Where'd I go but here though."
[["Maybe mum would let you live with my family"]]
[["Maybe Emily's family would let you live with them"]]
[["Elsewhere would be better wouldn't it?"]]"We ought to go see the mermaid. Will you come along Emily?" Corbin asks.
"Fine."
[[The three of you head out]] Double-click this passage to edit it."I don't know. We could figure something out though," Emily says.
"I'm sticking with my dad, you guys should go though. You have homes to go to."
"If you're sure. We're going to go visit the mermaid first." Emily stands.
[[Follow Emily ]]"Sam you don't get it," Emily says.
"I'm sticking with my dad, you guys should go though. You have homes to go to."
"I'm staying too. Corbin's basically my brother. I can't just leave."
There's not going to be any further arguing.
[["I understand"]] You don't have time to go to Zel today without Sabino noticing so the two of you build a raft instead, even though Emily isn't a 100% certain she wants to leave with you. Magic makes the process a lot quicker than you expected. Eventually the dinner bell rings.
[[Go to dinner ]]At first dinner is silent. No one mentions that all three of you will be leaving That would ruin dinner. Emily can't keep quiet though, she has to say something.
"You said boats don't come near the barrier," she says
"They don't." Sabino doesn't even look at her.
"But they do and you're controlling the tiger too aren't you?"
"Emily, you're being ridiculous."
"She isn't," Corbin says.
[[Defend her]]
[[Don't say anything ]]At first dinner's silent. No one mentions that Emily and you will be leaving. That would ruin dinner. Emily can't keep quiet though, she has to say something.
"You said boats don't come near the barrier," she says
"They don't." Sabino doesn't even look at her.
"But they do and you're controlling the tiger too aren't you?"
"Emily, you're being ridiculous."
[[Defend her ]]
[[Don't say anything ]]Dinner's quiet. Today you don't notice the papery after taste; your mind's elsewhere. Tomorrow you and Corbin will go out on the raft and Zel should help you get past the barrier.
"Are you doing alright, Sam?" Sabino asks.
"Yes," you say.
It's hard to sleep that night, even harder than the night before.
[[Day 4 ]]Dinner's pretty quiet. Today you don't notice the papery after taste; your mind's elsewhere. Tomorrow you'll go out on the raft and Zel should help you get past the barrier.
"Are you doing alright, Sam?" Sabino asks.
"Yes," you say.
It's hard to sleep that night, even harder than the night before.
[[Day 4]]After quite a bit of yelling all three of you end up in bed without having finished your dinner. Sabino's quite angry with the three of you. You worry about him doing something crazy.
He doesn't know the three of you will be be leaving tomorrow though.
You don't get a wink of sleep.
[[Day 4 ]]After quite a bit of yelling all three of you end up in bed without having finished your dinner. Sabino's quite angry with Emily and Corbin. You worry about him doing something crazy.
He doesn't know the three of you will be be leaving tomorrow though.
You don't get a wink of sleep.
[[Day 4 ]]After quite a bit of yelling you and Emily are sent up to bed without finishing your dinner. You worry about Sabino doing something crazy.
He doesn't know the two of you will be leaving though.
You don't get a wink of sleep.
[[Day 4 ]]After a moment of yelling everyone's silent again.
You don't get a wink of sleep that night.
[[Day 4 ]]You're up before the sun. You just can't wait any longer. As quietly as possible you sneak out of the cabin before retrieving the raft.
By the time you've gotten the raft to the beach the sun's well up into the sky.
Zel's seated on the same rock she was when the two of you first met.
"Just you then?"
[["Yes" ]]You're up before the sun. You just can't wait any longer. Quietly you sneak to Corbin's room. Sabino's room is at the other side of the cabin, a fact you're now quite happy about. You open Corbin's door. He's already awake as well. The two of you sneak out of the cabin before retrieving the raft.
By the time you two have gotten the raft to the beach the sun's well up into the sky, even though Corbin used magic to move it.
Zel's seated on the same rock she was when the two of you first met. After some discussion Corbin agrees to join you.
"Just you two then?"
[["Yes" ]]You're up before the sun. You just can't wait any longer. Emily's up as well. The two of you tiptoe your way to Corbin's room. Emily opens Corbin's door. He's already awake too. All three of you sneak out of the cabin as quietly as possible before retrieving the raft.
By the time the three of you have gotten the raft to the beach the sun's well up into the sky, even though Corbin and Emily used magic to maneuver it through the trees.
Zel's seated on the same rock she was when the two of you first met.
"Hey, Clownfish!" Zel calls out.
"Don't call me that!"
[["Guys"]]You and Emily are up before the sun. You just can't wait any longer. As quietly as possibly the two of you leave the cabin before retrieving the raft.
By the time you guys have gotten the raft to the beach the sun's well up into the sky, even though Emily used magic to float the raft through the air.
Zel's seated on the same rock she was when the two of you first met.
"Hey, Clownfish!" Zel calls out.
"Don't call me that!"
[["Guys" ]]"Too bad it's just you. Well I can pull you out just past the barrier. There should be a ship in a couple hours."
[[Get on the raft]]She pulls your raft into the ocean. In about half an hour you've reached the barrier.
"I shouldn't go any further." She gives your raft a shove.
She was right about the timing. It only takes a couple hours before you see a boat.
[[Get their attention]]The ships's crew notice you right away. You'll be going home.
[[The End]]You've saved yourself. It won't be long before you're home, away from the magic stealing witch. You can't help but think about Emily and Corbin though. After a lot of pondering you decide to attempt to contact the council of witches.
Restart [[The Island]] "Too bad Clownfish isn't coming. Well I can pull you out just past the barrier. There should be a ship in a couple hours."
[[Get on the raft ]]She pulls your raft into the ocean. In about half an hour the three of you have reached the barrier.
"I shouldn't go any further." She gives your raft a shove.
She was right regarding the timing. It only takes a couple hours before you see a boat.
[[Get their attention ]]The ship's crew notice you and Corbin right away. You'll be going home and Corbin will be joining you. You don't imagine your mum will mind.
[[The End ]]You've saved yourself and Corbin. The two of you will be going back to your home, away from a magic stealing witch. You can't help but think about Emily though. Corbin and you decide to attempt to contact the council of witches.
Restart [[The Island]] "If you didn't call me what you did I wouldn't call you Clownfish!" Zel shouts.
"What did I call you?"
"Half fish, that's really bad to say."
"Sorry, I didn't know." Emily seems genuinely sorry and Zel seems to notice that as well.
"Oh, I forgive you then. You guys need to be past the barrier in a couple hours so I think we should get going."
After some discussion all three of you decide to leave the island.
[[Get on the raft ]]She pulls your raft into the ocean. In about half an hour you've reached the barrier.
"I shouldn't go further." She gives your raft a shove.
She was right. It only took a couple hours before you see a boat.
[[Get their attention ]]They notice you three right away. You'll be going home, as will Emily, and hopefully Corbin will be joining you.
[[The End ]]You've saved all three of you! You all decide that you should attempt to contact the council of witches.
Restart [[The Island]] "If you didn't call me what you did I wouldn't call you Clownfish!" Zel shouts.
"What did I call you?"
"Half fish, that's really bad to say."
"Sorry, I didn't know." Emily seems genuinely sorry and Zel seems to notice that as well.
"Oh, I forgive you then. You guys need to be past the barrier in a couple hours so I think we should get going."
After some more discussion Emily decides to join you in leaving the island.
[[Get on the raft ]]She pulls your raft into the ocean. In about half an hour you've reached the barrier.
"I shouldn't go any further." She gives your raft a shove.
She was right about the timing. It only takes a couple hours before you see a boat.
[[Get their attention ]]The ship's crew notice you two right away. You'll be going home, as will Emily.
[[The End ]]You've saved yourself and Emily.The two of you will be going back to your homes, away from the magic stealing witch, You can't help but think about Corbin though. Emily convinces you not to try to contact the council of witches.
Restart [[The Island]] "What about you, Corbin, did you break the branches off with magic?" Sabino asks.
"No."
"Why not? It's good practice."
"I like the bark."
"The bark can have come pretty cool textures. I like using magic more though," Emily says.
[[Finish your dinner]]"What about you, Corbin, did you break the branches off with magic?" Sabino asks.
"No."
"Why not? It's good practice."
"I like the bark."
"The bark can have come pretty cool textures. I like using magic more though," Emily says.
[[Finish your dinner ]]"What about you, Corbin, did you break the branches off with magic?" Sabino asks.
"No."
"Why not? It's good practice."
"I like the bark."
"The bark can have come pretty cool textures. I like using magic more though," Emily says.
[[Finish your dinner ]]As the days pass you grow closer to Emily, Corbin, and Sabino. You're pretty sure there's something more to Sabino, some motivation you don't understand. Despite what he claims you're pretty sure your wellbeing isn't his priority.
[[The end ]]Emily, Corbin, and yourself remain on the island in the care of Sabino Valencia. You don't see your mum again or the rest of your family. As you grow older there comes to be more conflict, but you can't bear to leave.
Restart [[The Island]]
↶↷
The Island
Day 1