Fantasy Islands
Chapter 1
Invitation
Day 1 – May 31 – 8:50pm
Dear Reader,
You have been invited to the Fantasy Islands for a fun, free vacation. Not just any vacation, but the vacation of your dreams. You have been looking for something, deep within your heart, and we at the island want to help you find it. Weather you choose to accept or decline is your heart's decision alone. If you accept, please fill out the information below and send this back ASAP.
Name: Age: Address:
What do you dream about more than anything? What is your deepest wish?
One more note. Once you reply a letter will arrive for you tomorrow morning.
Thank you for your time,
Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse?
How is that possible?
It must be a joke. Or a chain to see how many replies this guy gets. So no harm in replying, right?
Name: Heather Hikari Age: 15 Address:
What do you dream about more than anything? What is your deepest wish?
This question…
What do you dream about more than anything? What is your deepest wish?
I dream… I dream… This is kind of hard for me to explain, and I'm afraid that if I tell it won't come true. Please understand that I can't say. But, all I can say is that it's something amazing, I guess. A dream I believe in with all my heart. If I do meet you, maybe I'll tell you.
So I sent it.
There was no harm, right? It was most likely fake.
But… I can't help but hope
That it was real…
Day 2 – June 1 – 12:00pm
That evening I woke up late again. Who could blame me now that it was summer? I didn't have anything to do. But my family did. My sister has been going over to her friend's house about every day since vacation began. And my parents have been out of the house more now that they both got a new job, which I found best. I don't really have the closets connection with my family like I use to; except sometimes with my mom. So I didn't mind when no one was home now a days. But whether they were home or not, I couldn't help but feel kind of lonely. Guess it was another day of doing nothing. I need better ways to start a summer.
I got dressed and sat in the living room, watching TV and drawing. I love to draw. It feels like the best way to live my dreams and express anything inside of me.
I was startled when I heard the door bell ring. I got up, and walked to the door. When I opened it, no one was there. But when I looked down, I saw a letter. Looking around once more, I picked it up, closed the door, and went back into the living room. I set my sketch pad down on the table and looked at the letter. It had no return address. Not even my address. Just my name. I turned it over to the back to see a seal on the lip of the envelope. It was green and in the shape of a Mickey head. My eyes widened. Was this the letter the email was talking about? But… How is that possible?
I quickly opened the letter and read it.
Dear Heather,
Thank you for accepting the invitation. We at the Island have chosen you to come to the Fantasy Islands. You're probably wondering what all of this is about, huh? That's a question that will have to wait to be answered. But what I can tell you is that the island has something you are looking for.
I guess that doesn't make much sense. Don't worry, all of your questions will be answered once you arrive.
A car will arrive at your home at 2:00pm today. Please pack a few things – just anything necessary – and be ready to go.
-Mickey Mouse
"What?" I sat on the couch and began to think. No way was this real. How could they get a car all the way out here? I mean, whoever this was could live on the other side of the earth. How could they get someone here by 2pm? Plus, this is too fast. Not even a notice, or asking if I was still sure. There doesn't even seem to be a way for me to decline. "My parents are gonna kill me…" Was all I could think of as I fell on my back on the couch with a groan.
Soon it was 1:35pm. The car was, supposedly, to arrive in 5 minutes. I had packed 3 clothes, my sketch book, some pencils, and my zune. I know it's strange for me to go along with this. My mind has been telling me over and over to just ignore it and not bother. But my heart kept telling me the opposite. I couldn't help but feel like this was a chance I had to take. But was it wise? Maybe not. But I know that if I just follow my heart I can never go wrong. I just hope I'm hearing it correctly.
2:00pm
As soon as the clock hit two, I heard a car horn from outside. Out of curiosity, I got up and looked out the window to see if it was the neighbors or something. But when I looked outside, I gasped when I saw a limo parked outside. Was there someone famous visiting a friend? I doughted it, since it was parked right in front of my house. Was this the ride I was expecting? Never expected a limo, that's for sure. "I hope I know what I'm doing…" Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my two bags, opened my door, and stepped outside.
I stopped a few feet from the end of the walkway and stared at the limo. My mind was racing with questions and doughts, and my heart was pounding as my nerves caught in my stomach. "I must be out of my mind," I muttered, turning around to head back to the house when I heard one of the limos doors open and close. I turned back around to see something shocking. My mouth drop opened from a gasp as I saw, standing there at the head of the limo, a stork in a shofur outfit. With wide eyes I stared at it in utter silence. He had feathers, long stick legs that led down to bird like feet, wings, and a beak. Like a real bird! I stared carefully, trying to see if it was a costume of some kind. But from what I could see, it would be impossible.
He straightened his hat before walking over to me. I took a step back, being kind of cautious about this strange visitor. He stood taller than me; I noticed when he stopped in front of me. He looked down at me, "Miss Heather Hikari?"
"Umm… Yes?"
He bowed slightly, "I will be your ride to the port. All of us at the island were pleased to hear that you accepted our invite. Please, this way." He turned and led me back towards the limo. I hesitated before I followed him. "U-Um… Excuse me, but I think there must be a mistake…" I began to try and negotiate my way out of this, but the stork didn't seem to be listening as he picked up my book bag and out it in the trunk, "I'm not sure if this is okay. I-I mean… I never got a second notice o-or really seem to…" I paused a moment as he gestured to my backpack in a way to ask if he may have it. I held the straps in my right hand after taking it off my back and looked at it, determining whether to give it to him or not. But it didn't seem to matter for he took it and put it in the trunk as well. "…really think it over…" I continued slowly. The stork walked to one of the doors of the limo and opened it, "Madam," He gestured to the door telling me to get inside. I sighed with exasperation. It didn't seem like I had a choice; it was too late. I stared at the ground, getting my thoughts straight as I thought this over. My heart continued to pound, anxious. I knew that this could be just the beginning of possibly the greatest adventure of my life. I could just feel it. I would be a fool not to get into this car… right? I took a breath and swallowed my nerves. I straightened up and mentally nodded to myself before turning and walking to the door. With one last look at the stork, I got into the limo and he closed the door behind me.
As I sat there, I stared at my feet. I was nervous and kinda scared, for I do not know where this car was taking me. I kept trying to calm my heartbeat. My anxiety. As the car began to move, I looked out the window to look at my home one more time, not knowing when I was to return.
"So... You're the new guest we've been waiting for?"
I flinched as I heard the voice beside me. My heart nearly stopped as I recognized that voice. Hesitating at first, I quickly turned to look at the source and I immediately froze in disbelief. On th opposite end of where I sat, was a duck in a blue coat-like shirt, with a top hat and speck glasses, and a cane in his hand. "You're name is Heather, correct?" He ask, his spoke with a Scottish accent.
My mouth only hung open, no words able to escape my lips. I struggled to speak. And when I did, I said the only thing my shocked condition would allow me to say, carrying more of a shocked and surprised tone then I had intended.
"Y-You're Scrooge McDuck!!"
