NIGHT 01: Rude Awakening

It was dark in the city of Station Square or as dark as cities can get with their sparkling lights like the Milky Way or so many fireflies. A few cars drove by, but it was still quieter than it was during the day: a soothing sound to the city's inhabitants. I slept soundly in my little apartment, just a Mobian fox curled up on my bed. Quartz, my chao, slept on my tail.

I was awoken by tremors. The building shook and dumped me off onto the floor. Quartz managed to only be knocked off my tail, still sleeping soundly on my bed. I begrudgingly opened my eyes and sat up, never liking to be suddenly torn from my sleep. I had the distinct feeling that I had been dreaming but I could not grasp it, the sudden awakening having ripped it from me. Looking about, I could see nothing that could have thrown me off my bed. A few slow foggy blinks later, I noticed a few items on the floor that had been dumped there as well. Finally, I realized that it must have been an earthquake.

Jumping to my feet, I quickly turned on the TV to see what had happened and to know what the damage was. Would there be more tremors? The channel I settled on showed a shot of the Mystic Ruins by the train station. It was a sight I knew well for I had traveled there often on my way to explore the jungle. There was a mysterious new landmass that I noticed right away.

"-believe that the tremors were caused by the falling of this island into the ocean next to the Mystic Ruins. We have yet to understand where the island came from, but some suggest it is the floating island of legend. Why it has fallen now, we do not know-"

I switched off the TV, having heard all I need to. It wasn't an earthquake so I wouldn't have to worry about aftershocks. I scurried to the closet and pulled out a backpack, which I dumped on my bed and began filling with supplies. After packing various pieces of survival gear, such as a flashlight and a first aid kit, I went to the kitchen and started packing non-perishable foods like canned soup, protein bars, and jerky. I wasn't planning for a particularly long trip but when exploring the wilderness, you had to plan for the unexpected.

Fully packed, I headed for the door, then stopped.

"I'll go… tomorrow." My excitement had worn off and my tiredness had returned full force. It was better to go exploring after a full night's rest anyway. Plus, I was still in my pajamas.

I sat my backpack on the couch and returned to bed, burrowing under the covers. Adventure awaited… tomorrow.