Week 2 Story: The Perfect Island

This how I imagined the feast scene. (Source: Creative Commons)

Once upon a time, a pirate captain named Rocket wandered the sea to steal the most precious thing from every land he visited. Unfortunately, after a blazing hot day, a storm struck the sea and sank the pirate ship with all the stolen-treasures. But as if by magic, the whole pirate crew found themselves on a beach. As they woke up, magnificent women arrived on the seashore. In addition to being beautiful, the ladies helped them get back on their feet and took them to the village square. A banquet was served: wine, beer, liquor flow like water, wild boar meat was roasted and as big as an elephant, cheese and grapes were everywhere. In addition to a diner worthy of the name, the men were clothed by luxurious fabrics, quite different from their old rags. As Rocket was drinking his wine, a gorgeous woman with long black silk hair accosted him. She explained that she is now the one who governed the island since her husband, the mayor, and all the other men probably died by sailing on the sea three months ago.

*1 month later*

Rocket and his crew were still on the island. With no ship, they could not rebegin their quest. Thus, they have decided to stay there and took the former men place. Rocket became the village’s head alongside the gorgeous woman with long black silk hair named Marana. Men were obsessed with women’s beauty on the island—each more beautiful than the last. However, Rocket was feeling uneasy, uncomfortable. The more time he spent on the island, the more something felt weird. There were no children, no work for men: it was too perfect.

While everyone was drinking and eating at the evening banquet, Rocket went to bed early, feeling sick and troubled. The captain woke up abruptly by voices, inaudible sounds outside. He noticed that he was alone in his bed; Marana was nowhere to be seen. Rocket headed to the window, still half asleep. His face turned pale when he saw people – no-, monsters outside. They were familiar but yet unfamiliar. The demons were unsightly, hideous with a yucky color skin. Rocket tried to be as discreet as possible while watching those freaks eating what appeared to be human tights and arms. They talked about how they were excited to see if those men would be as tasty as the human meat on their plate. Rocket was confused: is he the only one awake? There is no way he is the only one; the monsters are too loud, he thought. As he observed the horror outside, a monster came to his house way. While the monster was walking, it transformed into a woman, Marana, to be specific. The pirate captain was aghast, but he quickly went back to his bed without making any noises. He was pretending to sleep when Marana walked into the bedroom and lay down in the shared-bed.

The morning after the horrific event, Rocket gathered his crew while the women were hunting down the meat for tonight. The captain explained what he saw last night. Members were shocked, others were doubtful, and others did not believe him at all. He also asked his men why he was the only one awake since the monsters were noisy. His crew answered that they had no idea, but they had the best night’s sleep ever. Another one stated they also all went to bed earlier than usual. Rocket then understood that something was put in their food last night, and since he was the only one who did not eat, he was able to see and hear what was happening. “We need to get out of here!” Rocket said, knowing they will definitely die soon. However, their ship has sunk, and there is no other way to escape the island. “I can help you with that!” A sweet voice that came out of nowhere said. Alerted, the men looked around them, expecting to see where the voice came from. “I have a flying horse that can help you escape this land.” A tiny sparkling creature appeared. “The women are coming soon, so we need to leave now.” The small thing flew around the room, excited for the upcoming trip. “Why would we believe you?” Rocket told the mini-human. “Well, the last person who said that to me is now dead. It’s either you are coming, or you stay there.” The tiny creature stated by speak-singing. “Yes or no?”. A lot of yes was heard but also many no. As the crew members were arguing because of their choices, the tiny thing made the flying horse appeared outside. “We need to hurry; the goblins are coming!” The creature told Rocket. The captain announced to all the people who said yes to go outside and ride the horse. “For those who said no, it is your last chance to make a good choice. You are going to die.” Rocket pleaded his men. “Why staying here is a wrong choice? There are beautiful women, and we do not work. It is the best life ever.” A man answered, with people agreeing by nodding. “Do whatever you want, but you’ll regret it.” Rocket race outside, as the tiny creature is explaining to his crew that they will shrink the moment they will touch the horse. Men started to ride the horse as many as they could. When it was the turn of the last three men and Rocket, the goblins arrived and understood what was happening. Furious, they transformed themselves to their original forms and ran in Rocket’s direction. Unfortunately, they were too slow: Rocket and his crew succeeded in escaping the island. As they were flying to an unknown destination, they heard screaming and crying from the remaining men. They don’t know where they are heading, but it will probably be safer; well, they hope so. 

 

 

Author's note: The original story I chose is Goblin City by W. H. D. Rouse. I decided to write from the point of view of the captain. 

 Bibliography: Goblin City - W. H. D. Rouse