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'Leila and Carl fall in love but the union is opposed by their parents'
'Chapter 1
Tink and Saber were at another celebration party. It was held on the beach at midday. It was such a lovely day. Fluffy white cloud ships floated in a sky of serene blue majesty. It was a small party to celebrate Leila''s second birthday. She was a lovely child being held by Des at that moment and surrounded by a group of admiring women. Tink sat alone on a mat. Her belly was causing increasing discomfort for her. Food was not a friend that stayed down easily and she was thinner and not as well as she could be. Saber had wanted to talk to several islanders that lived a fair distance away but he hesitated to leave her for a moment. She had to insist that she was fine. He still watched her frowning even when engaged in conversation with several men. A graceful lovely blond young woman walking down the beach waved to her. Tink waved back and beckoned her over. Snuggles headed in her direction carrying her fourteen month old son Carl. She sat down on the mat beside Tink and placed Carl seated gently in front of them and gave Tink a hug.
"How are you Tink?"
"I am fine Suggles. Everyone worries too much."
Carl chortled happily playing with a smooth shell his mother had given him. He was a little blonde chubby cherub with blue eyes.
"Can I hold him please Snuggles?"
"Of course you can but watch out for your hair. He loves to pull it."
"I don''t mind said Tink as she reach out and picked up Carl and tickled him. He let out a scream of laughter. Tink started making faces at him which made him chuckle in delight.
"Does he have your magic powers Snuggles or his Dad''s powers?"
Snuggles thought carefully. "I think he has some powers. Stuff seemed to be misplaced and go missing. Dh kept saying his wine was missing but I think he just drank it. We could hear little feet moving around at night. I caught him climbing back into bed."
"Thats amazing!"
Tink placed Carl back on the mat in front of her and cradled her swelling belly with her hands.
"Whats wrong!" Snuggles seemed alarmed.
"He just kicked."
"At four and a half months?"
She seemed a little surprised.
Tink shrugged. "While all children here seem to be born with magic in some degree. Saber and I seem to have hit the motherlode. Speaking of magical children."
She inclined her head towards where Des was leading Leila by the hand. They both smiled. Leila was a sweet dark haired angelic little girl. She had her mothers powers to beguile but it worked with all beings and even forces of nature like the weather. She could soothe a storm with the melody of her voice or draw rainbows in the air with a wave of her hand.
Des smiled. "Hi Snuggles." She almost tripped when Leila stopped walking. Carl stopped his sounds too and stared back at Leila. She dropped her hands from her mom''s and said clearly in a sweet pure voice. "Baby!
She ran forward to hug Carl who was staring at her entranced. Leila seemed delighted and wrapped her arms around Carl. All three women were amused and charmed by the children.
"How sweet" Tink chuckled delightedly. "Perhaps it is love at first sight."
A muscular stern faced man turned at Tink''s words. His eyes narrowed with resolution. He strode towards them. All three women looked up startled.
"Dodger!" said Des partly in question.
"Not my daughter!" He almost shouted. Everyone stopped talking and looked at him in surprise. Dodger reached down and grabbed Leila. She screamed partly at the look on her father''s face. Carl started to cry. "There is no way his son will ever marry my only child!" He strode away carrying his daughter. Leila called "Baby" and started to cry.
Chapter 2
Thirteen years later Fury paused outside the home he was born in. The natural cave structure had been turned into a comfortable home by his parents. They were still sleeping. He could hear his father''s cat snores and snorts resounding off the cave walls. He paused a moment then moved swiftly and quietly away from the cave. Him and Carl had planned an exploration trip to Little Island. Fury had caught a tender young wild boar to roast and Carl had filched several bottles of his father''s wine. He shouldered the wild boar and moved towards the beach where his father kept the outrigger canoe. Carl was already there stashing bottles of wine safely for the journey. Fury waved at him but did not shout a greeting. Fury came up to him and grinned. They were both striking looking handsome boys verging on manhood. Carl was tall lean and blonde but tanned by the sun while Fury had his dad''s dark good looks and his mom''s blue eyes the colour of a stormy sea. Fury clapped Carl on the shoulder. They stashed the boar and pushed off. They did not speak until they were well away on the tide.
"Any trouble getting the wine." asked Fury.
"No my parents were asleep. A volcano could erupt under the house and dad would still be dead to the world."
The two boys paddled towards the horizon eagerly scanning for signs of their destination. They had been there once briefly when Saber was on a survey trip. It looked perfect. A small island that drew two boys set on adventure. Carl saw it first.
"There he pointed!" His voice trembled with excitement.
Fury followed his pointing finger. A smudge of green on the endless blue horizon.
"Yes that must be it!" said Fury impatiently starting to row more quickly towards the distant island. Carl quickened the pace of his rowing as well. They got closer to a natural cove and sandy beach. "This is wonderful." said Carl in awe. "Our own island for a day with no grownups," They pulled the boat too shore then started to unload it.
"Dad always said we would come back here but we never did." His voice sounded a little sad. "Want to swim first?" asked Carl?"
"Dad says always to look around first. Besides we need fuel and green sticks for the fire."
The beach was much like the one they left behind. They scouted and foraged as they went for fruit and nuts to add to their feast. The boys soon had a great fire going and a large wild boar roast was spitted and sizzling over it. They had already went swimming and were lounging by the fire drinking wine. Already their speech slurred a little as they drank. As usual Carl led the conversation towards Leila.
"She is so beautiful" Carl sighed.
"I am surprised you never went for her Fury?" His voice was a question.
Fury was younger than Carl but he looked more mature. Fury had opened and was drinking from another bottle of wine. He choked and snorted.
"Are you crazy Carl. Leila has eyes only for you. She is like my sister."
"She loves you!"
"I don''t know why." said Carl wistfully.
"You turn into a giant tiger. Look at this."
He started to bubble and shift. Where the human boy had been was a large white well built male rabbit with long floppy ears.
"Look what I turn into!"
Fury suppressed a smile. "I always loved the tail mate." His smile burst through as he pointed at Carl''s powder puff tail.
"Besides you have your fathers dense magical aura. Even the most vile curses bounce off of you."
He turned the meat on the fire.
"Leila loves you. Its almost ready. You better change back Carl. The last time you tried to eat meat in that form you puked all over everything."
Fury took the meat off the fire. "Besides Carl I prefer my girls to be a little older and more curvy shall I say."
Carl almost fell over in transition. "No way! You mean you already did it!"
"I never said anything like that." Fury smirked. "That would be telling secrets on someone and if mom heard. Well you know how she goes on about me growing up too fast."
"Lets eat anyway."
They tore into the tender meat and feasted.
"Her father will not let me near her. We have to sneak out to be together."
"I know Carl. I think its awful."
"We are going to run away if Dodger does not change his mind. There are lots of islands settled by people who drift into this world."
"I will help in anyway I can mate. You have my word."
"Do you think we should head back?" asked Carl?"
"Relax. I left a note where dad will find it before mom. Open up more wine will you?"
Chapter 3
Dodger, Des, Leila and later Carl
Leila had been at the witch doctor hut. Her presence seemed to make sick persons feel much better. Everyone around her seemed to bask in her magical enchantments. She was lovely and graceful at fourteen. Her slim lithe figure, long flowing black silk like hair and the face of an angel made her seem more like a perfect dream then a real being. She was real though and so happy. She was in love and so vibrantly exultant about it she felt like dancing and singing. Carl was wonderful. He was tall fair and handsome and magical too. He adored her and cherished her alway seeming a little startled when she showed him love with a smile or a kiss. Everything in life would be perfect if only her father would leave them alone. Leila shivered. It was as if the beautiful blue sky had filled with clouds. She passed huts and more elaborate buildings including the brand new stone building that had a sign on the front in proud lettering proclaiming it the City Hall. She automatically returned greetings, waves and smiles as she passed other islanders. Her steps slowed as she neared the palms that sheltered the elaborate tree house where she lived with her parents. They were on the large front deck enjoying he late afternoon sun while talking and drinking. She waved and tried to head quickly for the door inside when her father called her sharply.
"Leila Come here!"
"Yes father! I only wanted to put these herbs in the kitchen."
She held up the basket she had been carrying.
"It can wait." Dodger said roughly. "We have not seen you all day."
Leila reluctantly climbed the steps leading to the deck. They were seated in bamboo chairs with drinks beside them on the table. Desire beamed at her daughter.
"Leila! How did it go at the healing center?" She held out a hand. Leila ran to her and half hugged her.
"It was fine mother. I am learning so much from the healers."
"What about me?"
"Sorry father."
Leila hugged her father and then sat in the spare chair half facing them. She placed her basket beside her.
"I was near Crystal Springs today for a visit with Gradius and Key. That son of theirs Charles is a fine boy. He is tall and strong and already one of our best hunters."
Leila tensed and she heard her mother release a soft sigh. Here we go again thought Leila. Her jaw tightened and her wariness increased like she was preparing for combat.
"Now there is a boy who is a good catch. At the last gathering you barely spoke to him Leila. He would make a fine husband for you and maybe a future leader."
He looked at his daughter and seemed unsurprised when she jumped to her feet. Leila''s breathing was fast and she felt a pounding in her brain.
"He is not that great" said Leila sharply.
"At the last dance my friend Flora said he tried to pull her into the bushes and have his way with her. I love Carl. I plan to marry only Carl. There will never be anyone else."
"You will never marry that boy Leila. That is final!"
His voice rose as his anger grew to match hers.
You are impossible!" shouted Leila."
Leila please sit down." her mom said calmly."
"Why? You will just take his side."
She stormed off the deck and hurried down the beach away from the direction of town.
"Leila!" Her fathers voice was sharp with command but she only quickened her pace.
Back on the deck Dodger fumed and paced.
"Where does she get that temper from?"
Des looked worriedly down the beach after her daughter.
"She gets it from you dear. What is wrong with Carl? His teachers speak well of him. He is helpful and kind and has never been in any trouble."
"Not been in any trouble!" Dodger interjected sharply. "What about last month when him and Fury took a canoe and wine and disappeared to that island. The whole darn town was searching for them until Saber found that note. Tink was in a dreadful state of worry. Every one else was worried too. What about that?"
Desire smiled before she could hide it.
"They were just off on an adventure. They were both punished aside from how sick all that wine made them."
Dodger seemed more mellow. "Its the boys father mainly. I want better for my only daughter and our only child." "What about his father?" said Des. "He is always fine around me. He drinks too much at parties maybe. He makes rum and wine. The very rum and wine we are drinking. He also has his own charm at times. Snuggles seems happy."
Dodger shrugged. "I still do not like the idea Des. He sat down and picked up his drink. "A rabbit for a son in law."
Leila ran down the beach towards the cave she shared as a secret place since childhood with Carl. Here they would meet and play and create fantastic future stories with themselves as the main characters. It was no use she realized. They would have to leave. Her eyes filled with unshed tears. Leave her whole family and everyone they knew. Fury would come with them to help them find a new home and protect them until they settled somewhere. Maybe they could find another island community to take them in. Fury was a wonderful hunter. She reached the cave and noticed Carl sitting in front on a mat carving a piece of wood. He made such lovely objects and figurines in the shapes of animals and birds. He jumped up startled taking in her disheveled state and teary smudged face.
"Its no use she wailed. He wants me to marry Charles."
She threw herself in his arms.
"Charles!" Carl said. His voice was filled with concern as he wrapped his arms around her. "What shall we do love?" He asked softly but his tone said. I will follow you anywhere.
"We have to leave Carl. We have to go soon." She peered into the cave noticing with satisfaction the piles of provisions.
"Okay darling!" She raised her face and he kissed her softly.
"You will have to go home a few days though a pretend nothing happened. I will talk to Fury. We leave in three days before dawn. It is settled."
Chapter 4
Haumea, Ix Chell and Kainoa
Ix Chell sat down to rest in the shade of a breadfruit tree. She was fuming. That man had tried to touch her. Kainoa her mother's latest lover. He had said he could teach her all about life. Ix Chell cringed at the thought of him touching her skin. Her mother had no sense when it came to men. She almost changed them with the season. Some contributed to the swarm of little brothers and sisters she cared for so lovingly. She adored the little ones even though caring for them was hard work. She heard a ruckus and stood up. It sounded like voices arguing. Yes her mother and Kainoa.
Her mother strode into the clearing. She was imposing and queen like. Kanoa followed after her.
"Now Hamea darling don't take it out on her. She is at a delicate age. She didn't mean to come on to me."
Ix Chell jumped to her feet rage bubbling in her and rising like a wave. Kainoa smirked at her slyly behind her mothers back.
Haumea turned sharply and almost glared at her recent favorite lover.
"Kainoa please wait in my chambers. I will deal with this matter myself."
Ix Chell was beside herself. Her lovely face was scrunched up in rage that then boiled over.
"Mother he lies! I would never do that."
Haumea held up her hand imperiously.
"Silence! This just brings up a promise I made many years ago. It is time for you to go on a quest to keep a promise I made to your father about sending you to him."
She looked at her daughter bursting into young womanhood. She was exotic and lovely. Her catlike features only enhancing her charming entrancing beauty.
Ix Chell was stunned into silence.
Then she burst out.
"I don't want to leave you. This is my home. My brothers and sisters need me. Who will care for them if I go?"
""Nonsense! I have decided you will undertake this journey. Your father is named Sabertooth. He changes into a form much like your jaguar form. Head west towards the setting sun. That is where you will find him. You can hunt and fish and have many powers at your disposal. Your next oldest sisters will care for the youngest ones. You have one hour to sunset to leave this place or I will bar your path forever. Gather your thing and go."
She turned away and seemed to vanish.
Ix Chell's heart was heavy. Leave the little ones and only home she had ever known. She slipped into her room to gather her things. Just a small pack and a bow over her shoulder. She enter the hall and heard the sound of children playing. Namaka and Pele the eldest ran too her. Ix Chell was crying. Tears ran down her cheeks.
She gathered them to her and hugged them.
"Chelly why are you crying?"
Pele's voice wavered like she would cry too.
Ix Chell looked down at them.
"There is little time! Mother sends me on a journey far away. Take care of the little ones you must promise me you will." They did promise but then Namaka grabbed her hand.
"Chelly don't go."
"I must. I have no choice Namie."
She held then released them quickly. It was almost dusk. A soft misty rain was falling. She walked into the growing darkness. The rain blended with her tears.
Chapter 5
Ix Chell meets Fury
They had been traveling for days. Fury, Carl and Leila had already explored half a dozen islands. None of them so far had been very good for settling down on. The reasons ranged from dangerous beasts too no fresh water being available. Fury stood at the front of the outrigger canoe type boat. He was holding his father's precious telescope surveying a promising large island ahead. The telescope was a careful construction of sea glass and bamboo. He stood with an casual, carefree grace. He did not yet miss his home or his parents very much yet. He had not had his full taste of adventure yet. He was brown and tan casting the impression of the noble savage
"This one looks good Carl. I see a fresh water stream and what look like coconut trees."
Carl looked up from where he was absorbed in his latest carving. A life like parrot face looked up from the have done piece. His carvings were magical.
"Oh that sounds great Fury!" He was weatherbeaten and sunburned. His nose and forehead were covered with peeling dead skin. He squinted and narrowed sharp blue eyes and peered at the island.
"Shall I awaken Leilla?"
He nodded to where his dark haired angel slumbered in repose.
"It can wait Carl. Let her rest."
Meanwhile on the other side of the island Ix Chell had pulled her small canoe up on the beach and started to set up camp. She had caught a large fish to roast for her next few meals. It had been two weeks since she had been cast out of her home by Haumea. She was resolute and firm now in that there would be no more tears. She was as always self sufficient. She prepared and was ready to cook her food. While she loved raw fish in her cat form she preferred cooked food in her human aspects. She had already studied the beach and jungle around her and found no danger. Ix Chell had picked up wood and brush to start a fire. She picked up her flint and tinder. Her magic was invoked from her animal essence and powers. She could not start fires by touch like her little half sister Pele. She struck the flint against a metal knife that had once belonged to one of her mothers human lovers. A spark fell on the tinder and a tiny curl of smoke drifted upwards. She blew carefully and soon had a cheerful roaring fire. She soon had the huge fish roasting over the fire. Her mouth watered at the aroma of roasting fish.
On the outrigger canoe Fury looked through the spyglass again.
Then he shouted. "Carl I see smoke!"
Leila awoke with a start. Carl sat up restlessly dropping his carving.
"Really. Maybe they settled here from the other world!"
Leila sat up.
"Whats going on?" Carl beamed at her and she smiled rainbows back at him. He reached down to help her up and half hugged her.
"This could be our new home. Fury sees smoke!"
They all peered eagerly at the island as the canoe was drawn steadily towards the beach. The bamboo and palm leaf sail held rigid as it filled with wind. It was one of Saber's more clever inventions.
The bottom of the boat grated on sand. Wary of sharks and sea urchins Fury jumped into the water to pull the heavily laden canoe up on the beach. Carl did the same on the other side. Leila jumped eagerly ashore. She was so excited wondering if this could really be their new home. Apart from the distant smoke though there did not really seem to be any sign of habitation. The area seemed the ideal village location with dozens of food trees near bye. She also saw the glint of a stream through the trees. The boys lost all sense of caution. They raced along the beach towards the source of the smoke. Leila followed them but at a more sedate pace.
The boys then ran through the trees leaping over obstacles with the grace of long practice. With hardly a sound they burst into the open and were astonished not to see a village. Instead they saw a small fire where the mouthwatering aroma of cooked fish was drifting from. A breathtakingly beautiful tanned dark haired girl turned to face them. Her spear was ready to stab out or throw. She was tall and well formed with catlike markings etched on her golden skin delicately. With catlike grace and speed she drew back her arm ready to throw the spear. She growled slightly showing razer sharp teeth. Fury raised his hands and made gestures of appeasement .
Carl stepped forward and drew his magical sheild around them for protection. Despite the danger in the situation Carl looked at Ix Chell in awe.
"I think we found the perfect gal for you mate."
Fury lowered his hands and made gestures of peace.
He said loudly and carefully.
"We come in friendship looking for new home." Grunts and elaborate gestures were included in his words.
Ix Chell lowered her spear and said in clear English to Fury.
"What are you doing you dam fool?
"Who are you?" Fury said in awe.
She drew herself up a little haughtily.
"I am Ix Chell. The daughter of Haumea and Sabertooth. I am on a quest to find my father. Do you know...."
She was stopped when Carl let out a startled gasp. then looked from Ix Chell to Fury in amazement.
Fury stepped forward and stammered "Thats not possible. My father is Sabertooth. He never mentioned being married before he met my mom."
"Sabertooth is your father?" she said excitedly. All I know is that is my father's name and that he can turn into a cat like me. Her features began to bubble and shift in a way that was very familiar to Fury and Carl. Her features became more cat like."
"She's got you there mate." Carl laughed.
Fury smiled and dropped his spear. His own features began to bubble and shift as he changed into his tiger form.
Ix Chell gasped and stopped half way through her own transformation into her jaguar form."
"You have wings too! she said in awe.
"My mother is a fairy named Tinkerbell. I have her powers too. He growled this.
"She's a what?" asked Ix Chell.
"A fairy." he said as if that explained it. "You know a six inch tall magical human with wings that can help her fly."
"You really are my sister." Fury said as if he just had a delightful surprise.
Ix Chell looked at him sadly.
"I had a dozen little brothers and sisters in my mom tree palace."
"I am an only child." he said then paused. "That is until now."
Leila had been watching. She stepped out into the open.
"Its wonderful to meet you Ix Chell. Fury is kind of like my brother too. So I guess that makes us like sisters. " She smiled warmly.
"We have supplies and food. If you would not mind sharing your fish we could set up camp together."
"Of course I don't mind." said Ix Chell graciously.
"Do you mind if I call you Chelly sis." Fury asked.
Ix Chell was a little startled. "Thats what my brothers and sisters called me." They all started in on the fish washed down with water. "They shared the reason for their journey with her explaining that Leila's dad did not see Carl in the role of a future son in law. Ix Chell agreed that it was just terrible. They set up camp together already fast friends and comrades in adventure.
Chapter 6
Meanwhile back at the ranch. (just kidding)
Saber woke with a snort in the cave. It was already filling with morning light. He yawned and stretched lazily and then looked over to where Tink lay still fast asleep. No sounds reached him from Fury's section of the cave. He must already be out hunting or fishing. Tink awoke and stretched beside him. He looked down at her raised up on one arm. She smiled up at him. It was like a ray of sunshine. He pulled her to him and kissed her.
"We seem to be alone." He growled suggestively and pulled her closer. Then he stiffened. What the heck was that uproar coming from down the beach? He heard raised voices and running feet from the direction of Warrior Beach. He reluctantly released his wife. Whatever was going on was wreaking havoc with a perfectly lovely morning.
Tink sat up then stood when he did. "What's wrong Saber? "
"Voices and shouting from Warrior Beach." She heard it too. With out pausing she did like her husband in grabbing her spear and running out of the cave. She followed him at a brisk pace down the beach.
They arrived at the scene of the uproar. Saber headed towards a group of men surrounding Dodger.
Tink followed him.
"What's wrong?" Saber burst out looking expectantly at Dodger. He recognized Gradius, Admiral Digby and others.
"Saber the children are gone." He looked so worried. His face was gray beneath the tan.
"What do you mean?" Saber almost shouted.
Dodger handed him a parchment paper. Leila's note in her flowery script.
Dear Father
I fear you will never accept Carl. I love him. He is the only one I would ever marry. We have decided since you will not accept us being together we must leave and find a new home where we can be together. Fury is coming with us a while to protect us. I will miss you and mother and everyone so much.
love. Leila
Saber did explode then. "My son is gone too!" Tink went white.
"What do you mean? Where is Fury?" Saber handed her the note.
Dodger burst in. "I have been such a fool. What have I done?"
"Sarge arrived then with a group of his scouts. His quiet commanding presence parted the crowd before him. He saluted Dodger. "Chief! They left from the beach near the caves. There were a huge amount of supplies stored there recently moved. They must have left almost a day ago. My lieutenant Ducky can shape shift. He could not spot them from the air though. They headed west. They must have been planning this a while. I would say."
"This is all my fault. Des can not even believe it. She is searching the house and the beach."
Saber took control of the situation.
"Dodger there is no time to waste. I must find them. I will take....." He looked around.
"I am going with you." Dodger said firmly.
"Who else?"
"I am." said Tink. "It's my son too!"
Sarge hesitated briefly.
"No way Sarge. I am leaving you behind in charge while I am away. BB is expecting again and close to term. What about you three girls? You are staying here."
"Hurry!" Saber shouted. "The explore outrigger is fully supplied."
They raced towards the harbor. They were amazed to see the head healer Leilani already on board the boat. "You will need me." was all she said. Dodger yelled to Sarge. "If we do not return in a fortnight assume we are dead and send a search party."
Sarge nodded. "I wish you good speed. May the grace of the Island Gods go with you and protect you."
They cast off.
Chapter 7
Horror Island
Fury awoke swiftly and then smiled remembering the day before. Who would have believed it! He had a sister and she was really cool too. He had it all planned too. His parents would adopt her and they would all be happy. A distant horrible screech shredded his peaceful reverie. He jumped up quickly and shouted for them all to awaken. It sounded like a horrible beast in pain.
"What was that?" Carl said sounding alarmed.
"I don't know. Get the girls up!"
"They are up. Who could sleep through that."
"I am going to look." said Fury. Strike camp and look out for the ladies!"
Fury headed swiftly in the direction of the noise. A few hundred yards later he looked through the bushes into a clearing in the jungle. He almost could not believe his eyes. The clearing was filled with komodo dragons. Some were fighting and tearing at each other in frenzy. Fighting over females maybe? He did not know. There were females with males crawling all over them. Fury flushed. He could hear more screams in the distance. The island seemed full of them. He heard even more distant screams. Some of the monsters were the size of small huts. He could not see how they missed them yesterday! Then another sound rose above the dragon roars. It was a cry of horrible anguish; a womans scream. Fury raced back to the beach camp. He had only been gone twenty minutes. He heard the shriek of a dragon near bye. It burst through the trees close to him. It was dripping reptilian blood. A broken arrow was sticking out of its neck. It was one of Shelly's arrows. He ran faster. His lungs burst and burned. He was too excited to transform.
He ran into the half wrecked camp to witness a hellish nightmare scene. His sister was wild eyed circling the camp with a loaded bow ready to shoot. Worst of all his best friend Carl was laying broken and bleeding on the ground. He took charge. Leila was nursing Carl. She had staunched the flow of blood putting her skills to good use.
"We need to get out of here." He helped Leila load Carl on to a stretcher made with blankets and poles. "Take everything we may need. We will head for the smaller island we passed.
They reached the smaller island but Fury was still worried. Shelly told him Carl had jumped between them and the monster taking the dreadful wound. Carl was awake but still pale and week.
Chapter 8
Leilani's tale.
Saber was still worried despite the fact they had found the trail of the children. They had been careful about trying to hide their tracks. Sabers keen senses and tracking skills had found their tracks on the islands they explored.
Leilani approached him where he was standing guiding the boat. She stood silently beside him waiting.
Saber became impatient. "Leilani what is it?
"Saber I fear greatly for the children. There is a legend by the elder Gods who made this world. It is about a cursed island."
Saber groaned. "Not another tale of great peril?"
"I am afraid so. The islanders turned their backs on the Gods not offering thanks or blessings to the Gods. The people became drunker committing all sorts of obscene and unholy acts even desecrating the God's holiest places. The gods became even more angry as the people became more depraved in their actions. Finally they punished them cursing their island and turned the people into monsters. They then fell into an enchanted sleep only to awaken when people again walked on the island. They rise to celebrate again and kill the persons who dared encroach on the cursed island."
Saber went pale. His voice was a whisper. "You think our children are there?"
"Yes I am afraid they might be there."
Saber was dismayed. He almost willed the boat to go faster. At his request she went to tell Tink and Dodger what they might face.
Fury and Shelly made camp. Carl was still in a very bad way. He had awoken but was still too weak to talk much. Fury feared to tell them they must return home. Fury thought Carl needed the witch doctors. He could hardly speak or move let alone walk.
Saber looked at the seemingly innocent island. "Is that it Leilani?
"Yes that is beast magic island. You must go alone in cat form Saber so the beast monsters do not awaken." They had cast anchor well away from the island. Saber started to transform. Tink touched his face gently. "Please be careful hon?"
"I hope they are okay said Dodger," He moaned. "I drove away my only child. What have I done!"
Saber transformed. He was now in his huge golden brown cat form. His senses sharpened. He could smell blood. He found the camp. Carl had been injured. He traced the trail. They had gotten away. The trail stopped at the shore where the boat had been sheltered. He could smell another young girl. Confused he headed back for the boat. Who was the stranger he could smell?
"They are alive" he told them. "Carl is badly hurt though."
"It is a good thing you are with us healer." He bowed slightly and she nodded back.
"What have I done!" Dodger said loudly in tones of great remorse.
"I endangered Snuggles son."
"No time for that now" said Saber. His voice held tones of compassion and pity.
Leilani cleared her throat. "I think I know where they went. There is a small island about half an hour sailing time ahead."
Saber nodded
"Lets go then." said Tink. She still feared for the safety of their only child.
"There is more" said Saber. "There is a young girl with them. " He drew in the boat anchor.
Fury was very worried. Carl had seemed lucid and stronger but in the past hour he had taken a turn for the worst. He had become cold, clammy and delirious. Leila was only partly trained as a healer.
He went to them. Leila was mopping Carl's brow with a cool cloth. Shelly was cooking a broth made with dried meat and dehydrated vegetables.
"Do you know what is wrong with him Leila?" He looked down at the pale sweaty face of his best friend.
She was also pale. They were all filthy and scratched.
"I am not certain Fury. It almost looks like he has been poisoned." Fury paced and fumed. Was his best friend going to die?
There was strained silence on the boat. They all wondered if they would make it in time.
Saber spotted the island and pointed. Yes there was a boat there. No two boats.
Leilani grabbed her bags ready to jump ashore the moment the boat landed.
There was chaos as everyone tried to talk at once. Leilani went right to Carl's side. She patted Leila's hand. "You did well child."
Leila looked up at her father and burst into tears. He hugged her and held her.
"There, there! I am so sorry. Please forgive me? This is all my fault." Dodger patted and held his crying daughter.
Tink grabbed and hugged her son. "You had us so worried."
A young lovely girl was there. She seemed posed between coming closer or running away.
"Its alright Shelly. Mother please let go."
He went to Shelly and took her hand and led her towards his parents.
"Dad this is my sister Shelly your daughter. Her mother is the Goddess Haumea. She was conceived
on your quest to save mom's life when she was pregnant with me."
The news exploded like a bomb.
Tink turned on Saber. Her face was white an rigid with anger.
"She is your daughter! How could you?"
Saber was disorientated. The dreams were true that he had of the dark haired Goddess.
Strange things were happening to Tinkerbell. She hovered in the air turning into the darker aspect of her fairy form. Her wings buzzed like an angry bee.
"Tink wait! It was the only way to save your life." With lightning quick cat reflexes he reached out and snagged her fairy form. Then howled with pain as his thumb spurted blood where she bit him. A small black flash and Tink was gone. Shelly could take no more. She dashed away sobbing.
Dodger and Leila were hovering around the healer and Carl. Leilani looked up and smiled.
"He will be alright."
Dodger let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you for saving my son."
Leila smiled and her power lit up the space around her.
"Your son?"
Dodger smiled back.
"I withdraw all objections to the match. When he is better will announce your engagement."
He looked up as Shelly ran by sobbing.
Dodger said "Leila lets solve another crises now. That poor child."
Leila quickly filled him in as they went to find her. Dodger put the rest of the story together from conjecture. Tink must have been furious. They found her seated at the base of a palm tree crying.
It was the very tree Tink had stopped to rest in. Leila hugged her. She was rocking back and forth.
"I have no home. My mother threw me out. My father does not even want me and Saber's mom is so mad."
Dodger patted her on the shoulder too.
"Its okay Shelly. I am sure they will want you. Tink will come around. I did. We should never We should never act from pain, Jealousy and rage only from love and forgiveness. If Saber and Tink don't want you then Des and I will adopt you. You will be Leila's sister." Shelly looked up at him and smiled.
Tink was amazed. If Dodger could forgive and act out of love couldn't she do the same. Her color lightened with her mood. She flew back towards her husband and son. She landed in front of them and transformed smiling. She reached forward and hugged them both tight.
"Its alright then mom?" Fury looked at his parents and smiled when they kissed.
"Congrats hon. Its a girl. Lets go and get to know our new daughter."
And they all lived....... but thats another story