C.C.'s Adventures in Twisted Wonderland

Chapter 2-2: A Very Grave Situation

***Deserted Island - Shore***

C.C. POV:

"Well, wherever we happen to be... We'd best call the school." Riddle says. "Oh, our phones! Phew—mine's in my shorts pocket along with my magical pen." Jack says in relief after checking his pockets. "Once we figure out our GPS location, it should be a simple matter for the school to come fetch us... Wait, no service?!" Riddle exclaims after trying to contact the school.

"I'm not getting any either." Azul says. "Same. Hoo boy..." Ace says. "Oh, don't look so glum. No reason to despair on a sunny beach like this! Relax. I'll go look for people from the air and ask for their help to contact the school." Appa says happily. "How are you going to fly without a broom?" Jack asks. "Oh, it's just a quick hop for me. You boys settle down and play in the sand for a bit." Appa says before jumping up and flying into the sky.

"He can fly that easily without any tools to help...? Lilia's amazing." Ace comments. "Indeed. That's a fae for you, I suppose. He's quite dependable." Azul says in agreement. "Man, Devilfishie's got it nice. Wish I could fly as easily as swimming." Floyd says. "HRAAAGH!" I hear Appa scream. "Hm?" Jack looks around.

"Did any of you just hear screamin'...?" Grim asks. "Oof..." Appa says as he crashes down on the sandy floor. "Lilia crash-landed!" Grim says. "You okay there, Lilia?" Jack asks and Appa gets up. "I think so... Though I can hardly believe I of all people took a fall." Appa replies. "And here I was just singin' your praises..." Floyd says.

"It's hard to imagine the Diasomnia vice housewarden falling so unceremoniously. Did something happen?" Riddle asks. "Well, about that...I flew nice and high to get a full bird's-eye view of the area. But the moment I passed a certain threshold...lo and behold!" Lilia explains. "Lo and behold?" Bubba asks. "My magic vanished!" Lilia exclaims.

"It what?!" Bubba asks in shock. "Were you that tired, Devilfishie?" Floyd asks. "No. I'm feeling perfectly fine. It was like there was some manner of invisible membrane, and the moment I touched it, my magic was dispelled. So I fell, and you saw the rest. Dear me, what an utter embarrassment!" Appa replies.

"You don't look embarrassed to me." Grim commented. "There's another oddity as well.

You see, bright sunlight makes me dizzy and lightheaded if I spend too long in it... But here, I'm fit as a fiddle no matter how much I bathe in these rays. Why, it's positively delightful! What a wondrous place this is! Gah hah hah." Appa says happily.

"I'm not sure "wondrous" is the best encapsulation of it. This is a very grave situation!" Riddle exclaims in protest. "Oh, relax. I do still have more intel to share." Appa replies. "Is it good news? Did you spot some people?!" Ace asks. "No wonder you look so chill. Guess we're worrying for nothing." Jack says. "What'cha got? C'mon, don't hold out on us!" Ace demands. "Mm. Well...This seems to be a deserted island." Appa says.

"Huh?" Ace and Jack say in unison. "As I said, I flew pretty high up, and I did get a good look at the area. I couldn't take in everything, but I saw coastline on all sides. There were no signs of people, boats, or buildings. Now, I don't want to jump to any definitive conclusions...But it's very likely this place is deserted!" Appa says.

"How is that supposed to help us relax?!" Ace asks in fear. "Seas that go on forever! An island with no one on it! Doesn't that get you all sorts of excited?" Appa says excitedly. "It most certainly does not!" Riddle exclaims. "Sure doesn't." Bubba agrees. "Yeah, huh. There ain't nothin' new or excitin' about deserted islands or the sea." Floyd says.

"You think so? It's not every day I find a deserted island I'm unfamiliar with! Critical food and water shortages... Hostile wildlife and venomous insects... You have your pick of trials to test your mettle. Come, everyone! What say we all work together and make the most of this survivalist challenge?!" Appa says happily.

"What say we don't?!...Hm? Wait a minute. We're over here talkin' about how serious this is, but Azul and Floyd are all smiles. What's the deal?" Grim asks. "I suppose that depends......on what you all are you willing to offer to get out of this mess." Azul asks. 'Here we go again'