Hero’s Journey

“Finally someone is here.” A stout creature popped up. 	“Wh…who….who are you?” 	“Who do you think I am, little girl. You’re standing on my property right now. Well it’s good to have someone new, every year I get a dirty little girl that can never make a fine meal no matter how I prepare it. Ooooh, maybe you can be my assistant and help capture some fresh ingredients.” 	“Well, I’m not here to help. You have cursed our peaceful community and I demand you to give me the crystal ball.” 	“Tsk. Naïve, why would I give you my precious crystal ball. If you really want it, show what you’ve got and get it yourself.” Said the Demon holding the crystal ball.

Suddenly, the tiny trident flew out of Camellias’ pocket and grew bigger and bigger. The trident act as it was alive and flew straight into Camellia’s hands. The Sea Demon wasn’t able to around very quickly due to his extra-large body. This was an advantage for Camellia, she swooped around the Demons’ body and stabbed him right on the back.

	Wounds in his flesh leaked blood and dyed the fresh water red. He banged heavily on the ground while the crystal ball rolled on the floor.

	But one day, everything was ruined and all the harmonious perished. This was caused by the wicked Sea Demon that came out from no where. He said that one day, the island will be flooded and nobody will survive unless he gets a loving wife every year. Therefore, the island formed a tradition that every year when spring arrives, a 14-year old girl would be sent to the Demon as a bride. Locals would host a big ceremony to pray for peace and seek protection from the Demon.

	When spring arrives, the island reawakens. Plants extended their bodies while buds bloom. Bright-eyed birds soar and chicks tweet. Children filled the island with laughter and joy. Summer is the season full of passion. Adults avoid the humid weather, when youngsters release energy in the cool sea waters. The sand gets a tan and becomes “hot”. Lofty coconut trees begin to adorn themselves with accessories. Autumn is when things start to cool down. The soft breeze sweeps across joyful faces in the air. While the ocean having a good mood. Winter never gets too cold and is always the time to get a cup of warm coconut juice. The warm drink would flow down one’s throat and warm his/her whole body like a heating pad.

	Camellia is an ordinary child that lives in a orphanage on the island. But orphans did not have an easy life. They did not get much food and often abused. If someone made a mistake, she/he would be sent to the dungeon and get beaten up.

	All night long, it was down pouring. Wind roared and furiously banged on windows beside Camellia. She gazed out the window seeing nothing but the harsh weather. She was certain that she would be the first to take risk.

	Camellia is turning 14 next week which happens to be the week of the celebration. In order to break the curse, someone must retrieve the crystal ball. However, after all these years, no one ever attempted to reach the ball. Camellia feared failing but wanted success. Questions flattered around her tiny mind: Can I find the Sea Demon? Even if I find him will I be able to get the crystal ball? What if I failed? Will I get killed? She struggled to make her decisions. Then she thought to herself, but if I stayed in this stupid orphanage for the rest of my life, my existence would be boring and non-meaning full. Meanwhile, all the hope was on her and she was determined to make a difference. 

	The moment when the sun woke up, Camellia crept out and scuttled towards the water. While she approached the shoreline, she realized that she did not have the ability to breathe under water. When Camellia was just about to give up, a humongous starfish appeared. 

“Thank you! Thank you so much Mr. Starfish!” With that the starfish vanished in the ocean and left a teeny trident on top of the dry, rough sand. Camellia carelessly stuffed the trident in her pocket and wandered through the crystal like sea. As she walked along gathers of flamboyant corals, the sun slowly faded away. She then reached the gloomy area of the ocean where barely any organisms exist and saw an enormous palace covered with shimmering rubies. The Sea Demon was in charge of the whole Pacific Ocean so Camellia assumed that the palace must have belonged to him. Since no guards were seen, Camellia blatantly walked in. When she entered, she noticed that there were a lot of blob fish sleeping but she did not pay much attention to them and continued walking until…

“Hello, my friend. Do you need some help to travel in this dense salt water?” “Do you really think that you can help me?” Camellia Questioned. “Of course, my dear!” The starfish replied, as he used his tubed feet and magically created a path in the water.

	A long time ago, there was a little island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Life was calm and peaceful, everyday was fulfilled with happiness.

	Camellia was stunned. She did not believe that she had killed the Demon. With her shivering hands, she slowly picked-up the ball. Unexpectedly, the starfish appeared again. A beam of white light flashed right through Camellias’ eyes.

	Gradually, Camellias’ vision recovered, recognizing that she was beside the shoreline, where she had met the starfish. The magical crystal ball in her palm slowly floated up into the sky. Children were running around filled with excitement and everyone seemed to enjoy their lives. Her memory was blurry about what had happened but the process does not matter any more. The hard-work she have done paid off since the island appeared to be normal again. Once again, everything was fulfilled with happiness. The crystal ball has now become an iconic symbol of the island.

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