The Lost Notebook

     We are still at sea. No land in sight yet, but strangely, there are birds flying above us in circles, almost as if watching. We've lost the last three baskets of food because of the huge waves crashing over the deck. Things are getting critical. The crew is growing weak and anxious.

     March 13, Year 3

     Now we see not only birds, but also branches and leaves floating beside us in the water.

     Strange thing is, there is still no land anywhere. This makes no sense. Where are these things coming from?

     March 14, Year 3

     The wind has started to blow very strong, howling like voices in the night. It feels like some kind of magic is stirring in the air. The crew is hungry and afraid. Some of them have started whispering to each other when they think I cannot hear. I don’t think I can calm them down for much longer.

     March 15, Year 3

     Land is in sight at last. I hope it’s an island with people living there, or at least some shelter. The crew is feeling more hopeful now. Their faces look brighter.

     March 16, Year 3

     We arrived at the island. There is something strange here. The air smells sweet, almost too sweet. There are fruits in huge amounts growing wildly from the trees. Tomorrow we will explore and try to find people, if anyone is here at all.

     March 17, Year 3

     Exploration day. We followed the coastline for almost half a day under the burning sun. The island seems to stretch forever in all directions. There are no signs of boats, docks, or people.

     March 18, Year 3

     It is confirmed. The island is deserted.

     We have a big problem now. The crew is acting strange. Some say they see lights during the night, dancing in the trees. Others say they see people walking in the daylight, people no one else sees. One sailor claims to have heard music deep in the jungle.

     April 2, Year 3

     It has been almost a month since I last wrote. Something bad lives on this island. Something we can’t understand. The crew left me during the night, without warning. I woke up and they were gone. I have been chased by something I cannot explain. I don’t know what it is, but it moves without sound. I fear I’m losing my mind.

     April 6, Year 3

     That thing, the one I still cannot describe, has found me. I am hiding among the trees, barely breathing. I don’t think I can stay hidden much longer.

     If someone ever finds this notebook, please leave the island immediately. And tell my wife I love her with all my heart.

     Julián finished reading out loud, his voice trembling slightly. He and his Neopets now knew the truth. They were also trapped here, just like the writer of the notebook.

     Their boat had broken down for some mysterious reason. The ropes had snapped without wind, and the sail refused to rise. They had no choice but to stay on this unknown land for now.

     They had only been on the strange island for less than three days, and already strange things had happened. Whispering voices in the night. Shadows moving where there should be none. Things that would scare even the bravest Neopian.

     What they didn’t know yet was that they had arrived on Mystery Island.

     Julián was a normal Neopian. He was young, brave, and curious, just like his Neopets, Wisdom the clever Bori and Artbutler the strong and loyal Krawk.

     That night, the three friends decided to camp in the tall grass near the jungle’s edge. They agreed to take turns keeping watch. While two slept, one would stay awake to watch for danger.

     Wisdom took the first shift until three in the morning. He kept alert, watching the trees sway and listening for anything unusual.

     Time passed slowly. While the others slept, Wisdom stayed alert, crouched low, listening to every noise that wasn’t Julián’s snoring or Artbutler’s sleep-talking.

     Nothing happened.

     But a little after two, the soft wind and warm air made him sleepy. His eyes closed without warning, and he fell deeply asleep.

     Artbutler woke up sometime later in the middle of the night. Both of his friends were still sleeping peacefully. Everything seemed calm, so he decided to sit by the fire and take over the watch.

     The sun rose at exactly seven o’clock, and all three were still asleep, wrapped in their blankets.

     They had forgotten to keep watch again.

     It was as if the island would not allow them to stay awake during the night. The air was thick and heavy. The island itself felt like it was dreaming.

     Later that day, they decided to go for a walk deeper into the jungle. The trees were tall, the light dim. They walked and walked, hearing strange birds above them and seeing shapes in the fog. Suddenly, they reached a cave.

     It was dark, covered in moss, and smelled of wet stone.

     They weren’t sure about entering, but something deep inside pulled them forward. Maybe something there would give them answers. Maybe this was why they had come here.

     Inside, it was nearly pitch black, except for a faint light in the distance.

     When they reached the back of the cave, they saw it.

     A large table, carved from dark wood, stood in the center. Chairs lined its sides. On the table were three glowing candles.

     And not just candles.

     There was a feast.

     Fruits in every color. Juices that sparkled like gems. Breads, cheeses, cakes, and foods none of them had ever seen before. The smell was delicious.

     The three friends stepped closer, their mouths watering.

     But then they noticed a note resting gently near the food.

     It read:

     "Whoever tastes this food will find not only many flavors, but also eternal peace.

     Be careful, young traveler. Think very well before you choose."

     They read the words quietly, each one feeling the weight of the warning.

     They looked at each other. The food looked perfect, but something felt wrong.

     They turned to leave, deciding it was best not to risk it. They were smart enough to trust their instincts.

     But just as they turned...

     "Aaaah!" Wisdom screamed. "There are people in the chairs!"

     They froze in place.

     After some moments, they slowly approached the table again. There were people sitting there. Faces pale, eyes closed, unmoving.

     Were these the sailors from the notebook?

     Did they eat the food and fall under a spell?

     Their clothes were old and torn, matching the story. Everything fit.

     Julián gently shook one of the men. No response.

     Again. Still nothing.

     It was like they were frozen in a dream.

     Wisdom had an idea.

     "Guys, maybe we should splash them with water."

     "That sounds like a good idea," said Artbutler and Julián together.

     They took their water bottles and poured water over the sleeping people.

     Slowly, one by one, they began to wake up.

     At first, they were confused and quiet. Then one of them, the captain, spoke in a low voice.

     "Young Neopets, thank you for rescuing us. We must escape this island quickly. It is cursed. A wicked witch lives here, in this very cave."

     The three friends stared at each other, eyes wide with fear.

     If the witch lived in the cave… where was she now?

     They didn’t wait to find out.

     They ran through the jungle, not stopping until they reached the shore.

     They spent the rest of the day fixing the boat with whatever materials they could find. Branches, rope, and old cloth. They worked without rest.

     By nightfall, the boat was ready.

     They climbed aboard and pushed away from the island.

     As they floated farther, they turned to look back...

     But the island was gone.

     The place it had been was now only waves.

     They called it Mystery Island. And to this day, that is still its name.

     Almost fifty years have passed since the three friends had their adventure.

     They made new friends, especially the old captain, and became famous all over Neopia for their magical journey.

     Now the island is a safe and beautiful place, full of visitors and families.

     Because the witch… is gone.

     But... Where is she now?

     The End.