Read Caribbean Escapades: Vol. 1 :: Early Day Plans

“I’m glad you finally came to the decision.”

“Heh...yeah, me too. But I can’t really help but worry though, because god knows what we’ll expect.”

Brian said as he was flying on Usui’s back, and heading towards Tyler’s home in New Upferd. The two made plans to hangout that afternoon.

“Aw, kiddo, I’m sure you’ve got nothin’ to worry about. I mean, heck, I’ll be there with you every step of the way.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

“And besides, you’ll have your friends with you also. They all agreed to go when you messaged them, didn’t you?”

“They did.”

“So, like I said. Nothin’ to worry about.”

He’d land in front of Tyler’s home shortly after saying that.

New Upferd was a smaller town, especially compared to the main city of Cape Kiaba. It was mostly known for its space program at the NASA Research Center, and for its train station taking tourists along a scenic route around the island. Tyler’s parents currently work at that Research Center, so more often not he was left home alone under his older brother's care.

As Brian got off of Usui, all he heard was a familiar guitar being strung.

“Well well well, if it ain’t Señor Bubbles.”

Brian looked towards the guitar, and chuckled.

“Hi Adam..you know I’m just about as tall as you now, right?”

Adam stuck his tongue out at him playfully while he was chilling on his porch. He was the older brother to Tyler.

“Yeah, I know! But you’re spunky and usually very bubbly, so despite me using that name to call you short, it still fits you rather well, I’d say.”

“Guess I can’t argue with that.”

Adam gave him a fistbump and made an explosion sound with his mouth.

“Ty’s inside if you’re lookin’ for him.”

He’d also look to the derg.

“You’re free to come inside too, Usui.”

Usui’s tail would wag a little at the thought.

“Only if you’d like me to. But I think I’d rather stay out here and hear you play your guitar.”

Brian nodded and made his way to Tyler’s room, the one place he knew he’d most likely be in. Tyler’s room was primarily a light blue as if it was almost turquoise, and on the walls were paintings of constellations, meteors, and other space related things.

"Ah, you're just in time."

Tyler would say as he heard Brian's footsteps.

“Time for what?”

“Well, for us to go hangout and stuff, but also for something I’ve uncontrollably researched.”

Brian sat down on his bed, already having a hint as to where this might be going. He was used to Tyler’s rambles, as he was so passionate about space and its many mysteries.

“Let me guess, more space things?”

“Not this time actually.”

He looked down at the desk he had in front of him. “Well...somewhat. I’ve actually been looking a little into the existence of our Island Guardians. More particularly, Apollo, because he appeared in my dream last night.” “Go on.” “Alright, well I’m not actually sure why it was specifically him but it’s likely a sign. Don’t you remember when we both saw him briefly when we were younger?” Brian did an unsure hand gesture.

“Well, yeah, sort of..but I’m honestly more convinced that it was a dream if anything. We don’t even know if he exists.”

“Precisely my point. We don’t, and that’s why I want to look into it.”

Tyler picked up a map he had on the table.

“As far as we know, we have 4 Island Guardians; Apollo, Artemis, Hubble, and Gemini, who all have statues made of them. For example, Artemis’s statue can be seen here in the center of town. To continue, we also know that they were 4 angel dragons who sacrificed themselves to save the island, and practically the world, from an almost world ending threat...Though I'm pretty sure that last part's just a rumor.”

“No one really knows whether that's really true or not.”

“Exactly. There’s just so much that remains unsolved. My theory is that it would’ve had to have been something that came from space..much like the comet that gave us powers so long ago.”

“Yeah but that comet broke, remember? It’s unlikely another one like that will come by. Unless it’s like Halley’s Comet.” “Ah ha, but that’s where you’re wrong, my dear husky friend. Comets can actually reform even if they break. So with that, it’s actually likely another one like that will come by, but as for when?...That’s..unknown, as well. I’d have to look more into that, too. A lot remains unsolved about our island, and our guardians..like..”

Tyler started to count on his fingers.

“The fabled locations of their shrines, the mystery of the Cliffside Mansion, why most of Mt. Buhav remains unexplored, the lost treasure of the Shipwrecked Coves, as well as what lies on the little islands off the shore of Port Hamparker.”

Brian pondered.

“Well, if no one’s going to solve them, why don’t we sometime?”

Tyler thought about it, fiddling with his fingers in a nervous fashion. “...We could, but it’s very risky.”

“C’mon Ty. You’re looking so much into this, don’t you want an answer to them?”

He'd sigh, knowing Brian had a good point.

“Yeah but...I’m just concerned about the dangers.”

The husky's ears perked up.

“With Cliffside Mansion I very much understand. I’d rather not go there while knowing the rumors. Everything else I’m cool helping you with.”

“Yeah…I think for now I just gotta research all of them some more.”

Ty would feel his stomach start to grumble.

“..After we get some food, I’m hungry…”

Brian laughed, knowing he was a bit hungry himself.