Penumbra.

I'm here.

There was a blinding flash of light as we continued walking.

My vision returned as we got on solid ground. The light faded, revealing a spectacular island from a distance that left me speechless. It was split into four biomes, with the roaring sun on half of the island, and the full moon on the other. They were all so different, yet blended with each other harmoniously. It was astonishing.

Two of the biomes that were under the sun were covered in lush greenery and magnificent colors, while the other two under the full moon seemed cold and quiet, one covered in snow while the other a carpet of orange and brown, with what looked like little specks of glimmering dust floating in the air. In the middle of the island stood a huge, elegant tower covered in creeping vines, the half under the sun bloomed bright pink flowers, and the half under the moon covered in icicles. Both sides so distinct, yet compliment each other. This place looked like it came right out of a make-believe fairy-tale. 

"Welcome home, Summer," said Henry.

I slowly peeled my eyes away from the mystical island before us and turned towards him.

It was then I realised that we were standing on a rock in the middle of the sea. How did this even happen?

"How are we going to get across?" I asked.

Henry gave me a pointed look.

Right. I have unexplainable water powers.

"Not used to it yet, eh?" said Henry with a grin on his face.

"Of course! I just found out that I could bend the ocean to my will! The ocean!" I blurt out.

I am terrified.

"You know, you can try to do other things with the water," he said.

"What do you mean?"

"Instead of walking through the sea, there are much better ways to travel."

I looked at him, annoyed.

"Henry, this is all new to me."

He nodded and smiled. A look of reminiscence passes his face as he looked out into the ocean.

"You were a wild one as a child, summer. You were not afraid to experiment and try new things, even if it often got you into trouble."

He chuckled to himself before turning back to me.

"Try using the water as a mode of communication instead."

He stood back and waited.

I'm guessing he won't be giving me any more instructions. 

I closed my eyes and concentrated on the water once again. This time, I used it to send a message. I felt the breeze blow against my skin and lifted both my hands up my sides, stretched out and open, embracing nature.

I opened my eyes when I felt ready, listening for any sounds around us.

I swear, I feel so stupid right now.

We both stood in silence and waited. My hands still outstretched with the breeze blowing against me. My hair wildly danced in the wind.

Me in my favourite bright yellow hoodie, denim shorts, and uggs.

Just a while ago, I thought I was only going to be hanging out with my friends in my backyard and go to bed after, not go on some impossible mission where I travel to a mysterious island in the middle of nowhere.

I don't even know if I did anything at all. I just did what my gut told me to.

The suspense is killing me.

I stole a glance over at Henry while I kept my face serious.

He looked out into the distance with a determined expression.

That man has too much faith in me. 

Yep. We are doomed.

All of a sudden, bubbles vigorously floated up onto the surface of the water. 

Did I just make the water fart?

I looked at Henry, unsure of what to do.

The water bubbled more rapidly and before we knew, the waves around us were thrashing against the rock we were standing on. 

I raised my voice and spoke to Henry with panic in my eyes, making sure he could hear me amid the sounds of the violent waves, "Henry, what did I do?".

He didn't answer.

The waves continued to thrash around until a massive creature erupted out of the water.

It landed onto the surface of the ocean, splashing and dousing us with water. 

It looked like a humpback whale, with a gorgeous sky blue skin that's almost translucent, revealing groups of white coloured spots in the shape of intricate stars on its underbelly. It whipped its astonishing tail that glistens under the sunlight, showing a gradient of stunning blues.

I found myself walking towards the creature. Henry didn't stop me.

I crouched down onto the rock and it gazed at me while breathing heavily.

I reached my hand out. The creature leaned into my touch and closed its eyes.

"Twinkling Sapphires..." whispered Henry.

"What are they?" I asked.

"Underwater beings from the merpeople. Their tails leave a trail of shimmering glitter in the dark. They're peaceful creatures but most are intimidated by them," he said, gesturing to the whale-like creature in front of me.

"Wait, mermaids exist?" I widened my eyes as I spoke.

"Yes, they do. They're quite secretive though."

He softened his expression as he sees me looking disappointed.

"I'm sure you'll meet them one day, Summer. You have unexplainable water powers after all," He winked.

"How do you-"

"Come on, we don't have all day," he cuts me off.

I looked at the Twinkling Sapphire. It gave me a subtle nod and turned towards the side.

Henry and I climbed onto the majestic creature. It took a few tries because it was pretty slippery.

"You might want to hold on tight," said Henry as he leaned forward to hug the whale.

Before I could react it started swimming at high speed.

It launched itself forward at such speed that the wind slapped my face. I held onto the creature with all my strength.

"Henry, I can't..."

I was losing my grip on the whale. It was going too fast. 

Way too fast.

I tried my best to hold on but I couldn't. 

I don't think Henry heard me either.

I watched in horror as my hands slipped and I got dragged backward. The current from the wind pushed me further away. Henry and the creature pressed on into the distance. 

I fell into the water.