//------------------------------//
// The Deserted Island Getaway 
// Story: A New Horizon 
// by Darth Severus 
//------------------------------//

It was a nice sunny day. Astral Shadow had packed his bags and was at the airport. He sat in the boarding area, seeing only a few people sitting with him, a curvy girl with big hair, and a strong-looking young man in jeans, a tee-shirt and flannel overcoat. As the signal to board went off, he headed to get onto the plane that would be taking them to the deserted island they'd paid to go to.

As they got on the plane, the pilot said over the intercom, "Greetings, this is your captain speaking. While we're headed to the deserted island, we'd like to take this moment to play you an informational video detailing what's in store for you when we arrive at our destination."

The TV screens on their seats turned on with a video. The video said, "Thank you for choosing the Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway package. While your plane flies you to the island of your choice, we'd like to show you the perks of living on a deserted island. It may sound like a hermit's dream come true, but this is anything but abandoning you on an island. Nook Inc. staff will be with you every step of the way to make your new life as relaxing as possible."

After the video ended, the pilot came back on the intercom, "We're getting ready for our final descent. Please return your seats to their upright position and buckle your seatbelts." when the plane landed, the pilot continued, "Thank you for flying with Dodo Airlines. When you need to travel, just remember, what would dodos do?"

Astral Shadow walked out of the island airport thinking, "I could have sworn dodos were extinct..." As he exited the airport, he saw Tom Nook, who led him to the plaza.

Tom Nook said, "Thank you all for purchasing  the Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package! We're very happy to have you here! Now, here are your tents. Please set them up wherever you would like to lay your head down at night, and then please return to the plaza."

Astral walked around the island, looking for a place to set up his tent. He found a nice quiet spot by the ocean where he could easily watch the waves and stars at night. After setting up his tent, he headed back to meet Tom Nook.

Tom smiled when the villagers returned, "Thank you, I'm sure you've got your tents set up. Now, we'll need somebody to be our Resident Representative... How about you Astral Shadow?"

Astral looked at Big Mac and Adagio and said, "If it's ok with the others, sure."

Big Mac simply said, "Eyup."

Adagio smiled and said, "I'm ok with it, less work for me to take care of so I can soak up the rays."

Astral nodded, "Count me in."

Tom smiled, "Yes, yes, excellent! Now we are going to be having a bonfire tonight and a nice snack. But first, we need to collect some tree branches while I look around to see if there's any fruit growing on the island."

Adagio raised an eyebrow and asked, "Um, did you bring any of the necessities, such as food and water?"

Tom realized she was right and rubbed the back of his head, "Terribly sorry, you're right, I did bring more than just the tents, let me go get the rest of the supplies." before going into his own tent and bring out some firewood, cans of cold soda, and the ingredients for s'mores.

Astral and Big Mac helped Tom set up the bonfire, and although Adagio offered to help, Astral told her they could handle it and she could relax from the shaky landing that had upset their stomachs a bit.

Once the fire had been set up, Adagio asked, "Hey, does this island have a name?"

Tom shook his head, "Most uninhabited islands don't have a name until people name them. Does anyone have any suggestions?"

Astral spoke up, "How about... Ula'ula?"

Big Mac nodded, "Eyup."

Adagio smiled, "It sounds like a nice name."

Tom nodded his head, "Indeed, then that shall be what we name this little island we now call home. To a new relaxing life." before raising his can of soda.

The others raised their own cans, and shortly made s'mores afterwards. After they got to know each other a little more, Astral went back to his tent and got into his sleeping bag to rest up for the next day. He had a feeling that as Resident Representative he would have a lot to do with the island's development. But that was fine by him. He had a feeling he'd like this new life.

As Astral Shadow slept, he dreamt about what the island could become, more people moving to the island, a shop, a tailor shop, a museum, a café, and so much more. He smiled in his sleep, hoping he could turn those dreams into reality.

When he woke up the next morning, he smiled, "What a great dream. I hope I can make those dreams a reality." before stepping out of his tent to be met by Tom, "Oh, hi Tom."

Tom smiled, "Hello Astral. After all things factored, your Getaway Package costs 48,900 bits"

Astral Shadow nodded, "Right, I've been saving bits for three years to afford this. Here they are." pulling out his wallet and counting out the bits, before handing them to Tom. "Is there anything else you needed?"

Tom started explaining, "If you'd like, I can upgrade your tent into a house. It'll be an interest free mortgage payment, and you can pay off your debt whenever you are able to, as long as you have bits, you can pay any amount towards your mortgage at Resident Services, the tent I set up last night."

Astral smiled, "Thanks for that. I'll let you know if I decide to turn my tent into an actual house, but I'd like to get the lay of the land first. It's not that I don't want to live in an actual house, I just want to enjoy everything my new live has to offer."

Tom nodded, "Yes, yes. That sounds like a great idea. I will be at Resident Services if you ever need me."

After Tom left, Astral Shadow sat down in the beach and watched the sun rise over the morning horizon. "I made a great choice. This view is worth much more than what I paid to get here."