Zula's Journey

By Aanya Mittal

Zula was a little girl who lived a typical life in Arizona with her mother, father. That would be the highlight of Zula’s day. Every year Zula’s birthday falls on the 22nd of July. Zula woke up ecstatic to begin her day and went down to her living room to open the presents and read cards she had received. Sadly, after reaching down she saw no presents and no cards, just a note that said ‘’ Sorry Zula a particularly important work trip came up and we had to leave. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! XOXO mum and dad but that was all. Zula’s birthday started off with a terrible start, she tried to divert her mind, so Zula went outside to wander in her backyard when Zula spotted a ball rolling and Zula ran to get the ball, but she saw something glowing. As she further investigated, she saw an unexpected sight of a portal! Zula stepped into the portal and that’s how her expedition began. She entered a world that had been turned topsy turvy. Trees that could dance to the melodic tune of the wind and books that had the ability to walk! It was a world gone insane! As Zula entered this magical world, she looked around to see princesses with witch hats, dragons enjoying their tea and more ridiculous sights! Confused, she decided to ask one of and the bees that were roaming around talked in it’s high pitched voice. At first sight the bee shrieked at seeing Zula. After finally calming down after what seemed like eternity, the bee explained she was standing on the ground of magicoppottamia. Zula inquired more about this funny sounding place and the bee explained that after the dreadful event of fairies and princess ending their life, they come here where no rules are needed to be followed. The bee also explained that through her time she must leave magicoppotamia before the clock struck mid-night otherwise, she’d be stuck in magicoppottamia for who knows how long.

Zula had faith she was dreaming however the only problem was that she was not! Later on, the bee gave her more details on how to find the queen magicoppotamia. Though it was not going to be as simple as she had expected. Later while talking, she noticed something strange that everyone was wearing a mysterious looking locket around their neck. She was about to ask the bee about it but when she turned around the bee was out of her sight. Zula further continued her journey remembering the bee had warned her about the dangers in the wild. After a while she came across a weird looking horse shoe shaped house that was covered in vines. She knocked on the door and a beautiful woman wearing a white dress was levitating above the ground. Zula asked the woman ‘’ Are you the queen of magicoppotamia?’’ The woman softly spoke’’ Yes, I am queen Allison.’’ The queen invited Zula inside for a cup of tea. Later, Zula questioned her about how she could possibly get out of magicoppotamia. The queen said that she was unfamiliar with the steps to get out though the queen mentioned’ ’There is a cave out there in the wild that is guarded by goblins where a wizard lives. He uses various crystals to do various things’’. Out of nowhere a monkey with a screaming face and wolf like teeth unexpectedly leaped onto Zula but thank God for Zula’s competent taekwondo skills she ducked down while screaming, saving herself just in time. She froze as a mixture of emotions filled her up.

After searching for the cave for almost an hour she sat down to take a break. Just then she heard a mysterious hiss. She got up and began to run, Zula ran and ran and ran until she encountered a cave that was guarded by two goblins just like the queen Allison had described. She desperately wanted to enter so Zula politely requested the goblins, but the goblins had forbidden her entrance. Even after multiple tries of persuading the goblins Zula failed. Over time the goblins became angry and started pulling their clothes and hair when they were about to use their minimal knowledge of magic on use, but the goblins were interrupted with a sudden opening of doors. A weird looking creature that was too explicit for little Zula to define. The goblins bowed down to the weird looking creature that left Zula bewildered. The weird looking figure said “I am the wizard, I was expecting to see you’’. Zula entered the wizards' hobbit hole. Confused, Zula asked’’ What did you mean by I was expecting you?’’ The Wizard gestured Zula to sit down and spoke “I saw you in my crystal ball as the queen must have told you that I have mastered the art of crystals, See I understand you entered magicoppotamia as a mistake but even I will need time to find the perfect combination to teleport you back’’. ‘’How long.’’ Zula asked with hesitation. ‘’I’m not sure but I will make sure my goblins take good care of you.’’ Replied the wizard. The goblins escorted Zula to the upper floor of the wizards' hobbit hole where she received delicious snacks and a crystal massage. After many hours Zula was woken up from her nap where the wizard shared some disheartening news with Zula that she would have to shave her head in order to make the potion. Zula stood there in silence her hair was something she most adored and she knew that it could take years to grow back her stunning hair. The wizard softly spoke ‘’So what’s your decision if you agree you will also have to go out with the goblins to pick up some stuff from an old pal of mine’’. Zula agreed as tears filled her eyes. Later, Zula set out with the goblins. The only thing she didn’t know was that there were terrifying creatures that roamed in the sky of the particular area. At first all went well but as they approached the gates the bat flung open and creepy noises filled the atmosphere where Zula witnessed flesh of animals all over the place that almost made her puke. Zula wanted to desperately run back but she knew it was not an option considering the time limit and alternatives. She took out the courage and forced herself to go in where she spotted an old hut in front of which a monster, all bones with eyes popping out leaped in front of Zula. At that moment Zula felt as if her soul had left her body. The goblins shooed him away and they continued. The door automatically opened, and a hand covered in stitches with no other body parts handed Zula a jar of liquid that smelled of dirty socks with mustard and garlic sauce that was topped with snot cream. She puked and passed the jar to the goblin beside her, and they returned back to the wizards hobbit hole. As soon as they reached Zula shaved off her head sulkily. She was then forced to have 5 and a half spoons of the disgusting crystal potion made by the wizard. So instead of having one spoon at a time she filled a glass with 5 and a half spoons of the potion. She bid goodbye and held the glass in her hand. ‘’don’t smell it.’’ Warned the wizard so she stood there nauseating. Until she finally gulped it down and POOF! She was back at home where she saw her parents pull up in the driveway. She ran to go and meet them while her parents stepped of the car and asked ‘’what’s with the hair?’’ ‘’ Oh, just something new.’’ Replied Zula.

THE END

Moral: To get what you want you need to make sacrifices.

By Aanya Mittal