Realm Fisher

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<img src="assets/images/1_and_33_pond_resized.png"> When I was a kid, I spent every day after school swimming in the small pond in my backyard. There wasn’t anything special about it, really–not that I knew of at the time anyway. The pond didn’t have fish in it, just some neat plants and rocks lining the bottom. But I loved it nonetheless, because it was mine. A little spot in a big realm… just for me. The older I grew, I discovered the pond was far more unique than I ever knew. I’ve been to college now. I’ve learned about marine biology and interdimensional conservation and tons of other super interesting and nuanced topics. I learn new things every day, and I’m so grateful to be in a position to do so. But sometimes, I get so bogged down by academia and my personal aspirations that I don’t let myself live in the moment. I’ve been trying to do better… trying to enjoy every aspect of the journey–big or small. Which is to say: this isn’t a story about figuring out a complicated equation or discovering uncharted waters or fighting a giant monster. This is a story about a day trip I took with my best friend. This is a story about a pond. [[TRAVEL ON|2 Begin]] <<audio muricintitle stop>> <<audio muricinbase play>> <<audio muricinbase loop>>

<img src="assets/images/2_RF_cover.png"> [[START ADVENTURE|3]] <<audio muricinbase play>>

In Muricin, no matter the time of day, a single proud moon glistens in the sky–casting soft light on the busy world below. It’s morning, and we are in a port village: crisp and cool with the expectation of the coming day. Birdsong, rolling waves, and the bark of a dog in someone’s backyard fill the air. Yasmeen: a marine biology student nearly done with her time at college, with bright eyes gleaming behind large glasses and purple polka dot rain boots, walks beside Otto: a young fisherman with a relaxed smile and hand-carved wooden fishing rod held against their shoulder. The pair walk close together through the streets, with the ease and comfort of childhood friends. <img src="assets/images/3_first_meeting_resized.png"> YAS: Thanks again for helping with my thesis. It means a lot! OTTO: ‘Course, always happy to help. What’d you say your project was about again? YAS: So you know how I live right beside the portals? Otto nods. YAS: The pond behind my house was like… my favorite place ever when I was a kid. I swam every single day, even when it was cold. It’s the reason I decided to study marine biology, because the older I got the more I started to realize there was something off about it. Yas adjusts her bag on her shoulder, eyes dreamy and fixed on something far in the distance. YAS: The pond is here, in Muricin, but for some reason because of the close proximity to the strong magical energy of the portals, I’ve tested the water extensively and it has the ecology of all four realms… and because it’s a pond that’s not connected to a larger water system… through integrating fish from each realm into a single ecosystem we can create a hub of interdimensional environmental research! OTTO: Yas, you know I think you’re super cool and I love how excited you are about your work. But I’m gonna need the less science-y version of that. YAS: Right, right! Sorry, haha. OTTO: Don’t apologize! You didn’t do anything wrong. YAS: Basically, I’ve been researching for the past few years how to take the pond behind my house and make it into a closed ecosystem where fish and plants from all realms can thrive due to its ideal location. I’ve gotten the chance to talk to visiting teachers and biologists from each realm, and if I do this right it could be a huge step forward in interdimensional conservation and study without having to put a bunch of cool fish into a fish tank in a lab somewhere! OTTO: So scientists will be able to learn more about fish from different realms while the fish get to chill in a nice pond? YAS: Yep! Anyway, I can get Muricin fish easily enough, but today’s super important since the portals are only aligned enough to travel through once every couple of months. OTTO: That’s awesome. And don’t worry about it, we’re gonna make sure you get your fish. YAS: Thanks Otto! And yeah, I’m really excited about visiting the other realms. My parents aren’t big travelers, so I’ve never actually braved the portals myself. OTTO: Seriously? Yas shrugs. OTTO: We travel a lot, y’know, with Dad’s extended family all being in Viridi. So I’ve been there a ton, and Urasoma a few times… but never Aorta. So that’ll be new I guess. But don’t worry, okay? You’re going to love it. I know you will. [[TRAVEL ON|4]] <img src="assets/images/muricin_banner.png"> <<audio muricinbase play>>

<img src="assets/images/4_portals_resized.png"> The Portal Plaza is always busy, but today is different. Today is beyond busy. The square is an expanse of travelers hurrying with large satchels and small children in their arms, young people moving realms–eyes hopeful and carts stacked high with boxes, portal technicians answering the questions of concerned visitors, gulls cawing overhead. Otto weaves through the crowd quickly and confidently–their years of travel experience obvious. Yasmeen pushes her glasses further up her nose, lightly jogging to keep up. OTTO: Dad should be around here somewhere… YAS: Travel days must be really exhausting for portal technicians. OTTO: I mean, yeah, but Dad’s always so excited to see people getting to visit other realms. I think it reminds him of being our age and coming to Muricin to visit Mom. YAS: They’re so sweet. Otto laughs and squints into the crowd. OTTO: There he is! [[MEET LAITH|5]] <img src="assets/images/muricin_banner.png"> <<audio muricinbase play>>

After a few additional seconds of searching, Yasmeen spots Otto’s dad too. Laith, like his kid, is long-limbed and easygoing–with grown-out graying hair and a crooked, reassuring grin to welcome any newcomers to Muricin. Otto waves at him through the crowd, and he notices and waves back. They weave toward each other. <img src="assets/images/5_laith_meeting_resized.png"> LAITH: Hey kid! Good to see ya. [He gives Otto a quick hug, then turns to Yas] And Yasmeen! How’s it going? I ran into your mom the other day, and she told me you’re about to graduate… I can’t believe it. Feels like just yesterday you were only ‘bout as tall as my knee. And it sounds like you’re studying some amazing stuff. YAS: [laughs] Thanks Laith. Honestly, I can’t believe it either. This thesis project that Otto’s helping me with is my last school assignment… probably ever! OTTO: I’ll tell you about her thesis later, Dad. It’s pretty cool. LAITH: I look forward to it. Anyway, y’all should have a good seven or eight hours before the portals shut down… but mind your time and be careful unless you wanna stay in Viridi with the family for a month or two! OTTO: Sure will. I love Grandma Zarina and all the kids… but an extended visit might not be ideal for Yas’ thesis… LAITH: D’ya have everything you need? Got your tackle and bait? OTTO: Yep. LAITH: Got your boat? OTTO: Yep. Brought it to the Portal Plaza last night. LAITH: Got snacks? OTTO: Mom made trail mix. LAITH: Nice! Hopefully there’s some left over tonight… OTTO: I think she made you extra. Laith grins, then turns his gaze to the portals. LAITH: Well it sounds like you two are set! Good luck, safe travels, and call me if you need anything–okay? Anything at all. OTTO: Thanks Dad. Love ya. YAS: Thanks Laith! See you in a little while. [[TO THE PORTALS|6]] <img src="assets/images/muricin_banner.png"> <<audio muricinbase play>>

<img src="assets/images/6_portals_yas_and_otto_resized.png"> <<set $a to false>> <<set $v to false>> <<set $u to false>> <<set $count to 0>> Three portals shimmer before Otto and Yasmeen–vast and tall and humming with energy. Yasmeen pulls a book out of her bag: ‘Aquatic Life of the Four Realms’ and opens it to one of the first pages. One of her favorite pages. "AORTA: a realm of its own. Powered by an ancient subterranean force that emanates faint red light through fissures in the ground, Aorta’s landscape is frigid, dark, and unforgiving, but its inhabitants are proud to call it home. From mysterious bounty hunter factions to a rousing, realm-wide carnival, the people of Aorta make the most of their stark domain." "From high verdant treetops to deep underwater thickets, inhabitants of VIRIDI establish their hard won homes. Though the dense flora might appear at first glance a difficult place to create a community, the resilient locals have learned to cultivate the realm to its full potential and live in harmony with each other and the natural world." "The blistering, rainless expanse of URASOMA may appear uninviting to travelers, but the small nomadic communities that inhabit the realm feel right at home. From the owl-masked mercenary organization ‘The Mirage’ to massive jellyfish venturing across the arid sky to ‘Dune Angels,’ unknowable light beings that hover above the shifting sands, Urasoma is truly a land like no other." And finally, Muricin. Home. "Below a single, bright moon in a vast purple sky, the realm of MURICIN bustles as a hub of interdimensional scientific study and portal mechanics. With a landscape cleaved by complex systems of caves and caverns and brightened by strange spectral fauna, Muricin’s hardworking inhabitants are dedicated to learning more about both their own realm and those beyond." Yasmeen looks back up at the portals, stunned by their size and majesty. All her life she’s seen them from afar, but never stood so close to them. Otto puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder. OTTO: Where do you want to go first? [[AORTA|7]] [[VIRDI|8]] [[URASOMA|9]] <<audio muricinbase pause>> <<audio portalbase play>> <<audio portalbase loop>>

<<set $a to true>><<set $count to $count + 1>> The first feeling upon arriving in Aorta is always the same: cold. Beyond the portals, a tumbling expanse of snow banks, twisted trees, and strange shadows extend as far as the eye can see below a lightless sky. The most unfamiliar sight of all, however, are the fissures: massive cracks in the ground bursting with hot, red light. Otto flips a small switch on their boat, and it swells into the air, hovering a few feet off the ground. Yas grins. OTTO: This place is amazing. YAS: It’s pretty cool, right? Aorta doesn’t have a source of light or heat in the sky, their lifeblood comes from below. OTTO: Yeah. Although I don’t… uhh… see very much in the way of fishing spots, but we’ll make it work. YAS: There are plenty of fish in Aorta! Maybe we could snow fish? Otto shrugs and continues navigating through the trees. After a few minutes, Yas notices that they keep checking behind them. YAS: Everything okay? OTTO: I think there’s a kid following us. Yas pushes her glasses further up her nose. Sure enough, a young girl in heavy winter clothes and a seemingly handmade butterfly costume follows a few paces behind the boat, darting behind trees and clearly trying to remain concealed. Yas laughs. YAS: Hi there! KID [out of breath]: Hi!!!!!!! Your boat is so cool!!!!!!! YAS: What’s your name? KID: Nellie! YAS: Are you lost? NELLIE: No, of course not! Are you lost? OTTO: No. YAS [to Otto]: Do we know where we’re going? OTTO [to Yas]: Not really… YAS: Nellie do you know where we could go fishing nearby? NELLIE: Yes! But I’ll only tell you if you let me ride in your boat. OTTO: Where are your parents? NELLIE: They work at the Carnival! OTTO: Hmmm. Okay. You can come ride in the boat. NELLIE: Boat ride boat ride!!!! Nellie runs up beside the boat and puts her arms up. Otto kneels down and lifts her into the boat. <img src="assets/images/7_nellie_resized.png"> NELLIE: This boat is so cool. She leans forward to touch the switches that Otto previously flipped to get the boat off the ground. OTTO: Don’t touch that. I’m serious. NELLIE [sighs]: M’kay. Otto reaches into their bag and pulls out a handful of trail mix. They hand it to Nellie, who grins with delight. NELLIE: Thank you!! OTTO: ‘Course. Anyway, why are you dressed like a butterfly? NELLIE: Why wouldn’t I be dressed like a butterfly? OTTO: Fair enough. NELLIE: While we’re asking questions… why are you guys here? Do you do boat tours? OTTO: No, I don’t do boat tours. NELLIE: Oh my gosh! Is it your honeymoon? Sometimes people from other realms come to visit the Carnival for their honeymoons. OTTO [blushes]: No! NELLIE: That makes sense. You’re dressed kind of silly for a honeymoon. Yas laughs. Otto shakes their head. YAS: Actually, we’re here on a fishing trip! Yas explains the premise of her thesis to Nellie. NELLIE: That’s awesome! YAS: Thank you. NELLIE: Okay, I can help you find where to fish. But you have to let me come visit the pond once it’s done, okay? YAS: Of course! NELLIE: Yay!!! Uhhh, fishing spots… well… there’s the fissures. OTTO: The fissures? Aren’t those… like… magma? NELLIE: I mean, yeah! But there’s fish in there I think. OTTO: Sure. NELLIE: And then snow bank fishing. A lot of seafood comes from the snowbanks. YAS: I knew snow fishing would be cool! NELLIE: Totally! Or we could go to the Carnival. We have some fishing games there! OTTO: With real fish? NELLIE: Ummm. Yeah! [[THE FISSURES|10]] [[THE SNOWBANK|11]] [[THE CARNIVAL|12]] <img src="assets/images/aorta_banner.png"> <<audio portalbase pause>> <<audio aortabase play>> <<audio aortabase loop>>

Green, green, green. Viridi buzzes with life. From birdsong to june bugs, from rushing rivers to wind whistling through the trees, the landscape sings. Yas leans out of the boat, peering down into the water below where a stream of minnows dart around an underwater thicket. She smiles. OTTO: Hello Viridi. YAS: Wow. OTTO: It’s so good to be here. YAS: Okay, I do have a teeny tiny confession. OTTO: What’s up? YAS: I’m like… kind of bad with Viridian biology. I don’t know why but it’s so confusing to me! OTTO [chuckles]: It’s pretty… dense. They duck under a large vine bursting with flowers. OTTO: Y’know, we could always call my dad. YAS: Seriously? OTTO: ‘Course! He knows Viridi like the back of his hand. YAS: But he’s probably so busy today… OTTO: I don’t think he’d mind a quick call Yas! If he’s too busy, he’ll tell me. YAS: Okay, whatever you say. It would be really cool to have him. OTTO: Fingers crossed my interdimensional service plan works. Otto calls Laith. It rings for a little longer than usual, but he picks up. <img src="assets/images/8_laith_call_resized.png"> LAITH [staticky]: Hey kid! Everything good? OTTO: Yep! You busy right now? LAITH: Actually, we’re in a little bit of a lull… [a food wrapper crinkles] I’m just sitting here eating a snack! OTTO: Cool, cool. So Yas and I are in Viridi and Viridian biology isn’t her specialty so I figured we’d give you a call. LAITH: You know it! I might as well have a degree in Viridian marine biology considering how many places I’ve fished there… speaking of which… where are you planning to take Yasmeen? OTTO: I have a few ideas. So I could definitely take her to Grandma Zarina’s for algae fishing. Or we could go fly fishing at Running River. Or to the Dawn Pools and find some deepwater. LAITH: Those all sound like awesome ideas kid! I’d go with whatever she’d like… any of those would be great. Message me if you have any questions about the fish. OTTO: Thanks Dad! YAS: Thanks Laith! You’re the best. <<set $v to true>><<set $count to $count + 1>> [[ALGAE FISHING|17]] [[RUNNING RIVER|18]] [[THE DAWN POOLS|19]] <img src="assets/images/viridi_banner.png"> <<audio portalbase pause>> <<audio viridibase play>> <<audio viridibase loop>>

As Otto and Yas cross through the portal into Urasoma, Otto flips a small switch in the boat, turning it airborne. They hover over the rich golden dunes, which paint the landscape as far as the eye can see. A calm wind hums over the expanse of yellow melting into a deep violet sky. Yasmeen gasps as three Dune Angels float aimlessly by the boat, celestial bodies made of twinkling pale light. Otto laughs. <img src="assets/images/9_dune_angel_urasoma_resized.png"> YAS: I wonder… I wonder what they’re thinking. OTTO: I knew you were going to say something like that. They’re pretty amazing, right? YAS: In all the books I’ve read, Dune Angels always look gigantic. I never imagined they were actually just about our size. OTTO: Yep. Just like us. With more eyes. And haloes. YAS: So from what I’ve read Urasoma doesn’t have any water… but they have a really diverse array of fish species. OTTO [jokingly]: Am I supposed to fish in the sand or something? YAS: Maybe, yeah! Dune fishing is definitely one option. We also can check the canyon to the east for sand fishing... or even follow the Dune Angels wherever they're going! <<set $u to true>><<set $count to $count + 1>> [[SAND FISHING|24]] [[FARAWAY CANYON|25]] [[FOLLOW THE ANGEL|26]] <img src="assets/images/urasoma_banner.png"> <<audio portalbase pause>> <<audio urasomabase play>> <<audio urasomabase loop>>

Otto stares down into a vibrant red fissure. NELLIE: What are you waiting for? OTTO: This just… seems like a bad idea. NELLIE: I don’t have bad ideas! OTTO: Yeah… right. Nellie stands beside Otto for a moment, before turning to look out at the treeline beyond them. She squints into the darkness, adjusting her butterfly mask. NELLIE: Oh! There’s Startle! YAS: Startle? NELLIE: S’yeah. He’s a bounty hunter. OTTO: That’s… concerning. NELLIE: Nah. He’s probably not after you. Plus he’s like, super old. HI STARTLE!! STARTLE: Huh? NELLIE: IT’S NELLIE! Out of the darkness emerges a short man with bright red skin, upright horns, and tired eyes. He wears a large burgundy cloak and carries a strange hooked weapon at his side. Otto frowns and grabs a utility knife out of their bag. <img src="assets/images/10_startle_resized.png"> STARTLE: Oh, hey Nellie. How are you? NELLIE: Pretty good. This is Otto and Yasmeen! They’re on a fishing trip. OTTO: Uhh, hey there. YAS: Hi! Startle squints. STARTLE: Hello. You friends of Nellie’s parents? OTTO: No, we’re not local. We just sort of… found Nellie. STARTLE: Yeah, Nellie has a way of finding people. So you’re not from here? OTTO [chuckles]: You can’t tell we’re from Muricin? NELLIE: Be nice! He’s a million years old. OTTO: Really? STARTLE: Well, y’see, when you start pushing five thousand you’ll start to notice yourself changing. When I was your age, my eyesight was sharp as an Urasoman dagger. Now, it’s hard enough tracking down where my targets even are, much less completing the hit. Otto puts their utility knife back in their bag. OTTO: Huh, sorry about that. Have you considered getting readers? My dad’s, like, fifty, and just got a pair. Said they’re a total game changer reading menus at taverns. You might even need a prescription if you're struggling with your eyesight that much. STARTLE: Huh. Is your dad also a bounty hunter? OTTO: Uh, no. He’s a portal technician. Just figured the application might be the same. STARTLE: I suppose it would be. My biggest concern would be my glasses falling off in a critical fight. OTTO: Yeah… Not sure what to tell you there. My dad doesn’t do much bounty hunting. None at all, actually. STARTLE: Hmm. Well if he still has decent eyesight and ever wants a good source of side income… OTTO: Noted. [Otto shakes their head and chuckles under their breath] Hey, this is a little random, but do you know if you can fish in the light fissures? STARTLE: Of course you can! “Fish” is literally in the name. YAS: Umm, fish and fissure aren’t spelled the same… OTTO [whispers]: Just let him have that one. STARTLE: I mean, I wouldn’t stick your arm in there, but it’s perfectly safe to fish. Anyway, I gotta get going. But nice to meet you two! And see you around Nellie. YAS: Nice to meet you too, Startle! OTTO: Alright, here goes nothing. Otto casts their line into the red light. [[CATCH|13]] <img src="assets/images/aorta_banner.png"> <<audio aortabase play>>

OTTO: So, you said a lot of seafood comes from the snowbanks. NELLIE: Yup. We have a lotta’ snow. OTTO: It seems that way… NELLIE: Just find a big snow bank and cast in! Otto laughs as the boat drifts through the swath of white. They cock their head and lean forward, eyeing up one particular snowbank. YAS: What is it? OTTO: Look, there’s a fox right over there. Sitting in front of a particularly large snowbank, a small white fox grooms itself. Yas, Otto, and Nellie admire it in silence for a moment: the swish of its tail, the glisten of its sharp black eyes, the beauty–the proudness of how it carries itself. <img src="assets/images/11_laika_resized.png"> NELLIE: Hi Laika! OTTO: You… you know that fox? NELLIE: Well, no, but I like naming things. So I named it Laika. YAS: That’s sweet, Nellie. How about we try fishing at Laika’s snowbank? OTTO: Sounds like a good idea to me. [[CATCH|14]] <img src="assets/images/aorta_banner.png"> <<audio aortabase play>>

NELLIE: Carnival! Carnival! Carnival! OTTO: Okay, okay. As long as there’s real fish. NELLIE: I proooommmiiiissseee. YAS: Can you take us there? At first, it’s only darkness. Only the expanse that Otto and Yas arrived to. Then, it's the swell of celebratory music. It’s lights flashing through the darkness, strange and proud and good. It’s the smell of cooked food and the sound of people laughing. At Nellie’s direction, they break through a particularly dense tree line into an open plot of tundra buzzing with life. Countless colorful tents dot the landscape, and flocks of people weave through the area. Yas’ eyes widen. YAS: The Carnival! It’s amazing. NELLIE: This isn’t the Carnival, silly. It’s only a teeny tiny part of it. The actual Carnival is spread out throughout the entire realm! Yas nods, breathless. Otto maneuvers the boat through the mass of travelers, who appear to have come from many different realms. Nellie points them down a small side street, where a carnival worker in an ornate, starry cloak and layered wrap skirt calls out in a booming voice. <img src="assets/images/12_amos_resized.png"> AMOS: Step right up and try your luck! Fish for the rarest finds in fine Aorta!! OTTO: Oh… this is going to be such a ripoff… YAS: Be nice! NELLIE: Hi Amos! AMOS: Oh! Hey little butterfly! How are you today? NELLIE: Good! I made some new friends. This is Otto and Yasmeen. They’re looking for fish. Amos waves at Otto and Yas. The stars on their cloak move magically across the fabric as they shift their arms. Yas’ eyes widen. Otto puts their hands in their pockets and nods curtly. YAS: Nice to meet you Amos! Do you… umm… have real fish here? I’m trying to catch real fish for my thesis project. AMOS: Of course! Aorta has some of the wildest and most wonderful fish in all the realms. They sweep their arm to the side, revealing a comically small trough. Otto laughs sharply, then pretends to cough when Amos glares at them. NELLIE: Can I fish Otto? I’m really good at Carnival games. It runs in the family! OTTO: Sure. I don’t… I don’t have any Aortan currency though. They look at Amos for a moment. OTTO: Umm. Would you take some trail mix for payment? Call it a family discount since Nellie’s folks work here. AMOS: Hmmm… alright! But you have to answer a fish trivia question first. OTTO: Yas… YAS: Fish trivia! AMOS: On the third day of the Aortan month of Aemeroel when the snow bank gleams, halved in the Short-Tailed Magma Skate’s eye, what festival takes place in the bounty hunter faction of Sjarra Din? OTTO: Yikes. Don’t worry about it Yas. I can probably find a currency trader. YAS: Easy! The Half Snow Rite. We learned about that in like… first year seminar. AMOS: Correct! Oh, how exciting! Have a fishing token… NELLIE: You’re awesome Yas! Amos hands Nellie a comically small fishing pole. Nellie flips it around excitedly, then moves to the trough. OTTO [to Yas]: So what’s your wager–fish or no fish? YAS [to Otto]: I’ll go fish. They… seem to know what they’re talking about. OTTO: Fair enough… [[CATCH|15]] <img src="assets/images/aorta_banner.png"> <<audio aortabase play>>

You caught a SHORT-TAILED MAGMA SKATE! <img src="assets/images/13short-tailed_magma_skate.png"> FUN FISHY FACT: Did you know that short-tailed magma skates sit on the top of active lava flow and eat anything that comes in or out? They wait for a break in the surface tension of the lava itself to attack if it’s something like smaller fish or crabs, but if it’s a predator they remain atop the surface to blend in with the lava. [[>|16]] <img src="assets/images/aorta_banner.png"> <<audio aortabase play>> <<audio aortabase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio aortabase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>

You caught a SNOW PINCH! <img src="assets/images/14snow_pinch.png"> FUN FISHY FACT: Did you know that the snow pinch burrow within the snow banks around Aorta like crabs hide in sand? They don’t do it to hide though, they’re actually waiting to use their stinger and large pincers to catch prey! They sit on the surface of the snow, letting their backs blend in with the white snow, before ambushing insects, worms and other crustaceans. Also... they're an Aortan delicacy! Laika watches as Otto reels the snow pinch into the boat, before quickly jumping into the snowbank. NELLIE: Oh. Bye-bye Laika! YAS: Goodbye! [[>|16]] <img src="assets/images/aorta_banner.png"> <<audio aortabase play>> <<audio aortabase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio aortabase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>

You caught a FIREEATER GUPPY! <img src="assets/images/15fireeater_guppy.png"> FUN FISHY FACT: Did you know that when threatened, fireeater guppies use a muscle in their jaw to expand their mouth out to show off their long teeth? In addition to that, they shake their frills to seem bigger than they actually are, and flip up their pectoral fins to show off their eye spots that can distract predators. OTTO: Huh. Wasn't expecting the carnival fish to be real... YAS: Wow! Bigger than I was expecting. Nellie strains to hold the fireeater guppy. It wriggles wildly, red and pink and massive in her arms. NELLIE: I told'ya the Carnival fish were awesome! OTTO: Guess you did. Thanks Amos! Amos waves, already on to the next customer. [[>|16]] <img src="assets/images/aorta_banner.png"> <<audio aortabase play>> <<audio aortabase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio aortabase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>

YAS: It’s time for us to leave Nellie. NELLIE: Nooo!!!!! Can’t you stay a little while longer? OTTO: Sorry bud. We have a schedule to keep. And you should probably get home too! NELLIE [sighs]: I guess you’re right. YAS: We had a really great time with you though! OTTO: Yep. Like Yas said, you should definitely come visit. NELLIE: You really mean it? ‘Cause my family loves to travel! OTTO: Sure do. Nellie does a little dance in the boat, rocking it suddenly. Otto winces, but chuckles. Yas pats them on the shoulder. Otto picks up Yas’ notebook, writes something on a page, and rips it out and gives it to Nellie. OTTO: If you ever come visit Muricin with your folks, ask for the portal technician Laith. He’s my dad, and he can show you to wherever Yas and I are. NELLIE: Cool!!!! YAS: See you later, Nellie. NELLIE: Okay, I’m going back to the Carnival now. Thanks for the fun day!!! Bye!!!! Nellie jumps over the side of the boat into the snow and stumbles away, quickly as she previously appeared. Yas and Otto stand in silence for a moment. OTTO: Good kid. Yas laughs, then shivers. YAS: It’s beautiful here, but so cold. OTTO: Let’s go somewhere you can get warmed up. <img src="assets/images/23_fish_books.png"> <<if $v is false>>[[VIRIDI|8]] <</if>> <<if $u is false>>[[URASOMA|9]] <</if>> <<if $count is 3>>[[MURICIN|31]] <</if>> <img src="assets/images/aorta_banner.png"> <<audio aortabase stop>> <<audio portalbase play>>

After a pleasant while floating downstream, Otto docks their boat near a small cottage with a roof made of woven plant fiber. The garden outside the cottage is unruly and cheerful and kind, with overgrown herb boxes and wildflowers covering the plot of land. YAS: So this is where Laith grew up? OTTO: Yep. YAS: It’s beautiful. OTTO: Yeah, I’ve always loved it here… it’s super peaceful. Otto slings their fishing pole over their shoulder and walks around the back of the house. YAS: You’re not going to go say hello? OTTO: She’ll be back here. Sure enough, there she is. Just behind the cottage, Zarina sits on the stump of a large dead tree, engrossed in her knitting. A pond of rich green algae pools just beyond her. When Otto and Yasmeen draw near, Zarina looks up. She shares her son and grandchild’s kind eyes. <img src="assets/images/17_zarina_resized.png"> ZARINA: Are my eyes tricking me or is that my tallest grandbaby? OTTO [laughs]: Sure is. ZARINA: Oh Otto! Zarina springs up from her seat with a surprising speed. She engulfs Otto in a massive hug, then turns to Yas. ZARINA: And who is this lovely young lady? YAS: I’m Yasmeen! It’s so nice to meet you ma'am. OTTO: She’s a marine biology student. We’re here to go fishing. ZARINA [frowns]: Now Otto, you’re telling me that Miss Yasmeen came here all the way from Muricin with you… and you’re taking her fishing? The exact thing you do for your job… every single day? She should meet the family! You should take her out for a nice meal! YAS [jokingly]: Yeah Otto! Where’s my nice meal? OTTO: Oh… uh. Oh! No. It’s not like that. I don’t think. Maybe. [Otto clears their throat] She’s here specifically for fishing because of her thesis project. We have trail mix. YAS: I was just joking with them, Zarina. They’ve actually been super great this trip! ZARINA: Oh! You actually like fishing? That’s wonderful dear. OTTO: She knows about fish from all the realms! YAS: I’m trying to learn more about Viridian fish. It’s really cool to have Laith and Otto as resources. ZARINA: Between the two of them, I don’t think you’ll find anyone who loves fishing more. Little Laith… oh… he’s always loved the water. And Otto! From the moment their dad put a fishing pole in their hands, we knew it was their joy. YAS: That’s so sweet! OTTO: Speaking of fishing, I think I’m going to try my luck. ZARINA: Have fun honey! And so nice to meet you Yasmeen. YAS: Nice to meet you too. I’d love to come visit sometime! ZARINA: Of course. I bet I’ll see you again soon. [[CATCH|20]] <img src="assets/images/viridi_banner.png"> <<audio viridibase play>>

OTTO: Running River is one of the most popular fishing spots in Viridi. The water is clear as glass. YAS: It’s amazing how many marine ecosystems you have in a single realm here. OTTO: Yep! Lotta stuff to memorize I guess. I can see how it would be a tricky subject. Yas laughs. Otto guides the boat through a small patch of marshland, before clearing into a river basin. They steer the boat to the shore and pull it onto land. OTTO: Let’s go find a spot. Otto and Yas trail the shore. Light filters through the treetops, speckling Otto’s overalls with dots of glittery sunlight. After a few serene minutes of walking, they see a man and a young girl sitting on the river bank, sharing a sandwich. <img src="assets/images/18_vic_and_october_resized.png"> MAN: Hey friends! The fish are biting well over here if that’s what you’re looking for. YAS: Hey there! MAN: I’m Vic. And this is October. Can you say hi, dragonfly? OCTOBER: Uhhhh. YAS: Hi October! VIC [whispers to Yas]: She’s pretty shy. YAS: That’s okay! I was super shy when I was a kid too. OTTO: You said the fishing’s good today? VIC: You know it. Caught a bunch of toothed pseudosnail just this morning. Consider dinner served! October giggles, then glances at Yas and Otto shyly. OTTO: Nice. Hey Yas, how about you tell October about your thesis? Yas tells October and Vic about her thesis project. October measures every word, leaning forward to hear better over the rush of the river below. OCTOBER: Wow. VIC: That sounds fantastic! [to October] Maybe someday you and me and Mama can go visit Yasmeen’s pond. YAS: Yes! OTTO: I think I got something! YAS: Already? VIC: Told you fishing’s good! [[CATCH|21]] <img src="assets/images/viridi_banner.png"> <<audio viridibase play>>

YAS: I love the idea of deepwater fishing. OTTO: Yep. Nowhere better to do it than Viridi. YAS: So these are the Dawn Pools you mentioned? Yas and Otto stare out at a mossy landscape dotted with pools of water, so deep they’re emerald. The boat already pulled ashore, Otto walks to the nearest pond and casts a deep line in. OTTO: Now we wait… YAS: It takes a while? OTTO: I mean, fishing’s always a bit of a waiting game, but deepwater takes a special patience. Otto sits down on a particularly soft looking patch of moss, fishing pole still cradled in their hands. Yas plops down beside them, then lays back and closes her eyes, enjoying the soft sunlight. After a few quiet moments of cicada song and Otto humming an indiscernible tune, Yas opens her eyes to a small, strange creature made of mushrooms standing over her. <img src="assets/images/19_HEM.png"> YAS: Oh! OTTO: Woah. Hey there little guy. The creature runs in a circle. OTTO: I think it wants someone to play with. YAS [to the creature]: Wanna play fetch? Yas finds a stick and shakes it at the creature, then throws it. The creature darts after the stick, then returns it to Yasmeen. It’s strange, fungal eyes glimmer with expectation. <img src="assets/images/19_HEM2.png"> YAS: Do you know what type of animal this is? OTTO: Nope. YAS: Well it’s pretty great. OTTO: We really should come visit another time, when we can spend the whole day here. You’d love everywhere in Viridi. YAS: That sounds amazing… [[CATCH|22]] <img src="assets/images/viridi_banner.png"> <<audio viridibase play>>

You caught a TOOTHED PSEUDOSNAIL! <img src="assets/images/20toothed_pseudosnail.png"> FISHY FUN FACT-LAITH STYLE: Did'ya know the toothed pseudosnail isn't a snail at all? Isn't that silly? When I was a kid I always thought they were, but turns out their shells are a bit of a trick to lure small molluscs and fish into a sense of security so they can make them their next snack! These guys aren't too scary to humans, seeing as they're pretty little, but if I were a guppy I'd steer clear of 'em... OTTO: A toothed pseudosnail! Love these guys. They're so weird. YAS: Do you want to go show Zarina? OTTO [laughs] Nah. She'll try to convince us to stay for dinner and catch a few more to cook a pot of 'em. Maybe some other time. YAS: Sounds good to me. [[>|23]] <img src="assets/images/viridi_banner.png"> <<audio viridibase play>> <<audio viridibase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio viridibase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>

You caught a VERDANT SEAGRYPHON! <img src="assets/images/21verdant_seagryphon.png"> FISHY FUN FACT-LAITH STYLE: Did'ya know the verdant seagryphon's back fins actually open and close as the fish moves through the water? Whenever the little guy gets up near the surface, they open up their fins because they're full of chlorophyll and photosynthesize like plants. It’s like these fellas have mini-solar panels on their backs! Isn't that neat? October looks at the verdant seagryphon excitedly. VIC: What do you say, dragonfly? OCTOBER: Umm. Can I... can I pet your fish? OTTO: 'Course! This little guy has leaves all over its body. Isn't that cool? October touches the back of the seagryphon gently, looking up at Otto. OCTOBER: Woah... VIC: Well it sure was nice to meet you two! YAS: Nice to meet you Vic! And you too October! OCTOBER: Thank you! Bye!! [[>|23]] <img src="assets/images/viridi_banner.png"> <<audio viridibase play>> <<audio viridibase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio viridibase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>-

You caught a MOSSY SQUID! <img src="assets/images/22mossy_squid.png"> FISHY FUN FACT-LAITH STYLE: Did'ya know the mossy squid has thick spines on their arms, kinda like a cat's tongue, which are used for gripping and tearing their prey appart before feeding it into their beak? With all those arms, it makes it a tall task for any small fish to escape once they’ve been grabbed. When we were kids, my brothers and I used to call the mossy squid the baby kraken! [[>|23]] <img src="assets/images/viridi_banner.png"> <<audio viridibase play>> <<audio viridibase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio viridibase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>

LAITH [through Otto’s phone]: Great job guys! YAS: Thank you so much for your help Laith. We had so much fun here. OTTO: The next time the portals open I’d love to come visit again. Show Yas the rest of Viridi. LAITH: That’s a wonderful idea. Lots more nature to see! YAS: Yeah! It’s gorgeous. I wish we could spend the rest of the day here, but I think it’s time to get going. <img src="assets/images/16_box_and_fishing_pole.png"> <<if $a is false>>[[AORTA|7]] <</if>> <<if $u is false>>[[URASOMA|9]] <</if>> <<if $count is 3>>[[MURICIN|31]] <</if>> <img src="assets/images/viridi_banner.png"> <<audio viridibase stop>> <<audio portalbase play>>

OTTO: The nice thing about sand fishing is you can do it pretty much anywhere, I guess. YAS: M’hm! You might not expect it, but Urasoman sand is actually a really vibrant ecosystem for burrowing and filter fish species. OTTO: Yeah… looks like one of those burrowing fish got washed up. Otto points to a large fish skeleton resting on the dune. An elderly man in a cheerful shirt and an owl mask stands close to it, looking the carcass over. <img src="assets/images/24_okra.png"> YAS: Hi there! Do you know what type of fish this was when it was alive? MAN: Oh, hello! I’m Okra. And this creature isn’t dead at all. Have you ever heard of a skeleton eel? YAS: A skeleton eel! Wow! I studied them in school, but completely forgot they existed, haha. OKRA: That’s understandable. They’re easy to miss. I was just out for a little walk and found this friend. Otto looks around for any sign of a village or other inhabitants to no avail, then looks at Okra. OTTO: Little walk, huh? OKRA: You know it! Breaking in my new sandals. Okra shakes his foot. He is, in fact, wearing wonderful sandals. Yas takes this opportunity to explain her thesis to Okra. Otto continues sizing up the skeleton eel. OTTO: So… uh… can I just grab this guy? OKRA: Oh, definitely not. Skeleton eels are slippery creatures. If you scare them, they’ll go right back into the sand. You have to lure it into your boat. Otto frowns, lost in thought. They take a handful of trail mix out of their bag and start to eat absentmindedly. They toss some to the eel. OTTO: Here you go, bud. Can you eat things? The skeleton eel eats the trail mix. Otto takes a step back and throws some more on the ground. The eel follows. Slowly but surely, they lure the eel into the boat. OKRA: Hah, would you look at that. Have a nice day kids! YAS: Thanks Okra! OKRA: Glad I could help. Okra continues walking with a carefree skip in his step. OTTO [to Yas]: I wonder where he's going. YAS [to Otto]: I have no idea at all. [[CATCH|27]] <img src="assets/images/urasoma_banner.png"> <<audio urasomabase play>>

The sand radiates heat. Otto takes their hat and gloves off and rolls up their sleeves. Yas fans herself with her hands. OTTO: Y’know, going to those canyons you mentioned might be a nice change of pace. YAS: Yeah… I’d love to have some shade. Otto navigates the boat toward the east, squinting at the horizon, searching for a faraway canyon. After a while, the fuzzy outline of something like a canyon appears. They float gently into the mouth of the canyon, wind-carved golden walls rising up around them. Yas closes her eyes, listening to the gentle echo of the wind. UNIDENTIFIED VOICE: Hey! Hey you! OTTO: Hello? I can’t see you? UNIDENTIFIED VOICE: Look down! OTTO: Still don’t see you. UNIDENTIFIED VOICE: On the big rock! Otto squints. Just below the boat, a small stone sits against the wall. On the stone, a desert lizard stares knowingly at Otto and Yas. <img src="assets/images/25_JB.png"> OTTO: Are you… a lizard? LIZARD: Are you a human? YAS: You can speak? That’s amazing! LIZARD: Name’s James Bennett. OTTO: That’s a funny name for a lizard. JAMES: I bet your name’s funny for a human. OTTO: Huh. Fair enough, I guess. YAS: Want to take a ride in our boat? JAMES: Yup! He skitters off the rock and jumps onto Otto’s boat. Upon closer look, James Bennett wears a small bolo tie. OTTO: So are you… like… a cowboy trapped in a lizard’s body? JAMES: Nope! Just a normal lizard who likes to dress nice. [to Yas] I like your dress! Very puffy. YAS: Thank you! OTTO: Do you get many visitors in the canyon? JAMES: Not very many, but enough. Low tourism keeps the rent down, which is nice. YAS: We’re hoping to go fishing. JAMES: I thought so! YAS: We’re on a trip for my thesis project. Do you want to hear about it? JAMES: Nah. But you can fish anywhere you’d like. <img src="assets/images/25_JB1.png"> Otto casts their line into the sand. JAMES: Be careful… the fish here are runners. OTTO: Pardon? JAMES: They put up a fight. OTTO: Do you know the fish personally? JAMES: I mean, not all of them. But there’s a few I have beef with. You should get one of those guys. You’re eating whatever you catch, right? YAS: No. We’re bringing them to an interdimensional natural research space where they’ll get to live in a cool pond and meet new friends. JAMES: Oh. That’s neat! You uh, shouldn’t get the ones I was suggesting then. OTTO: Sounds like a complicated canyon. JAMES: It stays interesting around here. Suddenly Otto lurches forward. OTTO: Got one! I think. Otto pulls backward hard, but the fish doesn’t budge. It dashes forward in the sand, dragging Otto and the boat with it. OTTO: Hold on tight! JAMES: Told’ya these guys were trouble. Yas clutches the sides of the boat as they rocket forward again. James Bennett prances around, sticking his head into Otto’s backpack and nibbling on a few pieces of trail mix. Suddenly, the boat lurches to the side, and James flies out of the boat onto the nearby canyon wall. JAMES: Yeesh! Rough boat ride. OTTO: Sorry bud! JAMES: That’s alright. Thanks for the meal, good luck on your fishing. I changed my mind, take one of the bad ones actually! OTTO: Noted? YAS: Bye James! <img src="assets/images/25_JB2.png"> [[CATCH|28]] <img src="assets/images/urasoma_banner.png"> <<audio urasomabase play>>

YAS [laughs]: I knew you wanted to follow the Dune Angels… OTTO: ‘Course I do. Look at them! Those guys gotta know a cool fishing spot. Otto maneuvers the boat to follow the Dune Angels from a reasonable distance. They float above the dunes, sloping over the hills and valleys of yellow. The Dune Angels’ haloes swirl around their light bodies. After several minutes of travel, they crest a particularly high dune. In the valley below, a massive jellyfish lays dead in the sand, big as the valley itself. It doesn’t look like it’s been dead for long. Yas and Otto stare, speechless. The Dune Angels continue on, gliding away. All except for one, who remains, floating above the fallen jellyfish carcass. Otto draws the boat closer. <img src="assets/images/26_aureli.png"> OTTO: Hello. Ą͍̖͎̻͕U̠̰R̨̠̪̥̟͎͔̦E̬̭͈L̙̯͓Ị̡̜̮: ͍̞̱H̖͎͜e̛̖̯̗̫l̗̘̹̹͍ͅl̝̮̱̮̪͕͖o̖ ̶̹t̝̤̗̗̹̻̮h͔͈e̢̤̥̲r̦̪̙͇̜ͅe!̺ ҉͕̩̝͓ͅI̴̗̩̥̫̣̠͉ ̣͚͎͈̪l͏̥͇̠̤̟i̮̳̗͍͍͉̙͞k̩͔e̟̥̣̫̱ ͎͇̤̬͇̠y̺̞̗o̡ụ̴̠̬̙͈r̪ ̢̞͓̞͚̞b̵͓͍ò̹̤͔ͅa̖̼͔̼͔t͚̞̻̜̮̕.͚̳͓ ̡M͈̪͉͍̙̗̝͢y̫ ̪n̡̫̳̰a̬̝̫ͅm͔̳̺̮̳̫͞ͅe̬̭̦̭͈͓͢ ͖̯͕̳̪̞͢ͅi͕̭s̢͓̟ ̦̳͢A̤͕͘u̺̠̭̬̦ͅŕ̳͈͇̼̝̼͙e̶͎͇̼ͅl̷̙̥̦̖̝̟̦i̹̭̙̤̗͢.̟̥͓͙͘ ͕̼̙̣̤̜Wh̶͕̘̪ͅa̦t̛͖͎̗͙̟̱̙ ҉̠̳͖ar̤͉̙͟e͕̝̤̼̖̝͡ͅ ͏͔͎̖ͅy̺o̲u͔̹ ͇͚̪d̗̞̣̗͎̮̼ǫ̠̬͈i̸͖͈͖̟ͅn̢̼͎g̤̭̖̣͝ͅ ̯͉̝̠̀h͍͚̣̀e̴r̖̟͓͙͈̹e̳̬̖̺?̫̝̞̯͎ ̮͇͚̜ OTTO: Woah! Uhh. Hi. YAS: Hi! We’re looking to go fishing. Do you think we could fish in this jellyfish carcass? A̠̙̟̺̮͕U̥̪̫̞̬̬͡R̢͔̘̩̱͍̖̥E̫̞̩̹̪̻͙L̹̕ͅI̭͙͙̤̱͚͇:̵ ̯̙͡S̸̥̟u҉̳͕̩̻r͟e̤̦,̩̮̘̹͟ ̳̭Į̙̼̙̩̻̮ͅ ҉͙͙d͓̯̝̘͕͙͕o̷̬n̯͓'̲̠̫t͕̮͚ ̷̥͉s͍̙̮ͅe̱̝̱̖͉͡ͅe̛͎̩̬̯͚ ̰͍̟̕w̡h͙̘̼̤y̶ ̵͍̦̼̦ṇ͍̼̖̙͇ò̠͙̭t̮̯̻͕ͅ?̭̻ ͉͈͕͇͠S͙̖͓͔͇ͅo̺o̗̣̰͖n͍̤̙,̵͚͚̮ͅ ̜̭̭̼͓m̛̗̳͇̰͉a̮̯̰̜̖̟̥n͈͎͔̝͢y̨̥̫̞ ̹̬͜p̴̖̟̜e͍̞͍͇͕̹̣͜o͓͖p̸͔͚̩̖̞͚̤l͚͕̺̮̬̱e̞̩ ͔̬̞͙w̞i̵̫̖̥l̖̪̩̺͍̞̪l҉̼͙͇̲͙ b͇e̢̫͎̲ ͏̫h̞̜̪͇͟e̟̱̹͚̳ŕ̠͙̜͕͕̤e̳̭̹̞ ̳̯̺̱̰̣͡f̫̥o̴̹͉̻̦̼̤̯r ̣̠̬͎͓̜͎t̸̗͔̺͓̝̹h̬̳̜̖e̛̠̰̠͓̩̺̞ ̛͚͓͍͚̣̙̭w͎̜̗à͉t͔̫̫̰̖e̵̘̺̟̯̤̳r̸̬̣̦.̩̳̩ YAS: I think that was a yes? OTTO: I guess jellyfish are mostly liquid anyway… They cast their line into the viscous body of the jellyfish. Yasmeen waves at Aureli, who waves back with small, spectral hands. Otto gives Aureli a polite nod, before Aureli darts away in the direction of the other Dune Angels. [[CATCH|29]] <img src="assets/images/urasoma_banner.png"> <<audio urasomabase play>>

You caught a SKELETON EEL! <img src="assets/images/27skeleton_eel.png"> FUN FISHY FACT: Did you know that the first five vertebrae on the skeleton eel aren’t bones at all, but a thick exoskeleton that contains most of the eel’s vital organs? Between meals, they can lie at the top of the sand and sun themselves without worrying about a predator attacking because they already look dead! And even if you did eat one, it’d taste pretty rough considering they don’t have much meat on them anyways. [[>|30]] <img src="assets/images/urasoma_banner.png"> <<audio urasomabase play>> <<audio urasomabase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio urasomabase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>

You caught a SHUTEYE CATFISH! <img src="assets/images/28shuteye_catfish.png"> Did you know that the shuteye catfish filters through sand and eats the bacteria and remnants of food off of the tiny rocks, pushing what it doesn’t eat out through their gills. They’re called shuteye catfish because they close their eyes while deep underneath the surface to avoid getting sand in their eyes! YAS: James sure is silly. I like him. Otto holds the catfish, opening and closing its mouth gently as sand pours out into the boat. OTTO: I wonder if this is one is one of his enemies... [[>|30]] <img src="assets/images/urasoma_banner.png"> <<audio urasomabase play>> <<audio urasomabase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio urasomabase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>

You caught a JELLY LOACH! <img src="assets/images/29jelly_loach.png"> Did you know that the jelly loach can swim inside jellyfish carcasses despite how viscous the liquid is? It’s like swimming in gelatin! They have a whole set of bones and a thick musculature inside of their six fins that help them propel through the jellyfish, looking for nutrients. Otto holds the loach. It shimmies, strange and wonderful in their arms. OTTO [to Aureli]: Thank you! Aureli glimmers, before turning and floating away. [[>|30]] <img src="assets/images/urasoma_banner.png"> <<audio urasomabase play>> <<audio urasomabase volume 0.5>> <<timed 0.5s>> <<audio catchbase play>> <</timed>> <<timed 8s>> <<audio urasomabase fadeto 1>> <</timed>>

OTTO: I think it’s about time to head back to Muricin… Yas sits in the boat, gazing out at the horizon. YAS: Today’s gone so fast. <img src="assets/images/31_in_the_boat.png"> Otto shrugs, untangling a small section of fishing line that caught on itself during the final cast. In the late afternoon light, their hair gleams like bronze. They pull their knitted blue hat down and grin shyly. YAS: It was a good day, though. A really good day. OTTO: Yup. Good fishing. YAS [laughing]: Good fishing! [[TRAVEL HOME|32]] <img src="assets/images/muricin_banner.png"> <<audio portalbase stop>> <<audio muricinbase play>>

YAS: Your boat is so cool, Otto. OTTO: Haha, thanks. It’s pretty standard, but I invested a little extra in the air travel upgrade. It’s convenient for traveling between waterways in Muricin, and essential for a trip like this. <img src="assets/images/30_boat.png"> Otto pats the tiller of the boat affectionately. Yas grins. OTTO: I’d love to take some time off and come visit each of the realms individually on portal days. Really give them the time they deserve. Yas nods. They sit in the boat in silence for a moment. Above, a large jellyfish floats through the sky–aimless and billowy and soft. Then another, then another. They move like water. Like a family. YAS: Can you believe that the fallen jellyfish carcasses provide all the drinking water here? OTTO: Really? YAS: Really. OTTO: Wow. Otto looks back up at the jellyfish. They brush a stray hair behind their ear. <<if $a is false>>[[AORTA|7]] <</if>> <<if $v is false>>[[VIRIDI|8]] <</if>> <<if $count is 3>>[[MURICIN|31]] <</if>> <img src="assets/images/urasoma_banner.png"> <<audio urasomabase stop>> <<audio portalbase play>>

Traveling through the portals still feels strange and cold and bright, but it’s a little more familiar now. Yas closes her eyes. When she opens them, the familiar violet expanse of Muricin sprawls out around her–gulls cawing overhead, the rush of the nearby sea leaving the air salty and cool. It’s evening now: the Portal Plaza traffic reduced from the buzz of the busy morning to the last handful of folks traveling home. Laith stands around a handful of other portal technicians, shooting the breeze about the day and checking the portals for the last call. When he sees Otto and Yas appear through the expanse, he immediately heads their way. <img src="assets/images/32_laith_congrats.png"> LAITH: Look who’s finally back! OTTO: Hey Dad! Kept the portals open a little late for us, huh? LAITH: Nah… you won’t be the last folks coming through today. Actually, you scheduled your trip really well for a first timer. YAS: What do you mean? Otto’s traveled plenty. OTTO [sheepish]: Oh, uh, he means this was my first time traveling through the portals without him or Mom or someone else in the family to navigate. LAITH: We’re proud of you, kid. YAS: That’s amazing Otto! Thank you so much for taking the chance and traveling with me today. It means so much to me. Yas hugs Otto. They blush and shyly return the hug. Laith laughs. <img src="assets/images/32_hug_comic.png"> OTTO: Thanks. I… I had a really amazing time today. YAS: And we have fish! LAITH: Fish! The ones you were looking for, I hope? YAS: Honestly, I would’ve been happy with just about anything, but the haul we got is really cool. I can’t wait to put them in the pond. [[...|33]] <img src="assets/images/muricin_banner.png"> <<audio muricinbase play>>

I used to think the pond was just for me. When I was a kid, it was. And that’s okay. But now, I get to share what I love with the people I love… and that’s pretty amazing. Now, it’s Otto’s too. It’s Laith’s. This pond belongs to my teachers and their future students–to scholars and researchers, to little kids who come and visit it to see neat fish. This pond is for you. <img src="assets/images/34final_lakesmall.png"> [[CREDITS|35]] <<audio muricinbase play>>

CREDITS Producer: Adelina Rose Gowans Narrative Designer: Adelina Rose Gowans Lead Gameplay Artist: Romeo Knight Sound Designer: Robin Hall Music: Mahal Perez Code: Al Disfixdog Gameplay Art Team: Caroline Kirby Jesse Braak Trey Deutsch Adelina Rose Gowans Concept Team: Romeo Knight Robin Hall Rae Moore Play Testers: Alex Marwaha Anna Pullara Anthony Jacobs Avery Lou Dave Gowans Jasper Fuller Penflower Ink Rae Moore Realm Fisher is supported by YoungArts. Special thanks to Storytelling Collective. CREATOR’S NOTE Thank you so much for playing Realm Fisher! When I first started pre-production brainstorming on this project, it was a tiny game with only about 3 contributors. I’m so proud and excited by how much it’s grown, and hope you enjoyed playing it as much as we enjoyed building the Four Realms. Realm Fisher is dedicated to my parents, Coco and Dave, for their amazing love and support in all my creative pursuits, and to my career advisor, Erin, for encouraging me to make a Twine game with my wonderful, talented friends. Happy gaming! <img src="assets/images/35_credits_pt_1.png"> <img src="assets/images/35_credits_pt_2.png"> <img src="assets/images/35-credits-pt-3.png"> [[REPLAY ADVENTURE|1 OPENING PASSAGE]] <<audio muricinbase stop>> <<audio muricintitle play>>

<img src="assets/images/0_character_concepts.png"> [[RUN REALM FISHER|1 OPENING PASSAGE]]

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