Students in Year 7 have been reading The Girl of Ink and Stars as part of their English studies. Students were then asked to write an alternative ending to the novel. Xavier's alternative ending is, in the opinion of his English teacher, better than the original!
Isa, now in her early forties, stood at the edge of the island’s cliff, staring out at the horizon where the sea mirrored the sapphire sky. The map she held was weathered with time: creases and faded ink were all that remained of her childhood adventures. The island had changed dramatically too, both in subtle and extreme ways: the ancient walls of the village had crumbled, and the forest had grown thicker, reclaiming some of the land. But in her opinion, it was the same island of adventure and myths.
In the heart of Joya, the market was alive with colours and laughter. Merchants sold spices from faraway, their scents filling the air. Artists painted the luscious island on massive canvases to display the beauty of the island. Fishermen displayed their morning catches, glistening in the sunlight, and musicians played melodies that echoed through the market. Yet, as the sun reached its peak, a strange silence blanketed the market. A low hum, like a distant thunder, rumbled through the ground. And then from the the fountains and the wells, figures began to emerge: vaguely humanoid shapes made entirely from water, their forms shifting and pulsing like the ocean waves. They shimmered, appearing solid one moment and fluid the next, their piercing, sea blue eyes fixated on the islanders. In eerie unison they spoke “Joya belongs to the deep.”
The water creatures moved with unnatural grace, their touch leaving trails of dampness on the cobblestone. Panicked cries resounded across the market, as the islanders realised that these beings could vanish into puddles and reappear wherever water touched. Isa’s heart pounded as she clung onto her old map, the ink still alive with magic. How could she prevent this new threat from the sea?
Isa knew she needed help to face this water demon, so she sprinted towards the governor’s house, where Lupe now lived. Though no longer the reckless girl she once was, Lupe had become a fierce and wise leader. Together, the two friends quickly strategised. “These creatures are bound to the water.” Isa said, her mind racing. “But they’re also bound to the demon beneath the waves. If we can sever that connection, they’ll weaken.” Lupe nodded, her determination shining as brightly as it did in their childhood. Gathering as many brave islanders as they could, they formed a plan to confront the creatures while Isa ventured to the shore to find the demon’s true form.
The battle raged in the market: islanders armed with sand bags and torches fought against the water creatures; who dissolved and reformed with every attack. Lupe wielded a staff, piercing the water creatures again and again, but every time one fell, another one emerged from a fountain or a well. They were fighting a losing battle, Isa was their only hope.
As Isa stood ankle deep in foamy water, she sensed a powerful presence from her left, she spoke clearly with fake confidence. “I am Isabella of Joya, defeater of Yote the fire demon!” She waited a few seconds. Nothing. So she continued. “Stay if you dare, but it will be your permanent resting place!” She waited a little longer until a deep murmur came from the ocean floor, as if it was considering it, she thought fast and recalled the magic her map contained from her childhood, quickly she dropped it in the water. At first nothing, then suddenly a swirl started to build, raising higher and higher until a vortex surrounded the map. There was a fierce rumble through the whole of Joya, and then silence. There were a few moments of silence and then a tremendous cheer exploded from the market.
