Esmerelda is questing! Episode 1/25

Deep down, under the sea, just below PnF land, there is a small community of sea creatures–they are all busy doing their sea creature things. We put on our best goggles, and we dip our heads under the water to take a look at what is unfolding.
Axie the Axolotl was puttering around in his undersea garden. It was his biggest dream to have the best garden—of rare sea plants in all of the Petsea area. Cindy, a friend and helpful Kissing Fish, was going to meet him later, and they were going to search for some rare plants.
Unbeknownst to Axie, Esmerelda had just arrived below water and was finishing a call to thank their friend, who had devised a clever breathing system made from a shell bottom. Esmerelda could carry the shell with her and not worry about having to surface for air. Esmerelda was studying rare plants and was intrigued by the garden in front of the house. Was that sea glass the Axolotl was using in the garden?

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 2/25

The afternoon had arrived, and Axie was waiting outside when Cindy arrived. “Hi, Axie.” Cindy waved. “Cindy, good to see you. Are you ready to go see what plants we can find?” “I am, and I hope we find some rare plants for your garden—it would be great if you won the garden contest this year.” Every year in the Petsea area, a garden contest takes place. Axie has never won the gardening contest, though he has always tried very hard to have a lovely garden filled with rare plants. Esmerelda was watching when Cindy arrived and overheard the conversation. If I follow them, maybe I can find some rare plants to study.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 3/25

Esmerelda watched as Axie and Cindy left. Esmerelda was going to wait just a few minutes so Axie and Cindy could get ahead. Suddenly, out of nowhere, zoom, a grey shape darted past Esmerelda and headed straight for the garden. What is going on? That shark is tossing sea glass all over the place. “Hey you, stop that tossing and messing about.” Esmerelda swam over to the shark as that is indeed what had zoomed by her. Sadie stopped and looked a bit sheepish. “I was just trying to help.” “Help! You are making a huge mess. Do you know Axie, do you know this is his garden?” “I know,” said Sadie, flicking sand with her fin. “I know Axie, but Axie does not know me—not really. I want Axie to know me—I want Axie to love me.” “You love Axie? Esmerelda looked at the devastation. “This is not showing love, you know.” “I think you should tell me what is going on. Maybe I can help.”

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 4/25

Esmerelda had told Sadie they would meet up in a small grove of seaweed later that evening. Catching up with Axie and Cindy, Esmerelda decided it was time to introduce themselves and approached Axie and Cindy.”Hi there, my name is Esmerelda, and I am down here looking for plants to study—I see you are looking for plants as well.” “Hello,” said Axie, “nice to meet you, and this is Cindy, my friend.” “I won’t bother you,” said Esmerelda,” I just wanted to let you know I will be in the area for a while.” And with that, Esmerelda carried on examining plants.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 5/25

Esmerelda had collected a few plants and went to meet up with Sadie. “Hi, Sadie. Are you doing ok?” Sadie looked a bit angry. “I am fine. I don’t know why you want to talk to me.” “I want to know why you would destroy the garden of someone you say you love. I want to know what made you do such a thing.” Sadie whipped her tail back and forth. “I want to show Axie how strong I am. Axie does not talk to me, and Cindy is always hanging around him. If I can get Axie’s attention and show him how I can help him…” Esmerelda shook her head. “Sadie, you are not going to get the attention you want if you keep on being destructive. Do you think Cindy loves Axie? Does Axie love Cindy? Why would you want to butt into their relationship? You can’t make someone love you. Think about it a bit, please. If you want to talk again, I am around for a few more days.” Sadie swam off, tail swishing. I wonder if Axie and Cindy are in a relationship?

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 6/25

Axie and Cindy had returned to the garden and saw the sea glass strewn around. “That shark has done this!” Cindy huffed. Axie looked surprised. “Why, why would a shark do this?” Cindy took Axie by the hand and said, “Sit down, Axie. You know that shark, Sadie, her name is, she has done this before. She is always ramming into things and swishing about the ocean knocking over rocks, and swimming full tilt through schools of fish. I noticed her around your garden a few days ago too. Axie, you know I would do anything for you, don’t you? I want your garden to win. I want to be more than just a friend to you. There I said it.” Cindy stood up and started to straighten up the sea glass.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 7/25

Later that night, while getting ready to rest, Axie was thinking about what Cindy had said—they were friends since they were small—Cindy was a lovely fish—she was always ready to help out Axie, especially when it came to the garden. He was not sure you would call it love. He cared for Cindy—was that love? His heart did not flutter around Cindy, did his heart need to flutter? He would have to think more about this.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 8/25

Bright and early next morning, Cindy knocked on Axie’s front door. “Can we go look for more plants?” “Let’s do that,” said Axie, “I saw some great plants further south.” No mention was made of what Cindy had said the day before.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 9/25

Axie and Cindy had a successful day of plant hunting—they found some lovely plants that would look great in the garden. When they returned, they planted what they had found and said goodbye. Cindy leaned over and gave a quick kiss on Axie’s cheek. Neither Axie nor Cindy saw Sadie—who was hiding behind a rock. But, Sadie did see Cindy kiss Axie, and Sadie was not happy about what she had seen.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 10/25

Nighttime brought more than just soothing darkness—it also brought a cloak to hide those who wished to stay hidden. Sadie was still upset about seeing Cindy kiss Axie, and so she proceeded to wreak havoc upon the garden. Sadie did not feel good about what she was doing, but she did not know how else to show the displeasure she felt. Now, feeling more miserable than ever, Sadie left the destroyed garden and went home.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 11/25

A new morning dawns and Sadie takes herself off to find Esmerelda. Sadie is hoping that Esmerelda will offer up some advice because things could not continue like this.
Sadie finds Esmerelda in an area not far from her own home. “Hi.” Esmerelda waves at Sadie, “What brings you here this beautiful morning?” “I saw Cindy kiss Axie yesterday and last night I got so mad I went and destroyed the garden again.” Sadie hung her head. Esmerelda said, “I guess you don’t feel too good about your behaviour, or you would not have come to tell me.” “Sadie nodded slowly. Esmerelda said, “You mentioned something about strength before but I don’t think you realize that there is more meaning behind that word than just how many rocks you can push around or how fast you can swim the ocean. There is strength of character, of heart, and of mind. If you want to show how strong you are and if you care about Axie then show him how strong your heart is and how strong your character is. You know he wants to win the garden contest, but more than that, I think his garden means a great deal to him, even without winning any contests.”

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 12/25

When Sadie left Esmerelda—she went straight to Axie's garden and cleaned up—as best as she could—the mess she had made. Sadie gave a lot of thought to what Esmerelda had said—while she worked on righting the garden. She was determined to find a way to show Axie how she felt, and after thinking about things calmly, she began to get an idea.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 13/25

Early morning found Axie standing in his garden, contemplating the garden contest and what else he could do to make his garden the best. If he could find some super special plants, not that all plants were not special. The arrival of Cindy broke Axie out of his thoughts. “Another wonderful day under the sea. Let’s go see what we can find today!” Axie agreed, it was a fine day, the sort of day that could bring many surprises.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 14/25

Axie and Cindy were having a wonderful time talking and laughing when Cindy spotted something glowing in the distance. "Look at that!” Cindy pointed, “What if that is a glowing plant—that would be perfect for the garden.” Axie looked where Cindy was pointing. “That looks like a cave— should we go in and check it out?” Cindy was already at the mouth of what looked to be a small cave. “It looks like the glow is further in—I think we should go in and see what it is.”
Cindy and Axie entered the cave. It was very dark inside—there was a slight glow coming from deeper in. “Maybe this is not such a great idea. It could be the home of a sea monster.” Axie was starting to become a bit concerned. Cindy had no time to respond, there came a rumbling sound, and within seconds the entrance to the cave was no more. “Axie!” cried Cindy, “What has happened! Are we trapped?” Axie swam to where the entrance had been—he pushed and pulled at the rocks now blocking the opening. “It is no use—I can’t move the rocks. We will have to hope some help comes along.” I don’t know who will come along to help us out. I can’t let Cindy know how worried I am.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 15/25

Axie and Cindy felt as if they had been inside the cave for hours. They called out now and then, "Help, help, we are trapped inside this cave.” They could not hear what was going on outside, and they had no idea what time of day it was or if anyone could hear them.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 16/25

Sadie had been looking for something, and as she passed a pile of rocks, she thought she could hear a voice. Turning toward the rocks—the voice seemed a bit louder—someone was asking for help. “Can you hear me!” Sadie yelled. A faint response, “Help us!” Sadie yelled, “Stand back—I am going to ram the rocks.” Sadie swam away from the cave—turned, and with all her force, rammed straight into the pile of rocks. The rock wall crumbled and scattered, and there before Sadie stood a very distraught Axie and Cindy. “Oh, thank goodness, thank you so much for rescuing us—we thought we would be trapped in there forever.” Axie and Cindy voiced their heartfelt thanks.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 17/25

Sadie was talking to Axie, but Axie was having a hard time hearing what Sadie was saying over the beating of his heart. Was this a heart flutter? Axie snapped out of his thoughts and hugged Sadie, thanking her again for saving them. My heart is beating like crazy.
Sadie escorted Cindy home first and then Axie. “You need to rest after that scare—take care.” Sadie waved and swam away.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 18/25

Hello there, I just thought I would pop my head under the water with you and see what was going on today. It looks like Axie and Cindy are working in the garden. I sure hope Axie can make his garden good enough to win. I bet you are rooting for him too. It looks like maybe Sadie is changing—thank goodness for that, I don’t think I could have taken more destroyed gardens. It is only a few more days until the contest—I am getting anxious to see how it all wraps up, especially this love tangle that seems to be going on. Well, I have a coffee waiting, and my pets want me to play a game with them, so bye for now.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 19/25

When Axie woke up the next morning and went outside, he discovered something new in his garden. A plant he had never seen before—it had heart-shaped flowers on it. Axie was perplexed—but not for long—in the distance, he could see Sadie swimming toward him, holding another unusual plant. “Sadie, did you put this plant here?” Sadie waved and said, “Yes, I want to help you with your garden. I hope you don’t mind.” Axie smiled. “Thank you so much, Sadie. This is a big help.”
Before long, Cindy joined them, and they all worked in harmony in the garden. Now and then, Axie and Sadie would stop for a chat. Cindy had never seen Sadie so happy. I think Sadie has really changed—maybe not changed—maybe she is letting her true nature shine through.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 20/25

The evening had arrived, and the three gardeners were tired after a fun day of chatting, planting, and stopping for bites to eat. The garden was coming along nicely. Even if his garden did not win, it did not really matter—the fun was in working toward something, and everyone knew a garden was never finished, there were always more plants to discover and new ways of displaying those plants.
Tucked up in bed, Axie thought about all the things he and Sadie had talked about and how his heart had beat faster whenever Sadie was near. Sadie is really kind and has a great eye for plants. I hope I see Sadie tomorrow. Axie drifted off to sleep.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 21/25

The day before the big day, the garden contest. Axie, Cindy, and Sadie worked diligently. Sadie brought in plants from some secret place she had found. Axie gave a pep talk to his friends. He told them that no matter the outcome tomorrow—he had enjoyed spending time with them and hoped that they would all continue to share in his love of plants and gardens.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 22/25

Axie sprang out of bed—this was it—this was the day of the garden contest. Axie raced outside. He waved to Esmerelda, who had already arrived. “Hi Esmerelda, how are you getting along with your plant studies?” Esmerelda smiled, “Just fine. Sadie showed me some rare plants that have been interesting to study. You know, Sadie is very knowledgeable about plants and loves helping.” “I know!” beamed Axie. Esmerelda nodded. Do I sense love in the air.
Cindy and Sadie arrived and went straight to Axie. "I am so excited!” said Cindy. Sadie stood close to Axie and whispered in his ear, “The garden is wonderful! Just like you. Oh! Here come the garden judges” Axie went to meet the judges and took them on a tour of his garden. They seemed to be happy.
"Ahem, attention, please. We toured many gardens this morning, and this is our last stop. I am very pleased to announce that this garden we see before us is the winner of the contest this year.” Axie let out a loud, “Yes!” He hugged Cindy and Sadie, for anyone watching Axie held onto Sadie a bit longer.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 23/25

Axie, Cindy, Sadie, and Esmerelda partied with their neighbours well into the night. Axie found the time to take Cindy aside and explain his feelings for Sadie. Cindy understood and told Axie that she was happy for him and Sadie. She thought they made a great team, and no her feelings were not hurt—they would always be friends.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 24/25

Evening and the neighbours had gone home. Axie was left alone with Sadie and Esmerelda. Axie, with his heart jumping, told Sadie how he felt. He explained that though he and Cindy had known each other for years—they were good friends—and nothing more. He loved Sadie’s determination and strength of heart, and he wanted to know Sadie better. Sadie smiled the biggest smile—and told Axie that it was all thanks to Esmerelda who had explained about strength and that it was not always good to be bold and brash, that sometimes, maybe most times, it was better to show a different type of strength. Esmerelda hugged Axie and Sadie and wished them well in the future. Esmerelda said they would love to meet up in the morning to say farewell.

Esmerelda is questing! Episode 25/25

A bright morning greeted Axie and Esmerelda as they waited for the others to show up. They did not have to wait long. Axie thanked Esmerelda for all they had done, wished them the very best on their plant studies, and hoped they would meet again. Axie gave Esmerelda a parting gift and a big hug. Sadie was next, hugging Esmerelda and saying, “Thank you so much. Your kind words made a big difference. Take care and see you again.” Cindy said goodbye to Esmerelda and wished them good luck. Esmerelda smiled at the three new friends they had made. “It has been such a fun time, other than the incident in the cave. I wish you all the best. Axie and Sadie, I know you will make a great team, and I will pay you a visit as soon as I can.”
Esmerelda left, and Cindy said she would see them later, leaving Axie alone with Sadie. “Let’s go plant hunting, and I will show you where to get the most unusual plants.” Axie laughed as they both swam off into the distance.
Esmerelda has completed the quest! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also take part!