The Golden King creaked and groaned as it docked at the shipbuilder's island, its hull brushing against the weathered pier. The island itself was bustling with activity—workers hammering on half-constructed ships, smoke billowing from massive forges, and the scent of sawdust and sea salt filling the air.
"And.. Hup!" Yuma jumped off the ship first, landing softly on the dock. Ika followed, his excitement barely contained as his eyes darted around, taking in the new surroundings.
"This is the first time I've been anywhere other than my homeland!" Boombox stretched, cracking his knuckles, while Cani watched the dockworkers with a quiet intensity. Yuma turned to his crew, his expression serious but lighter than before.
"Alright, we're splitting up… Moon, stay here and keep an eye on the Golden King. The rest of us will head into town, find a shipwright, and get this process started… We'll also look for a place to stay while they work on the new ship." Moon nodded, his blue eyes reflecting the sunlight off the water.
"I'll make sure no one touches her." He ran a hand along the railing again, a subtle farewell that only he could understand.
"I won't be long," Yuma said, glancing at the others. "Let's see if we can get this ship analyzed and figure out how much of it is salvageable." Boombox grinned.
"Bet the old girl has a few surprises left in her." Yuma grimaced.
"Let's hope," Yuma replied, though he wasn't feeling as optimistic.
With that, Yuma, Ika, Cani, and Boombox made their way down the dock, disappearing into the lively streets of the island's town. Moon stood alone, leaning against the ship, listening to the distant hum of the crew's laughter fading into the wind.
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About an hour passed before Moon heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see a man in his mid-forties walking down the dock toward him. He wore a worn-out vest covered in grease stains, with tools hanging from his belt. His graying hair was slicked back, and his face was sun-worn, carrying the marks of someone who had spent their life working on ships.
"Afternoon, Ex-Admiral Moon" Moon exhaled.
"Just call me Moon" The man smiled, tipping his cap.
"Well then, nice meeting you, Moon… I'm Davin, sent by the ship masters to analyze your boat." Moon nodded, his calm demeanor unshaken despite his towering height.
"The rest of the crew is in town. I'm here to look after the Golden King until they can find a hotel." Davin raised an eyebrow, glancing at the ship.
"Golden King, huh? That's a name with weight." He stepped closer, resting a hand on the hull. His experienced eyes roamed over the battered boards, the worn sails, the cracked masts. His eyes instantly softened. Moon exhales.
"She's been through a lot," Davin chuckled.
"Looks like it. Let's have a look then, shall we?" He walked around the ship, running his hands over the wood, tapping lightly at certain spots, muttering under his breath. Moon watched him work, his eyes never leaving the Golden King. He didn't say much—he didn't need to. The ship had been through more than most, and he knew it spoke for itself.
After what felt like an eternity, Davin stepped back, wiping his hands on a rag. His expression had shifted from curiosity to something more somber. Moon noticed.
"Well?" Davin sighed deeply, scratching his chin.
"She's beyond repair, I'm afraid. The hull's rotted through in places, the frame's been bent out of shape. I'd be surprised if this ship wasn't sinking by the time you docked here." Davin questioned. "How much was she seelin' for?" Moon rubbed his chin.
"Ѥ8,000 or something like that…" Davin exhaled.
"They made the inside of her look nice, but didn't bother fixing her up, then sold her off for cheap to get her off their hands…" Moon looked away for a moment, the news hitting harder than he expected. He knew it, of course—had known for a while. But hearing it from an expert made it real.
"She carried us far, despite her condition" Moon said softly, his voice low, almost reverent.
"Further than we probably deserved." Davin smiled faintly, understanding.
"Ships like this... they're more than just wood and sails. They carry the spirit of their crew. But even the best ships can only take so much. She's done her duty." Moon nodded, his fingers brushing against the railing one last time.
"What happens now?"
"You'll need a new one built, from scratch," Davin replied.
"It'll take time, but this island has the best shipbuilders in the Infinite Sea... If you're looking for a vessel to match your adventures, you've come to the right place." Moon took a deep breath, steadying herself.
"I'll let Yuma know. Thank you, Davin." The man nodded, tipping his cap again.
"I'll be heading back to the masters to report… They'll send someone to talk to you about designs and cost." He paused, then added quietly,
"I'm sorry, for what it's worth. It's never easy saying goodbye to a ship like this." Moon smiled faintly, though there was sadness in his eyes.
"No... it isn't." Davin lowered his hat.
"But for such a loyal ship, the Golden King deserves a grand sendoff" Davin left, leaving Moon alone with the Golden King once more. He stood there for a long while, listening to the soft creaking of the old ship, the sound of the waves gently lapping against the hull. It was a peaceful moment, but it was also filled with a quiet melancholy.