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"Today's the day," a boy murmured to himself, the wind tossing his black hair aside to reveal a jagged scar cutting across his forehead. His worn-out white button-up shirt and tattered jean shorts flapped in the breeze as he stood by the port, gripping a small pouch of coins with a determined glint in his eye. Today, he would leave this island for good.
A ship loomed ahead, docked and bustling with activity. It wasn't much to look at, but it was his ticket to freedom. "I'm finally going on an adventure," he said with a wide grin, his heart pounding in his chest.
He approached the ship, where a grizzled old man with a scarred mouth and a captain's uniform was unloading crates of fish stamped with a logo that read "Fish Lagoon." Ace squared his shoulders and spoke up. "Can I ride on your ship?"
The old man eyed him with a smirk. "This look like a passenger ship to you, kid?"
"No, but I've got money, and I can stay anywhere on board, even the bathroom."
The captain laughed, sizing him up. "Alright, then. How much you got?"
Ace pulled open his pouch. "About fifteen thousand chips."
The captain raised an eyebrow, then gave a quick nod. "Fine. Name's Captain Roark. You want a ride? Help us load these crates on board, and we'll be off sooner."
A smile broke across Ace's face as he grabbed a box of fish and started loading it onto the ship. After an hour of hard work, the crew was finally ready. He scrambled aboard, taking a seat on the deck just as they started to raise the anchor.
"Alright, men, set sail for Little Root Island!" Captain Roark bellowed, gripping the ship's wheel.
Ace gazed out over the endless ocean, feeling both exhilaration and a strange pang of fear. "Little Root Island, huh? I wonder what's waiting for me there," he whispered, the sea breeze brushing against his face.
As the ship drifted farther from shore, Ace grinned, overcome by the vastness of the ocean. "I can't believe it… I'm really at sea!"
Moments later, his excitement faded as his stomach twisted in knots. He staggered, clutching his stomach. "Why do I feel so sick?" he groaned, slumping to the deck.
One of the sailors chuckled, pointing at him. "Looks like the kid's got sea sickness, Cap'n."
"What's sea sickness?" Ace mumbled, his face turning green.
"It's when your body can't handle the motion of the waves," the sailor explained, grinning. "How are you gonna make it two days, kid? Should've stayed on land."
Ace straightened up, swallowing hard. "I'm not giving up. I'm gonna travel the entire world!"
The sailor laughed. "Big dreams for a kid who can't stand a little sea breeze. You want to see the whole world? That means you've got to reach the second half, too!"
"Then I'll do it," Ace declared with fierce determination, even as he held his stomach. "I'm going to be the first person to see it all!"
The sailor leaned back, crossing his arms. "So you want to be an Explorer, huh?"
Ace tilted his head. "What's an Explorer?"
The sailor chuckled. "Explorers are people who seek out the unknown. They cross seas, climb mountains, discover islands, and find lost treasures. They see the world's secrets with their own eyes."
Ace's eyes widened, a fire sparking in his gaze. "That's exactly what I want! I want to find new islands, uncover lost treasures, and see things no one's ever seen before!"
Captain Roark, overhearing their conversation, smirked as he steered the ship. "If you want to be an Explorer, kid, you'll need more than dreams. The seas don't show mercy. You'll need courage, smarts, and a crew you can trust."
"A crew, huh?" Ace murmured, looking up at the sky with a thoughtful expression. "Guess I've got to start gathering one."
Just then, dark clouds started gathering on the horizon, creeping closer with each passing moment. The wind picked up, whipping against the sails.
"Storm's coming!" Captain Roark warned, his voice sharp. "Men, brace for rough waters!"
Ace's stomach churned again, this time with excitement and a hint of fear. He'd never been in a storm, let alone on a ship in one. The crew leaped into action, tying down loose cargo and adjusting the sails. Ace tried to help, though the rocking of the ship threw him off balance.
A burly sailor clapped him on the back, laughing. "Hang tight, kid. If you survive this, you'll have a story to tell."
Ace gripped the railing as rain began to pelt down, soaking him instantly. The waves grew, crashing against the ship's sides. Thunder roared above, and lightning lit up the churning ocean, making it look even more terrifying.
"Is it… always like this?" Ace shouted, barely heard over the howling wind.
"Not always," the sailor replied, holding his ground with practiced ease. "But if you're serious about being an Explorer, you don't get to choose your weather."
The storm only intensified, the ship tossing wildly on the waves. Ace clung to the rail, shivering from the cold rain and salt spray. He felt small, a speck in the vast, wild ocean. Yet, despite his fear, he felt a surge of determination. If he could survive this, he could survive anything.
After what felt like hours, the storm finally began to ease. The sky brightened as dawn broke, casting a golden glow over the calm, endless sea. Ace, soaked and exhausted, staggered to his feet with a triumphant grin.
"This… this is what I want," he said softly, looking out over the vast ocean. "Adventure."
See you next time.....