Ch. 1: The Ghost Ship
Kingdom of Ancula in the Land of Pirates, Month of White…-
Before me was ocean, vast and beautifully clear. It glittered like a scene directly from a painting.
Today, I had come to the port city in Ancula at Douglas' request.
Douglas: "It's been a while since we met up. I'm looking forward to it."
The words he had spoken, and the invitation, naturally floated to my mind.
I was waiting in the harbor at the chosen meeting spot, intending to take a ride on Douglas' ship, when…-
Villager 1: "It's the ghost ship---!"
Villager 2: "Kyaa!!"
Eh…?
Suddenly, the area was wrapped in a fog, and the people in the harbor started to flee.
Wondering what was going on, I looked back to the ocean, and from within the fog appeared an eerie, dilapidated ship.
This ship couldn't be…
Rosso: "Yo OO!"
OO: "…Rosso?"
Though I should have been meeting with Douglas, what appeared before my eyes was an eerie ghost ship, and in complete
contrast to that was Rosso, a hearty and bright smile on his face.
Ross: "What a coincidence seein' you here!"
OO: "Yeah, it really is! You seem to be doing well…"
I said so, and Rosso looked down at me with a smile and laughed loudly.
Rosso: "You're the only one who'd say I was lookin' good OO. You haven't changed a bit."
No sooner had he said it that he gave a whistle, and it seemed to me that Rosso was in a really good mood.
Rosso hasn't changed either…
He smiled cheerfully as the saltwater breeze tossed his hair about…
I found myself lured in by that expression and smiled back.
Rosso: "Well, since you're here, come aboard!"
OO: "Eh…?"
Rosso: "What's up OO?"
When I didn't respond, Rosso quickly disembarked from his ship.
The fog was gently blown about, and in that instant I closed my eyes.
Rosso: "Come on, let's go! The wind and the waves are at their best today!"
OO: "Ah, but I…"
I have plans with Douglas…!
As I thought to say something, Rosso lifted me up and held me tightly in his arms.
With a thump, my heart started pounding.
Rosso: "You comin' for a ride'll make my ship happy too."
Held in Rosso's strong arms, I looked up and his eyes…reflected something bewitching as we were clad in the fog.