4

Dai tossed and turned in his bed, the soft sheets tangling around his limbs as he tried to find a comfortable position to sleep. Sleeping was near impossible as it took a force of will to keep his eyes closed. His mind kept replaying memories from his past like a broken tape recorder.

Dai was back at the orphanage where he had spent two years after his mother's death. He was standing in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by the other kids, who were staring at him with fear in their eyes. Dai tried to smile at them, but they just backed away, leaving him alone.

He remembered how he used to try to make friends with them, but they always kept their distance. They were afraid of him because of his red eyes, which they thought were a sign that he was cursed or possessed by demons. The other children would taunt him, calling him names like "devil boy" and "demon spawn." He was always an outcast, even amongst other orphans.

Dai felt a deep sense of loneliness wash over him, and he wished he could just run away from the orphanage without looking back. He longed for a place where he could be accepted for who he was, instead of being judged by his appearance.

Then, Dai woke up, gasping for air. The sadness he felt in his heart was real, even though he realized it was just a dream. He lay in bed for a while, staring at the ceiling and trying to shake off the feeling of loneliness that still lingered in his mind. He couldn't help but think about how his past had shaped him, and he wondered if he would ever be able to fully escape the feeling of being an outcast.

Early in the morning, Dai and Topias were eager to continue exploring the ship. The gentle glow of the rising sun painted the sky in hues of pink and purple, casting a warm and inviting light over the deck. As they made their way around the ship, the soft sound of the waves and the gentle creaking of the wooden planks beneath their feet filled the air. The ship's sails billowed in the wind, and the sound of the ropes and sails flapping in the breeze was music to Dai's ears.

Gradually, the rest of the crew emerged from below deck, their faces still bearing the traces of sleep. They stretched and yawned, rubbing their eyes, but as they made their way to the deck, the aroma of fresh stew and bread filled their nostrils, and their faces lit up with excitement. The crew eagerly gathered around the communal meal, laughter, and chatter filling the air as they swapped stories and shared their plans for the day. It was clear that this was a tight-knit group, and Dai felt grateful to be a part of it.

The sunlight danced on the waves, casting playful shadows on the ship's deck. The sweet scent of the stew mingled with the salty sea air, and Dai felt his stomach growl with anticipation.

Dai found himself a spot near the edge of the deck, watching in amazement as the crew enjoyed their breakfast together. He marveled at how they seemed to live in the moment, fully embracing the uncertainty and danger that came with their lifestyle. As he ate his breakfast, savoring the delicious flavors, Dai felt a sense of belonging deep in his bones. It was a moment he wanted to hold on to, a moment that filled him with hope for what was to come, and for the first time in what felt like ages, he felt a sense of belonging, a feeling that had eluded him since his mother's death.

As the meal came to a close, the crew began to clean up, each person pitching in to help. Dai felt a gentle tap on his shoulder, causing him to turn around and find Roland, the captain, standing behind him. He noticed how the morning sun made Roland's brown hair glow with golden hues, and the creases around his eyes became more visible when he smiled. Dai stood up, returning Roland's smile.

"Enjoying yourself, lad?" Roland asked, with a kind smile on his face.

Dai nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude welling up inside of him. "Yes, Captain. This has been an amazing experience so far. Thank you for taking me on board."

Roland patted Dai's shoulder. "No need to thank me, lad. You earned your spot here, after all."

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The ocean breeze picked up, tousling Dai's hair as he stared out at the endless expanse of blue. Roland stood next to him, his eyes on the horizon.

After a brief silence, Roland cleared his throat. "So, Dai," he began, his voice gentle, "are you going to go look for your dad?"

Dai's attention snapped back to Roland.

"I'm..." Dai hesitated, unsure of how to put his conflicting emotions into words. "I don't know. I wanted to leave Saltwater Island and go live a normal life somewhere else as my mother wanted for me. But now...

Roland's expression softened. "I see. Your mother... she passed away, didn't she?"

Dai nodded, his throat tight. "She died from illness,” he lied, because he didn't want to drag Roland into hil problems.

Dai noddd, his heart heavy with grief. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice barely above a whisper. "She died from illness," he said, lying to protect Roland from the truth, so he wouldn't make him worry about Dai's personal problems. Dai didn't want to burden his friend with the weight of his troubles.

He looked down at the ground, avoiding Roland's gaze, afraid that he might see through his lies. The weight of his guilt and shame began to weigh on him, but he pushed it down, unwilling to let his emotions get the best of him.

"I had no idea, Dai. I'm so sorry," he said, placing a hand on Dai's shoulder. "That must have been incredibly difficult for you."

Dai nodded, unable to speak. He had never talked about his mother's death with anyone on the ship before, and something about Roland's kindness and understanding made him feel like he could eventually open up to him.

As the two stood there in silence, the sound of the waves and the gentle sway of the ship provided a comforting backdrop. Roland's hand remained on Dai's shoulder, offering a steady presence and support.

After a few moments, Roland spoke again. "Dai, if you're thinking of going after your dad, I want you to know that you don't have to do it alone."

Dai looked up at Rola werend, his eyes still watery. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that we're a crew, Dai. We look out for each other. If you decide to go after your dad, we'll be right there with you. We'll help you in any way we can."

Dai's heart swelled with a sense of belonging and purpose. He had been so lost and alone since his mother's death, but the crew of this ship had welcomed him with open arms. Now, they were offering to help him in his search for his father.

"Thank you, Captain," Dai said, his voice barely above a whisper. "That means more to me than you can imagine."

Roland gave a small nod, a reassuring smile on his face. "We take care of our own, Dai. That's what being part of a crew means."

Dai felt a warmth spread through his chest at Roland's words. He had never felt such a strong sense of community before, and it was overwhelming in the best possible way.

After two weeks of being on Roland's ship, Dai was given the job of helping to repair one of the ship's sails, a task he eagerly took on. As he worked alongside the crew, sweat beading on his forehead, he felt a sense of pride in the work that they were doing. It was hard, backbreaking labor, but it was also fulfilling in a way that he had never experienced before.

As the day wore on, Dai found himself growing more and more confident in his abilities. He was a part of this crew, and he was contributing to their success in a meaningful way. It was a feeling that he had never felt before, and he knew that he was going to do everything in his power to hold on to it.

As the sun began to set, the crew gathered on the deck, exhausted but happy. They laughed and joked with each other, sharing stories and memories from their adventures. Dai felt a sense of contentment settle over him, a feeling that he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Get some sleep everyone. We're arriving in Brux City tomorrow," Roland said.

The crew cheered at the news, excitement filling the air. Dai couldn't help but smile, eager to see what this new destination held in store for them. As they sailed through the night, he found himself unable to sleep, his mind racing with anticipation.

Finally, as the first light of dawn began to peek over the horizon, the crew gathered on the deck, their eyes fixed on the approaching shore. As they drew closer, the details of the city began to come into focus.

Brux City was a bustling port city, with ships of all shapes and sizes dotting the harbor. The streets were alive with the sound of vendors calling out their wares, and the smell of spices and seafood filled the air. As they docked the ship, Dai felt a sense of excitement coursing through him. This was a new adventure, a new chapter in his life. He was eager to explore this new place, to see what it had to offer.

Roland turned to the crew, a wide grin on his face. "Alright, everyone. We have some supplies to restock, and some repairs to make. But after that, you're free to explore the city. Enjoy yourselves and be safe."

With that, the crew dispersed, each member eagerly making their way into the city. Dai found himself drawn to the bustling marketplace, eager to see what treasures he could find.

As he made his way through the crowded streets, he marveled at the sights and sounds around him. He felt a sense of wonder and excitement, as though he were seeing the world for the first time.

For the first time in a long time, Dai felt truly alive. He was free, he was happy, and he was eager to see what adventures lay ahead.