In the southeastern seas, there lay a large archipelago of islands. These islands have remained in sweet isolation for years, creating beautiful diversity that rivals that of the great forests of the northwest. It still maintains the diversity, though under the foot of humans.
One such island, located in the southeast of the largest island, lay about in a golden shower. It was a paradise for many, giving wealth and power. Fishermen unloaded their copious amounts of sea animals, and cargo ships docked on the port were packing the island’s exploited resources to trade with others on the mainland. To put it simply, the people thrived like rabbits and rats.
As with all tropical islands, that fresh and ripe odor of the pristine green seawater came about as usual, amplified by the smell of decomposing fish lying on the docks. But, by now people were used to it. It is absolutely better than smog that hides the mainland, who was just like a serial kidnapper called Chloroform.
The island’s inhabitants had loved this island so very much, people affectionately called it a name... Actually they have multiple names for this island, because the indigenous population still exists. Names like Hubbertail, Ruconia, were common. But they settled on the name that was already given to the largest town, Covedisa.
In the wild west side of Covedisa, a small tavern was built. It overlooked a great view of the ocean, with the island’s mountains turning a bluish-green on the horizon. The founders of this fine establishment had the insight to create an outdoor section, just for the regulars to admire while they converse and drink.
The deputy of the police force was one such regular. He’d just finished a full five hours of non-stop inspecting, turning every corner and avenue that was assigned to his beat, checking for some crime in the winding streets of town.
He wore a simple, canvas, khaki brown uniform, and denim shorts that had pockets so large they could fit the entire island. And to top it all off, he wore a bright green beret contrasted with a red and yellow sword. Oh, and not to mention the silver badge.
The deputy entered the tavern calmly, looking down on his black leather boots. He tapped on his toes, dropping all the dirt that had accumulated in the five hours. He wandered into his usual spot on the outdoor section, with a bottle of an aged rum.
The rum tasted of a mellow sweetness, and it tasted old. The deputy smiled as he drunk the whole bottle up. But, he noticed a spice to it, and enjoyed it even more. Then, some thuds came about on the wooden flooring, and a certain someone was approaching.
”Hey there, Deputy.” A gruff voice called out. “Nice to see you at Reed’s.”
Marsh turned his head towards where the voice came.
A tall, fair-skinned, bulked-up man approached him from the entrance. He too wore the same uniform that Marsh wore, only he had a golden badge and a brown beret. He was holding three bottles of the same brand of rum that Marsh took, and sat down on the same table as him.
”Seems like you’re done with your shift, are you taking the time off drinking?” The sheriff said, dropping all three rum bottles on the table.
”If you can call it that way, sheriff… I’m not in a great mood right now. My beat was something of a marathon.”
”Well, that’s fine. I’ve run this town for twenty-one years, and I’ve never seen someone not complain of the beat. Patrolling is still a good deed though, so try to hold it in. Otherwise, this town’d be filled with the lawbreakers.”
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
”Speaking of which, it sure is quiet around these parts.” Marsh noted, “Usually, there’d be some incident regarding some rowdy privateers and some mutineers. I reckon the latest headlines scared them.”
Deputy Marsh downed another bottle of rum, and gurgled it like mouthwash.
”Of course, ever since Gold Hegemon returned to make the news a few days ago. I feel bad for the people on the mainland, having to deal with him. That bounty hunter came from this very island, but I’m glad he left twelve years ago.”
”Sheriff, you knew him personally?” Marsh inquired, downing a third bottle of rum.
”That’s not important, Marsh.” The sheriff interrupted. “He’s just some delinquent that passed our prestigious license exam, and got infamous. Though, he’s not some kind of angel either.”
”Right, right… Though we do have some promising candidates this year.”
”Promising candidates. I’ve not seen any of these promising candidates in action, and the exams take place in a month, so don’t call them that right now, Marsh.”
”I think otherwise, Sheriff…”
***
Inland of the island, this is where lush vegetation dominates, and where not that many people live. The rays of light from both stars are blocked by the canopies, which had tall greedy trees taking the energy. Because of these trees, the animals and plants who lived around here evolved in a way that they had to compete with each other for sparse energy.
Three mountains protrude through the skies, standing taller than any of those trees could ever grow to a height. And in the valley between these mountains lay a small village, which its inhabitants call Florestabrindo.
Most of these houses were built out of the stone from the mountain quarry and the lumber from the trees—fashioned in a way that would make each house cool. In one of these houses, located on the outskirts of the village lived a young woman about to make her way in the big bad world.
”WOOOOO!” She howled, kicking her front door open. “I am finally going to make my way in the world, wooooo! Nothing in the world can stop me! Me! Me! Me!”
She wore a bright blue undershirt with goat fur on each end, and a long-sleeved dark blue cotton shirt that was rolled up towards her elbows. Bold red hair flowed through her black-orange bandana that was tied as a durag, and denim shorts that looked cut.
”Dear, dearie me…” Her mother muttered, standing next to the broken doorframe,” All grown up she is, and still doesn’t have the damn decency to fucking open the door the normal way! Audrey! Come back here!”
Audrey turned her back towards her residence, watching her mother slowly transform into a monster. Reluctantly, she stomped back towards her mother. It was just about the worst kind of scenario to happen to her, and she slapped her forehead knowing that.
”Did you have to call me now? I was just about to head out…” said Audrey stomping her feet.
”Are you that oblivious?” Her mother snapped, “You kicked down our door, again. I’ve already told you so many times to open the door like how a normal person would.”
”Well, that’s how I’ve always done it.”
”...sigh. Try keeping yourself busy, alright. You’re going to have a lot of time before you reach Covedisa. Perhaps you could meet some new friends, and some people to love. Or, you could just focus on making yourself the best you can. That exam is going to be tough, you know.”
”I guess, mom. Well, I’m going to take my leave now. I’ll say goodbye to everyone, alright. See ya!”
”Don’t forget to send me some letters too.”
”I will, I can’t wait to share my adventures with you.”
Audrey darted forward, waving towards her mother, who had a great big grin on her face. But, a single tear did drop off her eyes. She might never see her beloved daughter again. Her father would be pleased with what she'd become, but he'd be too busy underground doing things. But the first domino has fallen.