Orimo's ship cut cleanly through the rolling waves as an island slowly came into view ahead.
Rae rested her arms on the railing, eyes narrowed.
"We don't know where Emka is," she murmured. "And we're running low on food. We should stop here."
Orimo let out a tired sigh and turned the helm, shifting the ship's course toward the island.
As the ship neared the shore, something felt… off.
Sand.
Endless sand.
"Why is this place all sand?" Orimo murmured, squinting.
Rae tilted her head. "I've heard of an island called Sandy Haven. Sand everywhere, no matter where you step. This might be it."
Orimo sighed again. "Let's find food and get out of here already."
They stepped onto the shore and walked forward. Before long, a town came into view.
It was lively.
People moved about with purpose—merchants shouting, children running, laughter echoing through the streets.
Orimo's eyes froze on a familiar face.
"…Varo?" he whispered to himself.
He stepped forward.
The moment the man turned around, his eyes widened—and he lunged forward, pulling Orimo into a crushing hug.
"Varo… is that you?" Orimo asked, stunned.
Varo's eyes were wet as he laughed shakily.
"Yeah. I thought you died," he said. "I'm sorry… I wasn't there for you."
Orimo smiled softly. "It's okay."
Varo pulled back, staring at him. "Are you a pirate now?"
Orimo nodded. "Yeah. What about you?"
Varo scratched the back of his head. "Me too. Kind of. I'm staying here though. Protecting the land and the people."
He grinned. "I guess I'm a former pirate now."
Orimo laughed. "As expected of my brother."
"There's already some hero saving people around here," Varo said casually. "But I don't care. I'll be here when the country needs me."
Orimo smiled. "That's a strong ambition."
Varo raised an eyebrow. "Then what's your goal?"
Orimo answered without hesitation.
"I'm going after the King's throne."
Silence.
Varo's jaw dropped. His eyes widened.
"Hehhhhhh???? Oi—are you serious?!"
"Yes."
THUD!
A punch slammed into Orimo's head, sending him tumbling onto the sand.
"Are you an idiot?!" Varo yelled.
Orimo groaned, clutching his head. "It hurts…"
Varo laughed. "Be a man and get up already, you high-voltage little brother."
Orimo stood up, pouting. "I'm not high-voltage."
They leaned forward, foreheads pressing together.
Then both of them burst out laughing.
From behind them, Rae covered her mouth, giggling.
"You guys are funny."