2 Chapter 2 - Unexpected guest

Dawn Island is a peaceful island in the East Blue. There are some birds singing every morning, greeting the first rays of the sun as it paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. The sea waves touch the beach softly, and there are many trees and plants everywhere. It's a quiet place where the air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of waves.

Goa Kingdom is the heart of Dawn Island. It's a place that's always alive with activity. The streets are filled with the sounds of people talking, laughing, and bartering. Shopkeepers call out, showing off their fresh fruits, fish, and handmade crafts. The aroma of freshly baked bread and cooked meals wafts through the air, inviting everyone to taste.

In the center of the kingdom stands a grand palace, a symbol of the kingdom's rich history and power. The palace is surrounded by tall walls, and guards stand watch, ensuring the safety of the royal family and the people.

Outside the city, there are vast farmlands where farmers work hard, tending to their crops and animals. They bring their produce to the city market, making sure the kingdom never runs out of food.

But not everything is perfect. The mountains that surround the city are said to be home to bandits. These bandits sometimes come down to the villages to steal and cause trouble. It's a reminder that even in a place as lively and beautiful as Goa Kingdom, there are challenges to face.

In a corner of Goa Kingdom, away from the bustling market streets, stood a quaint shop with a sign that read, "Jackson's Repairs." The shop had a rustic charm, with tools hanging on the walls and various items waiting to be fixed. From broken watches to damaged ship parts, there was nothing Jackson couldn't mend.

Above the shop, on the second floor, was Jackson's home. It was a cozy space, filled with mementos from his past adventures as a Bounty Hunter. The walls were adorned with maps, weapons, and a few wanted posters, reminders of his thrilling chases and captures.

One morning, as Jackson was sorting through a pile of items to be repaired, the door chime rang. He looked up to see Mrs. Elara, a neighbor, holding a broken lantern.

"Morning, Jackson," she greeted with a smile. "This old lantern of mine gave out last night. Do you think you can fix it?"

Jackson took the lantern, examining it closely. "Ah, Mrs. Elara, it seems like the wick's burnt out. I'll have it fixed in no time."

"Oh, thank you, dear," Mrs. Elara replied. "You're always so handy. It's no wonder everyone in the kingdom comes to you for repairs."

Jackson chuckled, "Well, fixing things is a lot less dangerous than hunting down pirates. I think I made the right choice retiring."

Mrs. Elara laughed, "I'm sure the pirates are relieved too. I'll come back for the lantern later. Take care, Jackson."

As she left, Jackson returned to his work, content in his new life, away from the perils of bounty hunting but still serving the people of Goa Kingdom in his own unique way.

As the evening sun cast long shadows over Goa Kingdom, the bustling sounds of the day began to fade, replaced by the gentle hum of evening activities. Jackson, having just flipped the sign on his shop door to 'Closed', made his way upstairs. Settling into his favorite chair with a cup of tea and a book, he was about to immerse himself in its pages when a soft, hesitant knock on his door pulled him back to reality.

Puzzled, as he wasn't expecting anyone at this hour, Jackson set his book down and made his way to the door. He opened it, scanning the dimly lit street for a visitor, but to his surprise, there was no one in sight. Just as he was about to close the door, thinking it might have been some kids playing a prank, his eyes were drawn to a small bundle at his feet.

Bending down, he carefully picked up the bundle, realizing it was a baby, sound asleep, wrapped snugly in a soft blue cloth. The baby's peaceful face was illuminated by the faint glow of the streetlights. Around the baby's neck hung a pendant, shaped like a wave, shimmering in the dim light. Tucked beside the baby was a folded piece of paper.

Jackson, still in shock, carefully unfolded the note and began to read. The words were hastily scribbled, filled with desperation and hope. As he read, his heart grew heavy, understanding the gravity of the situation he had unknowingly become a part of.

Jackson's hands trembled slightly as he held the note. The paper was worn, as if it had been folded and unfolded multiple times. The ink had smudged in places, hinting at the tears that might have fallen as it was written. The message read:

"To the one who finds this letter,

I am a mother with no choice but to leave my baby in the hands of fate and the kindness of strangers. The world we live in is filled with dangers I cannot shield him from on my own. 

There is a destiny that awaits him, one that I cannot fully understand or explain. The pendant he wears is more than just an accessory; it holds a significance that even I am unaware of. Please keep him safe, guide him, and when the time is right, help him uncover the truth of his heritage."

Jackson's eyes lingered on the last word, feeling the weight of the responsibility that had been thrust upon him. He looked down at the baby, who was now stirring slightly in his sleep, the pendant around his neck catching the light. The mystery of the child's origins and the importance of the pendant intrigued Jackson, but more than that, he felt a deep sense of duty to protect and care for the innocent life before him.

Holding the baby in his arms, Jackson felt a rush of emotions. The weight of the responsibility, the uncertainty of the future, and the suddenness of it all made him pause. But as he gazed into the innocent eyes of the baby, any doubts he had begun to melt away. There was a connection, an unspoken bond that formed in that brief moment. Making up his mind, Jackson whispered, "You shall be named Wave Mark," inspired by the wave-shaped pendant the baby wore. With determination in his voice, he vowed, "I promise to shield you from harm and raise you as if you were my own. Together, we'll face whatever the world has in store for us."

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm orange glow over the horizon, Jackson stood at the edge of his home, baby Mark cradled securely in his arms. The gentle sea breeze ruffled Mark's tiny tufts of hair and brought with it the salty scent of the vast ocean beyond. Jackson's gaze was fixed on the endless expanse of water, his thoughts drifting to the unknown journeys and challenges that lay ahead. With Mark nestled close to his heart, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and hope. The world was vast, filled with wonders and dangers alike, but together, they would navigate its complexities. This was the dawn of a new chapter, a fresh beginning for both Jackson and Mark, and the sea seemed to whisper promises of adventures yet to come.