Ally stared out at the white crests of the waves rolling into the harbour. Today she turned fifteen. Today, Gaia had told her, she was free to do whatever she wanted. There was really only one thing Ally wanted, but pursuing that phantom of a dream would mean giving everything she had. Was she really prepared to do that?
Two hands grabbed her shoulders, making her jump. “Happy birthday, Ally!” said a cheery voice behind her.
Ally turned. Miri, her best friend, grinned at her, her eyes shining. “Hi, Miri. Thanks.”
“So, have you decided what you’re going to do yet? Please tell me you’re gonna come work down at the harbour with me! Please!”
Ally laughed nervously. “Sorry, I don’t think so. I know what I want to do, but-“
“But what?”
“Gaia’s not going to like it.”
Miri’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me-Ally, you can’t!”
“Gaia said I could do whatever I want.”
“Sure, but-
“But what?”
Miri looked down at the ground, tracing a pattern in the dirt with the edge of her sandal. “I heard my dad and the chief talking about you. They said if you do it, they’ll expel you from the village. You’ll never be able to come back.”
Ally turned her back and looked out at the horizon. She’d been expecting something like this, but now that she’d heard someone else say it, she felt different somehow. The people of Tanazai Village were wary of outsiders, and quick to shun anyone who was a little different. She’d seen it, seen how they stayed away from Gaia because she kept to herself and didn’t join in the festivals or community activities. Ally had always tried hard to fit in, striving for acceptance in her new home. Now, though-she didn’t want these people to stand in the way of what she wanted. Without a word, she brushed past Miri and walked back in the house, slamming the door and drowning out Miri’s protests.
“You’ve decided?” asked Gaia from the kitchen table. She kept her eyes on her cup of coffee.
Ally nodded. “I’m leaving, and I’m not going to let anyone stop me.”
Gaia laughed. “I never planned on stopping you, Ally. Just-“ She looked out the window as though the words she was looking for were somewhere out there. “Don’t expect to be welcomed with open arms. Pirates aren’t like that.”
“Reuben isn’t your average pirate.”
It was mid-afternoon when Ally made her way down to the docks to wait for the ferry. Tanazai sat on a small island off the coast of the Denari continent. Ally avoided the eyes of the people milling about the harbour. Miri had spread the news Ally was leaving throughout the entire village.
The chief cleared his throat behind her as she sat swinging her legs off the end of the ferry dock.
She turned and cocked her head at him. “What?”
“As of now, you are officially expelled from the village. Should you ever return, you will be considered an enemy, and treated as such.”
“Is that it? I thought you were going to say something important.” She turned back to the ocean, watching for the ferry.
“Be careful, Ally. Redbeard is one of the most feared pirates in all nine seas.”
“Really? Him?”
“Yes. He’s on the same level as Blackbeard or Whitebeard. You may not find the welcome you’re expecting.”
Ally laughed. “Reuben would never hurt me. Thanks for the warning, chief, but I’ll be fine.”
The ferry appeared, a small dot on the horizon. The chief shook his head and walked away as Ally got up. She retied her sandals and ribbon belt and adjusted the red kerchief she still wore. Satisfied with her appearance, she shot a glance behind her. Miri stood at the end of the dock, shifting her weight from side to side. Ally waved, smiling. Her friend waved a little back, then turned quickly and ran off, out of sight.
Gaia appeared around the corner and walked down the dock. “You’re sure about this?”
Ally nodded. “I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life.”
“Okay, okay, I’m convinced,” Gaia said, laughing. She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind Ally’s ear. “Come back and visit sometime, okay? I’m sure I can convince the chief not to shoot at you.”
Ally smiled. “I will. I promise.”
“You keep that promise, okay? Don’t be like that good-for-nothing pirate.”
The ferry glided into the dock and tied up. Ally squeezed Gaia’s hand and climbed onto the boat. She watched as the island shrank into a tiny spot before vanishing completely.
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