As I stood alone at the shore of one of the four islands surrounding my main home island, I couldn't help but feel a surge of power and determination. After effortlessly completing my daily routine swim around the islands three times without running out of breath, my gaze was fixed on the vast expanse of the ocean before me. A fire burned within me, fueling my desire to become the greatest and toughest swimmer on my home island. The weight of my father's legacy loomed over me, a constant reminder of the heroic man he was and the hero I aspire to be.

"I have trained for years, honing my skills both on land and underwater," I murmured to myself, recalling the countless hours spent pushing my body to its limits. "I've become a water warrior, trained by the strongest warriors of the main island. But now, it is time to prove myself."

But it all started with my father, always prepared and enthusiastic to assist others, particularly in underwater rescues. I remembered vividly the joy he brought, teaching me the wonders of swimming and diving underwater. His legacy was something I carried proudly within me, a lingering presence that pushed me to surpass my limits.

A flash of sadness flickered across my face as memories flooded back, memories of the day my father and fellow islanders embarked on the ill-fated mission to the Forbidden Ocean. It was an SOS signal from a distressed cargo ship that called for their help, igniting their bravery and sense of duty. But the Forbidden Ocean was a place fraught with danger—treacherous currents and deadly creatures lurking beneath the surface.

"The mission was a failure," I whispered, my voice tinged with sorrow, and yet, filled with unyielding determination. "The kraken took everything from me... from us." The very thought of that colossal sea monster sent shivers racing down my spine, but it also ignited a fierce determination within me. My father, a true hero among men, fought valiantly but tragically met his demise in the clutches of that monstrous creature, the giant kraken.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered the weight of his blue headband, a symbol of his bravery. It had been placed into my paws by my father's best friend, who had valiantly attempted to save my father from the clutches of the kraken. However, his efforts were in vain, and he apologized to me as soon as he handed over my father’s headband. In that moment, I silently vowed to avenge my father's death and slay the kraken that had taken his life.

For the next fourteen years, my entire existence revolved around intense training—swimming, combat lessons, and pushing myself beyond my limits. There were no shortcuts, no breaks. Every breath I took, every stroke I made, became a fearless stride towards obtaining the vengeance my father deserved.

In my pursuit of vengeance, I left no room for friendships or social interactions. The singular focus on my goal had isolated me, leaving me lacking in social skills. I became a solitary figure, only speaking when necessary, my free time consumed by training. The pain of loss drove me forward, the flames of determination burning brighter with each passing day.

But now, at the age of twenty-six, standing at the shore, I knew I was more prepared than ever. The scars of my past had forged me into an unrelenting force, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The long hours spent honing my skills had transformed me into a force to be reckoned with.

I could hear my heart beating in my chest, the rhythm of determination echoing in my ears. As the waves crashed against the shore, mirroring the intensity of my emotions, a storm brewed within me. The time had come for the final showdown, the battle against the kraken that had haunted my dreams for years.

"The time has come," I declared boldly, my voice resolute. "Tomorrow, I will set sail into the Forbidden Ocean, and face the kraken head-on.”

Whispering to myself, my voice carrying an air of fierce determination, I spoke the words that echoed within me as I stared at my father’s headband in my paw, "I will avenge you, Father. The kraken will pay for what it has done." And with a sense of purpose, I secured his headband firmly on my brow, feeling the weight and significance of this moment. It was not just a piece of cloth; it was a symbol of the legacy I carried and the promise I made.

With unwavering resolve, I cast aside all doubt and shed my speedo, fully embracing the irresistible call of the sea. With every fiber of my being, I descended into the mysterious depths, feeling the exhilarating chill of the waves as they urged me forward. Their gentle whispers reassured me, reminding me that in this upcoming battle, I was not alone. Armed with an unshakeable determination that cannot be shattered, I was ready to fearlessly confront the unknown, guided by the indomitable spirit of my father.


*Paolo Wavestorm
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Art made by: