Everest Bounds; Upon The Shore| Book One

Chapter Three

It was midday when it all happened. When Kasper's life changed forever.

Kasper was treating it as a normal day. He had just finished visiting with Jackson and his family and was currently on his way to the market, hoping to find a snack, he hadn't eaten breakfast that morning so he was hungry. Once he reached the market he walked around, trying to decide on what to buy. He decided upon an apple and quickly bought one. Deciding to just walk around, Kasper simply watched the bustling town square eating the bright red apple he had bought. His thoughts were soon interrupted when he had run into two upper class soldiers. He felt as if his heart had been ripped out of his chest. The two stared him down, "Uhm..I-I apologize..I wasn't looking where I was going," one of the soldiers gave him a stern look "young man, how old are you?" Kasper knew where this was going, he didn't answer them, instead he threw the apple in his hands somewhere and ran past them, hoping to get away.

He heard them call after him but he didn't look back. He just kept running, yelling a sorry to any people he ran into. Although, one in particular was more of a crash than a accidental bump into. It was a muscular girl with tan skin and auburn hair. She held her head and glanced up to see the two soldiers approaching them "oh great, now look what you've done." Not having any time the girl snatched up Kasper's arm and dragged him along with her, knowing full well she had to get them both out of there for one reason or another.

The two kept running until the reached the harbor. The girl climbed onto a big ship that was docked there and without even thinking, Kasper followed her. "Holy crap," he panted out 'I don't think I've ever ran like that in my entire life. Hey sorry about getting you wrapped up in this....Miss.." Kasper then realized the mistake he had made. Surrounding him was an angry group of pirates. They all gave him looks that could kill. Kasper flinched when he heard a voice. He looked up to the second deck to see a young man with sandy blonde hair with feathers that were tied into a ponytail that was draped over his shoulder come down. "Scarlet, what did you do?" He asked the tan girl. He had a gruff voice and Kasper saw more of his features. He had slight scruff on his chin and there was a scar on his right cheek. The girl who was addressed as Scarlet simply rolled her eyes and crossed her muscular arms "sorry Vick but, I couldn't do anything but bring him along with. I didn't think the twerp would follow me all the way here."

Kasper felt as if he might have a heart attack. This was not just any old ship he was on. He was on a pirate ship. He slowly backed away, causing the wood beneath him to creek, gaining the blonde male's attention. Kasper only laughed nervously "h-hey..sorry about trespassing onto your ship, I was running away from soldiers, ran into her and well..here we are so I'll just be taking my leave now..," The black haired boy went to turn and run away but the man's gruff voice spoke again "hold on just a damn second." Kasper froze and face him.

The blonde man walked up to Kasper, causing him to back away more until he was met with the side of the ship. The man's pale blue eyes looked Kasper up and down until he finally spoke. "What's your name kid?" Kasper was taken aback but answered "K-Kasper..," the blue eyed man thought for a moment "Kasper..I have a proposition for you." This confused the hazel eyed eighteen year old but he did not say anything. "My proposition is...how would you like to see the world with the Everest Bounds crew?" Kasper's eyes widened when he heard the crew name. He was so shocked he couldn't form any words. "Well...what will it be? Join us or stay here for war?" Kasper stayed silent for a couple seconds before shaking his head, "wait...why...why are you giving me this offer? I thought you were going to kill me." The man turned and walked away "normally..I would kill someone for this..a captain is supposed to protect his crew after all, but," he looked over his shoulder "there is something about you that peaks my interest." He explained.

The black haired boy stuttered, trying to process what was happening "this is just...it's all hitting me at once. I have a mom and friend here I need to look out for but...the drafting..." The assumed pirate captain stared at the other male for a moment "alright then how about this? I'll let you think about your answer." Kasper looked at him with wide eyes. Just why was this man being so considerate? The young adult continued "you have from now until dusk tomorrow to choose your answer. You will meet Scarlet at the entrance to the harbor if you choose to come along with us. But, don't show if you are going to have second thoughts. I don't like my time being wasted." His last sentence had a hit of venom in them so Kasper only nodded "y-yes sir." The woman presumed as Scarlet gave Kasper a glare and walked up to him "you better not keep me waiting for nothing." She said in a harsh tone. Kasper nodded once again before getting off the ship and running back into town, not even noticing that the soldiers from before were no longer chasing him.

He looked up at the sky and then back at the harbor, furrowing his brows.

"Now until dusk tomorrow huh?" Clenching his fist tightly he continued
walking. Trying to process all that just went down. The Everest Bounds crew were real, he had just spoken to two of the members of it. The stories that his father would tell him when he was just a little boy were probably all actually true, just as his mother told him. He looked up at the sky and gave a heavy sigh "Oh dad...what the hell have I gotten myself into?"