Chapter One

"Remember Matthew," the pianist repeated. "Don't get caught up into anything. Just find out, and come back straight away."

Matthew nodded at the words. He'd heard them so many times in the week, he could revise them. He was seventeen, yet he seemed to remain a child in the eyes of his elders. "I will Roderich, don't worry."

The Austrian huffed. "Yes, yes. I know you will. Now where's Francis? Your father should be here to see you off."

Francis, Matthew's aristocrat father – his Papa – was dealing with his duties as a landlord. Though he fretted over the seventeen year old whenever they'd meet, he never seemed to really be present in his life. Always working, otherwise drinking. Matthew did wish though that he came. This was the first time he could remember leaving the country of France.

Matthew shrugged at his teacher. "Landlord duties."

The musician grimaced. "Of course."

"The ship will set sail any moment now, I should get on board," Matthew said as he watched people board the large ship. He was nervous. Despite the amount of money his father had, Matthew never went on a ship. He never had reason to board that sort of transportation.

"I'm still unhappy of how you refuse to bring anyone with you," Roderich sighed. "And you're only taking one bag! What sort of mentality is that?"

Matthew laughed. "You worry too much. I am not a child, I can handle myself. I don't need a companion or more luggage."

"You're boarding a ship to Britain!" Roderich exclaimed. "Who knows when you'll be back from that disastrous country?"

Matthew sighed. Everyone at his father's manor had these thoughts about the country Matthew couldn't understand. Luckily, when they discovered that Matthew was adopted from the island country, they didn't show any sort of discrimination to him.

Though, many didn't approve the idea of him going back to the country to find his roots. His biological family. Especially Francis. Roderich told Matthew it was because he feared that his British parents would steal him away, though Matthew doubted that was the reason.

"I'll be back soon, Roderich," Matthew murmured, hoisting his bag onto his shoulders. "I'll write frequently too."

"This is silly, Matthew," the Austrian voiced his thoughts. "I know you want to find out about your biological parents, but-"

"This is something I have to do," Matthew said softly. "I'll use the orphanage address Papa gave me so I can inquire about my biological parents, and then-"

"Come home," Roderich grumbled, looked away. The blond nodded with a small smile.

"I will be back soon."

"Look after yourself. Don't tell anyone you're from France, or who your father is. As in Francis. And don't attract attention."

Matthew began to walk away from his middle-aged companion. "Goodbye Roderich! I shall write to you soon!"

"Avoid pirates!" Roderich called out behind him as he walked up the wooden ramp, boarding the tall ship. "Avoid trouble!"

"Tell Ms. Elizaveta I'll be back for your wedding!" Matthew yelled, teasing the Austrian. Luckily, he processed it only when the ship was too far from the dock. All Matthew could see was a frustrated man waving his hands around, seeming to yell at the ship with a flustered expression.


The trip was of many weeks, but Matthew found himself enjoying it. Looking down at the water, talking to his shipmates, and the unique cuisine. The best thing was that he didn't get sea sick, unlike his new friend, Carlos, who claimed that he loved to travel by ship but hadn't in a long time. He also said he was going to England for business.

In only a short matter of time, Matthew found himself waving to his friend as they split ways on English ground. Everything was so different in England, from fashion to food. Luckily, he blended right in. His clothes didn't appear too French in the eyes of others thanks to Feliks, his wonderful fashion experienced friend.

Matthew's English was fluent, so he blended well in there too. He didn't mind the new variety of food, so as he settled down in a hotel, he found himself snacking on the new food. He found some revolting, but the other bits delicious.

Staring at himself in his mirror, he realized he looked like a British boy. Though he looked a lot like his adoptive French father, he somehow blended in here. His wavy hair ended at his shoulders, and violet eyes pierced his reflection. He held his hair up in a ponytail, stifling a laugh at how pirate-like he looked.

Hmm. Pirates. He heard about them, and he knew to avoid them. Like his Papa would say, they brought trouble. As long as he stayed away from the shore, he's be alright.

Luckily, the orphanage was surrounded by land, and only land. Water was nowhere to be spotted by miles.


As much as Matthew enjoyed traveling, he couldn't help but wish he didn't have to so much. He was restless after the weeks at sea, but now he was forced to travel on land too. Two elements down. Thank goodness it was impossible to travel through air and fire.

The orphanage was a small, wooden building. Aria's Orphanage seemed to be closing down soon. Matthew frowned as he slowly pushed open the weak door. It creaked open.

The place was really falling apart. There was a small wooden desk right in front of the door, distanced by a few feet. A petite woman sat there, seeming to be reading some papers. She wore a blue dress, and her long, black haired pigtails cascaded down on her dress.

Matthew cleared his throat, and immediately caught her attention. She gave him a once over in his black long coat, then nodded, seemingly satisfied at his appearance.

"Err, hello. May I help you?"

"Uh yes," Matthew walked towards the desk. "Um, you see, I'm trying to trace back myself to my biological parents. I was adopted from here, and I was told you kept records of past adoptions, so I hope to use mine to trace back to my roots."

The woman tilted her head at him, studying him. Then she shrugged, pulled out a large book from nowhere, slamming into onto the table.

"I'd ask for verification of identity, but I don't do that anymore," the girl mused, opening the book. I'm Michelle, by the way. So, what's your name?'

"Um, Matthew Bon- Um, Williams. My real name is Matthew Williams."

"Williams, Williams," Michelle sighed, flipping through the pages of the book. "Okay, I think I found you."

Matthew swallowed, heart pounding. This was it. He was really going to find out about his parents. He was really-

"There's only an address here," she said with a frown. "Strange. Um, would you like me to give it to you?"

An address? Just an address? Why would anyone leave an address at an orphanage where they dropped their child? Why not a name?

Maybe this would make this easier. Matthew sighed, nodding. "Yes, please."

Her eyebrows furrowed as she wrote the address down on a slip of paper. "This… this place is by the Far Shore…"

"Far Shore?"

"It's a hot spot for pirates and all sorts of hooligans. If you're going there, I suggest you not attract attention. These people… they're dangerous."

Matthew slowly nodded. The Far Shore meant Pirates.

His Papa and Roderich said avoid trouble, and a pirate hot spot screamed trouble.

Was going there a good idea? Probably not. Was he going to go there anyway?

Obviously.


Hi!

I'm finally back and writing again! I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter! It sorts of starts the story out, but trouble will soon ensue, worry not!

Stay tuned for more, please! Chapters continue to get longer as the story progresses, and my goal is to update weekly. With school coming up (sadly), I may miss a day or two in between, but I'll do my best to update regularly!

Please leave behind your thoughts! They mean a lot!