Chapter 1: The Start of an Adventure

Flashback:

"Goodbye, son," my father Adam Voss rustled my shaggy blond hair. "Your mother and I will be back before you know it."

"Bye, mommy," I hugged my mom and she kissed me on the cheek.

"Bye, Toby. Your uncle will take good care of you for us..." Jenny, my mother, said.

Little did my five-year-old self know that mommy and daddy wouldn't be returning from their voyage.

8 years later...

It was a steamy summer day in Port Regal, Marleybone's Royal Colony in Skull Island. I was sweeping the shop of my old Uncle Larry, who had been taking care of me since my parents died. My Aunt Eliza also lived in Port Regal with us. The two never had any children, so I was like a son to them, and they generally treated me well. Uncle Larry was my father's brother. I had school in the afternoons, which was paid for by my inheritance from my parents. My mom's vast wealth came from an unknown source, some speculate that she was thief, but I am not so sure.

"Uncle?" I asked during a quiet moment in the shop.

"Yes, my boy?"

"I want to know more information about my parents. I feel like I am old enough now."

"You will never be old enough…."

"Please, uncle. I am thirteen years old! I should know more about my family!"

"No, lad. That is final. Please get back to work."

"Ugh.." I sighed and picked up the broom. I hated not knowing who I am.

"Toby, come help me please. I need to carry these boxes out to the dock."

"Yes, uncle," I picked up a crate. "What for?"

"I am going on a trade voyage to Puerto Mico. You want to come with?"

"Sure," I agreed, stepping onto the boat in Port Regal harbor. I set the boxes down and took a seat.

"What're ye doin' lad?" My uncle laughed as he stepped on the boat.

"I thought I was going with you, sir?" I stood up. It was a breezy day in Skull Island. The skiff rocked in the waves.

"Lad, you're the proper age for steering a ship. I'll teach ya how. You'll just have to sail out of the harbor."

I grinned, blushing. I was excited to learn how to sail, but a bit nervous. "Alright", I stepped up to the steering wheel. My uncle lifted the anchor and lifted the sails.

"Alright, boy, to get away from the dock, turn the wheel right with all your strength!"

I gave the wheel a hard right turn and we were off. Luckily, the port was quiet today, else I would have bumped a few other boats. After we cleared the reef, I returned to my usual spot, where I adjusted the sails. Upon reaching the windlane, my uncle approached me. He had a photograph in his hand.

"Who is that?" I asked, taking a bite of banana.

"Your parents. Jenny and Adam."

"I forgot what they looked like. Thank you for showing me. All I know is that they died when I was 5 years old."

"Your mother was an explorer, and your father a merchant like myself."

"An explorer? Where did my mum go?"

"I am unsure. She did her exploring before settling down and starting a family."

3rd person POV

Meanwhile….

"I have intel that the child of Jenny Voss will be here soon," Deacon told the Monquistan.

"Of course. I will kidnap him for you, master."

"Do this and I will ensure you are paid handsomely by the Supreme Commander of Valencia."

"I will not let you down!"

"You know the meeting spot, yes?"

"Of course. I meet you at Monte Royale. I give you the child. You give me that gold you promised."

"Good. Now I shall depart. Good luck. I am sure Jenny's son is quite clever like his mother was."

Toby's POV

"We're here, lad," my uncle said as we reached Puerto Mico. "We need to get these crates to the Villa Mercado." I nodded, getting up from the hammock in the small cabin.

I picked up a couple small crates and walked down to the dock. The small city of small monkey sized buildings spread out across the island. It was a relief to actually be considered "tall" for once. Back home, I was teased for being short. I set down the boxes at the stall and began walking back to the dock when a monkey stepped in front of me.

"Pardon me, señor," I said, about to walk around him, but then he tripped me, and I felt a dart enter my leg. I began to fall asleep as my limp body hit the cobblestone street...

3rd Person POV

The mysterious Monquistan dragged Toby into a bush. Thankfully, nobody saw him tranquilize the teenager.

That evening, the Monquistan reached Monte Royal, an old fort on an island northwest of Puerto Mico. "Do you have the boy?" The Spymaster asked the monkey.

"Si. I do. He is on mi ship."

Within minutes, Toby was locked on an Armada vessel called The Erebus and was on course to go to Kane in Valencia. The Monquistan crossbowman who kidnapped Toby was paid handsomely by Deacon for his dark mission.