GOLDEN SHIP

*Yawn* I'm bored.

Right about now would be the perfect time to watch a movie about pirates.

To gentleman number 12.

Going once, going twice...

Sold!

Why is everyone so full of piss and vinegar?

It's just a bunch of old antiques.

Next up for auction, we have

a fragment of a map drafted by Captain Alligator.

... Captain Alligator?

We have it on good authority that this map belonged to a famous pirate from up on the surface.

Pirate!

Upon further inspection,

one can see that it contains information pertaining to the whereabouts of the buccaneer's Golden Ship, which is said to have a vast store of treasure.

Golden Ship!

This is a one-of-a-kind artifact from the olden days up on the surface.

We'll start the bidding at 50.

I...

I've got to get my hands on that map!

...

This is no ordinary scrap of paper.

This is a piece of a map!

Not only that,

it can lead us to the treasure's location left behind by Captain Alligator himself.

Not all of it.

I've still got a little bit left...

Penniless! Penniless!

You shut your mouth.

Not out in the open or in front of the clients, no.

But if something doesn't snag a buyer,

we're allowed to buy them if we want.

Er...

You could say that.

... Yes.

I can always sleep and take showers at the Outpost.

Failing that, I could also stay in the Admire.

Er...

I can help myself to the leftovers from the events.

I've got options...

...

I'm telling you, it's imperative that I have this map!

It's a precious relic left behind by the renowned pirate,

Captain Alligator.

No way!

She said it was great that I have such a passion for pirates,

and she even gave me a free swimsuit with it!

You see? So it can't be a scam.

Mast the sucker! Mast the sucker!

Would you two lay off?

Quit making it sound like I'm some poor sap who got wool pulled over her eyes.

So what if it's a forgery?

At the end of the day, when it comes to all things pirate-related,

the number one thing is passion, nothing else!

It's all about summoning your courage and plunging into the great unknown.

I can understand why you're concerned, Captain.

But I'm telling you, the instant I laid my eyes on this map, I felt something.

Adventure.

I knew that I couldn't let it slip past my fingers.

Thank you.

With that being said... I have something to tell you.

Take a closer look at this map.

You see that?

The entire story of the Golden Ship is written down here.

You catch on quickly, Captain.

With that being said,

would you like to join me on this epic seafaring adventure?

If we do end up finding the treasure,

I'll split it with you 50-50.

Of course.

This adventure can't leave port unless you're a part of it.

!!

Barring special circumstances,

it's forbidden for me to go up to the surface without a commanding officer.

I was worried you might turn me down.

I didn't expect you'd be raring to go!

It's like I told you: Without you, there is no adventure.

Unless it's a unique situation,

it's forbidden for me to go up to the surface without a commanding officer.

Our adventure would be dead in the water...

!!

You're the best, Captain!

I won't ever forget this.

We can meet back here after we're finished with our packing...

What's that?

Isn't getting up to the surface our number one priority?

You think so?

That's true, but...

wouldn't it be just as hard for the two of us to try and search the entire Ark?

Request?

To who?

Hey.

Good.

Yo? Yo.

...?

What are you two doing?

Saying hi.

Assignment.

Me. Rest.

Happy.

Assignment?

No.

Aw, c'mon, you can't refuse without at least hearing us out.

Not now. Too lazy.

Yes. Refuse.

Golden Ship?

Whole ship gold?

It's called the Golden Ship, isn't it?

Why wouldn't it be?

!!

Everything gold...

Do what? I can do. Anything.

Wowzer,

I've never heard Frima say so much so quickly.

Let me go.

Okay!

Map?

Yep.

It's a piece of a map left by the famous pirate,

Captain Alligator.

We're turning the Ark upside down to see if there are any other pieces laying around.

Just Ark?

Okay. I search too.

Thanks a bunch!

Found it.

Re-really?

You actually found the other pieces?

Yes.

Small problem.

On the surface.

Ugh, I should have known.

In a chest.

Tried to take, but Rapture came.

Finder ran.

Went back, couldn't find.

Don't remember where.

What do you mean? How could they have forgotten so quickly?

Desert.

Too much sand.

So it's been buried in the sand, and now they can't find it?

Correct.

Desert. Know coordinates.

But chest location, no.

Well, at least you know which desert it's in, so there's that.

If that's the case, we need to head to those coordinates

and find the chest that's been buried in the sand.

Exactly.

!!

I know just the person.

She's second-to-none

when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Just follow me.

She'll be over the moon when we tell her we're heading to the ocean.

Thanks, Frima.

Once this adventure is done and dusted, I'll make sure you're rewarded.

I go too.

Adventure.

Yes.

Golden Ship.

I want to see.

Split treasure.

Even better.

That goes without saying.

I already agreed to give Captain his share,

but I'm more than willing to split my half with you.

!!

That much?

Of course! We're crewmates.

If we do come across any treasure, we've got to split it evenly, fair and square.

!!

That's crewmate?

So different from Cafe.

Touched.

Will work hard.

Glad to hear it.

All right, let's go find the next member of our crew.

OK.

You're asking me to go up to the surface?

Just the two of us?

Have you gone mental?

Just let me explain!

It won't be just the two of us.

Captain and Frima will be joining us as well.

Well, that's an improvement, but still,

why the ocean?

That's because...

!!

I heard you had bought something at the auction.

You blew your entire savings?

Are you sure you're feeling okay?

We're on the cusp of a rousing adventure, and that's what you're asking me?

Yes, because I know how irritable you get when you haven't eaten.

That may be true,

but the important thing is that we can have a proper seafaring adventure!

Not floating around in some microscopic swimming pool.

We might be able to see a real ship, on real water!

A real ship...

And not just any ship, the Golden Ship!

The Golden Ship...

That... would be pretty cool.

Since it's the Golden Ship, then there might be golden starfish on it too.

Uh... I'm not so sure about that, but I'm sure we'll find plenty of interesting things if we look around.

I believe we will as well.

So, are you interested?

Yes.

This Golden Ship sounds quite intriguing,

and I want to see an actual vessel heading out to sea.

Besides that, we don't have any events scheduled on the Admire for the next two weeks.

So, count me in.

All right!

Can we head out to the desert now?

Sure thing.

I'll find the Golden Ship if it's the last thing I do.

That's the spirit!

Hehehe!

Now that we've gathered our crew,

we can finally set off on our adventure.

Tomorrow,

we head out to find Captain Alligator's Golden Ship!

Tally-ho!

Tally-ho!

Woohoo!

Woohoo! Golden starfish!

Woohoo!

Adventure awaits!

Phew, it's a hot one today.

Any marine critters out here might end up extra crispy.

Too hot.

I should have expected this. It's just like in the movies.

The desert is not a place to be trifled with.

Nevertheless, this is where the coordinates have led us,

so can you fire up your radar, Anchor?

Sure thing.

You said the chest is made of metal, right?

Yes. Metal.

Good, that should make this easy.

!!

Did you find it?

Maybe. There's definitely something metal buried underneath the sand.

According to my radar, it should be northwest from here.

Let's head in that direction.

Aye aye, matey!

Here.

I-it's...!

... a bowl?

It's got "CAT" written on it.

I think it's meant to be a food bowl.

Aw man... I got all hyped up for nothing.

Sure.

Bigger than a cat bowl... bigger than a cat bowl...

!!

Ah-hah!

Got something?

Yes, and this time it's much bigger.

To the east.

Aye aye, matey!

Here.

All right, let's get digging.

*Kreee*?!

A Rapture?!

!!

Well,

they are made of metal, after all.

Is now really the time to be having a little roadside chat?!

Quiet.

Whoa, that was cool! Guess that's why you're a Scavenger.

Thanks.

But too late.

Huh?

Looks like we don't have much choice.

We've gotta stand our ground and fight!

Phew...

Nobody ever said adventuring was supposed to be easy.

All good.

It is inherent in adventure

for danger to come piece and parcel.

I'm good. Want to find gold.

I'm also okay. I'm looking forward to those golden starfish.

Besides, the surface isn't exactly a safe place at the best of times.

Anchor,

can you try finding the chest one more time?

Okay.

Bigger than a cat bowl, but smaller than a Rapture...

...

Hmm... it's not working.

Captain, can you give me a smack on the head?

I think my radar is on the fritz.

I've always heard there's a chance of fixing a broken appliance by giving it a good whack.

I'm sure it'll be the same with my radar.

I know,

but I still feel like it would be a big help.

Ow!

What are you doing?

I still think it would be worth trying...

Fine.

Captain is right.

You're even able to find items underwater.

You've also been training with Helm nearly every day

in preparation for us one day setting sail on the Admire.

You've got this.

We need to narrow the search then. There are too many things bigger than a cat bowl, but smaller than a Rapture.

How about you search for something that's square?

Wouldn't that make it easier?

!!

Yes. Something square. Got it.

Bigger than a cat's bowl... smaller than a Rapture... something square...

!!!

Uh!

Yes, and I think it's the right one this time.

Just the right size,

and it's a square box.

Sounds just like what we're looking for.

Where is it?

To the west.

Let's book it!

Right here.

Gotcha.

!!

Chest!

Phew... All right.

Let's open this sucker.

Go, go.

About time.

There it is!

Frima and Anchor, what would I do without you two?

I can't believe it. We actually found the remaining piece of the map!

Compliment? Thanks.

Let's combine this with the other piece.

Okay.

Oh my gosh!

It looks like there is supposed to be an ocean next to the trees.

Tree. Ocean. Between.

Triangle of trees... the shape of this shoreline...

I think I know where this is.

I do.

I know all the shorelines near the Ark like the back of my hand,

and I'm willing to bet this is one of them.

When the Admire one day heads up to the surface,

it'll need a capable helmsman on deck.

So I memorized the local topography just in case.

Good memory.

Jeez you guys, you're making me blush.

Anyway!

If this is the shoreline I'm thinking of, it's not too far from here.

Let's hurry.

Decoy has been installed. It's freezing out here.

Brrr... I heard about how cold the desert gets at night, but this is a whole other level.

...

How come you're not saying anything, Frima?

Are you okay?

Too cold. Can't talk.

Need calories.

Heh, I should have known you'd say something like that.

How about you, Captain? Are you okay?

Don't try and act tough. You can't fool me.

Well, you are human, after all.

We should all huddle close together,

or else Captain is gonna freeze to death.

We can't let that happen!

Too cold. Could die.

Are you feeling better?

Anchor, look!

It's the ocean!

!!

It certainly is.

Just look at all the fishies!

Wooow...

This is incredible!

That's a great idea!

Is that allowed though?

I'd like that too. I wanna take a closer look at the sea creatures.

I brought a swimsuit for this very occasion.

I'll go get changed.

I didn't bring one...

...

Ah, forget it. I'm going in the water anyway.

All done!

Er... hehe...

I don't know why, but I feel kinda embarrassed for some reason.

Cute?!

That's hardly a word that should be used to describe a pirate!

...

Still, it's nice to hear you say that.

You think so?

That's the best compliment I could have asked for!

Now I feel like I can enjoy myself without any worries.

Come on, Mast! Let's take a dip.

How about joining us, Frima?

Too lazy. Sleep here.

Zzzz...

Wow, that was fast.

Kinda reminds me of a barnacle sticking to a rock.

Oh well!

We can have more than enough fun with just the two of us.

So refreshing!

Come on in, Captain!

This is it.

The spot on the map.

Sure enough.

There's the "triangle of trees".

That means if we take a right,

the Golden Ship should be right there.

Just a little further, everyone.

We're almost there.

Ship...

...

Huh?

What is it, Frima?

That ship?

!!

That's... the Golden Ship?

Wh-what is this?

This is the correct location, right?

This is just an ordinary shipwreck...

According to the map, it should be.

Unless the Rapture invasion altered the terrain.

If the map is accurate, though,

this is the only place it could be.

No gold here.

Something tells me there aren't going to be any golden starfish either.

Le-let's take a look inside.

You never know.

There might be a whole bunch of gold inside.

As far as treasure goes, I bet it's no great shakes inside, too.

Agreed.

It's too early to give up now! Let's keep looking.

Here, check this ornamentation out. Very antique.

You can practically feel the luxury oozing off it.

I bet if we take this back, we could make a fortune.

Jeez, I barely touched it and it practically disintegrated.

...!!

The pillar beside us is falling apart.

... I'll be more careful.

??

Is it just me, or do you guys hear something kinda ominous?

?!

Agh!

Frima! Are you okay?

... Fine.

The wood is rotted out, so the structural integrity of this place is practically nonexistent.

Something strange.

Only here weak.

Are you saying the floor here is the only thing that's weak?

Seems like a trap.

Wha...?!

Ugh, why don't you all buzz off?

Then...

Pff pff, what is this?! Pff!

Pff pff!

...?

Is this from the ceiling?

Something off.

I'll investigate.

!!

There's someone here!

Who's there?

Oh, for goodness sake. I thought you'd leave after a while.

So be it.

You don't need to know who I am.

All you need to know is that if you want to pass through here, you've gotta pay the toll.

And it ain't gonna be cheap!

You've gotta give me something nice and shiny, worth plenty of moolah.

What's a kid doing here?

Who you callin' a kid?!

Unfortunately for you, I found this jackpot first.

I was just about to conduct a proper search

before you meddlesome fools came barging in.

You've got quite the mouth on you.

Can't you tell? I'm a Nikke.

And I don't like idle chitchat, so hurry up and make a decision.

Fork over that toll,

or take a hike!

What's it gonna be?

Obviously we're going to...

What the..?!

What is that?

Oh come on, this ship is already busted up enough as is!

Captain, this way! Hurry!

Encounter!

Hmph!

You're pretty good for mere peasants.

You didn't do too bad yourself, kiddo.

I'm not a kid! And I've got a name! Chime.

Took you long enough to tell us.

Nice to meet you, Chime.

I'm Mast.

Frima.

I'm Anchor.

Please, I don't give a hoot about your names.

Fine. Anyway, what on earth you are doing hanging around the Golden Ship?

I'm not just 'hanging around', for your information. I'm on a sacred mission.

All right all right, I take it back.

A sacred mission, huh? Sounds important.

Hmm... you may not be as stupid as you look after all.

My first impression of you may have been off.

Considering that you in fact do have a brain in-between your ears, I'll tell you more about me.

I am a vassal working for the Crown, enacting my solemn duty to resurrect the kingdom.

I chanced upon a treasure map, and it led me all the way out here.

There wasn't much boodle, not much as I expected.

I scrounged up a chest, but there wasn't anything inside.

Big waste of time coming here if you ask me.

A chest...?

I was trying to chase you all away before searching the interior,

but then those Raptures crashed the party.

That fight turned the whole inside of the ship into shambles, so I don't think there's any point in looking any further.

All that precious time, flushed down the drain.

So it's onto the next piece of hidden treasure for me.

See ya later, bumpkins!

...

That's a good idea.

We better hurry, though.

I think this is it.

It's awfully old, though.

I'll open it carefully this time so I don't break it.

I don't see anything inside...

but what's this on the lid?

Wow... The handle is really big.

Best to be gentle with it.

Just look how shiny it is!

Do you think this is the treasure?

Amazing.

Hm? But...

To think that Chime said there was nothing here.

She clearly didn't pay too much attention.

All right, everyone, the moment of truth has finally arrived.

Gather 'round.

Wow, actual honest-to-goodness treasure!

Excited.

I'll open it on three.

One...

Two...

Three!

A journal?

That's all?

No way, there has to be more!

Wait a moment.

...

...

...

Th-there's no way.

How can this be all that's in there?

We must have gotten the location wrong.

I must have read the map incorrectly.

Yeah, that's right...

Let me have another look...

Right place.

You know map.

Right. There's no way you were off.

This is... or was, rather... the Golden Ship.

...

...

...

I... I'm sorry, everyone.

I know you all had such high hopes.

After all I put you through to find the Golden Ship... and now this.

Fine.

Saw ocean. Slept.

I'm fine with it too. I'm just glad I got to see the ocean.

Still...

Sorry?

What was that?

!!!

You're right... this must be a diary left by the pirates.

The name of their ship was... Ocean Highway.

This journal talks about Ocean Highway, commandeered by Captain Mac.

That means this ship...

Not Golden Ship.

Right!

Holy moly!

There's still hope.

This adventure isn't over yet!

Huh?

Do you think the map he's talking about

is the one we have?

!!

I think so.

Seems so.

Precisely!

Keep reading.

Nothing much we can glean from these passages.

Huh? Who?

??

Anyway, there doesn't seem to be much useful information here, so I'll skip ahead.

That's the last entry.

Pirate's Eye?

Pirate's Eye... Pirate's Eye...

Oh!

Could it be...

I think I know where it is.

Everyone follow me!

Over there.

The Pirate's Eye. I think that's it.

Ah, I get it now.

Since the crow's nest gives you the greatest amount of visibility, you could consider it the ship's "eye".

You may be onto something.

I knew you'd get it.

How get up?

Let's see...

Are you sure climbing up there would be okay? It won't break, will it?

I think it'll be okay. As long as just one person goes up.

Exactly.

I'll go.

I'm the one who dragged everyone on this crazy adventure,

and I'm also claiming that there's treasure up at the top of this crow's nest.

A true pirate should stand behind their word.

You all trusted in me and were willing to accompany me on this adventure up on the surface.

I owe it to you to find this treasure with my own hands.

I'm asking you to trust me one last time,

and believe that there is in fact treasure at the top.

No matter what happens,

what's important is that our adventure is full of passion.

Thank you, Captain.

There's treasure.

Definitely.

And you too, Frima.

Hold on...

Mast.

My radar is picking up something.

There's definitely something up there.

!!

It must be the treasure.

I know it is.

Even you have my back, Anchor.

Thank you, everyone.

I won't come back empty-handed!

Unghh...!

I'm fine. Don't worry.

Wheww...

Here we go.

She's nearly there now.

One rung left.

Wheww...

You've got this!

Come on!

... *Gasp* *Gasp* Ungh!

!!

!!

Unghhh!

Ughhhh...!

If they cut off your legs, then you start to crawl!

That's the pirate way!

*Gulp gulp* Ahh!

Phew... I thought I was toast back there.

This has to be the Pirate's Eye they were talking about.

It's...

beautiful.

It's easy to forget sometimes,

but the surface can be a wondrous place.

Don't you think so, Morgan?

Hey, Morgan!

Where are you going?

Mast found it! Mast found it!

Uh...?!

Don't tell me that's...

Everyone!

Look at this!

What is it?

Golden bottle?

It's not the bottle that's gold.

!!

Wow, so pretty!

That's right.

This was the only thing up in the crow's nest,

so this must be the treasure left behind by the ocean god.

I'm sorry,

we didn't find the treasure everyone was hoping for,

but still...

Hmm...

Frima, we don't even know what's in there!

!!

No.

This is the treasure.

Yeah?

From ocean god. Definitely.

I wanna try some.

!!

Whoa, it's super sweet. Delicious, though.

Do you want a sip, Captain?

Is it really that good?

!!!

Oh my gosh, it's amazing!

Told you so.

This certainly qualifies as a treasure to me.

I guess...

Stop feeling sorry for us, and let's take another dip in the ocean.

Huh?

Everyone, look over there...!

??

!!

Yeah, I saw it!

The Golden Ship!

So it does exist.

Captain Alligator's Golden Ship...

it's not just a folk tale.

Our adventure wasn't in vain after all!

Everyone... Thank you so much.

It's only because you all were willing to come up here with me,

that our adventure...

had a happy ending.

Yes?

!!

Captain...

Count me in.

Wanna see ship.

I want to go next time too.

I still need to see if there are any golden starfish inside the Golden Ship.

You guys...

Another adventure! Another adventure!

All right, then!

Our adventuring days aren't over yet.

Next time...

we'll be sure to find the Golden Ship!

*Yawwwn*

What a long day.

Don't these people ever get tired of having the same soiree every day?

On the surface, there's always something new...

...

Mast.

!!

Helm said we can start clearing the tables.

Okay.

Come on, step on it. We've got to clear these tables, fast.

You okay, Mast?

Is something you ate disagreeing with you?

Oh, what I'd do for another sip of the ocean god's elixir...

Oh, that.

I'd love to have a few more sips as well.

All right then.

Let's get this place cleaned up quick and go meet the Captain.

You got it!