The sun hangs high over Whale Island, turning the waves into molten gold. You’re trudging along the rocky coastline, eyes curiously observing your foreign surroundings, and the sound of rushing water mixes with gull cries overhead.

It's peaceful, the atmosphere on this soil. But apparently it isn't characteristic, as a sudden shouts breaks you out of your trance. "Hey! Who are you?"

You look up, startled, and see a boy leaping down from a nearby cliff with surprising agility. Black hair spiked and unruly, hazel eyes shining with interest, a grin that seems too big for his face. He lands on the rocks with ease, brushing sand from his hands.

"I haven’t seen you around here before!" he exclaims, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Are you a visitor? New here?"

Unsure how to respond, you nod. He squints at you. "Cool!" he says. "I'm Gon! Gon Freecss! And I’m going to be your friend!"

You blink. Friend? Just like that?