Disclaimer: This story is based on characters created by L.J. Smith, as portrayed in the TV series created by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. All rights to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's Note: So, I got this idea in my head, and it wouldn't leave me alone until I at least started writing out some scenes. I started posting this on LJ as a minific with a few scenes here and there, but then I couldn't help myself and decided to make it a full story. So if you've read my posts on LJ, you'll recognize some of the scenes – and pretty much this entire chapter. It's based on a small part of the 1985 miniseries Lace II. Enjoy!
REBEL WITH A CAUSE
~ I ~
Elena Gilbert wiped the sweat off her forehead with the scarf she wore around her neck. For days now she had travelled, heading deep into the jungle to meet with the revolutionary leader Young-Zhu for an exclusive interview.
Since she left her newspaper's office five days ago, she had travelled by airplane, train, canoe and, for the last leg of the trip, by elephant. Every part of her body ached and she longed for a bath. The insects buzzing around her did nothing for her mood, or her confidence.
Less than a month ago, the man she loved had asked her to marry him, and she accepted. They had a big celebration the weekend before she left for Asia, and she had been beautiful. Everyone had said so.
Elena and Mark were the perfect couple. Successful, rich, drop dead gorgeous… Elena couldn't believe her luck when her editor told her the news. The elusive revolutionary leader, who hadn't given interviews in decades, had invited her to write an in-depth article about his life. It was a potential Pulitzer-worthy story, and it would secure Elena a place among the big names in journalism.
Mark had been proud of her, of course, but he did voice his concern that she would be travelling across the world on her own. But she really didn't have a choice. The invitation was strictly limited to her. Perhaps she should have questioned why, but the opportunity was just too great to pass up.
Now, as her journey seemed endless, she wondered if it was really worth it. She was utterly alone in a strange country, in a remote place of the world, where rebel soldiers could attack at any moment. More than once, Elena had been told to hide while enemy soldiers passed their route. She was seriously ready to get this interview over and done with.
Just when Elena thought she couldn't stand another minute on elephant-back, the jungle opened up and the men that had kept her out of harm's way for the last couple of days relaxed and their voices were raised in what sounded like joyful shouting. We must have arrived, Elena deduced.
One of the men helped her down and Elena took a moment to get her land-legs back. Riding an elephant was an experience that could be likened to sitting in a boat that rocked, and Elena felt the effects of it.
The gleeful shouting subsided as a man emerged from the crowd which had gathered around the new arrivals. Among the indigenous people, he stood out like a sore thumb. A raven-haired, blue-eyed thumb, that is. He carried himself with authority, and from the reaction of the men in the camp, it seemed he was the one in charge.
"Miss Gilbert, welcome," he drawled in a velvety voice, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips.
"You're American," Elena said, taken aback.
"Well, don't hold it against me," he smirked.
"I'm here to see Mr. Zhu. Is he available?"
"Come, you must be tired from your journey," he said smoothly, gesturing towards a hut-like structure with a surrounding veranda. A small table was set with two dishes and a bottle of questionable content.
"I am," Elena confirmed. "But I'm also anxious to meet with Mr. Zhu."
"Understandably so. Mr. Zhu is a fascinating man. Unfortunately, he is not available at the moment," the man said and leaned back in this chair while gesturing for her to take a seat.
"Not available?" Elena frowned as she sat down at the table. "I've travelled for days and he's not here?"
"I'm afraid he had some pressing business to attend to. He should be back within a few days."
"A few days?"
"Well, it's not exactly like he can get in his car and drive around. You've seen for yourself how treacherous this area can be."
"So in the meanwhile, I'm supposed to sit here and wait?"
"Yes. But you are in luck."
"How so?"
"You have me to keep you company," he smirked.
"I don't even know your name."
"It's Damon. Call me Damon."
