Sacrifice is a chose you make, loss is a choice made for you. Those words have never left my mind, not ever since Roth's death. When he told me at first, I was angry at him for even thinking I'd chose to let someone die. I would never. If there is a chance of me being able to save someone, I will choose to save them. I only wish I could've saved everyone; Grim, the man brave and stubborn enough to sacrifice himself for my safety, Alex, the man who wished to impress me so much and gain my attention, in the end sacrificing himself to let me escape with the tools, and of course, my biggest lost, Roth. The brilliant, caring, inspirational, great teaching Northern bastard who sacrificed himself for me to live. I'll never forget that day; his last words being 'After all, you're a Croft.' I had lost the father I needed most. I had lost the man who took my father's place and who I loved so dearly. Thankfully, I was able to save the rest of the Endurance. After Alex's sacrifice, I vowed to never let anyone else die. Reyes finally trusted me enough to help me, thanks to Jonah's help as well, and we were able to save my dearest, best friend Sam. If I had lost her...
Though now we have escaped that place, I still suffer from the nightmares it haunts me with. Scenes of deaths, torture and just plain hell always return. Sam was always there for me though, twenty-four seven. On our way back to civilization, Sam was there when my wounds were being treated, when it was time to eat and time to sleep. She even shared a bed with me my nightmares were that bad. I'm forever grateful she did because with her, nothing bad hovers over me. My soul and heart are cleared of fears and doubts, and I'm able to be happy and smile and laugh. Maybe, as crazy as it sounds, maybe this whole adventure is what I really needed. I was able to find out very important things. One, being that my father was right. He had always been right. Himiko was the proof of that, and I promised I'd search for everything he couldn't, uncover the secrets of everything he wanted to know. And if possible, find out what happened to him and my mother. The second thing I learned was how important my friends were to me. I'll always remember and miss those we've lost, but the one's I have now I never want to lose. And lastly, I learned how I truly felt. I couldn't deny it anymore, I couldn't fight it, I just had to accept it and if at all, tell. I finally accepted that I, Lara Croft, the survivor of an cursed island who was as deadly as hell, was in love. And I was in love with my best friend, Sam Nishimura.
It had been 4 months since the horrible experience the Endurance had to suffer from on the island of Yamatai. Roth, Grim and Alex were always remembered for the anniversary of the day the survivors of the island were able to get off. The group got together, cancelling all plans made to meet up and pray for their friends. Of course, there were no graves or anything, so the group met up at the docks where they all first met for the first time on their way to Yamatai. Every now and then the group would try and see each other as often as they can but were mostly apart, busy with their own lives. Jonah had continued his job as a chef, becoming famously known more and more around the world. Reyes spent her time with her daughter Alisha, helping her with school and telling her stories about her father. All but two became distance. And they were of course, best friends Sam and Lara.
Sam and Lara were together nearly every day and night. Lara, being the true heroine of the island and a true survivor still had her nightmares but Sam was there to keep an eye on her and care for her 24/7. Sam was able to film make some movies which she was overjoyed with, and Lara continued her searches for everything her father spoke about. After years of following the crowd thinking he was a fool, she wanted to make it up to him by finding everything he could. She made that promise. She also made a promise to never let Sam in any danger again and to keep her safe. She knew Sam was older and was able to take care of herself, but it was more than just protection.
GAH! Enough Croft. Pull yourself together.
Lara was buried in her books again, reading up on her father's notes and keeping a huge world map hung up on the wall. She spent ours reading and searching and plotting, until of course she heard her door creak.
"And once again we find the incredible species, Lara Croft, again in her native habitat."
'She loves saying that.' Lara thought. Apparently Sam wasn't done with her documentary.
"In order to keep her burning curiosity stable, she spends countless hours of the day reading up on books and notes and plotting on her map, trying to uncover the hidden mysteries of the world. It seems to be a natural instinct for the Crofts."
"And a natural instinct for the Sam is to record and make documentaries on anything she can find. It's quite worrying at times but it's the only way to cure her burning desire of filmmaking."
"And cut!" Same laughed. "Well what an interesting piece! Wouldn't be surprised if the Croft and Nishimura film comes out soon with a five star rating!"
Lara chuckled. "Who would pay to watch a bookworm and recorder?"
Sam stuck her tongue out playfully. God. Her being playful is hot. "Why wouldn't everyone?"
"Highly doubt its everyone's cup of tea." Lara smiled.
"'Cup of tea?' Very British Lara coming back to the place folks!"
Lara stuck her tongue out this time. "Better than rude American Sam here!"
Sam put on a joking shocked hurt face. Stop being so damn hot girl.
"I'm Japaguese Lara. Geez!"
Lara rolled her eyes. "Of course. How could I possibly forget that?"
Sam giggled. "You ready to take a break sweetie? It's probably best before your head explodes from the amount of tombs and places to go!"
Calling me sweetie still? That never gets old to her from you. "Suppose I'll have to so you'll get off my back."
Sam smiled. "Good! I ordered out for us tonight, and I do have so booze stored away for us tonight!"
Lara rolled her eyes. "Really Sam? Drinking?"
"Oh sweetie, let your hair down! Cut loose! Have fun for a change ok?"
Lara couldn't help but turn serious. Sam noticed and felt like an idiot for what she said.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Lara spoke. "You're right. And believe me, I really want to. It's just... Just..."
"You had a nightmare again didn't you?"
Lara nodded. Sam sighed and walked up to sit on Lara's lap, surprising her.
"Sweetie, you have to tell me straight away when you have a nightmare. Don't suffer in silence anymore. It's been 4 months. 4 months I've been living with you, even longer on being friends with you! Can you not trust me enough to tell me?"
Lara stared into Sam's eyes. They we're full of worry, concern and wonder. They were beautiful. Then again, everything about Sam was. Her thick short hair, her perfect body shape, her dark chocolate brown eyes, her lips...
"Lara?" She snapped out of her daydream. Perving on Sam again, well done Croft!
"Of course I do Sam. I trust you more than anyone. I just... I've never exactly been go with saying my feelings. Ever since my mother banished, I've kept things to myself. When my father did the same, it worsened."
Sam starred at the timid, lost little girl she saw before her. You poor thing Lara. She gently kissed her forehead, startling Lara.
"You can talk to me Lara. I'm always here to listen. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."
Lara smiled. "Thanks Sam."
Sam then gently tapped Lara's nose. "It is my debt to you too, but I mostly want to!" She winked and turned on her heal.
"Food should arrive soon so hurry now bookworm! Recorder will be waiting!"
Lara chuckled. "Yes Mam!"
Sam left the room giggling and Lara couldn't help but chuckle. Damn. I had a chance to say again but held my tongue. She placed her books down and pushed her chair out. I will tell her. I won't leave her in the dark for much longer. Lara looked in her mirror and starred herself in the eyes. She then thought of those famous last words she heard, and spoke them out loud.
"You can do it Lara, after all, you're a Croft."