A/N: Hey guys! I've received a bunch of OCs and I've selected a few. Here's the deal though even if your OC isn't on the boat, it doesn't mean they won't be in the story. I'm thinking of adding those characters to the freighter. So I am also accepting some freighter OCs! And here's the long awaited first chapter of Winds of Fate! - Alexa

Characters on the boat

Garret Montgomery

Averi Montgomery

Martina Estefania Diaz-Correra (Jac Danvers)

James Black (HeroineInducedPanic)

Skye Hopeman (charmed4eva112)

Riena St. Claire (HeroineInducedPanic)

Gavin Quintana – McIntyre (Golden-Back Dragon)

Rhys Holden (Kingdomhearts91 (Thanks Harper ))

Angelo "Angel" Lockhart (ninaxwings)

The warm tropical winds danced around the small harbor in Vauna Levu, one of the larger islands of Fiji. The winds danced between the palm trees and occasionally rustle the hair of a passerby. The winds were subtle enough to just wisp the blonde hair of a tall man. His eyes glanced out at the clear blue sea; he was searching for something in the distance. The man was wearing a white polo and khaki shorts; his dirty blonde hair is left hanging around his chiseled face. A few freckles are spotted along the tanned skin of his face. He flashed a white smile as a daring wind splashed him the face. The man turned around as the clap of flip-flops on the old wooden dock sounds the arrival of someone else. The man turns to look at the offending person and smiles again. It's a relatively tall girl with long dirty blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was wearing a flimsy white tank top that manages to hang off her frame. Ripped denim shorts show off her long tanned legs. On her feet are a pair of black Havaiana flip-flops.

"Garret!" She calls to the blonde boy. Garret walks over to the edge of the boat he was currently on and leans over the edge,

"Yeah Ave?" He asks as the girl walks closer.

"You will never guess who just called me!"

"… Who?"

"Martina!" Garrets attention suddenly spiked at the mention of his good friend. Martina and Garret had met a while back, at a sailing conference. Well she was at a conference about survival skills, they met up by chance. The two had so much in common, it was always a wonder to Garret why he didn't peruse the relationship further. He always assumed they would be better friends than lovers, and he was probably right. They both had rocky pasts and neither would be the best in a relationship together. As of current it was Garret's 29th birthday, and he was spending it in Fiji. He and his sister, Ave or Averi as she was better known, invited many of their closest friends. The basic plan was to start out in the island of Vauna Levu and travel to one of the smaller islands off the coast. Garret's first choice was to invite Martina, they were close and she was an expert navigator. Not to mention she was friendly with Averi. That was always a plus; Averi could be a bit of a pit bull when it came to Garret's girl friends. However luckily for Garret, Martina had always been nothing but nice to Averi. Even going so far as to invite her to a survival-training seminar. Of course that idea happened to fail, Averi has no hope with survival skills.

"What did Martina tell you?" He asked. Part of him was hoping she would reveal the secret birthday present Martina was hiding from him.

"She said a storms coming. But I don't see it," Averi mumbled as she lifts her right hand over her eyes like a visor and scans the blue colored horizon.

"Well you wouldn't if it was on the other side of the island," Garret laughs as he points in the opposite direction of Averi's view. He could vaguely make out a dark colored cloud, as it seemed to be maneuvering across the sky. Averi scowled as she spotted the dark cloud and pulled herself onto the boat.

"Shut it," She growled, "Did you touch my stuff?" She questioned as she made her way down to the underbelly of the boat.

"No, I left all your three suitcases down there. You know I specifically remember telling all our guests bring one bag!" He called down to the underbelly of the boat.

"I'm your sister, not a guest!" Averi's voice echoed back. Garret gave a small snort and returned his gaze to the dark cloud that seemed to be moving towards his boat.

"You worried?" Garret's head shot down as he glanced at the dock. Where his sister was standing moments before was Martina. She was dressed in dark jeans and an indigo blouse that matched well with her milky brown skin. Garret smiled as he gave her another once over, her nose was wrinkled from her eyes squinting to see him. That small change made her freckled pop out at Garret. Her brown hair was kept up in a ponytail and he noticed the bottom of her hair was frizzy from the heat.

"Nah, just checkin' it out. I'll be good now that I have my expert navigator with me. Here let me help you with that Marty," Garret reached over the side of the boat and grasped Martina's grey suitcase.

"Thanks, Garret." She smiled at him as she climbed onto the boat. "Where's Ave?"

"Down there," he made a gesture to the open door, "counting her luggage. At least you listened. Hey Averi! Martina's here and guess what? She brought one piece of luggage!" Yelled Garret. Martina laughed as she heard some curses being flung at Garret. "She really does love me," He joked. Martina smiled and walked over to a small table that was set up by the front of the boat.

"It really should only take us a few hours to get to the small island… but still maybe we should wait until the storm passes…" She trailed off as Garret came to look over her shoulder.

"You make it sound like we're heading into a typhoon. It's a fleeting rainstorm. Come on, and plus it's my birthday. You have to do what I say!" Martina rolled her eyes at Garret.

"Fine but if you kill us all…"

"No worries, I'm the best sailor in the world. What could go wrong?"

"Oh I don't know… we sink!" The two started to laugh; knowing that was Garret said was true. He was a very good sailor and the likelihood of something going wrong was very slim. The spatter of flip-flops against the boat was heard again and the two looked over at Averi. She smiled at Martina and gave her a quick hug.

"Sorry, I didn't come up before. I was securing our luggage. Are we going to head out soon?" She asked Garret.

"Yeah, we're just missing nine people." He replied. Averi rolled her eyes at her brother,

"I mean when they get here, can we sail out?"

"Well we should be able to unless you, like Marty, want to wait for the storm."

"Why wait when we can just sail right into it?" Averi quipped oozing sarcasm, "No, really I'll just leave that up to you guys. Sailings your thing…" Averi trailed of then straightened as she caught sight of three approaching figures.

"Six left!" She called back as she ran over to the three emerging figures. Averi had to squint her blue eyes to make out the faces of Skye Hopeman, Riena St. Claire and James Black. Averi waved her three friends over and couldn't help but laugh as the three walked over. James was about 6"4 in height so he was towering over the two smaller girls, so much he cast a shadow over their faces.

"Hey!" She said as the three had finally made it to the edge of the boat.

"Hey yourself Ave, it's been too long!" James smiled as he helped the two girls with their luggage. They both thanked him silently, not that Averi could blame them, James was very intimidating. James had been in the army and he had the typical look. A blonde buzz cut, tall stature, muscular, and bright blue eyes that matched Garret's so perfectly. Averi always got along with James, and she couldn't help but think that simple feature was why.

"He's over there," Averi pointed to the table, where Martina and Garret were huddled over a map, "If you're looking for him," Averi said to James as he stepped onto the boat. James gave a quick once over at the three girls standing next to him,

"I can see where I'm not wanted," He said as he walked away. Skye looked almost hurt as she craned her neck to get a better look at him,

"He's not upset is he?"

"He likes to joke," Answered Averi as she turned her attention away from James's retreating figure. "So how have you two been!" She glanced over Riena and Skye as she did this noticing they both look fairly well. Riena opened her mouth first, and then waited for the winds to stop striking at her face, it had gotten worse. Averi spared a quick look at Garret and Martina who seemed to be explaining the root to James. Averi quickly turned back to Riena as the wind stopped blowing.

"I am well," She said slowly in a heavy Spanish accent. English wasn't Riena's first language; she was in fact born in Granada, Spain to a French father and a Spanish mother. The result was beautiful, Riena has thick dark brown hair with matching eyes, all of this with her curvy figure and tanned skin made her look like a supermodel. "I have bought…this," she gestured to her long dark purple flowing skirt and black tank with her hands, "in…Fiji?" She questioned. Averi smiled,

"Close enough, we technically are in Fiji. I like the outfit!" Averi never wore things like that but had to admit Riena had taste. "Oh hey, you remember my brother Garret, right?" She questioned then turned back over to the table, "Garret!" She yelled, Garret popped his head up and looked at her with an annoyed expression. It was the same face he would make at her when they were younger and she interrupted him while he was doing something important. "You remember Riena right?" Garret met Riena's eyes and his face softened; he gave her a quick smile before returning to work. "He's busy, and worried about that cloud," She pointed to make sure Riena understood as well as Skye. While Skye looked at the darkening cloud Averi couldn't help but smile, Skye was 21 and four years younger than Averi. Past the age difference the two were as close as sisters, Skye was only about an inch shorter than Averi was and had the same sun kissed skin. They got along so well many people believed them to be sisters.

"Hey S," smiled Averi as she hugged Skye. Skye pulled away and smiled,

"You could have crushed me!" She laughed hard as she smoothed her wavy golden brown hair and wiped a tear from her grass green eyes.

"Please I'm not that strong. You two want to meet James? I know you guys walked over here with him, but he's pretty silent." Skye met Averi's eyes with a pleading look. "Of course we have plenty of time to do that…" Skye was skittish around men, she was in foster care for a while and from what Averi could gather, some unimaginable things occurred. "Hey do you two mind hanging out up here for a sec, I'll drop the luggage down below." Riena and Skye nodded as they both took a seat against the side of the boat. Riena glanced over the side of the white painted boat. The waves were becoming darker and splashed against the boat rocking it slightly.

"Do you get sea sick?" Asked Skye as she watched Riena's eyes move around the water.

"No, I am nervous… the water looks dangerous." Skye mentally agreed with Riena as the two watched the darkening waters with caution.

Gavin Quintana – McIntyre sat in the Beachcomber bar with a mixed drink in his hand and a wad of cash at his side. Gavin was surrounded by a bunch of smoking men who were trying to con the wrong man out of his money. Gavin half glanced at his watch before suddenly realizing the time. 1:45, brilliant he thought, Ave is going to kill me. Gavin was supposed to be at the dock at 1:30, the boat was leaving at 2:30.

"Sorry gentlemen, but I have a boat to catch!" Gavin turned to look at a dark haired beauty, "And I'll see you when I get back," He winked as he grabbed a black duffel bag. Gavin ran out the door before anyone could object him for taking the money or flirting with that woman. It wasn't like being chased down was new to him; he just didn't want to bring that over to Averi and her brother Garret. He walked swiftly out on to the streets of Fiji dodging pedestrians as he raced to the harbor. Gavin glanced down at his watch for a bout a few minutes too long and crashed into someone. A tall, lean man with dark hair and eyes glared at Gavin and then his eyes widened as he realized who had crashed into him.

"Gavin,"

"Rhys," He responded as the two men stood across from each other. Gavin was about three inched taller than Rhys and had to stifle a laugh at the glare that Rhys was still holding. Gavin figured it had to do with the simple fact that Rhys and Averi were dating and that Gavin just happened to be Averi's best male friend, who occasionally flirts with her. "So Averi invited you?" Gavin questioned as he dropped the black duffel on the street.

"I'm her boyfriend," Snapped Rhys.

"Right sometimes I forget."

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm her best friend, she invited me to join her and her lovely brother for his birthday cruise," Shrugged Gavin, Rhys' eyes glanced over to the bag,

"What's in it," he questioned.

"Are you kidding, what are you security?" Rhys' eyes narrowed again,

"I'm no idiot, I know what you used to do for a living. And I swear if you get Averi involved in anything…"

"Chill out! Look I haven't gotten her involved yet have I? And she is my friend, I would never hurt her." Rhys glared once again his dark brown eyes scanning Gavin's face for a trace of a lie.

"For your sake I certainly hope so." Gavin stood for a few moments in the street watching as Rhys walked away. Sure Gavin could take him in a fight, but he had to admit Rhys could be threatening when he wanted to be. Maybe he learned from his father, the lovely California state senator, who Gavin thought was just a corrupt as anyone Capitol Hill. Gavin ran some fingers through his dark hair and he checked his silver watch once more. 2:00, he had thirty minutes, well maybe they wouldn't leave without him. Gavin picked up his black bag and walked the rest of the way to the down to the docks. When he reached the docks he noticed it was pretty abandoned, except for the white boat, which seemed to be bursting with people. He figured that it was because of the large black cloud creeping its way to the harbor. As Gavin approached the boat he noticed Rhys again, speaking to another man who he had met once before. The other guy, Angelo maybe, had brownish hair that went to his shoulders. Angelo looked almost exotic; he had tanned skin and blue eyes. He also had, from what Gavin noticed, some sort of bug wings peaking through his white tank and a nose piercing. Gavin hopped helped himself on to the boat and walked over to Rhys and Angelo.

"How long has it been Rhys? 10 minutes maybe?" He questioned, Rhys' eyes darkened as he walked away. Gavin chuckled to himself and then turned his attention to Angelo, "Angelo right?" Gavin questioned.

"Angel actually," He smiled. Gavin's lip twitched as Angel corrected him. "You're Gavin right, Averi's friend?" He questioned.

"Yeah… so how do you know Averi?"

"Oh I don't really, Garret invited me, he used to date my sister Simone, but they broke up."

"And you stayed friends with him? Impressive."

"Not everyone's as rude as you Gav." Gavin turned around and smiled at Averi who was slowly approaching them.

"Hey, I'm just saying how impressed I am. It just seems strange for me." Averi laughed and reached her hand out to Angel,

"Hey Angel it's been years." Angel smiled at her and shook her hand lightly,

"It has, how have you been?"

"Alright, you know the usual stuff. Garret's over there if you were looking for him," Averi pointed to where her brother was looking out over the bow of the boat.

"It's okay, he looks busy." Averi turned to glance at her brother who was concentrating on the blue skies ahead instead of the dark clouds which she knew was moving ever closer.

"I'll go check on him and see if we'll be heading out soon!" Averi walked swiftly away from the two guys. As she walked to the boat she saw that Skye and Riena were talking happily. She was glad they were getting along; they both meant so much to Averi. Out of the corner of her eye she saw James and Rhys talking, well Rhys was talking James was listening carefully. Martina however was nowhere to be seen. Averi walked up the railing along the bow and leaned over.

"What's wrong now, missing another piece of luggage?" Joked Garret.

"Just wondering when we'll be setting out."

"I figure you would have wanted to stay put, you know wait the storm out." Averi sighed and looked at her brother.

"I do. But I'm not the sailor here. If you think we'll be safe then I'm okay with it."

"I'd never let anything hurt you Ave, you know that. Why are you so nervous all of the sudden though, is it that plane crash that they found around here?" Averi rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet and looked down,

"You'll never guess who found that plane."

"Who?"

"Charles Widmore…" Garret turned back to make sure none of their friends were listening before speaking,

"I don't see why that should concern you, or me."

"He was dad's old partner. You remember don't you? Dad used to kill people for him." Garret grabbed Averi's arm harshly,

"You need to be quiet about that. You know what Widmore did to our father once he told us."

"He is no where near us… he can't so anything." Garret took a deep breath,

"So that's why you're worried, because Widmore found that plane?"

"Yeah, it just seems weird."

"It was a plane crash Averi. It's weird because it's not suppose to happen."

"No, that's not why. There had to be some survivors and they haven't even released the black box."

"Well maybe they didn't find it okay, what happened happened. It's all fate."

"You believe in fate?"

"Yeah why?"

"It's not your thing brother dearest." Laughed Averi.

"Yeah well the thing about fate is it's unbelievable, unpredictable and it brings us to places we could never imagine. And you know me sis, I love adventure!"

"And you know me, I'd rather not be trekking through a dangerous jungle."

"Which is why we get along so well!" Laughed Garret as he pulled Averi into a hug.

"I guess opposites do attract," Averi agreed. She pulled away from Garret who took one last glance at the dark cloud before looking out at the clear sea.

"Go tell everyone we're setting sail. This is going to be the greatest trip ever!"