Uncharted Waters

Shoukoku no Altair

Original Character

Summary: Life is like the ocean. You navigate your way using everything in your disposal. When challenges are thrown your way, you must keep going. But the ocean is endless. Eventually, you will come upon wholly unfamiliar territory. One have no choice but to brave through it. L'isolani sailors are the best seafarers out there. But their womenfolk are not to be underestimated either.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoukoku no Altair. All OCs in this story belong to me

Warnings: OCs, typos, grammar errors

IF YOU DON'T LIKE CANON CHARACTER X ORIGINAL CHARACTER PAIRING, TURN BACK NOW

CHAPTER 14

As the second son, Roni is raised to be the supporter of his brother, and back up if anything happened to him and their father. He must prove himself first under Guglielmo's leadership before he is allowed to have a ship to call his own. Counsellor and first mate to Guglielmo, that is the roles assigned to Roni since birth. His older brother was smarter, stronger and much more skilled than him. He would make a good Doge. The dream to make the Boccanegra family as de facto leader of L'isolani once and for all was so close to realisation.

It never once crossed Roni's mind that Guglielmo would leave them so soon. Their plans fell apart when his ship sunk. Their father had long passed away. It is up to Roni and Gino to keep everything together. They need each other more than ever. Amadeo is counting on them. It was the most difficult thing Roni had ever done when they broke the news to the boy. Amadeo was confused at first. Death is just a word to him until Roni and Gino made it very, very real. The memory of little Amadeo sobbing and calling out for his father always make his chest hurt.

The first few weeks was one of the hardest times in his life. Roni had no idea how hard it is to handle the workload. Father and Guglielmo made it look so easy. Gino was doing the best of his ability to take care of the things Roni didn't notice or forgot. Amadeo was… Well, he made them worried. He withdraw to himself and barely respond to anything. Roni and Gino came up with an agreement. Whenever one of them leave the island, the other must stay behind. Someone has to watch over Amadeo.

One night, Roni broke down in the office. Everything became too much for him to handle. The stress from work, grief for his brother, his insecurities… It's getting to him. They just lost an important client earlier that day. The client told Roni that he will never be as good as Guglielmo. Those words are like salt to his bleeding wound. A wound that has yet to close up. Other thoughts start to sprang up in his head. Father must be disappointed with his lackluster performance. He is going to fail Amadeo and Gino. Honestly, he won't be surprised if at that point Maria's ghost appear and berate him for not taking good care of Amadeo.

He didn't hear the door opened. He didn't hear the tiny footsteps. Roni finally looked up when he felt a pair of skinny arms wrapped around him.

"There, there, Uncle Roni…,"

Amadeo meant to comfort him but it only made Roni to cry harder. He take his nephew in his arms and sob to his small shoulder. Amadeo was patient. He didn't let go until they fell to sleep. Roni must have cried himself to sleep and Amadeo couldn't get out of his hold, so they sleep on the floor.

Gino found them in the morning. He burst out laughing, waking them up. Amadeo start to laugh and Roni joined in.

For the first time since Guglielmo's death, Roni think they are going to be okay.

(Later on, when his head is clearer, Roni wonder why Amadeo is still up. He never asked. He has pretty good guesses of the reason why.)

The three of them worked out their grief. They get on with life. Amadeo start being energetic again. Roni and Gino gradually adjusted to their new roles and grow confident. It was not perfect but it worked. For a while, everything was good.

Roni and Gino were pleasantly surprised when they discovered that Amadeo has Triton's blessings. Their nephew is already bright for his age. To show promise as a sailor this early? Imagine how he will be when Amadeo become an adult. The world had no idea what is about to come. Suddenly, their dream to be number one in L'isolani and Centro is not just a dream anymore. With Amadeo, everything is within reach. They just have to be strategic and have patience. Their crew start to call Amadeo as Son of Triton, and the nickname stuck.

Then Gino start to get these ideas in his head. How other nations are catching up to L'isolani. How the situation do not look good for their family. How they need to change their ways before it's too late. Roni can agree that Boccanegra's standing got weaker after Guglielmo left them, but if they can recover from Father's death, they can recover from this. And they are recovering. Other nations may have brand new ships but it means little if their sailors don't have the skills. L'isolani sailors are the best. Everyone knew that. There is no need for unnecessary changes. They tried to hide their disagreement from Amadeo but their nephew is smart. He picked up their discord fairly quickly. Sometimes Roni forget that children can be the most insightful creatures. Regardless, they try not to fight in front of him.

Roni had hoped that Gino would forget all these nonsense. The last thing they need is another crack. The Boccanegra family must be strong. If their rivals hear of the things Gino spout, they would ridicule them. They must not show weakness. And Amadeo is just starting to recover. They don't need this. But their arguments got even more and more heated. Servants and shipmates start to whisper. Amadeo grow distressed.

In the end, Gino turn his back on them.

Roni don't have the time to wonder where it all go wrong. It's just him and Amadeo now. With Gino's departure, Amadeo need him more than ever. By Triton he will raise the boy right. He swear so on Guglielmo's and Maria's graves.

And now he must do his roles to his nephew.

Amadeo is a clever boy. He absorbed his lessons like a sponge and eager to learn new things. Sometimes he would cause mischief but that is normal for boys his age. He is brave, astute and stubborn. Just like Guglielmo. The stubborness is more like Maria though. Amadeo take on his role as captain like a duck in water. Ever since he start to take more active role in the family business, their revenue increases. He take on older politicians with ease and won their respect. Their crew is ready to follow him to the death.

Amadeo is born to be a leader. Amadeo is born to be a Doge. He is the embodiment of everything great of L'isolani. Triton himself saw fit to bless the boy.

Roni is proud.

Amadeo is not only his father's son, he is going to surpass him. There will come a day that he won't need Roni anymore. But Roni will always by his side.

Even though Amadeo is capable of taking care of himself, he is still a teenage boy. Amadeo doesn't seem all too concerned to have friends around his age. Of course, his nephew have high standards with people as well. He won't bother to to talk to someone he deem not worthy of his time. Too bad there is no one amongst their crew who is around his age. There must be something he can only convey to someone close to his age. The age gap between him and Roni is too great. Roni is worried. Will Amadeo be truly all right when he's gone? He don't want his nephew to be completely alone when the time comes….

Stomp stomp stomp stomp

Slam

"Uncle Roni!" Amadeo barged into his office. "I need your help!"

Roni hurriedly look at his paper. Good, not a drop of ink. He put down his pen. "What is wrong, Amadeo?"

"Orelia's birthday is coming!"

Ah

Amadeo make his way to the desk. "I just heard about it from some girls on the street. They are talking about Odilon's birthday. Since they are twins…"

Roni nodded, "How can I help?"

"Uncle, what should I get for Orelia?"

"I am not familiar with her. You do. Think carefully about her person first."

Amadeo thought about the sea nymph. She like to wear pretty dresses. She always wear a single braid on top of her head like a band. Cats are her favourites. She like to sing and dance. Orelia's favourite color are pink and blue. The places she loves the most are Rocca and the ocean.

"Something blue or pink," He muttered.

"The gift doesn't have to be expensive." Roni added. "You can compensate it by making it meaningful or make the method of delivery memorable. Like a serenade for instance. That would make quite an impression."

Serenade? Amadeo is not tone deaf but he is more used to shouting than singing. He can play an instrument. He could bring in reinforcements… Amadeo thought of his crew and their drunken singing and their stalking. He immediately crossed the idea. "I don't think that's a good idea, Uncle." The last thing they need is an audience. While these men are loyal to him, they won't be able to keep it to themselves. Or worse, freaking out near the two of them. It will only put him and Orelia on the spot. It will be one hell of a mess to clean up if Orelia mistake them as an enemy and whoop their ass. Not that they don't deserve it. In that same vein, musicians are out of the question.

He could get her jewellery or a new hat or something. But he doubt the artisans can whip up something to his standards in such short notice. Not to mention the women in that family are very critical when it comes to appearances. They sell silks, velvets and laces. They clearly know more about fashion than he does. There's his mother's jewellery… No, that's too intimate. Maybe when they are engaged or married but not now. A new cloak or shoes maybe. But Orelia can get those things anytime she wants.

Flowers? Too common.

Swords? It'll take a while to prepare. A dagger might work…

"Or…," Roni eye his nephew carefully. "You can ask her about it."

Amadeo's face lit up. "I'll do that. Thanks, Uncle Roni!"

And just like that, he's gone.

For an instant there, Roni saw Guglielmo, young and alive and head over heels, running off to see Maria.

Maybe he need to take a break.

Following Uncle Roni's advice, Amadeo went to go see Orelia. To ask her what she want for her birthday. This is an important step. If he nail this, the rest will go smoother. He won't get anything for Odilon though. They are not even friends. It will be extremely weird. Amadeo probably would wish him happy birthday but that will be it.

Luck is firmly on his side today, because he found Orelia not long after he left home. He found her on the street, presumably on her way home from who knows where. She is wearing green today. Not sea green this time but the shade of green in summer. It suits her well. She stop by a flower vendor. Orelia bend down, flipping her hair, showing her smooth neck and collarbone. Amadeo blanked for a moment. He regained his senses quickly and march towards the girl.

Orelia noticed someone stand next to her and look up.

"Orelia," Amadeo greet her with his trademark smirk.

"Amadeo," She return his smirk with a smile of her own. "What are you doing here?"

"Taking a walk, that's all."

"Hmmm," Orelia gingerly touches the petal. "Right now I'm wondering what sort of arrangement I should put in my room."

"Couldn't go wrong with white," Amadeo point out. White is a pretty safe color.

"True," Orelia lean in to smell the daisies.

"Are you out for an errand?"

"Yes, I just finished it. I will head straight back home after this."

"Hm," Amadeo's eyes never left her form. "I heard Odilon is coming to the city."

"Yes, him and my parents. Odilon and I never part on our birthdays."

Ah, so the parents are coming as well. "Your birthday is on the 17th, right?" Orelia make an assenting noise. "Anything you want for your birthday?"

Orelia didn't answer him right away, taking her sweet time picking the flowers. Amadeo patiently waits, knowing that she did this just to mess with him. "Odilon and my parents will be coming here for our birthday. We will get to eat almond cakes and peaches. That would be enough."

"Are there something you wanted for so long but never get it?"

Orelia think about it for a moment. "There is something… I wanted it for almost all my life now."

"Yes?" Amadeo lean closer.

"A pink dolphin," Orelia sigh wistfully.

"A what?"

"Dolphin. A pink one. I always wanted a pink dolphin since I was two. But the adults told me that pink dolphins don't exist. Broke the heart of my four years old self," Orelia sighed.

"But if you were to have a pink dolphin, will you be happy?"

"Now, now, Amadeo," Orelia turn to face him. "Don't go promising things that are impossible." She buried the lower half of her face into the flower. Green eyes eyeing him. She looked so soft. So adorable. Amadeo fought off the urge to pull her into his arms.

"Will a pink dolphin for your birthday present make you smile?"

I want to make you smile

Something must have shown on his face, for Orelia's eyes soften. "Yes."

A pink dolphin is in order then.

Orelia pay for her flowers. Amadeo walk her back to the Canella estate. Not all the way of course. He don't bring up her birthday anymore. They discussed about trade routes, which one is the most dangerous, which one would be the quickest, should weather be forgiving. For someone who don't sail as much as he does, Orelia knows her stuff. Then again she might be relaying what Bartolomeo and Odilon told her. Regardless of the case, Amadeo enjoy their talks.

He bid her farewell a couple blocks away from the Canella estate. Orelia's hand brushed against his. Amadeo tripped. Thankfully he didn't face plant or anything. When he look at Orelia again, she is trying to keep her expression neutral and failing.

"Are you okay?" She asked him.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm fine," Amadeo try to wave it off. "Go along now."

Orelia toss him a grin before leaving.

Amadeo watched her go before heading back himself.

Uncle Roni is at the foyer by the time he got back. "Amadeo, you're back. Did you found her?"

Amadeo nodded, "I followed your advice and asked her what she wanted for her birthday."

"What did she say?"

"Orelia want a pink dolphin."

Uncle Roni stared at him, "I don't know where we will find a dolphin. A pink one at that."

"We still got time. I'll think of something," Amadeo said, confident as ever.

"You know it doesn't have to be a pink dolphin, right? Orelia might be just messing with you."

"That did cross my mind," Amadeo shrugged, "But go big or go home, right?"

Uncle Roni didn't look convinced so he pressed on, "She agreed to give me a chance, Uncle. I am not going to let her down."

His uncle's features softened at that. "I know you wouldn't," He smiled, "Let me know if you need anything."

Amadeo nodded. He better start now. June 17th is less than two weeks away. Things will not get done with him just sitting around.

Their birthday is in two weeks. The festival is next month. And the month after that they will hold Uncle Catalano's wedding. Not to mention all of her possible side projects (she still need to run them through to Odilon and the adults first). Speaking of her family, they are coming to the city! Orelia wished that their grandparents could join them but alas.

Aside from celebrating their birthday, Bartolomeo and Elenora will see how far along the wedding preparation is. So far they've reserved the water temple, prepare the rings, draw up the menu, received letters from guests to confirm their participation and hire the musicians and other entertainers. Both parties agreed that there will be no need for an engagement party. The celebration will last of one day only, as opposed to the three days or one week of festivities. Elenora will bring along the seamstresses to take their measurement so they can start preparing their garment for the event. Bartolomeo need to be there when they go over the menu one more time so he can procure the food stock and liqueur in time. The decoration will need Elenora's approval too. They will send Pommeline and Giovanni the seating chart. And don't even get her started with the nuptial gifts.

Despite things being hectic, it keep her on her toes. Being busy is good.

Orelia penned yet another letter to her cousin in Chielo. Even though she only meet her distant relatives once or twice (some she never ever met in her life), Grandfather stresses the importance to keep them in your thoughts, to include them in your lives no matter how little. So she send them letters and occasional portraits. Orelia don't tell her cousins many things to be entirely honest. There are things she can only confide in Odilon and some she keep to herself.

She still stay in touch with her friends in Sirena. All of them are the daughters of Elenora's friends. Orelia and Odilon would spend time with them whenever they visit their mother's homeland. Orelia like them enough. It's still make her feel lonely whenever she remember that none of them live in L'isolani. Strange how she has no one on this island whom she would call her friend. It's like a L'isolanian is the last person she will trust. Those who are not under the employment of her family anyways.

"Enemies outside, enemies inside. They are everywhere," Orelia muttered under her breath.

"I'm sorry, Milady, I don't quite catch that?"

Orelia look up to meet the maid's confused look, "Oh, I'm sorry for surprising you. I am just trying to recall what I've read…" She look down to see the spread of paper laid in front of her. She is almost finished writing an essay on the founder of Ancient Phoenicia.

"Oh," The maid relaxes. "I promise I will bother you no more."

"It's fine, Coletta," She give her a reassuring smile.

Coletta smiled back before returning to her task, changing the bed sheet.

It doesn't take long for her to finish the essay. Coletta left the room already, bringing the dirty laundry with her. With her independent study over, it's time for dinner. Orelia look at her reflection in the mirror. She is wearing a brilliant emerald dress with lace trimmings. Acceptable.

Orelia make her way to the dining room. Catalano arrived not long after. He is dressed in somber dark green that she almost mistake as black if it were not for the candles.

"Hello, niece," Catalano greet her with a smile.

"Uncle Catalano," Orelia smiled back.

They take their seats. The servants brought their meals to the table. Dinner tonight consist of shrimps, salad, pottages and bread. Catalano turned down the wine, opting for boiled water instead. Orelia follow his example. They eat in agreeable silence. Catalano eat in a slower pace than her but he finished everything. Proof that he has appetite today. That's good. The servants brought almond cakes for dessert.

After they finished, uncle and niece head to the drawing room. The fireplace has already been lit by the time they get there. Uncle Catalano sit down on his favourite chair while Orelia take a seat on the chaise.

"Orelia," He started after a minute spent of them staring into the fire.

"Yes, Uncle."

"You were seen walking with the Boccanegra heir earlier today. And a few days ago."

"Yes."

"Is he the reason you are here in the city?"

"Partially," Orelia admitted. She don't want to lie to her family if she can avoid it. "I don't come all the way here just for a boy, Uncle."

"I'm not saying it's a bad thing," Catalano is quick to assure her. "We've done worse things for less. I applaud you for your initiative."

"Uncle Cat?"

"The war will be inevitable. We could buy time but there's no stopping the Empire," Her uncle said with a tone of finality, "I wouldn't fault you for not wanting to waste time."

"Uncle, I don't understand."

"What is it that you do not understand?"

"Why aren't you angry? Or disappointed? Or-?"

"My dear, when you see the things I've seen, you will not care much with the restrictions," Catalano said. "You are given responsibilities when you come to the city and you meet each and every one of them. On top of that, you are learning. I have no reason to be down. Though by the look on your face, you are still unconvinced."

Orelia look down on her folded hands on her lap, "I was expecting you to say something but not… This."

"You were expecting a stronger reaction out of me," Catalano noted. "Though I have to ask. You know I have to. What do you see in him?"

She didn't answer right away, trying to piece together words. "I am confused about my feelings for him. Still is. He made me excited and put me at ease at the same time. Does that make sense?"

"Some."

"Point is, I felt things whenever I'm around him. I… I want to believe in him," She said the last part in whisper. She want to trust him. "Is that bad?"

Catalano stared at her for long time, "People are not as strong as you think but we we are not that fragile. People could break your heart as they could fill it with love. Sometimes, you must have faith."

Faith

"That's so difficult," Orelia frowned. Why can't things ever be simple? Life's easier that way.

"I know," Catalano agreed. "But if you truly want his love, you will do so."

Orelia timidly look up to meet her uncle's gaze. "How do people survive this?"

"I think," Catalano started, "All humans are born flawed. It is in our nature. Love is one of our flaws. The biggest one even. It is also our biggest strength and sometimes, our salvation. We are born to love. What you do with your love is entirely your choice. Who you give that love to is your choice as well."

"But… What if we fall out of love?" It is also her biggest fear. That someday she would love this person so hard and the next day she no longer feel that. Or that someone no longer loves her. She don't dare to think of her family casting her off because they no longer love her. Thinking of the possibility alone make her unable to breath.

"Love is nonot the endgame, my dear. Even after you got that love or give that love, you still have to work for it. It continues. It changes. It takes effort. That's how you learn. That is what it means to love."

Boldness seized her for a moment and Orelia asked. "Do you love Bianca del Caretto, Uncle?"

"I don't love her," Catalano admitted. Orelia gaped at his frankness. "But I can see us become husband and wife in its truest sense. One that is tied by love. I trust her and Bianca trust me. We talked about what we are, what we get out from this, what we want. Talking is important too, niece."

Orelia pondered his words, "So it's not purely political then?"

"I admit, it's a tad bit more complicated than that. Then again, it's politics. But some things don't have to be complicated. For instance, I don't live for myself. Haven't been for a long time. But I am alive for the sake for my family and my country. I keep holding on for your sake. I want to survive long enough to see another day with Bianca, and the day after, and the day after that. I want to live with her. That's more than enough reason."

Her eyes watered at his words. Orelia quickly wipe it away. "I'm glad that Bianca is the one you will marry," She said softly.

"Me too," Catalano's eyes softened. "I pray that you will meet someone like that one day. If it has to be Amadeo Boccanegra, then so be it."

Three days have passed and Amadeo got nothing. Absolutely nothing. This will not be easy, he knows that perfectly, but it's him we're talking about here. Amadeo should have come up with something by now.

He already finished work so now he will use the time to sulk in his room. He must at least come up with something by the end of this week because that only leaves him one week to prepare whatever he come up with. This birthday is crucial. This day only come once a year. Fucking Up is not an option.

Amadeo considered asking the crew for advice. But these days, every time he as much as look at them, they would look back with this stupid expression on their faces. Like they are expecting him to come to them like a lost puppy. Hell no. He is their Capitan damnit. Okay, they are older than him. Ergo, they have more experience compared to him. But Amadeo is not that helpless. Also, his crew would get stupid excited at the very mention of Orelia. When word got around that he walked with Orelia, these men, all older than twenties, squealed like little girls. Amadeo have never seen something as embarrassing as that. He ordered them to scrub Oro for that. Yeah, talking to them about it is not an option either.

Pink dolphins. Where the fuck can he find one?

It's not too late to look for other gifts. There's still time. But Amadeo decided to step up to the challenge. It has to be pink dolphins. He can see the appeal, really. When he was younger, he wanted to hug the venti so badly. He wanted to ride the Hippocampi like Perseus ride his pegasus. Sadly he discovered on his own that those two things are not possible.

He thought of Orelia as a toddler. She must have been the most precious thing. For a moment there he imagined a child with his blue hair and Orelia's sea green eyes. Their kid will be so adorable to the point they could weaponize it. That vision could happen in the future if he play his card right.

Dolphins. For starters, it's rare to see dolphins unless you know where to look. He could bring Orelia to the sea but there is no guarantee they would show. Amadeo is doubtful that there will be a pink one as there. It is a lovely image, imagining Orelia leaning against the railing to take a better look at the dolphins. The image is switched to little Orelia cuddling to a pink dolphin in the water. The animal would be too big to her. It will be like cuddling a large, wet, hairless, misshapen dog. Maybe if it were to be smaller... Make it easier for her to hold...

If he can't find one, he can make one instead.

Amadeo sit upright. That's it! He can make the dolphin instead! It will solve the pink color issue too! He is a genius!

Amadeo bolted outside. No time to waste!

Amedeo's Dorkiness strikes again.

In this chapter we get to know more about the Uncles.

Thank you for reading

Please review. I'm always a slut for reviews.

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