Thanks for the reviews!
Thanks to a fellow reader, I was reminded that Toruk is not chief, I will be changing that in this chapter. Sorry for the mix up.
Bad news: Testing is coming up.
Good news: Summer is too = more updates.
VA belongs to Richelle Mead.
Rpov:
I cleared my throat. "Dad, this is,"
"Dad," he whispered, cutting me off.
The Chief's eyes widened, but his facial expression didn't change.
"We'll be right back," someone muttered.
They left and soon it was the three of us.
I felt uncomfortable. For one thing; it was awkward and filled with tense silence. Another thing is that Abe is almost emotional. It was rare for me to see him like this and it always made me feel weird.
Abe turned to me. "What's going on Rose?"
I sighed. "Dad, this is the Chief of the village and as you know, my grandfather," I said softly, but bluntly.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, frowning.
Before I could respond, the Chief spoke up.
"I told her not to," he said calmly.
"Why?" Abe asked, slowly getting angry.
He sighed, emotional on his face now. "I thought you wouldn't want to hear of me," he said gently.
Abe looked at him in surprise. "What do you mean?"
I just stood there, letting them talk it out.
"Your mother and I found this island when we got washed up to. We established this place and well your mother came from a powerful family, and I don't mean their economic status." He warned. "People gradually showed up and we forgot of the old customs. We made new ones here to survive. When I became chief, we had enemies. When you were born, you were born at the wrong time. You were almost killed," he whispered.
He cleared his throat after a moment.
"Your mother didn't want you to grow up in that environment, so we got you out of here so you can get a better life." He finished, letting Abe process it.
Abe stayed silent and the Chief looked down.
"When I heard your company was going down, I wanted to help. I wanted to speak to you, but I didn't know how you would react. We've always kept an eye on you and your family."
Abe looked at him in disbelief, still speechless.
If it wasn't for the situation, I would've laughed.
"I'm sorry I wasn't in your life and I don't care if you never want to hear from me again, but I'm still willing to help."
Within seconds, the two were embracing.
The chief looked at him in shock and after a moment, he hugged him back tightly.
"Come on, your mother wants to meet you."
With that being said, I trailed behind them.
As I observed them with the leopards at my side, I realized just how much they were alike.
In a matter of minutes, they were already having a full blown discussion.
I shook my head. I didn't expect their meeting to go like this; so well. But then again, I got my dramatic side from my mother.
Again, we've got the stares and whispers, but Abe being, well, Abe, he sent them a charming smile.
As we entered the hut, my grandmother was in Abe's arms in seconds.
"My boy," she whispered over and over again, clutching him to her.
I smiled and retreated. My work here was down.
Now, let's eat.
In a closed off circle to the side, we were all eating, meaning my grandparents, us, and the gang here.
"How come Toruk is chief?" I asked, looking towards them.
Eddie shrugged. "I need to know the rules of this place and I'm still trying to learn more skills. Toruk is temporarily the Chief," he explained.
"And you're okay with that?" I asked, turning to Toruk.
He nodded and shrugged, smiling down at Naaz. "I'm Chief for now just to run things. Eddie had offered me the whole deal, but I rejected it. It's a lot of responsibility and I know it will take a lot of time. But the thing is I want to stay with my family and be there as often as I can." He said.
I smiled. "You're a good man, Toruk."
He grinned at me and winked.
Abe had relaxed after a few minutes of eating and was conversing quietly with his parents.
"Why does he keep staring at me?" Eddie muttered to me.
I glanced at Abe; he was staring at Eddie.
I shrugged. "He's probably trying to see who you are,"
He nodded slowly, but he shifted uncomfortably. Mia smiled and placed a hand over his.
"Are you guys done eating?" My grandfather said after ten minutes.
I looked around and nodded.
He smiled, "Let me just get a few things," he said, getting up.
I watched as Abe came over and sat next to me.
"How is he going to be Chief?" he asked, gesturing discreetly towards Eddie.
"He's a Mazur," I mumbled to him quietly.
He looked at me in surprise. "I've never seen him before."
I sighed. "He wasn't around much. I don't know much and I don't want to pry, but it's been complicated for him. He wasn't really involved much into the family. He arrived with Dimitri and them and chose to stay here. He didn't have much back home."
He nodded slowly, taking it all in.
He abruptly stood up and sat down next to Eddie.
"I hear you're a Mazur," he said bluntly.
I placed a hand on my forehead and silently groaned, ignoring Eddie's questioning glance.
"Yes, sir." He answered after a moment.
"Why have I not heard of you?" he asked; curiosity in his voice.
Eddie shrugged. "I was not around as much. I ran away with Mason and when I heard where he works was on the night of your company's party, I became a stowaway. And then I ended up here." he shortly explained.
He looked at him. "You were there?"
Eddie nodded. "Yes, I was a waiter."
Abe frowned. "I personally met every waiter."
Eddie smirked slightly. "I was hiding and trying to find a uniform. By the time I did, you were already busy with guests."
"Huh," Abe said, eyebrows furrowing in thought.
Eddie didn't respond; he just stared at the ground.
"Well, welcome to the family. If you ever need anything, communicate me as soon as you can if you are able to. My guess is you will be able to once you become chief," he said, flashing him a grin.
Eddie stared at him stunned as Abe walked away towards his parents.
"He's weird," I said, breaking the silence.
Eddie laughed. "He's," he struggled for words. "Something," He finally said.
I chuckled. "Sure,"
"Rose." I heard someone call out.
I looked up, looking at Adrian's face.
It was time.
Dpov:
"What are we doing today?" Max asked, staring out the window.
I looked over at him and then turned back to the road.
"You'll see," was all I said.
He huffed, making me smile.
I had left Naira at Lissa's for her play date with Andre while Max and I spent some time together.
"Are you worried?" he asked.
I continued to look in front of me.
After a moment I answered.
"Yes," I said, swallowing as many scenes passed through my mind.
"What would you do if she can't come back?" he asked quietly.
I looked over him and met his gaze. I could see that he really was worried; Rose was the mother that he lost. I just hope that I can be the same as his father.
"I would go there and drag her ass back here, no matter the cost."
He gave me a small smile and chuckled.
I smiled and the car ride was silent.
He gave me a confused look as I pulled drove in a public parking building.
"Come on," I said, getting out of the car as I parked the car.
"What are we going to do?" he asked as we entered the elevator.
I just shrugged, because honestly, I myself didn't know what we were doing.
"You don't know?" he asked incredulously.
I sighed and didn't answer as we stepped out.
We were immediately met with a crowd of people walking everywhere and cars beeping in traffic as we stepped into the streets.
"What do you want to do?" I asked as he looked around.
He looked around in awe and I don't blame him.
We haven't taken them to look around the city.
"I don't know," he said, eyes wide.
I chuckled, "Come on then," I said, grabbing his shoulder as we joined the crowd of people.
Rpov:
Getting the items together was easy; however, finding a way to carry them through the ocean without setting off a storm was the problem.
"We can't just let it float out there; there are some things that can't get wet." I said, glaring at the boxes.
We need to find a solution and fast; time was running out.
"How did you get in?" Adrian asked suddenly to Abe.
He looked at Adrian and shrugged. "Just swam through and hoped I didn't get caught."
We stared at him.
"What?" he asked; frowning slightly.
"Most, if not all, cannot do that and not cause a reaction." Chief explained.
"Abe should cross alone with a rope and slowly drag the items with him." I said, emphasizing slowly as I gave him a look.
"And where would you three go through?" Abe asked.
"The cove," Sydney answered.
"What if I do cause a reaction?" he asked.
"I'll have the great white follow you." I said, trying to reassure him.
He stared at me. "What?"
I bit my lip. "I made a bond with a great white."
"You made friends with a shark that could kill me." He stated.
"Yup," I said, popping the p. "Now let's do this."
"We'll keep in touch," my grandmother said, cupping my cheek.
I smiled at her and hugged her tightly. "Yes, we will."
I turned to my grandfather. "Thank you," he whispered in my ear as he hugged me tightly.
I smiled. "There's no need," I said, waving him off. "I should be thanking you."
Now he waved me off. "Nonsense," he said sternly.
I sighed, but smiled. "If you ever want to visit the states," I suggested, trailing off.
He chuckled. "We'll contact you when something comes up; we're trying to get rid of this storm."
I gaped at him. "Seriously? But what about the island?" I asked, surprised.
He shrugged. "The storm just keeps people from leaving and arriving and keeps it hidden. We could fend them off," he said with a smile. "Besides, my son is here now," he said, trailing off.
I smiled. "When people become hungry for the island, I'll step in to help," I said.
He smiled. "I know you will. We'll keep in touch." He promised.
With our last goodbyes, we headed for the cove while Abe stayed with his parents.
We had said goodbye to the rest of the gang; they needed to look over the tribe.
As we pulled on our gear, I looked around the cove fondly.
"What's with that face?" Adrian asked, giving me a strange look.
"Good memories," I said, giving him a grin.
He gagged; his face disgusted.
"You asked," I said, shrugging while Sydney looked at me with wide eyes.
"Come on," I said, dragging them to the water.
We went quicker this time as the Great White shadowed us, trailing off from time to time to check on Abe.
I frowned slightly as we were more than halfway done.
"It feels different," I said.
I looked at Sydney as she nodded slightly.
"I feel like something's going to happen."
"Well fuck," I groaned. "We need to hurry up."
With one last touch, the Great White swam away towards Abe's direction.
"Let's hurry," I said, already feeling a change in the water.
Ten minutes later, we arrived at the ladder.
We were met with relieved expressions as the crew lifted us up.
"Where's Abe?" Someone asked as we sat on the deck.
I peered across the ocean, spotting the boxes.
"Over there." I pointed.
They squinted. "It will take a while for him to arrive," one noted.
I looked at the sky. "Let's just hope he will hurry," I said, getting concerned as the sky grew a light gray with white clouds starting to slowly gather.
I looked at the water as the waves grew a little bigger as it slapped against the side of the boat.
"Rose," Adrian said uneasily after fifteen minutes.
Abe had gotten closer, but not enough.
"He can't go faster without triggering a storm." I said, biting my lip.
"I already think he has," Adrian said as he glanced at the water.
He was right; the waves were getting rougher.
"I'm going after him," I said, slipping on the tank.
"Rose," Sydney said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"He's not going to make it soon." I said, placing on my mask.
"Start the engines," I ordered and dove in.
It wasn't that hard to find him, but I had to go slow once again.
The storm is slowly forming, there's no need to rush it.
Abe stopped slightly as he spotted me.
I made a hand gesture to pick up the pace.
He did, but he still kept a slow pace. I met him where he was, grabbing some ropes to help him.
We made it ten minutes later, but the sky has gotten a darker gray.
"We need to hurry" I said as they loaded the boxes first.
I grabbed Abe's hand as he pulled me up.
"Prepare for a storm; tie ropes to your waist. It will probably be rough." He warned, already helping the crew get everything ready.
"You three; get down inside." He ordered. "And no buts," he said, looking at me. "I promised Dimitri I'd take care of you."
I really couldn't argue with that; I had my own family to think about.
"If it gets ugly; I'm going out." I warned.
He rolled his eyes at me and turned away giving out orders.
I followed some of the crew downstairs as the stored the supplies away.
Sighing, I got comfortable on my bed and looked out the window as the waves got harsher.
I winced slightly as the boat rocked along, resisting the waves. I could distinctly hear Abe shouting orders and we finally made progress after a few minutes. The boat's engine hummed as it began to move away from the island. He couldn't have picked a better time; the real storm was about to start.
As we were almost out of the island's reach, thunder cracked in the skies.
Now I grew nervous.
I closed my eyes and tried to block out everything, but it wasn't working.
I jumped up when I heard my door open.
I sighed and relaxed against my bed again as Sydney and Adrian closed the door behind them.
Without a word, they settled next to me and together we waited for the storm to pass.
Abepov:
"How does the situation look?" I asked, peering in into the captain's office.
He looked up from the window as he skillfully maneuvered the boat through the waves.
He looked concerned. "I don't know; if we can make it through in the next ten minutes, we'll be safe enough." he said, a small frown on his lips.
I grimaced slightly and sat down.
We stayed in tense silence as he maneuvered the boat through the rough water.
"Shit," he cursed suddenly as he began to struggle with the wheel.
"What's going on?" I asked, shooting up from my seat.
"It's hauling us back," he said grimly, his face growing determined.
Rpov:
I was startled awake when my body suddenly rammed against Adrian, effectively pushing him off the bed.
He groaned. "What the fuck?"
I sat up, ignoring him as I quickly sat on my knees to look out the small round window.
"No, no, no; this cannot be happening." I groaned as I watched the boat rock backwards in all directions.
"What's going on?" Sydney murmured sleepily as she sat up.
"I was pushed off the bed," Adrian grumbled from the floor.
"We're moving back." I said, staring outside.
"What?" Sydney exclaimed, sitting up and moving beside me.
We peered out the small window, watching as the boat struggled to move forward.
"I need to get up there." I whispered, standing up.
"No, you're not going, Rose." Sydney said, holding my arm.
"I have to." I said, already getting out of her hold.
"Think of Naira." Adrian said suddenly, looking up at me. "Think about Max. And what about Dimitri? Do you really think you'll be able to see them if you risk yourself like that?"
I paused at the door. "I already have. What difference would it make anyways? If the ship goes down; we're all stuck here again." I murmured quietly.
With that, I was out the door, ignoring their calls.
"Where the hell am I?" I grumbled to myself, stalking over to another door; that yet again, led me nowhere.
I unsteadily walked to another door, pausing to gain my balance as the boat roughly rocked to the side.
Glowering, I yanked the door open. I flinched and closed my eyes tightly as water sprayed all over me.
"I found it," I muttered to myself, glancing down at myself.
Grabbing onto the metal smooth rail, I made my way outside onto the very wet and slippery deck.
I held on tightly and struggled to move forward as the wind raged hard against me and the rain stung my arms and face.
I kept my head down, my feet shaking and sliding slightly against the floor as I trudge through.
"Whoa!" I exclaimed slightly in shock and surprise as a rough jerk sent my body slamming against the metal rails.
I hissed; having a strong grip as the boat went down again.
"I can do this," I said, giving myself a little pep talk.
Except now its dark and I don't know which way is which.
Choosing a direction, I began walking again.
I almost sighed in relief as I caught the light from the captain's room.
Biting my lip, I decided to make a run for it.
Slipping onto my knees in the process, I scrambled up and effectively slipped again, ramming into the glass.
"Fuck," I groaned, trying to get up on the slippery ground.
The door was yanked open and I looked up into Abe's incredulous face.
"Hi," I said lamely.
He rolled his eyes and grabbed my hand to pull me in.
My eyes widened as my hand slipped from his hold just as the boat made another rough jerk.
"Rose!" Abe exclaimed; trying to reach out as I slid against the rail as another jerk racked through the boat.
My hands grabbed thin air as I reached out to grab something as my body was flung over the railing.
"I got you!"
I tried to see through my blurred vision from the water, but it was no use.
I closed my eyes tightly, feeling my eyes puff up.
I felt a tug on my hand and I looked up again, trying not to look at the raging water beneath me.
Finally, my vision cleared long enough for me to catch Adrian looming over me with a rope around his waist.
I probably should've done that in the first place.
"Hold on a little while," he yelled.
I grimaced as another rough wave sent me crashing into the side of the boat.
"Shut up!" I hissed as Adrian snickered.
"Sydney is going to get you a rope for you to grab onto. But we're going to have to wait it out," he yelled.
I nodded, closing my eyes slightly.
Then I felt his grip on my hands slipping.
My eyes snapped open and his widened.
"Hold on a little longer; don't panic."
"How can I not!" I screamed back.
"Here, Rose!" Sydney suddenly appeared.
With a small leap, I was able to catch the swinging rope.
"Shit!" I cursed as I swung around while I clung to the rope.
"I think you can make a swing." Adrian commented, straightening up.
"You think?" I called back, pondering this.
"We don't have time for this!" Sydney exclaimed, marching back.
I looked on, suddenly growing bored when Abe appeared.
"How you doing kiddo?" he called in a shaky voice.
"Fine," I said, sending him a reassuring smile. "Adrian says I can make a swing out of this."
He turned and glared at him; which made Adrian to turn around and walk back, avoiding Abe's look.
"Hang on! The captain is trying to pull through."
I nodded and looked around.
Then I got a new stupid idea.
"Abe!" I shouted.
He looked down at me. "What?"
"Tell him to go along the current, full force."
"Are you crazy?"
"Like you!"
He rolled his eyes. "Now is not the time to look up to your old man."
Now I rolled my eyes. "Just tell him; if he's smart then he'll understand."
With a doubtful look, he left.
After a while, I finally saw a change.
I smiled slightly; he understood.
I took a deep breath and braced myself.
Please review! What do you think will happen? I didn't want to make it a fully tragic chapter.
PM me if you have any questions.