Hey guys! Thanks so much for waiting! As always, I'm excited to keep this going, I was thinking about having Tara being included in Uncharted Lost Legacy with Chloe and Nadine. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking about it! Anyway, let us continue on with the story! Enjoy!
This time, sleep didn't come so easily at night. Normally, being with Sam was comforting and I could sleep much easier than I had in years. However, my mind kept drifting back to the huge confrontation in Nathan's room. Anne's expression of complete anger and hurt aimed not just at me, but at her uncle as well. I could tell how pained Nathan was considering the two were incredibly close since Anne was born.
Also, the look of betrayal on Elena's face was enough for me to feel immense guilt. Elena was completely right on all accounts, her arguments were more than valid. However, it didn't sit right with me that she didn't even yell at me once and was shouting at Nathan the entire time. Then, there was Sam. Sam was frozen and completely shell-shocked to see his daughter for the very first time, and their meeting wasn't great. Then, I'd had a panic attack and made matters even worse.
Either way, after Elena, Anne, and Victor had left us, I was unsettled. It was not only the first time Anne had seen me in such a state, but also the moment she'd found out my secret of what I'd really been doing all these years. She now knew the truth. That her mother was a bit of an adrenaline junkie and searched for treasure across the globe with her uncle. That was why I was also a bit shaken, they kept shifting the blame to Nathan when I willingly went along with it. I decided to leave my daughter for Henry Avery's treasure. Sure, saving Sam's life from a crime lord was one thing, but deep down...I missed being a treasure hunter.
Also fulfilling my own parent's legacy was another huge motivator, but that's another story entirely.
So with all of that on my mind, sleep had evaded me on this night. I spent most of the evening out of the motel and near the pool just smoking through two of my cartons of cigarettes as the hours passed. I just wanted to explain to Anne that I was a bit of a fucked up person, that it wasn't Nathan's fault for me being here. Apart of me had also hoped that I'd get to tell her everything regarding her father, and that he was partly the reason why I was doing this.
Fuck I'm so tired...
I yawn and stretch before putting my feet in the pool and sitting at the edge. I light another cigarette and inhale deeply before very slowly exhaling the smoke. I notice that it's finally morning, when I see the sun begin to rise along the horizon. At the first glance, it looks purely amazing and beautiful, and suddenly, I yearn for Anne more than anything else in the world.
Maybe...maybe I was wrong keeping this from her. But I wanted to wait till she got older and more mature. I don't know...
"Holy shit. That's amazing." I murmur softly.
"You can say that again."
I nearly jolted in my spot, but found that it was Nathan behind me. Nathan doesn't say anything else for a brief minute as he takes off his shoes and also places his feet into the water. We both sat together within the vicinity of the motel in utter silence, just continuing to watch the sun rise. When glancing at Nathan, I could tell from the bags underneath his eyes that he slept just about as well as I did, meaning that we had little to no sleep that night.
"Do you regret coming along yet?" Nathan chuckled dryly.
I turned to Nathan and saw the saddened expression on his normally cheerful face. I reached out to Nathan and placed my hand on top of his in an attempt to comfort him, but he didn't even react to my touch this time.
"Part of me says yes because of what occurred last night, but I'd never let you go on your own. So no...I don't regret coming." I replied honestly.
"I'm sorry I asked you to come. I knew you had a kid to take care of, and I knew you were still getting over Sam even after all of these years...part of me knew that I needed your help on this because of your knowledge, but at the same time..." Nathan then pauses.
"Yeah?" I gently urged him to continue.
Nathan lets out a sigh, running his hand through his hair before mustering up the courage to look me in the eye.
"At the same time...I wanted all three of us together again. It wouldn't have been the same doing this without you. I wanted to finish what all three of us started together." Nathan confessed.
I could feel my vision grow blurry with tears and quickly wiped them away before giving Nathan a warm smile.
"I was so fucking selfish. I'm sorry if I ruined things with your daughter." Nathan apologized.
I can't help but let out a dry laugh as well, finding the irony in his statement to be funny.
"Nathan. I'm not sorry for coming along, all of this shit would have been out in the open sooner or later anyway. I completely hate how it happened, yes, that much is true. But you know what? I don't regret coming because I missed this." I admitted.
Nathan looks at me in complete surprise, and I can tell that he wasn't expecting this type of response.
"You know, I'd tried so hard to hide it for all these years, and I thought I'd grown out of it, but it never went away completely. All those moments we spent together and uncovered the truths of the world's greatest mysteries were the best times of my life. Because despite Sam not being there, I still had you." I mumbled softly.
Nathan's eyes shimmer with unshed tears, and it's like I'm looking at the young orphan from over thirty years ago.
"Whatever happens with Anne and I, it'll be alright. She might be hurting right now, but I intend to make things right with her. I...I actually meant to come clean about my adventures with you when she turned sixteen or seventeen. I had it all planned out too. Give her...give her my...my parent's token."
Nathan looks confused, but he lets me continue. I reach into my wallet, pulling out an antique coin, a currency used amongst the Libertalia colony. I let Nathan inspect it.
"I had no doubts that Libertalia existed because my parents had this proof, and it's all that I have left of them. And...I was always hoping that I could give this coin to Anne and maybe, let her choose what she wanted to do with her life. I thought my days doing this were over, and that if Anne really wanted to, that she could continue what my parents and your mother started. But then...Sam came back and...my plans changed...I didn't realize how much I needed this."
Nathan's eyes widen slightly as he closely looks at the coin, holding it carefully as if it's a sacred item. He gives it back to me, a glimpse of a smile on his face.
"So you always knew that Libertalia existed?" Nathan mutters. "Why hide that from us all this time?"
"Well, when we were with Rafe, I started doubting myself and...I didn't want him to ruin what memory of my parents that I had left. Rafe just wanted the glory and status, he didn't care about the discovery or even the history of a pirate colony. He just...he didn't care. Not like I did. Not like my parents and your mother." I glared down at the coin in my palm. "Rafe doesn't deserve it. He never did."
Nathan nods his head in agreement.
"So Nathan...there are numerous factors why I came along. But you know what? This was my choice, it was always my choice. I want to finish what my parents and what your mother started. I missed the thrill of the adventure, but I also want to help save Sam and...I want to protect you because...you're my brother. Not by blood of course, but...by bond." I explained. "And as for Anne, I want to make her proud and finish this. Only when we're done here, will I tell her everything."
"You're seriously going to tell her? She's too young- -" Nathan looks at me in disbelief.
"Nathan, she might be fifteen, but you've gotta give her some credit here. She's so mature for a kid her age. I have such confidence that she can handle it. She might have a bit of time processing it all, but I know she'll understand. I have a lot of faith in her and you should too." I give him a stern glare.
Then, I clap a hand on his shoulder and finally put out my cigarette.
"Which also brings me to this. And you knew it was coming so buckle up, buttercup."
Nathan looks at me nervously as I really start lecturing him.
"Shit happens, Nathan. All we can do is move on and try to make things better. Elena's hurt and for obvious fucking reasons, but I think she'll understand more if you tell her everything. Bare your goddamn soul to her if that's what it takes. You need to try and fix your relationship with her. I don't need you to worry about me and Anne. What you need to worry about more, is where you and Elena stand. You also better apologize to Sully for your behavior when this shit is over. He's been worried about you and you're like the son he never had." I confronted Nathan.
"When the hell did you get so wise?" Nathan grumbles.
"Don't you take that tone with me!" I snapped.
At this, Nathan can't help but snicker and crack a smile.
"Sorry, Mother Theresa. Won't happen again." Nathan quips.
I smack Nathan upside the head before holding him in a headlock and rubbing my fist into his hair. He cried out immediately and taps my arm.
"Tap out! Tap out! I'm sorry!" Nathan shouts.
"You better be. I'm trying to be serious here, Nathan." I smirked.
Nathan gets his feet out from the pool before rubbing his head and wincing from the pain I left. As I get up, I pocket the antique coin back into my wallet and put it in my back pocket. As Nathan and I walk back to our rooms, I glance at a clock nearby and read that it's early morning.
"Tara..." Nathan spoke up.
I pause as my hand hovers over the doorknob to my shared room with Sam.
"Where are you and Sam...after all this? If you don't mind me asking..." Nathan frowns.
"I told him that he was free to do whatever he wanted." I confessed.
Nathan looks at me with wide eyes.
"The last thing I want to do is chain Sam down and hold him back from doing what he loves. He's been in prison for fifteen years, Nate." I mumbled softly.
At this, Nathan nods again in understanding.
"I'm not gonna force him to be with me just because we've got a kid together, one he didn't even know about. Sam's my best friend first, the father of my child second. I trust him though." I smile faintly.
Nathan doesn't say anything else, as I finally walk into my room. I can tell that Nathan knows deep down, that I want to make up for the missed time with Sam. That I want Sam to get to know his daughter, that I want to see them bond and make up for their lost time together, but...
Who knows what'll happen?
FLASH!
When I heard the news about an old woman that had a heart attack, I wasn't even fazed. However, when the nuns and police were questioning me for my association with the Morgan brothers, they informed me that they were suspects in said old woman's murder. I couldn't help being sick to my stomach when I heard that bit of information. I was questioned relentlessly on their whereabouts or if I might know where Sam and Nathan were.
God damn, I can hardly imagine what those two are going through.
I try to go about my day, ignoring all glares as well as the looks of worry while I'm at it. My mind wouldn't shut the fuck up, and I was desperate to find those two boys I'd called a family on my own. And on rainy days especially, my mood didn't improve by much, and only continued to decline. The nuns kept a careful eye on me today, as if I was going to snap or explode at any moment. Currently, I sat alone in my room contemplating my options and kept wondering if the two Morgan boys actually took off without me. That thought stung and pierced at my wounded heart.
"PSST! Tara!" A voice hisses at me.
My attention is brought to my bedroom window, and the only thing I see is the sunset behind the many buildings in Boston. I start to shut my window, when unexpectedly, a hand reaches out to stop me. I nearly scream until I see that it's Sam hopping inside as he's quickly holds his hand over my mouth.
"You good? It's just me." Sam keeps his voice hushed.
I rip his hand off of my mouth and give him a real nasty glare.
"You have some nerve taking off like you did." I scoff.
"You serious right now?" Sam looks at me in disbelief. "I didn't exactly have a choice in the matter. And I didn't come out of hiding from the cops to argue with you."
"And just what are you here for? Need money? Cause I sure as shit don't have any!" I blink away tears.
"Actually, I'm here for you." Sam smirks.
At this, I fumble for words, only to find myself fall silent in shock.
"W...what?" I stare at him incredulously.
"You think I was gonna leave without my favorite girl? You, me, Nathan...we've all been through some shit together. We're family. And we weren't just gonna leave you behind, dollface." Sam continues.
I fail to hold back a sob as Sam comes closer and I find myself backing away until my back gently hits the wall from behind me.
"So what do you say? You ready to leave this shithole?" He finishes.
I wanted to go more than anything, but that nagging doubt kept making itself known in my mind and festering until I went mad.
"Sam, I can't just drop everything and go with you." I mumble softly.
"Tara, don't even think about it and just come. You never liked it here to begin with, and you only stayed because you wanted to take care of Nathan. I promise I'll tell you what the hell happened last night, but for now, just come with us. We can finally have a fresh start and be a family. Just the three of us." Sam assures me. "Please, babe."
I can feel my resolve drop the longer Sam stares at me with adoration.
"What'll we do about money?"
"We'll figure it out. Now...let's finish what your parents and my mother started. Let's start our own legacy."
The look of determination and sincerity on Sam's face is enough that I'm actually reconsidering my options. It was true, that I only stayed at the orphanage because I only wanted to take care of Nathan since Sam was kicked from the orphanage. If it weren't for Nathan being there, I would have left a long time ago. However, on the other hand, I always did want to prove the world wrong regarding my parent's research on Henry Avery and the legendary pirate colony known as Libertalia. Maybe this was our chance to make names for ourselves as explorers like we've always talked and dreamt of doing. When Sam delicately places his hand on my cheek, I practically melt against his touch.
"It's us against the world, sweetheart." Sam mumbles.
Finally, I feel myself giving in to my desires, and give Sam a firm but small nod that conveyed my confirmations on the matter. Sam's expression goes from hopeful and determined, to one of pure happiness from my answer. He places his forehead to mine as his hands move to firmly grab my waist. Being fully pinned against the wall, Sam finally closes the gap between our lips. I never felt such bliss before in my life.
FLASH!
The sun's out and bearing down on us as we ride on the boat in pure silence. Sam is uncharacteristically quiet for a half hour, but then perks up and grabs three beers out of the cooler we brought along. Sam hands one to Nathan and I before we give a small toast. It embarrasses me that I hadn't been paying attention to what Sam had said, but I could tell he was trying to be heartwarming and to cheer the both of us up. I had continued to zone out as last night kept replaying in my mind like a rewound VHS tape, so it had been very difficult to focus on anything else.
"Hey. You still with us, doll?"
I see fingers snap in front my face, and glance over at Sam.
"Sorry, kind of zoned out. You say something?"
Nathan snorts as he continues to drive the boat to our destination. Sam looks slightly hurt, and I can't help but feel bad instantly.
"I was trying to show you the dolphins swimming by the boat. But clearly, something is on your mind. You get all doe-eyed when your brain won't shut up." Sam mumbles.
I feel myself blushing and take a sip of the beer I'd been nursing in my hand for the past several minutes.
"Sorry. It just...happens." I smile sheepishly.
"Oh I know, sweetheart." Sam smirks. "So tell me, what is going on up in that pretty head of yours?"
"If you're really that curious...it's about last night."
Sam's smirk falters immediately, but he waits for me to continue.
"I can't help it. It's just...replaying in my mind. I wish I hadn't had that anxiety attack...I feel like a moron..."
Sam scoffs and gives me a pointed look.
"Tara, that's not exactly something you could have helped. I've...I heard about how bad it had gotten after I was...gone, but it's not your fault. You've always been a little antsy. Since we were kids even..." Sam told me.
"I know. It just bothers me that it happened like that in front of her. That was the first time Anne had ever seen me like that." I murmured.
"We'll try to explain it to her when we get back, if Sully hasn't done so already." Nathan added.
Sam's already rubbing small soothing circles on my hand with his thumb as our hands intertwined together. I can already feel the butterflies in my stomach as I get closer to Sam, craving to be as close to him as possible for an unexplainable reason. Sam notices and places his lips against mine, and I feel much more comforted. As much as I love Sam's small touches, I remove my hand from his to wrap both my arms around his neck and pull him closer.
"Seriously?" Nathan grumbled. "I swear to God you two are so..."
Sam and I ignore Nathan as we continue our small make out session. Sam maneuvers me to sit on his lap, and I gladly comply before I place more kisses along his neck, nibbling gently on his tattoo.
"Hey! I'm right here!" Nathan shouts.
Sam gasps as his hold on my hips tightens just slightly. Our lips connect one more time, our tongues gently caressing one another. When the need for air comes, we both separate and stare at each other lovingly.
"Are you two done being gross now?" Nathan scoffs.
Sam looks over my shoulder and smirks at Nathan, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
"Only for you, little brother." Sam replies.
"You're such a little hypocrite, Nathan." I grinned. "You think I wasn't weirded out every time I saw you and Elena rubbing up against each other?"
"That's differ- -"
"You are such an ass!" I laughed.
We all end up sharing a laugh together before getting back to the business at hand. We actively look for the island in question, the one that held the infamous Libertalia.
"Y'know, crazy worldwide treasure hunt aside, I think Avery had the right idea." Sam smiles.
"What's that?" Nathan asked.
"Lived by his own rules, traveled the world. Made his fortune, his way."
"Sure. Apart from the huge bounty on his head." I interjected.
"Come on." Sam chuckles. "It all depends on how his story ends, right? Who knows...maybe in the end it was all worth it."
I close my eyes and lean back in my seat before folding my arms behind my head as a cushion of sorts. The sun feels amazing, the ocean breeze is light, and it really makes me want to desperately leave Boston to go live in a beach house. I can imagine Anne playing and swimming in the ocean while I drink some very nice margaritas.
Sounds like paradise...
"It's a strange feeling. Like we're finally on the verge of something really great and I'm...I'm excited and terrified all at once." Sam mumbles softly. "You have any idea what I'm talking about?"
I crack an eye open and give Sam a small smile as I sit back up, giving his knee a gentle pat before I reach for his hand.
"It's a nice feeling, isn't it?" I wink at him.
Before Sam says anything in return, he spots something and tells Nathan. We find ourselves coming to a stop at an island nearby looking at some man-made tower in the distance.
"Well that definitely qualifies as something man-made." Nathan says.
"Ah-ah...pirate-made." Sam grins excitedly.
"Nerd." I snort.
I playfully punch Sam in the shoulder, earning a whine and a pout from him as I hop out of the boat with Nathan.
"You wound me, dollface."
Along our trek and hike through the small jungle, we stumble across minor obstacles and have to rock climb for the majority of the trip to this tower. I silently thank the Gods that I kept in shape for moments like these where my upper body strength was truly put to the test. I manage to get in front of Nathan and Sam, eager to get to this tower, eager to prove that Libertalia existed so that my parents research wasn't in vain. I keep my polaroid camera handy, double-checking to make sure that the film was already inserted and ready to go.
"Whoa, dollface! Just relax would ya? You gotta remember to take it all in!" Sam breathes out.
"I am. But I'm also really interested in getting to that tower. We've gotta beat Rafe and Nadine after all." I replied.
"Relax, there haven't been any signs of Shoreline or Rafe just yet. We've got plenty of time to look around and thoroughly explore. I think we've got the jump on them this time." Nathan assures me.
I don't say anything in return and continue on until we finally make it to the tower. I snap a quick picture, and out comes the picture which I fan slowly before putting everything away in my waterproof satchel for safekeeping.
"You still had me think I was going nuts for all these years. Should have known you still had that damn polaroid camera." Nathan chuckles from behind me.
"Well, when this is all said and done, maybe I can show you and Sam my photo album of all our previous adventures. And maybe Elena too, so her precious camera didn't die in vain after all." I joked.
Nathan lets out a laugh at this, recalling how Elena was practically attached to her camera on our search for El Dorado. When we make it to the top of the "pirate-made" tower, there's a symbol of an arrow that resembles a compass arrowhead. As Nathan inspects it, Sam gently pushes on the arrow, and the stone moves back until a mechanism activates and we're able to see out of a window now. Down below in the distance, there's another arrow etched into stone that's pointing in another direction almost like a trail.
"How'd you know to do that?" Nathan asks.
"Well if there's one thing I've learned from you and Tara, it's push everything." Sam quips.
The three of us share another laugh, and I grin to myself as I take in the scenery.
"Damn it looks beautiful." I said.
"It sure does."
I can feel Sam's stare on me as he mutters this, and I can't help but throw a wink in his direction.
"I meant the scenery before us, but thank you babe." I chuckle.
Finally, we move along, eager to get to our next destination.
This time, I'm the one steering our boat and driving, following the markers to the next island. We make it inside of what appears to be a cave within the island, and I can't help but feel invigorated when we get to climbing. I keep climbing and jumping, anything to move forward and keep things going. It almost feels like a race and I can't help but ignore Nathan and Sam as a wave of eagerness and excitement well up inside me. I can hear their shouts behind me, but I press on. I climb high enough to swing from a branch with my rope and hook attached.
Finally, I stop when stumbling upon a structure in front of me, and look at it in awe.
"Wow. Avery wasn't one for subtlety or understatement, was he?"
I nearly jump when Nathan's right beside me, also catching his breath from that climbing. I wrap an arm around his shoulder and lean into him.
"You've got that right." I chuckle breathlessly.
Sam finally catches up to Nathan and I.
"Well, he had the money. If you've got it, flaunt it, right?" Sam shrugs.
Sam starts jogging ahead, and both Nathan and I follow him earnestly. It takes us another five minutes, but we make it to a huge entrance of some kind, where we find rubble and gigantic chunks of rock blocking the doorway. I can't help but roll my eyes at mother nature.
"Oh look, I guess the main entrance is blocked by debris...again." Nathan sarcastically remarks.
"Well, I guess Avery's builders clearly didn't take hundreds of years of erosion into account." I add.
"Clearly." Nathan mutters.
"Let's go look for another entrance, boys." I stretch my arms up high.
I can feel my joints pop along my arms and roll my shoulders. Sam chuckles and wraps an arm around my waist as we walk together.
"What's the matter, sweetheart? Getting tired already?" Sam teases.
"I've been keeping myself in shape for all of these years by going to the gym. You're the one that needs to catch up, sweetheart." I retorted.
"Oh we got ourselves a smart guy, do we?" Sam growls playfully. "Well while I didn't have a gym, I had my prison cell to stay in shape."
Suddenly, I feel myself being yanked towards Sam, who's peppering my neck with kisses and tickling me with his stubble. I can't help but laugh almost immediately, and it reminds me of the old times.
"Guys, come on." Nathan chuckles.
"Oh you heard him, baby, let's get going." Sam purrs.
I'm surprised again when Sam throws me over his shoulder and starts jogging. I'm in hysterics at this point, laughing at how childish and playful Sam is being.
"Samuel Morgan Drake, you put me down!" I giggled.
"But I thought you liked my ass! Now you can look at it all you want!" Sam jokes.
"We're not teenagers anymore, Sam! Put me down before I stab your nonexistent ass!" I jab.
"Nonexistent?" Sam echoes loudly. "Nathan! Are you hearing this shit right now?!"
Nathan bites his bottom lip to hold back his smile and looks away from his older brother.
"Well if you two are done, I think I've found another way in." Nathan replies.
After smacking my ass, Sam puts me down and gives me a loving kiss before joining Nathan.
"Hey Sam, c'mon. Give me a hand with this!" Nathan says.
The two are moving debris from another way in that we'd discovered, and while it's heavy, it's doable.
It takes a lot of hard time and work before we get to a vast and large room. In the center being illuminated by the sunlight, is a long but shallow pool of water with a mechanism on top. When Nathan activates it, I sit back and watch him lineup and match symbols being projected by the sunlight as well as symbols on spheres. Honestly, I can't help but be fascinated and mesmerized.
"Are you gonna just sit there and watch, or help me figure out this thing?" Nathan gives me a small glare.
"But you're such an expert at puzzles, I didn't want to break your mojo." I joked.
Sam chuckles and shakes his head as he nudges me with his foot. I see him holding his hand out for me, and I accept his help as he pulls me up to my feet. I walk over to Nathan and give him an encouraging pat on the shoulder as I step towards the pirate wheel mechanism.
"So what's got you stuck?" I asked.
"It sounds like you already know how to solve this." Nathan scoffs.
"I mean...kinda..." I blushed. "I figured it out while you tinkered with it."
Sam bursts out laughing, and instantly I feel bad when Nathan looks frustrated and angered.
"It's not that hard, Nathan. Here. Let me show you." I mumbled softly.
Despite Nathan's protests, I pull him closer and have him hold the wheel. I start to give him pointers, and finally, he looks like he'd had an epiphany. So, with him knowing how to solve the puzzle, I step aside and let Nathan give it another whirl. After each stage, statues of the infamous pirate captains start forming around us in a circle. When I see Captain Anne Bonnie, I smirk and give the statue a bow. Sam is having a hard time holding in his laughter. In minutes, Nathan solves the final stage. For some reason, there's no statue of Avery that shows up with the others, but instead we see a lever on a platform at the end of the room.
"Whoa- -whoa, that's only eleven pirates." Sam realizes.
"We're missing our star pirate." Nathan nods.
"Uh huh...it's kinda weird." Sam comments.
"Lever up ahead boys." I pointed out.
So we make our way to the platform and pull the lever. My stomach flutters as the platform rises.
"Okay, where to now?" Nathan mutters.
"Holy shit..." Sam breathes out.
When the platform stops, we're on high ground and notice another island in the distance. It's the Avery statue that we failed to see before. I can see it holding a telescope to its eye and wonder if that's our next clue.
"Well there's your missing Avery statue." I said.
"You know, I'm starting to get the feeling that our friend was a bit of a narcissist." Sam smiles faintly.
"Ya think?" Nathan raised an eyebrow.
Sam chuckles at this, and gives his brothers shoulder a small pat.
"Let's go see what he's got in store for us." Sam replies.
I look over the cliff and immediately take a step back.
"Yeah, it's a bit of a long way down. Let's uh...start making our way back to the boat, shall we? I don't mind taking the scenic route." I commented.
It takes us a bit to get back to the boat after a lot of climbing, but all of us are excited to get to the Avery statue on the island across from us. I can tell we're getting closer to Libertalia, and the thought has me excited as well as on edge.
"Okay, island with monstrous Avery statue is to the right." Sam told Nathan.
It's not even a second later until I see how thrilled and nervous Sam looks.
"I'm so excited my ha- -my hands are literally shaking." Sam grins.
"I know the feeling." Nathan replies. "And I'm sure Tara's in the same boat you're in."
"Well it's either that, or I need another cigarette. Or maybe a little bit of both." Sam finishes.
I can feel Nathan's knowing gaze on me from the rearview mirror as he steers the boat towards the island with the Avery statue. I can tell Sam has something he wants to say to both Nathan and I, but surprisingly, he holds his tongue. When we get off of the boat, we start our trek up to the Avery statue.
"Overcompensating for something, huh Avery?" I rolled my eyes at the statue.
Suddenly, the atmosphere gets more tense and dark after Sam sends Nathan up the Avery statue. I can tell he looks distraught over something. I can't really say much before Nathan's back down.
"So? Big skull shaped island, or what?" Sam asked.
"Big island. No skull." Nathan replies.
"That's gotta be it. Libertalia." Sam guessed.
"That's optimistic considering everything." Nathan mutters.
Nathan begins to walk off, and finally, Sam has enough with keeping his mouth shut.
"You know, it is just us here." Sam blurts out. "You're allowed to feel just a little bit of excitement over this."
"I'll get excited when we get Alcazar's noose off your neck." Nathan responds. "C'mon."
As Nathan walks off again, Sam shakes his head and lets out a bitter chuckle.
And here we go.
"Okay."
Nathan lets out a small sigh before making his way back over to Sam.
"What?" Nathan questions.
"I said okay." Sam replies.
"No no no. Your "okays" are never just okay." Nathan points out. "It usually means the opposite of okay."
I stop and hear something in the distance, heading over to the edge to see boats as well as storm clouds.
Wow it got dark real fast.
"Guys. I think it's safe to assume that Rafe and Nadine have finally caught up to us. Let's stop bickering and haul ass." I spoke up.
Sam and Nathan perk up and look to see the boats I mentioned. Then, we hurry the hell up and start making our way to the boat. Despite going as fast as we can to lose Rafe, Nadine, and Shoreline, it isn't enough. The storm starts to pick up, making it a little harder to drive our boat. Then, Shoreline starts firing at us as they finally catch up. From there, it goes to hell as we fight for our lives. Nathan using the boat to crash into the other Shoreline boats, all of us fighting to stay alive as Sam and I shoot back at our enemies.
"LOOK OUT!"
My eyes widen drastically when I see a flaming boat headed right for us.
"NATHAN!" Sam screams. "TARA!"
All of us are knocked off of the boat, and crash right into the water.
When I come to, I'm floating on a piece of driftwood in the middle of the goddamn ocean. I weakly start kicking until I'm swimming to shore. I don't see Nathan, or Sam. Hell, I don't even see Rafe or Nadine. At this point, I'm scared and weak, and I would welcome anyone I'd come into contact with.
The storm continues to crash down, and all I'm able to do to stay warm is rub my hands along my arms for friction as I hug myself in an attempt to conserve my body heat. I have to stop several times along the way because my vision blurs. The jungle is vast and I find myself wandering on weak legs. I'm afraid to call out for Nathan or Sam, as I briefly wonder how far away Shoreline or Rafe are.
I whip my sopping wet hair back and try my best to pull it up with a hair tie before I take a seat on a large rock and inspect myself for injuries. I also double check my satchel for any tears, but am relieved to find none.
Oh beloved waterproof satchel...what would I do without you?
I unzip it and get out extra ammo, and load my pistol with it. Then, I take out an energy bar and eat it before taking out a bottle of fresh water and drinking a good amount. After putting everything away and closing up my satchel, I look for a place to take shelter.
"Any sign of the Drake brothers? Or that Walker woman?" Someone asked.
Immediately, I dive into the bushes and crouch lowly as I ready my pistol and switch the safety off.
"Boss says to keep Walker alive if we see her...Adler wants her as leverage, but I think he's got unfinished business with her." A Shoreline soldier responds with.
"What kind of unfinished business?" His comrade raises an eyebrow.
"You really think they'd tell us? Use yer head, mate. He probably wants to use her...or fuck her...or both. I can never really tell with that guy." The mercenary shakes his head.
Um...ew. No.
I keep silent as they slowly pass me and leave. I wait a good two or three minutes, before letting out a shaky breath and move to stand back up. Finally, I get out of the bushes and sigh in relief as I tuck away my gun on the waistband of my jeans. When I hear footsteps, I find myself frozen in fear, and silently hope that this Shoreline mercenary is as dumb as he looks.
"Well well. Look what we got here."
What the hell?! Are you fucking kidding me?!
I slowly raise my hands as a sign of surrender. The lonely mercenary inches his way closer.
"Got any weapons, sweetheart?" He questions.
The other two Shoreline soldiers are a good distance away, it's just this one guy. Have to be quiet or they'll all come back.
I turn around with my hands still raised and see him aiming his rifle right at me.
"Yeah, you got me." I smiled nervously.
I swing my hips a little bit, until he realizes that my pistol is tucked in the waistband of my jeans on the side.
"I'd get it, but I'm afraid you'll fire at me." I joke.
He looks unsure as he slowly inched his way closer.
"I don't bite." I wink at him. "Just...reach on in there."
He falters a bit at my suggestive tone.
"I've always liked a man in uniform." I quipped with a smirk.
"Would you stop being so- -"
"Your reaction is making it a bit fun. Sorry. I'll stop." I apologize. "Unless...you want more?"
Finally, he gets over to me and reaches down for my gun. That's when I make my move, hitting him roughly on the back of his head as he reaches down. I get him in a head lock as he's knocked down to his knees, and I strangle him until he loses consciousness. Then, I reach for his walkie-talkie and take it before turning it on. It's already on a set frequency that the Shoreline soldiers have been using to communicate with each other. Several voices speak at a time, some hushed and some very loud. I keep the volume low as I begin trekking through the jungle once more.
"Nathan Drake was spotted- -FRRRRZZZZZ- -Requesting back up."
I listen carefully as I try to get Nathan's location. Then, I hear a ton of gunfire in the distance.
Well well, looks like Nathan's closer than I thought previously.
"Sam Drake is with him! No sign of Theresa Walker yet! I don't think she's with them or she would've shown her face by now- -FRRRRRRZZZZ- -"
Then, I feel chills course through my body when I hear Rafe Adler's voice.
"If any of you spot Theresa Walker, do not shoot at her. I need her alive." Rafe ordered. "If she's not with the Drake brothers, that means she got separated from them when their boat crashed. I'd assume she's dead, but I'm not taking any chances. Be on the lookout for her- -FRRRRZZZZZ- -"
"What the fuck?" I muttered to myself.
I smirk as I finally hold down the button and speak into the walkie talkie.
"Hey Rafe, long time no see. I hear you've been looking for me?" I spoke up.
For a minute, it's complete and dead silence aside from the static, until Rafe answers of course.
"Theresa fucking Walker. How'd you get access to one of these radios?- -FRRRRRZZZ- -" Rafe laughs.
"Well one of Nadine's guys was kind enough to lend me his. He's just taking a nap right now, and on the job too, can you believe that?" I joked.
"Now Theresa, as great as it is to hear your voice, I'd been hoping to speak to you in person.- -FRRZZZZ- -" Rafe told me. "I have a proposal for you. And before you say no or tell me to fuck off, I'd like to first apologize for my behavior the last time we saw each other. Had I known you were pregnant, I would have been much more courteous and polite, but it was bit of a difficult time after Sam's supposed death- -FRRRRRZZZZ- -"
I look down at the walkie in surprise and it takes me a minute before I'm responding.
"Yeah well, can't change the past now can we?" I responded.
"Exactly. However, I would love to make up for lost time. Before things get more hectic- -FRRRZZZZ- -"
"I think we're already past that, don't you? Now just tell me what you want, and be quick about it."
Then, I freeze when I hear something nearby, and quickly pull out my gun again as I whirl around. I see Rafe Adler alone, with his walkie talkie in hand, and a gun in his other one.
"You're much more courteous and merciful about Nadine's little soldiers than you're so called family." Rafe spoke up.
With the storm in the background, Rafe reminds me of Scar from the fucking Lion King film. Towards the end of the movie when Scar is unhinged and mad.
Of course I'm thinking about another Disney film at a time like this. Goddamn it Anne.
"Something on your mind, dear?" Rafe smirks.
Rafe inches his way closer, and puts his pistol away into his gun holster. I still aim at him, ready to shoot at any given time.
"Don't. Come closer. You stay right there." I spat out.
I toss the radio to the side and glare at right at Rafe's smug looking face.
"It's only the two of us, Theresa. Please, just...can we be civil about this and have an adult conversation? I'm not here to hurt you. Nadine's army on the other hand..." Rafe glances down. "How's your wound from Scotland holding up? Feeling better?"
I can feel my face heat up when I realize that Rafe's being completely serious, and reluctantly tuck my weapon back into my jeans.
"And you care because...?" I trail off.
"Because I hate how things ended between us. You were much more...preferable company over Nathan when Sam was gone."
"Nathan was grieving for his fucking brother, you asshole." I nearly growl.
"Right...you're right. But Nathan...he was falling apart. Especially when you needed him the most. But I was there."
I can feel my face heat up immediately, knowing which direction Rafe was heading.
"Stop it." I lower my voice dangerously. "Before you say something you can't take back."
Rafe continues to smile, and finally approaches me. I'm taken aback when he's holding my face gently in his hands, and for once, I find myself confused.
"W- -what are you doing?" I stutter nervously.
"Theresa. When you came to me for comfort, it was...exhilarating. Don't tell me you felt nothing." Rafe breathes out.
Oh my fucking God. He is going there.
"Don't. Don't you fucking do this." I shake my head.
I attempt to push him away, but Rafe is stronger than I took him for, and his hands move to grab my wrists firmly.
"You're so intelligent, Theresa. The moment Nathan and Sam brought you to me, I was...smitten. You're so much better than them. As much as I had a mutual respect with Sam, I favored you more." Rafe confessed.
What the actual fuck? Am I in some fucking romance novel or something? What the hell is this shit?
My eyes widened when Rafe presses his lips to mine, releasing one of my hands to wrap it around my waist and pull me closer. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, unsure if Rafe actually felt this way or if he was just always insane from the start.
"Your daughter...she's mine...isn't she? Why wouldn't you tell me?" Rafe mumbles softly.
WHAT? FUCK NO!
I can feel myself shaking with anxiety before I can help it.
"She's not- -" I tried.
Rafe cuts me off with a gentle shush, and I find myself listening to his orders. Despite Rafe being here, I highly doubted that he was actually alone. I'm sure the prick had back up.
"I...I wanted to ask you, if you'd be willing to work with me again. I don't screw over my partners, Tara. I want you to know that you can trust me and Nadine. We'll all get equal share, and as for...Nathan and Sam...if you can convince them to turn tail and leave, I won't kill them." Rafe offered.
Finally, I push Rafe away from me and start pacing before unzipping my satchel and fishing out a cigarette. I hold it to my lips before grabbing a small box of matches and lighting the fag. I take a deep breath before exhaling smoke.
"Alright, listen here Adler. I need to set some things straight. You're not the father of my child. I was pregnant when you were all in the Panamanian prison, meaning, the kid was conceived before Sam's..."death." The nights that I shared with you, was my own way of- -of grieving. I didn't know what I was doing when I slept with you. I need you to understand that there wasn't anything there aside from three nights of passion." I spat out. "As for the part of me working with you, I want to know why. After all of this time, you never once tried to make contact with me."
"I was invested in my research, I thought I could do it alone without you or Nathan to distract me after you both left me." He mutters bitterly.
"We left you because you were becoming unbearable, and because Nathan was starting to see your true colors. He didn't want me around you either, and I saw reason." I grumbled.
"Well now, I realize how wrong I was. You were the answer to my problems. I just didn't give you a chance when I should have." Rafe explains.
I take another inhale of my cigarette and already feel the urge to shoot Rafe and leave.
He can't possibly mean any of this. He's probably just trying to use me to get to Nathan and Sam. He doesn't care about me, all he wants to do is get to the treasure before they do.
"Rafe. Do. Not. Bullshit. Me." I glared at him. "When I worked with you, you never gave a damn about my opinion despite my background."
Rafe returns the glare and folds his arms.
"I know when I can admit my faults. Believe me, I've had fifteen years to do enough thinking of what I could have done differently. Maybe I could have been more lenient with Nathan, maybe I could have actually listened to you, but again...it's too late to change the past." Rafe spoke seriously.
"And you just expect me to forget that you were planning on using me as leverage against Nathan and Sam?" I retorted.
Rafe's eyes widen in surprise, but he quickly regains his composure.
"Yeah, you think I didn't know about any of that did you? Well Nadine's lot are awful chatty." I commented.
I finally finish my cigarette, dropping it to the ground before placing my boot over on top to crush it.
"I can still guess that if I were to decline your offer, you'd still be going through with using me against them. So...it seems we are at an impasse." I said. "Because I sure as shit don't believe you when you say you're alone. I'm sure there's dozens of Shoreline around us right now, so I already know that I won't be able to get away from you."
Rafe is rooted to his spot, before he lets out one loud laugh. I try to seem unphased, and barely hold back a gasp as Shoreline soldiers start making their presence known. Nadine comes out as well, looking dare I say, pleased to see me. Nadine makes her way over to Rafe, placing her arm on his shoulder and leans against him.
"You're smarter than you look, Walker." Nadine smirks. "But if I were you, I'd take his deal and work with us instead of against us. Perhaps we'd be so inclined to negotiate on terms."
I can't help but scoff at Nadine and roll my eyes.
"Terms? What terms? I'm basically a fucking hostage right now. I don't get a choice in any of this." I snapped.
"You're not entirely wrong, but...perhaps if you do a good job, we can spare the Drake brothers. Leave them a little crippled maybe, but...not dead. And who knows? Maybe we'd be willing to give you a cut. Theresa, I'd rather not work against you. You've actually proven to be quite useful and it's always great to see a woman in this type of field. Rafe was wrong to not listen to you and he admits that. So think long and hard about what you say next, eh?" Nadine asks.
I just...I'll bide my time, and wait for the opportune moment. When I get the chance, I'll go make my way back to Sam and Nathan. For now...I'll play along.
"You know you could use the money Tara. You not only lost your job, but you've got a child to take care of." Rafe adds.
"So we'll ask one more time. Are you with us, or against us?" Nadine questions.
God damn it this sucks.
Hey ya'll! I'm so sorry this took so long to update, but hopefully this extremely long chapter makes up for it! Let me know what you think of it! I worked really hard! I'll get started on the next chapter. :D