I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter, since I didn't really get a review, but here's the next part! I'm thinking about editing the previous chapters because I know they need more polishing, but I'll do it after I finish this story!
When the explosions occur, I am once again acquainted with the horrid sound of a deafening ringing in my ears. I can hear something muffled through it all, and as my vision begins to clear slightly, I realize that Sam is the one that's yelling at me. At this moment in time, I barely feel like a person, but a mere shell. I'd never felt so tired and exhausted, all I wanted to do was just lay down and give in to the exhaustion, all while praying that I would be welcomed into the heaven that those nuns at the old orphanage always gushed about.
I feel as if I'm floating as Sam's face nears mine. He looks so panicked, terrified, and I don't understand why. My head slumps back down as I feel something holding me up, and glance down at my dragging feet. Then, through the muffled noise and all the goddamn ringing, I can hear it. One gunshot sounding after another, and it gets faster. The noises become plural and get louder as the seconds tick by.
Time seems to resume as my reaction time finally catches up. I glance up from my dragging feet along the ground and realize that Sam's arm is around my waist as he has my other arm draped around his shoulder and is practically carrying me through the dangerous caves. Suddenly, I'm much more awake and aware of what's happening. Sam had set off one of Avery's traps in the catacombs, and he'd used that opportunity and took off.
"Tara! You finally back with me, sweetheart?!" Sam shouts over the gunfire.
"W- -what's happenin'?" I slurred.
"I set off another trap to get us away from Rafe and Shoreline! I honestly wish I could have warned you, but it was our only shot getting out of there!" Sam answers. "Can you walk on your own yet? I know I'm asking a lot but we're getting shot at and I might need some help taking them out!"
Finally, I register that we're now in a massive ship graveyard and that we're barely hidden behind a rotting remnant of what was a ship. Sam grabs another handgun tucked into his jeans before practically shoving it at me as he checks his own ammo clip.
"Shit, I'm half empty." Sam cursed.
Sluggishly, I straighten up in my currently crouched state and check the state of my ammo as well.
"I'm full for right now. It hasn't been used yet." I mutter weakly.
"Tara, look at me, baby." Sam pleads.
I blink tiredly and glance at Sam before reaching down for my satchel. I go right for the hidden pocket and reach for something hidden deep within it. I pull out a syringe, and tear the cap off with my teeth before plunging it right into my thigh. Sam looks at me with wide eyes as I finish injecting myself and rips out the needle.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" Sam nearly hissed at me.
As the adrenaline courses through my veins, I feel much more alert. I grab Sam by the collar of his button up and pull him closer.
"It's called adrenaline Sam. You mind lowering your voice so you don't give away our position to Shoreline?" I snapped quietly.
Sam's eyes widen in realization and nods in understanding.
"Sorry." Sam mumbles.
Hearing shouting in the distance, Sam inches even closer to me.
"Listen, it was good thinking. I would've never thought about carrying fucking adrenaline on me." Sam started. "But I need to know that you're good to go. Because when I move, we've gotta haul ass, baby doll. Are you coherent enough to keep up with me? Is the adrenaline kicking in yet?"
I give Sam a firm nod and feel my body shaking with newly found energy. I was ready to fucking take on anything at this point. The pain of my injuries had lessened significantly, and I honestly felt great. I turn off the safety on the gun as I cock it, before tightening my grip on Sam's shirt and yanking his face towards mine for a heated kiss.
I seriously hope we make it out of this alive.
"Oh it's kicking in alright." I breathed heavily.
Sam's eyes widen slightly as his gaze flickers to my lips. He quickly steals another kiss, his tongue caressing mine passionately before he pulls back. Sam smirks as he licks his lips and cocks his gun as well, making a small show of it as he keeps eye contact with me.
"I can see that now." Sam lets out a dark chuckle. "Just keep up with me, doll face. Eyes on the prize."
"Sam, if we don't move now, we're just wasting time and energy. Adrenaline does wear off at some point. I'm with you. Now, let's kick some ass and make Raphael Adler throw a temper tantrum." I grin.
At Sam's next choice of words, I can feel my heart flutter.
"That's my girl." Sam winks.
Oh dear lord do I have issues.
When we come out of cover, we run away from the direction of the catacombs and go deeper into the ship graveyard. Shoreline mercenaries spot us easily and start firing, and all hell breaks loose. We inch our way through the broken down ships, shooting at as many Shoreline as possible. I feel fucking invincible despite the fact that we're pinned down in less than fifteen minutes. The familiar sensation of invincibility is one that I'd experienced too many times on my previous adventures with Nathan, Sully, and Elena (and sometimes Charlie Cutter and Chloe Frazer).
Adrenaline did things to me.
With so much happening, and a lot of moving that we're doing, my mind is having a difficult time catching up. It doesn't even occur to me that we're with Elena or Nathan when I'm suddenly tackled to the ground as I barely survive a stray bullet to the head. Nathan's giving me a worried look as well as relief when he looks down at me. Quickly, he pull himself off of me, giving me a brief hug as he hands me another weapon.
"Yours is out." He shouts over the gunfire.
I give Nathan a thankful nod and get up as I shoot at more Shoreline soldiers.
"You took a shot of adrenaline again didn't you?!" Nathan groaned.
"I only use it for emergencies and you know that!" I snapped.
"I thought we agreed that you'd never use that shit again!" Nathan glared at me. "It's dangerous and you know it!"
"Save your lecture for later, mom! If I hadn't used that shot, I would barely be able to stand right now!" I then scrunch up my face in confusion. "Wait, where's Sam and Elena?! Weren't they just with us?!" I asked.
I glance around, hearing my heartbeat resonating in my eardrums as I find myself in an unfamiliar environment.
So we're no longer on the beach, or in the ship graveyard anymore. What the hell? Maybe Nathan was right about the adrenaline shot...
"Once again, this was what I was referring to! You lose yourself and your perception of time! We got separated from them a while back remember?!" Nathan rolled his eyes.
"I'm too focused on killing as many of these fucktards as I can, Nathan! I'm sorry!" I anxiously replied.
"That's why you shouldn't use adrenaline shots anymore! You lose focus on everything else going on!" Nathan scolds me.
I look behind Nathan nervously.
"BEHIND YOU!" I screamed.
I duck just in time to see a massive armored car driving right for us. I drag my body along the dirt and sand, grabbing another weapon from a crate nearby. In the meantime, the armored car with a machine gun on the top appears to be trapped, but that doesn't stop the damn thing from firing rapidly at us.
"How many of these fucking crates did Rafe bring?!" Nate asks angrily.
"I don't care! I call it free ammunition!" I joked.
My smile fades quickly when I realize the armored car is no longer trapped, and is headed straight for us.
"Oh fuck me!" My eyes widened.
"RUN!" Nathan shouts.
Through the many obstacles, I'm barely able to keep up with Nathan as we're chased and nearly gunned down by one of Shoreline's huge armored vehicles. In the knick of time, Sullivan saves our asses as he uses his own RPG against the car before tossing it over to us to finish it off. Feeling the adrenaline still coursing in my veins, I run as fast as I can as we're continually being shot at, and grab the RPG before firing at the fucking scrap of metal. Heat radiates from the explosion of the vehicle, knocking me flat on my ass. I glare at the burning scrap of metal and toss the RPG to the side.
"For God and Liberty, asshole." I grumbled. "Eh, sounded better in my head." I shrug lightly.
Before I know it, Nathan's coming over to me, holding out his hand as he helps me from the ground.
"You alright?" Nathan breathes out.
I stare at Nathan long and hard as I take deep and heavy breaths. When things finally start to de-escalate, I can finally think a little more clearly. As I stare at Nathan, it finally hits me that he almost died earlier, and that causes me to become more emotional than I'd care to admit. I blink away tears and wrap my arms around Nathan's middle before my head falls to his chest.
"God, I...I fucking thought you were gone." My voice trembles.
Nathan returns the embrace with enthusiasm, and is careful with my injuries despite that I can barely feel them currently.
"It's okay. I'm still here." Nathan mumbled softly. "It's gonna take more than a fall to kill me."
I sniffle as I pull back from Nathan, wiping at my eyes before we go over to get pulled up the ledge by Sullivan. When I see Anne waiting patiently behind Sully, my eyes widen in surprise that she's even here.
But then again, I don't think I'd like to hear that she was left alone...
That feeling of dread and guilt begins to increase fairly quickly the longer Anne stares at me. Her expression is enough to make me weak and falter in my movements. I know I'd promised Sam that I'd stick with him, but...
Anne is making it very hard to not stay with her. She needs me...
Again, I felt like absolute scum that Anne had found out everything the way that she did. At first, I'd never intended on telling her about my past, but then...something changed. Maybe it was after talking about the type of girl Anne was with Sam that I realized, she's more than mature enough to be able to handle the truth. Plus at this point, she definitely deserves to hear it.
"Annie- -" I started.
Anne runs over and cuts me off as she nearly tackles me in an embrace. I find myself all sorts of emotional as I return her hug, and pet her hair while pressing kisses to the top of her head.
Jesus Christ...I missed her so much.
Finally, and reluctantly, Anne detaches from me, wiping furiously at her eyes before giving me a small but genuine smile.
"I'm still unbelievably pissed off at you, but...I love you ma." Anne's voice cracked.
We turn to see that Elena had found us as she comes in through an archway.
"Are you okay? We heard those explosions and thought..." Elena trails off.
"Nah, that's all this guy." I gesture to Sullivan.
Elena jogs over to me, and hugs me as well as Anne, but looks very happy to see me still in one piece. I find myself surprised that Elena's even here to begin with despite that huge argument in the motel. I knew she was extremely pissed at me and Nate, but now I realize that she was just really worried about us- -that she only cares about Nathan and I. Something the two of us had forgotten before embarking on this journey.
"You saved their asses again?" Elena grins at Sully.
"Naturally. How're you doing?" Sully shrugs.
"Good...good. There were some uh...close calls, but uh..." Elena glances over to Sam as he joins us. "He covered me."
Nathan and Sam slowly approach each other and make awkward small talk about their injuries.
"So how'd you lose Rafe?" Nathan asked.
"Led him right into one of Avery's traps." Sam smirked.
Yeah, and nearly got us killed you dumbass...
When Nathan turns towards Elena and Sullivan, Sam's smirk fades. Sam nearly stumbles over his own feet as he tries to step in front of Nathan.
"Hey, look...about the whole...Alcazar thing- -" Sam started.
"There'll be time for that later." Nathan cuts him off abruptly.
Nathan immediately goes over to Sullivan as they converse over the whereabouts of Sully's plane. I can feel my body slowing down just a little bit as I realize that Nathan was no longer interested in the treasure.
Nathan's...changed. Interesting...
It was as clear as day that they all wanted off of this island, but it was understandable at this point. Surprisingly, Anne remains silent as she watches how familiar with this that we all are. I can tell that she looks uncomfortable. As much as I'd want to prove my parent's right and make them proud, I couldn't help but have doubts all of a sudden. While I watch the sudden change in Nathan, I could tell that he'd had a huge wake up call, one that I desperately needed and received after the events from five years ago with Marlowe and Talbott.
"I hope all that ruckus didn't catch any attention." Elena mutters.
"Whoa whoa whoa!" Sam blurts out. "What uh...what are we doing?"
"What the hell do you think we're doing? We're getting the hell off of this rock." Sullivan responds.
"Right right...we could...we could do that. Or we could head in that direction. Which is a shortcut." Sam points behind him.
"A shortcut to what?" Sullivan sighed.
"To Avery's treasure." Sam reluctantly responds.
"Oh wow." Sullivan rolls his eyes.
"I mean, Rafe's gotta go all the way around, but- -"
"Screw Rafe." He glares at Sam.
"Hey Victor, with all due respect, maybe this- -"
"You just don't know when to quit." Sully looked at him in disbelief.
"We're all here for the same reason. Right? Right?" Sam scoffs.
"We didn't come here for the treasure, we came after you and Tara." Elena interjects.
"And I appreciate that, I do, but...we're good. And we've got the lead...for now." Sam smiles nervously. "We can do this."
I can't help but remain silent for once, not offering any retorts or sarcastic remarks. I just can't help but observe Sam as I hear his words echo in my mind from the night I left the orphanage. The night that everything drastically changed.
"Let's finish what my ma and your parents started. Let's make our own legacy."
Would this have been what my parents wanted for me though?
"Nathan, look around. Avery scuttled every last ship on this island. And you know why?" Sam started.
"Because he was hellbent on keeping his treasure." Elena offered.
"Exactly- -"
"No matter the cost to the others around him." She adds saltily.
Sam sighs heavily as he makes his way to Nathan.
"Because he didn't want anyone to follow him." Sam continued. "Because he was leaving. Look at this."
Sam pulls out a map from his back pocket, and I wonder where he even got it from as he shows it to Nathan. Again, I find myself at a loss for words. I can feel Elena and Sullivan's gaze on me as I remain silent this entire time, and I already know that they're concerned about my wellbeing. I just can't help but feel so conflicted and I know that they can see it on my expression as clear as day right now.
While Elena doesn't know every single detail about my past, due to me being such a guarded person, Sullivan knows too damn well because he actually knew my parents personally and worked with them a few times. Sullivan probably knew all too well how much this meant to me since this was the last thing my parents ever worked on, and it was years of research. I already know that Sam wants to go after the treasure despite reason, and apart of me wants to finish this as well...
But was it even worth it anymore?
Would this have been what my parents would have wanted for me? Would they be proud? I'd discovered ancient civilizations with Nathan, things that were long forgotten to mankind, but somehow...this was different. It hit too close to home, and it was something my parents obsessed over before they died. Maybe I wanted closure for losing Sam when we were younger, or maybe I'd wanted closure for my parents dying and this being the last thing that occupied their time instead of being with me.
"Tara mentioned a theory earlier about Avery which includes all of this shit that I literally just mentioned, but, I found his map of the island. Okay? That his ship right under that mountain. She basically confirmed it!" Sam explained.
When did he find that map? Maybe in Avery's mansion while we were with Rafe and Shoreline?
"That's where our treasure is. And it is where Rafe is headed right now while we sit around and argue like idiots." Sam concluded. "Tara, explain to them- -"
Once again, Sullivan interjects, clearly fed up with Sam as he throws his hands up in frustration. I knew that Sullivan and Sam never really got along too well, but I knew that Sully was desperate to get all of us off of this island. Where we would be safe from Rafe, Nadine, and Shoreline.
"What if, his ship already left the island and it got sunk out somewhere in the middle of the ocean?" Sullivan blurts out.
"Then we find out where it got sunk." Sam easily supplies.
Sullivan, at long last, gives up and turns away as he grumbles under his breath. Sam puts a hand on Nathan's shoulder as he grins at him.
"How long have we been chasing this thing, huh? Me, you, and Tara?" Sam chuckles. "And no offense to these guys, but they don't get it."
Nathan frowns as he gives Sam a saddened expression before speaking up against his older brother. I can absolutely tell that things have finally changed for Nathan, that this was really hard to say because he'd always looked up to Sam since he was just a little kid. Sam was someone that Nathan aspired to be when he was younger, but...maybe he was finally growing up.
"Actually Sam, they do." Nathan mumbled softly. "They really do, okay?"
As Nathan hands back the map to Sam, I can see the conflict on his expression melting away. Maybe Nathan realized what was more important to him than all of this. Maybe his near death experience had opened his eyes, or maybe he finally talked things out with Elena and realized what he wanted in life. Perhaps it was all of the above, but either way, Nathan's behavior was speaking volumes of where his priorities stood right now.
"Trust me, they've seen this kind of...obsession before with Tara and I." Nathan frowns. "Sam...we're not those kids anymore. We're not. And we've got nothing to prove."
Sam seems completely heartbroken at this confession, but for once, he doesn't argue or offer any retort. Sam looks over to me with a hopeful gaze, as if I'll knock some sense into Nathan. Upon seeing this, Nathan can already tell what's happening and shakes his head almost angrily.
"You can't just look to her for help, Sam. Tara's in no condition to do so right now. That adrenaline she injected herself with is finally catching up to her. She's on her last legs." Nathan glares at his brother. "I love you Sam, but don't."
But don't I get a say in this?
Ignoring Nathan, Sam looks at me expectantly before questioning me.
"You've been uncharacteristically quiet this entire time. What about your input in all of this, Tara?"
"Tara, you don't have to answer him, he's- -" Sullivan starts.
"Stop it." I snapped.
As everyone's eyes fall on me, I feel my heart rate picking up anxiously. I hated being put on the spotlight, especially with everyone on such high alert and so tense. It's when Anne comes over that she holds my hand in support, that I look over to her with wide eyes. I certainly wasn't expecting this from my daughter, but...I'd never been more thankful for it than right at this very moment. I give her a gentle and reassuring squeeze before letting go.
"I'm tired." I mutter weakly. "No one...and I mean no one gives a shit about my opinion, so why start now?"
Nathan's eyes widen when he sees how broken I am, and he's quick to argue almost instantly.
"Tara, that's not true- -" Nathan started.
"It's definitely true!" I shouted angrily. "No one gave a shit about my opinion in Scotland, when I said going up against Rafe, Nadine, and Shoreline was fucking insanity! No one listened to me when I said that Talbott was following us before he drugged Charlie and nearly had us all killed, you just thought I was paranoid then! Everyone thought my idea of Lazarevic not being after the Cintamani Stone was ridiculous! Need I continue, Nathan?!"
Nathan looks ashamed and gives me an apologetic look as he chooses to remain silent.
"I feel like the only time you- -no, let me rephrase that. The only time anyone cared about my opinion was when it was useful to them." I closed my eyes. "So stop it. All of you. I need to think." I rub gently at my temple.
I begin to pace back and forth in a frantic daze.
I need to think about what's more important. Our safety, or this treasure? Or just...proving my parent's right...
"You're not...you're not considering this are you?" Elena interjected. "Tara, you've been injured numerous times from what Sully's told me. You're barely able to stand...why would you want to go after this treasure knowing what you're up against?"
She's...she's absolutely right? After everything...why does this bother me so much?
"I...I don't want this to all be for nothing." My voice cracks.
I blink away tears before averting my gaze from everyone. I turn away and hug myself as I try extremely hard to keep my emotions in check, but at this point...I felt broken.
"First it started with my parents, and I was orphaned as a result. Then, it was Sam...and after everything we've been through...we're just gonna walk away?" I barely uttered.
"Theresa." Sullivan spoke up.
I stare over at Victor with a saddened expression, as he places a firm hand on my shoulder.
"I am so sorry that this has...haunted you so much. And under different circumstances, I'd be supporting you." Sullivan sighed. "But this is just a fight that we can't win. Much like Nathan and Samuel, you just...you always had a hard time letting things go. I know how much this means to you, but...I think you've accomplished so much already. Your parents would be proud at how much you've achieved. Their deaths were unfortunate, but not in vain. And you know why? Because you helped find Libertalia." He continues.
It's almost like he's hitting the nail on the coffin as he tells me this, and a sob escapes from my chest before I can do anything about it. Embarrassingly enough, I'm getting flashbacks of a young Victor Sullivan encountering Nathan and I in Columbia as teenage runaways when we were on the run from Marlowe. Despite not knowing him, Sullivan seemed to recognize me because I'd resembled my parents. Whether from guilt or something else entirely, he became a large part of our lives and was something of a father figure to me as well. By now, he could read me like an open book, as much as I hated to admit it.
He's...he's right though. About everything...
"I think it's time to let this go, sweetheart. You've already done so much, and you've really pushed yourself to the limit. I know how much you wanna see this through to the end, but...Rafe is a madman. It's not worth it, darlin'." Victor finished.
I quickly wipe at my eyes just as Sullivan pulls me into a hug, and I don't resist at all.
"You did good, kid. But the cards are against us it seems."
As Sullivan pulls back, he gives a gentle pat to my shoulder again. That's when Anne moves forward, and gently intertwines our hands together. My heart nearly melts at the warm smile my daughter gives me, and I can't help but return it.
"Yeah...let's get going." I murmured softly.
As we walk together hand in hand, I'm surprised at how serene everything seems to be at the moment. Minutes pass as we trek through an old colonial town, trying to make our way back to Sullivan's plane. To my shock, Sam doesn't argue and seems to be deep into thought as he goes through the motions. In my perspective, I could sense that he was contemplating his actions. Although finding the treasure meant a lot to us, maybe Sullivan was right, it wasn't worth getting killed for.
I'd had enough film to prove everything regarding Avery and Libertalia, and had even taken some pictures on my phone before it died. Honestly, the biggest surprise, was how supportive my daughter was through the entire ordeal. It made me wonder what Sullivan had said to her as he escorted her out of the motel room. I could only wonder until I would ask her about it. Anne pauses as Nathan jogs over next to us, and releases my hand as she looks to her uncle nervously. I walk ahead, knowing they needed to talk alone.
"Hey squirt...about...earlier..."
"I'm sorry I yelled at you like that." Anne blurts out.
Anne slows down to a stop with Nathan, a pained look on her face as she struggles to form words.
"I think I was kinda...shifting my anger towards my ma onto you and I...shouldn't have...I- -I mean, I was still pissed that you were involved with all that bullshit to begin with and that she was involved but- -" Anne spews out frantically. "B- -but it wasn't all your fault."
"Relax...it's okay." Nathan smiled. "Don't be sorry, sweethear- -"
"I can't help it, I felt so guilty afterwards and...I was so scared earlier. I thought you were...dead." Anne nearly whispers.
Anne jumps into Nathan as she wraps her arms tightly around his middle. Nathan is completely thrown off by surprise, but he quickly gives the comfort that his niece definitely needed and returns the hug wholeheartedly.
"It's okay, kid. We're good. It's gonna be fine." Nathan mumbled.
After a minute or so, Anne pulls away before wiping at her face using her sleeves. She smiles brightly at her uncle as she folds her arms.
"Goddamn. That feels so much better." Anne sighs in relief.
"Yeah...you're your mother's daughter alright." Nathan chuckled. "Get your ass moving, kid. We've got ground to cover."
It takes a little bit until we're in a small town that's long forgotten and abandoned. Anne looks enthusiastic as she explores some of the ruins and points over excitedly at some buildings.
"Holy shit! Look at thi- -Ma! Are you seeing this shit?!" Anne shouts excitedly.
Sam approaches Anne, much to our astonishment, and chuckles from her enthusiasm as he places a hand on her shoulder.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Sam mutters.
Anne looks uncomfortable as she stares at Sam, but for some reason, she doesn't pull away like we expected her to.
"So you're my old man, huh?" Anne bluntly said.
Anne folded her arms as she scans Sam's appearance, and when her eyes land on his face, she nods almost thoughtfully.
"Yeah...I can see it. I've got yer eyes." Anne pursed her lips.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes at my daughter.
That's not the only thing you've got from Sam, but I'll let it drop. At least she's speaking to him.
It's almost amusing as Sam fidgets nervously around his daughter, finding himself nearly at a loss of words.
"I- -uh...Well, you see- -the thing is- -I was um...stuck in a prison in Panama for thirteen years." Sam stutters. "But I didn't...I was with your ma before you were born...and um..."
"You can relax." Anne gives him a blank stare. "I'm not gonna call you daddy or expect anythin' from ya."
"Whoa whoa whoa." Sam grabs her arm. "Anne, that's not what- -I mean...I'm hoping we can talk some more about...this. Maybe...get to know each other. I know I wasn't around for you before but...I'm hoping I can change that when this is over." Sam blurted out.
Anne's glare softens up when she realizes how sincere Sam is being, and gives him a small and reluctant nod.
"I don't think you can make up for fifteen years, but...you're welcome to try." Anne responds with.
Anne catches up to Nathan as we make it to a weird mechanism. It appears to be the only thing we can use to get across, so I observe the area and look for resources to pull the mechanism across to the other side. Nathan and Sam work quickly as they get the same idea, and Nathan jumps to a platform below the mechanism, using his grappling hook as leverage to pull them to the other side. I let Anne, Sully, Sam, and Elena go first.
"Come on Tara, there's room for one more." Elena held out her hand for me.
I look at the mechanism nervously and slowly approach it.
"I- -I'm not too sure about this..." I stammered.
"Just hold onto me." Anne offered. "It'll be alright, ma."
Oh how ironic...she's comforting me.
"I've gone up against zombie like creatures, I can handle this." I tell myself.
Anne looks at me in disbelief as well as amusement.
"Really now?"
"Uh...another story for another time. I'll save it for your birthday." I smiled abashedly.
When we're all on board, Nathan starts to pull us across using his grappling hook. Elena, Anne, and Sully get off quickly as soon as we reach the other side, but I hesitate when I glance down below.
Of all the fucking times to be nervous about heights.
"Nathan, come on over and we'll pull you up." I suggested.
I get to my knees and have my hand out for Nathan to grab as he starts to climb over. However, something snaps and I can feel myself falling. I let out a scream as I fall, but Sam is quick to grab me by the back of my tank top as we're swung back over to where we started. I quickly climb up Sam's body before helping him up the ledge and glance across towards Anne, Nathan, Elena, and Sullivan.
"Sam! Tara! Just jump across and we'll catch you!" Nathan shouts worriedly.
When Sam gets to the ledge, something within him stops as he glances over at the path towards the right of us. Immediately, I grab Sam by the wrist and look at him desperately. I already know what he's planning on doing before he can walk, and it appears that Nathan knows as well.
"No, no! Don't you even think about it!" Nathan warned him. "You hear me?!"
"I'm sorry that I got you into this! All of you." Sam then glances at me sadly. "Especially you."
"All of that doesn't matter anymore, just jump!" Nathan nearly begged.
"I've gotta see this thing through, Nathan." Sam sighed heavily.
"Sam! Hey! Listen to me! If you do this, I'm not comin' after you, you hear me?!" Nathan screamed.
Sam stops as he looks back at to his younger brother one last time, taking in his appearance as if this will be the last time he'd see him. That look of sadness and acceptance made me sick to my stomach.
"I'm sorry." Sam mutters.
I continue to grip his wrist tightly, enough that Sam pauses again, and I find my eyes welling up with tears.
"Let go." Sam breathes out. "Please..."
"Sam..." My voice wavers. "Are you really sure that this is what you want?"
Sam quickly wipes at his eyes as he turns back to me and places his other hand on top of mine and squeezes gently. He gives me a hopeful look, as well as a small smile.
"I'm sure. You with me, baby?"
"Are you kidding me?! Tara not you too!" Nathan shouts worriedly.
I mean...someone's gotta keep an eye on Sam.
As I make my decision, I glance back at Anne and give her a warm and reassuring smile. I can tell she already knows what my decision is going to be based off of my expression, and to my confusion, she doesn't object.
"I'll see you soon, sweetheart! You stick with your Aunt and Uncle okay? I've got some unfinished business to take care of!" I told her.
"Ma!" Anne looks at me with wide eyes. "Please be careful! That's all I ask!"
"I love you, Annie..." I mutter softly.
Sam can't help but let out a small laugh, and it has me nearly melt on the spot at how heartful it sounds.
"She'll be okay. She's a Drake." Sam grins.
Sam places a kiss to my hands and together, we run off towards that cavern where Avery's ship remains.
I can't even...I can't believe that I'm doing this...
"So what made you change your mind?" Sam spoke up.
As we climb and make our way closer to the mountain, Sam falters a bit.
"Someone has to make sure you stay alive." I replied. "I've got more than enough proof to complete my parent's work, but, I'm sorry I got all...emotional back there. I think the stress finally caught up to me, y'know?"
"Baby, I don't think that was just the stress talking. I mean...for the most part, Victor was right about what he said. So...thank you for coming with me. It means a lot to me." Sam gives me a sincere smile. "I know we didn't always see eye to eye on everything, but for the most part, you've been the most supportive person in my life."
I can feel my face heat up as Sam helps me up a ledge and pulls me closer towards him. Our lips graze together just slightly, and for a moment, I nearly kiss him right then and there.
"Sam. We can hash this out later, but if you're serious about getting to Avery's treasure, we've gotta move fast." I told him.
Sam frowns deeply at this, looking conflicted as his gaze flickers to me and the path leading further into the mountain. He curses under his breath as his grip on my hands tighten.
"No. If I don't say this now, I'm gonna chicken out later. Fuck that."
I find myself bewildered at Sam's behavior, as he pulls out a diamond ring, definitely centuries old, definitely 17th century. It almost resembles Sir Francis Drake's ring that Nathan had treasured so deeply, but it's much more elegant in its design and looks as if the ring itself was made of gold.
"I was gonna fuckin' do this after I came back from Panama, but clearly, things didn't go as planned and I lost the damn ring." Sam grumbled.
Sam moves me away from the ledge we just climbed, and just in our view, I see Henry Avery's ship The Fancy. It looked absolutely beautiful, nothing that history books could ever compare to in mere description, in strictly words alone.
"Here it is. We've been an on and off couple since we were just sixteen years old, and I know I'm not perfect, I've been such an asshole to you sometimes, but you've still somehow accepted me regardless." Sam exhales shakily. "Theresa...if you'll have me when this is all said and done...would you...marry me? I know this isn't exactly the proposal you dreamt of, but...I uh...my plans of proposin' fifteen years ago didn't pan out quite how I wanted it to..."
I can't help but chuckle at the sheer irony of the statement.
"Don't laugh." Sam cracks a grin. "I'm tryin' to be romantic here. Either way...I just..." Sam takes a deep breath before continuing. "I know that despite everything...I'll always came back to you. And...I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know that for certain, doll-face. So...what do you say? Although, your answer might have to be quick because we're uh...on a bit of a deadline here." Sam nervously rambles.
I can't help but stare at Sam in awe and amazement all at once. It was definitely a lot to take in, but I could tell that Sam was actually serious and genuine about this.
Holy shit...he's...he's actually serious.
"I honestly don't know what to say. For once, you have me at a loss for words." I smiled faintly.
"Now I have you speechless? Right now?" Sam chuckled.
"I wanna say yes, but I'm scared. Of what happens after this." I blink away tears.
"Surprises are great though." Sam smirked.
After nearly a minute of dreadful silence. I give Sam a loving kiss, and nod in confirmation. It doesn't take long for him to look absolutely ecstatic at my response when he finally processes my answer. Quickly, he slides the ring onto my ring finger and gives me another deep kiss.
Well...that just happened.
Shakily, I pull out my polaroid and snap a single picture of The Fancy, before sealing it away in my waterproof satchel. Sam looks at me in amusement, kissing my cheek as he gives my hand a gentle squeeze.
"Come on, we've gotta hurry if we're gonna beat Rafe."
I nod wordlessly as we get a move on, climbing down to cavern walls, and swimming from the water towards the boats that Shoreline have set up at the docks. I can see Rafe only a few feet away as Sam and I make haste and get on an empty boat. As Sam starts it up and drives off, I grow anxious at the sound of footsteps, before glancing behind me to see an angered Rafe Adler. He looks livid that Sam and I are getting a head start, while I notice that Nadine doesn't seem to actually care about us.
Due to the loads of treasure that she's loading onto another boat, I'd say that she's satisfied with what she has and doesn't really care about us any longer. Sam snaps me out of my thoughts quickly when he pulls up next to the enormous ship. Immediately, we climb aboard the rotted wood and make our way into The Fancy, and my eyes widened at the piles of treasure scattered about. Not even thinking about it, I grab handfuls of treasure and grin at Sam as I stash it into my satchel as well as my pockets.
I've never been more thankful for zip-up pockets than I am right now.
Looking around in fascination, I hadn't even realized Sam had disappeared until I hear a loud crash.
"Sam! You okay?" I shout worriedly.
Sam coughs as he pops his head through a hidden doorway, and nods at me as he gives me a thumbs up.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to be so loud. It just swung open. Come here and look at this though." Sam rasped.
I quickly follow Sam inside to a large room filled with more treasure, my polaroid in hand as I wait eagerly. That's when I see it. Two lonely skeletons across the room, swords embedded in their bodies. I analyze them as I snap a quick still-shot of the two deceased pirates.
"Holy fucking shit." My eyes widened in realization. "It's Avery and Tew. It's them, Sam!"
After placing everything back into the satchel again, I move closer to inspect the bodies more closely, only to hear a loud explosion sound from just behind me. Before I realize what's happening, I hear another loud crash as the ship shakes uncontrollably. Through the smoke, I see Sam's unconscious body underneath a pillar, and frantically move to help Sam.
"Holy shit! Sam!" I cried out.
Trying to be careful of my injuries, I struggle with all of my might to move the pillar off of Sam. Sam moans softly as his eyes flutter shut.
"Sam! Wake up! I don't know if I can move this off of you!"
I cough through the smoke, and realize that the explosion ignited a fire that was quickly beginning to spread.
"Fucking shit!" I hissed.
Once again, I place a firm grip on the pillar and push as hard as I possibly can before a sharp pain sparks through the healing gunshot wound I'd obtained from Scotland.
"Well...well...well..."
At the sound of Raphael Adler's voice, I can feel myself tense as the hairs on the back of my neck stand in attention. Chills go down my spine as I slowly turn around and see Rafe standing several feet behind me, looking down at us with a menacing stare.
Oh...he looks pissed.
"H- -hi, Rafe. How's it goin'?" I ask nervously.
"You're really going to ask me that? Right now?" Rafe smiled tensely.
"I mean, it's always nice to start things civilly right?" I blurt out.
As I start to try and move the pillar off of Sam again, I immediately freeze when I hear the click of a gun. Turning to look, I see Rafe aiming his gun at me, and my eyes widened.
"Do me a favor and step away from Samuel." Rafe lowered his voice dangerously.
The look in his eyes speaks volumes. Rafe has finally lost his grip as he stares at me in a sinister and manic fashion. I slowly raise my hands up as I move to stand, giving him a pleading look.
"Please...don't do this- -" I stammer.
"What do you even see in him?" Rafe cuts me off. "He's done nothing but bring you down. You could have made something of yourself with your parent's background, but...you chose the Drake brothers instead...and look at you now. A single mother that struggles to pay the bills."
I stare at him incredulously, but I don't dare refute or offer a retort. I feel like if I say the wrong answer, Rafe would shoot me. He looked so unhinged, like a frightened animal about to be put down, and just going absolutely mad.
"Why did you leave me?" Rafe glared at me.
He's acting like we were...in a relationship.
"Rafe. I...you know I was grieving right? As harsh as it sounds, I just...used you as an outlet. It never meant anything." I muttered.
"Fuck you!" Rafe growled.
Rafe runs a hand through his hair as he cracks a small grin and shakes his head not even seconds later.
"Sorry, dear. I was just...I've been a little stressed if you couldn't already tell."
You don't say...
"Honestly, if you'd just played your cards right, you could have stood by my side. We could have done so many great things together."
"Rafe. I told you that very night that I came to you, that we wouldn't be a thing. That it would mean nothing to me." I blinked away tears.
"SHUT UP!" He barked out. "I'm done with the Drake brothers, and I'm done with you. As long as you're sucking air, I won't be satisfied."
With my heart pounding in my chest, I find myself growing desperate to stay alive. To buy some time. With Avery's ship on fire, and with that fire spreading, maybe I could use that to my advantage.
"Wait!" I shouted frantically.
Just...just buy time...
"I'm sorry that I've lied to you all these years. I just...I don't like admitting when I'm wrong." I blurt out.
Rafe falters, his hand lowering slightly, along with the gun.
"Sam's a big part of my life, we grew up together. But the moment I met you...I...I felt something. And I hated that feeling. I didn't know what it was. Sam supposedly dying in Panama that day just...it finally pushed me. I thought I was grieving, but...I think I was acting on my feelings towards you. Rafe, it might be too late to ask for your forgiveness, but...I'm sorry." My voice wavered.
Keep buying time...maybe Nathan's on his way...oh who the hell am I kidding? Of course he's on his way here.
I begin to inch towards Rafe, as he looks deeply conflicted and absolutely angered.
"Why would you do that to yourself?!" Rafe snapped. "You can be so stupid, Theresa! I thought you were the smart one!"
"I might be the clever one aside from the Drake's, but that doesn't mean I'm in touch with my emotions like everyone else. I'm a fucking idiot in that department, okay? I'll admit it." I spat out.
"Maybe I should have held you at gunpoint fifteen years ago. Would have saved a lot of trouble watching you struggle with your inner turmoil." Rafe chuckled darkly.
"What can I say? I was raised by some batshit crazy nuns in a Catholic orphanage." I joke lightly.
I inch my way closer until finally, I'm just in front of Rafe. Gathering the courage, I place my hand on the gun and look at Rafe with the most "loving" expression I can muster.
Am I actually getting away with this?
"Now put down the gun, and let's get the fuck out of here. You can have Nadine and Shoreline collect the treasure, huh?" I suggest.
Rafe begins to lean in towards me, his lips just nearly brushing up against mine.
"You know..." Rafe sighs. "You really are full of shit."
Suddenly, I'm blinded as I'm smacked straight in the face with the butt of Rafe's pistol. I stumble backwards in complete shock as I struggle to regain my bearings, but I'm being hit once again. The next impact, is to my gut, and immediately, the wound from Scotland feels ten times worse. I let out a silent scream as I fall to my knees, my arms wrapping around my stomach as I resist the urge to throw up. Then, I feel a tight grip in my hair, as I'm forced to look up.
"You really think I'm that gullible? I think I would have preferred you begging on your knees for me to spare your life." Rafe grumbled. "That was just pitiful."
"Eh, you win some, you lose some." I breathed out.
Once Rafe releases my hair, I slump forward slightly and feel him place his gun to my head. My eyes widened as I slowly moved my arms, feeling around for something to use as a weapon. Without thinking, I grip a random blunt object on the floor before swinging upward unexpectedly and whacking Rafe. When Rafe stumbles backwards in shock, he fires his weapon instinctively. All I can hear is the loud echo of a gunshot, before a sharp pain impacts against the side of my head.