I meant to upload this a few days ago. But then school started. :I
So here it is!
Kinda long to make up for the delays... Don't worry. We'll see Vaas in the next chapter! ;D
Also, have ya'll heard Clarity feat. Foxes by Zedd? If you haven't, GO LISTEN.
I literally can't stop listening to it. This song will apply to this story in the future. * - * THE ANGST. AH.
Also, check out the game and soundtrack for an Indie game called, Thomas Was Alone. It's amazing how attached you will get to little blocks, and the music is FANTASTIC. Seriously. Go check it out. Then buy the game & soundtrack. :D

Read, Review, Follow, Fav, and ENJOY!

Chapter 5: Sophia

Blinking, I groaned as I shifted my head. My skin was tickled by a rough blanket that covered my body, but it was warm and soft. The smells around me were foreign and I suddenly wondered where I was.
With a painful grunt I lifted myself up into a sitting position. My rubbed my sore, crusty eyes, attempting to adjust my eyes to the light.
After a minute I finally could see enough; I was in a simple wooden bedroom with two windows on the opposite corner walls. Floral drapes hung to the sides of the windows, drawn back to let the illustrious light into the room, which had a simply bulb in the middle of the ceiling for light.

The rest of the room was extremely plain, besides the old metal bed I sat on, a dilapidated side table, and a chair and make-shift table in the corner.
The door that sat on the same wall my head was now leaning against opened wide and that round familiar face popped in to look at me.
I looked back at her feeling foggy, trying to grasp her name. Maria? Sandy?
"Oh, you are awake!" her accent was thick, and it jogged my memory.
"Sophia." My throat felt as dry as an overcooked piece of turkey. I slapped my tongue in my mouth, trying to create some kind of moister.
"Yes yes! Hold on one moment dear!"
I watched as she quickly turned and disappeared from my sight, the door remained slightly ajar. I turned my head and stared at the ceiling, my thoughts blank until she walked back into the room.

Sophia lowered a tray onto the side table which held a large glass of water, and some food. I wasn't sure what kind of food it was though, looked like meat.
"Where are we?" I said with a scratchy voice, but Sophia shushed me.
"Quiet now! Drink this, and then eat. You've been asleep for a few days."
Before I could react to sleeping for a few days, Sophia already had the cup of water at my lips and running down my throat. The water wasn't cold, but it felt amazing. I silently waited as Sophia cut the meat up for me and placed it on my lap. I could feel her eyes watching me as I took every bite. The meet tasted like deer. I liked deer. My thoughts stayed just as quiet as I slowly ate the food. I hated feeling so sluggish.

After I was done I finally spoke up as she gently took the plate away.
"Exactly how long have I been out?"

"Almost 5 days. I had to feed you smashed fruits and water, we couldn't keep you awake long enough for you to eat." Sophia's voice sounded fretful.
"I've never been asleep for that long." I was slightly bewildered.
"Well, the doctor gave you strong medicine. It made you extremely tired and slightly…"

"Loopy?" I finished her sentence, putting two and two together.
Sophia gave me an odd look, and I guessed it was because she didn't hear that word often. "Yes, I guess so."
"So where are we again?" I asked.

"We are in my home village, Amanaki Town." she replied simply, sitting on the edge of my bed.
"Ah. I see." Of course, no locations would mean anything to me, but at least I had a name.
"Also, I'm afraid I haven't heard any news about the friends you spoke of before." Sophia looked at me with sad, worried eyes. The motherly air this woman held surprised me. She didn't even know me, but her remark sent a shock through my brain.

"Sarah! Phoebe!" The memories rolled back into my consciousness and I tried to leap up from the bed.
Sophia's grasp was strong as she forced me down. I was now wide awake, and thought bounced frantically around in my mind. I have to help them and get out of this hell hole, before it is too late!
"No, no! You are still weak Cyra! Please don't do anything rash!"
My head still felt funny, and I gave a reluctant nod as I placed my hand on my forehead.
Before I could say anything, Sophia's son walked into the room.
"Mother, Dennis is here."

"Oh! I have his supplies he ordered!" she turned her head to look at me, "One moment dear."
I gave a nod as she shuffled out of the room, and Jay stood there rather awkwardly.
I turned my head to look at him, deciding I would try and probe him for more information, since Sophia didn't seem keen on doing so.

"Sophia said no one has heard about my friends. Is that true?"

Jay leaned his head to look out the door, and turned his head back to me. "In a way. There has been a lot of pirate activity, so it is impossible to know where they might be. For all I know, one of my men has seen them."
I gave a slow nod, "How can I help?"
Jay gave a nervous laugh, "I'm afraid you can't."
"But I want to." I cast my eyes away as I correct myself, "No, I will help."
"I'm afraid your friends just aren't a priority with the Rakyat. I am sorry."

I looked at him in the eye, "The Rakyat?"
"Forgive me for not explaining. We are a tribe of warriors that help protect the island from pirates."

I gave a short smile, "No need to be sorry. Are you the leader of the Rakyat?"
Jay gave an amused laugh, "Oh no no! Citra leads our tribe, and Vaas directs the fighting."
"Citra?" I rolled the name on my tongue as I thought. It sounded like a woman's name, and she would be more likely to help me, I think. "Can I talk to her?" I had also forgotten about Vaas, the man with the mohawk from the other day. So he was in charge of these people. I wondered if he'd help me too.

Jay shook his head, "I could not answer that. I do not have power to grant that wish."
I tilted my head to the side, "Who could?"

Before Jay could answer, Sophia entered the room, along with another man. He had dark skin and thick, black framed glasses, along with tattoos similar to Jay's.
"Cyra, this is Dennis. I just told him about your situation, and he wanted to meet you." Sophia said with a cheerful voice.

Sitting up straighter I extended my hand, his grip was warm and strong. "Nice ta' meet you Cyra." His accent almost sounded Jamaican. I think. . .
"You too, Dennis."
Dennis gave a laugh and shook his head, "I must say, I can't believe a girl like you escaped the pirates."
I gave a short laugh, "Yeah. Can't believe it myself."

My eyes drifted from Dennis to see Jay jerking his head towards Dennis. I gave him a strange look as his finger jabbed the air at Dennis. It took me a moment to realize he was trying to tell me this man was who had the power to let me see Citra. I gave a slight nod, now certain Sophia would disapprove of my request.
I think Dennis had said something, but I hadn't heard him, whatever he said had made Sophia laugh.
I gave a chuckle with a 'yeah', hoping that replied to his comment. I then looked him in the eyes before I spoke. "Dennis, can you help me with something?"
Dennis crossed his arms, "Depends on what you want."

"I want to meet Citra."

Dennis raise his brow, and I watched as Sophia's mouth opened in shock.
"How did you know about her?!" Sophia cried, her eyes suddenly darting to her son, who slinked out of the room.
"I think you already know." I said with a slight chuckle.

"And what do you wish to ask her?" Dennis expression turned more serious as he crossed his arms over his chest.
I continued to look in his eyes as I spoke, never breaking contact. "I want to find my friends, and I need help."
"That's a tall request from a tourist." Dennis said in an expectant tone.
"I can prove myself if I have to." My eyes became harder and I nodded my head as I spoke. I had a feeling I had to show these people my strength. I wasn't sure if they'd take me seriously, especially because I was a woman.

Sophia moved uneasily in my peripheral vision, her voice full of unnecessary worry, especially since I was a stranger to her.
"Dennis, please leave her! She can't take on pirates!"
Dennis and I both ignored her, our eyes locked, as both our brows furrows. I watched his eyes dart around looking at me, and I quickly stood out of bed. My head spun and my hand grasped the end table for support, steadying myself as quickly as possible. I felt Sophia's hands grasp my right arm, but I kept my gaze ahead, now more level with Dennis.
Dennis's eyes seemed to widen as he looked up and down at me. Perplexed by his look I broke his gaze to look down at myself. I was still in my clothes, but they looked like someone had washed them clean. My body however, was a different story. Although my skin was clean, cuts littered my legs and arms, along with large, nasty bruises, turning various shades of purple, green, and yellow. I lifted my wrists to examine the bandaged that wound around them. I could feel the scabbing wound underneath, and wondered how much it had healed. Will this make me look tough, or pathetically wounded? I hoped for the latter of the two.

"So it is true, you did escape the pirates yourself."
My eyes drifted back to Dennis, who had a slight look of approval.
"And I'll do it again if I have to. Preferably with my friends." I stated with a confident voice, even though the thought of pirates made me scared and angry at the same time.
Sophia's voice broke the air, her voice more panic stricken. "Dennis! Don't you dare bring this girl into our war!"
I snapped my head towards the woman. "I am not a girl, and I'll put myself in it if I have too."
Sophia's eyes looked at me mournfully, and she shook her head, "You have no idea what you are getting yourself into dear."

I knew she was right, and I cast my eyes away from her, "Probably not. But I have a promise to keep." The thought of John sent pain shooting into my chest, while the image of Owens lifeless body sent a shudder across my skin.

"Very well." Dennis spoke with a heavy accent. "You are strong. I can tell. But we will see what Citra has to say."
Sophia's voice grew in pitch, "Dennis! Please!"
Dennis looked toward Sophia, who grabbed his arm pleadingly. "Sophia, this does not concern you."
Sophia looked hurt and backed away from Dennis and sat on the edge of her bed. I turned to watch her, suddenly wondering why she cared so much. It was as if I was her daughter or something…
"Cyra," Dennis voice brought my attention back to him, "Tomorrow I will come for you in the morning. There is no guarantee she will agree to see you though."
I gave a nod, "I'll take my chances."
Dennis suddenly gave an enchanting grin, "I think you will."
I shook Dennis' hand before he left the room, bidding good day to Sophia.

I sat down gently on the bed, now aware of how painfully stiff my legs were. I turned my head to look at Sophia, who already had her eyes on me.
"I'm sorry, Sophia. I didn't mean to be rude." I said with a regretful tone. Her face racked my insides with guilt.
Sophia gave a sad laugh and patted my leg, "Do not be sorry. You have every right to do as you please."
"But I owe you, you did save me." I said, turning my body towards her.
"Oh, please! You owe me nothing." she shushed.
"I do. You brought me into your home and took care me and my wounds for days! Strangers don't do that," and I gave a laugh, "certainly not where I come from."
Sophia looked shocked, "Where are you from?"
"From the States, in California."
"I've heard of that place. Very nice weather."
I gave a short laugh, "Yeah, it's alright I suppose."
"And very far from here."
My voice sounded tired, "Yeah. I know."

We both sat in silence for a minute before Sophia stood up. "You need to rest more Cyra."
I shook my head, wriggling my toes against the rough wood floor. "I'm fine, really."
Sophia wagged her finger at me disapprovingly, "Cyra, you are an injured guest in my house! I won't have you hurting yourself again!"
I gave a weak smile and gave a short nod. My relationship with this woman was certainly odd, but I couldn't help but find her endearing. I pulled my worn legs off the floor and wriggled back under the covers. Sophia gave a warm smile in response.
"I'll go get the rest of your medicine, then." she said cheerfully.
"Ok." I replied, turning my head to look out the window as the door clicked shut.
I could hear the floorboards creak she walked away, along with muffled voiced, which I assumed belonged to Sophia and Jay. As the voices rose, I started to giggle. It sounded as if Sophia was yelling at Jay, most likely for telling me about the Rakyat.

For a moment, it felt like I was back at home, sitting in my room while my parents argued in good nature downstairs.
The thought of my parents also sent a wave of recent and unpleasant memories into my mind, and I tilted my head back against the wall and closed my eyes, the memories washing into my consciousness.

"Cyra! Come here!"
I groaned, getting up reluctantly from my computer and stomping down the stairs from my room.

"What, mom?"
"Please tell your father you said you were spending the weekend with me."
Dread dropped into my stomach. I hadn't heard dad come in the house, and if I had, I would have left the house in an instant.

"No, Cyra said she would spend the weekend with me, Dorothy." Dad's voice filled with spite as he said mom's name. I hated it.
I opened my mouth to answer, but mom's voice beat me to it. "Well Peter, you must have been thinking of last week!"

I stood there in silence as the two bickered like school children over me, as if I wasn't even there. The divorce was now at an all time high. Even though I was only 3 months away from being 18, the custody battle was as hot as ever.
The only relief I found from my parents using me to fight one another was with Rick, my godfather. I wished I he was here now. Last time mom and dad had done this in front of him, he had reprimanded them both, and I gladly had left the house with him. Unfortunately, later that day both my mom and dad had filled my inbox with angry texts and voice mails.

Starting to get angry, I broke their bickering.
"I'm not staying with either of you!" I shouted, silencing them both.
"What?" mom said bewildered.
"But you had said…" My dad sounded hurt.

I hated all of this. Why did were they doing this to me? Why were they ruining everything? My eyes started to prickle as I blinked.
"I'm staying at Uncle Rick's for the weekend. Then going to Phoebe's." I said with a flat tone.
"I didn't give you permission!" my mom's voice grew angry.
Dad rolled his eyes, "She doesn't need your permission."
Mom stamped her foot, "Shut up Peter!"
"Mom, you had agreed two weeks ago when I told you about it." I said with a lifeless voice. Their bickering was making me want to jump out the window and run away.
"You did not!" mom nearly shouted.
"Yeah, you did." Attitude now tinged my voice.

"Cyra! Don't you lie to me!" she roared.
Dad defended me immediately, "She wouldn't lie Dorothy."
"Oh, and you would know?" mom hissed.
"Yeah, I would!" dad roared back.

I had enough of this shit. I turned my back on both of them, and ran up the stairs, slamming my door shut.
"Cyra!" my parents yelled in unison, but I ignored their yelling and bickering.
I quickly finished packing my things and hauled my pink camouflage duffel bag over my shoulder that Phoebe gave me. She thought the pink was cuter than the green.
My phone buzzed in my jean pockets right on cue; Uncle Rick was outside waiting in the car.
I sent a text back to him and ran back down the stairs, completely ignoring my parents and flew out the front door, not even bothering to say goodbye.

I ran and jumped into Rick's car, giving him a quick hi.
Rick looked at me with slight disapproval. "I take it they were fighting again?"
Rick was my dad's cousin, who used to be close with my dad. After I was born, they had made him my godfather, and I just called him Uncle Rick. Mom and dad's divorce had been getting worse, and the last court session I was in, I had stood up and told the judge I wanted Rick to take custody of me. The whole court was shocked and horrified, and ever since, there has been tension between everyone.

"Yup."
"Do I need to go in there and—"
I cut him off, "No. They said it was ok. Let's just go."
Rick raised his brow, "I can hear them shouting."
"Mom agreed two weeks ago." That was before the court incident.
"Ah. I see." Rick started the engine of his Hummer, and rolled out of the driveway.

"Excited to hunt with me?" Rick asked cheerfully. I loved when he changed the subject.
The question immediately brightened my mood. "Can I try using your sniper again? Pleeeease!" I begged.
Rick chuckled and patted my head. "We'll see kid. We'll see."

I opened my eyes to find tears rolling down my cheeks. I sniffed and wiped the tears off my face with the palm of my hand. Just as I had finished clearing my face of the tears, Sophia entered the room once again.
She flashed me a warm smile, and handed me a few pills, along with a glass of water.
"The doctor gave us some antibiotics and pain killers for you. This is the last of them."
"Will those help me sleep?" I asked.
Sophia gave a nod, "These were the same that made you groggy before. But you don't have to take them Cyra, if you aren't in pain."
I absently flattened the blanket that covered my legs. My body felt raw, stiff, and sore, but there wasn't that much pain. Not physically at least.
"What time is it?" I asked.
Sophia blinked and looked out the window, "It must be the middle of the afternoon now."

"I'll take all the pills then. I just want to sleep." I said with a rather glum voice. That wave of memories was making me feel sad and hopeless. Maybe sleep would help it go away.
"Oh, you are going to be the death of me Cyra." Sophia shook her head and handed me the pills and water.
Once I had taken them, I curled into the covers, my eyes still on Sophia.
"Why did you help me?" I asked, hoping the medicine would start working soon.
"Why did I help you?" Sophia gave a laugh, "Why, you looked like a wild, terrified babe when I saw you. How could I not help you?"
I gave a snort, "Yeah, I probably looked awful, huh?"

Sophia came over and patted my head.
"You remind me of my daughter, too. She had a strong will, like you." she said in a soft voice, her brown eyes shimmered softly in the reflected light.
"Does she live here?" I asked, suddenly hoping I wasn't taking her room.
Sophia shook her head, "No. Not anymore." Her smile seemed sad, and I wondered if her daughter moved away or something.
"Oh! I almost forgot to ask!" I sat up on my elbow to look up at Sophia, "What happened to that guy, Vaas?"
Sophia stuck her lower lip out with an annoyed look in her eyes. "Now Cyra, you aren't planning to seek him out if it doesn't work out with Citra, are you?"
I blinked, "No, I was just wondering. He helped me, so I wanted to thank him. That's all."

Part of that was a lie; I would go to him for help if I could, if he would even help me. I flashed Sophia a reassuring smile, and she gave me a dubious look.
"He stayed in town for two days, but when you didn't wake up, he left. I don't know where." Sophia then gently put the covers back over me, and I laid back, eyelids feeling heavy.
"Sleep now."
I gave a nod, and curled into the rough blankets.
Sophia quietly left the room, and I stared into space, slightly surprised Vaas had waited for me to wake up. Oddly enough, Sophia, Jay, and Vaas felt like the only familiar faces hear. It suddenly occurred to me how alone I was. If the Rakyat wouldn't help me, what could I do?
Doubtful thoughts filled my mind as the drugs took affect, and I drifted off into sleep.