Chapter 59: The Last Night in Paradise

In tradition and because it came natural to her being the daughter of a bartend, Ruby had volunteered to prepare the drinks for the Farewell party. As she worked inside the hotel bar in preparation to take all the ingredients to the café outside Lottie interrupted her. She had been avoiding the younger girl as, of all the people she would ultimately miss, it was Lottie she'd miss the most. She was like the younger sister she never had, giving Ruby someone to look after, putting herself to use.

Lottie had begged Ruby to go to Techno Island or for her to be able to stay, but Ruby urged her to go. There was no life on the island for Lottie; no education, nobody her age. Ruby didn't want her to have the sheltered life that she had endured growing up. Lottie was better off without her.

"Ruby?" Lottie's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Hey you, don't you look great? All ready for the party?" Ruby looked up at the girl as she entered the hotel bar. She had on light make-up and was wearing a dress, one of Gel's creations. It could be worn at least fifty different ways. Lottie had chosen a sari halter style paired with matching shorts. Ruby was grateful she had chosen modesty, it was a bit short.

The younger girl had surely matured, in more ways than one, right before everyone's eyes since she had first encountered the girl stirring up trouble in Liberty. She was taller, her chest a bit fuller, and her hair longer. She was metamorphosing into a beautiful, young lady.

"Yes, almost, Gel's done my make-up but I was wondering if you would you braid my hair?"

Ruby smiled, wiping her hands on a bar towel, "I'm all done, sure. Fish tail?"

As she braided, Lottie sat quietly, fingering the abalone shell bracelet around her wrist. It was a flat piece with a symbol etched into it. She had no idea what it meant but KC had given the bracelet to her in exchange for lifting something of Patsy's in some scheme he'd propose to get the older girl to like him. Lottie had heard that KC was a lot like her, in his younger day. She was sure they'd be useful to one another on Techno Island. Maybe they could even be friends, she sighed aloud.

She had never really had a friend. Not until Ruby and Slade who became like older siblings to her. And now she was losing Ruby.

"Why can't you come with us?" she audibly asked as Ruby finished the braid.

The older woman sighed, "Hey, look at me," she urged Lottie to stand and turn to look at her. She did so obligingly and Ruby's heart began to break. She had been strong this long, she couldn't cry now. "We've been through this…"

Lottie grumbled, "I hate him! He ruined everything!"

She of course was talking about Jay, though Ruby hadn't admitted it to her or anyone else aloud, everyone knew the real reason she wasn't going was because he had broken her heart.

"Hey, no, what did I tell you? Hate is a wasted emotion. He's not a bad guy, he just wasn't the guy for me. But this isn't about me and him. I want you to have the life I never had. You can get an education, there's medical help, kids your age...boys your age."

Lottie made a yuck face, but ultimately smiled, "There are boys your age there too."

"Valid case, Lottie, but my decision sticks. You go, I stay. End of discussion."

"I just don't want you to end up alone. I hope Kai stays, he likes you, you know?"

Ruby blushed, she had noticed. He was a fine looking character, always giving her a view of perfectly chiseled muscles and that tattoo of the gecko on his chest. It kind of turned her on, but she didn't know if that was just a result of it being so long since she had been with anyone last.

Lottie caught her blush, "You like him too…!"

"Hush! I don't even know him. Besides even if I did, he's leaving."

Lottie's face fell and unexpectedly she threw her arms around Ruby. Ruby stood there numbly for a second before she wrapped her arms tightly around the younger girl.

"Promise me you won't become some bitter old wench and that you'll right often."

"I promise. And since there is now an open trade established between Fleur Isle and Techno Island, you can visit me, just promise me you won't forget me."

"Never."

And that was when the dam broke. Both of them held onto each other sobbing lightly for several minutes. It was Ruby who ultimately let go. "Now look at us, blubbering like babies, ruining our make-up. Come, let's go fix this and get these drinks to the café."

Lottie reluctantly followed Ruby. She knew leaving was best for her, but Ruby was like a sister to her. She looked up to the older woman. They were family. Lottie didn't want to lose yet another family member. The virus had taken enough of them. Nevertheless the decision was final.

~0~

Éowyn stood on the outdoor patio of the Fleur Café watching as the Mall Rats, Pirates, and a few of the Technos partied out on the beach, dancing to something Liv was beating on a makeshift drum. Many of the women had let their hair down and were dancing along as the children play in the sand; even the girl who had tried to kill herself was sitting out there. Kai and even Blaze had joined them, bouncing Keahi up and down gently on his knee, the baby grinning in joy. Everyone looked like they were having a good time. They were celebrating their last day in paradise, most of them anyways. Some of them had decided to stay behind and maintain the island for trade.

She wanted to be one of those few staying behind, not for her sake, but for Keahi's. Charis would want him to be safe. She knew Techno Island could provide security, but they lived a different life there. They were a militaristic frame of mind type there while here everything was happy and carefree. She only wanted the best for her nephew.

She felt arms wrap around her waist and she leaned back into the familiar build of Dragon.

"You okay?" he questioned.

She shrugged, "This place sort of grew on me. Keahi likes it here…" she let her voice trail off.

Dragon tensed and let her go. She turned around to face him and there was concern written on his face. "Relax, I'm not reneging on you," she reached up and stroked his face.

His features slowly relaxed. "I know it's hard for you, but I'm making a sacrifice too Éowyn. I want this to work, for us to work. I've never felt this strongly about any woman before…"

She put a finger to his lips, "Shh," she cut him off kissing him softly before wrapping her arms around him. She felt him relax as his arms once again wrapped around her. He held her tight before pulling away once more.

Dragon had given up the opportunity to handle things at Mega's Lair where the Mall Rats were from to be with her on Techno Island before she had even agreed to leave Fleur Isle. It had forced Blaze to choose between separating her from Keahi or following along. It always came back to what Charis would want. The deceased woman would want Keahi to know his aunt and she would want Éowyn to be happy. The only way that was possible was for everyone to move.

"Come on, let's go join the party," Dragon spoke breaking through her thoughts.

Éowyn smirked up at him, "I had a different kind of party in mind…"

He looked down at her, raising a brow, "What happened to waiting?"

She kissed him again passionately on the lips as she pressed herself further into him. She could feel him tense in pleasure and just as he went to deepen the kiss she pulled away, whispering in his ear, "We have a long journey ahead, why waste a night in Paradise?"

Dragon didn't need to be told twice

~0~

Kai looked across the beach toward the café in time to see Éowyn and Dragon sneaking off together. It still pained his heart to see them together. It's why he had acquiesced to return to Krait Island, but returning alone didn't appeal to him. There was nothing back home left for him but a leadership he never wanted but had inherited through a sham marriage and Éowyn's distaste for the position.

"What's wrong brother?" Blaze asked before his eyes too rested upon the couple. He clapped Kai on the back, "You'll love again."

"That doesn't make going home any easier."

"So don't. There wasn't much of a tribe left to lead and what's left there, a long history of traditions that have long since lost their true meaning and respect?"

"You're right, but neither do I want to see her every day to be reminded of the things I cannot have."

"Believe me, I know how hard it is, but what are you going to do? Stay here, become a Pirate?" he laughed.

Kai thought about it. He hadn't considered staying, but leaving? Yes, he thought. I'll stay here. A fresh start away from the past and things I cannot have.

Gauging the reaction on his face, Blaze realized he was actually considering the last bit and humor left him, "That was a joke, you aren't seriously considering staying, are you?"

"If there is nothing left to run from and nowhere left to go, why not?" he shrugged.

Blaze didn't quite know how to respond. He laid his son on a blanket in the sand and lay down beside him, looking out after the waves. He too had been considering staying on Fleur Isle before Éowyn made her decision. He hadn't seen how much Kai was hurting until now. His whole life he had made goo-goo eyes at the feisty, independent Éowyn, even while she had been away from the Kraits, he dreamed of her, while occasionally dating girls who he found boring, and now the hope he had so long held onto was gone; Éowyn undoubtedly loved Dragon.

Seeing that his friend had been left in a stupor Kai gave him a smile, "Besides," he said his eyes resting on another young woman emerging on the patio of the Fleur Café, "There's someone else I might fancy."

"Yeah, I've seen admiring the view, what's her name again? I know it's a jewel…Diamond?"

"Ruby," Kai said removing his shirt and running a hand through his hair. "I'm kind of thirsty, want anything?"

Blaze laughed a deep laugh, "Smooth, brother, smooth. No, thank you. Go work your magic."

Kai didn't have to be told twice. He was already walking towards the café where Ruby was putting pitchers of drinks on each table.

~0~

As the sun set beyond the horizon, the party began to die down. The children were getting tired and many of the couplings had begun to disappear for walks or other things couples do.

Brady was falling asleep in Ram's arms as they sat together with Trudy, Ryan, Rayne, Darryl, Mikhail and little Rylan who was also asleep.

Darryl yawned, stretching , and standing slowly, "Great party, but I'm bushed. Rayne stood as well, stretching, "Me too."

"Walk you home?" Darryl winked.

"Oh, get a room you two!" Trudy teased.

Ryan shook his head, getting up as well, "I'd better tuck this little guy in. You coming?" he asked his wife.

"In a bit, I won't be long," she answered.

Ryan nodded taking leave. Ram took that as his cue to leave as well, "I'll tuck Brady in," he kissed Trudy's cheek softly.

"You're good for him," Khail said once they were left alone, just she and Trudy were left out on the beach, aside from Kai and Ruby a ways down, talking and laughing like old friends.

"You're good for Ryan too. I'm glad he's got you and that you've both got this island. It truly is paradise."

"Yes, this island is the best thing that's ever happened to me post-virus. I wish you all weren't leaving."

Trudy sighed, "I know. None of us really want to go, but we don't belong here."

"I used to think the same, but there is something alluring about the place," she said shrugging and downing the rest of her drink. She was fortunate Ruby was staying behind. She'd need something a little bit strong like these when Rylan began walking, she was sure of it. He was already crawling and scaring the daylights out of her whenever he pulled himself up on anything.

As the two got lost in their separate thoughts things got increasingly quiet. Trudy felt on the brink of tears. All she ever wanted was a peaceful life for Brady and now that she had that could she hold on to it?

"I'm going to miss you most you know? You've been a good friend," she spoke aloud suddenly. Her voice evident she was on the edge of crying.

Mikhail smiled. She'd never really had a friend before. "You as well and your cooking. I am sorely going to miss you and Patsy whipping up all that you have in the past few weeks in the café."

Trudy laughed, "The Technos are leaving you a fine cook, what's her name Fisher?"

She nodded, "Yes, such an unsual name for a woman. But she did make a mean tuna salad sandwich today. I don't know how we're going to deal with this Techno prescence left behind, especially Ryan."

"Oh you'll do fine. Kyra's reign has seemed to do justice with the Technos. They really were good natured at one point, maybe we can all bring em back to those ways."

Mikhail nodded, "Perhaps." She stood picking up the remains of her baby's toys left out in the sand. Trudy helped, picking up their glasses from their drink.

When everything was gathered they looked at each other and that's all it took. The first tear fell,

"Oh Trudy, I don't know how I would have managed those late nights with Rylan screaming his head off without you right there with Ryan and I, giving us pointers. Are you sure Amber's made the right decision? You have to go?"

"Amber and I, we've known each other a long time. We've been through a lot together, I trust her judgment. If there was even an ounce of doubt in her we wouldn't be going."

As Trudy said it she was trying to convince herself this was true. Amber made good judgment, but she wasn't psychic. They had no idea what the future held for them not on Techno Island or beyond in their old home which they had been told wasn't a total waste, but was still unsafe.

What if they were making the wrong decision? She shook her head, wiping at her tears, she mustn't think like that. She can't. Techno Island would be good for them.

"She's a good leader," Khail broke through her thoughts. Both had sobered enough from their tearful moment to speak, "Who knows, perhaps we'll join you there some day or you'll come back. You always have a home here."

Trudy smiled, "Glad to hear it." Hopefully we'll never need to return under emergency circumstances.

~0~

Ebony lay on her back staring at the ceiling in the soft glow of the moonlight cascading through the slats in the blinds. Slade was sleeping peacefully beside her, a soft snore emanating from either him or Thunder who lay asleep on his father's chest. The little guy had almost outgrown his cradle and often ended up in their bed during the night. Those two were something like twins when it came to sleeping. Ebony frequently fought for space and the sheet with them. But never did she lose sleep, not like this.

While she was the first to praise Amber for her decision to leave, she was worried about leaving Fleur Isle. This was the first place that, while it wasn't her scene, had finally given her comfort, like she had stability. The island was like home. It was the place her son was born, the place she married Slade, and the place where she had finally felt like she had a true family. It was a safe haven; a beacon of hope.

Could she really leave it all behind? What if Techno Island returned her to her old tricks and habits? For the first time in her life she was truly happy. She didn't ever want to lose that.

With a sigh she carefully rolled out of the bed as not to disturb the boys. Slipping on her pants and a jacket over her nightgown she quietly left the room. Maybe a bit of fresh air will do, she decided.

Ebony walked aimlessly out of the hotel into the still of the night. The night air was cool and smelled of salt and bananas. She inhaled deeply, cherishing the smell as she walked the sand beneath her. She walked slowly, taking in her surroundings. The Fleur Café, where Trudy had cooked everyone meals, keeping them full and healthy, the discreet entrance into the trees that lead to Alice's farming patch where they kept the goats, and she looked further into the distance where the fire pit was that she and Slade exchanged nuptials. But she didn't walk that far. Instead she turned, heading down the boardwalk towards the jetty where the boats were anchored. She wanted to stand one last time on the boat where her journey to happiness began.

She expected Trader's trawler to be deserted, but as she climbed aboard a certain blonde silhouette stood at the stern, back towards Ebony, looking up at the stars. As Ebony tensed so did the figure at the sound of her coming on board and they turned to face her.

Ebony relaxed as she realized it was only Amber. The woman looked different, having abandoned her Bantu knots earlier that evening for the party. Her blonde hair now hung in waves down her back. Ebony thought the look suited her, but she'd never audibly give the compliment.

"Couldn't sleep?" Amber asked her as Ebony slowly closed the distance between them until she was standing next to Amber at the stern.

"Did the nightgown give it away?" she answered curtly before uncharacteristically for her, she apologized to the other woman, "I'm sorry, you didn't deserve that. I've been awake since the party. I couldn't sleep at all."

She couldn't tell in the dim light of the moon, but she sensed Amber grinning at her as she responded, "Yeah me either. Tomorrow's the big day."

Ebony nodded, "Do you think you've made the right choice?"

Amber audibly sighed. It was an honest question. Everyone had something to lose by leaving here, but there was also something to gain. Would the sacrifice be worth it? Could they trust the Technos? And then there was the virus to worry about? What if the antidote wasn't enough? Not to mention whatever fallout they might receive from other survivors from their home City.

She had been brave in front of the others, even Bray who had a way of breaking through her thoughts, standing by her decision, but standing here now with Ebony she felt vulnerable; her defenses finally wavering. Had she made the right choice?

After several moments of silence she answered Ebony, "Yes."

Ebony nodded in appreciation. It was an honest answer, heard in the clarity of a concrete tone. Still it didn't relax her any and she turned her eyes heavenward, smiling as she did for nearly a year ago she had been in a similar predicament with another blonde. "Quick, make a wish," she instructed Amber.

Amber looked at her funny but looked upward in time to see the shooting star. She hadn't ever put too much faith in wishing on stars, not for a very long time, but what could it hurt? Closing her eyes she uttered a silent wish to the heavens as Ebony did the same; both wishing that their joy would survive the uncertain future.

When they opened their eyes Ebony turned to Amber again, "What if you're wrong?" she asked.

It was clear to Amber the other woman was asking about her yes. She shrugged, "Then we'll do what we've always done."

"Fight?" Ebony questioned.

Amber shook her head, "Survive."

That gave Ebony some comfort and she finally relaxed. After a while Amber left her to enjoy the night alone. There would always be trials and tribulations, but The Mall Rats, whether she considered herself a member or not were survivors. They may not always win, but they always survived. And Ebony too was a survivor. She just hoped, should they come to it, that she wouldn't have to loser herself again.