Viridis Island
Morning.
Rho still managing the ship. Rin comes.
Rin: It looks like we are close.
Rho: Yes.
Her eyes are cold, her body tense, but it looks calm.
Rin: Do you need me to take it from here?
Rho: No need.
Kaya and Nuri enters.
Kaya: Morning.
She yawns.
Rho: Good morning.
Kaya: Soon we need to say goodbye to the ship..
Nuri: Are you sure? Maybe we could just...
Rin: No. We are returning the ship.
Nuri: Oh man...
Nigel and Kai talked.
Kaya: Morning you two.
Kai: Morning Kay, did you sleep well?
Kaya nods. Ace wakes up and she looks around, she feels a bit dizzy. She had flowers drawn on her hand, and some other drawings.
Ace: What the...
She stands up and goes outside. She barely can open her eyes from the sun.
Nigel: Oh look who is awake...
Ace: What happened yesterday? Why my head is hurting so much...
Nuri: Do you remember anything?
Ace thinks.
Ace: Everything is a bit blurry...
Nigel: Maybe that is for the best.
Ace: What is that supposed to mean?
Nigel put a hand on her shoulder.
Nigel: Trust me, you don't want to remember.
Ace: Get your hands off before I cut it.
She said calm but serious. Nigel moves his hand.
Nigel: Well someone is back to normal.
Nuri: Do you remember the fight from yesterday?
Ace thinks.
Ace: I remember some of that... but after that is all blank.
Nuri: Maybe that is for the best...
Ace: Okay, who do I have to beat up to get some answers?
Nuri sights.
Nuri: Well it was good while it lasted.
Ace looks confused.
Kaya: Don't worry about it...
Rho: Where is Rikka?
Kaya: Now that you mention that, I didn't see her...
Rikka in the bathroom, shaking a bit. Her little box where she hold her pills is empty.
Rikka: Damn it!
She throws her little box. Rikka breaths. And leaves the bathroom.
Kaya: There she is.
Rikka looks at Ace.
Rikka: Well you look awful...
Ace: Thanks...
She said sarcastic.
Rho: We are almost there.
Kai: Why do you need to return the ship?
Kaya: Well, after Arthur died... they sent me to this Island, Viridis Island... I was staying at some people's house that I didn't even know... long story short, I couldn't take it, staying there any much longer and I stole their ship...
Kaya: I always felt so bad for that, they didn't deserve it... so that's why, I am giving that ship back now...
Rin: When did that happen?
Kaya: A year ago... I hope they won’t be so mad...
Rho: I believe they will understand.
Nuri: Yeah... I mean people usually are so understanding when you steal from them...
Ace hits him.
Nuri: Ouch... you know drugged version of you is much nicer.
Ace: Drugged?
Kaya sights.
Kaya: I hope so...
Ace: I am sorry, drugged?
Rin: Just forget it...
Rho looks at Rikka, Rikka looks nervous, she taps with her feet.
Rho: You okay?
Rikka looks at her.
Rikka: Yeah I just... can't be on this ship any longer...
Nuri: What's wrong about the ship?
Rikka: Nothing is wrong with the ship, it's the people who are on it.
Nuri: Oh come on you don't mean that.
Rho: Well we are soon there, you should probably pack your things.
Everyone goes doing that, Ace turns one more to Rho.
Ace: I trust you, do I really don't want to know what happened last night?
Rho thinks a bit and then she nods.
Rho: Knowing you, yes.
Ace: I hope I didn't do anything too stupid...
Rho: No, actually you were super nice.
Ace: I was what now? You know what, don't even tell me...
She starts to walk away.
Rho: Hey Ace?
Ace: Yes?
Rho: Does Rikka acts strange? Or it is just in my head.
Ace: Maybe... a little bit... but I think it is nothing to worry about...
Rho: Do you know something?
Ace is quiet.
Rho: Ace?
Ace sights.
Ace: She saw you the other day... in the bathroom, she didn't mean to...
Rho was silent for a bit, her eyes turned even more cold.
Rho: So that's why you talked with me about scars, isn't it?
Ace: No... I said all that because I meant it.
Ace walked closer to her.
Ace: You don't have to hide yourself you know... we like you the way you are. And she only told me that because she was really worried about you.
Rho: She? Worried about me?
Ace: Yes... no one else knows, don't worry.
Rho: Good, because I would like to keep it that way.
Ace: I understand....
Pause.
Ace: Can I ask you something about that?
Rho hesitate but nods.
Ace: When you transform... there is not even a scratch on your body... how is that possible?
Rho: I am not sure, but that is how my power works... I can heal while am using my transformation, but when I am not... then that is a different story.
Ace: I see...
Rho: But I don't need anyone to feel sorry for me. Understand?
Ace: I do... but just as you know, if you ever need anyone to talk to, I am here. I mean it.
Rho: Same goes for you.
They arrived the Viridis Island.
Kaya looks around.
Kai: Don't worry, you got this!
Kaya nods.
Kaya: I just hope they are still here...
Nuri: Well you did take their ship so...
Ace hits him on his shoulder again.
Nuri: Ouch! You need to stop that!
Ace: And you should watch your mouth.
Nuri: What did I say?!
Rin: Do you remember where they live?
Kaya nods.
Kai: Do you want me to come with you?
Kaya: No... I need to do this alone... but someone should stay and watch over the ship.
Rikka: Well I am not staying.
She starts to walk away. Rho stops her.
Rho: And where do you think you are going?
Rikka: I don't know, explore?
Rho: You shouldn't go all by yourself, it can be dangerous.
Rikka: Oh please...
She said sarcastic.
Rikka: Like I haven't already been on my own.
Rho just stared at her, unfazed.
Rin: You shouldn't go alone too.
He said to Kaya.
Kaya: You are probably right...
Kai: Don't worry, I’ll go with you. You don't have to do this alone.
Kaya nods.
Ace: Well my head hurts like hell, so I guess I can stay behind and keep an eye on the ship.
Rin: Everyone keep your c6 close to you, so we can meet up later.
Kaya: About that... I gave mine to Atlas...
Nuri: And I gave my to Akka...
Rin: Of course...
Rin: You can take mine.
He gave Kaya one.
Kaya: Thank you. Well I'll be on my way now... see you guys later...
She and Kai leaves.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Ace: Well, I am going to go and take a nap. See you later.
She goes to the ship.
Rin: You should be watching the ship and not taking a nap...
Ace: I can fight even in my sleep. So goodnight.
Rho: Should we go and explore the Island?
Nigel: Sounds good to me.
Rikka: Can I just go by myself?
Rho: Why do you want to go all by yourself so badly?
Rikka: Can't a girl have some alone time...
Rho sights.
Rho: Fine, but take this.
She throws the c6.
Rho: IF you need any of us press any color except purple and orange.
Rikka nods.
Rho: And don't steal anything.
Rikka: Yeah yeah... bye!!
She walks away.
Rin: Shall we?
They were walking. There was a lot of nature on this Island.
Rho: Remember to keep a low profile, we don't know if someone will recognize us...
Rin: Well I don't have to worry about that.
Nuri: You lucky baster....
Nigel: What is going on there?
A lot of people were standing, it looked like a protest.
People: We won’t let you to destroy our nature!
People: We have rights!
They walk closer to the crowd, Rho turned towards one of the people standing there.
Rho: Excuse me? What is going on here?
Sara looked at her, her hair long and blonde, her skin pale.
Sara: You guys are not from here I can tell. Well Government wants to destroy most of our beautiful nature and build something else here, and no one is telling us what. This Island is famous because of beautiful nature, lands, and forests, and now they want to destroy the most beautiful parts of this Island.
Nuri: That is awful.
Sara: Yes, and we can't let them to get away with this... but they keep ignoring us.
Rho: That doesn't seem right... shouldn't there be some kind of hearing?
Sara: Yes, tomorrow... At first our mayor was strictly against that idea... so we weren’t that worried about it, but for some reason he is starting to change his mind... The worst thing is that no one is telling us what are they planning to do because because it does not affect our properties and our homes, but still... we have right to protect are nature, and we have a right to know what is going on.
Rin: What about petitions?
Rho: That rarely ever works because the last word on that still has someone with authority...
Sara: We just don't know what more we can do...
Nigel: Did you try to reach the mayor?
Sara nods.
Sara: Yes but... he seems a lot different, he doesn't even listen to us...
Rho: Is there anyone who will be at that hearing tomorrow that could help you? Because when it comes to this kind of situations, there always has to be one person selected from civilians that should represent all of you, if you are against of that decision and mayor is not on your side...
Sara: We didn't know we had that option... did you knew about that?
She turns to someone else.
Girl: No, no one told us that...
Rho: All you need to do is to submit paper where is the name of person you all choose. You also need One fifth (1/5) of population that approves that person to represent them. Do you maybe have someone you trust enough for that?
Girl: Maya would be perfect for that... she was the one who started the protest anyway.
Sara: You are right... but the hearing is tomorrow... will we be able to do that?
Nuri: We could help you! Right guys?
Rin: Sure.
Nigel nods.
Sara: I am going to go and find Maya, she would be happy to hear this.
She leaves.
Nigel: Do you think it's smart to get involved in this?
Rho: We have to help them... at least we have to try.
Nigel: I just hope you know what you are doing.
Rho: Well, this brings me to the old days...
Nuri. You were in the protest too?
Rho: No, but I was dealing with legal staff. On my 17th birthday, I was allowed to shut down any project I didn't like, but I had to work all day for that... it was amazing birthday.
She looked like she was remembering old happy days.
Rin: Who are you...?
Sara: Hey guys, so this is Maya.
Maya, brown long hair, brown eyes.
Maya: So, I hear you've got some ideas that could help us?
Rho nods.
Rho: We should move fast, and collect as much signatures as we can. I can make the document that you need to submit, but first we need those signatures.
Maya: Do you mind me if I ask, why do you want to help us? You are not from here, right?
Rho: That's right... All you need to know is that I can't stand to watch injustice, just like my friends over here, and that is the only reason.
Maya looked at her and then at them like she studied them, but she had faith in them.
Maya: Well, then thank you for that.
Rho: Thank me after we make sure that you stand on that hearing tomorrow.
Maya nods.
Maya: Deal.
Rin: If we are doing this, we really shouldn’t waste any more time.
Rho: I agree. Let's go get the signatures.
Kaya and Kai. Standing in front of the house.
Kai: Maybe it will be better if I just wait here...
Kaya: Yeah...
Kai: But I am here if you need me.
Kaya: Just don't run away...
Kai: Not this time little criminal.
Kaya knock on the door.
Someone’s voice: Just a second!
She waits nervously. Some girl opens the door.
Anna: Can I help you?
Kaya: Oh I... I am looking for Ella and Jasper... do they still live here?
Anna: Yeah, I am just babysitting for them... but they should be home soon. May I ask, how do you know them?
Kaya: It is a long story... but if it is not a problem, can I wait for them here... I can even wait outside.
Anna: Don't be silly come in.
Kaya: Really? You are just letting a stranger inside?
Anna: What are you? A cop? Do you want to go in or not?
Kaya: Yes please...
She enters.
Anna: So, what's your name?
Kaya: My name is Kaya
Anna: I am Anna, nice to meet you. And a little devil over here is Olli.
Olli(kid): I am not a little devil!
Anna: Yes you are! You won’t eat vegetables!
Olli: I want ice cream!
Anna: There is no ice cream for you if you don't eat vegetables... now go and eat.
Olli: Fine...
Anna: Kids, am I right?
Kaya smiles.
Anna: You can sit there, they should come soon, can I offer you anything?
Kaya: No thank you. I didn't know they had a kid...
Anna: Olli is adopted but he doesn't know that so...
Kaya: Oh, I see, well don't worry I am not telling.
Anna: Thanks.
Anna: You seem nervous, are you okay?
Kaya: Yes... I just... didn't see them for a while.
The door starts to open.
Anna: well you’ll see them now.
Ella and Jasper enter the door. They were arguing about something.
Ella: No... The green one looked better.
Jasper: Why do you even drag me there with you if I never get to choose...?
Ella: Because I care about your opinion.
Jasper: Then what about blue one?
Ella: That's not happening.
Anna: Sorry to interrupt but you guys have company.
They look at Kaya, and they are shocked to see her.
Ella: Kaya... Is that really you?
Kaya laughs nervously.
Kaya: Long time no see...
They are speechless.
Jasper: How did you...
Kaya: I know this is a lot... and I know I have a lot to apologies for... I know you probably don't even want to see me...
Ella immediately hugs her, Kaya surprised.
Ella: I am just glad you are okay...
Jasper hugs her too.
Jasper: We were so worried about you...
Kaya hugs them back and she starts to cry.
Kaya: I am so sorry...
Ella: Shhh, don't apologize... we are just glad you are here...
Olli: What is going on?
Anna: I have no idea...
Rikka walking around. She is nervous and shaky. Some guy was standing leaning on the wall and smoking.
Guy: You okay over there?
She looks at him.
Rikka: I am fine...
She said a bit rude.
Guy: You don't look like it.
Rikka: well if you don't have anything that could help me calm down, I don't think I need to continue this conversation.
Guy laughs.
Guy: Oh is that so? And what are you looking for? girly.
She looks at him.
Rikka: Why do you care?
Guy: I don't, but maybe I could help you out...
Rikka: And how so?
Guy: Well you seem... stressed. Maybe I have something that could calm you down... but it won’t be free.
Rikka raises an eyebrow.
Guy: Maybe we could have some fun...
Rikka: I'll pass.
She starts to walk away.
Guy: Wait. Where is the rush?
Rikka: I think you are full of shit.
Guy: Oh am I now...
He looks around to make sure no one is looking and then shows her different kind of pills. Rikka surprised but stays calm.
Guy: Oh did I pique your interest
Rikka: Maybe...
Guy: I knew it. I know an addict when I see one...
Rikka: Do you have any blue?
Guy: I can find some... how much do you need?
She shows the money.
Rikka: How much can be covered by this?
Guy: I think I can help you... follow me.
She follows him into the dark alley.
The rest.... they all separated.
Sara and Nuri.
Sara: Thank you for your signature...
They went door to door to find as much people that wanted to sign the paper.
Nuri: How much do we have so far?
Sara: Let me see... we have 76 signatures so far... but that is still not enough.
Nuri: well I bet the others are doing a great job too...
Rin and Nigel.
Door shot.
Rin: Does no one care for the environment?!
Nigel: Let me try.
Rin: Fine be my guest.
Nigel slams on the door.
Nigel: Open up!!
Rin: Nigel!!!
Person opens the door.
Person: Like I already said, I don't care for that so leave me alone.
Nigel: Not so fast pal... you will sign this rather you like it or not!
Rin hits his forehead.
Person: Why should I sign that?
Nigel: If you don't sign this your beautiful land will be destroyed into pieces...
He said in threating voice.
Person: Are you threating me?
Rin: No! He just meant that, by signing this paper you can help the nature of this land to not be destroyed by government...
Person: Won’t they build something else? Maybe something even better?
Rin: You don't know that, do you really want to take that risk?
Person: Maybe I want.
He tried to close the door. Nigel stops him.
Nigel: Are you sure you don't want to sign it?
Person: I am sure.
Nigel: Think again...
He looked at him and his eyes turned black in a second, Rin didn't notice. Person signs the paper.
Person: Here! Now leave me alone!!
He slams the door.
Rin: What just happened?
Nigel: We just got the signature, that's what happened.
Rin signs.
Rin: From now on, you don't talk.
Rho and Maya.
They were walking around, talking to the people.
Maya: Thank you so much for your support.
Old lady: thank you for standing up for us.
Maya: I am just doing what is right.
Rho and Maya keep walking.
Maya: I hope we get enough signatures by tomorrow... and you sure that they have to let me there if I have this?
Rho: Positive.
Rho looks at the huge three near them. And few people are gathered around that. That three has more shades of color green, gold, yellow, bronze. It looks majestic.
Rho: That is beautiful tree, and very huge.
Maya: And very old... This tree is very important to us, and to this land, it represents hope and peace. It is 5000 years old tree and it is even on our flag.
Rho: Then... it should be protected, right?
Maya: Yes, it should... but we are afraid that they will try to destroy that too, or that they will eager it by their actions...
Rho: That's it! Tomorrow at hearing, you need to talk about how important this tree is to everyone... and how it must be protected, which means they are not allowed to build anything that can endanger it.
Maya: You are right... this tree is protected by law... how didn't I think of that before... But still, even if they don't destroy that tree, they can destroy everything around him...
Rho: No, because then the tree will be at risk. Trust me, this tree will save you all.
Maya: I hope you are right.
Derek, Amelia, - in head of the project. Derek, taller, skinny but not too skinny, dark messy hair. Amelia, also tall but shorter then him, short orange hair, dark brown eyes.
In the office...
Derek: We have a problem.
Amelia: What are you talking about?
Derek: It looks like people are not giving up... that girl from earlier today... Maya something, it looks like she is trying to get herself to the hearing.
Amelia: Is that so? Well I wouldn't think much of it... she is just some ordinary girl, what she can do?
Derek: Well I heard that she have a lot of followers...
Amelia: So what? The decision is not up to her... beside, we have orders from our superior... and we can't let some girl ruin our plans.
Derek: But what if...
Amelia: There is no if. We are the one with power and not her. Trust me, this is just the procedure... remember, government always get what they want. Always.
Kaya
They were sitting in the house.
Kaya: I came here to apologize... and of course to give you back your ship... It was wrong of me to steal it and to run away. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, I just had hard time to accept that grandpa was really gone. I am really, really sorry...
Ella: Don't worry about that... we were never mad at you, we were more worried about you...
Jasper: That's right... we didn't know where you went or are you even still alive...
Ella: We are just happy that you are fine...
Kaya: I'm sorry to have worried you...
Ella: It's okay... you are healthy and alive, that matters the most.
Kaya: Thank you for that...
Jasper: Are you planning to stay with us again?
Kaya: No, but don't worry I have my friends with me, I am not alone... I came here to apologize to you and to give you back your ship.
Ella: Well, we managed without that ship so far...
Jasper: Yeah, and you know it would be only a burden for us now...
Kaya: What are you trying to say?
Ella and Jasper look at each other
Ella: we are saying that... you can keep the ship if you want to.
Kaya: What? No... I couldn't do that...
Jasper: f course you can! Beside, it is more important to us that you are safe.
Ella: That's right.
Kaya: Sometimes I forget that there are still good people on this world...
Ella: And you are one of them
Kaya: To be honest I thought you guys would be mad at me...
Jasper: We could never do that... you are family to us, you know that right?
Kaya nods.
Ella: So don't worry about anything and promise you will take the ship.
Kaya: Are you sure...
Jasper: Absolutely.
Kaya: Thank you so much...
Ella: You are welcome...
Others.
Sara: I can't believe it, we actually managed to get enough signatures on time!
Maya: Is that so?
Sara: Oh hey! Yes, we actually did it.
Rho: That's great. Now all you need to do it to submit this.
Nuri: But we still need Nigel's and Rin's list.
Sara: Oh that's right... they should be here by now right?
Maya: Is that them?
Rin and Nigel walks towards them.
Rin: I am never doing this again with him.
Nigel: Oh don't be such a baby, we did manage to get signatures.
Rin: But at what cost... You have scared the half of people here!
Nigel: Only those who didn't want to sign...
Rin: They signed up because they thought you were threatening them.
Nigel: Well you were there to explain...
Rin: Every single time...
Rho: Okay, that is enough, did you do your work or not?
Rin: Here you go.
Maya: Thanks... I am going to submit this right now. And I would like to thank you all for helping so why don't you guys go to a bar, I'll be back soon, and drinks are on me.
Nigel: Finally good pays off...
Rin: There is no need for that.
Nigel: Shut up, shut up, shut up…
Maya laughs.
Maya: I insist
Nigel: You hear that? She insists. Now let’s go.
Nuri: Well I could go for a drink.
Rho: Do you need me to come with you?
She asks Maya. Maya shakes her head
Maya: Don't worry, I got this.
Rho: As you wish.
Nigel: Okay, enough talking, let's go now.
He pushed Nuri and Rin towards and he grabs Rho’s hand.
Rho: What are you doing?
She was confused but still cold.
Nigel: I just don't want to let you change your mind. It's time to take a break now.
Rho: I am talking about you holding my hand.
She still talked calm and cold.
Nigel: I just don't want you to leave anywhere. I missed you...
He said in a teasing way. She hit him.
Nigel: Ouch! What was that for?
Rho: You know exactly why...
She continued walking with others and Nigel laughs.
Nigel: Oh come on I know you missed me too.
Rho: Sure, I almost died from this pain I felt while missing you.
She said sarcastically and cold. Sara smiles
Sara: You guys are a cute couple.
Nigel: Well thank you.
Rho: We are not a couple.
She answered cold.
Nigel: Not yet...
He teases her.
Rho: Not ever. Are you on drugs or something?
He laughs.
Nigel: No, I am naturally crazy, I don't need those.
Rho: I see that.
Rikka had blue pills, she hide in the alley and she took one and eats it. She started to feel calmer, when she heard the c6 call.
Rikka: What the hell...
She looks at the c6.
Rikka: Oh thank god...
She answers.
Rikka: Yes?
Rho on the other line.
Rho: Where are you?
Rikka: I am around... why?
Rho: We are at this bar called ?Night vision“, you should come, it is getting late.
Rikka: Fine, I am on my way.
She hangs up and starts walking.
Kaya leaving the house.
Kaya: I am so glad we talked.
Ella: otherwise. I hope we will see you again before you leave?
Kaya: Of course.
Kaya waves and leaves, Kai waiting for her.
Kaya: You are still here?
Kai: Of course I am, I told you I'll be waiting.
Kaya: Well I'll be damned.
Kai: Everything went well?
Kaya: Even more then that...
They walk.
Kai: And when will they take the ship?
Kaya: They won’t, they gave me the ship, can you believe it?
Kai: Wow... that's great to hear.
Kaya: Yes... I was surprised too, but they insisted that I take it... I guess now we don't have to worry about that.
Kai: Well that's great.
C6 rang. Kaya answers.
Kaya: yes?
Kai was thinking not listening, spacing out.
Kaya: Yes, I know where that is, we will be there.
She hangs up.
Kaya: Dad?
Kai: Yes?
Kaya: The others invited us for drinks, you want to come?
Kai: Of course. It would be nice to spend more time together.
Kaya: Then let's go.
Ace on the ship, sleeping. She hears something and opens her eyes and she fastly points her sword but there was no one. She feels like she is being watched. She stands up. Listening. She heard something again and turns around but no one was there.
Ace: I know someone is out there... show yourself!
Ace: I see, you would rather play hide and seek... I can do that.
She looks around. She hears something again and reacts, swinging her sword, there was no one here but the blood was on her sword.
Ace: What the...
Kyrin: You are good...
Ace hears the voice and looks up. Kyrin walks out from the shadow. She is pointing her sword.
Kyrin: You are not afraid of me... Aren't you?
Ace: Who are you? What do you want?
Kyrin: I want to know, why are you not afraid?
Ace: Listen pal, I don't like when someone disturbs my sleep... so better start talking.
Kyrin smiles.
Kyrin: I am just... a shadow... people usually don't notice me... but for some reason you did.
Ace looks confused.
Ace: What the hell are you talking about?
Kyrin: Your senses are incredible I must say... you even managed to notice me...
Ace: You are slowly starting to piss me off...
Kyrin: I apologize... my name is Kyrin, and I've been cursed... and I am just... trying to find the cure.
Ace: Curse?
Kyrin: I can only exist when the night comes... and at the daylight, I am nothing but shadow.
Ace: And the cure?
Kyrin: I am glad you ask.
He takes a step closer.
Kyrin: you see... if I am able to stay in someone’s body without that person rejecting me... eventually I can take over... and then someone else will become my shadow...
Ace looks more serious.
Others
Rho tries to call Ace.
Rin: She isn't answering?
Rho: No, maybe she is still asleep.
Rin: But she is a light sleeper, she should hear that...
Maya entered.
Maya: Guess who is going to the hearing tomorrow...
Nuri: You did it? Awesome!
Maya: Well it is not a win yet but it is something...
Sara: You can do this... we believe in you.
Maya raises a glass.
Maya: For you guys, and everything you did, thank you.
Everyone nods and drinks except Rin.
Nigel: Everything okay buddy?
Rin: I am not sure.
He stands up.
Rin: I have a bad feel, I am going to the ship.
Rho: Do you need us to come?
Rin: No, I will be fine.
Nuri: Let us know if everything is okay.
Rin nods and leaves.
Rho: I'll try to call her again...
At ship
C6 ringing. No one is picking up...

