Chapter 73

"Did he bring me here?"
"Yes. He's my handsome son."
"What are they?"
"We call them pirates of the islands. Every Friday they come here to extort money from tourists. Other days, they are on another island or in the city."
They are criminals. Tsk!
"Is what your son is doing okay with you?" I couldn't help but ask.
I can't understand how a father can tolerate his son's unethical act.
"We have no choice e. Strong young men are forcibly included in the group of pirates. If we don't, everyone will be ruined. Even the innocent children living on this island."
"That's harsh ..." I sighed heavily.
"Who is the leader of their group?" from the photo, my gaze shifted back to it.
"Don't try to find out hija anymore. You can't fight him either."
"What do you mean?"
"Big fish are holding them."
"You mean ... An influential person? A powerful person like that?"
I am getting invested to this conversation. Only now have I heard of a group similar to those I have encountered before. Only pirates of the ocean I know are making trouble in this world, not the pirate of the island. How can they be so bad? And how did this crime get through the eyes of the law? Be in the media. In fact, this is good news and a national issue. Who's protecting them? Pity the victims. I'm with you. Good thing, I was spared. For a reason still shallow to me.
"Why did your son let me go?" I checked my pocket. Even the luggage was searched one by one. Not a single item was lost. Even my camera and phone. Everything is on its right place.
"He's not as bad as the others. And he's not the only one who ran away from you ... There are many of you," he grinned. He look so proud.
"Is he your only child?"
"It's just him ... Since my wife and I broke up, I haven't seen my three other children."
I was slightly moved by what I heard. Since his son is always off to somewhere, that means he is living alone now. It rarely visits him. What if there is a problem?
"What if you get sick?"
"By the grace of God, I am not in great pain."
But still, I felt bad. His son should take care of him, be there somewhere in the world and sow evil. It might be against his will. But it cannot change the fact that he is committing crime.
It is said that the boat I can take back to the city will return tomorrow. I had to stay here for one night. But I don"t just want one night. I want to stay here until the next friday. I want to talk to Aryel. I want to say thank you. If he let my colleagues catch me, I might just take my coffin home.
"It's not just the island's pirates who are growing up here."
"Yes?"
"There are criminal groups that once sow violence. Good luck if you can leave before they arrive."
"What kind of place is this? A place for criminals?"
"Criminals hide," he corrects what I said.
I gasped violently. That is why this island has never been introduced to the world. Because despite the beauty, there is a hidden ghastly secret. Pity the victims here. Those on the throne could not even hear their cry. Until when they'll suffer? Is there a way I can make a statement out of this situation? Will anyone believe? Or maybe, before I could be printed, I was knocked down by someone in charge of the group I wanted to fight.
Mang Ri let me use Aryel's room first while staying here. Our conversation lasted into the evening. At it evolve mostly about the island pirates and runaway criminals. I also tried to learn about the lifestyle of the locals.
When there are no tourists to sell the souvenirs, they fish and export them to the city. Their small market was made just for their individual needs. The prices are said to be limited. But mang Ri said, it's better that way than nothing.
Everyone is living a simple life. No one is rich, no one is poor. It is not possible to raise money in this place, because the hungry crocodiles are just watching around. When gold is discovered, they are ready to grab whoever.
"Are you going out yet?" mang Ri asked uncontrollably.
I just went into Aryel's room for a while to get dressed. A white long sleeve and ankle length skirt. I let my long hair loose. I haven't tried to cut it yet. Zi and I like it this way.
"Yes. It's just there on the beach."
It took a while, before it answered.
"All right. Just don't take too long. And yell right away if someone looks weird."
I nodded and immediately strutted outside.
Just a few steps from its house is the sea. I quickly hugged myself after feeling the kiss of the evening wind. I let out a deep sigh and look up to the sky.
The moonlight appeared so pleasing to my eye. It is shinning exquisitely tonight. As if a person so inlove.
I remember my first kiss with Zion. The moon's grace is as bright as what it is tonight. We were on top of a big rock then, with nature, giving us enough spotlight. I can still remember how gentle and at the same time, rough his kiss was. And I miss it everyday.
His leaving made me struggle so hard. I lost myself, I lost my will to dissent turmoil, and win my life's battle. I acquired depression, that made me loss weight excessively. And worst, I made a huge mistake. I've suffered from it each day.
Simultaneously with his disappearance was the disappearance of everything in me. But I always make sure to appear happy in front of everyone. Because that's what my acquaintances expect. And even if maybe a decade of sulking, nothing will change. He is dead.
I hugged myself even more. There is no one else than can help me mend my shattered heart, other than myself. I closed my eyes.
"I miss you love," I said, almost a whisper, "I am so incomplete now that you aren't here. I can't do the things I used to do. Because you were with me in those moments."
Despite the strong pounding of the waves, I could not hear the crackling behind the boulder. I quickly turned to it. Shadow of who was first seen. It swiftly stooped down. I'm obviously hiding.
"Who are you?" I bawled.
I was hesitant to approach. What if he was with the pirates? Or one of the criminals hiding in this area? I am confident I can still fight. I still vividly remember the martial arts that Zion taught then. But it would be useless if the rival is carrying a gun.
I heard no answer back. It's either the person is afraid to be seen, or he is waiting for me to get close before initiating an attact.
I gave him what he probably want. I approached slowly. I don"t know where he is exactly positioned. The only thing I can do now is to be wary and keen.
I am getting close. I'm sure it's still hiding behind the rock because I haven't heard any footsteps away. Just a few steps. I fisted, and get myself ready. I jumped a step distance to startle the opponent. But I ended up being surprised.
"Don't ... Don't hurt me ..." a boy begged. Its arms are blocking his face.
"Huh? Who are you? Why are you here?" I sat down to match his gaze.
"I was just ordered," he replied with a mixed shudder.
"Who?"
"Brother Aryel. He said I'll watch your every move."
"Why?" that's how I frowned.
"Because you're important."
That's the only thing this kid said before running away.
Important? In what way?
Who are you really Aryel?
"Good morning nice," was the greeting of the girl I caught playing outside mang Ri's house.
It is dirty and the clothes are torn. Even neck -length hair is messy as well.
"Good morning. Where is your house?"
"I don't have a house," he looked back at the sand he was playing with.
"Your parents?"
"I don't have parents either."
What ?! I guess it's only seven years old. Too young in knowledge and too weak to revive oneself.
"Are you sure?" I sat down next to it.
"I'm just wandering around. Sometimes I ask for food in the households. But if no one gives, there is no food," it said in a long line.
He looks old when he speaks. The experience really sharpened the mind.
"What happened to your parents?"
"The pirate hit them."
Those people are really bad. They did not even feel sorry for the child. They took her family. They stole its right to grow up with its parents.
Now, I really should report this to the authority. Whatever happens to me, it's up to you. If the price of what I do is the freedom of the people on this island, I will sacrifice. Zi bravely sacrificed his life to save me and our baby. I can do the same. In that way, I can at least have a sound and heroic goodbye. Then, we will meet again.
"Poor you," I stroked his hair. Despite the pathetic image, I was not stigmatized.
He was just dirty and smelly. But still human. And she's just a vulnerable child who needs care and assistance. Her family can't do it for her. Not anymore. And others can't take care of him either because they have their own responsibilities and trials that they want to prioritize. Others may simply not want to settle down and take care of a child. But I can. If the others can't accept her, I will. Raising a kid won't hurt that much. I know, I might be destined to meet this child. Maybe God sent her to me, in exchange of Zion.
He may be the new one who will bring joy to my life as it slowly loses color. If it weren"t for the fact that the children in the orphanage, my family, friends, and the unique angel were so overwhelmed with energy, I might have thought of following Zi sooner than expected.
"You just want me to take care of you? I'll be your mom," I smiled sparingly.
"Really?"
"Ummm!" I nodded.
"Yes, I want to!" it will almost jump for joy.
And I am more than happy to see her being this glad. I know it is not easy to take care of a child. It costs a lot and my heart and mind are not ready for something like this. But I will try anyway. I can't just let this kid roam around, starving and vulnerable. What if she holds a great future? But others simply ignore his importance. I once thought that we are not progressing because others who are ahead of it prioritize the increase of money, rather than looking at the situation of others. There's many more people out there under poverty. But we often set aside that fact. Because our wants is more domineering than the people's need of food and shelter. And I highly salute those also under poverty, but still managed to help their kind.
I was provided with enough blessing. I can eat right, buy things I like, and go somewhere else. Looking at this little kid in front of me, I felt so bad. What if those people who are ignored by this world really hold a good future for everyone? But their talent, because it is not valued, will only be taken to the final destination. The luck they hold will remain a secret forever. They are the real treasure. But sad enough, some didn't dare dig it.
And now, because I can look at things that others can't. I will gonna break the chain. I"ll start with this kid. I will shower her love and affection, like I do to my real child.
"This is where I often sleep," he exclaimed, then pointed to the large roots of the tree.
There was nothing else to do, so after dinner, I invited Ayanna to take a walk in the places she went. It isn't her real name. But she wants to erase every traces of her past, so I suggested a new beginning.
I named her Ayanna Isla. Which means beautiful flower in the island.
"Aren't you scared? It's dark here at night."
"I'm used to it. I can't sleep near houses because the kids are fighting there. They don't like the smell. I'm bathing in the sea ... It's still smelly," he laughed.
"That's your dress. Hasn't that been changed yet?"
"Yes."
"Where did you live then?"
"It's far away. We just took a walk here. In case the pirates fought us, so my mama and papa died."
"Didn't any of your relatives look for you?"
"I do not know..."
I gasped violently. Maybe I'll just find his relatives and investigate. If they ever tried to find it, that"s great! But if not, then there is something wrong with them.
We went to the clothes store. I bought many pairs of clothes for Ayanna, slippers, and dolls. That's how happy it was when the feet finally had a pad. His wounds will not increase. He said he endured the loss for a long time. But she can't do anything about it. He also said he didn't want to steal because he said, 'That's bad'. She is raised by her parents very well.
I also bought braids for her hair.
"Thank you so much," he said with a smile as we walked back to mang Ri's house.
I don't know if he's home yet. When I woke up, it was gone. Probably early to sail. And just prepared breakfast for me earlier before leaving.
"Nothing ... We'll take those to the city. You'll come with me when I get home, is that okay?" I crouched a bit.
"Very well," he smiled broadly.
We walked hand in hand along the crowded street of the mini market. Everyone is busy shopping for groceries and some food.
I need to buy foods too. For lunch with Ayanna.
"You already bought the ingredients. Onion, garlic and more!"
A boy peddling on the side of the boardwalk caught my attention. That's the kid from last night. I can't go wrong!
Holding Ayanna's hand, we approached it.
"Really, you're the one I saw last night, aren't you?" I'm sure.
It turned on me in shock. That's how masculine the eyes are. His eyes can't lie.
"Yes? I'm not-" he was about to leave the place. But I quickly grabbed the collar of the dress before I could even escape.
"Don't lie anymore. I'm late," I pulled him towards the small hut, "Let's talk about what you said about Aryel."
"We don't have anything to talk about sister," he is trying the best he can to escape away.
"Why am I important to him?" I would ignore what it said.
"I don't know sister."
"Will you tell the truth, or will I put you in jail?"
"The police are not allowed here."
"Who told you? I have police friends around. They're just watching, you know that? Just one call from me, they'll arrest you right away."
Ayanna listened quietly to us. It sat in the multiple chair and folded.
"I don't really know, sister. Brother Aryel just told me to watch over you. He even gave me money."
I was stunned. I see he is telling the truth. No matter how many times I scare it, nothing will happen. I can't get any good information from him.
Who is that Aryel really? How I became important to him? I don't remember getting acquainted with him before.
I sighed violently, and immediately released the child as well. It ran away quickly. That looks like a marathon.
"Who is that?" Ayanna asked in astonishment as she watched the receding behind it.
"I don't know. But I caught him watching me last night."
"Maybe a thief?"
I just shrugged. She's still too naive to understand. Then I will explain to him what happens when he is the right age.
"Let's go," I held out my hand to it.
"That's mine," a man recklessly grabbed my bag. Its sling is small and will break quickly. So he got it right away.
He then shoved away, before I could realize.
"Hey!" without hesitation I chased him, "Ayanna you're just there."
I run as fast as I could. My resistance is weak. But because I am in a rush, I couldn't feel any exhaustion and pain on my chest. Things I often feel when I"m running fast. I don"t mind getting hurt, as long as I get the important things inside the bag. Zion and I also promised.
"Hey let go of that!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, "Help, please stop him," I begged the man to meet him.
But he didn't move. Along with it, they blocked my path. I guess they planned this crime together. I stopped just a few steps away from them. Even the man who grabbed my bag stopped as well. It flashed a triumphant smile as it turned to me.
Aba ...
"Your courage too miss," he raised the color.
"And the courage to abduct me," I matched the intensity of his gaze. I don't intend on getting into a serious fight in this island. It's been a few weeks since I last fought. I finally bumped into Spencer. When todo was bored with his scratching.
"What can you do to us?" enter one into the conversation. It looks like it"s only three years young to me. And the other guy beside him looks like a decade older than me.
"Let's have a deal," I took a deep breath, "If I beat you, you'll return my bag. But when you beat me-"
"You're with us," the pickpocket interrupted what I was about to say. Next was the mischievous smile.
I openly scolded him. In your dreams!
"All right," I agreed later.
That is if they can beat me.
The young man attacked me first. I was able to ward off his blow. And in a quick motion, it turned its arm in the other direction. Even before it was over, another man bowed the blow. I avoided his fist. I bent down and circled behind it. Then he was pushed. It lost its balance. It was a good opportunity that I used to step on his face and kick the rest of the man. The second guy swiftly stood up the moment I took my feet off his face. It unleashed a blow again. But the second time, I avoided. So the fist should have been for me, went to the face when he was with me holding my bag. The guy lost balance and fell. Simultaneously with its grimace was the loss of consciousness.
I only had to knock out one man before I could pass.
"Beat that brother," said the young man now sitting on the sand, as he worked on his broken arm.
I didn't mean to be harsh. But I think the force I released was too much.
"Who are you?" said the man opposite me in a baritone voice.
"I wasn't told that in the middle of the fight, there should be an introduction," I smiled sarcastically, "Just give me my bag, will you?"
"No!" complement it will kick me. But stunned after someone fired from an unlikely direction.
Shocked we turned around. But we saw no one.
Another gunshot rang out. And just near where we were standing the bullet hit.
"Those are pirates. Let's run!" the young man quickly stood up and started to leave. Next is his older brother. Both left the unconscious body of the companion.
I did not move immediately. I am roaming my eyes around. Pretend to see whoever fires.
"Those things ... The ones we bought," Ayanna grabbed my attention. It was crying and walking towards me.
"The kids stole it. They took my clothes."
What the-
This is a total disaster!
To be continued....