The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 35

The sound of the Manumea's call startled me awake, having almost forgotten the sound of my island's birds calling in the morning. But once I remembered the events of yesterday, my pounding heart slowed. I looked around to see my family had woken up before me and already left to do their daily tasks, knowing they wanted me to rest.

Upon sitting up, I took in everything all over again. I had accepted it was real, but overwhelming. The fact that I was home again with my parents, my sister... my family. I ran my hand over the foundation of the fale, feeling the stone's smooth surface. Smooth from generations of my family living here.

I picked up a piece of rounded fa'atosina, looking at my reflection. I felt like the last time I saw myself was so long ago, and I knew I wasn't the same person. I looked and felt different. I combed out my hair, choosing not to style it like I had for my years on New Berk. I pushed back a section on the left side of my head, twisting and braiding it back, holding it in place with a shell comb.

Then I found some clothes I could wear. A rich coral top with shells sewn into the fabric and a cream-colored skirt with red floral patterns printed. I wrapped it around my waist, securing it with some thin rope at my hip.

After one last look in the mirror, I determined I was ready for the village to see me. After Mom and Dad found me and brought me home, they said to wait until the next day if I was ready for the village to know I was back since everyone was at Aihe's luau last night.

Just as I was leaving, Aihe came back to the fale. Upon coming up the steps, she froze when she saw me.

"What?" She slightly shook her head and blinked.

"... Nothing. I just-... it's kinda weird seeing you. I... honestly started getting used to the idea that you wouldn't be coming home..." I heard her tone change at the end of her admission, fumbling around with her fingers, still barely able to look at me.

"I mean... I'm still your sister." I assured her, teasingly poking her shoulder, "Just a bit more grown-up. That's all."

I saw the corner of her mouth twitch into a small smile. She stood there momentarily, observing me, before rushing into a tight hug. I was momentarily taken aback, but I quickly embraced her back.

"I'm still your sister." She laughed weakly.

"C'mon, let's go to mom and dad." I grinned widely, and we ran out of the fale. I followed her through the village's paths to the main gathering square.

I waited in the tree line just behind the platform, seeing Mom and Dad talking to the village. I could hear people's questions through the murmuring.

"Is it true?!"

"Is she back?"

"Where did she go?" Before my parents could answer, I ran up to their side. The crowd gasped upon seeing me. They were too stunned to ask any further. I felt my eyes well up with tears a bit, it felt wonderful to see my people again. All their faces. My aunts and uncles and my cousins. I realized two faces were missing from the crowd, though. But I'd talk to Mom and Dad after. For right now, the village deserved answers.

"Yes, I'm back. I'm here, and I'm safe. I know I was gone for a long time, but I promise an incredible story is behind it." Mom and Dad watched me, waiting to see what I would do or say. I smiled at them. I sighed deeply and happily recounted a shortened version of events. I caught my family's shocked expressions at what had occurred at sea.

After I finished my story, my people cheered again to celebrate my return and began to disperse, going about daily activities and chores. My family and I left the small stage to meet up with the rest of the extended family for a private celebration.