Ivory Chronicles

Act III - Resurgence Isle Part 10

Despairs in Our Wake

The USC had left Amaracuya completely, the hospital returned to the locals, and the governor was forcefully brought back to the island to put things in order. Even after everything that happened, the people seemed more relaxed and happy. Some of them even apologized for their previous hostility.

Communication was restored on the island as well. I contacted Ivory and the group, recounting the events that transpired. It was only a matter of time before the whole island of Vanity knew what happened here. Slowly, Amaracuya progressed and made its way to recovery. This island fell to ruins because the governor was corrupted by the USC, but now the locals knew it for a fact. We now have their support for the revolution.

The day before, we had Mayra's funeral, which was completely packed. It looked as if the whole island came to pay their respects. I could see on Leo's and Diego's faces that this outpouring of support made them feel better, knowing they were not alone. This small island was their whole family.

After ensuring Leo and Diego would be alright and the island wouldn't descend into civil war, we packed our belongings and headed back to the ferry to return to Vanity Island. Which was no longer guarded by USC agents.

"Thank you, for everything," said Gonzalo to Fabian, Kyriah, and me before we boarded the ferry. "All of you are always welcome here. Anything you need, you come right here. And you," he grabbed Kyriah's hand, "don't ever forget where you came from. There aren't many of us Sangre Savia left, and we must always stick together." He smiled warmly, and Kyriah returned the smile, hugging him tightly.

Leo stood next to Gonzalo, his eyes already blurred with tears. Most likely, he hadn't said anything yet because he was trying to hold them back. Fabian pulled him closer, embracing him. Fabian was so tall that Leo's head only reached his chest. "You're a man now," Fabian said to him. "Which means you don't have to hold back your tears. Always show the world how you truly feel."

Leo let his tears flow, covering his face in Fabian's chest, his voice breaking as he tried to speak. "I-I-I won't let my mother's death be in vain!" he managed to say through his sobbing.

"I know," Fabian replied softly, patting Leo's back reassuringly.

Leo tried to rub his face clean as he calmed himself down. "They will hear our voices. They will see our strength, and we will fight until the end," he said, his voice now firm and his eyes shining.

I still felt horrible about what I did to Leo. I didn't dare embrace him like Fabian had. Leo noticed my struggle, and he stepped forward and hugged me. "Thank you, Ellion. I know this wasn't the way you wanted it to go, but you still stuck with me until the end. We'll always be in your debt," he said.

He and I felt differently about the situation, but I didn't want to diminish what he was feeling. I hugged him back and forced a smile. "And Diego?" I asked. Diego hadn't been seen much since Mayra's funeral, and he didn't speak to us that day. It was no surprise if he resented us.

"Diego, well, he did not take Mom's death well. He completely blames himself. But I know he wanted to help, in his way," Leo said, his face changing to a worried expression, but his voice still held a positive tone.

We all said our goodbyes, gathered our belongings, and boarded the ferry to Vanity. The ferry ride back was a quiet one, each of us lost in our thoughts, most likely reflecting on everything that had happened and the path that lay ahead.

I leaned against the railing, feeling the cool sea breeze against my face. The ferry cut through the mucky waters, the engine humming in the silence. I pulled out my phone and found we were finally within range of a cell signal. I called Ivory to let her know we were close and to meet us at the port.