Destined for each other

Chapter 24 The Rite of Passage

Vera's P.O.V.

I was following Finn with the rest of the hunting group he seemed to notice how nervous I was. He beckoned for me to swim beside him. "Vera, right?" He asked and I slowly nodded. "You did fine on the hunt don't fret I think you'll do just fine tomorrow." as we returned to the cave he went on talking. "You know I used to be very close to Ripple we grew up together. I think that's why he always gets me to lead the hunts." He chuckled. "Hehe, You know Nolan isn't very different I remember the days when we used to sneak away from the tribe." I nodded my head wishing he'd stop talking. But to my dismay, he started following me. "Hehe, so what do you like to do in that town anyway? Honestly, I think you're gonna love it here." I let out a fake yawn. "You know I think I'm gonna go to bed now but nice talking to you," I say trying to be as polite as possible and thankfully it worked. "Alright, then goodnight Vera!" He called after me before leaving. As I was making my way to Nolan's den I ran into Nessa. I paused giving a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I didn't see you there... uh how are you?" I say awkwardly not exactly sure what she thinks of me. Surprise lit her gaze. "What are you doing here?" She asked then a loud voice rang out. "Everyone gather around for a meeting!" I frowned. "I think you're about to get your answer," I say and noticed for once she kept a calm expression. She followed me to the cave. Nolan sawm over to join us looking a bit anxious. "I can only guess what this is about." He muttered sarcastically. Once the cave was full Ripple began his speech. "First off I'm not too pleased with the younger Vaporeons." He said shooting them with a glare. "I'm to remind you that I am chief not Nolan! I want all of you to stay within the cave for the whole week as punishment!" Nessa let out a loud protest. "WHAT?!" He turned his sharp glare on her. "That goes for you, Nessa!" I couldn't help but feel slightly confused seeing her reaction. "Ripple this isn't fair! I never even wanted to go!"
"Oh? But you did! You could have come to me but you chose to go so therefore you'll receive the same punishment as everyone else!" lots of yells of protest broke out. "A WHOLE WEEK??"
"NOT COOL!!"
"IT'S NOLAN'S FUALT!!" A lot of them started accusing him and I noticed he sunk back. "THAT'S ENOUGH!" Ripple shouted getting them all to go quiet. "I'm aware my son may have been a bad influence but you're all old enough to know better! Any one of you could have confronted me but you chose to go!"
"Yeah, right! you're only saying that because he's your son!" one of them snorted. Ripple growled. "Nolan is not getting special treatment! His punishment is no different than yours!" a lot of them seemed to quiet down after that and I couldn't help but feel bad for Nolan as he looked really embarrassed. "But Nolan's punishment is slightly different. He's gonna spend time with me learning how to be more responsible." A lot of the older Vaporeons gave their nod of approval. And Nolan looked uncomfortable while Nessa looked upset about something. "Ripple? Can I just ask you something?" He dipped his head. "Go ahead, Nessa."
"What if some of us want to go to the forest?" He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Are you thinking of leaving the tribe?" She shook her head. "No, I—"
"Then the answer is no! You are in my tribe you follow my rules and all the young Vaporeons are not to leave the cave until the end of the week!" He paused for a moment. "Actually, from now on I need confirmation before anyone leaves the tribe!" I couldn't understand why Nessa was getting so upset over this I thought she barely ever left the tribe. "Well, what about Vera? Where's her punishment?" I looked at her in shock. "Hu?" I couldn't believe she was now bringing me into it. "Vera is not part of the tribe, yet. But now that it's been brought up I do have some news on that." I felt nervous as lots of eyes fell on me. "Her trial will be first thing tomorrow morning!" Lots of Vaporeons started cheering and my face turned red. "Now with that being said that puts an end to this meeting! Be back here early tomorrow morning if you wish to witness Vera's trial." He said and with that, everyone went to their beds for the night. I frowned as I gazed at Nessa who now looked concerned. "Vera, are you sure this is what you want? Nolan told me you don't want to join." I shook my head and Nolan answered for me. "My dad won't allow us to see each other anymore if she doesn't do it." She let out a sigh. "Ok, well best of luck to you then." She paused giving me one last look. "I'll be there to support you." She said. I felt a little excited seeing her offer a friendly smile. I followed Nolan back to his room and of course, Ripple was there waiting for us. Nolan looked annoyed but said nothing about it this time. Ripple swam over to me. "Now I don't want you to feel overwhelmed or stressed out ok? Make sure you get a good rest and please don't be late." He turned towards his son. "That goes for you two Nolan! You're not going to miss your girlfriend's big day."
"Yes, I know Dad!" He snapped getting into his bed. Ripple let out a sigh before leaving. "See you tomorrow. Goodnight." Once he left Nolan embraced me in a hug right away. "It's been too long of a day being trapped in this room." He said then gave me a worried look. "You'll be fine Vera, just get some rest." once I got comfy in my bed he went over the rules with me before we both said goodnight to each other. As the water got darker I found it hard to fall asleep. I couldn't tell if it was because of my anxiety for tomorrow or if it was because I was missing my bed at home. I eventually managed to get some sleep.