Ocean Blue

Chapter 16

(Hahaha I can't draw Romelle)

Shiro let out a sigh of relief as they sailed away from Lotor's island. "Glad to get away from there."

Keith nodded. "You can say that again."

Everyone agreed but Allura. She was silent, staring at the island behind them.

Hunk approached her cautiously. "Allura?"

"Maybe we shouldn't have left Romelle behind."

Pidge sighed. "Allura, we discussed this. We're going to be going through some rough stuff. It's not safe, and we shouldn't drag Romelle in with us. She's safer on the island."

"Yes, but she wanted to come with us! And she wanted to find her brother! Surely you of all people get that, Pidge!"

"Yeah, and I didn't come on this journey because I wanted to find him! I didn't even know that he was alive! Me coming along was a complete accident because I was being chased out of my hometown! Leaving Romelle behind was a good choice. She wouldn't have been safe with us." Pidge cast her gaze back to the rapidly disappearing island. "She's better off staying on the island."

Xxx

"This won't work."

"It will!"

"It's going to sink."

"Luka, if you have another idea, why don't you suggest it?!"

Luka crossed her arms. "Here's an idea, Romelle. You stay here. Forget about traversing the dangerous ocean in a homemade boat."

"I don't have that option, Luka! My brother might be out there!"

"This is ridiculous, Romelle! Even you have to see that!" Luka wrinkled her nose. "Not to mention that you're getting tar everywhere, and the stuff smells."

Tavo poked his head out of the inside of the boat. "Do you have a problem with my tar?" he questioned.

Luka took a step back. "Tavo! You're helping her with this- this ridiculous scheme?!"

Tavo shrugged. "It doesn't seem that ridiculous to me. The Ocean is calling her. Why should she refuse?"

"Because it's ridiculous!"

"Well, I think it's a great idea," another voice piped up from inside the boat. Luka jumped and peered inside.

"Merla?! You too?!"

"Well, yeah! Why not? The wise Lotor told her that the Ocean is calling. Tavo and I are helping. Who are youto refute the wise man?"

"Surely- surely you're not planning on going with her?!"

"No, Romelle's chances will be better if there aren't three people eating her food."

"That's right," Romelle agreed cheerfully, "I heard the angry one telling his friend about his journey. If he can survive on a little fishing boat with four people on board and only enough food for one person for four days, then how hard can it be for me to do it on my own with enough food to last me for months?"

"But there are storms!" Luka fretted, "Storms and sharks and pirates! You can't honestly be doing this!"

Romelle lifted her chin. "I most certainly can, Luka, and you can't stop me!"

"I'll tell your grandfather," Luka threatened.

"Grandpa will agree with me! He trusts in Lotor! Why can't you?"