The Kone Winds hurtles toward an enormous rock surging out of the ocean. It breaks apart every wave that crashes against it!
"We're headed straight for it!"
"I won't lose another boat."
Kai yanks the wheel to the side, his jaw clenched. A creaking noise sounds as the ship shudders and tilts... I stumble and try to steady myself. I launch myself toward the tall mast and wrap my arms tight around it.
"Much better!"
Kai remains firmly in place as he cranks the wheel with all his might. The boat lurches as I hold on for dear life.
"Almost. There!"
The boat somehow stays in one piece, narrowly missing the deadly rock before up righting itself.
"We actually made it. I could kiss you."
My eyes dart to his full lips, and the fleeting thought of them against mine intrude on my mind.
"You know...to thank you for keeping us alive."
"Is that a threat or a promise?" he grins seductively.
"I..."
"Let's save the celebrations for later. This isn't over until we've anchored."
As the Kona Winds leaves the angry waves behind. I regain my bearings and look back at the jagged rocks.
"No wonder so many ships don't survive."
"At least the view tries to make up for it."
I follow his gaze and watch the fog part to reveal the tropical, mountainous coastline of Moku Island...
Kai anchors the ship as close to the cave as possible. The two of us take a small rowboat to shore and take in our surroundings.
"I can't believe we're actually standing on Moku Island... We must be the first people here in decades."
"Let's get you those samples. Judging by the atlas, if we climb the hill here, we'll be able to descend into your cave a little ways up."
" 'We'? You mean you're coming with me?"
"I won't get paid if you fall to your death."
As we start the climb, I feel a few droplets of water hit the top of my head. I look up at the encroaching clouds overhead.
"Looks like the storm followed us in."
"And it's moving fast. We should hurry. This won't give us much time in the caves."
After climbing up the coastal hill, Kai finds a spot to rappel into the cave from. He digs through his pack as I peer down into the entrance.
"That's...a long way down."
"Which is why you'll want this."
He holds out a harness. I step through the leg holes, letting him carefully lift it over my hips. I feel a tickle in my thighs as his nimble fingers work around me.
"That should do it."
"Wait...let me check yours. Doesn't hurt to have a second set of eyes."
I run my hands down the length of his body, tugging at the various straps. My fingers pull at the harness along his firm backside.
"You sure are thorough."
"Better safe than sorry...I think you're good and tight."
He hooks the two of us up, and I ready myself to descend, trusting the harness with my full weight. He looks at the storm clouds overhead.
"Between the tides and this storm, these caves will be underwater in an hour or two. We need to be in and out, fast."
I follow Kai and walk down the cave's wall side by side, carefully gripping my rope and adjusting my carabiner as we go.
"Slow and steady, and we'll be at the bottom in no time."
Suddenly, my foot slips on the wet rock! I twist in my harness and start to descend faster.
"Ahh!!"
Kai catches my arm, stopping my fall. His sturdy grip gives me enough time to secure my feet against the wall.
"Careful! I'm not trying to make a habit of saving you, Doc."
"Thanks."
The two of us finally reach the bottom. The moment my feet touch the ground, I gasp at the vast ecosystem thriving within the cave.
"We may be the first people ever to observe this flora."
I notice a bright red flower growing just beneath the water's surface. I crouch down for a better view, touching my palm to the pool's cool surface.
"So the satellite imaging was correct. This is the mutated species of Ohia Lehua I mentioned earlier. Typically, it grows inland on terrain made barren by lava flows. But this kind seems to have adapted to grow on lava rocks underwater."
"Huh. Never would've expected a flower to be so resilient."
"Actually some terrestrial plans can survive flooding or being immersed in water...but not for long periods of time. And certainly not in salt water."
"Takes a strong will to survive in tough environments."
"It sounds like you know from experience...but you're still here. Just like this flower."
We hold each other's gaze for a long moment...before he abruptly stands and walks away, leaving me to focus on collecting some samples for a while.
"Fascinating. I wonder if the volcano is inspiring this kind of rapid mutation...or perhaps the island's been isolated for so long to evolve naturally. If we analyzed its genome, we could identify the genetic marker for its rapid growth, then reproduce it to create super crops...and change food production as we know it!"
"Hooray, science, but we need to go now, Doc. Or else we never will."
I notice the light sprinkles from earlier have turned into a heavy downpour, causing the water levels around us to rise.
"Coming!"
As I go to quickly stuff my sample bag in my pack, I spill its contents. The blossoms and soil samples disperse in the rising water.
"Dammit! I have to grab another. This research is too valuable to leave without it."
"Fine, but hurry. We don't have long."
With as much speed as I can muster, I collect another blossom as water cascades in. Kai appears at my side, urging me toward the entrance.
"Time's up. I'll carry you out if I have to."
"You are the captain here."
Kai takes my hand as we splash toward the dangling ropes. I look up nervously as he helps me into my harness and tightens the straps.
"I brought you here, and I'll get you out."
I follow Kai's example as we ascend. Rain pelts my face, soaking my clothes as I scramble to outpace the rising water only feet below us. Kai reaches the top and lifts himself onto the cliffside with ease. He extends his hand, so close I can just brush his fingers...
"You can do this. Grab on!"
I quickly grab his hand as he helps pull me up. Rain continues to pour and thunder rumbles onto solid ground, my body tangled in Kai's. He holds me securely in his arms, and I can feel the pounding of his heart as strong as my own.
"Is this weather normal for the area?"
"Not this bad. Storm came in faster than I expected. We need to find shelter now."
The storm consumes the last light on the horizon as I climb the muddy mountainside... In the distance, I see massive waves violently rocking the Kona Winds.
"Look! We can see your boat from here."
CRASH. A crack of lightning rips through the air, landing a direct hit on the Kona Winds. The mast breaks in half as a giant wave slams the ship into a rock jutting out of the sea.
"My boat! "
The two of us watch in horror as water gushes through the torn hull. The ship tips on its side, beginning to sink to the ocean floor.
"I'm so sorry...I know how much she meant to you..."
"She was all I had... Now she's gone."
"She might be salvageable. We can assess the damage once the storm passes."
But his eyes remain fixed upon the wreckage of the Kona Winds. I investigate my surroundings and point toward a partially-hidden outcropping just ahead.
"In there. That looks big enough to fit us both."
I drag Kai into the alcove, finally out of the rain and the harsh, howling winds. Kai collapses against the wall and buries his head in his hands.
"I can't believe she's gone... My boat's gone. We're stranded."
I sit down beside him and wrap a comforting arm around his shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Kai. She was a great ship. We need a way to call for help though. Do you have any emergency supplies? A flare, a radio...a magnifying glass to make a signal fire?"
"The waterproof containers! There's an emergency radio beacon in one of them that we can use to send a distress signal."
"Perfect. Tomorrow morning when the storm's gone, we can search for them and call for help."
"If we can find them."
"We will. I know it."
I see a hint of a smile on his lips as his warm eyes hold mine for a moment. I feel an invisible pull draw me closer... Until suddenly, wind whips through the alcove, sending a chill down my spine through my wet clothes. I rub my bare arms in an attempt to warm myself.
"Cold. So cold."
"You know...we'd be a lot warmer if we shared body heat. It's survival 101."
I have to remind myself to breathe as I imagine my body tangled with his throughout the night and the warmth of his breath against my bare skin.
"If you think it's a good idea..."
I lean against Kai, oddly nervous at the thought of his arms safely wrapped around me...but he suddenly stands and strips down to his underwear.
"Uh..."
My gaze wonders down his body. My eyes catch on the bulge emphasized by the snug fit of his boxers.
"Never thought I'd see you speechless." he chuckles.
"I-I'm just surprised. That's all."
"You wanted to get warm, right? We'll be better off without the wet clothes."
"I know that. I was just..."
"Distracted? Well, if you really wanna get warm, you should join me."
I play with the ends of my knotted top, letting the wet fabric brush against my exposed midriff. Kai watches me hungrily.
"I guess you have a point."
Kai's breath hitches as I take my time sliding my shirt over my head, granting him a full view.
"Hm... I guess I should take these down next."
I unbutton my shorts and slide them off. I toss the clothes aside, letting them pool with Kai's.
"Never knew a tourist could be such a tease."
"I think you mean scientist. And I'm full of surprises."
Kai's gaze remains fixed on me, his mouth agape. I feel heat rising in my cheeks.
"Enjoying the view?"
"I, wow..."
"Now who's distracted?"
"Hardly. I've still got my wits about you."
"Didn't seem like that just a minute ago."
He rolls his eyes and pats the ground beside him.
"You gonna keep complaining all night, or do you want to get warm?"
I roll my eyes as I settle myself next to him, my bare stomach pressed against his. He hooks a leg around me, securing me against his body. A shudder runs through me as the heat of his body begins melting through me, pushing the chill out of my bones.
"You know, you're awfully close for someone I met less than a day ago."
"You mean you don't usually sleep with me you just met?"
"I, um..."
His eyes bore into mine, only inches away. Between his bare skin pressing against mine and his arm around my waist, I have nowhere to escape from the intensity of his gaze.
"Relax. I'm just joking with you."
"Right. I knew that... Maybe if I knew more about you, this wouldn't feel as...odd."
"We're two strangers huddling together in the middle of a storm. I don't think it gets much odder than that."
I tear my gaze away and catch a bead of water drip from his hair, down his neck stopping when it reaches the hollow between his pecs. I brush a thumb over the stray droplet. His heart pounds loudly beneath my hand.
"Thanks."
I snake my hand down his body and fiddle with the waistband of his underwear.
"I've got you right where I want you."
He visibly gulps.
"And where's that?"
"Where we can fix that strangers part. Tell me something about you."
"My name's Kai."
"that's not what I mean."
"I'm a boat captain?"
"Kai..."
"Heh. You're cute when you're flustered."
My heart races as I glare at the man in my arms.
"Come on. Tell me something real."
Kai gets a distant look in his eyes, before shaking his head.
"I've had a rough go of things... Stuff you wouldn't get."
His featherlight touch brushes my back, sending a tingle up my spine.
"You know, I have ways of making you talk."
I tug at his waistband, letting the elastic go with a snap against his skin.
"I can see that. Look, I don't like forcing these things. Let's just get through tonight, two strangers sharing warmth."
"Alright, I can agree to that...for now."
"Suddenly, a gust of wind blows through the cave. I shudder, causing a wave of goosebumps across my exposed back. I shift in Kai's arms, attempting to get warm once more."
"I don't think side by side's gonna cut it."
"It'd be better if I laid on top of you."
Kai flashes a mischievous grin, then in one swift motion, rolls the two of us to I'm on top, straddling him.
"Oh!"
I prop myself to hover over his enticing, warm body, drinking him in from head to toe.
"Comfy?"
I lowly sink down onto his body. Everywhere my skin finds his is like fire. I ache for him to stoke it...but all I can do is breathlessly whisper.
"Now I am."
The two of us lay in silence for a while, simply two intwined bodies shielding each other from the wind. I nestle my head against his bare chest, soaking up as much heat as possible.
"Credit where credit's due, Kai...I'm a lot warmer now than earlier."
But no response.
"I'm surprised. I thought you'd have at least one witty quip prepared."
But still nothing from him. I carefully shift to see that his eyes are closed. I notice him lightly snoring as he tightens his hold around my waist.
"Goodnight, Kai."
I shut my eyes and let the steady rhythm of his breathing lull me into a deep and peaceful sleep.
Featherlight kisses trail up my thighs, coaxing me awake. I begin to ache in anticipation between my legs...
"Oh... That feels good."
Kai's lips curl up between my legs as he makes quick of my clothes, sliding my panties down so I'm bare before him.
"Somebody's impatient."
"Please. I need you."
His tongue darts out and circles my tender skin, the sensation intoxicating. A shiver runs down my spine and I reach out desperately for him...
"Are you ready?"
"Yes! Yes! Take me."
"Sorry. You're gonna have to walk."
"Huh?"
I wake with a start, bolting upright. Kai stands beside me, his bag slung over his shoulder.
"I said I'm not taking you to the beach. You have two feet. You can walk."
"Oh! Yeah, of course. Just give me a minute..."
He nods, then goes outside to wait. I catch my breath, allowing my heart to stop racing.
Pull yourself together, (Y/N). Now's not the time to dream of...doing that!
I emerge from the alcove to find Kai looking over broken branches and toppled trees ravaged by the storm.
"I hope the beacon survived all this."
As I watch the runoff from the storm flow down the mountain, I notice a bright green slick mixed in with the rainwater. I begin running after it to get closer as Kai calls after me.
"Where are you going? We should be looking for the beacon, not...whatever you're doing."
"I need a sample of this runoff. It could be a chemical—"
I suddenly feel Kai's hand yank me back...barely keeping me from walking off the edge of a cliff! His hand remains clasped onto mine.
"That...was a close one. Thanks."
"Damn, do you have a death wish or something? Watch where you're going."
"You were worried about me."
"I was not. I mean...not that I wasn't..."
He regains his composure and lets go of my hand, then brushes it against his damp clothes.
"This is a job. I need you alive to pay me."
"Of course."
I turn back to the runoff, but the slick of green mixed with the water has dissipated, continuing its journey down the hill out of reach.
"Guess we'll never know what it was now."
My next words are interrupted by an animal's loud roar in the distance. I spin toward the noise.
"What was that?"
"More danger. Let's go see what's left of my boat... And stay close. You don't want to run into whatever that was."
Soon, we reach the beach where we first arrived. The remains of the Kona Winds jut out of the sea in dozens of splintered pieces.
"It's worse than I feared."
"I'm sorry, Kai... But at least we can still find the beacon."
"Let's check where the larger pieces went down. It's our best bet."
"Actually...the tide can move ship remains pretty far. Based on the time of day and the direction of the winds... We should search the reef over there. That's my best guess where they could've ended up."
We both strip to our underwear, then dip below the water... It doesn't take long before I spot several of the containers hidden amongst the coral. I tug Kai's arm, then point to the boxes before returning to the surface.
"Good eye. We might make it outta here alive."
I follow Kai back underwater to retrieve a container stuck at the bottom of the reef. We each grab a side, then haul it back to shore. The two of us work completely in sync to repeat the process until we've retrieved all the containers we can find. I collapse on the beach next to Kai.
"Consider me shocked. I thought that'd take longer..." Kai says.
"Obviously, it's because we make such a good team."
"Sure. Something like that."
I massage my pulsing arms and legs as Kai reviews the containers.
"Please tell me we found the beacon. I'm not sure I can move again."
"We found all the containers it could be in."
"That's the best news I've heard all day."
"There is one more box in the reef...wedged between a couple rocks."
"Is it even worth it if we already have the beacon?"
"It is to me. There's stuff in there that mean more to me than life. And... The truth is...I need you I can't do this without you."
"If it means that much to you, I'm happy to help. Show me where it's at."
A bit of tension leaves Kai's shoulders as he motions me to follow him below the water's surface once more. I follow Kai through the vibrant coral until I reach a jagged rock formation. I see the last container wedged in its craggy grip. Kai makes his way to the box and begins tugging on it. I join him, bracing my feet against the rocks to pull with all my might.
Why. Won't. You. Budge!
Kai shakes his head, the points for me to meet him at the surface.
"It's no use. The thing's stuck tight. Unless..."
His eyes fall on a large piece of driftwood floating in the water.
"Maybe this could help..."
"What's your plan?" I ask.
"Simple. If we can't pull it out by hand, I'll pry it out with this."
Before I can get another word out, Kai dives beneath the water, the driftwood secure in his grasp. His eyes alight with fury, he swims as fast as he can to the box, then wedges the piece of wood beneath the container.
"Nnn!"
He pushes on the driftwood with all his might and I can see the sides of the container buckle.
He'll never get enough force to pry it out with just that.
"WAIT! "
My warning bubbles up to the surface. Kai turns to look at me, then swims up to meet me above water.
"What gives? I was just about to rescue the container."
"It wasn't going anywhere. You didn't have enough torque to budge that container. In fact, if we kept that up, I guarantee you would've punctured the side and said goodbye to everything in there. And I'm not about to let your destroy whatever's so important to you. You've saved my actual life more than once. It's the least I can do."
"Maybe you can offer a suggestion this time."
"You didn't actually give me a chance earlier. I think you were onto something before. You just need some slight adjustments. If we use a rock as a fulcrum that should generate enough force to pry it out."
"You would have a science-y answer, Doc."
"Just putting my PhD to good use."
He shakes his head as he dives back down. I follow close behind. I select a rock from the ocean floor, then quickly calculate the best position and slide it into place.
I hope this holds.
Kai braces his feet on the entrapping boulders and begins pushing against the driftwood. The box wobbles, but doesn't budge from its secure spot.
"Agh!"
I secure my feet on either side of Kai as I wrap my arms around him, stabilizing him. I bury my face against his skin, holding tight to keep him grounded as his muscles strain to pry the box free...
Come on... This has to work...
The rocks slowly crumble away as the sides of the container scrape against them. My arms begin to ache and my lungs cry for air... Finally, we stumble back as the box gives way!
Thank God.
Kai and I each grip one of the container's handles and drag it back to shore. My breath comes heavy and my limbs throb, but I can't help smiling with relief as I look at the rescued containers.
"We actually did it."
"Thank you. Seriously." he smiles.
"I didn't want to let you down."
I place my hand over his on the container, holding it there for a lingering moment before he pulls away.
"You didn't. I...I couldn't have done it without you. C'mon. Tide's coming in."
The two of us drag the final container across the sand until it's closer to the tree line. Kai kneels to unlock the latch.
"After our daring rescue, I hope everything's still intact."
"Only one way to find out."
I notice a small hole where Kai pried the container, but only a few droplets of water seem to have trickled in.
"We must've gotten it out just in time."
"Thanks for talking me out of brute-forcing it. I don't know what I would've done if this hadn't survived the wreck."
Kai reaches in to pull out a narrow, black case. He opens it to reveal a finely crafted ukulele. His face lights up as he runs his fingers along the instrument's neck.
"My grandfather gave this to me before he passed. I've kept it with me ever since."
"It's beautiful. Can you play it?"
"I know a song or two. Maybe if you play your cards right, I'll show you."
"It's a date. But first, we should find the beacon."
The two of us slip back into our clothes, then pick through the other containers...but the beacon is nowhere to be found.
"Only one place left to look..."
Kai's face falls as he pulls a large shard of metal out of the final bin's side. He digs up the mangled ruins of the beacon.
"Just my luck."
"Maybe it's salvageable."
"Doubtful, unless you've got a time machine hidden in your field kit. Not even you could save this, Doc."
"There has to be something we can do to call for help."
"(Y/N), listen to me. We are shipwrecked and completely on our own."
I pause when I hear him use my name. He takes my hands in his, his grip warm and comforting despite the breeze blowing against the beach.
"All we can do right now is find a way to survive...together."
My mind flashes back to my dream as I meet Kai's gaze...
Oh, I am in trouble.