Luca Benedetto

Gemini


Traits include - Workaholic, Kleptomaniac, Athletic, Lucky and Ambitious.

He likes Tri-tip Steak, Electronica Music and the Color black.
 
Luca Benedetto aims to reach a goal of obtaining §50,000 in stolen goods. He will be packing his house to the brim with everything he gets his fingers on. Anything you see in his home (aside the stove,fridge,bed,toilet,shower and counters - are stolen). His story will be approximately 10 chapters long. I hope you enjoy reading about Luca, he has been a favorite to play and work with.
 

COMING SOON!

Chapter 24

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Chapter 24

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I took a deep breath as I approached my love, he was so still that I thought it would be way too late.

I pulled out the staff, and fought back tears. I wanted to hope - to dream - but I feared to expect too much.

The tip of the staff started to glow as I held it out toward Akolo. I fervently wished he could come back to me so I could tell him how I felt about him. I closed my eyes.

 

It was a long quiet moment, it felt like eternity as I stood there waiting.

Just as I was about to give in and cry, knowing he would never return to me, I felt someone looking at me. When I opened my eyes I saw him standing there in front of me.

Before a smile had the chance to crack my lips, Akolo jumped into my arms. I felt joy as much as he did. As soon as his feet touched the ground I kissed him so fiercely and passionately that the world around us disappeared. There was only Akolo and myself, and I would never let him go again. I would never leave.

The chief had to clear his throat to capture my attention many times before I noticed him.

"You have saved our village Citryne! No one can thank you more than I. We are in your debt." He said to me.

Shaman Amanaki stepped up to me. "Also, you have returned the stolen staff to it's rightful place."

I blushed at the compliments. My cheeks felt red hot. "I only did what anyone would do."

"That is not so Citryne. You have done what nobody would. You have done mighty and righteous deeds. The volcano smiles upon you. Therefore, I appoint you my successor Citryne. From this time forward you are the Shaman of this tribe!"

My eyes opened wide. I knew that he would not offer this lightly, and I shouldn't refuse. But was a Shaman allowed to have a family? After a few seconds of shock I managed to say, "I am so honored, I would love to follow you. I have one request before I do so though."

I turned to Akolo.  

 

"Akolo, I know times have been weird and tough. I also know we don't know each other completely, but I do know that I love you. I love you more than anything I know right now."

"And I you Citryne, I owe you my life, but you get way more than that. You get my love, respect and devotion as well. My whole heart and soul. The volcano smiles on you, it's true, but it smiles on my more because it gave me you and your love."

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks again but ignored it. "Akolo... Marry me. I want to marry you. Will you stay with me forever?"

Akolo didn't even wait long enough to blink, he hugged me fast and tight. "Nothing would please me more Citryne. I will marry you, as soon as the volcano allows!"

His embrace warmed me to my toes. I think my whole body was blushing. I was so happy in that moment, that at first I associated the buzz I heard as my brain reeling with the newest emotions. It took me a few moments to realize that the noise was getting louder, and more annoying.

As much as I hated to let him go, even for a moment, I stepped back from Akolo and looked around. What is that noise? I covered my ears, it was loud now. Then I saw it.

It was a helicopter. In addition to the helicopters arrival, the other survivors of my shipwreck ran out of the woods screaming, "We're saved! They've found us! We can go home!"

 

It all happened so fast it was a blur. The helicopter landed, and a man stepped out.

Since I was the closest person, he called me over.

"My name is Ron, I have a delivery for Professor Rhinehart." He said to me.

"Uh. He had to step off the island. I'm not sure when he'll be back." I said, with as straight a face as I could manage.

"Oh alright, well I'll leave it here with you, if you could just give it to him when he returns. It seemed important, and I wouldn't want to take off with it. I don't ever want to come back here, that was a heck of a trip!"

Just then, the other survivors ran up to Ron and I. He looked surprised.

The sun came up as we talked to him.

"They are survivors from a shipwreck, perhaps you've heard of  the Solomon Queen." I decided to speak for the group. "They have been here a while now, waiting for rescue."

The others started talking all at once, making it impossible for Ron to hear anything really. The only thing he could make out was 'home' and 'rescue'. He started to nod with understanding.

"Do you think you could give them a lift home? It looks like you have room in that helicopter." There was more than one reason I was helping the survivors. One: they really needed help, they couldn't survive here - no way. Two: I wanted them the hell off my island. I didn't ever want to see any of them again.

Ron pondered for a moment. "Well if I shift... maybe move this... Yeah, Sure I can accommodate you all. It might be a squeeze though."

People started filing into the chopper. Behind the crowd, something else was going on.

 

Robby spoke, "You know, people work all their lives to retire in a place like this. I'm not going anywhere." He gazed at Emma with hopeful eyes.

She seemed to catch his meaning. "Me too. I don't want to lose you.... or my tan."

I guess that was what Robby wanted to hear. The two of them kissed and embraced. Ron and I witnessed.

"I guess they aren't coming?" Asked Ron, a small smile on his face.

I chuckled. "I guess not."

"Well that's my cue then. I assume you would be in there if you were leaving as well. SO, I guess we are free to go. Happy to be of service Ma'am, be careful around these parts." Ron stated.

Ron climbed into the helicopter and signaled the pilot to take off. They did, I watched as they disappeared into the sunrise, not sorry at all that I stayed. I had promised Akolo my life, and I fully intended to give it to him.

I looked down at the box. My curiosity got the best of me. 'Let's find out what this old man was up to' I said to myself. I gently pried open the box, fearful of something explosive I guess. When it was open I looked at the item. Unsure of what it was, I pulled out the piece of paper sticking to it.

"A weather control device? This was the evil project he was working on at the research base all those years ago?" I said aloud. I was shocked. "It looks like he was setting up to be some volcano god or something and live forever. I guess the volcano had different ideas."

As I was standing there talking to myself, I heard a call from behind me.

"Over here! Come here Citryne!"

 

I looked back and smiled.

The tribe, my tribe, had set up an arch for Akolo and I.

"Let's marry!" Said Akolo, loud enough for me to hear. I didn't hesitate. I was at his side so quickly, it felt like I flew there.

We faced each other as the my mentor Amanaki bound us together as husband and wife.

The words were unimportant to me. I'm not even sure what we said anymore. I just know that I promised him my love for life, and he the same. The kiss that sealed the marriage was the most passionate, and steamy kisses that we had shared.

We were bonded forever, our souls united as one. I could not have been happier.



Our tribe erupted in cheers and applause. The chief announced that it was Luau time again, but Akolo and I didn't really hear him.

Akolo started to kiss my lips. His warm lips made a path down my throat, wherever they met my skin there was a lasting tingle. I felt heat, and overwhelming desire.

Before we joined the Luau we spent some time alone.

That was the best night of my life.

Chapter 23

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Chapter 23

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I took a deep breath and walked into the temple, into some type of courtyard - before the actual building. My heart was racing because I knew I was close, but something was bothering me.

When I walked into the Courtyard I saw Professor Rhinehart waiting for me. My only thought at that moment was 'It's time to get to the bottom of this, I am going to confront Rhinehart.'

Before I could speak, he did, "You're here! Did you get the staff?" He seemed a little over excited to me, which was odd.

"Yes, and I also found a guy named 'Pittman', he said some very disturbing things about you!" I started at him for a moment while he processed the information.

"That doesn't change the theory that the temple carries the cure! Now hand over the staff!"

I realized that he didn't even care about the Pittman guy, and wrecking our ship, he was guiltless. What's more is that he said the theory about the cure.

"You mean you don't KNOW? You knew about the staff, and where it was hidden!"

Rhinehart took a deep breath, and I could tell he was about to go into a long - prepared - speech.

"I've been trying to get into this temple since the Illamanati were here years ago." He admitted. "After we crashed the volcano festival and witnessed the power of the House of Tuzu; the race to steal the staff was on. You don't know what it's like - all the pressures that come with belonging to a secret society of evil genii. It is all about the next big idea for world domination. All the good ones are taken. Idea theft runs rampant and there is always some on younger, but never smarter, lurking in the wings to challenge me. I stole the staff and hid it, but the natives drove us from the island before I had a chance to use it- to gain edge. It has taken me all this time to get it back. Now, with your help, the temple and the treasures within are in my reach."

"Now, hand over the staff if you want to survive!"

I had found my attention ebbing away as he continued his speech, but his last sentence brought me back.

"No." I said, very firmly. "You tell me how to use it, and I will open the temple."

Professor Rhinehart sighed and studied me for a moment as if he was looking for something. I guess he found whatever it was because half a smile lit his face and he said, "Very well. It's simple really, just point the staff at the door and will it to open."

I thought about this for a moment. 'Is he joking? I'll never agian put all my eggs into one basket case again!' Then voiced my thoughts, well most of them at least. " ... are you kidding me?"

He just shook his head. So I did as he said, I pointed the staff at the door. Nothing happened at first. I started to feel silly, then tried harder to will the door open. After just a few seconds my thoughts strayed slightly to Akolo. I felt my love for him inside, and it started to overwhelm me. Then my attention was brought back to the door - it had begun to open. When it did I heard the professor make a strange sound and glanced at him. Really it looked like he was about to jump up and down like a little kid.

Slowly I walked inside.

I looked around and took in my surroundings, there was treasure all over. Gold and jewels. The middle of the room, clearly the centerpoint was a tall vase - or maybe goblet is the better terminology.

Before I could think anything else, or say anything, Professor Rhinehart blew past me - grabbed the goblet and drank what was inside.

I started to protest and demand to know what he was doing, but seeing what was happening distracted me.

The professor's body started to tremble and shake. It looked like he was having a seisure. Then it was over, but he wasn't the old professor any more.

"Hahahaha!" Was all he said.

I gaped at him as I realized the only reason he wanted in here. There was an anti aging potion in that goblet, and more treasure than anyone would know what to do with.

"There is no cure is there?!" I shouted at him, but I never got an answer from the professor.

I was tapped on the shoulder and when I turned I was surprised to see Amanaki Tama, the Shaman.

"So this is the thief who sealed the temple from us long ago." he said.

I glanced at the professor. He was running around like a crazy person trying to scoop up treasure. "He is a liar... and a maniac!"

The Shaman looked at me, "You have the power to judge him Citryne. Point the staff at him and choose."

So I did just that. I pulled the staff off of the ground, where I had dropped it and pointed it at him.

He turned and looked at me, "You wouldn't. You don't even know what your doing."

"Whatever I will." I said.

I wasn't sure what I really expected to happen, but I was surprised when he started to convulse and scream "NOOOOO!!" It didn't take more than two minutes for the staff to do it's work. When he hit the floor in a crumpled unmoving heap, I raised my hands to my mouth.

"Oh my!" I gasped. "I didn't know it would be like that, I was hoping he would just... well I don't know really."

"Are you sorry that it happened?" The Shaman asked me, very calm.

I didn't think about it long. "No, because I know what could have happend, and what he would become, had he continued to be."

The Shaman nodded and looked as if he were pleased with my answer. "The volcano is wise." He said.

When he said that, he made me think he was talking about more then the volcano that they prayed to, but I couldn't be sure. I looked at him., and almost shouted "Akolo!"

He nodded and we quickly left for the harbor. We arrived together still.

When we got there, I saw Akolo lying on the ground and something caught in my throat. I couldn't breath anymore, I was too late.

The Shaman stopped me just as I was going to run to Akolo's side. He looked me in the eyes and said, "Look within yourself Citryne. You also have the power to heal Akolo."

At first I didn't understand what he meant. Then I realized that I still carried the staff. I looked at the Shaman and he nodded once. If the staff had the power to take away life, shouldn't it have the power to return it?

I had to try.

Chapter 22

**Writers note : I do apologize, over the next few chapters there may be some pictures missing that you would hope to see. The game often breaks into a video segment, and it is impossible to get picturs of the event. Sorry about that**

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Chapter 22

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A flood of mixed emotions took over as I ran back with the parachute. I felt anxious - hoping it would work, excited - for finding something, scared - that I wasn't going to make it in time, and saddened - that I would have to leave my love in his time of need.

When I got back to my raft I still had plenty of time to put the new sail on.

I pulled the parachute out of the bag and examined it. It seemed perfect, no holes and a perfect fit. Carefully I attached it to hooks to get the raft finished. I was turning to go get some supplies for the trip when I ran into professor chump, I mean Rhinehart.

"The disease came from the idol that protected the temple. The cure must be inside it, but it's been sealed for quite some time. Legend says that we need the staff of Tuzu to open the temple. The staff is said to be hidden inside a petrified tree on Volcano Island." The professor said.

I studied him for a moment. "How do you know this? I know you studied these islands - but still."

"Akolo may be dead by the time I explain. There is time for that after we open that temple!" He seemed a little excited to me for some reason. There was a fire in his eyes that I was surprised to see. He continued on. "Take the raft to Volcano Island and follow the beach counter clockwise until you see the petrified forest. The staff is in a hollow tree. Get it and bring it here to me."

"I am taking a HUGE risk listening to you, you better be right!" I said, nearly shouting at the man.

"I assure you," the Professor said, "It's there, and we need it. You hurry and get it, I'll tell the Chief of our plan."

"I hope Rhinehart is right. I have no other option though. If I did sail off, I wouldn't know which way to go. Akolo would surely die if I struck out on my own." I said to myself. "Rhinehart told me to go this way." I pushed the raft into the water and sailed in the direction of Volcano Island.

I arrived on the island and looked around. There were pools of lava everywhere, so stepping could be dangerous. I took extra care in following the 'beach' counter clockwise as the Professor said. I finally arrived at the petrified forest and looked around. Almost right away I spotted a hollow stump with a stick in it. I walked up to it, and as I neared my suspicions confirmed that this was the Staff of Tuzu. I grabbed it.

At that very moment, the earth trembled beneath my feet. I hear the sound of rocks falling and crashing behind me.

"OH NO!" I shouted. The shaking had caused rocks to close up the entrance I had come through. There was definitely no way I would be going back that way now. I had to continue on and find another way to the ocean.

I came to another clearing, with ocean access. A small amount of joy took over me as I raced to the beach. I almost ran right past the man.

There was a guy laying there, unmoving. I stared at him for a moment before saying, "Are you okay?"

"Uggghhh." Mumbled the man.

"Hey?" I said to him, "Can you get up?" I looked around while I was talking to him. His area was primitive, much like mine was when I first 'arrived' on this island. It seemed like so long ago. I wondered where he came from and how long he had been here.

"Who are you? Where did you come from? How long have you been here? What's your name?" Maybe I asked too many questions at once, but I was in a hurry.

The man got up to his knees to talk to me. He clutched his stomach as if it hurt to do even that.

"Pittman. My name is Pittman, I was the Chief engineer on the Solomon Queen."

I was shocked, he was another survivor! "Hang on, I'll get some help!"

"No, it's too late. The Professor has doomed us all." He said.

"What Professor?"

Pittman continued, "He bribed me to get into the engine room... I didn't think it would do any harm. He seemed innocent enough. Then there was an explosion. And... here we are."

"Do you mean Professor Rhinehart? ... Pittman? Pittman??"

Pittman stretched his hand up in the air and tried to say something else. The breath he was using left his body and he crumpled to the ground, dead.

"Oh goodness!" I stood there for the smallest of moments unbelieving. I checked his pulse, nothing. "Okay, sorry Pittman, I know you deserve better but I have no time. I have to go. Rest in Peace." I had to show a little respect to him, but I also had to go.

I ran to the beach and swam to my raft. Then sailed back to the main island, and raced through the woods trying to reach the Village Harbor. I got there just after sunset.

The Chief saw me arrive and greeted me.

"Where's Rhinehart?" I asked, almost yelling.

"He has gone to the house of Tuzu, he said you were to meet him there. Why are you so angry?" The Chief asked.

"He is up to something, though I am not sure what it is at the moment. Where is the Temple again?"

"In the jungle, just past the volcano." He told me. "Citryne, we are all sick now." The Chief looked defeated.

"I know." I said, "Rhinehart said that the cure was at the house of Tuzu. I am hoping he isn't lying."

"The Temple houses great power. I hope he is right." The Chief said, a little hope relit his eyes just a small bit.

I left then, hoping the same thing as the Chief. I hoped we could trust Rhinehart, find the cure and heal the village.

I ran through the jungle, past the volcano where I kissed Akolo. After passing through some more thicket a building came into sight.

"This must be it. Well, here we go." I said aloud to no one.