In the North China Sea, there is an island located smack dead in the middle of endless miles of ocean. Those in North America who are aware of this site call it Starfish Island because of the funny shape it resembles. Those in China, however, call it Lian Yu, which translates to Purgatory.

As of today, the current population of this lonely island stands at one.

On the beach of this island, there is a man lying unconscious and alone. He remains motionless on the wet sandy beach as a light tide comes in, sending small waves of water rushing up the beach. They continue to do so until the thin waves begin reaching his face. Stronger tides begin sending stronger waves up the beach, continuing to brush past the unconscious individual until he soon regains consciousness. He slowly rises and gasps for air, coughing out some of the water he had swallowed by accident. It's only then when he's able to push himself up a little before facing up.

This is Benjamin McFarland, still in the clothes he wore last night, now ruined by all the water they took and covered in sand. He pants hard as he begins observing his surroundings. It takes him a minute to realize that he is, in fact, on a stranded island. Even worse, he's here alone.

He couldn't believe the impossible situation he was in and questioned how he got here. That was, until he began remembering everything that happened last night.

Ben was leaning over the rails of the back deck, or the aft, of the gambit. It was dark out, lights illuminating from the boat, and there appeared to be a storm approaching. The storming night sky with open water was quite a beautiful sight. It was almost peaceful.

Unfortunately, it was hard for Benjamin to truly enjoy the moment. It was soothing and relaxing, but he he was having a hard time enjoying much of anything these days. He could also feel the eyes of his father's staff members on him, no doubt making sure he didn't jump overboard. Although it has crossed his mind, he wouldn't do that here, not to his father. He just wanted to be alone and enjoy the quiet with the sounds of the water for the time being. It wouldn't be available much longer with the storm approaching, nor would he be alone for much longer.

"Hey, stretch! How you holding up?" He heard the voice of his father as he approached from behind.

"I'm doing OK," he replied with a small smile. "Just felt like being out here for a while."

"I understand. It is nice out here," Carlton agreed. "Of course, it probably won't be with that storm approaching."

Ben lightly laughed under his breath.

"Don't worry, I'll be back in soon," he assured, but that wasn't what Carlton came out for.

"Actually, I wanted to tell you I'm sorry." Ben looked at him questionably. "I'm sorry that you felt like you couldn't talk to me or your mom about this. I know it may not seem like it, but there are times when we can feel trapped in this lifestyle, too; even times when we feel we have everything and nothing at once."

Benjamin looked to his father with slight confusion.

"What're you talking about? What you do is amazing. You practically have it made."

Carl averted his gaze with slight embarrassment.

"I like what I do, just not always the life we have to live; and yea, I like to think I do a lot for everyone, just not as much as I could or even should."

Benjamin continued to look at his father with confusion, not understanding how he could feel this way.

"Dad, you're a good man. I mean, I know you're not perfect, but you're a one of a kind guy."

Carlton dryly smirked before facing back up, staring off toward the sky.

"I'm not as great as you think, bud. As much as I hate to admit it, I have made... a lot of terrible mistakes. Sometimes, I wonder how your mother ever stuck with me through those times. You, on the other hand, you're already a much better man than I ever was."

Ben scoffed at that last remark.

"I wish I could believe that, honestly."

"You are, I promise," Carl assured. "You're just at a stopping point and don't know where to turn to, but you'll find your path; and don't ever forget the people you have that truly care about you and how much you mean to them."

Ben took his words in as he kept staring off, thinking about all the people that actually mattered in his life. He knew how much he meant to them, just wished there was more he could do for the world and fill whatever void had suddenly taken up space within him.

"I also wanted to give you this," his father suddenly mentioned.

Ben glanced back at him to see him pulling a necklace out of his pocket. At the end of the string, it held a unique looking object that appeared to resemble an arrowhead.

"What is this?" He asked as he took the object in his hand.

"That is an Arrow Totem. Once upon a time, there was this organization of warriors made up of different clans that each used a specific weapon; and they each possessed one of these totems as well. This one was the Arrow Clan's, said to grant whoever yields it great enlightenment."

Benjamin was fascinated by that tale and flattered by this gift he was bestowing him.

"Now, I'm not sure if it's true or not, but I immediately thought of you when I heard that story."

Ben chuckled as he continued to observe the amazing object.

"It's quite something. I'm amazed you found it," he stated.

"Yea, it took a long time and, if you can keep a secret, a fair amount of company resources to find it."

They both laughed from that.

"But in all seriousness, I just thought it would fit you; and whatever happens, I hope it helps."

Ben smiled at his dad, loving that he did this for him before placing it around his neck.

"Thanks, dad. I appreciate this."

"Hey, you're my son, and don't ever forget how much you mean to us. You'll find your place in the world again and it's going to be huge. I know it will be."

With that, Ben smiled at his dad before they embraced each other in a hug.

Unfortunately, the moment didn't last as some rumbling from the sky came with a sudden rush of heavy raindrops.

"Ugh! I'd say that's our que to get back inside," Carlton stated and his son laughed.

"Come on, let's go."

They started to head inside before they got completely soaked. However, Benjamin suddenly stopped. Carl looked back at him with confusion as Ben was turned back at the stormy night sky.

"Benjamin? What is it?" Carlton asked.

"You hear that?" He asked him back.

Carlton started to listen close and try to figure out what else his son was hearing.

Then suddenly, he started to hear it, too. It was some other kind of rumbling along with the thunder. It sounded like a helicopter rotor. Father and son stood next to each other with the same expression as they stared off toward the sky. A second later and their suspicions were confirmed.

It really was a chopper.

But would a chopper be doing all the way out here? Let alone, in the middle of a storm?

"What the hell?" Carlton asked, taking the words out of his son's mouth.

Then, the helicopter starts firing at the gambit! Small rockets launch and burst on impact, lighting up the large yacht and knocking down the father and son. To make matters worse, the momentum of Ben's slide combined with the slippery floor, along with the sudden shift of the boat, caused him to slide through the open space of the rails and fall overboard. Benjamin crashed into the water but was quick to swim up with a gasp of air. The helicopter continued to circle around the boat, looking to continue its assault until there was nothing left. Ben struggled to stay afloat with the massive waves the storm was causing. He was a good swimmer, but even the best would struggle in a situation like this. It didn't help that he had to try and keep swimming while staying hidden from that chopper.

Thankfully, a lifesaver suddenly dropped in front of him and he immediately clung on to it. He glanced up to see his father was still on the gambit.

"Benjamin! Just stay down there!" He called. "You're gonna be alright, son! I promise!"

Then, another explosion erupted from the boat, and that was the last thing Benjamin could remember before waking up on the beach.

How he survived that and made it to this island? There was no telling. One thing was for sure, though: somebody tried to kill them.

Why would someone try to kill them, though? It didn't make sense. Whoever it was, they clearly had some high power and big connections. So many thoughts and questions ran through Ben's mind, none of which he had answers to.

He continued to glance around, no other signs of life nearby. Indeed, he was truly alone now.

Ben began screaming out to the island, hoping that someone anyone could hear him. Unfortunately, as predicted, no answer came. He glanced back out toward the ocean to see if any ships might be passing; but once again, there was nothing. As much as he hated it, as much as he didn't want to believe it, he was stranded on this island.

It took him some time to collect himself, but he eventually did and began making his way down the beach. If he managed to wash up shore, maybe some other stuff did; and, as doubtful as it was, maybe someone else managed to wash up as well. There was always that little tiny spec of hope for times like these. Even if it was only a fraction of a chance, he hoped that maybe his dad had made it here, too. He was close enough after all. He could've gone overboard and clung on the lifesaver with him. Yes, it was probably just wishful thinking on his part, but he had to try.

He started walking down the long beach, constantly looking left and right for anything he could, for any possible survivor, or even for a living entity to emerge from the woods. He found a few parts from the ship, but wasn't sure how those would come in handy. There wasn't a lot washing up at the moment, but there was something that caught Ben's eye. It was a duffle bag that was quite recognizable. Ben just hoped he wasn't imagining it.

He ran towards the duffle bag and opened the zipper to confirm his hopes. It was his own personal duffle bag! This really charged up the lone survivor's hopes as this carried a very specific, not to mention helpful, survival tool.

This is the bow Ben used to win the Olympics. He loves this bow, partially because it matches his favorite color. He chose to bring it with him on the trip because it made him feel better. He was glad he did. It also came with a handful of arrows, a switch blade, and a pocket knife. It was almost like a little survival kit. Throw in the fact that the man who trained him had also taught him many useful survival tips and this ensured Benny Boy was set to go.

"Now we are talking!" He shouts before kissing the bow.

He checks on each of the arrows before storing them back into the quiver and strapping it over his shoulder. Then, he placed the knives in his pockets and tossed the bag itself further up land before continuing his search. It felt great to have his bow and arrows back in possession. It brought him back to when he was in the Olympics. It was the proudest moment of his life winning that gold metal. He had won it in front of his family, his coach, even his college buddies were there to see it. They were perhaps the only true friends he had ever had, the only ones that never cared about his wealth or statis in life. It's been such a long time since he saw them, and he hoped the day would come when they got to reunite. He hoped there would come a day when he got to see all of them again and tell them how much they all really meant to him.

He walks further down the beach in search of anything else that could be of use. He tried his best to stay vigilant and not miss anything that could've possibly washed up. He even double-checked certain areas by the water. Then, near the end of the beach, Ben noticed a shape down the path he was on. It was in the distance, yet quite distinctive. He nervously stepped closer, staring closely at the distant shape, and he realized that it was..... him.

Benjamin dropped everything he carried as he rushed over and saw the body of his father. His heart shattered and his eyes filled with tears as he immediately realized he was dead. Not only was the body pale, but certain parts of his body showed evidence that he had been caught in that blast. That, and there was some bruising from having been in the water. Benjamin dropped to his knees and hugged his father's lifeless body to him. Not only did he lose his father, he lost a best friend, one of the biggest influences in his life, and one of the centerpieces of his entire universe. Even worse, he didn't just die, he was stolen away from him. He was a good man who did not deserve to have his life end this way; and yet, for some reason, someone out there stole his life away, leaving a darkness in the world and a hole in the hearts of those who loved him, especially his son. It was the hardest Ben had ever cried in his entire life; a grief he never knew could even exist. He stayed like that for the longest time with his father in his arms, feeling the worst pain of his entire life. As he held him, he realized he still had the Arrow Totem that his dad gave him the previous night. It would be the last gift he would ever receive from his father, but arguably the greatest one of all. He gripped the Totem while still holding his dad close and placed a loving, sorrowful kiss on his temple.

Later that day, after staying in that same position for such a time, Benjamin managed to bring himself up and pull his father's body further up the beach. He then began collecting as much wood as he could from the woods, combining it with the pieces of the boat that washed up and making a little makeshift man-made structure to keep his body safe. He decided he was also going to use this to give him a viking funeral. He knew his dad would've loved it and it was the best thing he could do for him. He couldn't leave him out and watch him rot; and he couldn't bear the thought of burying him without a casket and having things in the sand crawl around and feast on his body. Plus, this could also help signal any nearby search parties, which he certainly would've wanted for his boy, even if it wasn't possible.

Benjamin had it all perfectly set and even got a small campfire going with the extra wood he had collected. He stood at the head of his father's body as it laid peacefully and motionless on the structure, the bow back in his hand and a single arrow ready to be fired. Then, he took a deep breath, mustering all the strength and courage he could and spoke.

"You did everything you could to keep me alive. I won't let it be in vain; and I won't ever give up again, not like this. Whatever I have to do, no matter how long it takes, I will make it off this island with my life intact, and I will be the man you always knew I could be."

He held up the Arrow Totem, gazing at it with purpose and determination, before grasping it tightly.

"You were right... about everything you said. I'll keep living on and live my life to the fullest, keeping your legacy alive no less. But most of all, I will find those responsible and make them answer for this, but I will never compromise myself for it either."

Ben leans over his father's head, looking straight down with love, admiration, and respect.

"You were great, dad, and I won't be anything less." He places one final kiss on his father's head before speaking one of their favorite quotes.

"Ride hard or stay home."

With that, the body of Carlton McFarland was pushed back out to the ocean, safely carried by the resting place made by his own son. Once he had floated to the right distance, Benjamin ignited the head of his arrow before taking aim and firing. He watched with eyes full of tears as the arrow landed and set his father ablaze. The structure continued floating as the fire quickly spread, Benjamin not taking his eyes off, all the while grasping the Totem and saying a final prayer for his dad in the process.

He will always love him, he will always miss him, and he will always honor him.

(A/N: Quick update, I know lol what can I say? I caught a bad case of inspiration by this. So, expect more to follow sooner than later. 

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