Distant Shores 2: Waves Of Time

The Fountain Of Youth

Monterey has you, Edward, Oliver, and Charlie stop at the entrance to the temple, right behind the waterfall. He puts his webbed hands together, then presses them into a gold box on the side of the temple. The waterfall stops, then begins to reform around your feet. Suddenly you feel the ground shaking and you grip Edward's arm to steady yourself. The water at your feet starts to lift your group up towards the roof of the temple. Once all five of you are safely at the top, the water returns back to its original location. Oddly enough you are all completely dry. You look at Monterey.

"A little warning next time please."

"Apologies. That's the only way in. For the record it would work for you as well since you have Triton blood."

"That's actually kind of cool."

"Now come with me."

He leads you to a room with a crystal covered dome- the only light is coming from the moon and a few lanterns in the shape of krakens. There are inscriptions carved into the stones, including the curse prophecy. The walls also have engravings of mermaids, water dragons, and sea serpents. There is a dark blue sundial with a sun and moon together at 12:00 (you're guessing that has something to do with the fountain's power at midnight). Next to the sundial is the.... Fountain of Youth.

Despite what the curse has done to the fountain, it's still one of the most beautiful things you've ever seen. The fountain is gold in color, but it's faded; it doesn't have that glossy sheen and there are several dents and cracks throughout. The water coming out of it isn't a pretty silver turquoise like it's supposed to be, now it just looks like muddy well water. You see how each tier of the fountain has the signature gemstone. The bottom tier has the diamond, followed by the third tier's emerald, and the second tier's sapphire. The top tier has an empty slot and you know that's where the ruby goes. You look down and see the ruby glowing faintly in your pocket. You pull it out and look at it.

"After all the years that it's been missing, it's finally back home."

Edward comes up behind you and wraps his arms around your waist.

"In two weeks we'll be able to see this place for what it truly is."

You turn in his arms so you're facing him.

"And I'll be able to permanently make my life here in this time period with you and our child."

"I love you, Coral."

"I love you too."

He bends down and gives you a sweet kiss. Once you part, you take the compass out, wondering if it will work now, but it still stays frozen. You let out a sigh of relief; it looks like it's still giving you some time.

You take in the other objects in the room. Right above the fountain is a worn rope that connects to a lever in the dome, to pull open and let the moonlight shine directly on it. On the other side of the room is a large piece of parchment that shows dates and phases of the moon. So that's how the Tritons knew when the next full moon would be, they'd been charting it.

Oliver is intently studying the wall carvings about the mythical water creatures. You make your way over to him and he looks at you as you approach.

"My father never allowed me to believe in such legends, yet he was after the power of the time portal. Even before I knew that, I always felt there had to be something more out there. It just took meeting you and your crew to give me the push to explore it."

"Are you still glad you joined us?"

His eyes briefly flicker over towards Charlie, who is examining the sundial. You notice a faint blush crossing his cheeks, but he lets out a  small smile.

"Everyday. You made me open my eyes and see how big the world truly is. I will always be grateful for that."

"I'm really glad you're a part of this, Oliver. It means a lot to us... and I know it means a lot to Charlie too."

You give him a knowing smirk, as he fumbles over his next words.

"Oh, that is um good. Uh, I'm glad."

After you finish exploring, Monterey has you all gather in front of the fountain. You still need to talk to him about Robert, and you're starting to get a little irritated that every time you bring him up, the Tritons change the subject. The clearly know something you don't and you want to know what it is.

You focus on what Monterey is saying as he points to the lever that lets the moonlight in.

"The curse can only be broken at midnight on the night of a full moon because Magdalena's temple and the portal were created when the ruby ended up in the full moon's light the night she and Thomas were stranded on that island."

You nod your head in agreement.

"Yes the book we found did say something about that..."

You trail off and Charlie gently nudges your shoulder with hers.

"Might as well ask about Robert, love. It's just the five of us here now."

You take a deep breath and square your shoulders as you look Monterey in the eye.

"Look, we are so grateful for everything you have done for us, but I really need you to stop avoiding this topic now."

He looks a little nervous.

"I don't know what you're talking about. "

"I think you do. Every time I bring up Robert you tell me not to worry, then drop it. As much as I wish I could, I can't break the curse without him. Out of respect for the other Tritons, our crew, and my family...."

You gently rub a hand down your bump.

"I need you tell me what you know about Robert. What exactly are hiding from me?"

Monterey lets out a sigh of defeat.

"Very well. It was supposed to be easy, but after we ran into you and you told us what Robert did, it got a little more complicated."

"I swear complicated is Robert's middle name. He---"

You're cut off by the sound of heavy footsteps entering the room. A shiver goes up your spine as a gruff, familiar voice sounds from behind your group.

"About time you got here, girl."

You turn around and you swear your jaw almost hits the ground. You let out a surprised gasp.

"You!"