Magdalena's just dropped the bomb of the century; of any century for that matter. Only one of you can stay in the past. You're mulling over your thoughts when Robert says something you never would have expected.
"Is there any way both of us can stay?"
You're surprised he's thinking of you as well. He gives you a nod, and it's like an unspoken understanding between cousins; he's willing to compromise and work together to get you both what you want.
"If there is, I do not know about it. And that's a pretty big "if."
"So does the ruby, like pick one of us or something after we place it back in the fountain?"
You secretly hope that's the case.
If it's an honor test then I'll be chosen for sure. Robert has shown he doesn't have any sense of the word.
"That's the other thing."
Magdalena's voice snaps you out of your reverie.
A faint glow emits from her webbed hands as she points to a silver slab above the sundial. Looking closely you see there's faded writing engraved into it. You didn't notice this particular stone because there's no lantern illuminating near it. Robert steps closer so he can read it as well.
The tides have changed between family and romance
Pulled apart without a fair chance
A life in both would be ideal
But in making that choice the fate was sealed
Your blood will carry the pain of your past
Broken hearts that should not last
When all hope seems lost
Proving that blood is thicker than water will be the cost
Only when that point is made
Can one descendant forever stay
"So not only do we have to return the ruby to the fountain, we have to somehow prove that blood is thicker than water?"
Magdalena lowers her eyes.
"Yes. I chose Thomas over my family; blood wasn't thicker than water to me. Instead I should have fought harder to bring my two worlds together. I shouldn't have had to pick one or the other. Now you must learn from my mistake and prove you can have both, your love and your family."
You almost hate to ask, but you have to know.
"What happens if the curse isn't broken in the two weeks deadline."
You wait for Magdalena to answer with bated breath.
"Then what you saw in the museum will come true. You will both be sent back to the future and will only be able to return sporadically."
"No! That can't happen!"
You can feel the panic start to set in. Tears begin to fill the corners of your eyes when Robert's gruff voice sounds next to you.
"Well, that's just the piss on top of a shit sandwich."
You give him a disgusting look.
"Real classy."
He just shrugs his shoulders.
Magdalena's ghostly figure begins to fade away, but you still hear her speaking.
"Now you know everything and it seems the two of you have a lot to talk about. I'll see you at the full moon."
As she disappears you feel the compass shake in your pocket and realize that Magdalena has returned to her temporary resting place.
"Well, what now?"
"We find a way we both can stay. Isn't that what you want, girl?"
You're genuinely shocked that he was telling the truth, at least to some degree.
"Wipe that 'holy shit' look off your face. I meant what I said-"
He points his index finger at your swollen belly.
"And I won't let that little one grow up without a mother..."
Quietly he adds,
"I know all too well what that is like."
Robert has a distant look in his eyes and if you're not mistaken, they're starting to appear misty. He quickly blinks to hide away any evidence of his pain. You want to know more, but you bite your tongue. You know him well enough that he only devolves personal information if he wants to.
"But Magdalena said she didn't know a way we both could stay."
"We've done the impossible once before, Coral. Who's to say we can't do it again?"
You find yourself agreeing with him. It's the first time you've heard Robert so determined and positive instead of angry and bitter. You nod your head as you chime in.
"Besides we're here in Atlantis, learning about our heritage, and we time traveled to do it. If all of that is possible, then what the hell is going to stop us from fulfilling a prophecy for both our needs? If there's a will, there's a way."
Robert gives you a sly grin, then starts marching out of the temple.
"Where are you going?"
"Where do you think? The tomes in the library have been here since the beginning of Atlantis. If there's any information about the curse, it's going to be found in there."
Okay this logical side of Robert is weird, but he has a point. You're about to suggest asking your friends for help when he cuts you off.
"We're going to keep the whole, "only one can stay" quiet until we figure out how to counteract it. But I suppose you can tell your lovesick captain. I mean he needs to know, all things considering."
You open your mouth to retort back, but once again he cuts you off.
"Oh, and grab star crossed Romeo and Juliet to help too, since I know you and Edward don't do anything without them. It's a shame really. I always thought Charlie had better taste than that, but falling for a Navy boy, pretty questionable."
He shakes his head.
"Hey! Back off, they're cute together. And who Charlie falls in love with is none of your business. In case you forgot, she's not part of your crew anymore."
He scoffs at you and continues walking on.
You take one last look around the inside of the room, towards the sundial, the glass dome, and the Fountain of Youth.
Everything in this room will play a part in breaking the curse- you just hope your heart doesn't break along with it.
Only one can stay....
YOU ARE READING
Distant Shores 2: Waves Of Time
FanfictionCoral Sinclaire knows that's no ordinary compass inside a glass case at the museum. It's taken her to the past on more than one occasion, but she needs to find a way to stay in the 18th century permanently with her pirate crew, and her true love. Bu...
