Distant Shores 2: Waves Of Time

One Hour To Go

Trust me....

Robert's words still echo in your mind as you observe all the Tritons bustling around Atlantis with an excitement you'd never seen them have before. Varuna joyfully claps her webbed hands together as she addresses her people.

"Midnight is in exactly one hour! This is what we've been waiting for!"

The other Tritons cheer in agreement and give you and Robert hopeful looks. You glance at Robert and he nods at you before whispering.

"It's going to be okay; we got this."

You want to believe him, but can you?

Before you can respond, Varuna continues, though you notice her brown eyes have lost their sparkle.

"Remember Atlantis will be above the waves in a few minutes; our powers are weakened by the curse so our magic will not be able to keep the shield up. That means unfortunately we will be sitting ducks until midnight. Stay on alert and stay guarded. Luckily, there shouldn't be any ships nearby this time of night, and once Coral and Robert break the curse our beautiful home and our magic will be restored to its former glory!"

The Tritons head towards the armory and you see Zale and Calder handing out the spears and loading up the water cannons. You give your pistol to Jonas and he heads aboard the Damnation to refill it with gunpowder; better safe than sorry. The rest of your crew takes the hint and starts double checking their weapons as well. Edward sidles up to you and snakes his arm around your waist.

"How are you holding up, darling?"

"I don't know... I have this feeling that something isn't right, but I can't put my finger on what."

Edward kisses your cheek.

"I won't leave your side; I promise."

You smile at him and gently pat your vest pocket where the ruby is tucked away.

Okay, just wait till midnight, put the ruby back in the fountain, and live happily ever after with my crew. Sounds simple enough, but with Robert involved, nothing ever is.

Robert is inspecting his sword, and when he catches you looking he winks.

What is his game plan?

Charlie and Oliver approach you with their swords ready.

"We're in this together, love. No matter what, we'll watch your back."

Oliver has a serious look on his face.

"The Tritons have reason to be on edge, but truthfully the whole time we've been here, there hasn't been another ship. Do we really think one will appear now?"

You sigh.

"I don't know. Power attracts people, and the Fountain of Youth is supposed to be at its prime on nights like this."

The four of you look up at the sky where the shield is starting to crackle as the magic fades around it. The full moon is so bright, it's reflecting off the ocean for miles.

If this wasn't a matter of my future being at stake, it would actually be a beautiful sight.

The ground starts to rumble and you cling to Edward to stay upright. You hear Monterey shout,

"Atlantis will start rising soon! Everyone be ready!"

Monterey turns to you. The waterfall to the temple is shimmering behind him.

"In about ten minutes you and Robert need to head to the top of the temple. Havelock already pulled the top dome open so the moon is ready to shine directly on the fountain when the sundial hits midnight."

All of a sudden you hear the dreaded boom of a cannon. Your eyes scan Atlantis, wondering if a Triton shot off a water cannon or if Jonas and Ginny were firing off the Damnation. You heart sinks when you realize nobody you know made the shot...

Suddenly you hear Nerida yell,

"Varuna! There's a ship approaching!"

Oh shit not now.

Monterey's trident starts to glow from his magic. The other Tritons take up defensive positions when you hear Nerida's warning voice again.

"From the west, black flags!"

Edward and Charlie look at each other. Another group of pirates?

You watch in horror as a second cannon ball shoots through the air and lands a direct hit on several of the yellow colored buildings.

This can't be happening! You don't have time for this. You unsheathe your sword when Edward puts his hand on top of yours.

"You can't fight while you're with child! It's too risky."

"The hell I can't. I'm not letting anyone hurt my crew and and my family."

Robert comes towards you.

"He's right, girl. Besides we have to—"

But he's cut off as you all hear a familiar voice. You flashback to the night at St. Sylvian's docks where you heard two men talking about Oliver's promotion, Atlantis, and the Fountain of Youth. The voice sounded familiar then, but you couldn't place it. Now...

"Why am I not surprised this somehow involves you, Coral?"

You are taken aback by a figure slowly stepping into the lantern lights on the attacking ship. A woman stands next to him giving you a nasty look, and you feel your blood boil. You immediately glare at Robert.

"Care to explain what the fuck is happening? It's your crew!"

The two figures are none other then Samuel and Octavia.