Distant Shores 2: Waves Of Time

Fulfilling The Prophecy

"Robert! Robert!"

You are in absolute disbelief as you gently crouch down (with great difficulty because of your pregnant belly) next to Robert; who literally just took a bullet for you. He looks up at you and even though he's trying to hide the pain, it's clearly visible in his dark eyes.

"Robert...I.. I.. I don't understand.... why...?"

You're rambling and you can feel your eyes getting watery. Despite everything Robert has ever done to you and your crew, you can't help but feel like you're losing the last family member you have in the future. At the end of the day, Robert will always be your cousin, and no curse can change that.

His breathing is getting labored and more blood is gushing; you know it and he knows it, there's not much time left for him. His voice is raspy as he tries to get his final words out to you.

"It was always your destiny to stay in the past, Coral. You made a life for yourself here, with a family. You had more to lose. This is the way it needs to be."

"No, no... You hate the 21st century. There's got to be some way you can stay too."

"I can't, girl, and you know it. This proves blood is thicker than water. I had to sacrifice myself for you."

You don't want to admit it, but deep down inside, you know he's right. He fulfilled the prophecy so one descendant can stay forever. Your tears have turned into full sobs; they fall down your cheeks coating Robert's shirt and the indigo stones on the temple floor.

"Shhh it's alright, girl. Don't shed any tears for me. I'll figure out a way to survive in the future, and be content there. I'll be fine, now that I know your child has his mother."

You're taken aback by that statement, but in a good way. You try to get your blubbering under control before you tell him,

"A part of your future might be to move on and have a chance at a family too."

He freezes when you say that.

"Robert... I know nobody can erase the pain of losing Nicole and your child, but she'd want you to be happy."

He's considering your words when Edward approaches and crouches down next to you. You can tell he's relieved that you are safe, but he wasn't expecting Robert to be the reason why. Before he can say anything, Robert turns his gaze to him. A look of understanding and peace passes between them. The lies, the mutiny, siding with the Admiral; it's all water under the bridge, so they can properly say goodbye to one another.

"Take care of my cousin, Edward."

Edward presses a sweet kiss to your temple.

"You have my word, Robert. She'll never want for anything, and thank you for saving our family."

Robert nods his head in satisfaction, before he starts coughing. He reaches out and clasps your hand with both of his; pressing the ruby into your palm.

"Just promise me something, Coral."

You sniffle and wipe your eyes on your billowy sleeve.

"What?"

"That you'll live a life worth reading about in the history books."

He gives one final shudder as his hands drop from yours. His body lays rigid and he doesn't move again. This time you know for sure, at least in this time period....

Robert's gone.