Secrets of the Island (Sequel to Mysteries of Mako)

Chapter 13: The Chosen One

The girls were at Mako, in the Moon Pool. They were worried about the Full Moon tonight, what Jasper might try, and how they can stop him.

"We still aren't certain what the Chamber will do." Sirena says.

"Pretty sure the mermen didn't build it to hang their paintings." Ondina remarks.

"I'm so sorry about Jasper." Manoa says.

"We didn't think he would do that." Mimmi adds.

"Well, he did." Ondina says. "He's got the Trident stone, and now everything we've done has been for nothing.

There was a silence for a moment before the girls swam to the Grotto.

"We must find a way to stop Jasper." Rita says, "The Chamber is connected to the Moon Pool, and the Moon Pool is a part of us."

"So, if Jasper activates the chamber, we could be affected." Mimmi says.

"Ondina, Jasper cares for you." Manoa adds, "Maybe if you spoke to him, you could talk him out of it."

"I'm not talking to him." Ondina says.

"I don't think you have a choice." Sirena adds.

"Sirena and Manoa are right." Rita says "You're the only one he'll listen to."

"Come on." Mimmi adds, "It's time you use some of that famous Ondina charm.

Reluctantly, Ondina agrees and finds Jasper at the beach.

"I didn't think you'd want to see me." He says, turning to face her.

"Why did you do it?" Ondina asks.

"The only way to make the Chamber safe is to control it. Zac isn't going to use it, and Erik won't, so I had no choice."

"Rita believes the Chamber is dangerous to mermaids, to us."

"Of course she does. She's old school. Mermen are the enemy. You know I'd never hurt you."

"Then don't go to Mako tonight. You said you cared about me."

"I do!"

"Then let it go! The Chamber belongs in the past. It should stay there."

"You want your home back, don't you?"

"You know I do."

"Then let me give it to you." Jasper says, taking Ondina's hands in his.

Disappointed, Ondina remained silent and walked away.

Meanwhile, Zac, Cam, Evie, and Erik were at the Cafe, working ona plan themselves.

"What if I talked to Jasper?" Zac offers, "Make him see some sense."

"You think?" Evie asks.

"Not likely." Erik says, "Jasper has always been determined. Once he sets his mind on something, there's no changing it.

"How do you know?" Evie asks him.

"He caused quite a bit of trouble the last time we were in the same area." Erik replies, "He easily gets carried away with whatever he's working on."

"Either way, he's not likely to show his face till the Full Moon tonight." Cam says.

"Or not." Evie says, because speak of the devil, Jasper was approaching them. Zac tensed and the others glared at him.

"Relax, Zac." Jasper says, "I'm not here to hurt you. The Chamber was built for mermen. You and Erik will always be welcome."

"Don't do it, Jasper." Zac pleads, "It's too dangerous."