REUNION 2

As the night wore on, Clever's father noticed the weight of worry and burden on Stella's shoulders. He approached her with a gentle smile, "Stella, I have something for you. But first, rest now. We'll embark on a journey soon, and you'll need all the energy you can muster."

Stella nodded, her eyes heavy with fatigue. "I'll rest, thank you." She lay down, her mind racing with anticipation.

Just as she began to drift off, the chief's voice called out, "Stella, it's time. We must leave now if we're to make it to the city by dawn."

Stella sprang up, her heart racing. She turned to Clever's father, "What is it? What do you have for me?"

He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Come, Stella. It's time you knew the truth about your past and your destiny."

Stella followed Clever's father, her trust and faith in him guiding her through the darkness. As they emerged from the hiding place, Clever, still awake, asked, "Where are you guys going so early?"

Clever's father's eyes shone with excitement. "We're going to the city, Clever."

Clever's confusion was evident. "What are you going to do there?"

Clever's father's voice was filled with anticipation. "We're going to see Ozean. I need you to keep this a secret, Clever. No one must know about this. We'll be back soon."

Clever's eyes widened, his mind racing with questions. "Ozean? But isn't he...?"

Clever's father placed a hand on his shoulder. "All will be revealed in time, my son. For now, let us go."

With that, they set off into the dawn, leaving Clever to wonder what lay ahead.

Stella's confusion lingered as they journeyed on. "What is Ozean, and why are we going there? Is it safe? How will it help with my mission to stop my uncle from destroying the city?"

Clever's father's expression was resolute. "You'll see when we get there, my queen. I promise it's safe. I'll protect you with my life, just as I did your father."

Stella's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. "How did my father die? Why didn't you protect him?"

Clever's father's eyes clouded, his voice heavy with regret. "You'll see everything, Stella. Everything will be clear when we get to Ozean. Your father's fate, your destiny, the secrets of the past...all will be revealed."

Stella's heart raced with anticipation and trepidation. What secrets lay hidden in Ozean? Would she finally uncover the truth about her father's death and her own destiny? She could only trust in Clever's father's loyalty and protection as they journeyed deeper into the unknown.

As they entered the city, Clever's father whispered, "I'll do all the talking, Stella. Keep your face covered, so no one recognizes you." Stella nodded, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of fear.

They passed by the palace, and Stella's disguise held, going unnoticed by the guards and citizens. As they wound through the city streets, Clever's father took her to hidden gems she never knew existed - vibrant marketplaces, serene gardens, and bustling squares. Stella's eyes widened as she realized the beauty and charm of her father's city.

Clever's father's voice was filled with nostalgia. "Your father ruled this city with pride, Stella. Everyone loved him, and he loved the city. He brought happiness and prosperity to our people. I hope you'll rule us with the same wisdom and kindness as your father did."

Stella's heart swelled with emotion, her determination to reclaim her rightful place growing stronger. "I will, I promise," she whispered.

Clever's father smiled, his eyes shining with encouragement. "We're almost there, Stella. Almost to the place where your journey truly begins."

As they arrived at a small house, Clever's father halted, "We'll rest here and proceed at nightfall." They waited until midnight, then set out for Ozean. As they approached the entrance, the guardian blocked their path, his sword drawn. "No one goes inside. I am sworn to protect this place, and none shall pass."

Clever's father stood tall, his voice commanding, "Bow down, guardian! You are in the presence of the queen, Stella, first and only child of King Maro!"

The guardian's eyes widened in disbelief as he beheld the amulet around Stella's neck. He fell to his knees, his sword clattering to the ground. "Forgive me, my queen! I was only doing my duty. I will lead you to Ozean immediately!"

With a nod, Clever's father gestured for the guardian to rise. "Lead on, guardian. We have come too far to be delayed." And with that, they followed the guardian into the mysterious Ozean, the secrets of the past waiting to be unveiled.

As they approached the entrance to Ozean, the guardian halted, his eyes locked onto Stella's. "The next step, you must take alone, my queen. I was told you would come, and now that you're here, I must bid you farewell. The secrets you seek lie beneath the waters of Ozean. You must swim under to uncover the truth."

Stella's heart raced as she nodded, her determination evident. Clever's father stepped forward, his voice filled with encouragement. "Be strong, Stella. You are the daughter of King Maro, and you will uncover the secrets that lie within."

With a deep breath, Stella dove into the crystal-clear waters of Ozean. The guardian and Clever's father waited anxiously above, their eyes fixed on the surface, awaiting her return. The water enveloped Stella like a veil, and she swam deeper, the silence and darkness giving way to a vision that would change her life forever.

Clever's father paced anxiously, his eyes fixed on the water. "She's been down there for so long...what if something goes wrong?"

The guardian placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "She must face her destiny, my friend. We can only pray that she emerges stronger and more resilient, with the courage to confront the secrets of Ozean."

Clever's father nodded, his worry etched on his face. "You're right. Stella is a strong and brave queen. She will face whatever lies within and emerge victorious."

The guardian smiled. "I have faith in her, too. Let us wait patiently and trust that she will return to us, ready to fulfill her destiny."

Together, they stood vigil, their eyes fixed on the water, waiting for Stella to reappear, her fate hanging in the balance.