TYRTLE ISLAND JESSE QUINN AND THE LEGEND OF THE GREEN GUARDIAN

By Denny B Moore and Alfredo Rodriguez

Long ago when God created the heavens and the earth, a giant sea creature moved effortlessly through the water, wandering the oceans of the world...

Below the waters surrounding Tyrtle Island, legend tells of a giant sea creature known as the Green Guardian. This magnificent creature is said to be the protect

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyrtle Island
• Release date: Nov 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781736457955

Book preview

Tyrtle Island: Modern Day Map

Tyrtle Island

Prologue: In the Beginning

LONG AGO, WHEN GOD CREATED the heavens and the earth, a giant sea creature moved effortlessly through the water, wandering the oceans of the world. Upon the earth there was a place concealed far below the ocean waves. This secret place summoned the green sea creature closer to its volcanic shores. Guided by an internal compass, the massive creature found its way to an island full of wonder. The creature navigated around the shores of the island until it encountered a small body of water that glowed with a clear blue hue. Deep below the surface, a Tyrtle-shaped blue stone was hidden away from the outside world.

This special creature sensed it was called to this place for a specific purpose. Instinctively, the creature knew this island paradise rising high above the ocean was designed like no other place on earth. The secret of the wormholes, the mystery of the Tyrtle Stone, and the myth of the green sea creature would become known as the Legend of the Green Guardian.

Chapter One: Waves and Caves

JESSE QUINN RELAXED AT THE stern of the boat as his body gently swayed back and forth in rhythm with the waves rolling through Bullkat Bay. Dangling his toes in the salty blue water, his eyes slowly gazed at the cliffs along the volcanic coastline. Just another day in paradise, he thought out loud and smiled.

He held the mysterious Tyrtle-shaped blue stone in his hand and pondered the same questions he had asked himself over the last few days. Where did this stone come from? Who put the stone in my pocket and why? As to the question of who put the stone in his pocket, there was only one explanation that made any sense to him. Mr. Jack must have slipped the stone into his pocket just before they escaped out of the burning amphitheater. As to where the stone came from and why Mr. Jack put the stone in his pocket, he had no clue.

Jesse gazed at the alluring object for a few more minutes. He sensed there was something more to this stone than just a thing of geological beauty. Raising the precious jewel above his head, he held it up in the air against the bright sunlight. Closing one eye and squinting with the other, he peered through the center of the stone. For the first time he noticed something even more amazing about the stone. The bright sunlight unveiled a mysterious marking embedded in the center of it.

What’s that? Jesse whispered to himself.

He slowly rotated his wrist, turning the stone slightly into the sunlight. Suddenly and without warning, three rays of heavenly light shot out of the stone and struck the water. Like a flash of lightning, the brilliant light illuminated the dark blue ocean for a split-second. The silent flash of light appeared to slice the water like an angelic sword.

A giant green tail whipped out of the ocean, sending a powerful wave toward the stern of the boat. The wall of water crashed into Jesse, pushing him over backwards onto the deck. The vessel pitched upwards, sending him sliding across the slippery deck on his backside. He slammed against the cabin, splattering water like a wet sponge thrown against the wall.

A couple seconds later, Jesse’s Uncle Tinman opened the cabin door and walked out holding Boo, Jesse’s cat, in his arms. They looked curiously at Jesse, who was now lying sideways against the cabin wall in a puddle of water. Tinman stared at Jesse for a few seconds with a big grin. Amused at the awkward position Jesse found himself in, Tinman could not help but laugh out loud.

Boo thought, I’m not sure how you did that, but I’m sure it would never happen to a cat.

Tinman looked directly into Boo’s big blue eyes. Rubbing the big cat’s furry head, he whispered, That sounded like it really hurt. He looked down at Jesse and said, OK, I’m way too curious, so I’m just going to come right out and ask… What in the world are you doing?

Jesse moaned and grunted as he slowly raised himself, sliding his back up the cabin wall. He rubbed his hand along the back of his wet head and pushed his shoulder blades together. Ouch!

Tinman set Boo down on the wet deck. Let me see your head, he said, carefully turning Jesse around. Well, looks like you got yourself a good old sea bump, but I think you’ll live.

Still feeling a bit wobbly, Jesse tried to regain his sea legs. All of a sudden, a sense of panic shot through his body. He glanced down and was relieved to see he was still holding the stone tightly clenched in the palm of his hand. He tried to stand up straight, but the motion of the ocean kept him from regaining his balance. Tinman grabbed his arm and led him across the deck over to the old wooden chest.

You going to make it? asked Tinman, still grinning.

Boo raced across the deck and leaped onto Jesse’s lap.

Whoa! OK, said Jesse, giving Boo a big hug and recalling the three rays of light shooting out of the stone. That was so awesome.

Well, generally I would agree with you. I guess for your average cat that was a good jump, but I don’t know if I would describe it as awesome, thought Boo.

Tinman glanced around the deck of the boat and looked out at the calm ocean surrounding them.

OK, I give up … What happened? asked Tinman. I hope your answer will explain why the deck is soaked and why the boat was rockin’ like a seesaw a few minutes ago.

Jesse glanced down at the palm of his hand. He squeezed his hand tightly and then relaxed his fingers, exposing the stone resting in the center of his palm.

You’re never going to believe it, said Jesse, glancing at Tinman and then gazing out at the ocean.

Heads up, he said, tossing the stone over to Tinman, who snatched it out of the air.

Tinman gave him a crazy look and smiled. Good thing I have good hands.

There’s something really weird about that stone, said Jesse. I was just sittin’ here on the back of the boat, and I started thinking about this stone again. I held it up to the sunlight to get a better look at it, and SHAZAM! Out of nowhere, three laser-like beams shot right out of it. I’ve seen some crazy things before but nothing like that!

Tinman looked Jesse in the eyes and said, Oh, don’t worry… I believe you.

You do? asked Jesse with wide eyes. I saw it with my own eyes, and I still don’t believe it.

Who knows what secrets are concealed in that stone. Tyrtle Island has so many legends that have been passed down through the ages, said Tinman. There’re so many unexplored places around this island and mysteries yet to be solved. You’ve heard the expression ‘tip of the iceberg’? Well, you and I haven’t even begun to explore the tip of this island. In fact, there’s a legend that says something incredible can be found right here in Bullkat Bay, somewhere just beyond the caverns.

Jesse’s mind quickly reflected on the giant splash a few minutes ago as he stared out over the water toward the ominous volcanic rocks.

Really? he asked. Like what? What does the legend say is down there?

Tinman said, According to the legend, there’s a passageway to another world. Some islanders even say it’s… well, it’s a time tunnel. They say the wormholes are somehow connected to the Tyrtle Tunnel.

Tyrtle Tunnel! shouted Jesse, abruptly jumping up. You think it could be the same Tyrtle Tunnel I dreamed about?

Boo bounced off Jesse’s lap and landed on the wooden deck. He circled around, looking at Jesse with a grumpy-cat face.

You could’ve at least warned me, thought Boo.

Tinman recalled Jesse’s dream about the Tyrtle Tunnel and thought about Jesse’s soft-hearted nature. He knew most people who appear to be hard and mean on the outside are usually the ones who are fragile and broken on the inside. Jesse’s soft-hearted nature and internal strength went hand-in-hand. Tinman recalled Jesse’s conversation about the Tyrtle Tunnel and how he spoke up on behalf of Mr. Jack. Tinman understood that being able to forgive someone is always a sign of inward strength. Looking back at the situation with Mr. Jack, he was happy they had chosen the path of forgiveness.

Tinman thought about his response to Jesse’s question and chose his next words carefully. Sure, why not? After all, I can’t imagine there’s more than one Tyrtle Tunnel.

Despite Tinman’s best effort, Jesse detected a bit of sarcasm in his uncle’s comments.

Oh, there’s no doubt about it. I believe in the Tyrtle Tunnel, said Jesse. After all, I saw it in my dream.

Tinman looked at Jesse and said, Remember, that was only a—

THUD! CRASH! SPLASH!

Jesse and Tinman both lost their balance and grabbed onto the railing as the boat rocked upward, rolling back and forth from starboard to port. A wave of water splashed up and over the railing, soaking the three of them.

Boo slid like a wet rug, spinning in circles across the slippery deck until he crashed against the cabin wall.

Jesse teetered back and forth as he ran toward Boo. He fell to his knees, slid across the deck, and crashed against the wall right next to Boo.

Hold on, big guy! shouted Jesse, pulling Boo’s wet body onto his lap.

Jesse wrapped his fingers around the grab rail, anchoring himself against the cabin wall as the boat continued to sway back and forth. His brain flashed back to the night they encountered a bullkat at Fish Flop Cove. The image of Boo leaping through the air toward the bullkat burned through his mind. He knew Boo would do anything to protect him and his friends. Jesse remembered how scared he was that night. It wasn’t the bullkat that scared him that dark evening. It was the thought of Boo getting hurt or possibly something worse. Thankfully, that night there was only one pair of yellow eyes staring at them through the bushes. When the bullkat saw the big tiger-looking cat flying toward it, it quickly disappeared into the night. Lone bullkats rarely attack people. Like a pack of wolves, they are usually the most aggressive when there’s a clowder of cats.

The rocking of the boat slowly subsided as Jesse stood up with Boo safely in his arms. He felt a sense of relief as he looked over at Tinman, who was staring back at him with a somber face. The wrinkles between their eyebrows disappeared as smiles slowly crept across their faces. Jesse tried to contain himself, but before long, both of their big grins turned into roaring laughter.

Once Tinman caught his breath, he said, Well, I wasn’t expecting anything quite like that to happen today. He let out a few more chuckles, and after clearing his throat, he continued, OK, I’m good now… I know we came to explore the wormholes today, but after that wave of water are you sure you’re up for it?

What do you think that was? asked Jesse. Think it was a whale?

I’m not sure… Could’ve been, said Tinman. I didn’t see it, but what else could make a big splash like that?

I wonder, said Jesse, scanning the water as he looked toward the island cliffs.

That makes three of us, thought Boo.

Let’s get movin’, said Tinman, unlatching the dive storage tanks.

You name it, Jesse and Tinman had experienced just about every kind of adventure together. Everything from cave exploring to scuba diving to ziplining. Tinman even had a license to pilot a small plane.

Boo watched as his friends slid their wetsuits on followed by the rest of their dive gear. They methodically performed their safety and buddy checks. After a few minutes they were ready to ‘dip-n-dive,’ as Tinman liked to call it.

Tinman and Jesse sat on the edge of the boat with their fins dangling over the side. Jesse smiled as he looked over at Boo and then, with one giant stride, he splashed into the water. Tinman followed right behind him, plunging into the sea.

Boo crawled up to the edge of the boat and peered into the water as they slowly disappeared below the rippling waves of Bullkat Bay.

The mysterious world below the ocean’s surface is mostly unexplored, and the underwater caverns where Jesse and Tinman were headed were no exception. Streaks of sunlight penetrated the water above as they slowly descended into the water world below. Tinman signaled for Jesse to follow him as his stream of bubbles floated toward the surface. A shoal of fish swirled through the water in front of them. Jesse’s imagination ran wild as he gazed at the enormous group of colorful fish.

To Jesse, the illusion looked like a giant shark or some kind of sea monster once thought to be extinct. Jesse recalled the glimpse of the giant green tail splashing out of the ocean and rocking the boat.

Jesse knew the ocean accounted for over ninety-five percent of the earth’s living space. In his mind, encountering an undiscovered sea creature was certainly possible, and with mixed emotions, a part of him actually welcomed it.

The shoal of fish continued to swim along the underwater coastline and disappeared between the lava rocks as they swirled around the Land of No End peninsula.

A school of black and yellow butterfly fish silently fluttered around the divers. Once again, Jesse was amazed as he watched the colorful fish gracefully move underwater as one body. The divers’ frog-kicked their way around the rainbow-colored rocks decorated with a never-ending variety of swaying sea plants and curious creatures darting in and out of the reef. They propelled through the bay, heading toward the spectacular sea cave opening.

The underwater caves are home to a host of incredible sea creatures. An adorable, pudgy pufferfish paid no attention to the strange-looking divers as it doddered past them. Green sea turtles scraped algae off the rocks and nibbled on the grass swaying in rhythm with the ocean current.

Jesse and Tinman peered through their masks at the ancient creatures as their fins silently propelled them past the volcanic rocks. Blue, red, and yellow angelfish floated by, slipping in and out of the colorful coral reef with their pancake-shaped bodies. An orange and white clownfish peeked out of a sea anemone and quickly darted back inside, clearing a path toward the entrance of the glowing cave. Tiny bubbles ascended through the clear water, escaping into the air as they approached the arched entrance into the cavern and the body of water known as The Blue.

A burst of sunlight streamed through the mouth of the cave. The rays reflected off the sand and illuminated the chamber with a stunning bluish-green color. Once any living creature came close to the jagged rocks lining the opening of the cave they were sure to be captivated by the glow of the turquoise water. Like an invisible whirlpool, the beautiful water silently lured them in and drew them closer to the hidden caverns. This body of water, concealed under the cliffs of Bullkat Bay, is simply known to the islanders as The Blue. All islanders can see The Blue is beautiful, but there is something mysterious lurking below this alluring cave.

The blue glow captured their imaginations as they swam through the rocky opening into the illuminated cave. Jesse followed Tinman as he dove deeper toward the bottom of The Blue. Running his fingers along the rough surface, Jesse skimmed over the floor of the cave, examining it closely with wide eyes. He hovered just above the cave floor and paused, waiting for the sand to settle. Something in the center of The Blue seemed out of place. There, just below him, was a small, smooth, bare spot, formed in the shape of a Tyrtle.

Could it be the spot? he thought, taking the Tyrtle-shaped blue stone out of his cargo pocket. He held it above the impression and slowly lowered it into place. It was a perfect fit. This spot at the bottom of The Blue had to be the Tyrtle Stone’s original home.

The two divers popped up out of the water in the middle of the cave. The rippling water patterns danced around in blue waves on the rocky ceiling above and glistened along the stone walls surrounding them.

Jesse removed his mouthpiece and said with a gurgling shout, That’s the spot! That’s gotta be where the Tyrtle Stone came from!

Tinman removed his mouthpiece, spit some water out of his mouth, and said, What?

Jesse plunged his fist into the water, sending ripples across the surface of the water. It’s an exact match! Tyrtle marks the spot. That’s gotta be where my blue stone came from.

Tinman smiled and said, I saw it. I think you’re right. He took a deep breath and looked around at the dark volcanic walls surrounding The Blue. You know, there’s something very special about this place, but I always get the feeling I’m being watched.

That’s funny you should say that, because I get the same feeling, replied Jesse, peering into the water.

They kicked their fins, propelling themselves over to the rocky perimeter of the cave. Climbing up on the rocks, they sat down on a small patch of white sand. Jesse glanced up at the giant stalactites hanging from the rocky ceiling as the glow from the rippling water danced across his face.

I believe you’re ready for this, but I’m just going to ask you one more time, said Tinman. He paused to take a sip of water. "Do you think you’re ready for this?"

Wrinkles formed across Jesse’s forehead as he smiled at Tinman and said, I’ve been waiting for this dive forever. I know it’s tight in there. I’m not worried about the wormholes. If anything, I think we should be a little worried about whatever creature is makin’ those big splashes.

Maybe it’s a dragon, said Tinman, smiling as he recalled the encounter with the huge owl in Kats Caves.

Jesse took a drink of water and blurted out, Gigantic water-dragon is more like it! The walls of the cave known as The Blue are dotted with underwater holes, like Swiss cheese. These holes are known to the islanders as wormholes, and according to the legend, some of the wormholes are passageways through time. Some islanders claim a mysterious sea creature guards the entrance to the secret wormholes.

Throughout the years, Tinman had explored a few of these underwater caves, although, up to this point, he had never taken Jesse with him. Diving through the wormholes was much more dangerous than most open-water dives and many of their other adventures. Jesse was older now and had become a more experienced diver. Tinman knew it was always wise to have a healthy respect for the dangers of cave diving. After their treacherous encounter with Professor Katnip and a dangerous battle with the bullkats in the amphitheater, he felt confident Jesse was ready to dive the wormholes.

Tinman and Jesse stood on the edge of the rocks and gazed out over the blue water.

You ready? asked Tinman, slapping Jesse on the shoulder. Let’s do this.

Fins first, they leaped into the water and slowly descended beneath the glowing surface. Spinning around, their dive lights illuminated one of the round cave entrances leading into the maze of wormholes. A lone sea turtle gracefully paddled through the water of The Blue and watched with big brown eyes as Tinman and Jesse’s fins vanished through the opening.

Tinman led the way through the narrow passageway with Jesse following closely behind. The divers slowly moved forward through the wormhole. Their eyes became consumed with the colorful patterns painted on the walls as they streamed through the hole leaving a trail of bubbles behind. Tinman continued swimming forward as they approached the first wormhole crossing in front of them. He paused and glanced back to make sure Jesse was still following.

An eerie sea creature poked its head out from a black hole, exposing its glowing yellow eyes. Tinman paused and pointed at the scary creature emerging slowly from the wall. The sea eel crept out of the darkness, revealing its elongated body as it slithered along the bottom of the wall. Jesse and Tinman watched the creature snake quietly along the passageway in front of them. Quickly the creature darted into another dark hole, flicking its slimy dark tail against the cave wall before completely disappearing.

Behind their masks, the cave divers smiled as they continued frog-kicking their way through the wormhole.

Tinman slowed as he approached another crisscrossing wormhole and signaled for Jesse to stop. A gigantic creature suddenly appeared before them and moved steadily through the tunnel. Bubbles escaped upwards as Tinman and Jesse stared in disbelief at the wall of green scales passing in front of them. The massive sea creature’s flesh slowly moved through the wormhole, revealing seemingly endless rows of scales running the length of the creature’s body.

Back-kicking, with eyes wide, Tinman and Jesse slowly retreated, floating away from the mysterious moving creature.

Their training had taught them to remain calm in dangerous situations. Most importantly, it was vital not to panic and to control their breathing. Inside their wetsuits they could feel their hearts pounding and the blood racing through their bodies.

The ancient creature continued to slither along in front of the divers, seemingly unaware of their presence.

What in God’s creation is this? Tinman thought, making eye contact with Jesse through his mask.

Jesse kneeled on the floor of the wormhole tube and stared straight ahead with wide eyes. He looked at Tinman and pointed repeatedly at the sea creature.

It’s got to be the creature the legend speaks of, thought Jesse, floating closer to Tinman.

Suddenly the creature flicked its arrow-shaped tail, sending a powerful rush of water through the wormhole toward Tinman and Jesse.

Tinman’s fins flipped over his head, and like a cannon ball he crashed into Jesse, sending them both somersaulting backwards through the wormhole. Helplessly the divers bounced along the passageway, scraping their wetsuits against the rugged walls. Finally they came to a stop, crashing into the jagged wall of one of the crisscrossing wormholes.

Jesse’s maskless body was motionless as he floated through the clear water in the dim light. Tinman quickly inserted Jesse’s mouthpiece. He recalled there was a small cavern filled with air close by. He guided Jesse up to the surface, pushing him up on the ledge above the jagged rocks. Jesse crawled across the rocks, coughing and spitting water, until he finally collapsed next to the cavern wall.

Fear shot through Tinman’s body. He carefully flipped Jesse over onto his back.

Oh, please, God! Tinman shouted at the cave walls. He placed his ear next to Jesse’s mouth and nose but felt nothing against his wet skin. He quickly checked Jesse’s pulse, and again he felt nothing.

Oh, Lord, please! Not Jesse! Tinman cried