A/N: Hey guys! So this I a completely new story about land, love and sea (obviously). For all those fantasy lovers and dreamers, I think this is just the thing for you. There are no vampires in this fic! It's completely AU! (with canon-pairings) I hope you guys will love this story as much as I do!

Disclaimer: Only the plot belongs to me. Anything else is entirely Stephanie Meyers. (And partially Wikipedia, because, I googled the facts I needed for this story. Sorry i'm not a smarty geeky pants.

Of Land, love and Sea.

Synopsis:

Isabella Swan, an enthusiastic Marine Biology scholar held on to the firm belief that life under the sea exists till her adult years. She seeks to know the truth of the folklore Atlantis and embarks on a research adventure to the Atlantic Ocean. Sorely disappointed with no results and conclusions in the middle of her journey, she took a dive to clear her head, meeting with an unfortunate accident instead. On the brink of death, she was saved by a mysterious man. The person who saved her. Who was he? What is he? She soon discovered that her theories may not be that far off the bench.

Prologue:

Since I was a child I have always dreamt of an ocean city, ancient and forgotten, existing right under our noses. That city was named Atlantis, the legendary island that sunk under the ocean after a day and night of misfortune. The lost civilization right dap-smacked in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (or elsewhere) has always been my fantasy and to a certain extent, my reality. Folklore and myths drowned the sunken city in rumors, shrouding it in yet another hide of mysteries. Plato, Crantor, Strabo, Posidonius and many other ancient philosophers heatedly debated over the existence of Atlantis and Atlanteans, yet none succeeded to restore Atlantis to its past glory. Poseidon must be grieving now, for his beloved city lays under the ocean in rubbles and decay, never to be heard of again. Even modern technology and their well-equipped researchers could not prove the existence of the land under the sea. For some unknown reason, the mystical city and its many legends only appealed to me even further. However, without any certainty and not even having an inkling of what I believe in, I hid my speculations and theories, submerging my obsession deep within myself, for fear of being labeled as absurd by society.

It must be kismet for alas, when the chance arose to embark on a research journey to the Atlantic Ocean, I took it, grasped it firmly with both hands and bated breath. I am on a mission of self-fulfillment, to satisfy and put an end to all these years of fruitless fantasy, for the better or worse.

But someone once said something about the curiosity killing the cat. And I realized how true that statement was as I felt myself catapulting through the cold waters. Apparently I am about to face a permanent end alright, to my existence nonetheless. I struggled against the current and with that god-forsaken heavy oxygen tanks weighing me down, I am getting nowhere. Fuck, I should have brought the rebreather instead of these heavy bastards. With hindsight, I should have listened to Angela, should have stayed onboard with the others instead of getting in the waters when the current is this strong.

If everyone knew what they should have done, there would be no accidents or failures in the world. I thought wryly. It was weird that I am still fairly calm about my own demise. Perhaps it's because I have given up, just like I have given up on my life-long dream. And perhaps this is the best way to put an end to everything; nature's wicked way of telling me I'm done for, laughing at me for coming all the way out here to achieve nothing.

I was jolted out of my reverie by another invisible hit on the side. Damn fucking strong current. I felt like I was on a crazy malfunctioning roller-coaster, being jerked from one side to the other, then suddenly lurching or plunging down ten feet at an amazingly stomach-turning, bile-inducing speed. Can someone please stop this ride for me!? I want out.

My eyes opened even wider than possible as I realized just how bad my predicament is. Directly underneath me was a large coral rock. What the hell is that doing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean? If I hadn't known any better, I bet it ambled here just to crush my sorry ass. And crush indeed as I was flung around like a ragdoll by the current, uncannily towards the menacingly sharp rock itself.

Oh my god! I screamed unintentionally, inhaler falling from my mouth as bubbles escaped rapidly. Oh great, there goes my only source of survival.

It was harsh and brutal as I made contact with the rock. In my attempt to struggle, I had back faced the damn thing and now its jagged edges were jamming right at where it would hurt the most, my spine. I screamed again, my voice lost in the depths of the murky waters. The pain was excruciating and I felt my head pounding away like a jackhammer. I was going fast as my head swayed precariously from side to side, consciousness slipping in and out.

Oh my god, this is really the end of me…

As the last of my strength slipped past me, I opened my eyes again, hoping to see the last of this blue sparkling world that I so adore. That was when I saw it, or more specifically, saw him.

Chapter 1: The Invitation

"The Orcas are highly social; some populations are composed of matrilineal family groups which are the most stable of any animal species. Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, which are often specific to a particular group and passed across generations, have been described as manifestations of culture. This is also why marine biologist engages in…"

I sighed in exasperation as the lecturer droned on. Today has turned out the way I least expected. The lecture was an interesting topic about the killer whales, and I was looking forward to this, a stimulating discussion about one of my favourite animal in the world and this professor actually managed to bore the death out of me with his increasingly nasal and monotonous voice.

I should have taken a look at the lecturer's name before this. Never thought that it was Professor Banner taking over today. Urgh, he should rename to Professor Bore-ner. How the hell does he make this topic even slightly distasteful?

So I decided to let the drone of the less-than-able professor turn into harmless white noise before it could really do me some damage. Taking out my tiny notepad, thanking the heavens that I had brought it with me, I drew four lines on it. I then nudged the rigid girl sitting beside me and grinned.

Angela Weber, my best friend since freshman year, tilted her head to the side to give me some attention. Being as perceptive as always, she had of course noticed that I was more fidgety and restless today. She gave me a sideward glance, eyes seeming to understand that my restlessness was the result of the utterly boring professor in front of us. Angela took a look at my notepad and almost burst out laughing.

"Seriously Bella, tic-tac-toe?" Angela giggled as I shrugged, not even bothering with excuses.

"I'm bored out of my wits end. Help me Ange!" I pleaded in whispers, putting on what I thought was my best pouty face.

"Even so, couldn't you have come up with something better?" Angela rolled her eyes at my childish display. Kind, sweet Angela always tells me that I was one of the quirkiest and weirdest girls she has ever seen, and she doesn't mind it one bit. And that was why I love her for who she is.

"Sometimes less is more and this works for creativity too!" I retorted petulantly, adamant in getting started on my tic-tac-toe game.

Angela raised an eyebrow marked a half-hearted 'X' in the middle box. I knew she will cave in.

"Aww man, you always claim the best spot!" I huffed in mock irritation, secretly glad that Angela agreed on this whimsical game of mine.

Angela Weber was a darling to me, the Panadol to my mundane, headache-inducing, purgatory university life and I thank the heavens every day that Angela is in the same course as me: Marine Biology. I met Angela on the first day of school in freshman year. I was without friends and had travelled a long way from Forks to Boston University in Massachusetts. And like a deer caught in headlights, I was overwhelmed and tired out from the transition from small town to big city. Everything was different here, including the people.

Or so I thought till I met my new schoolmate and fellow faculty friend, Angela Weber. Needless to say, the soft-spoken girl and goofy newbie me had hit it off immediately; now we are almost inseparable.

"Can someone list out the types of vocalizations Orcas use? The two girls over there. Perhaps you may like to enlighten everyone here, since you are apparently so engrossed in discussion."

Immediately, I snapped out of my reverie as the eyes of Professor Bor- No, Banner etched on me. I could feel my face flushed with embarrassment and unsurprisingly I fumbled with my answer. "Um... Orcas make use of… Whistles, clicks and pulse sounds. They are believed to be… Um… used for navigation and predation… plus social interaction… sir."

Professor Banner narrowed his eyes and gave a sharp nod of his head in brusque acknowledgement of my answer. "Thank you. I appreciate your answers but next time, do pay attention to the lecture."

I really really do hate him after all.

"The nerve of that man! Who does he think he is rattling off like a chugging lug train after I've answered his question perfectly! Stupid Borner! I swear he has something against me!" I marched down the hallways, complaining to Angela who listened silently beside me, amusement sparkling in her eyes.

"He is legitimate to speak out you know, it's his lecture. And we weren't exactly model students either." Angela reasoned good-naturedly.

I cringed, knowing that Angela had a point. She always does. "Sorry Ange, I almost got us into trouble." But Angela just waved it off, saying it doesn't matter. I really am so glad to have her as a friend. My first real friend.

"HEY! Bella wait up!"

Turning around to see which lunatic had screamed my name across the hall, I was not all that surprised to identify the voice to its owner, Eric Yorkie. Eric was a sophomore like me and Angela, and he was also in the science department. But instead of marine biology, Eric opted for the path of creepy-crawlies, specializing in the studies of entomology instead. I never saw the appeal to that particular course, but didn't see the need to. To each their own I guess.

"Hi Eric! What can I do for you?" I gave him a tight-lipped smile as he came huffing and puffing towards me. I noticed he wasn't the most athletic but that was obvious even without the ten-meter long marathon he just ran.

"Wait… give me… a sec.. to… catch my breath…" Eric stopped beside me, hands on his knees, panting. For a moment, I was afraid he might just keel over and hyperventilate. That wouldn't be the best of sights for sure.

"Phew, that was… quite the exercise… I just wanted to find you to pass a message along." He cleared his throat, "Err, Professor Laurent was just about to look for you. He said something about a research and wants you to go find him for more information regarding that. "

I raised an eyebrow in confusion. Why would Professor Laurent come looking for me? Surely it's a little too early to be working on my thesis.

"Did he tell you the reason?" I asked.

"Oh, no. I never thought to ask. I thought you would know all about it. Do you?" Eric tilted his head, scrunching his nose a little before pushing up his glasses that were just about to tip over his nose.

"Well, I don't know either. Thanks anyways. You could've just texted me though" I smiled, trying to be nice but impatient to move along to my next class. Angela nudged me and flicked her wrist, signaling the time.

"It's no trouble Bella. Hey listen, next weekend I was thinking-"

Oh god… not again.

"OH look at the time! Good God Ange! Thanks for reminding me! Let's go or we'll be really late! We wouldn't want to be tardy do we Ange? Thanks Eric for your help! I really have to go now. Have a nice day ahead."

I dragged a laughing Angela along, desperate to get out and going before Eric could pop the question. I knew he was going to ask me out on a date. Eight out of ten times our conversations would always lead him to asking me out. And although Eric seems like a perfectly fine college boy, he was just not my cup of tea. Actually, no one seems to have caught my attention all these years, but it's okay. I never felt desperate enough to pursue it on my own, unlike the other girls of my age. I made sure he got the message though but he seems to be as persistent as those cockroaches he's studying. Those tiny little buggers were just like him. I bet that even if the world ends and crumble into ruins, he and his roaches will be the valiant survivors waving a victory flag atop a hill in all his naked glory. And that itself is a ghastly thought.

"Oh the poor boy. Abandoned like a lost puppy by you. Bella you heart-breaker!" Angela teased as she turned to look at the shell-shocked Eric Yorkie standing in the hallway with his mouth hanging open. I felt slightly (only slightly) apologetic but not regretting my actions to the least.

"Hush! Don't you try to pimp me out! Be careful I might retaliate ten times!" I hissed and rolled my eyes at Angela.

"Well, it's not my fault you catch the boys' eyes."

"I don't know what they see in me. And I certainly don't see the appeal in them!" I grumbled, annoyed more than flattered Eric and his many advances. Eric wasn't the only one though, there has been Tyler, the local jock and resident Mr Arrogant, who thinks he have the swag and looks to pull it off with the girls and Mike, the pseudo-gentleman who just about give any girl a cavity due to the sweet nothings he whispered in their ears. Perhaps it was the appeal they saw in a girl from a different state; the resident country pumpkin who is supposedly supposed to be innocent and curious in all the good city has to offer. Mike and Tyler obviously equate themselves with the list of offers and had, in fact, annoyed me to no lengths by constantly 'pursuing' me.

Does persistency and hard-headedness runs in all these college city boys?

Angela sighed and shook her head, "you clearly don't see yourself very clearly Bella. I assure you that you're completely likeable."

"But I don't want to be, I don't need to be. Besides, once they find out just how weird I am their silly infatuations will cease immediately." For a fragment of a second, my mind flashed back to all those years back of taunting and name-calling. I took a deep breath, shuddering as I struggle to shove the memories to the place they belong; the far end of my mind.

Angela gave me a sympathetic smile and shook her head, effectively dropping the subject for me.

And I was immediately thankful.

Immediately after my last lesson, I bid Angela farewell and make a turn for the staffroom. I had a Professor Laurent to attend to.

As I was walking along the vast hallways of the university, I couldn't help but wonder what Professor Laurent want with me. Professor Laurent was a lecturer in the biology department, highly loved and adored by many of his students. Being 32, single and attractive has helped to heighten his popularity as well. I did not have much interaction with him but still, my impression of him has yet to be tarnished. He seems to be an amicable professor, the kind you would want in your class. And now he wishes to find me of all people. I wonder…

I can only continue my never-ending questioning and re-questioning as I stopped in front of a door with a golden tag labeled "Professor Laurent H. Vaughan."

I straighten my hair and clothes, as I always do before meeting a teacher, and knocked twice carefully.

"Come in." A soothing voice sounded from within.

Twisting the doorknob slowly, I walked into the office and came face to face with the professor himself. He was seated at his table, eyes trained on me, hands on his mouse. It was obvious he had been working on something before I had entered. His large wooden desktop was warm and inviting, as well as the leather chair in front of him. He smiled and signal for me to take a seat. I did.

"So nice to see you Isabella. I presume Eric passed on the message perfectly." I nod.

"Okay, great! To cut to the point, I would like to present you with an opportunity to follow a research team for 6 months. The details are not finalized yet but we will be moving out in two weeks' time." He said, nodding at me encouragingly.

… Say what?

I was shocked as I processed the information thrown at me. No one was presented with such a golden opportunity when they are a sophomore. Usually the older students get the privilege first, leaving the rest of the scrapes for us juniors.

"Wow, I err… that's such a privilege. But it's such short notice…"

"We do understand Isabella," Laurent cut me short, "but we hope you will be able to accommodate us. We've identified you from your peers and that you are more than qualified to join us on this expedition. Of course, credit will be given for your participation. I sure hope you do consider this dear chance."

I guess my years of studying and textbook flipping has finally paid off. At least being a geek has its own perks.

However, I wasn't too sure about this. Half a year from school meant that I would have to catch up on my modules. It would also mean that I will be effectively half a year slower than my other peers, which is quite the downer. I wasn't so sure I could tolerate going with strangers either. But I do love the sea so much…

"We'll be heading towards Atlantic Ocean."

I snapped my head up. The phrase Atlantic Ocean swarmed my mind. Atlantic Ocean was where I had always wanted to go. It was the crossroad of my dreams and aspirations, as well as nightmares. Over the years, I was bound by the idea of life under the sea, in the city of the famous Atlantis itself. I have heard the tale of Atlantis over a thousand times in various forms and was instantly mystified by it. I was drawn to the many Greek stories and legends, of how Atlantis, which was ruled by the sea god Poseidon, populated by a noble and powerful race, prosperous and far advancing what's possible in their time, was caught in a fury of violence and destruction, enveloping it and dragging it into the depths of the sea. All such claims are highly likely to be untruths, yet, I was stubbornly held within my bubble of belief, a prisoner of my own fantasy. I dreamt about Atlantis and its beautiful people, dreamt about living amongst them deep in the ocean, and I woke up every single time, praying for their existence to be real, craving for what would never be a dream come true.

I was truly in dilemma. Should I dive head-first into my fantasy again? Pursue a dream that will most likely bear no fruits? Or should I just continue on with my purgatory school life, secure in my own society and in the world of books? It was a question of how much I was willing to risk everything I have now, at the drop of a hat to chase for something that might not even be the research team's goal, something that might not even be real.

Professor Laurent seemed to sense my dilemma and urged me to think about it before giving him a response by Monday. I could only nod numbly as I took the paper with the details and his contact number before exiting his office.

I was still largely overwhelmed by his invitation when I reached my small apartment. My apartment wasn't big at all; it was a modest, two-room flat with an equally tiny kitchen and living room. Angela had once commented that it looks like a hamster cage. I couldn't care less but fell in love with the nicely furnished apartment. It was more than I could ever ask for given my meager salary at the local pizzaria.

I let my keys clutter clumsily in a heap onto the small island table and proceeded to pour a cup of water from the tap. I downed it in one gulp, my mind still on a roller coaster of its own.

So here now, I am presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to the place of my heart's desire. My over exuberant side told me to go for it without a second thought, but my rational logical mind found a million ways to counter against it. And I have absolutely no idea what I am supposed to do.

In moments like this, I read somewhere that you should always try to pen your thoughts. So that it'll make better sense, or at least better sense of your nonsense.

I grab my trusty notepad and started scribbling random thoughts on it.

Laurent- Atlantic Ocean – Dream

Pros: travel, see the ocean, six months break, research work. Atlantis…

Cons: Rent? Schools work? How do I tell Charlie? I hate socializing with new people. Angela? (but she'll be ok w/o me…)

Staring at the incoherent, nonsensical scribbles of notes in front of me, I sighed for the tenth time in five minutes. I couldn't help but train my eyes upon the struck out word again and again. Perhaps only once more, perhaps this can be the final closure to this chapter of my life. Maybe I can finally lay rest to my fantasy this way.

Maybe…

I sat in the dark of the living room, mind reeling for the rest of the night.

My hands were fisted and clenched tightly to the side of my body. I have decided. Today was Monday and I was standing outside Professor Laurent's office. Taking a deep breath, and praying I won't be making the mistake of my university life, I knocked and walked in.

"Professor Laurent, I would like to take up your request."

And so my adventure begins…

A/N: So this concludes my first chapter. I hope the prologue gave you some exciting insights as to what will be happening in the next few chapters. Hopefully you guys enjoyed this chapter as much as I had enjoyed writing it. I am so excited to continue! Do review! I would love to hear your views!

Preview of Chapter 2:

I gaped at the huge-ass tank in front of us. That was going to be our home for the
next six months? I swiveled my head to look at Angela, realizing she also had
that wide-eyed shit-eating look on her face. She turned to give me the "Can you
fucking believe it!" grin and I smile widely at her.

...

But what had captured my eyes was the small porthole window that was situated at the far end of the room. It gave me an idea of how deep I actually was down the basement of this ship as I viewed the deep blue outside. The porthole gave me a completely view of the ocean below and I was star struck, already imagining what could possibly swim by me as I lay asleep less than three feet away on my bed. It was breathtakingly amazing.

...

"Hey Bella, you're here too? Weird coincidence huh? It must be fate that both you and I are here." He winked at me, perhaps trying to be a little to forward with his intentions… again.

More like a god-forsaken Omen; an inauspicious prophecy some twisted Oracle cast upon me.