Hi everyone. For too long I've been holding this chapter in my head and now I've finally got it published. I hope you enjoy this chapter and please, don't forget to review. I worked really hard on this story.
Kida and Milo were sitting at a large table in the royal conference chamber which also serves as a banquet hall. Milo was showing Kida blueprints he had sketched out for his new plans to restore the ruined monorail systems around the city.
Kida was marveled of his plans. "This is wonderful Milo. This will give our people a safer approach to traverse around the city."
While recovering the lost knowledge had been a gateway to restoring the city, it had also been a gateway to disaster. For instance, ever since Milo showed the people how to fly the stone vehicles, there had been tragic occurrences involving severe accidents.
"I'm just glad we finally solved this problem." Milo stretched back in his chair with a sigh. He looked out the window to behold a beautiful spectacle. The giant crystal hovered outside the palace, illuminating the city with a brilliant hue of blue. Even after one hundred years stonemasons and other workers were still busy restoring ancient ruined foundations. It was slow but they were making progress. Milo closed his eyes and relaxed.
There was excited barking sounds as their lava dog, Obby, began to pace towards the window.
Snapping his eyes open, Milo asked, "What is it boy?"
Whop whop whop.
Sitting up, Milo recognized it as the sound of a helicopter.
The doors to the conference room swung open. Natek, the royal messenger, strode into the chamber followed by two guards. "Your majesty, Mr. Whitmore has just arrived. He and your friends are waiting for you at the landing platform outside."
"That's funny. Mr. Whitmore doesn't usually arrive without first announcing it to us," Milo said.
"Unless he has special reasons," Kida added. She turned back towards the messenger. "Thank you Natek. Please go and greet our guests. See that they are welcomed."
"I will ensure they are given our best hospitalities," Natek bowed and hurried off to meet the guests.
Milo and Kida immediately dressed into their formal clothing. They sprinted down the palace with Obby following behind. A light blue and white colored Sikorsky helicopter with the logo letter "A" was sitting on one of the landing platforms. A large number of people had already crowded around it, fascinated to see the flying machine. Very few people, Kida included, had actually visited the surface world.
A ramp, which also serves as a door was extended. Even after all these years, Mr. Whitmore and the crew still looked the same age thanks to the crystal pendants they each wore. As the Atlanteans greeted them with flower wreaths, Milo couldn't help but smile as he watched the welcoming ceremony taking place. As usual, Ashon and Tasha were arguing who would escort Mrs. Packard while Mole was busy yelling and running around as he was being chased by infuriated flower girls. Obby then saved him by pouncing on him and licking his face.
"You are most welcomed," Kida said. She gave Mr. Whitmore a quick kiss on the cheek before giving a flower necklace to each of the visitors.
"How you've been Milo?" Mr. Whitmore asked. They both gave each other a hug.
Milo was about to give Audrey a hug but drew back as Audrey threw him "the look" on her face.
Audrey smiled. "Ah ah, two for flinching," she gave a few playful punches to Milo's shoulder before giving him a hug.
Joshua Sweet came up and gave Milo a crushing bear hug. "How you doing Milo?"
"Hey Sweet… It's great seeing you!" Milo gasped as he choked under Sweet's powerful grip.
Sweet set Milo down. "I can see you've been working out," he patted Milo's biceps.
Milo straightened his glasses. "I guess hunting does make a difference, huh?"
Cookie stepped forward. "Hey there Thatch, you're looking mighty plump," he leaned in and whispered, "you been taking care of my bacon grease?"
"Umm, yeah… about that," Milo gave a nervous chuckle. He thought back to when he had gone into the kitchen late one night to pour him a glass of water when he suddenly heard slurping sounds. To his horror, he saw that Obby had just finished licking the last of the bacon grease off the jar. The lava dog had found the jar where Milo had stashed in a hiding place. It was bound to happen sooner or later. In truth, Milo was actually kind of glad to have gotten rid of that foul smelling thing.
"Aw shucks, you ain't need to worry about that," Cookie pulled out another jar from behind his back and proudly held it out in front of Milo. "Good thing I always carry extra."
"I trust your trip was pleasant?" Kida asked. Now that the roof of the dormant volcano had been blown away, the crew could enter or leave Atlantis without having to use the underwater air pocket.
"Eh, it's gotten more smooth now zat we don't have to face that giant lobster anymore," Vinny said. "Say, speaking of lobsters, I'm feelin' pretty hungry."
"Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah," Mole agreed, clearly excited at the mention of food.
"Sure, let's all get something to eat," Milo said.
"Yes," Kida agreed as everyone strode up the steps toward the palace. She looked back towards where the caverns were. There was something about it that continued to nag at her. She felt a mixture of emotions. Anger, fear, violence. Shuddering, she picked up her pace to catch up with the others.