Prologue - The Lost City
The surface world had been a civilization that has existed for thousands of years. But even after all those years, there is still much that they do not know. And more to the world that has been hidden from plain sight. Thousands of years ago, there was a great kingdom where it's rulers controlled the seas, Atlantis. Blessed with the knowledge and power of their god, Poseidon, it grew to be the most advanced civilization of its time. However, in order to gain their power, the Atlanteans would pay a terrible price. Every one hundred years, the city would sink to the bottom of the ocean. Innocents would be hurt and killed in the process. Wanting hope to save his people, the old king had his scientists to find a solution to protect their city from the giant tidal waves that would bring their destruction. Though, with time being short, they needed an insurance that would determine their salvation.
The old king begged the gods to forgive their selfishness not sharing their gift for the rest of the world. He was even willing to sacrifice himself if it meant that his people would be saved. Answering his prayers, the gods gave him 6 six relics held in wrist gauntlets. Before the city was thanks. The scientists to create a barrier around the city. Shielding the city from the waves. Giving one gauntlet to each of his advisors, the king sent the city to the one place no one on Earth would be able to find them. The city sank to the bottom of the ocean, the barrier protecting the people inside. From that day forth, the city could continue to thrive, finally freeing from the curse. And the kingdom existed till this day.
At the deep end of the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, there were two scuba divers taking a look around, looking for something to catch. The water empty and cold as it was getting hard to see from the depth. Light only being emitted from the flashlights attached to the diving packs and suits. Taking another good look around, one of the divers said "Still nothing. It's getting late. Maybe we should just call it a day."
The other complained "Ah, you gotta be kidding me. This is the best spot in the bay. There's no way that a single fish isn't down here."
"Well my tank is almost out. We can't be down here that much longer."
"Alright. 10 minutes then we can go back up." Giving his partner a thumbs up, both scuba divers split up to take one last look around and to their disbelief, they were not alone. Something was watching them from behind the rocks.
Moving around, one of the scuba divers quickly turned is surprise. Though he did not see anything at first. Staying alert, he wondered "Frank, that you?"
There was no answer as their followers got a move on. Coming out of hiding, they moved out to attack. The scuba diver didn't have anything to defend himself with as he tried to swim away. However his pursuers were much faster as they almost caught up. They did not look like humans, they had red scales on their faces. Sharp teeth and blue scales on their sides.
As one of them opened their mouths, his long tongue moved out and grabbed the scuba diver diver by his leg. Getting dragged closer, he tried to get free as he screamed. Terrified of what was going to happen.
Meanwhile, Frank was unaware of what happened to his friend. Only hearing him scream. "Stan?!" He called out to try and find out what had happened. There was no response as he swam back over in the direction of where he was. Taking the tranquilizer out of his pocket.
By the time he got there, Stan was nowhere to be found. The only remaining thing was his shoe that was just sitting on the sand at the bottom of the ocean. Jumping him in surprise, there were more of the fish monster that grabbed him. Frank tried to fire a shot but being held from behind, he was forced to drop the gun. There was one more, a larger fish monster than the others. A large scales fish with a red hard body, blue pants, glowing white eyes and holding a black staff
Scared, Frank tried to break free but his captures were much stronger than him. Getting close to his face and grabbing him by the suit from the others, he said "You, your life shall be spared. But heed this warning by the Atlantean and Kalakai people. Come here again and your friend won't be the only casualty."
As he let the scuba diver go, he quickly turned around and swam back up to the surface. Terrified of the monsters he had scene and the fate of his friend.
Watching him go, the commander muttered "Surface dwellers". His name, was Seidra.
He had been one of the advisers in the old king's council for dozens of years. Living with a strong hate for the humans who lived on the surface. He had been tasked with defending the outskirts of the kingdom and make sure no one discovered Atlantis' existence. Although, he had a much different agenda in mind.
Back inside the city, the people were living their lives as usual. Walking throughout the streets, eating and living healthy. Working together for the joint benefit. The tallest and most spectacular building being that which belonged to the royal family. The king with his family and closest friends, ruling along him was his wife the queen. And to pass on the legacy, their new infant son, Talluah.
The king and Queen were currently in the throne room as it was their son's first birthday. A grand celebration being held in the palace to their prince and one day, heir to the throne. Coming down from the upper level, King Akali was holding the child in her arms. He had long brown hair that was going grey from his age, blue eyes. Wearing the king's clothes of hard light blue and green chest plate, green plants and yellow lined cape.
Seeing her husband coming, she turned and told him "Akali, come. I think our little prince wants his father." She had light blonde hair, bright ocean blue eyes, and red cherry lips.
Letting out a smile, Akali put the trident, the king's rightful possession down, and held his son. "Come here my light warrior."
Handing him over, the queen told him, "mind his head."
He was holding him right in his arm as the baby took hold of Akali's finger. "Emerad, he's perfect."
The people were gathered around, celebrating and dancing outside the palace. While the royals inside were having their own private feast.
One of the members, more human like and wearing a mask to cover his eyes, noticed that someone was not accounted for. He then asked one of the others at the table "Virisa, where is general Seidra?"
She answered "Probably sulking and at his post like he usually does."
"Everyone was ordered to be here."
"Well not everyone is as obedient or open to rules as you are Oman?"
Humming, he said "I may not be of higher ranking, but I know my duty and know where my allegiances lie. Sometimes I wonder if his loyalties are to the king, or just to himself."
"I honestly wonder the same as well." Virisa replied, turning to the window. She seemed to be looking out at nothing, but something was on her mind. Thoughts that Oman could almost see by the look on his face.
Coming into the room, Seidra made his presence largely known as he stopped through the door. Sulking and growling with his usual temper as he walked toward the others. His appearance was most noted by the king as he handed the prince back over to Emerad and announced "you're late."
"I had 'something' to take care of." Seidra responded. The queen held the prince close to him, not trusting the general and their so called friends with the safety of her son. Even though Seidra has been loyal to the king, he often disagreed with Akali's decisions. Turning around, he noticed the way that someone was looking at him. She was a young girl who wore the clothing of a servant. He then ordered "girl, fetch me some wine."
Following the demand, she handed him a bottle of wine then backed away. Once he was done, he let the bottle drop and smash on the ground. He then ordered the girl "Now clean it up."
She seemed a little unsure of her order and whether getting close to him was such a good idea. As she turned over to Oman, he gave her a nod letting her know that it would be alright. Being reassured, she slowly stepped forward and started to clean up the shards of the bottle. Once she was done, she ran back over to Oman. Him putting his arm around her.
Keeping her composure, Queen Emerad questioned "General Seidra, I do hope that there is a reason for your late and most rude interruption."
"Of course my lady." Seidra assured her. "I need a word with your husband."
As they looked at each other, Akali told Emerad "This won't be long."
Walking over to Seidra, the two made their way out of the room, to talk somewhere quiet. They went into the king's chamber as Akali closed the door behind him. Turning back to the general, he then asked "What is it you want to tell me?"
Taking out something from behind him, he explained "I thought you should know about this." It was the human's shoe from when he attacked before. "They are getting closer by the day to the city."
"I understand that this brings a point of concern but do you suggest I do about it."
"Don't you see what this means? If they keep coming to our borders. Our ancient city will be discovered and will be attacked. We must strike first while we still can."
Akali could see why Seidra was concerned but his methods would only make things worse. They needed to handle this a different way. "Don't be paranoid, we have been safe for centuries, the field makes us undetectable from human sight."
His answer was just as expected, assuming Seidra and he couldn't help but laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"Even after all of these years, you are as soft as ever." Seidra answered. Coming out of hiding were a group of Seidra's soldiers, who had been waiting for his signal. Seeing them come in, Akali looked around and noticed the numbers. He seemed to know what he was doing as he stayed calm. "It is time that Atlantis gets new leadership it deserves." Seidra told him, keeping a tight grip on his staff.
"I should have known you'd pull a move like this, and let me guess, the new king of Atlantis will be you."
"Yes. And under my rule, we will finally get rid of the filth that poison our waters."
"You won't get away with this."
From his point of view, Seidra's victory seemed determined. "I already have." He responded to the king. Taking a dagger out of his pocket, Akali charged towards Seidra in an attempt to strike him down.
Everything quiet on the other side, as if nothing was wrong. However there were those that took it most seriously. The celebration was now over as the baby was in the crib of his room fast asleep, but the king had still not been seen. As time passed on, the queen grew more worried. Oman tried to assure her that everything would be alright but something felt as if that wasn't the case.
Removing her cloth, Melina was dressed in a green and black suit. Keeping a tight hold on the baby, Melina swam away from the city. However, he knew that it wasn't the case. Virisa was talking with the others as she informed them "it is done. Go to your stations be sure no one leaves."
Walking back over to the queen, she announced "your majesty, the king has you requested you to come to your bedchamber immediately."
By the tone of her voice, whatever the king needed, it was important. Standing up from her chair, Emerad assured her "alright. I'll go."
Walking past the two of them, Oman could tell that Virisa was hiding something. "What have you and Seidra done?" He asked her.
Her glare was serious as she told him "What had to be done to protect Atlantis."
Everything seemed quiet despite the growing number of Seidra's guards around the area. She kept an eye out to notice how they were keeping their distance from him. As she reached the end of the hall, she was at the door. She knocked first though there was no answer. Opening the door, Emerad announced "you sent for me my darling?"
He was standing firm though as the queen took a step closer to him, he collapsed to the ground. She was in shock as he ran to his side. Moving him over, she saw a stab wound below his chest and his chest plate red from the blood. In horror, the queen moved her hand over her mouth as a tear escaped her eye. Walking into the room, Seidra told her "I am sorry for your loss. But, this kingdom would not survive much longer under his rule."
Tightening her hand in a fist. Emerad replied "my husband was a good man, and more of a king than you will ever."
"I am sorry you feel that way." As two of his soldiers came into the room, they grabbed Emerad and took her away from the king's body.
She then ordered "guards! Come quickly, the traitorous general has murdered your king!"
As they ran into the room, the Atlantean guards ran into the room and saw what was happening. They're loyalty stayed true to the king as they had their staffs ready to fight. "Release her at once, traitor!"
Pointing at them, Seidra ordered his own men "attack!"
Running towards the guards, Seidra and the Atlantean guards engaged in battle, their weapons clashing against each other. From behind the battle, Seidra took had his own target in mind. He made his way over to the bedchamber of the prince. The crib was on the end of the room, the child inside covered by light silk curtains and blankets. Walking over to the baby, Seidra had a knife in his hand. He was planning to assassinate the infant prince, the only one who could stand in his way of gaining the throne. As he got to the crib, he held the knife of high and was ready for the kill. Though as he removed the covers, the baby was gone. There was no way he could have gotten out. Taking a look around the room, there was no one else in the room so it was unlikely that anyone took him out of the room. Or, so he thought. Hiding behind one of the wall pillars was the young servant girl from before.
The prince was still asleep and covered in his blanket in her arms. She seemed nervous and her breathing heavy as she hoped Seidra wouldn't find them. Though, she would be ready to protect the prince with her life if she was discovered. As the general began to make his way out, Melina headed in the other direction. She needed to get the baby to the queen.
Making her way around, there wasn't much sign of queen Emerad. When she saw her, she was taken by some of Seidra's guards. Leaving the baby in a safe sot, she tried to sneak her way over to her. Unfortunately, she did not see that a third soldier as it grabbed her from behind. Moving her arms and legs, she tried to get out of his grasp. Once she had one of her arms free, she elbowed the soldier in the face. As he let go, he growled and put his hand on his face from the pain. While he wasn't looking, she then spinned her body kicked him hard. The fish guard falling to the ground. The noise alerted the others that she was there as they turned around and saw her.
As they dropped the queen to the floor, they open fired at her. The servant quickly dropped to the ground. There wasn't anywhere for her to hide as she looked around. Turning to the unconscious soldier, his blaster was still on the ground as she rolled and grabbed it. She then fired back as two of her shots were successful. Making the others drop to the ground. Running over to the queen, she helped her up and asked "are you alright my lady?"
Taking her hands, Emerad replied, "Yes, I am. Thank you." Once she was stood up, she complimented "that was very impressive what you did for me. Children aren't much fighters when their your age."
She let out a smile as she responded "yes well, Oman has been a good teacher." She then wondered "do you know where he is?"
The queen then frowned as she answered "I'm afraid I do not. As far as I know, the entire council has turned against that. We need to leave the palace at once, where is my son?"
Moving back to the previous spot, she answered "back here". Picking up the baby, the servant gave the baby to his mother. Embracing her child, Emerad took a look around. She then requested the servant "follow me."
The two of them ran down to the energy chamber. Using her hand signature, they were able to get through the door. At the center of the room was the containment where they kept the six ancient relics that helped save Atlantis all those years ago. However, they weren't where they should have been. Now being in Virisa's position.
Turning to see the queen, Virisa said "there you are your majesty. I was starting to think you'd gotten away without your most precious possession."
"Virisa I thought even you would fall for this madness."
"Your kingdom is dying your majesty. We must do whatever it takes to save it."
"You and Seidra will never rule this kingdom as long as I draw breath."
Chuckling, Virisa responded "not your last breath, but your son's." Before Virisa could launch an attack at them, Emerad used her power and the water flowing on the sides of the room to force Virisa back against the wall. Letting out a breath, the water turned to ice as Virisa was now trapped. As she tried to break free, Emerad ordered the servant "grab the relics, quickly."
Regaining focus, the servant replied "yes my lady." Running over to Virisa, she grabbed the relics and the bag from the ground, then returned to the queen's side.
With them done there, the two left the room and continued to escape. As they ran, Queen Emerad began to slow being exhausted. Bending down, she told the servant "stop, I need a moment to catch my breath."
Going back over to the queen, she replied "we have to keep moving."
"Forgive me Melina" she said, saying the servant's name for the first time and holding her hand "but I cannot go with you."
"I will not leave you." Melina responded, refusing to go without her.
"You must." She then instructed "listen to me very carefully, take my child far away from here. Take him to the surface, they won't follow you there. Protect him at all costs. Hope for Atlantis will always live as long as my son, Prince Talluah is still alive."
Nodding, Melina replied "alright. I will do as you command my queen."
Letting out a smile, the queen said "thank you." Looking at her baby, she told him "the road ahead of you will be hard, and it is alright for you to be scared. But know this my son, you will never be alone. Melina will take care of you, and I will pray for you every night. We will meet again." As she gave him a kiss on his forehead, a tear escaped her eye. Departing from her only son breaking her heart. However, this was the best option for him to survive.
Cleaning her face of the tears, she handed the baby over to Melina. As they both turned their heads, they could hear Seidra's soldiers coming. As Queen Emerad turned back to Melina, she told her "go!"
Nodding, she turned around and began to run with the child. As they got to the shield, Melina removed her maiden cloth, revealing her look. Long red hair, blue eyes, a short green top lined with yellow, green pants and her feet open. Jumping out of the barrier, she was now in the water and began to swim away.
As Seidra's soldiers finally caught up, they saw Emerad knelt down on the ground and the child nowhere to be found. Upon their arrival, the men surrounded her and had their weapons aimed. Emerad glaring at them not fearing what happened to her. Her child was safe as that what was most important to her. Seidra himself, being backed by the other members of his council, excluding Oman. All five of them on this path of rebellion to claim Atlantis for themselves. Not seeing the infant, Seidra asked "where have you taken the child Emerad?"
Looking up at him, she answered, "My son is gone and far beyond your reach."
He didn't seem to believe her as he turned to one of his ally's "Behemoth, take some of my men and find him. Look throughout the entire ocean if you have to. I want that child's head."
Bowing, he replied "with pleasure my lord." Taking 4 of the men, they walked off.
Turning his attention back to Emerad, he told her "I could kill you easily now. But lucky for you, I still have a purpose to keep you around." He then turned to his guards and ordered "take her away." This time she went along her eyes back and hoped Melina was long gone by now.
Swimming throughout the open water, Melina kept a tight hold on the baby prince. Looking behind her for a quick minute, she couldn't see anyone following her. 'Seems like it's all clear' she thought to herself. 'We should be safe for now.' Though as she got a closer look, she saw that Behemoth and merbites, fish-men assassins, were coming after them. As her eyes widened, she thought to herself 'uh oh' and tried to get away. Swimming at an even faster pace.
Catching up to her, Behemoth yelled "you're not getting away!" He then let out a powerful blast towards them. Turning around, Melina saw the charge coming. There was no time to dodge it as she protected the baby. As she took a hit, one of the relics dropped to the bottom. With the smoke clearing, there were no remains of either the prince or Melina. The obvious assumption was that they had both been destroyed.
Picking up the relic from the sand, Behemoth announced "our job here is finished, let's head back and let the boss know that the child is gone!"
As they retreated, Melina was still alive as she was hiding behind a rock. Having her head turned and keeping an eye out to make sure it was safe for her to come out. Hearing the prince wake up and begin to cry, she turned back to him and slowly shook him to get him back to sleep. It was no use as his cries grew louder. She then hummed him a song as he grew quiet and his tears faded. With the coast clear, Melina came out and continued moving to get back to the surface. As she got out, she was standing at a fishing harbor. As she walked down to the street, a sign read Palm Bay, Florida.
TO BE CONTINUED ...