Random Spanish words used will be explained in these- [ ] ,sentences at the end of the chapters. I'm sorry this one came a bit later, I had a minor writer's block .
I woke up to someone gently shaking me.
"Nooooooo. Dormir Mama." I whined, pulling the covers unto my button nose. Someone cuddled next to me, smelling of the sea.
"Yes father. Sleeeeep." The body next to me mumbled.
The rather annoying shaking stopped. Ahhhhhhh blessed peace, I thought and almost drifted off…
Until a bucket of salt water splashed on top of me. I can't help but feel energized and more specifically not sleepy anymore.
I groaned in frustration, getting up and rubbing my eyes, muttering curses in two languages fluently and giving my parents a dark look.
They looked smug and astonished at my language at the same time.
I trudged toward the shower and took a long, warm bath, taking my sweet time. After thoroughly making sure I smelled like orchids, I got dressed in my combat boots( My mom bought them for my birthday after she saw me drooling at them) leggings and my sea-green hoodie, letting my hair run wild.
I went into the kitchen, seeing my dad & brother at the table, cutting up some berries ( Well dad cut them, Triton ate them) and my mother cooking up some delicious pancakes. This was what I wanted. Just all of us, together, laughing, doing chores, teasing each other, just enjoying each other's presences.
But was it naïve of me to just accept them? After all, they never sent Mae and her food when they were starving, when it was so cold , when the kids would ask for blue cookies and we would not even have water to give them. It had been her Mama and her against the world and everything it threw at them, was it wise to welcome another so quickly? Someone who could have helped when she had to get up at 3 at night to steal food from 24 hour supermarkets so that they could eat in the morning?
She did not know. And in the euphoria of finally finding her Papa, had she invited someone into her and Mama's life without thinking about Mae? She could feel the tension between the two, and Triton's awkwardness toward her Mama.
There were so many things she wanted to ask and talk to her Mama, especially after last night, but now was not the time. She also detected that her Mama had some things to tell her as well. She had always been good at reading people, which came to her easily after living in that Neighbour hood where she constantly had to know who meant her harm.
Her Papa also looked troubled, his eyes drifting ever so slightly toward my Mama and me. Did something happen? He seemed anxious….
Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she put a smile on her face and walked fully into the kitchen, joining her Mama in cooking fluffy, delicious and heavenly pancakes. She would find out later.
When they finished breakfast, Papa asked if her Mama would talk to him, as he had something important to tell him and asked Triton to take me to Atlantis.
I'm so excited! I can't wait to see the library and the arena and the forges and the throne room and the citizens and the architecture and. . . . . . well, everything!
I couldn't stop the warning stare that promised death I gave my Papa, daring him to do something to my Mama. He flushed and cowered from my stare and my Mama smiled proudly and fondly at me.
It had to be done.
Not really, but it was fun.
I gave Mama my signature lopsided grin and walked out of the Cabin, leaving a shocked Hermano behind.
What can I say? I like dramatic exits.
We were in the water when I asked the question that had been in my mind for quite some time. Actually, not really, I just thought of it now.
"Tri?" I called, looking at my big brother.
He nodded to show me that he was listening.
"What about Amphitrite? Ya sabes, la stepmother?" [1]
He gave out a small chuckle, answering me a moment later.
"We told her about you last night, and she did not take it well. . . . It doesn't matter Sofia, but be careful around her, she's the kind of person to poison her surroundings with her vileza [vileness] ." Triton warned me, looking into my eyes.
"Bien Hermano mayor,prestare attention a tu advertencia" [2]
He relaxed slightly and continued to lead me toward My Papa's la taifa. [Kingdom]
"Also, do the Atlanteans know about me?" I asked.
"Yes, Father and I had informed them a little while after and the citizens are excited to meet you. You will be a Royal in Atlantis"
I was honored, shocked and anxious at the same time. I hoped that I would not disappoint the Atlanteans, after all I was a Princess.
"Beautiful." I breathed, the moment I laid my eyes upon Atlantis. It felt like it was right out of a el cuento her Mama always read her. [Fairy Tale]
A tall palace, built out of white marble and decorated with bronze and coral stood proudly atop the four 'Rings' that made up the city. It delighted her that Atlantis was accurately described by Plato.
The palace looked intimidating, as well as welcoming. A path ran through the center of the city, lined with guards and a kind of lamp filled with greek fire, which made the sea look ethereal in the light. Triton and she walked to the palace via this path, as she listened to him talk about the four Rings.
The First Ring, the one closest to the Palace, was home to temples dedicated to the Gods, nobles and people who have earned to live there through merit.
The Second ring consisted of the brave heroes of the Atlantean army, support personnel and merchants. Most of the wealthy shops were there, as well as the barracks, training Arena and the military base.
The Third ring was where everyone else lived. It was a chaotic, bustling, strange place, and Sofia loved it. It had what every other ring lacked. Children played happily in the streets, merchants could be seen bargaining with customers, mothers sitting outside and gossiping while watching their children. It had a certain charm, it was lively because of the chaos it caused. The unique assortment of buildings, shops, homes, everything.
The Citizens noticed me and waved shyly, not knowing how I would react. Without hesitating, I gave them a big grin and waved back excitedly, making Hermano mayor look at me fondly.
The fourth ring was for the city's defense, farms and other bits and bobs.
Sofia wanted to roam through the colourful streets of the Third ring, sampling everything and anything that they gave her, talking with elderlies and making new friends. I also wanted to learn how to fight from professionals, control my powers, and much more. I finally felt like I belonged, that this place was where I was supposed to be.
Half of my soul was singing in delight, whispering words of home. But, I was also born for land, wasn't I?
I was broken out of my thoughts when Triton threw open the Palace doors to reveal a stunning Throne room, with three thrones on the dais. On the leftmost throne, sat a woman with black hair and azure eyes, her expression one of disgust and anger.
"So, this is the half-breed brat?" She spat, looking murderously at me. I mean jeez woman! What did I do to you?
"Mother. This is my sister Sofia." Triton replied, fists clenched.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. This is my step-mother. Great. Just great, another step-parent who hates me.
The Gods of Olympus wanted to meet Poseidon's daughter.
More precisely, they wanted to meet the mortal who captured the heart of the Sea god so quickly. Of them all, Apollo was the one who wanted to meet her the most. After all, he was going to accompany her on her 'acts of valour' right?
Apollo was preparing. He read books , practised his bow, yes he was the God of Archery, but everyone needed practise. He had also asked Ares to teach him how to wield a sword, to which Ares had responded with a deep nod. This was the God of Combat, an honorable man, not the bloodthirsty male he portrayed himself to be. Not everyone in the council is as they portray themselves, their personalities just a mask they wore. Apollo needed to be ready if he was to be on a quest, much less a war. And no, he was not blind and yes, he was the god of prophecies and of course he would know that Sofia Amaya Jackson was the child of the prophecy.
It's not the best. Yeah. . . .
1. "You know, the step-mother?"
2. "Okay big brother, I am warned." It roughly translates to that.
I hope you liked it, your opinions are gold to me, PM me any suggestions.
~Rose.