Chapter 1 The Raid:
Long ago, Amphibia was a gorgeous and peaceful kingdom. With its bountiful lands, diverse communities and lively citizens, Amphibia was one of the biggest and most beloved countries in the world. The royal family ruling at the time was admired not only because of their hospitality and desire to protect their citizens but also their amazing abilities. You see, the royal family isn't a normal family. No, they are a family with dragon abilities. For centuries, the royal family has protected Amphibia from endless war, constant fighting and animosity between the three divided classes. Soon enough all that came to an end after the King's son who everyone never would rise in power, brought peace to Amphibia. This man was Samuel Waybright. Born as the youngest of three boys, Samuel was seen as a burden to the throne which led to him being neglected by his father and two older brothers, his mother being the only one who cared for him. Samuel was a kind, loyal and protective young man. He is mostly seen either helping the servants around the castle or joining his mother in welcoming newcomers to the city. When Samuel is not out and about, you can find him in his room with his nose stuck in a book. And not only was Samuel a well educated young man, he was a fierce fighter, beating even the most skilled fighters in the kingdom which soon led to him joining the royal regiment when he was only a teenager. One night while on a mission, Samuel receives a letter from his mother telling him that his father and two brothers were ambushed and killed by bandits. So, at the age of 16, Samuel Waybright ascended to power. Of course, you can't be a king without a queen. 5 years after Samuel was made king, maidens throughout Amphibia have traveled to try and win the 22 year old king's heart but none of them had caught his eye…all except for one. Emmeline Müller, traveled from her home in Los Angeles in search of an opportunity in a new life, education and love. As soon as Samuel laid eyes on her, he knew Emmeline was the one. 4 years later, Samuel and Emmeline got married and 7 years later, they had their first and only child; a healthy, cheerful yet fierce baby girl who they named Princess Alexandra Waybright. The Strength of Amphibia who was loved by all the people, and her parents. And the family ruled the kingdom with much love. Samuel may have had a rough beginning but he will have a better future thanks to his wife and daughter.
7 years later:
Twas the night of the 400th anniversary of Amphibia's countryhood. The royal family had thrown a massive celebration to which everyone in the kingdom traveled to celebrate with them. At the moment, Queen Emmeline Waybright was returning from visiting her brother and his family in Los Angeles just in time for the celebration. Emmeline was a young woman who stood at 5'1 with light skin, long bright blonde hair and green eyes.
"Mama!" a voice cheered.
Emmeline laughed as her daughter, Princess Alexandra Waybright whom they nicknamed Sasha for short hugged her tightly around the waist. At 7 years old, Sasha was an exact mixture of her parents. While she inherited Emmaline's light skin and bright blonde hair, Sasha had her father's piercing blue eyes with freckles dotting her face and shoulders. Emmeline hugged her daughter back, kissing her forehead and earning a giggle from Sasha. After the two had their reunion, Samuel walked towards them and greeted his wife with a kiss on the lips. Sasha made a gagging noise, earning a laugh from her parents as they walked down the white marble halls.
"How was the visit with your family?" Samuel asked.
"It was enjoyable. It felt nice seeing my brother," Emmeline replied.
Sasha hopped beside her.
"Mama! What was Los Angeles like? Did Onkle say hi?" she asked.
Emmeline chuckled at her daughter's excitement.
"It was a beautiful city filled with the most wonderful people. And yes your Onkle says hi and that he loves you very much and hopes you'll come visit," she answered.
She then turned to her husband.
"So, what have the two of you been up to while I was away?" she asked.
"Papa taught me how to use a sword!" Sasha exclaimed.
Emmeline blinked and nodded.
"Is that so?" she asked, giving her husband a sideways glance.
Samuel chuckled nervously before clearing his throat.
"Eherm. Alexandra, your mother and I have something to show you," he said.
Sasha looked at him curiously as her parents led her up the stairs that led to a balcony which showed the kingdom below them. Sasha grunts as she climbs onto the railing to get a better look.
"You see Alexandra, this is our home. Everything the sun rises on, is ours," he said.
"Wow," Sasha breathed.
"A ruler's time is like a flame. It'll grow when it's their time and will burn when their time is over. One day, the flame will burn on my time and will grow when it's your turn to rule as the new queen," Samuel said.
Sasha watched as the guests walked into the castle.
"So, when it's my turn as queen, all of this would be mine?" she asked.
Emmeline nodded as she tenderly rubbed her head.
"That's right, you will be given the torch to protect this kingdom, just like your father and others before him have," she said.
Sasha nodded.
"Now, let's go and greet the guests. I heard your aunts Yunan and Olivia have a surprise for you," Emmeline said.
Sasha grinned and the family walked down to the ballroom. As they entered, Sasha grabbed her mother's hand.
"Mama! Dance with me!" she said, dragging her mother to the dance floor.
Emmeline laughed as she followed her daughter and Samuel walked to sit on the throne. The young man watched with a smile as Sasha and Emmeline danced together, the former letting out giggles and squeals as her mother spun her around. While her mother wasn't looking, Sasha would turn to her father and make goofy faces at him. Samuel laughed and stuck his tongue out at her, getting giggles from his daughter. That's when Samuel noticed a familiar face and smiled, beckoning his wife and daughter over as he stood up from the throne and the figure approached. Sasha ran to her father and hugged his leg. Emmeline stood beside her husband as his trusted comrade approached them.
"General Yunan! It's nice to see you've made it to the celebration," Samuel exclaimed, shaking his friend and fellow soldier's hand.
Said woman was on the taller side, standing at 5'9. She had a slender but muscular build with light brown skin, spiky blonde hair and dark green eyes. She was wearing a loose white shirt with puffy purple cuffs with a belt going across her chest, blue trousers and brown boots. Yunan laughed.
"As if I'd miss a chance to celebrate, old friend. Or should I say, your Highness?" she teased, bowing and earning a giggle from Sasha and Emmeline.
Samuel rolled his eyes fondly.
"Hardy Har," he said sarcastically.
"Where's Auntie Livy?" Sasha asked.
As if on cue, a young woman with black hair tied in a bun, brown skin and light brown eyes dressed in a light purple dress and white sandals walked towards Yunan and the royal family.
"Olivia, it is good to see you. We were worried you wouldn't make it," Emmeline said.
The woman chuckled.
"I wouldn't dream of missing out on spending time with old friends. I hope it's not a bother but we brought a plus one with us," Olivia said.
Samuel smiled.
"It's not a bother at all. So, who is this plus one?" he asked.
"Come on out," Yunan said, looking down.
A young girl, no older than Sasha, peeked out from behind Yunan's leg. She was different from her mothers; olive skin, short, messy black hair and gray green eyes. She was wearing a pastel green dress going down to her knees with black sandals.
"Your highnesses, please meet our daughter Marcy Wu," Olivia said.
Sasha waved at her as she smiled. Marcy gave her a shy smile and waved back. Samuel smiled at the young girl.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Wu," he said.
Emmeline looked at her two friends.
"When did you have her? I don't recall either of you having a child before getting married," she said.
Yunan rubbed her neck.
"Actually we adopted her. Her family was ambushed near her village. She had siblings but they were killed along with her parents, she was the only one to escape," she explained.
"That's horrible!" Sasha exclaimed.
Everyone looked at her and Sasha closed her mouth, hiding behind her father's leg as a small blush covered her cheeks. Yunan smirked.
"Like father, like daughter," she teased.
It was Samuel's turn to blush as Olivia and Emmeline laughed. The young king rolled his eyes.
"Now that we have chatted, a young princess owes me a dance," Samuel said, grinning down at his daughter.
Sasha returned it as she pulled her father onto the floor. Yunan grinned before taking Olivia's hand, kissing it as she gave her wife a smirk. Olivia rolled her eyes fondly as she was pulled to the dance floor. For the rest of the night, the royal family took the dance floor. Samuel and Emmeline would each take turns dancing with Sasha as the young girl laughed as her parents would grab both her hands and twirl her around. After a while, the king and queen sat down at their thrones. Samuel smiled as he saw Sasha dance with Marcy who was clumsily trying to follow Sasha's movement. However, Samuel beckoned Sasha over. The young girl left her new friend, promising to return before running up to her parents.
"Alexandra, you're getting older now and as you know the more you mature, the more your dragon abilities will grow so your father and I decided that you'll need this," Emmeline said.
Samuel reached into his shirt and pulled out an ancient amulet. It was hanging from a gold chain and it had a golden brown color with strange markings carved into it. Sasha looked at it in awe.
"This amulet has been passed down through generations. Starting from your ancestors, to your great grandfather, to your grandfather and to me. And now, I'm passing this to you, Alexandra," Samuel said.
He placed the amulet around her neck. Sasha looked at the necklace and traced the carvings. She looked up at her parents, blue eyes shining in determination.
"I won't let you down, Papa," she said.
Samuel smiled and softly ruffled her hair. Suddenly, the doors of the ballroom were loudly swung open. Sasha turned around as Samuel stood up. The lively music came to a stop and people gasped as a large figure entered the room. Yunan wrapped an arm protectively around her wife and daughter, ready to defend Samuel if needed. Andrias Leviathan. A former comrade of Samuel for many years. His family had close ties with Samuel's, only for the young king's father to end it after finding out the Leviathan family were responsible for the constant ambushes of the other villages. Their family was banished from the kingdom. Andrias was a tall man, standing at 6'6 without his boots. He was a couple of years older than Samuel, probably in his early 50s. He had brown skin, a gray beard and gray hair held back in a ponytail. His eyes were a hazel color and he wore royal colors of blue, gold and red as he strutted down the path, hands folded behind his back.
"My, is this a lovely party," Andrias said, his voice sending chills down Sasha's spine.
Samuel walked down the path. Sasha followed after him, staying close to her father's side as she looked at the giant man.
"What are you doing here, Leviathan?" Samuel growled, something that was rare to see from the usually cheerful king.
Andrias gasped in mock offense.
"What am I doing here? Why, Samuel, I thought we were closer than that," he said.
He eyed Sasha with interes, causing Samuel to push his daughter behind him as he glared at the taller man.
"Not anymore. My father banished your family decades ago. I won't say it again, leave before I call the guards and order your execution," Samuel said, blue eyes dark.
"Banish me? Ha!" Andrias boomed in laughter.
Sasha yelped and hugged her father's leg.
"You can't banish me Samuel! Mark my words, your demise is coming and I can't wait to get a front row seat to watch everything you loved and cared for to be ripped away," Andrias said, grinning animalistically.
His laughter was stopped short as a blade was aimed at his neck. Samuel's eyes glowed a dark amber as he gritted his teeth, showing his sharp teeth.
"Leave. Now," he growled.
Andrias huffed.
"I'll leave, Samuel. For now," he said.
Andrias turned and stomped out of the room. As he left, murmurs began to rise in the crowd. Samuel sheathed his sword as he calmed down.
"Papa?" Sasha asked, tugging on her father's sleeve.
Samuel looked down at her.
"Is something going to happen? Are you going to die?" she asked.
Samuel sighed as he bent down to her level.
"Of course not. I'm always going to be with you Alexandra," he said.
Sasha looked at him.
"Promise?" she asked.
Samuel pulled her into a hug, pressing a kiss to her head.
"Promise," he mumbled.
He lied…
Later that night, the capital was under attack. The royal guards worked to get everyone to safety as the city was overrun with rogue men. The royal family, Yunan, Olivia and Marcy were running through the burning city as they rushed to escape. As they were running, Marcy had tripped over her feet, falling to the ground with a yelp. Hearing her cries, Sasha turned to see Marcy on the ground.
"Marcy!" she shouted, running to her friend.
Samuel turned to her.
"Alexandra!" he shouted.
Sasha helped Marcy to her feet just as one of the coup members stood above the two kids. Marcy screamed and buried her face against Sasha's shoulder as the blonde girl glared at the man. The goon lifted his sword and brought it down. Before it could strike the kids, Samuel jumped in between them and blocked the attack. He pulled his sword back and stabbed the man. Samuel turned to his wife and two friends.
"Go! Get the kids and run!" he shouted as more goons came.
Olivia picked Marcy up but Sasha fought against her mother's grip as she didn't want to leave her father.
"Papa!" Sasha cried as her father fought the goons.
Emmeline held Sasha's hand tightly as they ran, the last thing being heard was the roar of a dragon. The three women and two kids ran through the streets, Yunan in front, Olivia and the kids in the middle and Emmeline behind. Despite the loud explosions and the scream of the citizens, Emmiline heard the sound of a weapon loading. Looking to the roofs, the blonde woman was able to make out someone aiming a sniper at Sasha!
"Alexandra!" she screamed, pushing Sasha to the ground.
The young girl grunted as she fell and a gunshot went off. Yunan quickly grabbed Sasha's hand and pulled her away, not wanting her to see the dead bodies of both her parents. The quartet ran through the crowded area as people were rushing to climb aboard boats and train cars. Yunan was trying to find a train car as Olivia clutched Marcy in her hands and kept a tight grip on Sasha's hand. Eventually, Yunan spotted a train car and led her family to it. That's when she notied that Sasha was gone.
"Where's Sasha?" she asked her wife.
Olivia's eyes filled with horror as she frantically looked for her.
"Sasha! Sasha!" she shouted.
Yunan stood atop the train car to try and look for her.
"Alexandra!" she screamed to the top of her lungs.
Back with Sasha, the young girl was trying to push her way through the crowd but it was difficult as she was smaller than most of the people there.
"Alexandra!" a voice shouted from afar.
Sasha lifted her head at the shout, recognizing it.
"Aunt Yunan!" she shouted.
"Alexandra!" Yunan's voice called again.
Sasha moves to follow her voice, trying her best to push through the crowd. The sound of the train cars moving was heard. Yunan felt the cart moving but refused to move, determined to find Sasha.
"Alexandra!" she called again.
The train cars began moving. Olivia shook her head.
"No wait! Please! We have to find a child!" she begged.
Unfortunately, her cries were ignored as the train kept moving.
"Alexandra!" Olivia and Yunan screamed.
Sasha heard the cries getting farther and further the more she gets closer. She tried to follow the cries but was pushed down, causing her to fall in a river. Sasha struggled to stay above the surface as she tried to swim.
"Help! Help! Mama! Papa!" she cried before she was hit by a strong current, going under water.
The force of the current caused Sasha to hit her head on a rock, knocking her out.
Soon, in under four days, the couple and their daughter had made it to Los Angeles. The news of the coup spread like wildfire. There, the family received heartbreaking news. The capital had fallen, burned to the ground as many lost their lives, including Samuel and Emmeline. And to make matters worse, Sasha's body was nowhere to be found. The broken family mourned for their lost loved ones. They were just having a wonderful time, singing, dancing and laughing. Now the strength of them was dead and those who survived were far from home. But soon, rumors of the lost princess soon took flight. Some saying that she was as good as dead but others including the Wu family, believed that the princess was still out there somewhere.