Hey y'all I'm sorry this is so late, I'll explain why its so late at the bottom note but I am back and ready to keep up with this story. And so you have a really long chapter. This was going to be a thousand words but it became over 5,000 words so enjoy! On with the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in relation to Dreamworks Rise of the Guardians or Disney's Atlantis franchise. I only own the added plot and original characters.
Once Aster had confirmed that the "intruders", were actually friends, Jack gave the order to stand down and actually prepare for their guests. From what Aster could see, there were three flying air-crafts coming toward them and the only reason he knew they were friends was because of the symbol that was painted on the side. Aster was excited to see his old friends and though he loved being in Atlantis and being a part of the culture as well as being by Jack's side, he did miss the world above.
"So, who do you think it is?" Jack asked as the people around them rushed to clear the courtyard for landing as the air-crafts got closer.
"No clue, there are three crafts. Looks like they seat two people each, which means there are six people coming. And we know more than six people, so who knows." Aster answered trying to figure out who was coming.
"Why do you think they came? Its been 7 years and we haven't heard from them until now. Do you believe there may be trouble?" Jack asked quietly not wanting to be overheard and start rumors.
"I'm not sure love, maybe they just got the resources to visit or they were just busy. We'll have to ask." Aster replied but if he was truthful with himself, he had a bad feeling about their friend's visit.
Soon the air-crafts were landing and Aster was impressed by how advanced they had gotten over the years. He went up to one of the first planes to see who it was. From the cockpit jumped out a small willowy young woman with dark sun-kissed skin, her hair was in a short bob cut and seemed to have a yellow shinning feather braided in it. When she fully faced him, he was that she had one green eye and one blue eye, and she had a small birthmark under her left eye. Aster couldn't believe that they young woman was Tiana, in the past seven years she had really grown into an beautiful young woman. He could see that the seven years had not been easy, as hardship beyond her years could be seen in her eyes.
"Tiana!" Aster cried out hugging the startled woman into his arms, though she had grown a couple inches, she was still pretty small.
"Hello Rabbit, its nice to see you too. Its been a long time." She was with a grin as she hugged him back.
"It really has Shelia." He said letting her go to see who else came with her. Jumping down from the seat behind her was an older man that had light blond hair and multiple burn scars on his face, though there seemed to be more than he remembered.
"Abdima! How a're ya mate? See you shaved off the stache." Aster exclaimed clapping a hand on his back.
"Nice to see you too Aster. Things have been alright I suppose, and yeah I shaved it. With the new scars it ended up not growing in fully, figured I should just shave it all off." He replied with a grin and rub of his new scars.
"Sorry to hear that mate. Just what happened to cause the scaring?" He asked with a frown.
"I'll tell you later, right now I think you should see the others." Abdima replied his eye flashing with the same knowledge as Tiana. Aster nodded and went to the next craft to see who else came. As he got closer he saw a man being dragged off by three Atlantian women who looked very pissed off.
"He never learns. Every time, he talks french, women hit him." A voice sighed out though there was amusement underneath. Aster looked to see who had spoken and saw a very large and tall man with long hair and a long beard, both were white with black streaks. Though he looked older Aster would recognize him anywhere.
"So Porc hasn't change much has he? Hi North, how a're ya? See ya have more white hair than black now." Aster said with a chuckle holding a hand out to North. The large man gave out a barking laugh before pulling Aster into a back breaking hug.
"Very funny Bunny, one day you vill have hair as white as me. How are you my friend?" North asked once he placed Aster back down.
"Great, how are all of you? Hows Mr. De Luna? He get my package alright?" He replied.
"You should ask him yourself." Tiana told him with a smirk. Aster frowned and was about to ask what she meant when he heard a voice call out to him. He turned to the voice and saw it was from a man starting to exit the last craft. The man wore a white suit and had short blond hair, he had a wide grin as he saw Aster see him.
"Mr. De Luna?! I cant believe your here!" Aster exclaimed rushing to go help him down, knowing that De Luna was into his 90's now.
"Well that crystal you sent me was amazing, I feel like I'm 70 again!" De Luna told him jumping down though he stumbled and fell into Aster's arms with a grunt. "Though that still makes me pretty old!" He said once he was upright. Then he was nearly bowled over by an enthusiastic Jack.
Jack had watched as Aster's old friends had gotten off their crafts and been greeted by Aster. Jack was content to let them reminisce when he suddenly heard Aster mention the name De Luna . He turned to look at the man named De Luna and he rushed to draw him into a hug.
"So your the Mr. De Luna that brought Aster to me! Thank you so much for sending him to us. I don't know where we would be without him." He told him holding him in a tight hug.
"Well I did not expect such a welcome from the King." De Luna laughed returning Jack's hug before he was finally let go.
"I apologize Mr. De Luna, I just wanted to thank you and show my gratitude." Jack replied a faint blush on his cheeks. Aster watched the exchange with a grin at how his love was acting but he was glad that Jack was being more himself.
"Its alright Your Majesty, I'm glad you and Aster are happy." He said with a smile.
"Well how about we all go have some lunch, that way we could catch up and you can all rest." Aster suggested moving to wrap an arm around Jack's slim waist.
"Yes, lets all have lunch, I'm sure you have much to tell us about the world above. Please follow Kale to our dinning area, he will also direct you to the rooms you will be staying in." Jack told them calling out for Kale to lead them to their rooms. The others left to follow carrying their bags with them though Porc was walking slower due to a swollen eye from the punches given to him by the offended Atlantean women. Once the others were out of earshot, Jack tilted his head toward Aster.
"I don't like this Aster." He said quietly.
"What do you mean love?" Aster asked confused at Jack's change.
"They wouldn't be here unless something has happened and I cant help but have a bad feeling about them being here." He answered tightening his grip on his arms.
"I feel the same way Jackie. I fear that they have bad news for us and I fear the consequence that may come from learning about it. But for now, lets putting to the back of as minds and enjoy their company." Aster told him hugging him close.
"Okay Aster. Come on, we don't want to keep our guests waiting." Jack said tilting his head to give Aster a light kiss.
As they walked toward the dinning area, Aster sincerely hoped that they would not be given bad news but he couldn't lie to himself. He knew De Luna would not come unless something was going on and especially not without his right hand man. I hope everything will be alright.
"I hope these five rooms will be to your liking. You may choose whichever one you would like, Lunch will be served in 20 minutes. Please just follow this hall and you will be at the dinning area. I hope you will enjoy your stay here at Atlantis." The man named Kale told them before giving a short bow and leaving with other soldiers discussing something in Atlantean. Once the men were out of sight, De Luna turned to the others signaling them to follow him into one of the rooms.
The room they entered was fairly large and had a medium bed in the middle of the room. It was draped in a variety of sheer fabrics that made it look almost mystical. A few wood carved furniture filled the room giving it an actually very homey feel. Once everyone was settled in the room De Luna told North to close the door and guard it in case of any eavesdropping.
"So now that we are all here, we need to discuss what we are going to tell Aster and King Jack." De Luna began sitting down at the small table in the corner, feeling his age for the first time.
"How exactly are we going to tell them about this? I mean, now that I see how Aster is faring. I'm not sure its a good idea to include him. He has a life here, he doesn't need the outside to invade it." Tiana commented knowing that if they brought Aster back to the world above he would learn of what had happened in those years he's been underground. They all had to live through it and they are still haunted by it. She didn't want that to happen to Aster.
"I know Tiana, but we need his help. He may know more about this creature than we ever will. I don't want to ruin his happiness either but we need him." De Luna replied with a sigh, rubbing his forehead. He couldn't get the look of the young King's face as he thank him for sending Aster to him out of his mind. The may have lived thousand of years, but he looked so young and pure. Like he has never seen any darkness. But De Luna knew that that was false, this pure looking young King has seen darkness and has been touched by it. He has killed before and yet it would seem that he could still stay in the light. He didn't let the darkness corrupt him.
"If we do ask Aster to come back with us, what about the King? I doubt that Jack will be happy he's leaving." Abdima commented, not thinking that King Jack will be happy with them once they took his love one away.
"Yes, the King may just kick us out and ban us from ever returning. Then we lose some powerful allies." Porc added rubbing his sore eye.
"Iz true Manny. Jack may not allow him to go. If zhat does happen vhat should we do?" North said keeping an ear out for any footsteps coming their way.
"I know North, that is a possibility but we have to try and I feel that King Jack may surprise us with his response." He replied with a small smile.
"I hope your right Manny. Its almost 20 minutes, lets set our stuff in rooms then go to dinning area. Then see vhat happens." North said moving to open the door and enter one of the rooms offered with his bag. The others agreed and left the room leaving De Luna alone to think.
A few minutes later everyone met up at the dinning area. It was a large chamber like room with a low set table in corner and a variety of large pillows that would be used as seats. In the corner they could see Aster and Jack talking. Jack had his arms crossed and a blank look on his face, like he was trying to keep his emotions from showing. Aster looked worried as he placed a hand on Jack's shoulder and drew him into a hug. Jack stiffened but soon relaxed and hugged Aster back.
"What do you think that was about?" Tiana asked Abdima quietly as the others moved closer to the table. Abdima watched as the two separated and moved to greet the others and sit down.
"No idea, maybe we can ask Aster later. If we don't get kicked out, that is." He answered moving to sit at the end of the table .
"Yeah, if." Tiana murmured before also moving to take a seat at the table.
"So Mr. De Luna what brings you down here? I mean don't get me wrong I'm glad to see all of you again but after seven years I don't think that this is a social visit." Aster asked after a few minutes of small talk and eating. De Luna sighed and clasped his hands together before turning to look at Aster.
"Your right Aster. This isn't a social call though I wish it was. There has been some trouble up at the surface. Over the past seven years we went through a World War, it was a dangerous time and we had just gotten out of that fear and darkness. But now there's this creature that is attacking ships around Norway and the officials have no idea what it is and any eyewitness descriptions are being contributed to trauma. I believe that we could use your help in identifying this creature and possibly stopping it." Manny explained.
"How do you think I could help? I don't really know much about creatures." Aster asked though he was disturbed by the idea that a World War had happened and he wondered if that was the result of Abdima's new scars, the look in Tiana's eye, and how much older North looked now.
"That's what we thought but we also thought that Jack may actually know something about the creature." Porc said bluntly.
"How would I know about some creature in your world?" Jack asked with a raised brow.
"The Leviathan was the first creature we encountered and this time it didn't attack us, I guess it knew we weren't intruders. Since the Leviathan was a legend that was real and was a robot created by your people. Maybe your people also created this creature." Abdima answered hoping not to insult Jack. Jack frowned and gave a glare to Abdima.
"Are you insinuating that my people purposely release one of our machines to attack those people? If so you are treading on dangerous grounds." Jack told him quietly though his tone suggested he was angry.
"Of course not your Majesty, it is just an idea. The creature is being said to be a Kraken, a thing of legends. Perhaps it was an old machine that was unknown until now or it is a real creature. We mean no disrespect your Majesty." De Luna said hoping to calm the young King. Jack stared in his eyes making sure he was telling the truth before he nodded and gave out a sigh.
"I apologize Mr. De Luna, I realize that I was rash to believe that you were blaming us for the creatures existence. Yet I can not confirm whether this Kraken could have been one of our machines. When I was a child, my Father had many machines created in preparation for war. These machines were crafted in the likeness of sea creatures, as you saw with the Leviathan, it may be possible that he also created this Kraken and it has just recently be reactivated. If that is what happened, then I don't know how. The only way I know how to activate one of our machines is through the use of a crystal and we have been trapped here for thousands of years. I doubt that any of my subjects left in the past seven years to activate a war machine, we have barely learned about our history thanks to Aster." Jack explained with a frown.
"Is there any way the machine could have activated on it own?" Tiana asked.
"No, not unless-" Jack stopped with wide eyes. He realized how the machine could have been activated and it was his fault.
"No unless what Jackie?" Aster asked noticing Jack's upset face.
"Not unless it was reactivated because the Heart of Atlantis was released. Aster my father trapped the Heart underground so that its power can never be used again. What if when we let the Heart out it reactivated the war machines that my father still had out there. What if this Kraken that has been attacking people is one of our machines, what if this is my fault?" Jack answered clenching his fists.
"Jack, mate, we don't know if the Kraken is an Atlantean machine or not. It could be something else. We don't know for sure. Even if it is a machine its not your fault, you had no way of knowing love." Aster told him trying to reassure him. Jack just shook his head and shook his hand off his shoulder before standing up.
"I should have known if we had other war machines Aster. Excuse me." Jack said before leaving the room in a hurry.
"Jack!" Aster called out but he was gone. Aster groaned but sat back down.
"Aster I apologize if we caused any problems we did not mean to cause trouble." De Luna said once the shock of Jack leaving subsided.
"No mate, it wasn't your fault, its just that Jack has been having doubts lately about being King and being a good ruler. Which he is but he just doesn't feel ready. Pitch took that decision from him and Jack still holds that hate for him." Aster replied scrubbing at his face.
"Right, Pitch killed his father forcing him to take the throne before he was fully ready. But he has people to help him right? He has you." Tiana asked.
"Yeah he does Shelia, but lately he's been mediating to try and regain his memories of when he bonded with the Heart and was in Pitch's grasp. So far he's been unsuccessful but he's been staying in that state for hours, I fear that because he was so closely bonded with the Heart that he may be lost in the power that he shared with it. I fear it may be hurting him." Aster answered.
"If you like I could speak with him Aster. I have experience with meditation as well as taking over a parents past occupation before your time. Perhaps I could help him." De Luna volunteered wanting to help the young King.
Aster looked at De Luna for a moment trying to decide if he could really help Jack. He didn't really know him very well but what he said about taking over a parents work, means that he knows at least what Jack was going through somewhat. So Aster decided to give him a chance and perhaps this is what Jack needed, someone who understood better than he himself could.
"Alright Mr. De Luna, you have a point. I have a pretty good idea to where he may have gone so if you'll follow me. The rest of you can finish eating or you can go explore its alright. Actually I'm sure Sandy and Tooth would be happy to see all of you again. Well most of you." Aster said before leading De Luna outside to one of the crafts to get to the Ice chamber where Jack was most likely at by now. The others stayed behind hoping to see the two warriors from their last visit.
Soon enough the two of them arrived at the chamber and they could hear a crooning type noise, echoing from within the icy chamber.
"What is that?" De Luna asked.
"Probably Baby, she always knows when he's upset. I'll stay out here, that way you can both speak privately." Aster told him leaning against the craft they came on.
"Very well Aster, we'll be out in a few minutes." De Luna replied curious to who this Baby was. De Luna entered the chamber and was stunned by the beauty of the area. It was truly an ice chamber and though it was cold, it was freezing like one would think. There in the middle of the chamber was a large stone and on it was the young King with some bird on his shoulder.
"I want to be left alone Aster, please leave." Jack said not bothering to turn around.
"I'm afraid I'm not Aster." De Luna told him with a smile. Jack quickly stood up and turned to face who was in the chamber with him since very few people knew he went there when upset.
"Mr. De Luna? How did you know I would be here? How do you even know about this place?" Jack asked surprised he was there.
"Aster brought me, I thought that I could help you with what you've been going through." De Luna answered keeping some distance between them so that Jack was comfortable. Jack took a moment to study the man. He could see that he was truly genuine and the others seemed to trust him, Aster trusted him. So he relaxed and sat back down.
"How can you help me?" He asked quietly.
"I know what your going through. At least somewhat. See I lost my parents at a young age and since I was the only heir it was only natural that I take over the family company." De Luna answered sitting down next to him.
"Really?" Jack asked looking up at the man, unable to believe that he went through the same thing that he did.
"Yes. Suddenly I was in charge of company that had hundreds of employees and if I messed up those people would be out of a job and their families would suffer. I was responsible for so many people. I was just a young kid, barely 23 years old. I thought I wouldn't have to run the company until I was much older, so I goofed off. I traveled the world and did what I wanted, not really learning about the company like I should have. So when I had to take over I was terrified. I knew nothing and I even discovered a few unsavory things about my father's dealings, just like you have found with your father. So I sought out to fix those mistakes and to not become him because he was his own person. I was going to create a legacy for myself and how I wanted to be remembered. You can do the same, your Majesty." De Luna explained looking him in the eye to show him that he was telling the truth.
"Your story is very similar to mine. How did you manage to run your company so successfully if you knew nothing about it?" Jack asked impressed.
"I had a very good friend help me. He is my best friend and most trusted adviser. I would have been lost without him. He was similar to what Aster is to you." He answered with a smile.
"Aster is the person I trust the most. He truly saved my Kingdom, I would be lost without him." Jack told him with a soft smile.
"Then I advise you to never lose him. Now, I know that you have recently taken up to meditation to retain your memories when you were bonded with the Heart of Atlantis. I was also told that you weren't making much headway. Is this true?" De Luna asked.
"Yes, I try to meditate everyday for at least an hour or so but Aster tells me I meditate for a few hours I don't even realize that that much time had passed. I just don't understand why I haven't achieved any recollection." Jack explained frustrated by his lack of progress.
"I see. Well I've used meditation before and it can be very helpful. Yet I believe that in your case, it may not be the right thing for you." De Luna replied.
"Why wouldn't it be right for me?" Jack asked confused by what Mr. De Luna had stated.
"From what I've been told, the Heart is living and it inhabits people that are of the royal family when Atlantis is in danger and the people it inhabits do not come back like you did. So as your meditating you are not just looking into your memories but also the memories of past inhabitants. Basically you are looking into the Heart's brain and you are unable to decipher what you are seeing because since the Heart is something not very well known or understood, you just do not have the capabilities to understand.
You are human and will just not be able to comprehend. So ,your Majesty, for your own health please stop trying to regain those lost memories. I believe they are truly lost and there is no point to trying to achieve them and should you continue it will affect your health. For the good of your Kingdom, I beg you. Please stop." De Luna explained pleading with the young King that he will listen to his advice.
Jack looked away and thought about what De Luna had just told him. Whenever Jack went into his meditative state he got flashes of things he had never experienced and he always came back with a headache and at one point a bloody nose. He hadn't told Aster because he didn't want to worry him but with what De Luna had just told him, he was worried. The Heart was something that was mysterious and unknown, though Jack did not regret bonding with it, he wished he still had his memories. But if he was not meant to have those memories, perhaps it was for the best. Perhaps his memories were lost to protect him. Once he thought that he felt his crustal get a bit colder then go back to it normal temperature. He gasped and grasped at the crystal looking at it in wonder then he smiled and looked at Mr. De Luna.
"I believe that you are right Mr. De Luna. I will stop trying to recover my memories, for the shake of my own health and so I don't worry Aster anymore. Thank you for your help Mr. De Luna, you have truly helped me put some doubts to bed. I cant Thank you enough." Jack said with a large smile.
"Your welcome you Majesty. It was no problem I am glad I helped you." De Luna replied also smiling.
"Please call me Jack."
"Very well, Jack. You can call me Manny, I know North loves to call me that. Now how about we leave this chamber so that Aster can stop pacing like a caged animal. And so the others see that your alright. Are you ready to go?" De Luna- Manny- asked sitting up and holding a hand out.
"Yeah I'm ready." Jack said with a chuckle at the mention of Aster pacing. After Jack had gotten up they walked to back to the entrance of the chamber. As soon as they walked through the entrance Jack was pulled into a tight hug by Aster who was murmuring things in Atlantean.
"Aster its okay. I'm fine. Manny was just telling me that he understood how I felt and that you were right about my meditation. I'm going to stop. If I was meant to have those memories, I would have them." Jack told him with a soft smile as he hugged him back.
"I'm glad Snowflake. Thank ya Mr. De Luna. I cant thank ya enough." Aster replied shaking De Luna's hand.
"It was no trouble, though I do have something to ask of you and I'm not sure how you both may react." De Luna told them looking nervous. Jack and Aster looked at each other in worry before they turned back to De Luna.
"Alright. How about we head back to the palace?" Aster suggested tightening his grip around Jack's waist.
De Luna agreed and they left to get on their crafts. Though Aster didn't want to let Jack go, he had to since he was the one that drove De Luna back here. Within a few minutes they arrived at the palace and went to the main living area where they found the others talking to Sandy and Tooth. Once they noticed that they were back they were bombarded with questions. After a brief explanation they all sat down to hear what De Luna wanted to ask Aster.
"So as we were discussing earlier, I was telling you about this Kraken and what I wanted to ask of you is if you would join the crew to go investigate it." De Luna asked. Silence met his question, as Aster and Jack absorbed what De Luna was asking.
"You want me to go back to the surface?" Aster asked in disbelief.
"Yes. It would only be for a little while, till we have investigated the Kraken. Do you accept?" De Luna clarified.
"I'm sorry Mr. De Luna but I cant. I cant leave Jack and we are still rebuilding the city. Its just not a good time." Aster told him gripping Jack's hand tight.
"I understand Aster that you have much work to be done here but would it be possible for you to join us for a few days or weeks as we investigate ?" He asked not noticing Jack's thoughtful look.
"No, I'm sorry I can't." Aster replied.
"He'll go." Jack stated making everyone look at him in surprise.
"Jack, I can't leave you." Aster told him still shocked by his declaration.
"I know, that's why I'm going with you." Jack declared.
"Jack you can't. Your the King. You have to stay to overview the reconstruction. You could get hurt and I won't risk your safety." Aster replied.
"They will be fine Aster and I could have Sandy and Tooth take over for things here. I want to go and help you investigate. I want to see the world above and see if there are any Atlantean weapons out in the world and if this Kraken is a war machine, I want to put a stop to it and destroy it." Jack plead refusing to back down.
"I am not allowing you to go out there alone. If you are going then I'm going with you. Sandy can take care of things here." Tooth told him not willing to allow her young charge to leave unprotected, even if he is the King. Sandy nodded along with Tooth signing that he'll take care of things here.
"Please Aster. Let me go with you. I'll be fine and Tooth is coming as well. I'll be as safe as I could be. Please." Jack plead. Aster looked into his eyes and knew he was doomed. Jack really wanted to go with him and though he was worried about the danger he could put himself in, he couldn't find it in his heart to refuse him. This actually worried him but who was he to make Jack stay behind? He couldn't keep him trapped forever, his love was a free spirit.
"Alright Jack, but only if your sure. You too Tooth." Aster replied with a sigh. But when he saw how happy and excited Jack was he knew he had done the right choice. Yet he couldn't help but feel that this trip may very well lead to something that they weren't ready for. Gods I hope I don't regret this.
Reviews:
Multyfangirl18: Thank you for reviewing and I hope that you like this new chapter. Sorry for the wait.
Treehugger: Thank you for reviewing and thank you for what you wrote, it was helpful so thank you and I hope you like this new chapter. So sorry for the wait.
So I have been gone for quite awhile and the reason for it is that I had a revelation about my sexuality that I had never considered before and I had always defended that aspect about myself but given this revelation it has changed. I have so far only told my close family but I'm still just trying to understand myself and work on myself because I realize that I wasn't really happy, I was just coasting which I hope to fix .
But I am not abandoning this story or putting it on hiatus. I will finish it and write other stories because it is a way for me to work through things and because it makes me happy.
So till next time! Don't be afraid to ask questions or leave comments. Bye!