Aquatic Kingdom Hearts
Chapter 32: Mercenaries at Work; the Crystal Chamber
Back at the Lake
The boys had resurfaced from the water and swam back to shore. They popped out of the water and immediately began to dress back in their clothing. It wasn't long that when they were fully dressed, did Eric notice something amiss…he looked around and to the sides to be sure, and sure enough, the Seablade and Zeus Fist were gone. He looked around, and turned towards Frey as he stated the obvious, "Frey. My weapons are missing."
Frey looked around and noticed that as well, "Mine too."
Kida then got out of the water as she grabbed her skirt and tied it back on. She then looked at the boys who were a little distraught, and asked, "What is it?"
Frey turned and said, "Our weapons are gone."
"Probably best not to let youngens like you have them in the first place."
It was then that the teens turned around, and noticed Rourke, sitting on the side…with the Seablade, Zeus Fist, and Frey's daggers in his possession. He then asked, with an all-knowing smirk, "You have a nice swim?" And then it was then that they noticed the whole crew was right behind him, including Jack and the remainder of his crew…and they were all loaded with weapons. But what really got them surprised, was that the boys saw Maccus and the crew of Davy Jones next to them; holding Uncle Milo and Suki hostage, along with a chained up Max and Wally, with their weapons.
Kida looked to her sister and paled, "Sister!", her gaze then met with Rourke's as she demanded for answers, "What is the meaning of this, Rourke?"
Maccus then walked up as he snarled his shark teeth, "What ya think this is, luv? This be a treasure hunt."
It was then that Eric pieced it in as he scowled at Rourke, "So that's what this is all about.", he pointed to Rourke as he stated, "You're working for Ursula, aren't you?"
Kida, who didn't understand it, asked, "What is?"
Frey shook his head as he answered, "He used you, Kida. He used all of us.", he then pointed out, "This is just some big treasure hunt for you. You're after the Crystal."
Then Rourke smirked, "Oh, you mean this?", and then whipped out the Missing page. He then stood up as he solemnly looked like he was regretting this, "About this…I mean, I would've told you kids this a lot sooner, but it was on a strictly need-to-know basis.", and then he shrugged as his smirk returned, "And well, now you know. I had to be certain you two an Thatch's girlfriend were one of us.", and then put out his hand as he prepared to shake their hands, "Welcome to the club, boys."
The two boys backed away, glaring at the man in front of them, as Eric answered, "We're not mercenaries."
And then Frey looked to Jack as he scolded, "And I figured you'd at least…"
Then Jack interrupted as he politely pointed out while still keeping his charm on, "It's not that I wanted to do this, mates…", but then pointed to Maccus and his crew, "…it's just that I've got a debt to settle with these fine fellows."
It was just after that was said and the boys were trying to figure out what Jack meant by a debt, Ariel popped out of the water, and then she was snatched by two of Jones' crew. She thrashed around a lot as they pulled her out of the water, revealing her Mermaid form. However, as they got her out of the water, she smacked the first crewman in the face with her tail, causing him to let go. Ariel was about to smack the other guy, until a gunshot was heard. Everyone stopped what they were doing, as they saw Rourke hold his gun in the air, glaring at both Jones' men, and at Ariel, sending a shiver of fear down her spine. The men grabbed Ariel once more as Rourke holstered his gun once more.
He then smirked at the kids, "Mercenary? I prefer the term, 'adventure capitalist'.", he then shrugged triumphantly, "Besides, you three are the ones that helped us find more clues to locate the treasure chest."
Then Eric had enough as he stepped forward towards Rourke as they were now face to face, "You don't know what you're tampering with, Rourke."
Rourke just shrugged, not caring as he stated the obvious to the boy, "What's to know? It's big, it's shiny, it's gonna make us all filthy rich."
Trying his best to convince him once more, Eric pointed out the obvious, "You think it's some kind of diamond. My Uncle thought it was some kind of a super battery. But we're all wrong. It's the very life force of Atlantis itself, including to its people. That crystal is the only thing keeping these people and their land alive. You take that away from them, Rourke, and all of it, it'll die."
Then the Commander faked a look of concern as he mocked him, "Oh dear. That's completely upsetting. Had I known later. I mean, well…that changes things.", he then looked to Maccus as he asked, "What do you think, Maccus?"
The Hammerhead pirate smirked at this as he pointed out, "Knowing all that…I'd have Ursula and my captain triple the price."
Rourke smirked at that, "I was thinking quadruple."
Then Frey stepped up as he tried to talk sense into the Commander, "Rourke! Don't do this!", but was stopped as Vinny, who was holding a rifle in his hand, blocked his path.
Rourke stepped up as he explained to the boys, "You academics, you never want to get your hands dirty. I mean, think about it: if you take every stolen article in a museum, you'd be left with an empty building.", he then smirked as he explained, "We're just…'providing' a national service to the archeological community."
"You help these guys out there's not gonna be an archeological community. Nor anything else for that matter.", Frey pointed out furiously.
Eric shook his head at that, "And besides, we're not interested in helping you either."
Rourke sighed at that as he shrugged, "I gotta admit, I'm disappointed in you boys, especially you, Mr. Asapin. I was sure that you'd consider." But then he looked to Eric as he stated with a smile, "And you, Eric…you're an idealist, just like your uncle and grandpa.", he then shook his head, "Do yourself a favor, kid, don't be like either of 'em.", and then smirked, "For once, kid…do the smart thing."
Eric didn't have to say anything at that point; he was glaring at Rourke something fierce at this point in time. Getting the message, Rourke sighed as he stated, "I hate it when negotiations go sour.", and then snapped his fingers for an order. The pirates pushed down Ariel as they drew up their weapons at her, waiting to slice her open at any time. Eric, paling in fear at the scene, turned to Rourke as he walked up to the lad, smiling as he held up the missing page, and the Atlas' Sphere, "Now let's try this again."
Atlantean Palace
All was quiet at the palace, as the King sat on his throne awaiting his daughters to return. He had sent out Suki to bring Kida back, in the hopes of finding a suitor for her. It was finally the third day, and Kida should have been married by now. The third day…it was also the day the travelers would leave now and more so. However, that failed to come into light, as an explosion blew down the main door. The guards readied their combi-spears at the ready, awaiting for any more trouble.
Out of the mist, came Rourke's crew, led by a forced Eric who held the last page of the Shepard's Journal. Frey was with Kida, Suki, and Milo, along with Ariel who had transformed back to human. The crew had their weapons at the ready, while Vinny chucked a stick of dynamite in return, "Knock, knock."
"Room service!", Cookie shouted pointing his gun out.
The Hunter/Warriors grabbed their weapons at the ready and prepared to do battle at once. However, they didn't expect to see their Princesses held prisoner as Helga, who didn't like this plan at all, ordered the King, "Tell them to drop their weapons. Now!" The King, seeing that he didn't want his daughters hurt, ordered them all to stand down, including his own brother, who seemed to be anxious to draw out the mercenaries blood.
"Spread out!", Maccus demanded the pirates and crew, "Search everywhere until you've found that Crystal!" And they did as they tore through everything, broke everything in sight to find it. But it was proving fruitless as they turned up empty handed at this point in time. No matter what they did, it was plain obvious that they were turning up nothing.
Rourke walked over to Eric and Milo as he shoved the book into the boy's gut as he ordered, "You're not applying yourself, son. There's gotta be more to this!"
"Well, there isn't!", Eric retorted angrily as he pointed to the page as he casually stated, "All the page says is this: The Heart of Atlantis, lies in the eyes of Our King."
And then Rourke half-hazardly shoved the boy out of the way and on his butt, as he strolled over to the king. And then Rourke was faced to the king, staring at him with confidence and showing he wasn't about to be messed around, "Well, maybe ole King Cole here can help us fill in the missing blanks." Two of the soldiers walked over at the king's side, Akuda not able to do anything as Rourke smirked, "How about it, Chief? Where's the Crystal Chamber?"
The King then looked to Rourke as he warned him, "If you take the Second Heart…you will not only destroy our people, but your world as well as yourself!"
"Maybe I'm not being clear," Rourke said cruelly before he threw one mean punch to the old king's gut, causing him to crash to the ground. Kida and Suki, both fearing for their father, ran over to his side with no resistance coming from anyone. They knelt down to him, to try and help him but it seemed like he was in much pain at this point.
Kida looked at Rourke and angrily swore at him in Atlantean, "Mohea Gweg on Rohek!"
"What did she say?", Frey asked both curious and anxiously.
"You don't want to know," Milo said.
It was then that Sweet walked up to the princesses, and knelt down to the King to help him. Suki was distrustful at first, but Kida wasn't seeing as how the look on the doctor's face was quite sincere. Letting him help, Sweet looked at the King, and then scowled at Rourke, "Rourke! Hurting people wasn't part of the plan."
Rourke shrugged as he smirked evilly and not caring, "Plans change, doc." He then strolled over to the throne, not caring what the Princesses were doing, "I suggest you put a bandage on that bleeding heart of yours. It doesn't suit a mercenary.", and then sat on the throne, holding his gun out casually, "Well, as usual, diplomacy has failed us.", he then looked to the king as he pointed his gun, "Now I'm going to count to ten…And you're going to tell me where the crystal is.", he then made good on his threat as he cocked his gun, "One... two..."
"Stop it!" Kida screamed in defending her father, pleading to Rourke, "He does not know!"
"Nine!" Rourke hissed angrily, ignoring the looks of worry from the crew who felt any fear, as he pointed the gun at the king, "Te..", and then Rourke halted halfway through. He looked up suddenly at the large pond in front of them…and at the stone formation, forming the Atlantean seal. "The heart of Atlantis lies in the eyes of our king.", he then shot up as he walked towards the center of the formation, "This is it! We're in!"
He then ordered the two princesses as well as the two Thatch boys and Asapin to be taken to the center. However, Milo desperately tried to plead with him once more, "Rourke, for the last time…if what my nephew says is true, you don't have the slightest idea what this power's capable of."
Maccus, who pushed the three boys alongside the Princesses, smirked as he answered, "True, but my captain and boss are willin' ta pay anythin' ta anyone ta find that out."
And suddenly, when they stepped on the middle stone piece, it slowly rumbled and then descended down below. Like an elevator, they were suddenly led down into the Darkened Crystal Chamber. However, as the touched the bottom, they, minus Rourke, were completely in awe at what they saw. Growing all over the walls and on the floor, making a path for them like a shrubbery, was a vast garden of crystals that were much the same as the ones worn around Kida and Suki's necks. Where the path led for them, was a vast lake of water. They then walked ahead, as what they saw next, nearly defied rational belief. Floating 150 feet above the water, was a giant crystal, almost the size of a vast star, and surrounding it, shielding it were vast sculptures; carved faces orbiting around the mysterious crystal. It was then that everyone knew of what this was; the Heart of Atlantis, or also known as the Second Heart of the Sea.
Rourke smirked at this accomplishment and greedily chuckled, "Jackpot."
However, Kida gasped at the stone structures as she and Suki said in unison, "The Kings of our Past…", and immediately got on their knees, averted their eyes, and prayed in Atlantean.
"Thatch, tell her to wrap it up," Rourke said rudely to the two Thatches, "We have a schedule to keep."
Glaring at Rourke, Milo walked over to Suki, apologizing to her, "Suki…I'm sorry." Catching her attention, Suki was helped up by Milo, as both Eric and Frey did the same to Kida, seeing as how she finished her prayer.
It was at that time, Rourke walked over to the edge of the water. He then casually kicked a stone into it. The water rippled a bit, and then suddenly, the bright crystal turned a bright crimson, sending out lights of warning of danger, or telling Rourke to not disturb the harmony of the Crystal. "Whoa!", Frey cried as he jumped backwards, "That is not normal!"
"What now, Thatch?" Rourke asked.
"What now!" Frey cried out as he pointed to the angered Crystal, "Did you not see the crystal turn red!"
"What now Thatch!" Rourke asked glaring at the boy.
"Seriously!" Eric cried, "He's right, that thing is glowing! For all you know it could be sending out some kind of signal, or getting ready to blow up!"
"Okay, there's a giant crystal hovering 150 feet above the water," Milo cried, "And you expect me to know what to do?", he then asked, "Doesn't anything surprise you anymore?"
Rourke glared at the Thatches, "The only thing that surprises me right now is that you're still talking and that thing's not on the truck. Now move it!"
Eric groaned, "We don't know how to move it. We don't even know what's holding it up."
"Frey! Eric!", Kida cried out, getting their attention. It was then that everyone noticed Suki walking towards the water, but something was wrong with her. One of the Crystal's lights, which had become light blue again, was silhouetting her, with her crystal pendant floating in front of her, and her pupils glowing bright blue.
Before anyone could run towards her, Rourke demanded an answer, "Talk to me, Thatch. What's going on?"
Sighing at this, Eric had to explain it, seeing as how he read the history at the mural, "Look, all the mural said at the ruins is that the Crystal…is alive somehow. It's kind of hard to describe it."
"Speak English, kid."
"They're a part of it, it's a part of them.". Eric answered, getting frustrated at this, "Look….I'm doing the best I can here."
Rourke was getting fed up as he reached for his gun and glared at the boy, "Well, you'd better do better."
Then Frey just blurted out, "Well, here's an idea. Why don't you translate, and let Eric wave the gun around!"
It was then that their attention was drawn to Suki, who faced them, still in a daze, but spoke to them, "ALL IS WELL, MILO THATCH. BE NOT AFRAID."
"What did she say!" Rourke demanded at Milo.
"I...I don't know," Milo murmured, "I didn't catch it."
All anyone could do at that time was watch Suki as she did the most amazing thing next…she started to walk on the water, towards the Crystal. She then stood right under the Crystal, as she was bathed in the pale blue light of the crystal. And then suddenly, the Crystal started to hum to life as it pulsated a light blast of energy at Suki. Her eyes then closed, her mouth hung open, and then slowly, Suki was lifted off the ground…up into the crystal.
The carved sculptures began to spin slowly at first, but then they started to spin faster and faster and faster. The wind nearly flung back everyone and whipped Kida's hair in the wind. And then much to everyone's, minus Rourke, amazement, the crystal suddenly began to morph and shift form as the sculptures started t slow down again.
The crystal had taken the shape of none other than Suki herself.
Milo, Kida, and the boys had easily recognized the outline of her body instantly. She slowly dropped back down to the ground. Milo wanted to run towards her, as did Kida to ensure her sister was alright, but Rourke stopped them both, as he still smirked, "Hold your horses, kids."
It was then that to everyone except Rourke's shock, Suki opened her eyes, only showing the Crystal's power. It was clearly evident that whatever was standing there…it wasn't Suki, but something controlling her at this time. Then slowly stepped forward to them, and as she did there was a loud SPLASH! Down the sculptures tumbled to the water, and as the water splashed at Suki, it was repelled by what appeared to be an invisible force field of sorts generated by the crystal's power. Still Suki kept walking to them, and then past them as she made her way to the elevator.
Rourke was about to touch her, until Milo stopped him, "No, don't! Don't touch her…unless you want to end up like her."
Back up Top
Later On
The crew had worked feverishly to secure Suki to the truck. To prevent anyone from getting whatever it was the crystal would do that Milo was afraid would happen, they had sealed her up in an iron like box. Jack was helping out at that, and when he saw the girl step out of the chamber, only was he surprised as he muttered while tightening the box with Audrey, "Bugger. I learned my lesson with Tia Dalma. Supernatural vixens aren't exactly my type.", he then smirked as he scratched his bearded chin, "Helga does have really nice…", but then he stopped as he felt a pair of glaring eyes on him. He turned and saw not only Eric and Ariel, but also Frey and Kida glaring at him and Jack. Not for what he was talking about, but what he and the others were doing.
The soldiers pushed them back, keeping them away form doing anything. The troopers pushed not only the kids back, but also the Atlanteans, "Step back!"
As soon as they loaded the steel box, Milo glared at the whole crew as he went on, "So, I guess this is how it ends, huh? Fine, you win. You're wiping out an entire civilization, but, hey, you'll be rich." He looked over to Audrey, who had her back turned as she sat at the driver's seat, "Congratulations, Audrey. Guess you and your dad will be able to open that second garage after all.", he then looked at Vinny as he shot out, "And, Vinny, you-you can start a whole chain of flower shops. I'm sure your family's going to be very proud." He then looked over to Jack as he shot, "And Jack, I'm pretty sure you'll get paid a whole lot. I'm sure your greedy black heart'll be satisfied.", and then he glared at everyone as he spat out, "But that's what it's all about, right? Money."
It was then that Rourke stepped out of the truck, walked over to him, and smirked, "Get off your soapbox, Thatch. You've read Darwin. It's called natural selection. We're just helping it along."
Then Koleniko shouted out, "Rourke! We're ready!"
Rourke brushed it off, "Yeah, yeah, give me a minute.", and then mumbled to himself, "I know I'm forgetting something: I've got the cargo, the crystal, the crew…", and then smirked, "Oh, yeah….", and then without warning, punched Milo and Eric, square in the face. The two fell down on the ground as Ariel ran over to Eric helping him and Milo. Then Rourke smirked as he threw Eric his weapons, as well as Frey's, as he threw one final insult, "Look at it this way, fellahs. You're the family that's discovered Atlantis, and now you're part of the exhibit."
The two righted themselves back on their feet, but this little scene didn't go unnoticed by Helga. As Rourke past, he ordered, "Let's move it, people. Let's go!" And Helga was about to, if it weren't for the tug of her conscience that cried out to her. She looked at the payday Crystal, and then she looked at those getting left behind. She sighed heavily at this decision she was about to make…and then jumped off the truck, and headed right towards the group. She helped up Eric and Milo, as she looked over to the crew, giving the others a knowing look on her face.
Audrey and Vinny caught the look, and knew right then and there that this was wrong as well. They walked on over to join up with Helga and the others. Cookie, Mole, Packard, and even Jack saw this, and Jack jumped off the truck. Gibbs pleaded with Jack about this, "Jack. What about the treasure?"
Jack turned to face Gibbs with an all-knowing look as he said, "There are some tings worth more than treasure, mate.", and walked over to stand next to Eric and Ariel. After a little confusion by this, Gibbs, Marty, and Cotton walked over to join up with their captain.
And finally joining in with them, Mole, Cookie, and even Packard, who muttered, "We're all gonna die.", walked over to them, and stood by them.
Seeing his crew deserting him, Rourke got out of his truck as he deliberately stated, "Oh, you can't be serious."
"This is wrong, and you know it!", Audrey shouted out.
Rourke walked over as he asked not caring, "We're this close to the biggest payday ever in our lives and now you people, pick all of times to grow a conscience?"
Vinny stepped up as he pointed out, "We've done a lot of things we're not proud of: Robbing graves, plundering tombs, double parking. But, nobody got hurt.", but then he shrugged a little as he truthfully stated, "Well…maybe somebody got hurt, but nobody we knew."
Rourke, getting fed up with all this goody two-shoes crap, walked back to his truck as he shouted out, "Ah, if that's the way you want then fine. More for me!", and got into the truck containing Suki and the crystal. He then muttered, "P.T. Baltimore was right.", and then he and the remainder of his soldiers and the Pirates, drove off on the bridge, with the others unable to do anything at this time. As they drove off the city border, the waters began to stop and dry up. Then the plants began to slowly dry up and die, and much to Kida's fear, the crystals that her people wore started to dim out.
Feeling solely responsible, Kida attempted to run out after Rourke, shouting, "WE cannot let them do this!"
But then she was stopped by Ariel as she pleaded, "Wait, Kida! You can't face them all by yourself!"
But Vinny pulled them back, as he stated, "Wait a second, ladies."
After the vehicles crossed the bridge, Rourke stopped the truck as he glared over at the other end, to where he figured the others were standing. He then chuckled, "I heard that Thatch kid pulled off a miracle taking out Barbossa…", he then pulled out a detonator as he chuckled, "Let's see 'em pull off another miracle.", and then detonated the trigger. Then suddenly, the entire bridge blew up, falling down as debris was burnt into the lava lake below them, and everyone jumped back from the explosion.
As soon as the explosion was over, everyone got up as they saw the debris disappear over the side. Then Vinny shrugged as he stated, "Okay…now you can go."
"Everyone!", Sweet said up from the palace, "Y'all better come up here!"
Next Chapter: Save Atlantis; a Daring Battle