Erskine then continued, "And as for the great explosions, yes, it was true that we had felled a great pillar of your city's work, but it was a path for us to create, and recently, I believe we had accidentally stirred the fireflies into a destructive swarm from their nest, and yes, we had explosions within the fire which caused the stone chandelier nest to fall, destroying the preserved bridge, but it wasn't intentional, I reassure you, your majesty.", finishing with a nod.

Obviously, Erskine knew all this probably wasn't helping but at the very least, he had to explain the truth if that would at least keep them from being slaughtered by the Atlanteans. He honestly wondered what Rourke would be saying in this situation if Erskine hadn't made it.

"Father...", Kida finally spoke up. "From our observations; he speaks the truth at least in terms of their explosions. They obviously didn't know when they camped that they were too close to the swarm.".

The king nodded, "The firebugs are territorial, always have been. I would never wish the firebugs' ability on anyone. My condolences to the lost souls. You are very lucky to have survived, all of you.".

Erskine heard a soft voice, "Doctor, may I?", and Erskine glanced at Steve, "Steven, do say what's on your mind.".

Steve exhaled, "Your Majesty, we would never have survived if it wasn't for Milo. Most of us were much asleep in our tents, never realizing the danger until Milo warned us all, granted that a few of us considered him to be playing a prank until the camp became bright.", with a slight blush as he remembered that he was greatly distracted by Peggy, realizing in his mind that he will have to talk with her soon about what happened earlier, about their confessions.

Jacques smirked a bit to himself, now realizing why Audrey asked him to conk out Cookie for the whole day, as Audrey must have caught them in their intimate embrace secretly the other night, pouring cold water on their plans, noticing that Sia was smirking to herself, with Kida having a small smile, widening his eyes slightly as he realized what Kida meant...They witnessed all what has occurred all night.

The king replied, "Ah, looks like the Kings of the Past was gracious then. Now, elder, why have you come here? On any journey, there is always a reason.", with a curious, yet stern tone.

Erskine took a deep breath, "Your majesty, I will not lie to you. Many of us from the surface; we come from a land that is at war with another one... the surface world is engulfed in a great war that is seeing conflict all across it... for a second time, I might add; the first one that we called The Great War, which, in reality was anything but, was only twenty years prior. Our enemies... one of them was my former homeland that has become one of the greatest evils to walk upon the world even if much of the planet is still blind to their abject cruelty and lack of humanity.".

The king shook his head in grief and weary rage, "War...such a pointless thing to do and witness for all. Wasting so much innocence and resources that could have been used for much better things, suffering for all. I wish I would help you, yet I cannot afford to loan all my warriors, especially when your weapons itself are objects of protection and destruction, yes, but my city is all too fragile to be involved, and so, for what you're seeking, I'm afraid your journey has been in vain, for I'm protecting my people.".

Erskine sighed deeply, "I understand, your majesty, as we are strangers to ask for a lot...All the same, may I respectfully request today and tonight for my group, for rest, supply, and exploration before we leave in the morning as we have gone through a lot, considering the circumstances?".

There was a brief pause before the king finally spoke, "Very well... I will allow it; I sense no lies to your words...?".

"Erskine. Doctor Abraham Erskine, your majesty.", Erskine was at least glad that telling the truth helped. And the King obviously didn't want the Atlanteans to get involved; at least firsthand.

Their equipment and whatever advances they had, sure, but that probably was all for naught now as the group would obviously be imposing. Though, Erskine hoped for a longer audience with the king in private, at least to give him the warning about the Nazis and HYDRA. They deserved to know that his group wasn't the only ones seeking Atlantis.

Yet he knew that Thaddeus was right...If they had noticed anything by now, they would have known that the Nazis and Hydra knew the way, but with that U-Boat destroyed, and from the clear sight that Milo had started to like Kida, while Jacques is attracted to Sia, perhaps he could convince Milo to leave the Journal here with the King, to keep it safe, as now Erskine and the others know the way thanks to their memory, for the Nazis and Hydra would never have the book...Perhaps with Kida clearly as the heir, she will have a warm welcome for them if they visit again, but still, maybe better to do that after the war is hopefully over.

Alas, he has brought his equipment all this way...But he isn't mad at the King for needing to keep his city safe, and perhaps he would talk with Howard Stark to see if he still has the vita-rays and all on the surface for the equipment. It may not be the same in power essentially, but Steve would still have his chance, no matter what...

The King replied, "And I am King Kashekim. If there's any danger around the city in your exploration caused by your group, I will be forced to impose punishment or worse, is that clear?".

Erskine nodded, "Yes, your majesty, I understand, and I will tell the others of it.", and Kashekim nodded, "Good. That is all. My daughters will be out shortly to guide you if you wish of it, after I talk with them.".

"Thank you for your hospitality, your majesty.", Erskine stood up steadily, held by Steve to help him up, and he bowed respectfully, "I wish you good tidings.", with a smile, and then he turned around, "Let's go.", smiling to himself as he noticed Milo and Jacques looking back.

The group left, while Kashekim sat back down in his throne, alone with his daughters. "Well, it seems the doctor interested you.", Sia had a small smile on her face.

"The man is quite a diplomat... even I must admit that. And he spoke no lies, but I fear that with his worries of conflict that others might be interested in our kingdom... ones not as diplomatic and peaceful as him.", Kashekim replied.

Kida replied, "You sound so sure, Father.", and Kashekim nodded, "I am. You two are fortunate to have not known war as I have. War brings out hope and faith, yes, but it also brings out greed and cruelty. Still, I am disappointed that you two have disobeyed my law. A thousand years ago, you two would have slain anyone on the spot.".

Sia exhaled, "We are sorry, Father, but we hadn't seen visitors in so long...And there was also the fact that we have envisioned two men that had caught our attention, and now they are here, real and breathing.".

Kashekim sighed deeply, "There is something you haven't told me, is there not?", looking at his daughters even with his blindness, and both women glanced at each other before Kida replied, "We healed them, our soulmates, Father.", with an exhale.

"Oh...You two are impulsive too...You realize what you two have done, do you not?", Kashekim was stunned and angry and relieved. Sia whispered, "Healing ensues the soulmate relationship to bond stronger than before, and time evolves the bond into intimate affection and beyond, and upon marriage, the bond is unbreakable even through death, for you cannot marry anyone else.", knowing that their father was and still is in love with their mother, for Atlanteans live a very unnaturally long life.

"Does that truly matter, Father?", Kida asked. "It's not like we were making a choice of that there...", she tried to argue. "The visions, the healing...", she took a deep breath. "And you mentioning what we would've done a thousand years ago; a thousand years ago, the streets were lit, and our people did not have to scavenge for food at the edge of a crumbling city!".

"The people are content.", Kashekim countered. "They do not know any better!", Kida snapped. "We were once a great people. Now we live in ruins!".

Kashekim sighed heavily, "Kida...", and Kida replied, "I know what you said, Father, but they would have helped us. I only can imagine what the Great Kings of the Past would think if they knew how far we've fallen. If we can save a part of this city, perhaps we can save our future.".

"We've already learned much, we do not need their help.", Kashekim replied, and Sia replied, "Father, I have to agree with Kida...Our way of life is dying.", with a sigh, "By the Kings of the Past, there has been less weddings and more deaths, and I'm scared if I am not one of the brides with that wonderful ceremony I always had observed, and now, even the oldest elders are forgetting words and pieces of the ceremony, while many others try to keep remembering!".

Kashekim sighed, "Our way of life is preserved, and ah, you're truly a romantic, dear youngest daughter...And for you, eldest daughter, when you take the throne, you shall understand why this city needs to be protected from visitors.", his hands cradling each of his daughters' cheeks tenderly.

The daughters sighed before they finished helping him as he slowly went to sleep once more. Meanwhile, with the others, discussions amongst themselves were happening. "I'm guessing our mission then probably is all for naught?", Steve asked Erskine as he sighed.

"Perhaps. The discovery is one thing, sure, but that wasn't what we were sent for. Washington probably would be disappointed already by the sheer casualties, but to come back empty handed too?", Erskine shook his head. "Might be liable for a court martial; at least a devastating congressional committee essentially blacklisting us from society.".

Steve nodded, "True...But I don't blame the king...I mean, from afar, the city looks beautiful and strong, yet up close, there are definitely crumbled buildings few and far between, and it looks like the people are thriving, but something...I don't know...I mean, from what I can count, there's barely a thousand people here, maybe less...".

Erskine exhaled, "I noticed, Steven...Yet as much as I want to help, this isn't the surface, and this city doesn't deserve any more visitors, even if it would help with the population, but I doubt the king would appreciate it. It's lucky that we are able to have a day and a night here before leaving in the morning. And as for alternate ways, I'll have to talk with Howard Stark. I made a promise to myself that you would have the chance to help in the war somehow, someway.".

Milo replied, "Rourke will be upset. Helga is already heading down fast.", and Jacques replied, "At least we got guides out of this, and freedom to explore on our own...The princesses looked like they really wanted to help us, though they look like they have no idea how...".

"Certainly showed that the girls and the King don't exactly see eye to eye about things. I think anyone could tell when they were speaking, even if it was their own language.", Milo said.

Erskine replied, "All the same, we must be on our best behavior. The King was correct. This isn't America or even Europe, but it's an individual kingdom here, and the laws of the surface doesn't exist here as we are deep under the sea and the earth.".

The others in the group nodded, and so as they exited the great stairs to the palace, Vinny hugged Jacques, "Papa! How did it go? Helga said that the King wasn't being fair.", as Erskine glanced at Thaddeus who gave him a thumbs up to ensure that Mole or anyone else didn't cause any trouble while they were up there.

Steve glanced at Peggy who smiled at him, noticing a glimmer of thoughtful patience in her eyes, hinting that she had a bit of time to think, making him realize that she's on the same brainwave, wanting to talk with him privately. But for now, they're watching the soon-to be conversation brought up by Rourke who is clearly frustrated.

"So, all of this was basically for nothing.", Rourke said as Erskine reluctantly nodded, "In terms of trying to get what we would hopefully expect, I'm afraid so. But it's not much of a difference if we came here and found there was nothing.".

"At least if there was nothing, we'd have an acceptable excuse; Washington would at least be a bit more comfortable in knowing that at least the Nazis wouldn't get anything either.", Rourke huffed.

Erskine replied, "Yes, that's one less worry about. Now, we are lucky that we have today and tonight to explore. I presume Helga told you about the King's proclamation, Rourke?".

Rourke sighed deeply, "Yes, she did. We will not make trouble with the locals.", and Erskine nodded, "Good. Respect is the best way in this city, Commander, and we cannot afford to lose our remaining people.".

"Clear on that, doctor.", Rourke replied, "And just in time. Your guides are coming down.", glancing upwards to see the princesses coming down.

"If you'll excuse me, doctor, might be better for me to be with the men and plan our way out. The volcano might be our best option. I'll take Helga with me.", Rourke told him as Erskine nodded.

And so, Rourke took Helga, leaving the group, and Dr. Sweet glanced at Mole, "Come on, let's check out the market. And you better not flirt with any ladies, or I will make sure you fall in the lake.".

Mole winced at that, and went with Sweet, while Audrey replied, "I got Cookie and Packard. I bet there's some cool art stuff.", before heading off.

Kida and Sia looked curious, "Are they taking their privilege to see the city, are they not?", and Erskine smiled warmly, "They are. So, to be fair with you two, your majesties, I suggest Jacques and Vinny, along with I and my friend here to go with Princess Sia, while Milo, Steve and Peggy go with Princess Kida.".

"I suppose that's a good idea. I, for one, actually would like to talk with this Milo...", Kida glanced over to him as he practically started to blush. "Guessing it's because he can actually speak your language?", Steve chuckled.

Kida smiled, giggling, "Oh, yes. Yet I hope you two do not be upset if I show you a tradition on the way.", looking at Steve and Peggy.

Peggy nodded, "Oh, we are curious to hear out anything, your majesty.", and Kida smiled, "Oh, call me Kida. And Kidagaskash is my formal name.".

Milo widened his eyes, "Oh, that makes so much sense now...Kida suits you.", with a smile, and Kida smiled brightly, "Thank you, Milo. Is it your formal name or your personal name?".

"Ah, both.", Milo blushed, and Kida smiled warmly, "It suits you. Right, sister?", and Sia nodded, "Indeed. Sia is my personal name, but Thalassia is my formal name.".

Vinny widened his eyes, "That's a really pretty name! Right, Papa?", looking at Jacques with a smile and a nod. "Indeed, it is...", Jacques gave a small chuckle as Kida quickly took Milo's hands.

"Come with me. This way!", Kida practically whisked him away as Steve and Peggy chuckled before following. "If one didn't know any better, I would say Kida acts like she's been in relationship with Milo for some time.", Erskine observed.

Sia bit her lip, realizing that the soul bond relationship is working faster than expected, perhaps because Kida's soulmate is not exactly a Atlantean...meaning that Jacques would be the same.

Vinny noticed, "Sia, you okay?", and Sia nodded, "Oh, yes, just thinking of where to go first, young Vinny.", smiling warmly, glancing at Erskine and Thaddeus, realizing that she would need to go at their pace somewhat...

She then grinned brightly as she remembered something, "Hey, Vinny, wanna meet some kids to play with while I and the adults watch something unique?", and Vinny smiled widely, "Yeah!".

"Play nice.", Jacques said as Erskine looked to Sia, "Your majesty, if you don't mind me at least asking if maybe I could still get a private audience with your father; there is some more things I wish to tell him that would be best in private, especially about those that rule my homeland who would be a grave threat to your kingdom.".

Sia nodded as she took a deep breath, "I'll see if maybe that can be arranged, but please understand that right now, he needs his rest...".

Erskine nodded, "Of course, I understand, your majesty.", and Sia replied, "Please, you have earned respect from my father, and hence you can call me Sia. All of you.", with a reassuring smile.

Thaddeus roughly spoke, "I like her.", and Erskine smiled warmly, "Indeed. Forgive my friend, he isn't used to speaking after getting attacked. Scars and all. So, shall we see what you have in mind?".

Sia smiled brightly, "Yes, very much, doctor.", and holding out her hand, "May I?", looking at Jacques with a warm smile, waiting for his response.