Post by Stardrifter on Jul 4, 2013 13:21:15 GMT -5
by
Stardrifter
#8 - The End of the Beginning: Part One
<Atlantis?>
Arthur's eyes grow wide at the word, shock evident on his face. So many possibilities run through his mind all at once. For a moment he almost forgets where he is and starts sinking before quickly correcting himself.
<Yes, Atlantis,> Garth repeats in Arthur's mind. His thoughts are slow and deliberate, the skepticism plain in their tone. Garth's large eyes narrow as he inspects the strange man in front of him.
<I...I've never heard of Atlantis,> Arthur's stammers in his mind. <I mean, sure I've heard the myth. Everyone has. But you're saying it's real?>
Garth begins to slowly swim backwards, doubt on his face. Realizing he's frightening him away, Arthur instinctively reaches out toward the strange being. Like a cat in a corner it only makes Garth dart away. The speed at which he moves astonishes Arthur. Garth cuts through the water like a knife through butter. Desperate not to let any potential answers escape him, Arthur gives chase.
<Fool!> Arthur reads in Garth's mind as he pursues. <Mother and Father will kill me! I should never have mentioned Atlantis!>
<Why shouldn't you have mentioned Atlantis?> Arthur shouts after him. <My name is Arthur! I'm not your enemy! You have no...> Arthur cuts himself short when Garth comes to a sudden halt. In a one graceful, fluid motion, Garth turns to face him. Arthur has to strain himself to keep from barreling into him.
<How did you do that?!> Garth's thoughts scream into Arthur's mind. <I did not send that to you!>
It takes a moment for Arthur to understand Garth's meaning, his transition from fear to outrage like a flip of a switch. <I just...I read your thoughts.> Arthur's confusion grows as the anger on Garth's face vanishes, leaving shock and fear behind. <I'm sorry I...I mean I was just...>
<You can hear others? Not just send words?>
So much is happening at once, Arthur isn't sure what answer would be best. Overwhelmed, he relies simply on the truth. <Yes. Since I was a boy. You can't?>
Garth's body begins to tremble, out of fear or excitement is impossible for Arthur to say. Unwilling to risk possibly offending him again, Arthur doesn't read his mind. Instead he waits patiently as Garth studies him, peering at him like one might size up a puzzle to be solved. He takes advantage of the moment to take in more about Garth as well. It finally dawns on him that Garth must be just a boy, his lanky limbs giving him the appearance of size but his youthful face betrays the truth. He wears a simple pair of dark green shorts, made of some leathery material that almost appears black. A red shirt made from what appears to be scales covers his thin torso, leaving his pale arms exposed and free to move.
After a few moments of silence, Garth inches closer toward him. <You live on the surface, but are of the sea?>
The question confuses Arthur a bit. <I do live on the surface. Of the sea? I don't know. I...I mean maybe I...>
<You have great strength? Of body and mind?>
<Yes...I guess...>
Garth swims up close, his large purple eyes just inches from Arthur's face, peering into his own eyes as if looking into his soul. <You seek answers for a life of questions? To a past kept hidden?>
It dawns on Arthur that Garth's questions sound as if they're part of a list, a tally he's mentally taking. <I don't know where I'm from or who I really am, if that's what you're asking?>
A wide, boyish grin spreads across Garth's face. He swims backward and flips over in the water, spreading his arms out as if in triumph. His thoughts are filled with glee. <Of course! You are the one! The one they spoke of! You must be!>
<The one who spoke of?> Arthur asks, more confused than ever. <What are you talking about?>
Rather than answer, Garth swims off, though not nearly as fast this time. He idly waves for Arthur to follow without looking back. <Come! You must meet Mother and Father! They will be ecstatic!>
At the end of his rope, Arthur sighs, spraying bubbles out of his mouth and nose. Despite his confusion, for the first time in his life he's being presented with the chance for real answers. It's not a decision that requires thought. Arthur kicks his legs and follows after the strange boy, down into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
****
Sunlight begins to creep up along the horizon, rousing Jenna from her near sleep. Realization hitting her, she quickly snaps up straight on the bench beside the beach, looking around to see if anyone saw her. No one. She's still alone, all the emergency crews and bystanders having left hours ago.
The sound of waves crashing along the beach threatens to send her off to sleep again. She quickly stands up and paces a bit, getting the blood flowing once more. After hours of waiting, her legs are stiff and her butt asleep. She can see her breath in the chill morning air, reminding her of how cold it is and causing her to rub her arms in response.
The fog in her mind clears more and another thought occurs to her. Pulling out her phone, she checks it for messages. Nothing. Just a message telling her of the 6% battery life left, and the clock showing 6:11am as if mocking her.
"Arthur, where are you?"
When the world doesn't answer, she sits back down on the bench, pulling her arms and legs close to her, and rests her head on her hands. For the hundredth time she scans the water, looking for any signs of him. A thorough search returns only seagulls and waves.
It occurs to her that she has class in less than two hours. She chokes back a sob, the thought of having to sit through class in this state overwhelming. She goes back and forth over her options, stay or go. For some time she sits perfectly still, her exhausted mind slowly processing the information and determining her course of action. Finally, a heavy sigh escapes her lips, and she leans back on the bench, tears falling from her eyes.
****
It takes what Arthur assumes is a couple hours to reach their destination. It's hard to judge the passage of time in the dark of the deep ocean. Arthur knows they could have done it in less than half the time, but Garth swims at a leisurely pace. The journey is mostly quiet, with Garth offering little in response to Arthur's questioning.
When the ocean floor finally comes into view, only Arthur's excitement keeps him going, his body near exhaustion. Garth slows to a stop as they reach the edge of a cliff. Arthur swims up beside him and looks down, his jaw dropping.
<Welcome to Shayeris, capital of the Hidden Valley.>
It's a sight that Arthur will never forget. The valley stretches farther than Arthur can see, as does Shayeris. A city the likes of which he's never imagined before. Buildings litter the landscape, in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. From stone, to crystal, to shell, to things he couldn't even hazard to guess. Lights shine from most of the buildings, some refracting in the crystal ones, causing rainbows to scatter across the city.
In the depth of the ocean, with no need for roads, the layout of the city is almost random. In some places a cluster of similar buildings sit in close proximity, then other places have large spaces between them. Looking directly down the side of the valley beneath him, Arthur notices buildings attached to the wall.
The most amazing thing, however, is the people. Hundreds if not thousands of people like Garth swim about in all directions, going about their business. From armored men and women with spears, to families with children, and even sea creatures. The city is teeming with life.
<How?>
<How?> Garth parrots Arthur's question, unsure what he means.
<How does no one know about this?> Arthur looks over with wide eyes. <How have you remained hidden from the surface world all this time?>
Garth smiles, pride in his eyes, and begins leading Arthur toward the city.<Magic.>
<Magic?> After leading an unusual life of his own, and now this, the idea of magic doesn't seem so silly to Arthur.
<We employ spells and enchantments that keep the surface dwellers from detecting us with their machines. It can sometimes be difficult. There were...incidents when the machines first started to appear, but we have learned to deal with them.>
There's still so much that Arthur wants to ask, but he's cut short when a pair of guards spot them. Noticing Arthur's unusual appearance, they turn suddenly and swim directly for him. Arthur stops and raises his arms as they point their spear tips at his chest. Their ornately decorated armor is bronze colored, yet made from a rough material that reminds Arthur of coral, and covers them head to toe.
<Halt!> one of the guards screams in his mind. The skin Arthur can see under his helmet is pale but slightly bluish. A long, thin white mustache floats out from under the helmet, wiggling in the water as he speaks.
<What is the meaning of this?> the other guard demands. This one is large, his long limbs heavily muscled. His skin is brown, yet still a pale shade like the rest of them.
<His name is Arthur!> Garth speaks up, moving toward the guards to get their attention. <I've brought him to see Mother and Father.>
The guards look over to Garth as if seeing him for the first time, then quickly bow their heads. <Apologies, Your Highness,> the mustached one says. <I did not see you there.>
<No apology required.> Garth gently pushes a spear away from Arthur's chest.
<The King and Queen have been beside themselves,> the dark skinned one says, his tone respectful yet slightly admonishing. <An entire garrison was sent in search of you, accompanied by mages as well. You...>
<Then call them back,> Garth interrupts in a dismissive tone. <I am returned and fine. Now let us pass.>
The two guards look back at Arthur, caught between obeying their prince and their distrust of an outsider. They look at each other, their eyes moving as if speaking to each other. It occurs to Arthur that they are, their telepathy allowing them to communicate without sending their thoughts to Arthur or Garth. Garth is also acutely aware.
<Now!>
The young prince's impatience causes the mustached guard to speak up. <Your Highness, this man is unlike any Atlantean we've seen before. We can't just...>
Fed up, Garth grabs Arthur's hand and pulls him along as he barrels past the guards. Realizing they won't be able to stop the prince, they resign themselves to following along, keeping their eyes locked on Arthur the entire time. Arthur can sense the distrust and paranoia in their minds.
Looking ahead, Arthur realizes the large crystalline building in the distance is their destination. <What is that?>
<Idyllist Palace,> Garth replies to his inquiry.
Ornately crafted from white, blue, and clear crystals, the palace is a marvel. It stands taller than any other building by far, with four small towers surrounding one large, central tower. Many people come and go through entrances all over the building. As the number of people increases the closer they get, Arthur begins to notice bystanders stopping to stare at him. He quickly has to block out all the fearful and aggressive thoughts.
Garth brings Arthur to what appears to be the main entrance to the palace, with large crystalline doors swung open. Guards float at their posts protecting the entrance as well as patrol the area. They all stop to take in the outsider. Seeing their prince leading him by the hand, along with the two guards following, they know better than to try and stop them. Still, they raise their weapons as the group passes.
Inside the palace, everyone makes way for the prince. Garth leads them into the throne room, a large room the size of a gymnasium. The ceiling is made of clear crystal and lights whose source Arthur can't determine shine through. The floor and walls are crafted from the same white and blue crystals and ornately decorated with crafts made of scales, shells, and other materials. Banners of strange design float in the water, all bearing a symbol of a circle with two arching lines going through the center from top to bottom.
Sitting on a large crystal throne atop a dais at the other end of the throne room is a man the spitting image of Garth. Dressed in a richly designed scale coat of red and blue, he rises up at the sudden arrival. His long black hair is tied into a ponytail that floats behind his head, and a closely cropped black beard adorns his muscled jaw. A golden circlet sits atop his brow, indicating his station as King.
<Garth!> His thoughts call out to the entire room in a commanding tone. His large, grey eyes narrow in anger. <Garth where have you been! Explain yourself, son!>
<The story is long, father,> Garth tells him, seemingly unconcerned about his father's anger.
As they reach the throne, Arthur sees the Queen sitting on a smaller throne to the King's left. Her body is shaped much like the other Atlanteans, though with noticeable feminine curves. Curves Arthur is acutely aware of due to her skintight red and purple bodysuit. A cape flows from her shoulders and down the undersides of her arms. A similar circlet to the King's adorns her brow, holding back her long, flowing silver hair. Her eyes are the same purple as her son's. As the first woman he's really had time to look at since arriving, he finds her to be oddly attractive. When her eyes turn to him, he realizes he's been staring and quickly averts his gaze.
<Who is this?> the King asks, also finally looking upon Arthur. <He is an odd looking man.>
<Bow!> the mustached guard says as he hits Arthur with the butt of his spear. <You are in the presence of King Thar and Queen Berra!> Arthur does as he's told.
<His name is Arthur,> Garth begins, ignoring the guard's outburst. <I found him up by the surface. He...>
<The surface!> the King and Queen shout in unison, Queen Berra rising to her feet to join her husband. He continues, <Garth how many times must we tell you not to travel to the surface!>
<Forget about that!> Garth shouts back at his parents, frustrated by their interruption. <His name is Arthur. He is the one!>
<The one what?> King Thar asks, confused.
<The one from the prophecy!>
King Thar raises a hand to his brow, attempting to rub the pain his son is causing away. He closes his eyes and turns to his wife. <Do you know what nonsense he speaks of?>
<I believe he speaks of the Prophecy of the Unifier,> Queen Berra says, her thoughts light and lyrical. <An old prophecy Garth has always held a fondness for.>
Clearly frustrated, but attempting to humor his son, King Thar asks, <And to what does this prophecy refer?>
Garth straightens up tall, proud to recite it for his father. <A man born of the sea but raised on the surface shall come, with great strength of body and mind, seeking answers to his past. He shall face great turmoil, fight many battles, and one day unite the people of Atlantis as one, leading them through their darkest times and returning them to the surface once more.>
The King quickly turns to Arthur, <You are from the surface?>
Arthur looks about, everyone in the throne room staring at him, not sure what to say. <I was raised there, yes, but I...>
<Seize him!>
The two guards from earlier, only too happy to oblige, grab Arthur's arms. More guards swim forward, lowering their spears toward Arthur. Garth, horrified, swims to his father and grabs his arms. <Father stop! He was raised on the surface but doesn't know where he's from! He breaths and swims like us! He sends his thoughts like us! But he can read them too! He...>
King Thar holds up a hand to silence his son. He peers at Arthur, studying him. <You are able to read the thoughts of others?> Arthur nods. <Then read mine.>
Arthur blushes, suddenly put on the spot in front of the entire court. He looks to Garth, who smiles wide, so certain of Arthur. Finally, locking eyes with the King, he does as he's told. <You don't believe I can. You think this prophecy is nonsense and your son should stop dreaming of the surface. You don't trust me and think I should be killed. And you wish you hadn't had so much for breakfast, your stomach's queasy.>
King Thar's eyes grow wide and his mouth opens somewhat. The people of the court, seeing his reaction, realize it's true. Arthur can read minds. He can sense the thoughts floating about the room as the court gossips in secret. King Thar looks to his wife, the two discussing in private. Arthur chooses to respect their privacy, even if they're deciding his fate.
Finally the King turns back toward him. <You are a surface dweller?>
<I...> Arthur sighs. <Eighteen years ago, during a terrible storm, a man brought me as a baby to the man who would raise me. A "surface dweller." The man who brought me disappeared, leaving my father with no explanation of where I came from.> Arthur looks deep into the King's eyes. <I don't know who I am. Where I come from. All I know is I appear to be more like your people than those on the surface. I have waited for answers my whole life. Please.>
King Thar doesn't respond, instead looking to his son. Garth smiles wide and nods enthusiastically. He then turns to his wife, who closes her eyes and gives a gentle nod. Finally, he returns his gaze to Arthur. <I do not know who or what you are, but you are correct. You appear to be more Atlantean than human. I do not know if you can be trusted, but I shall give you the opportunity to prove it.> He nods to the guards, who release Arthur. The King then raises a finger, making a point. <One chance. Give me reason to doubt you, and you shall not live to regret it.>
The tension finally leaving the room, Arthur lets out a deep breath and slumps his shoulders. He realizes again just how tired he is, a fact that doesn't escape Queen Berra's notice. <Garth, take your friend to a room so he may rest. I shall visit Wren. Perhaps he and his wise men shall have some answers for him when he awakes.>
<Thank you, Your Majesty,> Arthur bows his head. Garth swims forward and grabs his hand, leading him off toward his much needed rest.
****
The King and Queen swim hand in hand through the palace, their guard following dutifully behind. They head up to the top of the northern tower, to the quarters of their adviser and Head Mage, Wren. When they enter they find him pouring over a scroll, fighting with his long white beard that keeps floating in front of his eyes.
<Perhaps you should finally give it a trim, my friend,> Queen Berra laughs, rousing Wren from his work.
<If I did that, how would others know of what great importance I am?> Wren says warmly, slowly swimming over to greet the King and Queen. He begins to attempt a bow, but Queen Berra embraces him first. <To what do I owe this pleasure, that the two of you would come to me instead of the other way around, Your Majesty?>
<We have...> Queen Berra begins, but the King quickly raises a hand, silencing her.
<First I need you to do something for me,> King Thar explains. <Quickly and quietly.>
Confused, yet obedient, Wren nods his bald head. <Anything, Your Majesty.>
<I need you to open a secret communication to Poseidonis. I need to speak with King Orm, immediately.>
-To Be Continued-