Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi

by Hatch, Donsha

  “Yeah, but why?” asked Eiris with a dumbfounded expression.

  “Because that is what you are. Royalty.” he said. “Forgive me your majesty, I should have introduced myself. My name is Jannis. I’m one of the Turans chosen to escort you safely back to your home planet. Atlantis.” informed Jannis.

  “Atlantis? A planet? asked Eiris.

  “Yes, it is.” Jannis laughed. “I’m aware of what the humans believe Atlantis is and I can assure you, it isn’t what you’ve been led to believe. I’ve been sent to fetch you, as Marz is waiting for you on the observation deck.” he smiled.

  “Marz?” asked Eiris, who was beginning to feel as if he’d never understand anything ever again.

  “Yes. He has been watching over you since you were first sent here to the earth as a child.” replied Jannis.

  “Really?” replied Eiris with a hollow laugh. “And what about that crazy bird on your shoulder? Was he watching me too?” he asked sarcastically.

  “Ah. This here is Estophin. He is of a species indigenous to my home planet, called Cerebral Falcons. I’ve had him since he was just an egg.” he said.

  “Ok. So the bird thing earlier really was you?” Eiris asked in astonishment.

  “Yes, that was my doing. I have the ability to see what he sees when I choose it. So I’ve been using him to watch over you and recently to try to communicate with you.” he said as Estophin screeched.

  “So you’re telling me that I’m an alien?” laughed Eiris sarcastically.

  “Technically yes. But in many ways the humans are aliens to us. I understand this is a lot to process all at once. But Marz will explain things to you far better than I can. There is a wardrobe in your cosmetic chamber, you might want to change into more comfortable clothing.” said Jannis as he exited the room.

  Eiris somehow managed to get out of the bed and stumble over to the door he had indicated. He looked inside and was astounded yet again. This wardrobe was bigger than his entire shed room back home! As he was feeling quite overwhelmed, he simply grabbed the first outfit he came to and began to pull it on. When he had changed into the royal looking clothes, he looked into a nearby mirror and could barely recognize himself. As he studied his reflection, he began to think about how poor he had been growing up, but how inside he had always felt like he was meant for something more. Sensing that these people could tell him more about who or what he was, he came out of the wardrobe and followed Jannis to the enclosed observation deck.

  “Marz, here is Prince Eirisidae Penatia.” said Jannis humbly as he exited the observation deck.

  Slowly walking inside, Eiris knew that the presence he’d always felt since he was a child, was now humbly bowing on one knee, right in front of him.

  “Prince Eirisidae Penatia?” asked Eiris.

  “Yes. I’m certain you have many questions.” he humbly replied as he rose.

  “Yeah. Who are you?” asked Eiris.

  “My name is Captain Martin’ de la Puente, but you may refer to me simply as Marz. I am the former Captain of this frigate, The Leviathan. I was also a member of the Royal Atlantian Guard entrusted with the protection and defense of our home world, the ocean planet of Atlantis.” he replied.

  “You’re Spanish.” noted Eiris.

  “Formerly. For the past 494 years I have been Atlantian.” he replied.

  “I don’t understand.” said Eiris with a blank expression.

  “The people of our species are descendants of humans that were taken from the earth and augmented thousands of years ago by an unknown sentient race. The last of those sentient beings died long ago, leaving our ancestors to fend for themselves. They eventually settled in a beautiful solar system that the greatest of our kind, Edixe Turanii named Undaria. This is also why our species bears the general name of Undarians. There are three main Undarian races; Turans, Darkren, and Slyphs. Turans draw their power from natural elements like water and plasma. Darkren draw their power from dark matter, hence their name. I myself was born of Spain. I set out on an expedition in the year 1521, with a famous Spanish explorer in search of the fabled fountain of youth. We were following the trail of another legend, the legend of the Breathless Beauty. As part of a small boarding party that branched off to follow some leads, my group was attacked by the local natives and I was gravely wounded. As I was preparing for my end, suddenly a beautiful, exotic looking woman with glowing blue eyes came to my aid. She helped me onto a ship and brought me to her home planet. There I underwent a procedure that saved my life. One that is no longer practiced by our kind. Soon after, I realized I was forever changed. Not only was I stronger, but much smarter, and with practice I learned that I could now manipulate water at will. I have since dedicated my life to serving and protecting our people, Atlantians.” said Marz.

  “The Breathless Beauty was Atlantian? And you met her?” asked Eiris.

  “Yes. And so have you. Close your eyes and you can see her.” informed Marz.

  Just then, Eiris closed his eyes and began to remember the image of the beautiful woman from his dreams. Her bright blue hair, the markings like his, and the glowing blue eyes looking directly at him. Immediately he knew she was real.

  “Who am I?” asked Eiris breathlessly.

  “You are one of the Waterborn. Primary Prince of Atlantis and a wealthy member of the Atlantian royal lineage. And, you are your mother’s son.” he said.

  “My mother?” Eiris asked.

  “Yes. Your mother. Princess Allura Penatia. She was the former co-ruler of Atlantis and one of my dearest friends. Also known by some as the Breathless Beauty.” informed Marz.

  Realizing the truth in his words, Eiris was stunned. “The Breathless Beauty was my mother!” he gasped. “And what about my father?”

  “Kinol Lurienne was his name. He was a great Undarian and also one of my close friends. But he was not an Atlantian. He was of the race called Darkren. The elemental abilities of Darkren far surpass any other Undarian race. They can manipulate dark matter, which usually manifests itself in three forms. It can be seen in either fire, shadow, or burning ice. Your father was very powerful; he could bond all three.” said Marz.

  “If my father’s last name was Lurienne, why is mine Penatia?” asked Eiris.

  “It’s Undarian tradition that you bear the name of your family progenitor. Or in some rare cases, the family matriarch. Your great grandfather Penatia, was the progenitor of your royal line. I know it seems odd, but Undarians live much longer than humans.” said Marz.

  “I noticed you said was twice. Where are they now?” asked Eiris nervously.

  “BOOM!!! BOOM!!! BOOM!!!” Three plasma cannons hit the Leviathan.

  “Status?” Captain Aurora asked tersely as they quickly walked over to the command deck.

  “Multiple Engi destroyers inbound and firing! They’re targeting our propulsion systems.” said the pilot.

  “Evasive maneuvers!” Aurora ordered. “Take us into the stars. We cannot allow the humans to suffer the effects of our war.” she said.

  “Yes Captain.” replied the pilot.

  As the Atlantian frigate rose out of Elliott bay, the propulsions started up and the frigate sped into space, tailed closely by the Engi destroyers.

  “What war?” asked Eiris, glancing at the tense faces around him.

  “Almost five years ago, this species attacked and destroyed the celestial planet of Areolus, killing millions of innocent Undarians unprovoked. They have since destroyed seven other planets in our solar system. We have warred with them in protection of our fellow Undarians.” explained Marz.

  “Why? What do they want?” asked Eiris.

  “We do not know! At this point, the question of why is no longer of any importance. How do we defeat them is the real answer we seek.” said Marz.

  “How could they know we were on the Earth?” asked an Atlantian soldier.

  Wondering the same thing, Marz knew getting answers would only be possible once they returned to Atlantis.

&
nbsp; “I do not know. But I intend to find out.” replied Marz tersely.

  “Take us near the Sun.” commanded Aurora.

  “Yes Captain.” replied the pilot.

  As the frigate flew past the Earth’s Sun at light speeds, dozens of Engi destroyers pursued them, firing ion cannons rapidly.

  “Jannis get ready.” cued Aurora.

  Taking that cue, Jannis nodded and began bonding plasma from the Sun.

  “Now head for the Arc.” commanded Aurora.

  “Yes Captain.” replied the pilot.

  “Is that a quasar?” asked Eiris.

  “Yes.” replied Marz. “Our scientific term is Interstellar Arc and there are many in the universe. They are naturally-occurring portals that allow us to travel efficiently to other worlds.”

  “Like an Einstein-Rosen Bridge? That’s pretty cool.” said Eiris.

  “Yes, it is.” smiled Marz.

  “BOOM!!!” hit another plasma cannon.

  “Captain, we can’t take many more of those plasma cannons.” notified the pilot.

  “Noted. Go around the Arc and face them head on.” commanded Aurora.

  “Yes…. Captain.” replied the pilot reluctantly.

  As the Leviathan came around the quasar, it began speeding right towards the mass of Engi destroyers. The destroyers then began firing dozens of plasma cannons at it.

  “Now Jannis!” said Aurora.

  Jannis then bonded a large protective screen of plasma in front of the frigate that got bigger as it absorbed the ion charges of the Engi destroyers and pushed it directly into them. As many of their ships burst into flames, Aurora then commanded the pilot to make a beeline into the Arc.

  “Go now!” ordered Aurora.

  “Yes Captain, entering the Arc.” replied the pilot.

  Flying directly into the white quasar, the Leviathan began traveling at warp speeds until it came out on the other side of it, revealing a gorgeous blue planet with two rings around it. As they neared Atlantis, Eiris went to the observation deck and got a closer look. The ice rings, the beautiful oceans, the mountains, the surrounding quasars. Somehow, deep down, Eiris knew he was home. As many sleek silver starships orbited the planet, a squadron of them began flying next to the Leviathan.

  “Atlantian control, this is Leviathan one. We have the payload. Do you copy?” communicated the pilot.

  “Copy Leviathan one. You are cleared to land. The Atlantian Guard will escort you safely to the Pluvian Palace. Welcome home Prince Eirisidae.” said a friendly voice over communications.

  As the starships decorated with what he now knew to be the royal insignia escorted the Leviathan down to the surface, Eiris could see a beautiful palace made of white gold. It was right in the middle of a large city built into three mountains that rose directly out of the surrounding ocean. A truly incredible sight.

  “City of gold huh? Guess there’s a little truth in some of these myths after all.” smiled Eiris as the Atlantian frigate landed.

  “Ah yes, another one of the Earth legends.” laughed Jannis as they made their way to the boarding ramp. “I look forward to seeing you at the academy.” he smiled.

  “The academy?” asked Eiris.

  “Yes. Marz will explain everything later. See you soon my friend.” said Jannis as he grasped Eiris’ forearm and walked out of the ship, followed by his bird Estophin.

  Eiris then walked alongside Marz as the rest of the crew followed them out of the frigate. Walking down the boarding ramp, Eiris saw dozens of soldiers in silver and blue armor ceremoniously standing opposite each other lining the walkway. As they emerged from the ship and stepped into the sunlight, they walked onto an elevated platform with a beautiful long blue carpet laid out. As soon as they became visible, hundreds of thousands of people standing in large crowds below erupted in cheers and praises. Eiris became simply overwhelmed with emotion at the sight before him.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” said Captain Aurora.

  “I don’t have the words.” whispered Eiris with a lump in his throat.

  “It’s an honor to finally meet you your majesty. We’ve been waiting a long time for this.” she smiled.

  Unsure of what to say, Eiris just smiled and nodded. As they walked through the entrance of the huge palace, the standing soldiers beamed and nodded respectfully as Eiris passed by.

  “Why is everyone so excited?” asked Eiris.

  “For a very long time our people have been without hope. Your very presence gives them that.” replied Marz.

  “I just don’t understand how I can mean so much to so many people!” said Eiris in disbelief.

  “Not yet. But soon you will.” smiled Marz.

  While the rest of the Leviathan crew went their separate ways throughout the palace, Eiris followed Marz with a growing sense of apprehension. Marz led him into a large wing of the palace and showed him to a gigantic room with all kinds of gifts and regal decorations that Eiris hardly even glanced at. He looked closely at Marz and could tell something was wrong by the pained look he was trying to hide with a smile.

  “This entire palace is yours.” smiled Marz with a flourish.

  “They’re dead aren’t they?” Eiris said bluntly.

  “...............Yes they are. I am truly sorry your majesty.” said a despondent Marz.

  “What happened?” asked Eiris as he stared numbly at the floor.

  “Before the Engi emerged, Undarians warred with each other. Turans and Darkren alike. But, no rivalry has ever been filled with more hatred and resentment than the one between Atlantians and Darkren. It all started centuries ago when an ambitious young Darkren named Mordren began to rise within their ranks. Soon, he gained many supporters and forcefully took control of the Darkren regime, convincing other Darkren worlds that they deserved more dominion over Undaria. He then started a strenuous and brutal training grounds for gifted young Darkren called The Order of Assassins that led the war against the other Undarian planets. Your great grandfather, Edixe Penatia fought back against the tyrant, but was killed in battle not long after Mordren began attacking Atlantian planets. The Darkren Regime became a plague on Undaria and seemed undefeatable, until two unlikely Undarians joined forces.” informed Marz.

  “My parents.” said Eiris.

  “Yes. Then princess, your mother was putting up a valiant effort to withstand Lord Mordren’s forces, but was being overwhelmed. Atlantis was on the verge of being taken over when a powerful young Darkren from the Order of Assassins saved her life. That Darkren was your father, Kinol. He then combined his shadow assassins with the Atlantian forces and eventually drove Lord Mordren back to the Darkren home world of Eternite. Defeated, Lord Mordren was forced to surrender. To avoid further bloodshed, the Atlantian Republic signed peace agreements with the other races including the Darkren Regime. Not long after the Darkren War ended, your parents wed and you were born. This was something that had never been done before, and has not since been repeated, the union of a Turan and a Darkren. With your birth, we finally had a bridge between the worlds. You are the first and only of your kind in Undarian history.” remarked Marz.

  “You’re telling me that I’m the only mixed-raced Undarian?” asked a disturbed Eiris.

  “Unfortunately, yes. Undarian history is one filled with war and strife, primarily because of the divisive traditions our species was founded on. Those same traditions have crippled us over the centuries much more than we will admit. Your parents broke those traditions, removing barriers and giving us real hope for a better future. It is a sad thing that we Undarians often think ourselves better than humans, yet we haven’t learned from their biggest mistakes.” replied Marz.

  “So what happened to them?”

  “In a prideful and desperate attempt, Lord Mordren later betrayed your parents and launched a secret attack on Atlantis. Although unsuccessful, the battle claimed his life and the lives of your parents. It’s a tragedy that many Undarians try to forget and has in many ways seemed to doom us all.” Marz
sighed gloomily.

  “But why was I sent away to Earth?” asked Eiris in consternation.

  “For your protection. Not long after your birth, your parents gave me orders to secretly take you to Earth and watch over you. They feared that one day the Order of Assassins would seek revenge by causing you harm. They also did not want you to be raised in this broken society. On Earth, they knew you would likely endure unfortunate circumstances for a time, but those circumstances would create in you the qualities that would make you a great leader one day. So they forewent their hearts desire and sacrificed raising you here because they saw the bigger picture. They knew that you would be the key to the future of all Undarians. As far as ruling goes, the Atlantian Council has been and will continue overseeing the throne until you feel you are ready to rule. On your word, they will immediately turn the throne over to you. I understand this is much to process all at once so I’ll leave you to your thoughts now. I won’t be far if you need anything.” nodded Marz.

  Eiris sat on the huge bed in his new room in the palace, trying to process everything he had just learned. In his mind’s eye he went back to his broken childhood, re-living the anxiety and uncertainty he had felt for so many years. Growing up as an orphan he had created many stories to explain away the fact that his parents weren’t around. Over the years he had learned to build up a numbness, an emotional barrier that protected him from the pain and heartache of loneliness. Now, here in this ornate bedroom, he allowed himself to remember the many nights where he had felt engulfed in the darkness of loneliness, longing for a family to love him. Now he knew that he had been loved all along, but that the love of his parents had been from afar. This both relieved him, and yet, saddened him. He felt as if he had gained his parents, and then lost them again, all in one day. It was all too much for him to handle and he fought the urge to just lay down and cry his eyes out on his new silk pillows.

  Suddenly he realized sulking wouldn’t do him any good, so he jumped up and decided to take a walk around the palace to clear his mind. As he walked out into the large halls, he saw many beautiful trees, waterfalls, and natural pools built right into the palace architecture. He noted also that the people were all very beautiful and friendly, slightly bowing to him as he passed. Eiris knew he had to figure out one day how to tell everyone he didn’t like feeling superior and being bowed to.