As he continued to pass by dining halls made of gold and grand balconies overlooking the gorgeous city of Pluvia, he came to a place that immediately caught his attention. An immense hallway with statues of white and yellow gold was right in front of him. Realizing that this was likely where he could see a representation of his mother and father, he slowly paced down the grand hall, studying each statue.
He passed by many statues, but suddenly, he felt irrepressibly drawn to a huge pair of statues at the middle point of the hall. As he gazed up at them he somehow knew they were his parents without even looking at their nameplates. There was a color painting of them near the feet of their statues, and as he studied it he noticed a stark contrast in the eye colors of his parents. His father Kinol had dark red irises and his mother Allura had bright blue irises. He then understood the origin of his rare purple eyes. He also noted their gorgeously exotic appearances. Although the Undarians he’d seen up to this point were all phenomenally good-looking, his parent’s appearances were truly a beauty of another kind.
“The Hall of Edixes. Where all of our former rulers come to rest.” said Marz, walking up beside Eiris.
“That’s them.” said Eiris.
“Yes. They are still the most divergent and amazingly beautiful Undarians I’ve ever met to date.” smiled Marz.
“I see why she was called the Breathless Beauty.” noted Eiris.
“Yes. She was quite an eyeful.” he nodded.
“Jannis said something about a school.” said Eiris, changing the subject.
“Decades ago, in order to help maintain peaceful relations between the races, your parents had a wondrous school built. The Undarian Academy of Science, Medicine, and Technology. It’s your choice whether you will either become the youngest Edixe to ever ascend to an Atlantian throne, or go back to school. Either way, you will have the full support of your people.” smiled Marz.
“My choice?” asked Eiris in deep thought.
Eiris patiently sat in the gigantic auditorium as hundreds of Undarian students began pouring in from the large entrances. Sitting in one of the lower level seats, he overheard some beautiful Atlantian girls whispering to each other as they gawked at him.
“Oh my gosh, he’s so beautiful.” said one.
“I know right? Look at his eyes.” replied the other.
“Go ask for his autograph. Or no, ask him for a holo selfie!” the first one said.
“No. You go!” the other one hissed.
Eiris smiled their way and waved to acknowledge that he was friendly and they didn’t have to gawk. One of them got wide-eyed and started fangirling.
“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! He just waved at me!” she cried fanatically.
Then a gorgeous girl with emerald green hair and light green eyes sat next to Eiris. She had beautiful markings like him, and most noticeably, obediently sitting next to her was an extremely rare looking big cat.
“Is that a…...?” started Eiris.
“Golden saber-toothed liger? Yup.” she calmly smiled.
“That’s pretty awesome.” said Eiris.
“Thanks. That’s actually her name.” she informed.
“Whose name?”
“My liger. Her name is Awesome.” she smiled, as the saber-toothed liger purred.
“That’s pretty cool.” laughed Eiris.
“Yup. So I see it’s already becoming a pretty interesting day for the new year.” she smiled.
“How so?” asked Eiris.
“You haven’t heard the rumors going around? Prince Eirisidae, the son of Allura and Kinol is supposed to be coming to this academy.” she said.
“Guess that’s a pretty big deal huh?”
“Uh, yeah! No one even believed that they really had a child, let alone him being here at the academy.” she scoffed.
“Yeah, I guess so.” Eiris laughed.
“Why is that so funny?” she squinted.
“No reason.” he smiled.
“Well anyway, my name is Kezzy. Nice to meet you.” she smiled.
“Likewise. My name’s Eiris.” he smiled back.
“...............Eiris as in Eirisidae? Primary Prince of Atlantis? Son of Kinol and Allura Eiris?” Kezzy said wide-eyed.
“Um, yeah. Kind of still getting used to it myself.” Eiris smiled as he scratched the back of his head.
“Okay. That just happened.” Kezzy said calmly.
Just then, a nerdy-looking guy scuffled across the aisles looking for a seat as the auditorium quickly filled up. He came to the seat on the opposite side of Eiris and gave a hopeful look.
“Hi, is this seat taken?” he asked.
“Yup, and you’d better look someplace else.” remarked Kezzy with a glare, followed by a growl from Awesome.
Eiris then remembered everything he learned about how the different Undarian races felt about each other. He noticed that Dex didn’t have exotic-looking eyes or markings anywhere on his exposed body. He also noticed that he had mechanical-looking receptacles in front of both of his ears.
“No it’s free. You can sit down.” smiled Eiris as Kezzy gave him another mean look.
“Thanks.” he smiled as he sat down. “My name Dextrius, but you can call me Dex.”
“Nice to meet you. What are those?” asked Eiris, gesturing to the receptacles in front of Dex’s ears.
“My neural nodes.” Dex replied.
Seeing the confused and uncomprehending expression on Eiris’ face, Dex continued.
“I’m a Slyph. A brainer? You…….do know what that is, right?” Dex nodded slowly to Eiris.
“Nope. Not really.” said Eiris as he shook his head.
“Interesting. Where’d you say you were from again?” asked a puzzled Dex.
“I’m from Earth.” replied Eiris.
“Haha, pretty clever.” laughed Dex. “I get the joke being that we’re descendants from humans and all. But seriously, where are you from?”
“I guess technically I was born here on Atlantis. But I grew up on Earth.” said Eiris.
“Wait. You wouldn’t happen to be Prince Eirisidae by any chance, would you?” asked Dex wide-eyed.
“Eiris. You can call me Eiris.” Eiris smiled.
“That’s pretty xeno. I’m sitting next to Prince Eiris.” Dex grinned. “Well, I think that merits a more thorough introduction. My name is Dextrius Tesla. I’m from the prestigious Tesla Family, which is by the way one of the biggest tech giants in the entire solar system of Undaria. I come from a long line of Slyphs, one of the original families to be precise. And if you’re wondering what a Slyph is, it’s simply the word brain translated in the Undarian language. Unlike Turans and Darkren who initially were genetically augmented and engineered, Slyphs are biomechanically augmented at birth.” he informed.
“Aside from the way we were created, what are the differences?” asked Eiris.
“Well Slyphs aren’t born with the innate ability to manipulate nature like Turans and Darkren. So, not long after our births there is a neural implant installed into our cerebral cortex that allows us certain, rather exclusive abilities.” said Dex.
“Like what?” asked Eiris.
“Well, although our augments do make us more athletic, our physical prowess is minor compared to that of Turans and Darkren. But mentally, we have shall I say, somewhat of an advantage.” smiled Dex.
“Speak for yourself mech!” glared Kezzy with glowing green eyes.
“Come again tree hugger?” threatened Dex as they both rose out of their seats.
Awesome then let out a fierce growl while many of the nearby students calmly watched on.
“Relax guys. There’s no need for that.” said Eiris as he parted the two.
Shocked at the gesture, Kezzy and Awesome angrily departed to one of the upper seats in the auditorium.
“Dumb mech.” she hissed as she stormed away with her golden saber-toothed liger.
“You know, I don’t quite like her.” mused Dex as he sat down.
&nbs
p; “Maybe she likes you.” Eiris smiled.
“Likes me? That behavior is totally contrary to what romantic feelings would dictate.” disputed Dex.
“Well on earth, sometimes children and teenagers tease the people they crush on.”
“Is that so? Well then, humans are weirder than I thought.” said Dex.
“I guess.” laughed Eiris. “Does that type of aggression happen here often?” he asked.
“Unfortunately yes. And it’s been especially tense, now that Turans have been at war with those Engi characters. Somehow they’ve deemed it acceptable to equate us to those monsters.” condemned Dex.
Realizing this was a good time to change the subject, Eiris asked about Dex’s accent.
“I noticed you speak with an English accent. Have you ever been to Earth?” asked Eiris “No, of course not.” laughed Dex. “You’ll notice that most of us speak English here at the academy. Which in truth, is a foreign language in Undaria. I also find that fact quite comical because we think ourselves above the humans, but often imitate them in many ways. Nevertheless, as a linguist I’ve become quite fond of the English language. Spoken with the accent of the Englanders of course. It’s quite exotic.”
“That’s pretty cool.” Eiris admitted.
“Indeed it is my friend.” said Dex with a smile.
Everyone in the auditorium began to settle down as various conversations began to turn into whispers and people hushing each other.
“What’s going on?” asked Eiris.
“One word. Epic.” whispered Dex.
Eager to see what was about to happen, Eiris looked to the stage. Soon, a well-dressed man with silver eyes shining through a set of smart glasses, slowly walked onto the stage. The sleeves on his buttoned shirt were rolled up, revealing black markings on his forearms. The anticipation was astonishing. One could hear a pin drop with the silence of everyone in the auditorium.
“XENOGEEK!” thundered the speaker.
“What’s a Xenogeek?” whispered Eiris.
“N.W.A. You know, nerds with attitude? Ah, don’t worry. He’ll explain.” replied Dex.
“Xeno!” the speaker yelled. “Alien! Strange! And by definition, synonymous with the word different! Geek! And…. I…. quote! Someone who is intelligent, single-minded, and accomplished in either mathematics or science. But! Is often unfashionable and socially inept! Does that sound like you?” he asked.
Then he paused and paced the stage, scanning the crowd closely with his hand on his chin.
“From the looks of it, yes. Up until now you all have lived up to the stereotypes the galaxy has about you! BUT NO MORE!!!” he shouted. “Here at Undarian Academy of Science, Medicine, and Technology, you will break the stereotypes! Defy the odds! Social skills, wit, humor, and combat are but a fraction of what you will learn here. You won’t just be doctors, scientists, and engineers, but you will also be athletes and soldiers. So take courage and apply yourselves. And in time, you will be different. You will…….be…. xeno. Besides people, we’re Xenogeek. We’re just………. better.” he smiled.
The crowd then erupted in a standing ovation with applause and cheers as he walked off the stage.
“Who was that?! asked Eiris, trying to speak over the loud applause.
“His name is Dr. Stephen Masterson! He’s the former lieutenant of the Areolian military and war hero of the battle of Areolus. His squadron single-handedly prevented one of the primary Arcs from being destroyed, thus allowing other Turan forces to help save millions of lives. He’s now the Authore of the Undarian Academy!” yelled Dex as he clapped.
“What’s an Authore?” asked Eiris as the crowd quieted down.
“Oh, right. I forget you’re not familiar with these terms. Authore means overseer in Undarian. He’s pretty much the dean.” informed Dex.
Once the students began sitting down again, a screen less display appeared on the back of the seats in front of everyone. It showed the message: Please select your guild. Listed, were the names of the various academy guilds, including the Black Horde Guild and the Sea Dragon Guild.
“What’s this?” asked Eiris.
“Ah. Well I’ll try to keep it brief. At the beginning of the year, we’re separated into guilds that we will remain a part of throughout the course of the year. A guild is basically a large group composed of upper and lower classmen that help each other. You also can only compete in the various war sports of this academy with members of your own guild. We can of course choose to change guilds after each semester if that’s our wish, but for the most part everyone usually remains with the guild of their choice throughout their time here.” said Dex.
“How do I know which one to choose?” asked Eiris.
“Oh that’s simple. The Sea Dragon, Aquarien, or Coralien Guild is where you would go. I’ll likely go to the Arnor or Blue Storm Guild.” said Dex.
“What’s the difference?” asked Eiris.
“Those three are the main Atlantian Guilds. Arnor and Blue Storm are the main Slyph Guilds.” replied Dex.
“Then why are we given the choice of any guild?” asked a perturbed Eiris.
“Oh, that’s just a formality. Everyone knows you go to the guild of your race.” said Dex.
“So we just continue this cycle of hate you mean?” scowled Eiris in disbelief.
“I.........I understand your feelings, but you’re no longer on Earth Eiris. That’s how things are here in Undaria, it’s how they’ve always been.” informed Dex matter-of-factly.
“Well maybe it’s time for change.” smiled Eiris as he pressed the button for the Blue Storm Guild.
“Why……...why’d you do that?” asked a deflated Dex.
“What? I just made a choice.” smiled Eiris.
“Ha, well then. I guess I’ll join you on this journey of divergent rebellion.” nodded Dex.
When Dex pressed the Blue Storm Guild button, two pairs of smart glasses slowly ejected from the back of the chairs in front of them. Eiris switched his rustic glasses for the smart glasses and surprisingly, he could see perfectly through them as they adjusted to his vision. Dex put his pair on too.
A tiny holographic marker then appeared in the lens and began pointing in several directions as they walked the grand halls, guiding them to their Guild Zone. Suddenly, they heard a small commotion coming from behind them.
“Princess Keznah. Princess Keznah! This…. this is madness!” cried an uptight, royal looking figure as he tried to catch up to a fast approaching Kezzy.
“Princess??” said Eiris and Dex simultaneously as they stopped and looked at each other.
“First of all, I’m a warrior-princess. But yes, my title is Princess Keznah Genoran. I’m the tertiary royal of the Forest Moon of Etwilion. You shouldn’t be surprised anyway, only royalty, prodigies, and geniuses attend this academy.” remarked Kezzy.
“I figured you’d go to the Everleaf Guild or something like that.” said Dex.
“Well you figured wrong.” chided Kezzy. “I’m a rebel by nature so when I saw where you two went, I figured what the heck.” she smiled.
“Hello, are you Prince Eirisidae?” said a friendly voice from behind them.
“You can call me Eiris.” smiled Eiris to the friendly kid.
“Who’s asking?” glared Kezzy.
“My name is Azonei Masterson. I wish to accompany you and your friends to the Blue Storm Guild.” he smiled.
“Sure, the more the merrier.” replied Eiris as he noted Azonei’s silver eyes.
“Masterson?” asked Dex.
“Yes, Authore Masterson is my father.” said Azonei.
“That’s pretty xeno.” smiled Kezzy. “Welcome to our group.” she said.
As they continued to walked through the large halls, Undarians of all sorts stared at Eiris in adulation.
“Oh my gosh, that’s really him!” said a beautiful girl with a look of being wonderstruck.
“I can’t believe he’s actually real…….” whispered another in awe.
“Everyone here looks so smart and exotic.” noted Eiris as others gawked at him.
“Well, the hallmark of a true xenogeek is divergence. We not only have the brains, but the beauty and the brawn also.” smiled Kezzy proudly.
Suddenly, Eiris felt an enormously powerful presence directly ahead of them. Pressing forward, he saw exactly where it was coming from. Walking in their direction were three intimidating figures dressed in black uniforms. One was a girl with long, jet black hair and coal black eyes. Another was a tall and confident-looking boy with long, white hair and icy blue eyes. The last one was handsome, but fiercely intense and Eiris could sense his tremendous power. He had crimson red hair and matching red eyes.
As Eiris and his friends passed by them, the girl with black hair and dark eyes barely looked their way. The one with icy blue eyes gave a condescending look and chuckled as he smirked past them. But the one with the red hair fiercely glared at Eiris, maintaining eye contact until they were fully past each other. That was one of the most intense moments in Eiris’ life up to that point, but he wasn’t intimidated. Instead he was intensely angry because that group reminded him of Spike and of all the other bullies he had grown up avoiding. Now, after all he had been through in the past few days, he realized he seriously regretted how he had simply avoided those bullies from his past life. Why had he been too afraid to stand up to them and to try to affect a change for the better? He silently promised himself he’d never make that mistake again.
“Eiris, if looks could kill…….” noted Dex.
“I know. I get the feeling we’re the unsuspecting nerds and they’re the evil jocks.” glared Eiris. “Who was that?” he asked.
“Those were the three shadows. They represent the three bonding elements of the Darkren race and the three most powerful royal families within the Darkren regime. The dark-looking one with the onyx hair was Princess Reina Voleer. She’s the tertiary of the Darkren home world of Eternite and warrior-princess of the city of Valera. She’s also a shadowbonding prodigy from the Order of Assassins. The cold-looking one with white hair was Prince Drozen Eglacia. He’s the secondary of Eternite and warrior-prince of Noskia. Also a prodigy from the Order of Assassins, but in the rare bonding form of burning ice. And the frighteningly powerful one with the fiery red hair that just tried to murder you with his eyes? That’s Prince Reizen Demeroth. He’s the Primary Prince of Eternite and warrior-prince of Midnore. He also happens to be THE most powerful firebonding prodigy in the academy’s history and the youngest Darkren ever to lead in the Order of Assassins in Darkren history. Oh, and he especially hates you.” informed Kezzy.
Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi Page 5
