Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi

by Hatch, Donsha

  “Hey, what was that about earlier?” Eiris asked.

  “Oh. Nothing. Paseo was just being Paseo.” Dahlia said as she forced a smile.

  “So where you headed?” he asked.

  “To Somewhere.” she winked as she got on her superbike and started it up.

  “Mind if I come with you to this Somewhere?” smiled Eiris.

  “If you can keep up.” Dahlia smiled as she sped off with Nava.

  Eiris jumped into his Hammerhead GT and caught up to Dahlia as Obsidian followed him. Riding next to her as they raced, they traded the lead with each other. Nava and Obsidian also raced each other next to them. Dahlia then stopped directly in front of the frosty dark grey mountains up ahead of them.

  “Golor Mountains, the highest peaks in Midnore.” Dahlia smiled as she looked up.

  “See you at the top.” Eiris winked competitively as he sped his Hammerhead GT up the narrow paths, followed by Obsidian.

  Dahlia smiled and sped up to him as they raced to the top. Once there, Dahlia got off her superbike and headed to a flat area on the peak. Nava followed her and lay down, giving Dahlia the warmth of her fur as she sat up against her.

  Eiris got out of the car and patted Obsidian as he walked over to Dahlia and Nava. Obsidian did the same, giving Eiris his warm fur to sit up against as he lay on the ground. Sitting there together, Eiris was amazed at the spectacular view they were looking at.

  “I named this peak Somewhere because I always came here whenever I needed somewhere to get away.” said Dahlia.

  As they gazed into the sky together, the three moons of Eternite shone brightly in the night. Red, blue, and purple, the sight of them was incredible. Eiris then smiled at Dahlia and bonded a heart made of shadow in the air. Dahlia blushed as Eiris slowly leaned in to kiss her.

  “I don’t know Eiris, we’re worlds apart.” Dahlia whispered worriedly.

  “That didn’t stop my parents.” Eiris said as he calmed her fears and kissed her softly.

  They lay there peacefully in the warmth of their beast guardians, savoring the thrill of their new romance and holding hands all night. Neither of them could have wished for a more perfect way to end an already perfect day.

  The next month, everyone at the academy was excited for the Electroball matchup of the evening. The Blue Storm Guild was set to face the Black Horde Guild in a rematch that was sure to be one for the ages. Their rivalry was intense and since the Blue Storm had recently been on top of the rankings, other Undarians had transferred over. One of these new transfers was Dahlia, who was having an intense internal conflict about leaving the Black Horde Guild. Ultimately though, she followed her heart and made the switch.

  Authore Masterson was proud to see the vision and dreams of Eiris’ parents finally starting to come true. Kezzy and Dex were at the simulator with Azonei as Eiris and Glover went over Electroball formations at the practice arena. Having grown closer to Glover over the recent months, Eiris enjoyed hanging out with him.

  “You know; you remind me of someone I know.” said Eiris as he passed the plasmaball to Glover.

  “And who would that be?”

  “Back on Earth I had a good friend named Aran Tanner. He was the captain of my old school’s hockey team. In a lot of ways, I looked up to him. I remember one time he said we were a hybrid of nerds and jocks.” smiled Eiris as he recalled his now distant life on Earth.

  “Thank you. He sounds like an incredible human. As xenogeeks, we certainly are a little of both.” Glover nodded as he passed the plasmaball back to Eiris.

  “Your welcome. So what’s your story? Judging by your character, I can tell that you’ve probably overcome a few things in life.” said Eiris.

  “You’re quite perceptive.” nodded Glover. “You’re correct. I do indeed come from humble beginnings. My parents also died when I was very young, so life in many respects was very hard.”

  “Wow, I would’ve never guessed. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “It’s quite alright. Growing up in the shallows of Pluvia taught me many important lessons at a very young age. I was never wealthy or of royal lineage like most of the students here at the academy. All I’ve ever had is my mind. So as a child, I made the determination never to waste it.” smiled Glover.

  “What are the shallows?”

  “Right. I forget some of these terms are still quite new to you. The shallows on Atlantis are the equivalent of what one would call the ghetto back on Earth.” admitted Glover.

  “I didn’t know there were ghettos on such a beautiful planet!”

  “Oh yes. Many. Despite its resplendent beauty, the solar system of Undaria has many hidden aspects to each of its planets. Primarily because of our broken society, much of the lower class has been dominated by the upper class for centuries. Maybe once you begin your princely duties, you can affect change for the better.” Glover added hopefully.

  “Definitely.” Eiris replied firmly.

  “Good. I look forward to hoisting the Luridium Trophy with you after you’ve led our guild to victory in a few hours.”

  “Likewise.” smiled Eiris as he grasped Glover’s forearm in respect.

  As the main event of the evening quickly approached, Eiris met the rest of the Blue Storm members in the conclave room. Kezzy, Dex, and Azonei were all mentally preparing for the upcoming match, when one of the newer members came over.

  “Hi guys.” said Dahlia in greeting.

  “What’s up xeno?” nodded Kezzy.

  “Hey Dahlia.” smiled Azonei.

  “Greetings.” replied Dex.

  “So now you’re officially one of us.” smiled Kezzy.

  “Yeah, I guess so.” Dahlia grinned happily.

  “We’ll certainly need your talents to defeat your old guild in this upcoming match. They’re very good.” nodded Dex.

  Eiris then walked over and gave Dahlia a hug as he greeted the others. They all gave him the skaters handshake of a hand slap followed by a fist pound that he’d taught them. Standing in front of all of the Blue Storm members, Glover gave an incredible speech to encourage everyone.

  “It is truly an honor to be standing before you all today. Not only as a guild captain, but as an Undarian, a xenogeek, and a friend. So far, we’ve defied the odds and done things no one previously thought were possible. We’ve overcome the divisive traditions and social stigmas of our society, and come together in the face of adversity. As the first truly mixed-race guild in the history of the Undarian Academy, we have undoubtedly paved the way for a better future. Now that we know firsthand what we can accomplish when we work together, let’s do that. Be sound, play hard, and trust each other. Victory is just around the bend. NATURE!!!............” Started Glover.

  “.............IS OUR ALLY!!!” shouted everyone in unison as they cheered and applauded.

  Right before the game, Paseo was notified that Dahlia would be taking his place in the starting lineup. Strangely enough he wasn’t fazed, almost as if he expected it. The one thing that worried Eiris was the vindictive sneer that Paseo had when he was notified of the change.

  As the preliminary introductions took place, Eiris and the others got lined up in their starting positions. Eiris looked across the arena field to see Reizen, Reina, and Drozen intensely focused. He knew this match would be hard won, so he focused his mind on the formations he had to call out to his teammates during the game.

  Soon, the plasmaball was shot into the arena ceiling, getting the game underway. As it speedily rolled around the arena, it was quickly snatched up by a determined Reizen as he glided towards the Blue Storm’s territory. Winged by five runners, he skillfully dodged a number of shock charges that were shot at him. The crowds cheered and roared loudly as the game went on.

  “MOONS! MOONS!” yelled Eiris as he gave the formation.

  Eiris then sped directly at Reizen, with Azonei and Dahlia on his wings. But Reizen suddenly changed direction and headed for the primary Blue Storm ramp as all of his wingers also split up. Co
nfused, Eiris sent Dahlia and Azonei to help defend the goal area as he continued to chase Reizen.

  Tailing Reizen, they both came closer to the primary ramp. Eiris almost got a hand on him but was surprised as one of the Black Horde runners hit him from his blind side, knocking him down and drawing boos from the spectators. Reizen then regrouped with all five runners and they all sped up the three Blue Storm ramps, confusing the replacement goalie for the Blue Storm. Reizen passed the plasmaball to one of the runners, who then threw a hard shot in the corner of the goal and scored, ending the period. The crowd was split between cheers and boos as Reizen returned to his side.

  “He baited you.” informed Dahlia as they all got reset in their positions for the second period.

  “Yeah. I have to be smarter the next time.” replied Eiris chagrined.

  As the second period got underway, The Black Horde dominated in every way. Reizen ran laps around the Blue Storm as he set up his teammates for multiple shots on goal. Eiris became so determined to stop Reizen, that he forgot this was a team war sport.

  Late into the second period, Reizen passed a long ball to Drozen who tossed it to Reina for another score. The crowd booed even more as the Blue Storm began to despair because they knew the next score would seal the game. Unfortunately, there were no indications that they could stop the Black Horde from scoring, so Kezzy and the others called a timeout at the start of the third period and spoke to Eiris.

  “Hello?? What are you doing out there Eiris?” asked Kezzy.

  “Ditto that.” said Azonei.

  “What do you think? I’m trying to win this game!” replied Eiris.

  “There’s your mistake my friend.” said Dex.

  “What’s that?” asked Eiris.

  “You’re our captain, but you can’t win this game by yourself. We’re a team. Remember?” smiled Dahlia as she pat Eiris on the helmet.

  “My point exactly.” smiled Kezzy.

  “Precisely! We’re all in this together Eiris.” smiled Dex.

  “You guys are right. I’m sorry, I should’ve trusted what we practiced.” said Eiris.

  “It’s no biggie. Just make up for that with some great plays.” winked Azonei.

  “Done. Now let’s go show these guys Undarian might! NATURE!.........” yelled Eiris as he put his hand out in front of him.

  “..............IS OUR ALLY!” chanted the others as they touched hands and released them in unison.

  The buzzer sounded, getting the third period underway and Eiris and the others got to a quick start.

  “SABER! SABER!” yelled Eiris as he gave the formation.

  Eiris then sped to the plasmaball as it randomly rolled around the arena and grabbed it without hesitation. Kezzy and Dex sped past in the biker lanes as Eiris passed the ball to Dex. Reizen was winged by his five runners as the two teams traded possessions in masterful chess-like moves.

  Seeing an opening, Eiris sped to action but was met with a hard check by Uzor. Once he got up the Black Horde had possession and they were advancing closer to the Blue Storm goal. Anticipating this, Eiris called the next play.

  “POSSUM!” he yelled as he quickly sped down into the Black Horde arena territory alone.

  Overconfident, Reizen passed the plasmaball to his teammates as one of them shot it on goal but it was intercepted by a waiting Azonei in an incredible move. Azonei then advanced the ball to Dahlia who passed it to Eiris. Doing a series of acrobatic moves, Eiris evaded tackles and checks as he threw the plasmaball hard into the goal for a score. The crowds erupted in cheers as the Blue Storm ended the third period with a bang.

  Eiris and the others then got reset in their starting positions knowing that they’d get the best shot at the Black Horde the next period. As the buzzer sounded, Eiris darted for the plasmaball winged by three runners. Dahlia and Azonei were also with him for a total of six.

  Reizen, accompanied by five of his runners, was in pursuit of the plasmaball from their side as they skillfully used different ramps to get to it first. Once the plasmaball rolled closer to Reizen, he quickly scooped it up and sped towards the Blue Storm territory with his runners. Seeing their formation, Eiris countered with a formation of their own.

  “ALPHA! ALPHA!” he yelled.

  Then Dahlia, Azonei, and the three runners lined up in a V-formation with Eiris behind them in the middle. As they advanced together in unison, they came upon Reizen and his runners and broke up their formation in a clash of tackles and checks. Reizen doubled back as Reina sped by in the biker lane to help him.

  He then grabbed the back of Reina’s superbike as she drove near one of the minor ramps in the Blue Storm territory. Drozen was being kept busy by Kezzy and Dex on their superbikes as they battled for position. She rode fast and he gained speed with his hoverblades while holding on.

  As they got closer to the Blue Storm goal area, she sped by as he let go, helping him gain enough speed. Eiris chased behind him but he was too fast. In a last-ditch effort, the Blue Storm’s replacement goalie came out of the goal area to check Reizen but missed as Reizen evaded it.

  Preparing to throw the plasmaball in for an easy score, Reizen brought his arm back for a powerful shot. All of a sudden, Hunter came up from beside him and checked him hard in the blindside, jarring the plasmaball from his hands. Eiris sped over and picked it up as he looked around for someone to advance it to. No one was nearby so Eiris knew there was only one formation left to call to tie this game up.

  “STORM! STORM! STORM!” yelled Eiris.

  Hearing the formation, he called, all of the Blue Storm players left their assignments and lined up near the goal area. Reizen and his runners waited eagerly at midfield to see what formation this was. As all sixteen players of the Blue Storm lined up to charge, Eiris gave the nod.

  “Let’s run.” Eiris smirked.

  Then all sixteen players for the Blue Storm advanced down the field, passing the plasmaball to whoever was open. They systematically positioned each player for the best goal opportunity. The Black Horde tried to match them but was unprepared for this last-ditch move.

  As both teams competed for the win, Eiris got the plasmaball and passed it to Kezzy. Kezzy then passed it to Dex, who passed it to Azonei. Azonei then floated it mid-air to an airborne Dahlia, who threw it in for a score, tying the game up.

  Everyone began celebrating as the buzzer sounded and the crowds cheered. But Eiris kept focused because he knew this game was far from over. The announcer then separated the two teams and stood in midfield to announce the sudden-death rules.

  “MY STARS, WAS THAT AN EPIC GAME OR WHAT?!!! yelled the announcer as the crowd cheered and clapped loudly. “YES!!! WHOO!!! Man, these two guilds have truly lived up to the billing. Now, the sudden-death rules are very simple. One player from both teams is put on the field and the two will battle for possession of the plasmaball. There is no goalie, so whoever gets the first score wins it all. Absolutely no bonding is permitted, just shock chargers and your freerunning training. So with that out of the way, each team representative step forward please.” said the announcer.

  Reizen came forward for the Black Horde as the Blue Storm discussed who should go forward.

  “Just because I’m a captain doesn’t mean I’m the most qualified. Let’s put it to a vote guys.” said Eiris.

  “That’s not necessary because we already have. And our choice is you Eiris.” smiled Kezzy.

  “Ditto that.” agreed Azonei.

  “Go get em.” smiled Dahlia.

  “Take us home.” nodded Dex as everyone else agreed.

  “Thanks guys. I’ll do my best.” smiled Eiris as he glided off into midfield with Reizen and the announcer.

  As he reached midfield, the announcer was waiting with Reizen on one side of him.

  “Good choices. I’m sure you two will provide us with a very entertaining match. As I’ve said before, no bonding. Also, be sure to monitor your checks, let’s keep it a clean game. Agreed?” asked the announcer.

&n
bsp; Eiris nodded, followed by an intense nod by Reizen.

  “Good. So without further ado... LET’S PLAY ELECTROBALL!!!” shouted the announcer as he exited the arena.

  The crowd cheered in excitement as fireworks went off around the arena. Eiris and Reizen then got into their opposite starting points as they awaited the countdown. Reizen stared fiercely at Eiris as the countdown began.

  Once the buzzer sounded, the plasmaball was released and they both took off in pursuit of it. Although not far apart in speed, Eiris grabbed it first and headed for the Black Horde territory. Reizen was right beside him trying to jar the plasmaball out of his hands as they glided.

  Eiris pushed him off when they came close to one of the ramps and sped up the ramp. Once he got airborne, Reizen came out of nowhere and took his legs out from under him in a vicious hit, resulting in groans and grimaces from the crowd. Reizen then scooped up the plasmaball and darted to the Blue Storm territory as Eiris slowly got up.

  “C’mon, get up Eiris!” yelled Kezzy as they all looked on in dismay.

  Eiris then pulled himself together as he shot to trail a determined Reizen, who was now passing midfield. As he chased a couple of meters behind, Eiris knew that if he didn’t close in on him soon, this game would be over so he decided to do something risky. He then, changed course to one of the minor ramps.

  As Eiris sped up the ramp, he jumped off and landed near the wall of the globular arena. Unable to figure out Eiris’ unorthodox strategy, Reizen realized he should throw the plasmaball soon. Eiris then did something amazing.

  He used his momentum from the ramp to speed up the curved wall of the arena. Seeing what he was trying to do, Reizen immediately threw the plasmaball hard across the field from about forty yards out. As it rotated through the air, Eiris knew it was now or never.

  Using the wall to triple his momentum, he blazed perpendicularly to the speeding airborne plasmaball. Right before it went into the goal, Eiris was able to dive and reach just enough to intercept the plasmaball as he rolled to his feet. Reizen looked on in disbelief as the crowd got on their feet and cheered thunderously.