Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi

by Hatch, Donsha

  Eiris then sped towards the Black Horde territory as Reizen raced beside him, trying to jar the ball away again. Eiris traded blows with him fiercely as they both sped past midfield and then made his move. Using Reizen’s momentum against him, Eiris pushed off and stopped abruptly on a dime.

  As Reizen flew forward stopping his momentum late, Eiris threw a hard and well-aimed shot into the goal, ending the game for a final score of Blue Storm-3, Black Horde-2. The crowd erupted in cheers as Eiris sped over to Reizen to commend him on playing a great game. He then raced out of the arena to his overjoyed teammates where they all jumped on him in excitement.

  Once everyone settled down, Authore Masterson and the announcer took midfield of the Electroball arena and began the Luridium Trophy presentation. All of the academy’s guilds gathered together with their guild members and awaited the announcement to be made. Eiris and the others sat in the stands nervously, but eager to see who won the most coveted trophy of the year.

  “Well, this has been quite the year for us all. And what better a way to end it than with a thrilling final war sport event between two of the finest guilds this academy has ever seen.” said Authore Masterson. “Now, to start us off. The overall leader in individual wins is………………. the Black Horde Guild!!!” yelled Authore Masterson as the crowd predominantly booed.

  “What a surprise.” remarked Kezzy as she rolled her eyes.

  “They did compete pretty well.” Eiris reminded her.

  As Authore Masterson began to announce the other overall winners, he was suddenly interrupted by a school official who frantically ran to midfield and whispered something quickly into his ear.

  “What’s going on?” asked Azonei as dozens of other students began to whisper in speculation.

  “I’m not sure. But whatever it is, it doesn’t look good.” said Glover with a look of concern.

  Looking distraught and visibly shaken with this new revelation, Authore Masterson made another announcement.

  “It is with great sadness that I must now inform you all that our dear friend and former instructor Professor Jannis has been confirmed to be killed in action earlier this day. I know for many of you this is grave news, so for now we will postpone the awards ceremony. Please, return to your guild zones with your fellow students until further notice.” said Authore Masterson gloomily.

  As everyone walked sadly to their guild zones, Eiris was especially despondent. No one said a word as they all walked through the parking lot in disbelief. Kezzy and the others tried to muster up the strength to comfort Eiris who had become instantly pale, but found themselves fighting back tears as well.

  Once they entered the conclave room, several members burst out in tears and sobs. Kezzy cried on Dex’s shoulder as Azonei stared despondently at a nearby wall. Glover quietly comforted a group of other Blue Storm members while Eiris walked outside, tailed closely by a whimpering Obsidian. Dahlia and Nava followed them into the parking lot.

  “Hey, are you okay?” asked Dahlia as she ran to catch up to him.

  “Jannis and Marz were the closest Turans I had to family.” Eiris replied numbly as he stared into the distance outside. His world seemed to spin around him out of control as he tried unsuccessfully to absorb this most unwelcome news. He breathed in deeply to steady himself.

  “I’m so sorry Eiris.” said Dahlia as she hugged him tightly.

  “Thanks.” Eiris exhaled. “We should check on the others.” he said as they walked back to the conclave room.

  Walking inside, they overheard several guild members talking about killing all mechs they come across. Then a group of slyphs took exception to that and asked what they meant by it, starting an argument. Right before things got out of hand, Eiris and Glover stepped in and calmed everyone down.

  “Hey, this is a time when we should be coming together, not falling apart.” said Eiris.

  “Exactly, no one is to blame but those monsters the Engi. And the Undarian Fleets will make sure they pay for it. Right now, we all have to be here for each other.” said Glover as he backed Eiris up.

  Suddenly, the ever unwelcome face slowly made his way into the conclave room, followed by his giant crocodile.

  “Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. What a shame. Despite his inadequacies, Jannis was a loyal soldier. I give him that much.” smirked Paseo as Eiris’ eyes began glowing purple in uncontrolled anger.

  “Enough Paseo.” warned Glover.

  “No please, continue.” dared Kezzy as she drew her shock charger menacingly.

  “As a matter of fact I will. Speaking of monsters, we seem to be quite fond of them ourselves. Or at least the offspring of them.” chuckled Paseo as Dex held Kezzy back.

  “What are you talking about?” shouted Eiris as Dahlia shook her head slowly in shame and anger.

  “Oh, you didn’t know?” Paseo grinned. “Our newest guild member Dahlia Arabella. Well, she isn’t a true Arabella after all is she? In fact, my royal researchers have uncovered the truth about her origins. Care to tell them yourself?” he asked Dahlia.

  “Shame on you.” said Dahlia calmly as she shook her head, walking out of the room with pity while preserving her dignity.

  “Ha, well then. It’s my honor to introduce you all to……….” Paseo trailed off.

  Suddenly, a screaming Eiris flew across the room and punched Paseo with a fist full of white flames, sending him flying back into the wall. Glover immediately ran to contain Paseo while Kezzy and others nearby struggled to hold Eiris back from pulverizing him.

  “Let me go!!! He deserves it!!!” screamed Eiris.

  Paseo then made a revelation that would immediately silence and stun everyone.

  “You’re quite pathetic actually!!! How does it feel to fall in love with the daughter of the void walker scum that killed your parents?!” yelled Paseo.

  The air immediately left the room, followed by gasps and whispers. Eiris also knew what he said was true. The day was already emotionally overwhelming, but this was far too much to process all at once. Paseo then casually walked out with his usual smirk, satisfied with the damage of his revelation as Eiris and the others sat speechless.

  “I can’t believe it. Dahlia? The daughter of Lord Mordren? It can’t be true.” said Azonei.

  “A lie implies the presence of fear. Paseo may have many undesirable qualities, but fear isn’t one of them. Besides, didn’t you see her reaction?” remarked Dex.

  “It’s true. I can feel it.” said Eiris coarsely as he sat looking emotionless.

  “So what if it is? We know her. You know her. She’s not her father. Who are we to equate her to him?” asked Kezzy.

  “I’m also sorry to hear that news, but Kezzy is right. We can’t hold her accountable for what her father did.” said Glover.

  “He killed my parents and nearly destroyed Undaria. I can’t just forgive that.” Eiris retorted as he glared back at them all.

  “You mean you won’t.” informed Dex.

  “A child doesn’t choose their parents Eiris.” said Azonei.

  “Exactly! And so you’ll shun her for that? It’s pretty ironic actually.” said Kezzy in blatant disapproval.

  “What is?” asked Eiris angrily.

  “That you’re the one who got us all to look past our backgrounds and races and come together. Now, after some unexpected news you’re ready to throw away everything you’ve accomplished. Well congratulations, now you’re just like us and all of the other traditionalized Undarians who grew up in this divisive society. And a decade from now, we’ll all be fighting against each other in a real war, not just some dumb sport at a school.” said Kezzy as she turned and walked away shaking her head.

  Dex and Azonei both pat Eiris on the shoulder before they followed Kezzy and Awesome on the way out. Several other guild members also exited the conclave room dejectedly, having watched this terrible exchange. Glover came over to Eiris, who looked lost and unsure of what to do. As he sat staring at the floor, Glover sat down next to him and encouraged him.<
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  “Rough day huh?” he murmured as he nudged Eiris.

  “Yeah.” Eiris said in a despondent tone.

  “So, what are you gonna do about it?” asked Glover.

  “What do you mean?” replied Eiris hopelessly.

  “Well, so far you’ve managed to become the academy’s hero and then the perceived villain all in a matter of hours. There’s your lesson in the suggestibility of people. Now, the way I see it is you have two choices. One, learn to let go of the past and keep realizing the dreams of your parents. Or two, hold on to the past and become a primary catalyst for the sad history of Undaria to repeat itself. Which will inevitably come at the cost of our future generations. Now I chose you as a captain because I saw something in you. I can see it’s still there, but now it’s buried under the memories of the pain and suffering you’ve endured through the years. So, I want you to always remember this. A person’s true character is revealed through adversity. They can either see the adversity as an obstacle or an opportunity. We are always our own worst enemy.”

  “An opportunity to what?”

  “Only you can answer that my dear friend.” smiled Glover as he pat Eiris on the shoulder and left the room.

  Obsidian then came over to Eiris while he sat gloomily contemplating the floor and whimpered as he rubbed his head under Eiris’ arm and began empathetically licking his face. Eiris was still troubled and completely overwhelmed with different emotions until suddenly Obsidian’s lick snapped him out of it. Realizing that Obsidian felt what he felt, he appreciated the gesture of encouragement.

  “Thanks buddy. I know. I need to clear my head. This was just too much to handle all at once.” exhaled Eiris as he scratched Obsidian’s head.

  Getting up decisively, Eiris headed to the sanctuary with his twin black luridium pulse blades. As the rain poured down on him and Obsidian, he looked upward to feel the cleansing effect of the water. He then took off his bioflex shirt as his Turan markings glistened in the raindrops to truly become one with nature. As Eiris stood there with his pulse blades, he focused his mind on all of the good things that had come from overcoming so much hardship-learning about his true heritage, becoming a leader, gaining true friends. Yes, he even included Dahlia. Despite this recent revelation about her father, he knew deep down he still loved her. He blinked his eyes as they glowed purple and began bonding the raindrops around him.

  First, he spread out his arms with his palms facing upwards and made the rain reverse its flow. Then, he closed his palms into fists and made the drops turn into burning icicles as they floated airborne. Next he brought his arms together in an x, and then reversed the movement with his palms opened and facing outward. As he did, white fire burned the hot ice back into water and returned it to its normal downward flow.

  Eiris took a moment to breathe deeply and try to clear his mind more, but suddenly dark and painful memories began to overwhelm him again and fill his mind-the death of his unknown parents, of Jannis, his desperately lonely childhood, and yes, Dahlia’s deception. He then reached out with his mind and a copy of himself in shadow form manifested. As it stood in front of him with a menacing look, it charged at him in attack.

  He blocked the attack and evaded its fierce blows swinging his pulse blades in his own aggression. As he fought himself, Eiris was overwhelmed by his own shadow copy and its ferocity. Finally, he stopped the fight abruptly, closed his eyes and began focusing on Dahlia and how much she really cared about him. Suddenly, he remembered what she had told him back in Midnore. It finally dawned on him-she was taken by her father and forced to learn at the Order of Assassins! It wasn’t as if she agreed with him or his ideals at all! She’d simply had no choice.

  He thought also about how she was nothing like Mordren and didn’t deserve to be held up to his evil actions. As he remembered the moments they had shared together, peace filled his heart and he opened his eyes. His shadow copy then charged at him again, its face blurred in rage, but he forced the shadow to stop its attack as he sliced it with both of his pulse blades, finally making it dissipate entirely.

  Having fought and defeated his own worst enemy, Eiris decided to go and find Dahlia right away. He wanted her to know that despite her dark past, he still wanted to be a part of her future. As Obsidian followed behind him through the mountain pass, they suddenly heard a loud shudder of electricity. Then, a thunderous explosion went off, followed by several other smaller explosions!

  “What was that?” Eiris exclaimed aloud as the academy alarm went off.

  Eiris and Obsidian sped over to the Blue Storm guild zone to investigate. Once there, they entered the conclave room where Glover was waiting with the other guild members. Kezzy, Dex, and Azonei also came racing in to hear the news of whatever was going on.

  “Everyone remain calm, I’m certain whatever happened was minor. Meeting here is just a precautionary measure until everything gets resolved.” said Glover to everyone.

  “Then why haven’t we got word from Authore Masterson yet?” asked a guild member.

  “Yeah, and our tech isn’t responding either.” informed another.

  “There was probably a power outage at the lightning pillars. Procedure says that we stay here until we receive further directions.” said Eiris.

  A few minutes passed by, so Eiris and Obsidian went and sat in the Blue Storm atrium. Kezzy and the others followed him guiltily.

  “We’re sorry Eiris. Today’s been a rough day for everyone, but especially for you. And true friends don’t abandon each other when times get tough.” said Kezzy gloomily.

  “It’s okay, I’m sorry too. You guys were right to disagree with my reaction. Dahlia doesn’t deserve that. No one does. Speaking of, where is she?” asked Eiris.

  “We recently saw her near the Electroball arena with Nava. She’s probably just taking some time to herself.” replied Dex.

  “So, xenos for life?” asked Kezzy with her hand out.

  “Xenos for life.” smiled Eiris.

  “Ditto that.” smiled Azonei as Eiris gave them all hand slaps followed by fist pounds.

  All of a sudden a team of academy security came walking by, armed with rapid fire plasma rifles.

  “Hey, what’s going on?” Eiris asked them quickly.

  “Something’s happening down at the lightning pillars. You kids stay in here.” a burly guard said tersely as he followed his team out of the building

  “Did he just call us kids?” asked Kezzy sarcastically.

  “To be fair, we are teenagers.” replied Dex.

  “I’m not sure about that. I think we’re a lot more than just teenagers.” grinned Eiris.

  “Ditto. I see a prince, a princess, a genius, and an airborne prodigy. But no kids.” Azonei laughed as he shook his head.

  “Point taken.” chuckled Dex in agreement.

  As more time passed by, many of the guild members found things to do to pass the time. Azonei raced Dex in VR. Kezzy had shoot-offs with other guild members in the target range. And Eiris played plasmaball fetch with Obsidian in the large atrium. With no idea of what was going on, some were beginning to get restless.

  “We should’ve heard from Masterson by now!” said Paseo.

  “That’s Authore Masterson to you.” glowered Azonei.

  “Oh.” Paseo laughed. “Did my refusal to identify your father as the glorified babysitter that he is, offend you?” he gloated.

  Azonei’s eyes began glowing white in anger as Paseo stood there, eagerly waiting for a fight. Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Eiris and the others came over to stop things from going any further.

  “Let it go Azonei. It’s not worth it.” encouraged Eiris.

  Azonei relented quietly and stepped away from Paseo, but never dropped his glare.

  “On the contrary. I actually think it is.” remarked Paseo with an evil smile.

  “You know; I really don’t understand what your problem is. Even for a royal, you’re quite troubled.” said Dex in consternation.
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  “If my disposition is what you’re referring to, it’s quite simple actually. I hate all Darkren and those who sympathize with them. Yes, that means you four. And those feelings will never change.” replied Paseo with his usual scowl.

  “You know Paseo. The more I get to know you, the more I pity you.” said Kezzy as she shook her head.

  “I don’t want your pity.” Paseo snarled viciously as he stalked away.

  Suddenly a barrage of small explosions was heard out in the parking lot. Everyone took cover as the building shook until the barrage was over. Once the noise stopped, everyone cautiously got up and checked on each other.

  “What was that?” asked Glover as he ran into the atrium.

  “Not sure. Our tech is still offline.” replied Eiris in dismay.

  “Offline? Or being jammed?” remarked Dex with a look of discovery.

  “You don’t think…….?” started Eiris.

  “Only one way to find out.” winked Kezzy as she darted for a locked door near the atrium.

  “Where are you going?” asked Dex as she bonded the luridium on the lock, making the door open.

  Soon after, she appeared from the closet with plasma chargers, plasma rifles, and EM grenades.

  “Anyone wanna give me a hand?” Kezzy asked as dozens of guild members ran over and armed themselves, emptying out the weapons cache.

  “We shouldn’t rush to do anything reckless.” Paseo said nervously as he stood at the back of the group.

  “You can wait. I’m going to find out what’s happening out there. Anyone one with me?” Kezzy asked. Dozens of fellow students stepped forward boldly showing their agreement and looking for all the world like an elite, albeit young, army of soldiers.

  “I’m with you.” smiled Eiris.

  “Second that.” added Glover.

  “Ditto. My father would’ve contacted us by now.” said Azonei.

  “I agree. The probability that something has gone wrong is substantial. Count me in.” said Dex as they all put on their tactical helmets.

  As soon as everyone got ready, Eiris gave the directions.

  “Obviously something is preventing our tech from working. So Dex, send out a signal to all of the personal in this academy, telling everyone to meet at the underwater hangar.” commanded Eiris.