Dream of Atlas IV

I have always been obedient, since long before I can remember. I've never felt the need to disobey. The need to go against the grain. I even revered Elder Kjuka more than my own mother. In fact, my relationship with my birth mother was strained. It was almost cordial. It was as if she feared me, or she put me on too high a pedestal. She barely touched me.

I missed it. I used to miss it. I use to long for it. That type of mother. That type of connection.

I saw it with Vykala, I saw it with my other family members. How they hugged, how they laughed and kissed and connected.

But I was the chosen one.

I couldn't have those things. I couldn't let emotions get in the way of my purpose.

A long time ago, I had learned to meditate the jealousy away. Overtime I no longer longed for those hugs, those kisses, those inside jokes that I never understood.

Well not as much anymore.

I learned to be satisfied with myself, Elder Kjuka, Advisor Howji and the crystal. Especially the crystal.

It gave me peace and reassurance when I laid next to it, wondering if being chosen was a punishment or a curse. Of course I never said this to Elder Kjuka, even though I feared sometimes she knew my innermost thoughts.

But this was a blessing.

This feeling of contentment and belonging was a blessing. At least I wasn't lost, confused, unsure of what to do in life. Unsatisfied with countless burdens. My life was paradise one would say.

Paradise.

Until it wasn't.

Until this feeling that crept inside me was nothing like I'd ever felt before. This strange vibration that threatened to demolish everything and anything I held dear.

I had shocked Elder Kjuka speechless, and that was a woman who always had a word. She wouldn't listen, Advisor Howji's treacherous words that I was being manipulated hung in the air around us.

How could he?

Advisor Howji who always took my side. The man who sat patiently with me year after year as I memorized and copied down from the Book of the Mind. The same one who would sneak me precious treats from town, behind Elder Kjuka's back. Advisor Howji, who I trusted right after Elder Kjuka was not on my side. I know I teased him. I know I pranked him. But when did it become like this?

"You must meditate on this."

Those were the last words I' heard from Elder Kjuka 2 days ago. Words laced with sorrow, heavy with pain. Tears glazed over her eyes as she turned her back to me.

Hana and Mata had picked me up gently.

"Elder Kjuka....Elder...aunty..." I'd whispered as tears continued to flow. I didn't want to disappoint. She was the last person I wanted to ever disappoint. "Please..."

But her head hung low, she didn't turn back to me. She tapped her cane and the vibration passed through the temple as she disappeared. Leaving me on my own. Leaving me to figure it out. Leaving me to make the right choice? What was the right choice, if every choice I made caused my heart to ache.

Because it ached.

Leaving the crystals. That hurt. A chosen one could not be tied to worldly desires. They were to remain pure in mind, body and soul for the crystal.

Leaving La'oki. This pain was more intense but less terrifying. He wasn't even supposed to be in my world.

Maybe I was brainwashed.

Maybe I had fallen into the trap.

Was I failing the test?

I couldn't fail.

Not for my people.

Not for Atlas.

Not for the future....the future...I grabbed my crystal around my neck. The future without Prince La'oki by my side.

A Prince I was never even supposed to have.

Again. How selfish can I be?

How selfish?

It was too much of a burden.

I cannot fight with the elders. The elders know best——

"Princess..."

I looked up in surprise to Hana's deep voice at the door of the tower. He sighed and pointed to the window.

"The fire prince."

I got up off the floor and went to look out the window. There he was below sitting on the grass, hugging his knees as he threw pebbles into the water. He was wearing red and gold large pants, tied with a gold sash around his midsection. The matching embroidered vest was open, to reveal he wore nothing underneath. Just him in his naturally radiant tanned skin.

As if sensing me, he lifted his head towards my bedroom window. His eyes landed on me perfectly as if he had no trouble seeing me up high where I was, even though I wasn't poking my head out.

He put his hand up and beckoned me to come. I could see the concern on his face as he sighed.

I looked down, took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Pushing back any pain, any wandering thought, anything that might hinder me from being who I was supposed to be.

Opening my eyes, I exhaled loudly and rushed to grab my grey and teal cape. I slipped into my shoes, put my hood on and tied the cape securely. Standing by the door, I was faced by Hana and Mata.

"Make sure she stays here and contemplates her life. She needs to review her decisions. She needs to remember her purpose. She can not be brainwashed and manipulated by these foreigners."

Were the words Advisor Howji had told them before he angrily walked away two days ago, slamming my door with me on the inside.

I took a deep breath. "I'll be back before the first night bird sings." I told them calmly. Hana and Mata have never hurt me, ever. They were strong, they were intimidating. Barely talked, but my fear for them was more out of respect. I know everything they've ever done had been for my protection. The protection of the chosen one.

"First night bird sings." Mata ordered, arching an eyebrow at me.

I nodded. "Let me have this one day."

Hana shrugged. "We don't take orders from advisor." He chuckled menacingly and his twin brother laughed along with him as they both stepped outside, crossed their arms and stood very still by my door.

I ran past them down the stairs. I owed him this day. This promise. This one time.

Please settle my beating heart.

As soon as I stepped out, my heart caught in my throat. Had he truly always been this handsome?

He smiled as he stood up, brushing the grass off his bottom. He pushed his long silky hair off his shoulder and adjusted his vest.

"Princess." He grinned. "Are you feeling better?"

I cocked my head to the side in surprise as I slowly made my way to him, holding the hood of my cape close. "Better?"

"Yesterday." He whispered as I came to stand next to him. His head bowed as I lifted mine up to look at him. "They wouldn't let me see you. They said you were unwell and needed to rest."

"Is that why you so stubbornly sat here today, refusing to move?" I asked.

He grinned sheepishly. "I had a notion they might be lying to me." He shrugged. "Maybe...just not wanting me to see you..." he trailed off, his eyes roaming my face as if searching for something. An answer.

I stared back at him without a response. And when he lifted his hand, I moved to the side, ignoring the thumping of my heart. Ignoring the stabbing pain in my guts at my refusal.

A necessary refusal.

"I have been foolish." I acknowledged as I lifted my head to him. A small sad smile playing at the tips of my lips. "A very foolish princess."

La'oki chuckled and looked around the temple, before putting his hand down. He formed a fist by his side and bit down on his bottom lip briefly before slowly releasing it. "Are those your words—-"

"Those are my words." I stated firmly.

He shook his head. His left eye glowing as he moved to face me completely. "They are not—-"

"They are." I lifted my chin pointedly. "I've made my choice."

I saw him lock his jaw.

"I'm the chosen one. So the chosen one I will be." I nodded at him and slowly averted my eyes. "I do not want you to think it was a simple choice." I whispered and looked to the side. "For it was not."

"I'm not marrying your sister."

I lifted my head at his statement and the way his eyes pierced into me. "You must."

He scoffed.

"Don't you need an Atlantean princess?" I remarked.

Prince La'oki took a step back and clenched his teeth. To my surprise he heaved and put his hands on his hips. He stared at me incredulously and laughed. But there was no merriment behind his laughter as he pointed at me. "Do you still....you really think..." he swallowed hard before closing his eyes. He took a deep breath and released it slowly.

"If you want to change the world, and the trajectory of your nation, you need an Atlantean princess." I nodded knowingly. "When you marry my sister, you will be able to gain help from the council of elders—-"

"I'm not marrying your sister!" He cut me off angrily. I could feel the heat radiating off him as I took a step back.

"You have to."

"You want me to?" He snapped back just as quickly.

I opened my mouth and swallowed hard. "You have to."

"Do you want me to!" He demanded taking deep breaths.

I looked away at the endless blue sky. The calm and peaceful green landscape, the never ending sea on the horizon.

Prince La'oki closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I asked you if you wanted me, you said yes."

"I did not." I countered. "I didn't say anything. I said I can't."

"I told you, I sent a proposal for you. You were happy."

"I was not!"

"So I made it up?" he questioned, moving to my side. "Everything?" He motioned between us. "I made it up?"

"I didn't know what I was doing." I whispered quickly and avoided looking at him. "It was feelings I've never experienced. I wanted to know what it was like—-"

"What?" He asked leaning into me. "So now you don't like it?"

"I can't have it—-"

"Stop!" He whispered reverently his hands together. "Stop telling me what you can't have." He pleaded as he stepped into my personal space. "What do you want Aqu? Tell me what you want. Don't you want me?"

I shook my head and stared at the ground. His red and gold sandals shifted as he moved around me.

"Not even a little?" He whispered softly, his hand coming out to touch my cape.

The air seemed to still around us as a moment passed and then another. I slowly lifted my head, my eyes feeling with tears. "Not enough to give up the crystal." I whispered.

His lips parted and I saw the bottom one tremble slightly. Prince La'oki licked his bottom lip and closed his mouth with a soft sigh. He nodded.

I lowered my head. "I'm sorry." And I was. I truly was.

"I can't compete with 200 years of crystal."

I bit down on my bottom lip, to ease the pain as I lifted my head again towards him. La'oki took another step closer and lowered his head.

"But if you choose me...I swear to you princess, you won't regret it." He whispered.

I looked away and closed my eyes.

"Choose me."

His whisper caused me to swallow hard as I took a couple steps away from him. "La'oki..."

He chuckled sadly and put his hands on his head. "Please...princess..."

I grabbed my crystal and shook my head, unable to meet his gaze. "I will help you." My voice cracked. "To speak with the elders, for the integration of the Phoenix tribe—-"

La'oki laughed and turned around, his back to me.

"Once you are tied to an Atlantean princess." I continued. "It will be easier for your tribe—-"

My eyes widened at his palm pressed against my mouth, stopping my speech.

"Is this your way of justifying, not choosing me?" He asked. "Did I ever ask you to speak on my behalf?"

I yanked his hand down. "I'm trying to help!"

"I don't want your help!" he replied angrily. He huffed as he took a step back. "I just..." he swallowed hard and shrugged. "I just want... you..."

My heart lurched forward at the softness of his voice at the end. I lowered my gaze.

"Aqu..."

A long silence fell between us. I couldn't give him what he wanted. I couldn't admit to what I wanted. Nobody could win in this. At least in the other way...somebody could win. He could win.

I took a deep breath and exhaled softly. "Do you still want me to teach those kids how to swim?" I asked softly. "Today might be the only available time, I'll have for awhile." I admitted.

I was going to go on a retreat. Isolation. I was going to purify myself. Complete the ceremony and cut off any and all desires for this worldly realm. I will step into my calling without distraction.

"Why can't you have the crystal and me?"

I looked up at him. "That's not the way—-"

"I told you times are changing." La'oki pointed up at the sky. "Ask your astrologers, read the stars. The way of old is gone Aqu."

I sighed and looked down.

"I don't want to separate you from your crystal. That was never my intention."

"They won't allow it." I whispered.

"We'll make them."

I shot my head up. "How?"

La'oki took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders, his eyes looking me over briefly before looking to the side. "We'll ask, and if that doesn't work...well we won't ask again."

I scoffed and put my hand on my hips. "This is exactly what everybody's afraid of." I exclaimed. "War? Violence—-"

"If that's the only way they will listen, so be it!" He replied.

I shook my head. "I do not want you to bring a war to my door." I whispered emotionally. "I do not...." An escaped tear rolled down my cheek. "I do not want Atlas to fall. Not for greed. Not for entitlement. Not for power."

La'oki looked away and sighed heavily.

I turned around, my cape swinging as I took a couple steps to my tower.

"Wait..."

I stopped but didn't turn back around to him.

"Don't go..." He whispered.

I closed my eyes and exhaled softly before taking another step.

"I thought you were going to teach the kids how to swim?" He called out.

I stopped walking.

"I guess it's true your people make nothing but false promises."

I whirled around. He met my gaze with a firm look of his own.

"I do not make false promises." I replied, walking back to him. "Take me, for I must be back before the first night bird sings."

"Take you to my land?" He whispered.

I nodded. "I heard we can get there in half an hour's time." I looked up at the sky. "More than enough time."

"Are you not scared?"

I looked back at him confused. "Why?"

"What if I kidnap you princess?" he asked seriously.

I sighed and walked past him. "You won't." I brushed off his comment.

"Why do you say that?"

I turned back to him. "Because that's not who you are."

Prince La'oki scoffed. "What if that's exactly who I am?" he asked, arching an eyebrow at me. "I'm a savage firebird. Why wouldn't I kidnap an Atlantean princess? Don't underestimate me."

I walked up to him and gently cupped the side of his face. His eyes widened in surprise as he stared down at my arm. I smiled at the warmth radiating from cheek. "I dare not underestimate you La'oki."

He lifted his eyes at me mentioning his name.

"But I also know...that's not who you are." I slid my hand off his cheek. "Will you get me back before the first night bird sings?"

He didn't answer for quite sometime. His eyes holding mine, unwavering. I also didn't look away, for it felt like a silent battle within himself.

In truth, I knew he could take me to his land and never return me. He could do that if he wanted. It would start a war.

A war brewing at the edge of everyone's mind.

Prince La'oki finally lowered his gaze and looked to the side. "Do not mistake my submission for weakness."

"I wouldn't dare." I whispered.

He brought his gaze back to me, looking over my features, realizing there was not a mocking tone in my voice or demeanor.

He gave me a stiff bow and walked past me. "Let's go. It's true, the frequency of your crystals enable us to cover greater distances in shorter amount of time."

I followed behind him and stopped suddenly feeling a presence. I turned and looked back, but nobody was there. I looked at the tower and then the temple, still no one. I sighed and continued walking, picking up the pace to follow him. His strides were longer than mine and covered a much greater distance.

He was upset. I could tell in the way he stiffly answered my questions or barely answered at all. But I was the only one he was upset with. For as we walked through the towns, it seemed, he was well liked.

I kept my cape on, watching in amazement at the bustling, vibrant city of Atlas. It was like being in the shadows. Nobody recognized me, and thus nobody cared for me. I was bumped into. I was yelled at. I was touched. People from different stands and area calling us over, begging us to look at their products, their food, their crystals.

I was ashamed to say, the amount of time it took us to get to the harbor had tripled because of me.

He was walking ahead for the first couple of minutes, until he realized he'd lost me twice.

"One would think you were the foreigner." He'd scolded after finding me by the old woman's tent.

I held up a red and gold shell bracelet with a grin.

"3 gems." The old store keeper grinned. "Special discount for the pretty lady. I dove deep to find those shells myself." The elderly lady nodded proudly. "There's no better diver than I in all of the sea of Atlas.

"They're gorgeous." I whispered. I reached into my cloak and patted my side. I blinked and patted it again, not feeling my satchel. Biting down on my bottom lip, I lifted the bracelet to La'oki. "Look, it matches your outfit."

He rolled his eyes and smirked. "Pay up princess."

The store keeper, seeing La'oki and an oppurtunity, reached behind her and picked up another red and gold shell bracelet hanging on a mammoth's tusk. "Aha...the only couple bracelet in my store, the divine had told me, a special couple will come."

My eyes widened at the identical pair.

"Really, the only one?" La'oki scoffed.

"Ohhhh..." I grinned as I reached out and held both of them in my hand. It felt heavy, yet freeing. I gasped as I saw the small crystals within the shells, the energy was so unique. I lifted my head and the old lady winked at me.

"Your wife has wonderful taste." She nodded at La'oki with a grin, her blue eyes twinkled as it contrasted against her dark skin. "8 gems for both."

"8 gems!" La'oki exclaimed. "That's——"

I shook my head quickly at him. "There's mini rare crystals in the shells." I whispered to him and nudged him as I held the bracelets against my chest.

The old lady smirked and extended her hand to La'oki. "Bracelet of love and destiny fire prince."

"If one is for 3 how can 2 be for 8?" La'oki asked me.

I grinned as I held the bracelets in my hand proudly.

He rolled his eyes and sighed heavily as he reached into his pants and took out his sack. He counted out 8 gems. I took it from his hand excitedly and handed it to her with a bow.

"Peace be with you."

Her hand grazed mine as she took the gems. "And with you...princess Aqu..."

I stared at her in surprise. She knew who I was. I bowed at her as I walked off. She smiled, her blue eyes twinkling knowingly. I quickly put the bracelet on and took La'oki's hand, sliding it on his wrist.

"Look it matches your outfit."

"You can't trust, every seller on the street." La'oki sucked his teeth at me, but I noticed he made no motion to take it off.

"It has really good energy." I grinned at him. "and rare mini crystals. She actually really undersold it."

He shook his head at me.

"Oh!" I pointed to the salted mango on a stick. I took his arm. "Can you buy me that?"

He looked at me in surprise.

"Please." I beamed up at him. "I rarely have those, Elder Kjuka is allergic to mangoes." I pouted.

La'oki chuckled in disbelief and shook his head. "Unbelievable."

But he didn't resist as I tugged him over. Nor did he complain as I let him take a bite of the delicacy.

I took advantage. I know I did. Stopping almost at every stall. We didn't buy anything else, but my curiosity got the best of me. I even managed to make him laugh as I joined the dance of ribbons, horribly I must say, for I wasn't the greatest of dancers. But he laughed and it warmed my soul.

It also let me see how I wasn't the only one affected by him. Either he didn't see, or pretended not to notice, the endless gazes and whispers and looks of admirations thrown his way. The men lowered their gazes in his presence, the women unashamedly sought it. Atlantean women were not shy to say the least.

But even I had to admit, their gazes never lingered too long, for I could not deny, Prince La'oki stared at me. Followed me. There was no denying he was with me. And very soon, the gazes turned to me. Women smiling knowingly, winking at me.

He caught a few of them and looked at me, but I couldn't hide my own blush as I looked away.

By the time we reached his ship, I had wondered what it would have been like if I was somebody else. Somebody able to receive his love. Somebody like my sister. I would not have hesitated.

"Careful princess, most people get seasick—-"

I passed him and ran on the deck. "A ship." I laughed as I spun around and ran to the edge to look out at the sea. I could feel the waves underneath. I tapped the wooden ship excitedly and looked back to Prince La'oki and a couple of his men. They looked uncertain as their gaze shifted to their prince.

He spoke to them in the tongue of the phoenix and they sprung into action. I stared in awe as he came towards me.

"What?"

"That's beautiful." I grinned.

"What?"

"Your mother tongue." I explained. "I've read it and learned it, but have never heard it spoken. It's even more beautiful."

"I forgot you Atlanteans pride yourselves on your knowledge of the world."

I frowned and tilted my chin up. "That doesn't sound like a compliment."

He shrugged and stared off.

I sighed and stared off, imitating his posture as the ship sailed off.

We didn't speak for a couple minutes. I was mesmerized by the sea. I loved water. The water was powerful. To create a machine that allowed you to stand on it was miraculous. But still be cautious. Because water was naughty and it was prideful. If you didn't respect it, it could destroy you. I closed my eyes as I felt the waves rock the boat.

"You were happy in the town."

I opened my eyes to his whisper, unaware he'd been watching me. I smiled and nodded. "I don't get a chance to interact with the people much."

"I wouldn't keep you from the people." La'oki whispered. I met his gaze. "I wouldn't lock you away in a temple...or a tower...ever..."

My heart raced as I lowered my gaze to the sea.

La'oki stepped closer and leaned over. "Aqu..."

I turned my face to him, seeing as we were only mere inches apart.

"If I conquered Atlas, and kept everything the same." He whispered, his hand reaching up and gently touching my hair. "Meaning you could still sing to your crystal..."

My lips parted.

"Would you choose me then?"

My bottom lip trembled. "La'oki, please believe me when I say, I have unbearable pain, not choosing you now." I admitted. "So please...don't go to war with Atlas." I whispered. "For you would lose me."

"How?"

"If Atlas was to be conqurered, I will have to destroy the crystal, and I along with it."

La'oki slowly dropped his hand. "And you call us savages?" He whispered. "Your life is worth more than any crystal princess."

"It's not just any crystal..."

"Your life is worth more than any of those rocks!" He stated angrily. He huffed and turned around. "I'm starting to really hate crystals." He whispered.

"Crystals are neutral—-"

"So it shouldn't matter." He insisted. "If they're neutral, why should they get a sacrifice huh? Why? Ever asked your precious elders that? Why human blood, for a neutral entity?"

I grabbed my crystal, feeling it hum against his anger. La'oki lowered his head to my necklace. He sighed loudly.

"I'm not marrying your sister." He stated simply, right before we heard commotion on the other side.

We both turned around to the scream and the frantic running around.

"What? What? Happened?" I asked running after him to the other side. The crowd had gathered throwing a long wooden stick overboard, trying to—— I looked over the edge of the ship. Arms flailing.

He looked young. No more than 13 it seemed.

I looked around to their panic faces, and rushed movements. They were scared. They were scared because they didn't understand water.

I cocked my head to the side as La'oki took off his vest. His men were yelling and trying to pull him back. They were pointing to the stick.

La'oki could swim, but not good enough to rescue another person. They would both drown.

Nobody was really paying attention to me, so I carefully took off my cape and slipped out of my shoes. I climbed up on the edge of the ship and smoothly dove in. Smiling as I broke the water's surface, the ice cold liquid energizing my center.

Opening my eyes underwater, I swam towards the panicked boy. He was sinking lower, and spending his energy. One didn't fight with water. You surrendered to it.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and lifted him up towards the light above the watery surface.

Forgive them for they do not know. Give us safe passage through these seas.

We broke the water's surface easily. The boy gasping and turning frantically, arms flailing.

I laughed. "Please stop." I said in the phoenix tongue. Me speaking his language got his attention. "You will hurt yourself and me."

He turned to me, wide eyed as if seeing me for the first time.

"I have you. Look, you are not sinking."

The boy looked around as if in a daze. Taking in my arms around him, the fact that he was floating and not drowning. He turned to me.

"Mermaid?"

I laughed and shook my head. "No, those creatures are evil. I'm princess Aqu, nice to meet you."

"Aqu!"

We both looked up to the boat of men looking down at us.

"Do you need this?" La'oki called out, pointing to the wooden stick.

"A rope will be better." I called out. "Or a board to put him on, and then we attach the rope."

La'oki turned to his men and they scrambled.

I turned to the frightened kid. "Hold on to me. We'll be back on the ship soon."

He simply nodded and wrapped his arms around my neck.

"Not too tight...not too tight." I choked as I swam towards the ship.

Getting back on proved more difficult than getting off. But as soon as I was on deck, La'oki wrapped me in a blanket.

"See..." I told him breathlessly with a teasing smile. "Ship or not, you must learn to swim."

"Of course princess." He grinned as he dried me gently with the blanket.

I turned to the now silent ship. Every single men stared at us. And just like that, they all dropped a knee. I gasped and turned to La'oki. "What are they doing?"

He gently wiped my cheek. "Acknowledging you as their princess."

"What?"

He put the blanket over my head. "The phoenix's princess must also prove herself worthy." He explained as he passed the blanket over my wet hair. His gaze soft. "My men have found you worthy."

"Worthy of what?" I whispered, feeling my body buzz as my crystal hummed loudly.

La'oki grinned as he dropped the blanket to the floor and cupped my face. "Worthy of me." He whispered, before capturing my mouth.

His kiss was confident and deep, even if i was too shocked to kiss him back. But he pulled back slightly and smiled. His eyes twinkling as he watched me, giving me a moment to take a breath. Just a breath. He must have seen what he wanted in my gaze because he kissed me again, just as confidently. I grabbed his hand on my face and held on. My eyes closed as I kissed him back with an unrestrained moan.

I was so lost in his embrace, I barely heard the loud cheering of his men in the background, encouraging the passionate kiss.

Crystal, what have I done? I thought I was choosing you. Why am I sure, I'm choosing him.