Ren never knew how her brain could be so full of information. The goddess had shown her things from the other kingdoms as well as Morgan's destiny and the impending doom. The creation of the nations, Ursula, the magic within her as well as the terrible accident that had befallen her close friend.

What am I to do when I awaken?

Protect the kingdom until the other five gods awaken by the witch's hand. Turbulent times are coming.

*******************

Marcus smiled to himself as he stretched in front of the morning sun. The view of the ocean looked beautiful from here, the bright blue water lapping against the white sand, and the fresh ocean breeze that rustled the palm trees. It was like the soft song that he wanted so badly to replicate on his violin. A low rumble came from his stomach, signifying his need for nourishment.

He glanced above, coconuts hanging heavily on the palm trees. "Right. Gotta climb trees," he mumbled to himself while walking towards one of the shorter palm trees. Using his hands to grip the flexible trunk and legs to boost himself up. However, like the klutz he was, he lost his balance. The soft sand beneath him partially cushioned the fall.

Marcus let out a groan, his head falling back onto the sand. He could feel a bruise forming on his behind as well as a stinging sensation in his hands.

"What are you doing?" a deep voice rumbled close, nearly startling him. His eyes met a pair of dark orbs, pale olive skin dripping with water. At his hips, a cloth had been tied, covering his waist modestly.

Marcus blushed and stood up, wiping his stinging hands against his shirt. "I was trying to get some coconuts, but it seems I failed."

"I can see that," Caspian spoke. Marcus could feel his presence near, his masculine scent filling his nose with a distinct earthy saltwater tang.

He gave a nervous chuckle. "Guess I forgot to pay the gravity bill today."

Caspian ignored his attempt at humor, his hands darting out and grabbing Marcus's hands. A rough thumb ran over the abrasion on the palm of his hand, making Marcus wince.

"Please don't hurt yourself," Caspian murmured softly, his voice carrying a rare tenderness that Marcus hadn't expected. The sound of it sent warmth flooding through him, his heart betraying him with a soft thud.

"I was only hungry," Marcus mumbled, eyes dropping to where their hands were connected. The heat from Caspian's palm radiated into his own, making it difficult to think straight. Suddenly, the simmering warmth disappeared, replaced by a bag filled with oysters and shrimp that was pushed into his arms.

Marcus blinked, looking at the bag, then back at Caspian, who had put several feet of distance between them. Water dripped from his skin, his dark eyes gazing at the sea as if it held all the answers to his turmoil. His expression was stoic, his jawline sharp and tense, black hair pressed against his skin by the water. To anyone, he would have looked like a man of stone, unbothered and unmoving. But Marcus saw something else. His eyes betrayed him. There was pain there—a quiet, hidden torment. It was as if he carried the weight of his world alone.

"Caspian?" Marcus spoke softly, concern lacing his tone.

Caspian's gaze remained fixed on the sea, his broad shoulders tense. "Yes?" he replied, his voice like distant thunder.

"Why are you sad?" Marcus asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The tension in the air shifted. The question hung between them like a delicate thread, one that could snap at any moment.

Caspian stiffened, his muscles shifting beneath his skin like taut ropes ready to break. Marcus reached out, his fingers brushing against Caspian's forearm, hoping to offer comfort. The contact was brief but electric. Caspian's eyes flashed with something wild—something dangerous. His arm jerked away from Marcus's touch, his eyes darkening with an intensity that made Marcus freeze in place.

"Do not touch me, human," Caspian snarled, his voice sharp and guttural, like a beast warning another to stay back. Without another word, he stepped into the water, his movements controlled but quick. In the blink of an eye, his body disappeared beneath the surface, his silhouette becoming a shadow in the depths below.

Marcus's heart ached with a mixture of confusion and pity. His fingers curled slowly into fists as he watched the last ripples on the water's surface disappear. "What have you done that has made you so?" he murmured softly into the sea breeze, tucking a strand of white hair behind his ear. He glanced down at his violin, a quiet idea forming in his mind. If words could not reach Caspian, perhaps music could. He pulled the instrument close, letting the notes dance from his strings, hoping an upbeat tune might chase away the pain that had settled in his heart for the mysterious, temperamental stranger.

*****************************

Atlantis watched as the brooding Onyx king slithered into the coliseum, the green glow from Ren's sphere casting an eerie light on the royals and a few trusted guards.

"Are you ready?" Kai spoke, his voice filtering into his thoughts.

Atlantis nodded. With trembling fingers, he grabbed the scroll filled with ancient writing that only he and Morgan understood—something his lover had taught him when they were both children.

Using the blade on his hip, he dug the sharp tip into his palm, blood seeping out through the cut. Without delay, he pressed his palm against the base of the column, the stone greedily drinking the blood from his body as his lips murmured the enchantment from the scroll.

Upon the sacred stone, 

Take the blood of royal born.

Release the Emerald Guardian 

Bring forth memories of the archean.

Awaken oh Compassionate One and accept the blood that runs.

Atlantis winced, pulling away once he felt that enough blood had been taken from him. Crimson liquid traveled from the base toward the sphere, red ribbons wrapping around it, the tendrils seeping into the sphere.

Symbols made of blood appeared around the green orb. Movement could be seen within, bright light growing before breaking the walls of the sphere.

Silence filled the coliseum, breaths being held at bay.

"Kai!" a soft voice cried out, a flash of black hair and green scales darting towards the Emerald King. Laughter and soft murmurs followed as they embraced, sending a pang into Atlantis's chest, but he knew the two needed to reunite, even for a moment.

Destan and Aceso coughed, drawing the couple's attention. Atlantis finally had a good look at Ren. Her body glowed, a small bump visible beneath her skin, indicating the rapid growth of the child within her.

Atlantis took a deep, shaky breath. "Ren, I need your help."

"Of course. Just take me to him," the Emerald Queen spoke, her voice steady with certainty.

With a flick of their tails, they made their way to where Morgan rested, his pale and sleeping features still and peaceful.

"Can you help him?" Atlantis asked, hope blooming inside his chest.

The mermaid nodded, placing her slender and scaly hands around Morgan's head, her lips moving in silent prayer. Green light enveloped her hands and spread around his lover's mind.

Moments passed, the three kings filing into the room, before the light faded and Ren pressed her lips against Morgan's forehead.

Morgan's eyes flew open, green and vertical pupils visible as his eyes darted about to take in his surroundings.

Tears of happiness filled Atlantis's eyes, and like many times before, he pulled Morgan's fingers into his and pressed the tips to his lips. "Oh, Morgan," he whispered, his other hand reaching out to touch his cheek.

Morgan recoiled from his touch, his eyes wide with horror. "Who are you?"