Two groups of outsiders stood at attention beneath the watchful eyes of Atlantean guards—one assembled from Milo Thatch's expedition, the other led by Helios, their cuffs gleaming faintly in the crystal's light.
King Kashekim Nedakh regarded them from his throne, his milky eyes unseeing yet somehow piercing through the heavy air. Though blinded centuries ago, his voice carried the weight of an empire's wisdom and caution.
"You arrive in my city unbidden," the King said at last, his voice deep and deliberate. "Speak now, travelers. Why have you come to Atlantis?"
Milo stepped forward nervously, clutching his journal to his chest. "W-We're explorers, Your Majesty. My team and I sought knowledge—stories of lost civilizations. When we found signs of Atlantis, we… we followed the trail here."
"Explorers." The King's lips pressed into a thin line. "And you?" His gaze shifted, though he could not see, towards Helios' group.
Helios gave a relaxed smile despite his cuffs. "Wanderers, Your Majesty. We travel from place to place, seeking to learn and share. It was chance that led us to this place of wonder."
Kashekim's brow furrowed. "If you sought only knowledge, why do my guards report one group arriving by what seemed to be a war vessel and the other falling from the heavens themselves?"
Rourke, standing just behind Milo, stepped in smoothly. "Your Majesty, accidents happen during voyages. Our vessel came in peace. If there was a misunderstanding, I take full responsibility as the leader of my crew."
"Commander," Kashekim said coldly, "you speak too easily. Words are like stones: when cast carelessly, they weigh the tongue."
The room stiffened at the rebuke.
The King's focus turned back to Helios. "You—how did you arrive here without a vessel? Reason says you must be with this other group. So then why did your group not resist my guards when they came to apprehend you?"
Skuld opened her mouth before Helios could answer. "We do not mean you nor this kingdom any harm Your Majesty. The only time we fought was to defended ourselves when your golems attacked. As such, of course, we will comply with any request to investigate our motives."
Kashekim nodded slightly. "Defense. And yet blood spilled often begins with such excuses."
His voice cut back to Milo's team. "And why do you carry weapons? Explorers should need no weapons in a city of peace."
Audrey Ramirez stepped up nervously. "Sir, it's for protection. We've lost people already on this trip—we weren't sure what dangers we'd face."
"Danger invites danger," Kashekim said flatly.
He leaned forward slightly, his tone heavy. "My daughter seems to vouch for you both as she brought you before me, yet Atlantis has suffered greatly from outsiders. Our histories warn of such arrivals—always followed by ruin."
The King lifted his hand. "I have heard enough. Both groups will leave Atlantis at first light. Guards, prepare them for departure."
A ripple of alarm passed through the room.
"Father, wait!" Kida's voice cut through the tension, but the King raised his hand, silencing her.
"Enough, Kidagakash. I shall protect our people in the way I see fit."
The sound of boots echoed on the stone as guards stepped closer. Helios, still smiling faintly, glanced at Skuld and Kurai but said nothing.
"Father, wait!"
Kida's voice cut through the heavy silence like the clash of steel on stone. The King's guards paused mid-step, uncertain, as their princess strode forward with fire in her eyes.
"Kidagakash," Kashekim said, his tone firm, "your heart is too open. Do not let it blind you."
"Perhaps my heart is open because I see more clearly than you," Kida countered. "These two groups—yes, they are outsiders, but not all who arrive bring malice. Look at them." She gestured first to Milo, then to Helios. "One can read the sacred language we lost generations ago. The other wields a magic unlike anything in Atlantis. We cannot ignore what they might offer us."
Kashekim's head tilted slightly. "And what would you have me do?"
"Let them stay," Kida said firmly. "Only for a few days. Let us learn from them before sending them away."
The King sighed heavily, leaning back in his throne as if the weight of centuries pressed down on his shoulders. "You would have me risk Atlantis for the chance at knowledge?"
"Atlantis has been stagnant for too long," Kida argued. "Our people are alive, but are they truly living? Perhaps these travelers can help us remember what we once were."
Rourke's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, though he kept his smile fixed.
Kashekim raised a hand to silence further arguments. The throne room seemed to hold its breath.
"You speak with passion, my daughter," he said at last. "Very well. Both groups may remain in Atlantis… for three days. No more."
Kida's shoulders relaxed as she bowed. "Thank you, Father."
Kashekim's blind eyes turned toward Helios. "But know this, wanderer: I will not tolerate treachery. If your hearts hold even a flicker of darkness, the city will reject you itself."
Helios only smiled lightly and dipped his head. "Understood, Your Majesty."
"And you," the King said, his attention shifting to Milo. "Do not let your companions stray from honor, or all will bear the consequences."
"Yes, sir," Milo stammered, clutching his journal tighter.
"Leave me now," Kashekim commanded. "My daughter will see to your accommodations."
The guards relaxed their stances as Kida turned briskly toward the groups. "Come. I will show you to your quarters."
As they exited the throne room, the tension seemed to ease slightly—until Helios broke the silence.
"That was quite the save, Princess Kida," he murmured, his tone laced with amusement. "For a moment, I thought we'd be sleeping outside the city gates."
Kida shot him a glance. "You speak too easily for someone still wearing cuffs."
Helios chuckled and stretched his arms as the guards reluctantly removed the bindings. "A fair point."
Once outside, Kida glanced at Milo. "I will need your help. There are stories, histories lost to us. If you can help me rediscover them, perhaps we can restore Atlantis to its former glory."
Milo blinked, surprised by her directness. "Y-Yes, of course. I'd be honored."
"And us?" Helios asked with a teasing smile. "Will you let wanderers tag along for the ride?"
Kida considered him for a moment. "If you're willing to help, perhaps there is room for both groups to prove their worth."
Kurai remained silent, her eyes cold as ever. Skuld, however, crossed her arms and muttered, "This is getting complicated."
Helios only smiled wider. "Complication often leads to opportunity."