Kestrel's Last Journals (30)

Redpath and myself led my Brothers and Sister toward the hall Sister Pestilence had arranged for us. Annianka wished to join us but was rebuked by being told it is for our sacred family only. I did assure her that nothing diplomatic or political would be discussed during this private meal. She relented with one last feeble attempt by mentioning how it is impolite excluding their sister from this family event. She was still grumbling under her breath as Miss Hope escorted her away. I allowed the others to enter before me and did not prevent young Kestrel being pulled into the room. We six took places evenly separated along the curving outer wall of this circular room. One palm from each touched the wall as shimmering starlight coated the walls from where we touched it. Redpath had busied himself to fill the glasses getting a few odd glances but none complained of his presence among us. Once the walls were sealed with our cosmic wards, we took our seat around the ring shaped table. A pale manifestation of the Ley’ä’Luna’s pillar of light appeared at the center of the room within the ringed table. Young Kestrel stood behind the right side of my chair ready to serve wine or bring replacement platter from the edge heated table.

We each in turned swore the oath to the pillar of light in the original first language and concluded it in unison binding us to each other and to the first primordial race that allowed us to exist. Sealed away from prying eyes, ears, and minds and with our oaths renewed before the echoed light of the Ley’ä’Luna’s manifestation, we six allowed ourselves to truly relax while all the others looked towards my feline Squire.

“One must serve and we cannot accept the other Squires within this hall in Brother Order’s domain.” Famine informed them. A ring agreeing nods. They still glanced at him from time to time as he stood by my shoulder perfectly straight and silent in his golden touched knightly armor. A soft chuckled escaped me at this minor worry among my selected family.

“This will be the last time we can gather like this.” I announced solemnly. “It is best we revel in our own way in our own skin.” I continued. I let my human form drift into my true form on liquid starry night skies with my my stardust wings at my back. With a smile, they each slipped into a similar appearance in the form of the first five races that existed. The three pairs of starlight wings stretched out of our backs to manifest our familial bonds we had made over the multiple trillion millenniums we have existed for. “We are here to be together one last time before the great darkness engulfs the light jewel of Atlantis.” I concluded. I mild murmur ran around the table but none made remarks.

Food moved from the platters to our plates to disappear into us without being physically touched. The tongues we spoke were of the six first races and that of the primordial race. Redpath did not act as if he understood our words but would move around the room when needed to replace platters and refill the tall glasses we drank from that day. I knew he understood that what he was allowed to witness was not to be spoken about with others beyond these walls. I heard the hiss from Sister Chaos before she spoke.

“I must ask that he understands our words!” she retorted in Atlantian. “We know that your time is short, Brother Order, and I believe your replacement deserves to know the role he will play as our future leader.” she added in a deep hiss. I sighed under my breath but allowed them to decide without agreeing.

“I will go only at my proper time.” I told them softly. The echoing qualities of our voices filled the room with odd resonance. “I will agree for him to hear and understand our words my little Sister, if we all agree.” I offered to them. A smile and nod from each came around the table from Chaos at my left to War at my right. I chuckled as I nodded my agreement. A sparkling earpiece clipped onto the feline’s ear without harming him. “He shall hear and understand our words while within this hall with us.” I added.

“Thank you, sir.” young Kestrel whispered to me.

“We are founded to protect and rally the Fallen Ones, you call humans, until they face the final great darkness.” War stated calmly. It was a simplified version of our oaths but informed him properly.

“We have existed since long before Earth was formed being from the first five races.” Famine explained. “We five were chosen by the Lights of Life and through their Envoy Brother Order, for this purpose.” he added.

“The races did not start existing until Universe, beloved mother of Genin, sacrificed herself to let her blood flow and bring all things in existence from the first to the last race.” Pestilence announced softly.

“His Race bears only two beings, Genin and his half-sister Genia, the children born from Universe.” Death stated. “He is fathered by the Void, while Genia was born from an act of violence.” he added more quietly.

“We are to rally six armies to defeat the great darkness in the far future if Atlantis survives the dark knot it faces.” Chaos reported calmly. “We stand as Brothers and Sisters of the Light of the Ley’ä’Luna.” she added.

“All of us have sacrificed everything about our pasts to be reborn in this plane as defenders of the human race.” I said as Order. “Each have lost much along the way here even their own original bodies to stand together until it is done.” I concluded. They nodded as one but Chaos could not leave it end this easily.

“Some have sacrifice their true bounded pair to stand her with us.” she commented as her spiraling eyes turned towards me. “Order lost his life partner to a very evil monster that is still free.” she explained softly. My glare at her was being ignored by all five of them. “The lost had removed true laughter and happiness from him for so very long.” she added. Her tears were invisible but I could feel them as easily as I felt my own from her words.

“His wife stood by his side in all his actions as Order or Genin.” War began.

“She was willing to sacrifice her existence for him even if she was considered evil.” Famine continued.

“She died to save him from the evil released upon all existence.” Pestilence added in.

“”Know that this enemy is the enemy of all of us.” Death continued.

“He is all of us and without him, we are nothing.” Chaos concluded this tale and their personal vow to me.

“Enough of a history lesson.” I crowed in the room. “We have more important things to discuss than my darkest history.”

“True!” Famine interjected.

“What have you foreseen for us to do?” War returned calmly.

“You and Death shall stand against the hordes of Lemuria trying to run.” I answered bluntly. “Chaos will be igniting the crystals to cause a chain reaction destroying all of them.” I continued. “With luck or Lockey’s trickery, part of your essence will be trapped outside this plane until the worse of the future darkness has moved upon us, Brothers War and Death.” I concluded.

“As you order and warn us, eldest one.” War replied for the three of them.

“And of us three?” Famine asked.

“You will attempt to save many who should die because of their ships will be sucked down with Atlantis.” I replied quickly. “Pestilence will be doing the same but this will all happen before the battle hidden by Atlantis sinking.” I continued calmly. “Your survival from a rebirth will only be known by the winner of that battle.” I explained to them. They waited patiently as I looked over each of them. “As for myself, it is unsure but I will be here in one facet or another facing she who wishes to destroy Atlantis.” I concluded. I did not wish to tell them that I will be gone allowing Redpath to kill Genia.

“And my place?” my Squire asked softly. The eyes of the five shifted to him and I felt the pride this simple question caused them. My silence must have been too long for him. “I must know where I must be if not at your side.” he growled at me. His back was straightening as his face became serious with a hint of a snarl. “They have allowed me to stand here seeing all of you as you truly are, so I deserve to know my place!” His growl vibrated the room sparking at the cosmic wards. All eyes grew wider as he stood at his full height without fear nor worry upon him.

“You will stand between the enemy of Atlantis and the enemy of the world.” I told him without looking at him. “If you select wrong, none of them will be able to stand with you against the final darkness that will be upon you within the last days.” I warned him.

“I pray the Light guides your claws to the right target.” War chuckled softly.

“He will choose the one being I cannot face without dying.” I retorted. Their wide eyes now targeted me as they realized who he would face. “He already knows which must die without me, but after it will be his decision on what comes next.” I concluded. In unison, a slow nod to me and then to Kestrel showing they accepted my words.

I fell in silent contemplation while still chatting softly with my family. Redpath toured the room having his own discussions while we would, in turn, tell tales of our past that only here I can remember all of it freely. It was a much quieter celebration than in the Royal Court’s chaotic festival. I was happy like before when Elyria sat at my right through many gatherings like this one. A prayed to the Light that the sub-atoms of my destroyed soul may find hers in the nothingness at the edge of the Void’s realm. It was far passed the high moon when we finally left this place in our human skin once more. Cor, Aurora, and Twin went with their selected Guards to return to their residence while in Atlantis. Chichi offered to escort Sarabea back to the ship since she had no residence in Atlantis to stay during this short visit. Young Kestrel marched at my side as we moved slowly in silence along the our pathway home.

“Why was I selected as your Squire?” he asked softly in a near purring whisper to me.

“Because you would never allow me to enter that room alone.” I started using the most simplistic reason. “If you would have attempted to follow me in, you would have died because of the wards erected upon the place.” I continued easily. “I cannot risk losing any of you but you are the one most likely to go against my orders in the name of honor.” I concluded to him. He shock his head slowly.

“They knew I was your Squire.” he returned. “That is not why you asked this of me other than how limited your time here remains.” he told me. “Why was I the one you asked to be your Squire?” he concluded. We had stopped walking to face each other with hard faces.

“Sert has the heart but not the will to walk my path.” I began softly. “Meli has a protective nature but does not have the drive to follow my path.” I continued calmly. “Cole has his cunning but is too easily swayed from the path he must walk to follow mine.” I explained slowly. “This leave you with the heart, kindness, and cunning plus the honor to follow in my footprints as my Squire and replacement.” I concluded.

“I do not fully believe your words but will follow your path without asking to know more.” Redpath nodded to me. Our walk was still at a slow place. Sert, Meli, and Cole stood in the foyer waiting impatiently for our return. Worry lined their faces as hey stared at me upon my return with Redpath. The emotions poured out of them as their worries came out in a mix of anger and frustration.

“You have been doing everything to do the least possible lately.” Sert commented.

“You have been weakening since you saved that child, haven’t you?” Meli snapped at me.

“You have been acting very odd and more silent lately, sir.” Cole stated quietly.

“Do not tell us that we are over reacting due to over protectiveness.” Meli warned me.

“Every time you leave, we expect Redpath returning with word that you have been sent to Healers’ Halls because you collapsed.” Sert chimes in harshly.

“We have found nothing that could return your health before you have died.” Cole added grumbling.

Young Kestrel looked at them in silence as he stood by my side. He had accepted what I was placing upon his shoulders and was not going to interfere while I still stood by him. Once I was gone, he would lie convincingly and have them continue along the path they needed to follow. I still felt bad placing this upon his young shoulders but he has proven himself many times over being the me that first floated out into the spreading blood Universe to meet the first race being born. He was me as I walked the millenniums with my new Brothers and Sisters as well as Elyria at me side when my heart and spirit was whole.

“Yes, I have been avoiding many thing and held back my strengths and abilities for what I have foreseen coming.” I told them calmly. I smiled shyly at them with a shrug. “Please understand that much may come in the near future that will force me to extend myself nearly as much as I did saving that child.” I explained to them. “If I am to walk away alive from this, I must channel all my strength internally until that time.” I concluded.

“This is why I have been at his side to allow us a chance to prevent him needing to waste power on things which we can do for him.” Redpath remarked to them. He looked at his feet with a yowl. “I am worried but we must trust that he is doing what is best for all of us and Atlantis.” he added softer. He looked up at them with tear soaking the fur on his cheeks.

And this was why the others accepted him as my Squire. This was why he did not need to explain his presence in the seal hall. This was the reason that the Ley’ä’Luna chose him to be my replacement in all things. He was as tenacious, honorable, resourceful, cunning, and empathetic naturally as I had been beyond my role I played in this body. Even Annianka. whom I could love, did not know me as well as Repath did. He was truly the perfect copy of the original Genin. The Brothers and Sisters of Light would follow him feeling they are following my own orders without questions because they would see the true “Brother Order” standing with them.

My trio of worrying friends did not want to let this drop seeing my excuse as not good enough for them. Redpath claimed an early meeting with the Council allowing me to excuse myself from their midst. I ignored them as they ignored my excuse to them to retire to my private room. I was needed the next morning to stand withing the Council as Lemuria signed the treatise that would start solving all the conflicts between Atlantis and Lemuria. My sleep was easy as my body’s exhaustion claimed me. Morning had me in the foyer with Cole and young Kestrel readying to go meet my Brothers at the Council Chambers for dawn. The walk was in silence in the early predawn light along the empty streets until we met Cor and Twin at the doors of the Council Chambers’ central hall.

“Do you think we will have any problems with this.” Cor asked as greeting.

“Speak quickly and clearly.” I replied. “Do not add any doubts or negative possibilities of anything going wrong.” I continued calmly. “And smile like we all did last night.” I concluded with a wink to them. Both Brothers grinned broadly at my words.

“Let us complete this part so we shall be in place for the next act of this play.” Twin remarked with a smile. Cole and Redpath nodded to us as we entered the Council Chamber to face the them all together. This session took many hours but we were exiting with triumphant smiles on our face. Sanctions and reporting any group trying to barter or sell the Lemurian crystals to Atlantis as a whole had pushed the Council into agreeing to this treaty with Lemuria. Cole face beamed with happiness as I sensed he believed the knot had been cut away from Atlantis’ future. Young Kestrel hide his knowledge by looking as pleased as Cole including his pleased purring. Cole returned to give the good news to Sert and Meli over breakfast while my Brothers, Redpath, and myself head to the harbor to get the Peace Ambassador on their way on the Leviathan.

The only minor delay was for Scarabea to dismount to hug me and place one last kiss on my cheek. I locked arms with each of my Brothers offering them good parting and luck. Twin did whisper to me that he will request my cousin, Lord Death, to stand with me at my appointed time to give me one more hand leading my into nothingness. My three family saluted me receiving a crisp Atlantian salute as reply. All this happens before the eyes of the Guard Captains who were wordless at this sight. The Leviathan did not jump this time to silently glide on the waters through the protective reefs before actually jumping across the oceans to Lemuria.

I turned still smiling before Redpath and myself returned home. I request the help of my household to carry all my musical instruments to the garden to give them a day full of music and leisure. Weeks passed while I waited for the assigned moment of my death and avoided visiting Annianka. She would need to judge who should be saved, Atlantis or herself. Most of this time was spent sitting idly in the garden watching the clouds and listening to the songbirds. The word finally arrived that I had been waiting for. A massive fleet of ships flying the emblems of Lemuria was seen on the horizon targeting Atlantis. The multiple rumors grew quickly spreading across Atlantis like a windblown wildfire.

In my mind, I saw Cor and Twin standing upon the docks blocking the Lemurians from boarding vessels to escape the shaking city. The wave of distortion from the disintegrating of Lemurian crystals washed toward the city as it shattered and sunk under the ocean waves and their ship blinking out of existence. I was then upon the deck of the Leviathan as Lockey activated a capture ray to pull the Brothers to the ship from the docks. The new modifications failed as the rift drive goes into overload creation a spacial and temporal rift which sucks up the ship with part of the Brothers being caught with the ship. I could not detect where they ended but it was no long upon this plane of reality. I shuddered at my impotence at saving them. My replacement could not help pull them back until the far flung future. The Brothers’ souls would be reborn but would always be missing a part of themselves until the Leviathan returned to our world.

And the rumors now spoke of the Lemurian fleet retreating but all of this was a lie staged by humans that could not trust Lemuria would exist peacefully in this world. Between the humans and something within Atlantis forced the hands of the island’s military. They could have easily used other weapons to sink the fleet without risking harm to Lemuria. Just another sign of how tightly the thing in the Heartstone controlled Atlantis through our Holy Queen. The path for Genia’s bomb was set in motion for her evil plans. I remained in my garden waiting for what I knew would happen next from all the information young Kestrel carried to me.

Annianka would be imprisoned over her actions and the growing insanity within her speeches of late. I would and could do nothing to protect her, yet. I would make my offer and then she will decide what happens afterwards. I would either be taking her and her sister shards away from here or I will be simply hiding away to transfer myself into Redpath to expire. Either way, young Kestrel will take up the fight and face off with Genia in my place.

The next morning word was received that the Royal and Council Guards worked together to take the Holy Queen into custody peacefully. She had screamed only about this being a plot from the Council to dispose of her but showed no violence as they escorted her to her tower turned prison again. Unfortunately, the logs of the Council, the nobles, and multiple witnesses reported her screaming for the corrupted blood of Lemuria be removed permanently from existence. I gave her two days of solitude before I finally went to visit her this last time. I was the only person they would allow entry to her tower cell other than for Miss Hope, now her warden. I walked up to her wordlessly to deposit the jewellery box into her hand. She looked at me confused as she opens the box. She pulls out the ring and examines it closely for a moment before her eyes returned to mine.

“I cannot marry you, my sweet one.” she replied in a lilting voice. Her eyes were clouded and unfocused. “I already have a husband.” she added with a misaligned smile.

“The king means nothing to you or Atlantis, Annianka.” I returned patiently, like dealing with a child.

“It is not the farce of a King I speak of.” she returned harshly with a dreamy smile. “I speak of my husband Retrane.” she added with a sour choking giggle.

Hearing that name filled me with rage. This was the one that had raped my mother to father Genia and was destroyed beyond existence as he attempted escaping the Void’s rage by stepping into the pillar of light. Instead of merging with the Light, black flames consumed every atoms of its body, mind, and spirit. She dropped the ring into my hand without the box. I let it drop to the ground in her garden where we met. It sunk directly into the earth as the dragons ephemeral forms began circulating Atlantis under the level of the sea. I took a step back from her.

“Goodbye...” I whispered to her. The portal that open at my back was a swirling mass of black and purple tentacles that shot out to wrap tightly around my body. To her and Miss Hope’s eyes, I was yanked violently back into the swirling mass before the portal collapsed.

“What have you done?” Miss Hope screamed as tears fell from her eyes. “You have forced the Ones that have graced us with his presence to pull him away.” she exclaimed shocked and angry at her.

“I am a married woman.” she replied condescending. Her smile was bright and joyous. “He is such a brainless asshole asking for my hand now.” she added as a higher pitch evil laugh flowed from her mouth. Miss Hope rushed from the tower to her private chamber to find me laying half-alive and half-conscious in her bed. My breath was shallow and my skin paled to bone grayish white from using a skill learned from my departed wife to portal me to this secured location. I barely knew she was their in my dizzy detached state while part of me floated in the Ley’ä’Luna’s Temple of Light.

“Redpath!’ I called out. “Bring him quickly.” I added before slipping deeper into the Temple of Light.

“As you will it, Lord Kestrel.” she stated. She rushed to the street find Kestrel already rushing towards her.

“He has called me.” the panther stated. She instantly turned and lead him to her chambers.

No announcement was needed as when they entered, she saw the Temple of Light in which young Kestrel rushed to stand opposite of my position. The Ley’ä’Luna spoke clearly to Redpath and myself while Miss Hope covered her ears from the loud buzzing of thousands locusts filled the space around us.

“The only way for him to take your place is to be you in every way possible.” it told us in a single voice. “Your power and abilities mean nothing without the memories and knowledge that fuels and controls it.” it continued in unison. “Give everything you are and we will accept him as we accepted you, Great Lord Genin.” it concluded with blunt finality. I took one last look at the other Kestrel and together we nodded. Tendrils of light shot out to touch both of us as a serenade of notes from a voice we both knew too well. As darkness took me, Lord Death sung my swan song and I was no more.

Kestrel's Journals: Time Leading to my Last Supper (29)

Years crawled by as I excused myself from most missions claiming that Atlantis needed my presence more than the outer world did. I would now watch the sparring sessions between young Kestrel and Sert. My feline replacement had pushed Sert to increase his speed to much higher levels. He still could not match young Kestrel at his fastest but so far no one did. The last session between Repath and Cassis had ended with Cassis heavily plucked from the air to be pinned by her opponent. Meli and Cole would sometimes join in the sparring session but mostly tried to avoid being overly stressed facing the celerity of my cat. Nightingale and Chichi visited from time to time, sometimes sparring, sometimes conversing, and sometimes asking why I remained in place while they were here to protect Atlantis during my absences.

“The world can protect itself for a bit longer.” I told Chichi over strong liquor one evening in my garden. Redpath was in his roost with his linked companion kestrel perched above him. The chef looked at me with a worried gaze. “Just accept my decision and wait to hear with all the others, Brother Famine.” I ordered him directly.

“You have been rather quiet and remaining home more often than ever before.” he replied in a tense breath. “I am not the first Famine that has fallen to the wayside but you have always led us without changing.” he continued calmly. “Is it truly your time to step aside for a new generation to take up your torch of leadership?” he asked in a near whisper.

“All things must change eventually.” I replied softly. “Everything has been prepared and my Squire stand by my side knowing what his duties will be.” I continued slowly. I automatically looked up at my feline replacement. “And only he can save this world from something much worse than they might ever be able to face.” I added softly. My eyes returned to his face. He glanced up for a moment then looked confused to me. I nodded to him as his eyes widened.

“You mean he is...” he breathed out softly. I nodded again smiling at him. “But he is...” he started then glanced up at young Kestrel who appeared to be napping. He looked back at me. “He is seen as an oddity among the Royal Guards because of his unnatural speed.” he explained softly to me. “He bested a wind mage that geared all her skills to celerity.” he reminded me. “With your abilities, he will make lighting seem slow.” he added with a shiver.

“So he will be able to put all of you in your place?” I returned. I chuckled at the dark glare he gave me. “His quick body has a quick mind which will be of use to all of you with the future I have seen.” I confided in him. He sighed and our conversation returned to mundane matters.

My time with Annianka was also different during our daily meetings. She felt I had changed describing it similar to how she has changed during the many centuries she had arrived in Atlantis. I smiled, kissed her, and whispered that everything was as it should be. Miss Hope acted more friendly to me as the meeting time with my Brothers approached. She had whispered to me as her confidant about her fears and worries. I consoled her and advised her but nothing more at this time. Her glances at young Kestrel when he accompanied me to the gate was odd but also shy. I also gave myself time to remember the storm upon my arrival. I was still unsure what had cased this unnatural assassin to exist.

My half-sister’s absence on the island except for her living bomb could suggest she was involved in the attack upon me. The other option was still that the monstrosity in the Heartstone had lashed out to stop my arrival upon Atlantis. In both possibility, prevent me from walking upon Atlantis was the point of either of their deadly assault upon my ship. The chance of it being a natural event had been erased in my mind when I saved the young boy and fully awakened the echoed shade within the shard of the Heartstone. My presence upon Atlantis for the last two hundred years was not wanted but might have been adjusted for. Receiving the shard, being attracted to Annianka, and constantly sticking my nose in so many issues around the world.

The five years drifted closer daily as time seemed to speed up for me. Arrangement had been made with Pestilence reserving a hall for us six to meet, Chichi created elaborated meals and wines rarely found in this world, while I kept track of my Brothers War and Death who would carry Sister Chaos with them. This was the last great gathering for all of us together. This event would not happen again until the next knot was coming upon us. Our pathways would cross but never would the six meet again until the appointed time. Each of our path would cross most of those we have met so far but it would be just passing moments in my case. Young Kestrel will be with all those he has touched during many lifetimes for many moments. I just hope he and Dia can be together more often than any others in his line or mine.

My household had arrived as a group to stand at the dock with Corëe’ap’Ręæ’s and Twin Feathers’ selected Guards waiting with the Four Captains at our backs. Whispers from the Captains had me turning to face them. They looked worried at me as I realized it was my team they whispered with. I listened but faced forward in a pretense to ignore them.

“I shall be fine.” I remarked over my shoulders to them. I did not hide the edge of annoyance hearing my health being discussed openly between the Royal Guard Captains and my overly worried team. “Saving my energies for the revelry to come.” I lied to them. I smiled knowing without looking that young Kestrel quickly glanced at me and smiled as well. I straightened sensing the rift opening to allow the Leviathan to glide into docking position. I still heard the whispers at my back.

“Since I saw him heal that child, he has been weakening but there is no cause or ailment present.” Meli secreted to the Captains.

“I believe he bent a rule imposed on him by the Ones that sent him to us.” Ser whispered to another Captain.

“And they punish him by leaving him to slowly die?” Cole commented with a snort. He was not trying to be silent knowing Redpath and I would hear all their words easily. “Something else must have happened to degenerate him so thoroughly.” he suggested. I heard my feline Squire take in a deep breath as he turned to face them.

“Things are as he has foreseen them.” he told them. “He always told Miss Hope that he would not be the one fighting for Atlantis in his prophetic vision of our darkness.” he reminded them softly. The Captains eyes turned to Redpath. He looked at each in the eyes before nodding and saluting them one at a time. They simply nodded back to a feline three-quarter their size.

“Do you truly believe this, young Kestrel?” Curd asked not whispering.

“I believe in Lord Kestrel knowing what must be done if everything goes wrong upon Atlantis.” he replied looking at Captain Curd. “He stays feigning weakness, to be the most potent shield and sword of Atlantis.” he added bluntly. He bowed fluidly to Curd before turning to face the Leviathan as the gangplank slid into place.

“Best we keep this to ourselves and let him play his role as he has planned it.” Rez grumbled at then softly. With a soft thunk of wood on wood, the gangplank had connected the ship with the dock. I stepped forward with only Redpath at my side.

My plans were set in stone in my mind. I would offer Annianka salvation, her refusal would allow me to focus on Atlantis alone with the twin archaic dragons. I would make a great show of being ripped away from Atlantis with my remaining strength to be safely hidden in a secured place. I would then set everything in motion by transferring my gifts and potential into my Squire. The new Brother Order would go forth to save Atlantis while my body expired and dissolved into the nothingness of true death. He would find his own path to save Atlantis and survive with what I have taught him.

Cor and Twin barrelled down the gangplank to tackle me to the dock. We ended up in a tangle of arms, and legs laughing like children. They acted like true little brothers to me which made me wish the five of them were my true brothers and sisters instead of Genia. A young woman in an Egyptian cut cloak and dress slowly walked down the plank as we three disentangled ourselves. A smile glowed on her face that held the purely features of the Egyptian people.

“Meakita.” she stated in a hesitant whisper as she curtsied to me.

“You should wait until I get these two off me before greeting me, little Sister.” I panted out between chuckles and laughs. I fully pulled myself to my feet to bow to her. “Lady Scarabea of the Sands.” I greeted her formally with a second bow in the Egyptian style. Her eyes sparkled with mischief for but a second before she launched herself into my arms. As I knew my Brothers were behind my knees, to assist her toppling me over to my back. Laughter ran around from us four playing like children on the dock. We ignored the Captains, their Guards squads, and my friends who all looked at me with surprise and relieved shock. Young Kestrel laughed but did not move to help me until he knew we were ready to act more adult. Slowly our laughter spread through to all of them. I held a hand out to Redpath who helped me to my feet and assisted Serif, Sister Chaos to her feet. She gave him a quick curtsied thanks pressing her forehead into his leather armored chest.

Cor and Twin walked at my sides while young Kestrel and Scarabea followed with my remaining retinue close behind them. Easy words of no real importance passed between us as we marched with two contingencies of Guards following the four Captains. I mentioned in passing that the King had excused himself the day before they arrived and planned to return the day after their scheduled departure. What we discovered was not lined nobles to greet them. The nobles stood in small groups spread out around the Royal Court chamber merrily sipping from mugs and discussing casually. They hailed us as we entered cautiously to this odd receptions. Annianka giggled as she welcomed us to a taste of Valhalla upon Midgard’s jewel. Cor and Twin faces feel from the shock as once more the crowd of spread out nobles hail their arrival.

“A slice of home away from home!” Annianka announced to them louder. “Enter and be merry!” she ordered rising from her throne. The brothers shot forward directly towards her but failed as she launched herself at them to easily topple them to the ground. A less aggressive repeat of our playful greeting on the dock proceeded while the nobles acted like this was normal. Scarabea remain close to Redpath while I side-stepped to stand on her other side. The smile was on my face as all of this truly pleased me.

“It is always good to see you smile, Brother Order.” she whispered to me. “It has been a very long time since I have seen you smile in earnest.” she added a bit louder.

“Lord Kestrel smiles and laughs often since he has been on Atlantis.” young Kestrel remarked with a shrug. She turned to look at my feline counterpart. “When he does not need to crush threats towards Atlantis and the world.” he added. A small smirk had started forming on his face.

“I am sure the grin they receive is a very vicious smile when doing so.” she replied with a soft giggle.

“Only when they truly deserve to see his full vengeance.” he returned with the icy edged smirk. It softened as he turned to me. “You should join in the festivities, sir.” he suggest to me.

“This celebration is for my two Brothers and not for our Sister or myself.” I answered him. “It is why we two stand here removed from it while enjoying the youthful performance.” I continued with a deep chuckle. “You are right about how long it has been since you last saw me smiling.” I added to Chaos.

“What has happened to you to regain this shine in your eyes?” she asked softly.

“My answer would be Holy Queen Annianka.” Repath purred out before in became a soft vibrating chuckle.

“She is of your age category which very few can claim except Genia.” Scarabea returned slurring my half-sister’s name. “Any words on where that psychopath of a half-sister has been hiding, Great Lord Genin?” she continued with a growl in her voice. Kestrel glanced back to her as he placed a hand on her shoulder. She calmed at his touch as her snarl returned to a pleasing soft smile.

“All I know is that her little walking bomb is in place in Atlantis.” I stated softly. “She will show when it goes off to hide her interference by destroying the island.” I added to her. I did not hide the momentary snarl twisting my mouth before it returned into a pleased smile. The air was filled with anecdotes of Cor’s, Twin’s, and Annianka’s playing tricks on Loki and the other Asgard deities. Intersperse with these was blasts of laughter and shock sounds of hearing the crafty nature of their Holy Queen. She waved most of it off as childish whims and not her true nature nor her adult personality. This revelry did not truly get anything done but lasted from their noontime arrival to the last glows of the setting sun extinguished on the horizon and the highest marbled spires of Atlantis. As they all filled out of the Royal Court, most left in family clusters with a Guard or two escorting them out of habit and not for true security.

Kestrel's Journals: Tying Up the Loose Ends (28)

The meeting with the Council was swift as we, as a group, entered the central chamber. The Council seemed bewitched making my words law in their ears. Hope’s little spell still worked but I would rather they listen out of logic and not by this coercion. Cole seemed very pleased that they had finally accepted the reason in listening to my great political wisdom as Royal Advisor of Atlantis. Cole was practically crowing the whole way home about our great victory. Young Kestrel seemed a little more perplexed and silent as we returned home. When I asked him about it, he said it was nothing and everything was fine as he flashed me a cattish grin. I sighed and let it be knowing I would question this if I stumbled upon it.

The rest of Cor’s and Twin’s visit went very smoothly and I could remain sitting in the background listening and watching the events unfold in silence. I would give my advise if asked but I could mostly live my final years in peaceful relaxation. I stood on the dock with my Brothers bidding them farewell and good luck with a smile on my face. Cor and Twin told me in a whisper before boarding the Leviathan that they had felt something new inside me, something they had never seen in me before. They felt a peacefulness and quietness from me they had never seen within all my multiple lifetimes and millenniums prior to arriving here on Earth. I did not tell them this was my growing acceptance with my own final death and with whom I had selected to replace me in this fight. I did thank them while claiming it was the peace of Atlantis that had seeped into my spirit replacing something I lost long ago. A pained look showed in their eyes but they said nothing more.

Five years would past before they would return as planned to report how close they were to sign the peace agreements between Atlantis and Lemuria. They were very hopeful that by their next visit they could report Lemuria was ready to hand over their crystals to the world and sign treatise with Atlantis within the following month. I did warned them that Lockey would not hand over her Leviathan’s crystals being a free vessel not linked to Lemuria nor Atlantis. They laughed at my warning telling me they would never dare suggest disarming the Leviathan. I remained on the dock long enough to wave at them before their ship jumped away. I finally turned to make my way home but was impeded by a group of dolphin chirping to get my attention. I moved to sit upon a bench by their pool to converse with them.

“You do not seem like yourself.” the lead dolphin spoke for the pod. The mental whisper from the lead was strong, clear, and concise for only my mental ears. My reply was verbal but this is the way when speaking to Atlantian dolphins.

“I have discovered that my time left here is very short.” I replied softly to them.

“Can you still save Atlantis?” it asked with a loud chirp.

“No.” I admitted sadly. “I will arrange for another to take my place who will be able to save it from destruction.” I explained in a quiet voice. I glanced around to see no one listening to me. “Nothing will stop Atlantis from vanishing from the world for many millennium.” I concluded. I let them witness my final visions of Atlantis before it sank under the waves still intact. They did witness the final battle knowing who was going to replace me which gained many chirps and whistles from them.

“Sad it be, but you have done your duty.” it returned softly. “We are happy star child that we saved you even if you feel like you have abandoned us.” it told me gently. “Be at peace since you shall see her once more.” it added. These last mental words turned into a loud series of chirping whistles as they slowly swam away from this pool. I sat on the marble bench in the half shadows by the empty pool with their words echoing in my mind.

“They truly are wise.” a deep voice but fully female whispered from behind me. I did not need to turn to know Princess Muse stood at my back.

“You have come to speak or warn me of another problem heading my way?” I asked softly. My body was ready to have a rush of emotions driving me to action and shortening my remaining life.

“I saw the images you showed the dolphins.” she stated by my ear. “Genin becomes KreGenin for the good of the world to come.” she continued. She moved around the bench to kneel by my knee at the edge of the dolphin pool. “A scion of the stars empowered by the fall of another scion to defeat the other remaining scion.” she concluded in a whisper. I turned my head to look upon her glowing golden eyes looked up at me with a gentle smile.

“She will not know that it is not me she faces until the true death blow claims her.” I returned calmly. “I must still find a way to protect Atlantis after it slides under the veil of ocean waves.” I continued. The soft sigh was stopped by a lone finger across my lips. She smiled at me as a quick wink flashes at me.

“A gift from my kind to you as a solution.” she whispered at me smiling. The thin lines of her scales showed in her face as the golden scales glittered from the light of her eyes. A small ring box was pressed in my hand as her smile and eyes showed a hint of her mischievous nature. “Let Annianka decide if she should be saved or Atlantis be protected with this small gift.” she added quietly.

My eyes moved to the box in my hand. I slowly opened the lid to see an ornate ring that no technologies on earth would ever be able to create. Two stones set in a perfect swirl of opal, for Atlantis’ light, and hematite, for the dark strength of Lemuria, or so my mind decided. Muse’s giggle in my ears rang like deep bells ringing as she called me silly.

“The opal stands for the Ley’ä’Luna’s light upon everything that lives and the hematite stands for you being the shield and sword against the darkness.” she corrected me. “Give her the ring when all seems lost.” she explained with a giggle in her breath. “If she accepts it on her finger, she will be freed from Atlantis and the corrupted stone.” she continued. “If she refuses it, it will bind with the land of Atlantis to make it return into reality at the appointed time.” she concluded. I watched the stones as she spoke and noticed something moving within each stone making the two stones swirl in reality.

“The first two dragons of the second race.” I stated as I realized what I looked upon. “The Dragon of Light and the Dragon of Strife.” I whispered to her. I barely saw her nod to me.

“They are you hands and the hands of your replacement until the true darkness tries once more to claim this world.” she explained quickly. I sensed the sudden rush in her behavior. “They will only serve the Chosen One of the Ley’ä’Luna, sweet Genin.” she stated merrily. “Words of others will mean nothing to them.” she added. She touched my cheeks with soft kisses before she dissipated from this place. The ring box and ring sat in my hand as the only proof she had ever been here.

“Thank you.” I whispered both verbally and mentally to her. I closed the box and hid it within my clothing securely. I smiled knowing my only worry was now solved. Atlantis might rot if ‘Hope’ realized she could be saved, but the crystal would become that monsters tomb deep under the waves to never be found again. The words from the dolphins had me confused the most since they could not mean Elyria since nothing of her remained which I had searched for during a few centuries after her sacrifice. True death was the point where everything turned into nothingness to never return to the life in any form. I accept this as my fate to save the world from this knot that could destroy this world too quickly. A delay would give them all a chance to be better prepared with my sacrifice.

I will wait until no other choices remained before using the ring to place protection on either Annianka, in this world, or Atlantis, in its millenniums of slumber. My hidden mind let memories flow into my active consciousness of playing with those two mighty dragons. I was still cold to the new races coming into being remembering my mother, Universe, sacrificing herself to create all this spreading out from father’s, the Void’s, domain. Is this what Elira felt at that moment, like Universe, before her sacrifice? This peaceful assurance and certainty I felt ready to sacrifices myself to give my strength to young Kestrel becoming the new Chosen Avatar of the Ley’ä’Luna? Too many possibilities with so many variables that constantly increased as time marched forward for me to answer my own questions. I face the present challenges stretching my life with my dwindling powers to give young Kestrel the best starting point for his required actions. Genia would never know she did not face me by this action of my own hanging out for the longest possible.

I had not even realized that, as I thought all of this, I was already walking home. My foot faltered by my distracting thoughts as a strong furry black hand grappled my shoulder to keep me standing. I turned expect to see my feline's face but looked into burning red wolf eyes. I froze for but a moment before stepping back from this creature I did not recognize.

“He is not an enemy, Lord Kestrel.” Ichcui commented softly. She stepped from the shadows to stand beside this wolfish thing blended with demonic essence. “Sara suggested that you and Steel should meet.” Ichtaca Cuicatl whispered to me. “She calls him ‘wolf-boy’ and he has spoken to your mind before.” she explained. I had known of him without meeting him which had me confused but appeared calm. I nodded to him while also examining this infernally infected wolf child. Gouges from claws could not hide the enslavement mark he bore having me stiffen.

“You bear her mark and dare to stand before me?” I asked feigning anger. I heard a soft whistle from a kestrel in the air above us but did not look up.

“My slave mark has me feeling the same before any celestial beings.” he growled back. A smirk instead of a snarl showed on his face.

“You face one that she allowed cast from the heavens but barred from hell by her former lover.” I returned stiffly. “What is this about IchCui?” I snapped back at the Royal Governess. Steel moved to be between us protecting her.

“He offered his half-breed army that have escaped captivity to protect Sara.” she explained. “Many demons and devils have abandoned the hell over the mistreatment from Lucifer’s and the other fallen angels’ hands to join with Steel’s clan.” she informed me.”All of them would rather be Sara’s army than return to the servitude they were previously under.” she added softly.

“An army of demons, devils, and the mixed blood of half-beast and half-infernal serving the daughter of Seraphim?” I returned with a hard laugh. “The being cast out for giving the Archangels the weapons to save heaven from Lucifer’s rebel army?” I added as a reminder to them. I was chuckling at this absolute ludicrous turn of events.

“You may have been up there but you are not angelic.” Steel snorted back.

“True, but it is the same principle.” I replied softly. My hand lashed out to snag a feline on the back of his neck. He was pouncing towards Steel and I could not allow a fight starting during this odd moment. I placed young Kestrel at my side but he moved into a protective position between Steel and myself. Whispered words passed between them as they growled at each other like true cat and dog reaction.

“Redpath, Steel. Steel, Redpath” Ichcui introduced them to each other.

“And I thought cats and birds had problems when meeting.” I remarked as my eyes drifted from my feline to Ichcui’s wolf. I noticed by their size that they were very close in age as well as in attitude. “Yaotl Tonatiuh! What does your temples say about this arrangement?” I asked her using the title from her people formally.

“They have proven themselves as fighting for their own existence and chose to follow Sara because they believe in her cause and her vision of a future freed from darkness.” she answered directly.

“Do you swear to protect her?” I asked bluntly to the wolf-boy.

“I swear, like my group, my allegiance to her directly and not to you.” he returned in a deep growl. His eyes remained locked on young Kestrel as they stood in a challenging stance at each other. “You are not long for this world to earn my allegiance.” he added in a snort. Redpath’s tail was a slow undulating pendulum as his body was tightly held ready to strike.

“Then swear to the one you are growling at, Steel.” I stated calmly. Those infernal wolf eyes snapped up to me for but a moment to read if I was being serious. I let the images of the final battle where young Kestrel defeated my sister Genia to save Atlantis from destruction. “Swear to the one that will still exist after Atlantis falls.” I mentally told him. His body stiffened as he stood straight which Redpath mimicked perfectly. Then the wolf-boy bowed deeply to my feline replacement.

“I swear to you, Kestrel of the Redpath clan, in the name of all my clan and allies to protect Sara until we have all been slayed to the last.” he stated still bowed before the feline. A purring chuckle came from Redpath. A confused look appeared on Ichcui’s face which possibly reflected my own confusion at this chuckle from my feline name-sake.

“So we can stop pretending we are not friends now?” he asked in a purring voice. The growling chuckle from the infernal wolf replied as he stood. They locked arms in greeting and sealing the oaths exchanged. He turned his head to look at me. “The household is worried since you seemed very detached from us during the Celebratory Supper.” he informed me. A soft squawk of a kestrel sounded from a roof above us. “My little bird friend made it easy to find you, sir.” he added. I glance up to spot the small kestrel that I had noticed but ignored within my garden.

“I had many thoughts that needed clarification.” I replied softly to him. He nodded still purring softly.

“You saw your Brothers off, you visited the dolphin pool where you had a dragon guest, and now you parlay with a half demon and the Royal Governess that should be with her charge.” he listed my evening events in quick precise fashion. “Anyone else you need to meet before we return home, sir?” he asked in a purring chuckle.

“Protective cat he is.” Steel stated with a respect filled nod to Redpath. “He also sees more than all others perceive.” he added with a growling chuckle.

“Even my training did not reveal the link between you and Sara.” Ichcui admitted softly. “How many others have you set deals with to protect and serve your child?” she asked in a whisper.

“None but the oath your Steel already gave her and now to young Kestrel.” I replied truthfully. “My other arrangements and oaths are to protect the world and the remains of Atlantis while it is hidden from the world.” I explained honestly to her. “Her protection, as Steel has stated, is not mine to arrange beyond the Brothers and Sisters of light.” I concluded quietly.

“And her three aunties of Wisdom, Joy, and Depression with Balance waiting to strike if needed.” the other Kestrel remarked. I gazed down at him. “I have met Depression as she comes to visits the ghost of the old and abandoned Royal Halls.” he informed me quietly. “I have collected many odd friends both outside and within Atlantis, Lord Kestrel.” he added in a near whisper.

“You have always been a resourceful kitten who can find the truly heroic and make them follow the right path for them.” I told him softly. “You have earned this truth.” I stated. I bent my head to be near his ear. “You are my Squire and will soon be replacing me.” I whispered to him before pulling back. He only turned his head to look at me to give me a single simple nod of acceptance.

We bowed to each other before parting. Young Kestrel walked beside me proudly as I felt that I had finally done enough. It was a weight lifted from my shoulders as we walked along the empty marble streets. We retired to our rooms upon entering the residence. Sert’s question was answered with the fact I was fatigued from my long day, which he accepted. By the time the moon reached its zenith, I was before the pillar of light. I explained my plan of releasing my vows to them upon young Kestrel’s shoulders. They agreed easily citing that he could do what I could not when facing my half sister. Then I was back in my bed in Atlantis as sleep took me for real. My dreams were of my time with Elyria reliving them and even changing them to make them last longer in this dreamed reality.

Redpath's Journals: The Lemurian Peace Ambassadors (27)

A shrill stretched out squawk awoke me before the sun had risen. I awoke half confused before looking up to see my kestrel friend calling me. I looked around the garden where nothing else moved. The bird of prey hop-flew to the wall and squawked at me once more.

“I understand, I am following.” I called to him. I stretched and leaped from my branch to the wall. “What is needed?” I asked the bird perched beside me. It cooed at me before taking flight headed for the harbor, spiraling back to release a call to me before returning on it’s original path. I pounced to the street below and started moving along the street noticing the messenger arriving at our door. I started rushing, then running, to reach the port before anyone else. How did I know they would be at the port? My feathered friend’s called me to there.

The kestrel flew in circles over an empty space in the harbor. The air started shimmering and spiraling before the front tip of the a ship appeared. The rest of the ship followed floating silently and slowly into the harbor. The kestrel returned to one of the trees by me standing where the land and shore met. It squawk one last time and pointed with its beak to the ship that had manifested in the harbor of Atlantis. I squared my shoulders and move to stand where the ship will be docking to wait as the dawn light washed over me. I heard the running feet before I saw Kestrel arriving.

I watched seeing him being followed by the four Captains and the four squad flowing like a ribbon behind their Captain. As Kestrel was within the range to see me clearly, I mouthed the words ‘too slow’ to him. He took the place beside me as my purring chuckle could reach his ears.

“You could have warned me that it was a race.” he returned with a chuckle. With a wave from him, the ship slipped easily into position. Atlantian dock hands tied the mooring ropes as the gangplank stretched out to touch the dock before us. I glance back to see my little kestrel took off winging toward his home, our garden. My eyes return to stare at this ship that I knew was the infamous Leviathan filled with secrets even Atlantis did not know about. I doubted that stolen Lemurian technology would be seen as acceptable in Atlantis but only if they found out about it.

A Lemurian woman in slightly fancier clothing then other mixed race sailors, making me think it was the captain, strode down the gangplank directly towards Kestrel. I held my spot as she stop before him and made a face to him. He laughed at her as my ears picked up a gentle scrapping sound luring my eyes back to the ship. I spotted the top of two heads up to a pair of eyes looking down at us.

“She actually did it!” the first head exclaimed.

“I cannot believe she would do that to the first person she met.” the second head replied. Kestrel had been standing closer to the edge of the plank from the Leviathan which spared me receiving this rude face.

“And you could never of guessed that it would be me, you fools!” Kestrel hollered up to them. I saw them focusing more closely on Kestrel as they slowly stood revealing the rest of their bodies. I saw the shock and smelled the hint of fear as they slowly crept down the gangplank to stand before Kestrel. “I should have warned you to never bet with these two, captain Lockey.” he added as he started laughing again.

“He’s laughing, brother?” one asked looking confused and shocked.

“When and where did he find a sense of humor?” the second replied just as surprised. Kestrel held up one hand and they silenced instantly.

“Double or nothing if you make that face to sweet Meli, once she reaches us.” he told the captain. The two nodded trying to encourage her to agree.

“No bet, but I will do it for fun in this case.” she countered with a smirk. She moved to one side with a passive face as Sert, Meli, and Cole finally reached us. Sert was greet with a simple handshake wordlessly, before she turned towards Meli. She waited until Meli was focused fully on her face when she made the rude face to her. Sert moved as Lockey started laughing and tipping over. He had her held on her feet while she continued laughing. Meli giggled under breath looking confused.

“She is as fun as we are and we never knew.” one reported.

“Without having lost a bet, she still has a good humor about acting silly.” the other returned. They both chuckled, giggled, and laughed as they pranced in a tight circle on the dock. They had not noticed Meli had approached them.

“What was that about?” she asked trying not to giggle. In her confusion, her mouth was open showing off her fangs. Both men jumped back from her as the smell of fear poured from them.

“Our fanged friend is not what you think.” Kestrel remarked chuckling at them. My purring chuckle drifted out with his as I stood by his side. They still looked fearfully at her as she smiles sweetly accentuating her sharpened canine teeth.

“I win the fear bet!” Lockey shrieked triumphantly. She moved towards the brothers with a grin and an outstretched hands. “Now pay up!” she ordered as they sighed. Each handed over a trio of random crystals to her. “Now, this is Meli, a trained healer of Atlantis in Kestrel’s service.” she introduced Meli to them.

“And I am an honorary Royal Guard in Lord Kestrel’s household.” I informed them. Their eyes went from me, to the lines of Guards behind us and to Sert and Cole that approached closer to Meli's sides. The two still flinched when their eyes fell on our healer. “Sertian, the Honour Guard known as Sert, Cole, the Council Attache, and myself, Kestrel of the Repath clan known as the House Cat.” I introduced the team before turning to stand with them. “We are Lord Kestrel’s personal retinue.” I added purring. I nod from Kestrel had me moving once more to stand beside him.

“Brother!” the first exclaimed wide-eyed.

“You have truly changed since last we met!” the second continued. They started examining Kestrel closer with wondrous amazement. I could not resist releasing a soft chuckling purr at the annoyed look on Kestrel’s face. He dismissed their actions with a wave and a cold look.

“You two should eventually consider growing up.” he told them. “You might learn that it is not such a bad nor a serious thing.” he added giving them a quick wink. My chuckle nearly turned into a laugh at this but I held it back mostly. They smiled back as both shook their heads violently to deny his advise.

“It would be of no use growing up.” one replied quickly.

“No fun in acting like an adult.” the other agreed just as fast.

“May I introduce Lord Corëe’ap’Ręæ and Lord Twin Feathers.” he informed all of us. Each bowed as their name was spoken. “Cor and Twin, for short.” he concluded casually.

“Well met!” we replied in unison. I could see the smile on both Sert’s and Cole’s face showed they were enjoying this more informal banter with dignitaries.

“Select a Guard group for your visit and we can then proceed to meet the King and Holy Queen with the rest of the nobles.” he informed them. The Captains moved aside to allow their troops reviewed for selection.

“Which ones did Sister Nightingale and Brother Chichi select?” Cor asked while glancing down the line of troops.

“Would be best to not select the same as them.” Twin explained tossing glances towards the Guards.

“Lady Nightingale selected the Ursus Guards, and, as Royal Chef, Chichi has no Guards of his own.” Kestrel answered. They looked surprise about Chichi lack of Guards. “Our sister is taking care of him.” he whispered to them. I did not chuckle remembering Sert suddenly losing his clothing from a single hit from Nightingale. They chortled back nodding as they moved to select their Guards.

“I will select the Wolves.” Cor called back before returning by us. Twin looked from the Feline and the Ferrets seeming unable to decide.

“Can I get a mixed group?” he asked pained. “I just feel it unjust to leave one group out.” he complained.

“If I said that the Felines are chosen Guards for the Egyptians.” Kestrel hazarded to him.

“Good!” Twin cheered. “It leaves the most cunning of all the Guards for me!” he exclaimed merrily. A nod towards Jäz gained a higher pitched chuckle back. He looked around before realized he had not selected verbally. “I select the Ferrets.” he announced smirking shyly.

“As you both wish it.” Kestrel replied with quick bow to each of them. “Young Lord Bryan has made arrangements that Princess Sara will be present for this greeting ceremony.” he revealed. The Royal Guards and their Captains growled under their breath while stiffening straighter. “I believe she will be much better behaved than when Captain Jäzærha returned.” he added with a shrug.

“That is good to hear since we have gifts for our little niece.” Cor returned merrily. I saw the Guards’ and Captains’ look downward while all other eyes came to rest on Cor. Meli started moving forward at them again. She had noticed their reaction to her chipped teeth. She used it against them as easily as carrying a spatula to put Sert in his place.

“Why do you call the Princess your niece?” she asked with a hard edged smile. They flinched away from her looking to Kestrel for salvation. Sert and Cole stayed back half in confusion and half in fear of Meli’s mood. I played my role looking confused at the brothers silently while at Kestrel side.

“They do not know?” Cor asked smirking. Mischievousness shined in his eyes.

“You have kept it a secret from your own people?” Twin remarked. The feigned shock of placing a hand over his mouth did not hide the mischievous gleam in his eyes. I saw that they took this slip of the tongue as a game with Kestrel. I could not be sure this was intentional but I had my doubt it was wholly an accident. Unknown words spilled out of Kestrel as the teams eyes turned on him.

“I am boarding my ship and ignoring what was just said.” Captain Locked retorted marching to her ship. I heard her screaming orders to her sailors and the water rippling as they moved away from the dock while my eyes were on Kestrel. I did not glare, like they others targeting him with, but looked hoping he was planning away out of this mess.

“Will you explain why they would refer to Princess Sara as their niece?” Meli inquired aggressively. “Or should we ask the Holy Queen Annianka why this would be said?” she concluded. She was never subtle in challenging anyone with something they seemed to fear. For Kestrel, it was keeping the Queen happy and in the dark of things that would disturb her.

“These two are like brothers to Annianka.” he answered calmly. “The three of them have played tricks on Loki himself while they grew up in Asgard together.” he explained easily. It even seem to wave this fact away as if it was nothing of importance. “They just know her as ‘Joy' and not as the Holy Queen Annianka.” he added. Confused glances passed between the Guards and their Captains but I felt this was wrong. My meeting with ‘Depression’ had me reviewing the names she gave her sisters that did include ‘Joy’ but it was ‘Hope’ that sat upon the throne of Atlantis. It could, indirectly, be seen as Kestrel being a sibling of the Queen since they called him brother as well.

“We are ready to meet the Royals and nobles of Atlantis.” he asked. A smile was tossed at his brothers. With a nod, we started moving forward. The four Guard Captains lead the way. With a loose ring of their mixed selected Guards around them, the peacemakers of Lemuria followed glancing at all the scenes around them. Kestrel and I with the rest of our companions walked at their back while the remaining unselected Guards followed out behind us. The procession moved at a good pace without rushing nor lingering.

I could see how stiffly the Guards moved smelling the aggression and fear in the Atlantians lining the street. Lemuria was seen as the enemy of Atlantis by many here, there, and in the outer world. I was in part truthful since we often had minor aggressive incidents between our ships but it was not an all out war between the two races. The tension was high but not beyond calming so far. Curiosity possibly had most of them standing with their children in the street sides watching us. I wondered if they realized that these Peace Ambassadors were not Lemurians like the man they view as the best and most honorable Atlantian was only a special human.

The walk had remained peaceful but, as we approached the open area surrounding the Royal Court, it could change shortly. A crowd waited chanting against the warmongers upon their island. They sat shoulder to shoulder turning our pathway into a sea to impede our forward movement. The two Peace Ambassadors step forward to meet them without a hint of fear coming from them. Their Guards had moved to bracket their back without getting aggressive to the people.

“We agree that warmongers have no place upon this island of peace and serenity.” Cor called out to them.

“Which is why we are here to bring some of this noble peaceful thinking to Lemuria to save them from the evils infesting the outer world.” Twin agreed. They took another step closer to them without breaching the thick rows of citizens. The aggression from this group was extremely high as we arrived but was slowly dissipating.

“We ask you,” he paused shaking his head. “No, we beg you to allow us to do this hard task?” Cor asked them.

“We beg you to allow us to pass so we may do our part like your noble Lord Kestrel in saving the world?” Twin pleaded with them. The use of Kestrel name had the aggression melting away. The looks were still glares but their aggression was disappearing from their scent. The Guards did not relax at this lessening aggression being on guard for any possibilities even a magical attack from on outside source.

“We ask for peace and promise to only show peace while upon this great island.” Cor promised them. With a quick nod to each other they turned towards the Guard Captain of their selected troops. They made a show by slowly and publicly disarming themselves before the crowd handing everything over to the Captain standing by them. The glares remained but the aggression was gone from the crowd. With another quick nod, the strode forward. They picked their way carefully between the bodies sitting on the wide marble pathway. They remained silent as they progressed slowly and cautiously through the crowd. Murmured comments passe around the crowd but none moved to impede the Peace Ambassador brothers. The Guards glared back at the crowd impatiently waiting impotent to prevent harm to those they were suppose to protect. Upon reaching the far side of the crowd, the brothers turned once more to face the crowd. They bowed deeply to them holding at the lowest point of their bow.

“We thank you!” they returned to the crowd in unison.

“You have shown to us the true nobility of Atlantis by allowing us to pass peacefully.” Twin concluded to them. They stood and started bowing to each section of the crowd that had allowed them peaceful passage. The applause started slowly like a whisper in the crowd but, as it grew, the members of the crowd rose to their feet. The crowd started slowly dispersing allowing us to start moving forward.

“They are why Lemuria has accepted the concept of peace.” Kestrel announced to the crowd. With Kestrel thanking one side of the crowd we passed through, I thanked the other. Our march was slow and showed gratitude to all that acted with honor. It was in the name of peace and Atlantis we thanked them for their honorable and pacifist actions. The mood had shifted to my animal senses knowing hope was now the feeling that emanated from them now. We took places on each side of the brothers turning to face the crowd.

“For Atlantis, I thank all of you for your noble behavior towards those that wish for peace everywhere upon the world.” Kestrel told them. Most had walked away but Kestrel’s voice carried to all of them. I couldn’t resist purring at this outcome where peace won against the hatred for Lemuria. We turned as one to march forward in sync to march into the Royal Court's central hall.