I gaze out the shuttle window, my reflection ghosting over the receding image of Paradise Loop. The sight stirs conflicting sensations within me. I’m relieved, of course, to finally be free. But at the same time, what challenges await us on Mythos? How will my people react to having Mia, a human, as their future queen?
Despite my concerns, excitement thrums through my veins. I’m eager to show Mia the wonders of my underwater kingdom, to share my world with her.
Mia’s hand tightens around mine as the shuttle races through space. I sense her unease, her uncertainty about what lies ahead. She casts one last glance out the window, taking in the sprawling biomes of Paradise Loop as it fades into the distance.
It’s an oddly bittersweet moment, leaving behind the place where our bond was forged through trials and triumphs, but I know we’re both happy to leave it behind.
Mia then turns to me, her brow creased. “Krakenos, I know this might sound silly, but… How am I going to survive in your kingdom? I mean, I’m not exactly a mermaid…”
I squeeze her hand gently, offering a reassuring smile even though my translation device has no equivalent word for whatever a ‘mermaid’ is. I assume it is a type of human that can breathe underwater. “Don’t worry, my queen,” I say. “We have technology to make sure you’re comfortable and safe on Mythos.”
Her eyes sparkle with curiosity. “Really? Like what?”
“Well, for one, we have underwater breathing devices that we concocted for off-world traders.”
Mia’s face breaks into a grin. “No way! That’s so cool… But am I going to have this thing attached to my face forever now?”
I chuckle at her enthusiasm. “No, not at all. We have oxygenated domes all over Mythos. We’re amphibians, so we like spending time in the open air as much as the water. You’ll be able to move around freely inside the domes.”
She nods, processing the information. “Okay, that makes sense. But what about the pressure? Won’t that be an issue?”
“Our submarines have advanced depressurization chambers, another technology we developed for off-world traders. You won’t have to worry about anything.”
“I had no idea the Aquarians had such advanced technology,” she admits.
“We’ve kept our technological advancements a closely guarded secret,” I confess. “But I hope to change that, to usher in a new era of peace and collaboration with the other races of Mythos. With you by my side, Mia, I believe we can make that dream a reality.”
Mia turns to me, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern. “What’s your father like? Will he… Will he approve of me?”
I take her hand in mine, rubbing my thumb gently over her knuckles. “My father has led our people through countless challenges. The years have taken their toll on him, so I am sure that the news of our union, of the hope you bring for a cure, will lift his spirits. He’s been waiting for this moment, for the day when I can take the throne with a strong queen by my side.”
Doubt crosses Mia’s face. “But will your people accept me? I’m an outsider. What if they see me as a threat?”
I cup her cheek, my gaze locked with hers. “I will lead by example. I will show them that you are to be respected, not feared. Your strength, your resilience, and your kind heart are the very qualities that will make you an exceptional queen.”
She leans into my touch, a small smile on her lips. “You really believe that?”
“With every fiber of my being. The Aquarians are a good people, Mia. They’ve been through so much, and when they see the hope you bring—along with the promise of a future free from the plague—they will embrace you as one of their own.”
Mia’s smile grows, her eyes shining with a newfound confidence. “Okay. If you’re sure, then I won’t worry.”
As the spacecraft carries us closer to Mythos, to the start of our new life together, I feel a sense of purpose that I’ve never known before.
I just hope that my people, and the entirety of Mythos, is ready for a change as big as this one.
The stars blur past the viewport, streaks of light against the inky darkness of space as the next couple of hours pass. It is then that I see a familiar planet in the viewscreen, and I stand with Mia, my hand resting on the small of her back as we watch the planet grow larger before us.
Bands of emerald and sapphire swirl across its surface, vibrant against the void.
Mythos.
Home.
A tightness builds in my chest, excitement and trepidation warring within me. It’s been so long. How many cycles have passed since I last walked the coral halls of the palace? Since I last swam the cerulean depths of the Grendalian Sea? And now, to return with Mia at my side… Everything will be different.
Mia leans forward as she takes in the sight of my home. “It’s beautiful,” she breathes, her voice filled with awe.
I nod with pride. “It is. And soon, it will be your home.”
As we approach the planet’s surface, the spacecraft dips lower, skimming over the vast canyons that blanket the land. Mia gasps as we pass over a towering Drakari castle, its granite walls glinting in the sunlight. The structure is a reflection of the strength and resilience of the Drakari people, carved into the face of a sheer cliff.
“Is that where the Drakari live?” Mia asks, her gaze fixed on the castle as it recedes into the distance.
“Yes, that’s one of their strongholds. The Drakari are fierce warriors, but they also have a deep appreciation for art and architecture.”
We continue our descent, soaring over the sprawling forests that mark the territory of the Saberkai. I catch a glimpse of one of their cities, its buildings carved into the giant mother trees, connected by a network of bridges and walkways. It’s a sight that never fails to impress me, a reminder of the ingenuity and adaptability of the Saberkai.
As we continue on, I note that the planet seems relatively unchanged, with no obvious signs of conflict or strife. It’s a relief, but also a surprise. I had expected to see more evidence of the tensions between the races, especially in the absence of both Vornas and myself.
Perhaps Draven has managed to maintain the delicate balance of power in our absence. However, will he be troubled by my return? Might it spark a new round of conflict?
Only time will tell.
As the spacecraft nears the shoreline, the vast expanse of the Aquarian oceans comes into view. Mia leans closer to the viewport, seeing the shimmering blue waters that stretch out to the horizon.
“It’s amazing,” she whispers, her voice filled with reverence.
I smile. “Of course it is.”
