A Tale of Mermaids Acathiens: The Forgotten People

Chapter 11 The Man Hidden By Knowledge P2

Audra was panting running around wildly. Flames licked her ankles as she choked trying to find an exit. Burning tree’s raced past her as she tried to escape the thick choking smoke.

“MOMMY!” A voice screamed through the smokey air.

Audra turned trying to find the source.

“I’m here! Where are you?”

“MOMMY! HELP US!” Another voice screamed.

“I’m here! I’m here…”

“I’m here…”

“Audra!” A voice yelled and shook Audra awake.

“What?” Audra asked panting and she sat up. The dream still fresh on her mind.

“Audra you were dreaming. Well more like a nightmare. You made Viers worried so he had me shift back so I could wake you.”

Audra looked at Galeo who had much more color and life in his face.

“Galeo! You’re awake!” Audra said. Galeo smiled warmly at her. “Are you alright?”

Galeo placed a hand on her cheek, “I am forever in your debt my darling.” Galeo hushed. Audra leaned into his comfort and the dream quickly slipped away without another thought.

“It was nothing.”

“Audra...this is literally the second time that You have saved my life. Thank you.”

Audra looked into Galeos beautiful eyes and collapsed into him in a hug. Galeo hissed and Audra jumped back.

“Oh my gosh. I am so sorry! You look so normal that I forgot for a second.”

Galeo chuckled. “Come here. It’s alright. It isn’t anything like it was. Thanks to you. You saved my familiar.”

Galeo wrapped Audra into his arms and pulled her back into the seaweed bed with him. Audra snuggled closer as his warmth and comfort wrapped her like a tight blanket.

“I’m so sorry.”

Galeo stiffened and pulled back to look at her.

“What ever for?” He asked

“It is because of me...because of what I am, whatever that is. That you were punished so severely.” Audra whispered.

Galoe placed his hand under Audras chin and lifted her head up to look at him.

“There was nothing you did that caused me anything Audra. Now I have no idea what you are. I don’t care. I would go through all of it again if it meant that I could protect you. I will die if I have to to protect Audra.”

Audra could barely look into Galeos eyes as they poured out love. Was it love? Audra didn’t quite know. Overwhelmed by the rawness in his face Audra pulled away and buried herself into his chest.

“Rest now darling. You still have a few hours.”

Galeo sent a rush of peace into Audra and she sighed of relief and let herself drift back into the darkness of dreams.

Audra was awakened by a swift kick to her feet, She sat up quickly, trying to clear her groggy eyes. She frantically searched around the dark room to see a silhouette standing over her and Galeo.

“Come. You have rested as long as I can allow. The King is not a patient man.” Mylio hissed and turned away.

Audra tried to rub her eyes, clearing the remaining fog of a dreamless sleep. Galeo had an arm still wrapped around her waist and his other covering his eyes. He was better then before but still healing from the torture. He gave a little groan as Audra unwound herself from his embrace. She quickly tried to find where Mylio had gone. Instead of calling out, Audra drifted around exploring the large gallery of books. It was a sight to behold. Books that she had never seen or heard of. In perfect condition. She noticed that some were written on dried seaweed, with squid ink. Just like in the caves where Delphine lived. Those books were in writings like Audra had never seen. The movement of the ink reminded Audra of a running river. Flowing and elegant. Sometimes raging. She wish she could read what was being said.

“Enough!” Mylio’s angry voice came from behind.

Audra jumped and dropped the delicate book from her hands. It floated down to the floor and fell apart. Mylio’s face turned red and he stormed over to Audra picking up the book.

“Do not touch anything without permission. This book is one of the original texts from those who came before Acathia. You have almost destroyed it.”

Audra bristled, “Well if you weren’t sneaking up and yelling at me I wouldn’t have dropped the book.”

Mylio grunted his displeasure and turned to swim down a long hallway. He didn’t say anything to Audra but she knew she needed to follow. Mylio never slowed as he went deeper into the hall. Audra realised that they had soon left the library and were entering into another cavern. The water soon chilled and Audra wrapped her arms around herself. Even though she had adjusted to the ocean, there were times that the chill would really get to her.

“Mind telling me where we are going?” She asked,

Mylio didn’t falter or turn. Just continued on. They finally reached a large door that looked like it had come off a submarine. There was a large circular handle that had sealed the door completely.

“When were you injected with the serum last?” Mylio asked.

Audra raised her eyebrows. “It’s been a few hours now.”

“Well, this will be...uncomfortable, but you will be able to handle it.”

In front of her eyes Mylio began to control the water around them. He created a whirlpool pocket of air inside his hands. The air pocket began to grow, and grow. Mylio was encased in air and landed gently onto the ground. He turned towards Audra and pushed the airpocket out towards her. Forming a solid wall of water just behind her. Audra fell to the floor landing on her knees. Her body had never felt so heavy. She gasped the air as if she was breathing sand paper. Her eyes felt dry and irritated. Her lips began to c***k and bleed. She tried to stand up but her knees were wobbly underneath her. She didn’t know how long it had been since she had felt her actual weight. An arm reached under her and lifted her up.

“You will adjust in a few minutes. What I am going to show you only myself and the King know about. Do you understand?”

Audra nodded. Her throat to dry to find the words to say yes.

“Good.”

Mylio walked up to the giant metal door and twisted. The door groaned and unlatched itself swinging open. Mylio entered with Audra stumbling behind. It was dark inside the room and Audra’s eyes hadn’t adjusted to seeing in the air. Mylio was rummaging through something and pulling what sounded like a lawn mower. Suddenly the room sprang to life and Audra was seeing lights for the first time since being in the ocean. She blinked trying to let herself adjust. Mylio was standing next to a large generator. The room was equipped with human lights. The showed that Audra was in a fully equipped laboratory. Her mouth dropped open.

“How....how is this even possible?” She whispered.

Mylio smirked, “We can literally do magic. Do you really think we wouldn’t be able to figure out how to get human technology down here. This has been my lifes work.”

Mylio circled around his face the brightest Audra had seen since meeting him. He was giving off a geeky kid vibe who just won the science fair.

“With my abilities I was able to get lots of working technology down here. I built this. This is why I was the Acathien with the most travels to land. I am a scientist. I have done lots of studies and experiments. This is why Codon wanted me to work with you.”

Audra felt a little giddy. She missed her aquarium and studying her animals. Finding alternative solutions to help them. Here she would be able to dable again in a place that would feel a lot like home.

“Mylio, this is incredible. Truly. Why keep it a secret though?”

Mylio rolled his eyes, “There are many Acathiens who believe that using human things are below us. Even though we are stuck in the megladon ways.”

Audra quirked her eyebrow confused.

“You know. The megalodon. The great creature that lived millions of years ago...it just means we are stuck in our old ways.” Mylio shook his head.

Audra couldn’t help but giggle. “Well it does look like I will have enough to be able to start right away. Do I have any samples to work with?”

Mylio pointed to one of the table full of samples. There had to be two hundred different samples already lined up.

“Eager are they?”

Mylio looked at her. “Whoever saves Acathia has claim over the throne. The throne is not passed to lineage but to that who deserves it most. Codon was not born a king. Because of his power to control familiars he was the most powerful and most deserving. If another is able to provide or do what Codon cannot he can make an argument for the throne.”

This perked Audra’s interest. “How does that work?”

“The Acathien Kings are king as long as they are able to provide the best protection and growth for Acathia. If they are lacking in an area Acathia needs another can make claim for the throne. If a claim is made the King and challenger must fight to the death. The victor will be King. Codon has been victor ten times. No one has tried to go against him in one hundred and fifty years. Now with Codon unable to provide a daughter, many are beginning to doubt his ability to rule any further.”

Audra thought for a while. “So if I find a sample that could provide a female to the Acathien race, he has the ability to challenge for the kings spot?”

Mylio nodded.

“Well...I guess I better get to work.”

Audra went over the counter and grabbed her first vile. A name was written on the vile. Codon. Audra shuttered. It was possible that one of these samples would be the very thing that would impregnate her. She shivered at the thought. She took a syringe and microscope slide and went to study the first sample. Audra took the slide over to the microscope and gasped.

“Is that a Meiji MT85?”

“Equipped with automatic navigating, anaylisis and autofocusing properties!”

Mylio and Audra beamed at each other.

“Oh...I got to use one of these for an experiment in veterinarian school. It was the most AMAZING thing I have ever used. I have never thought I would see this beauty again. I cant believe I get to work with one for the next while.”

“My greatest accomplishment. Such an incredible piece of technology and I…” Mylio drifted off and shook his head. His frown coming back into place he grumbled at Audra.

“I have to gather the rest of the Acathien samples.”

Mylio turned and stormed away.

“Mylio wait...I…” Audra paused. Unsure of why she wanted so badly for Mylio to like her. She decided not to continue with what she wanted to say, “could you grab some serum from Cephal. I only have one vial left. I think I am going to be here for a while.”

Mylio nodded and turned leaving Audra to begin searching for that X chromosome.

“DAMMIT!” Audra chucked a glass slide across the room and it shattered into a thousand tiny pieces as it hit the wall.

It had been two weeks since she had started searching through the Acathien samples. She had found that most of the Acathiens had more dominant XY chromosomes. They were more likely to have a male then a female. It wasn’t impossible but in each sample the XY specimen outnumbered the X specimen five to one. It wasn’t the outcome Audra knew she needed to find. If she couldn’t find one Acathien who was more female dominant she knew she would face the same fate as Paisley because the contract would not be met to Codons standards.

“Whats the problem?” Mylio asked.

Over the two weeks Mylio had became more gently with Audra. He didn’t glower or grumble at her as much. Gave more then one word answers when she asked for help or questions. They had both settled into a nice little routine their weeks in his air pocket lab.

“I have been searching for two weeks. I only have a handful os samples left. If I don’t find someone that can have a higher chance of having a girl...Im as good as dead.”

Audra shivered as Paisleys rolling head flashed through her eyes. Mylio came over and grabbed her by the shoulders. Almost fatherly.

“Audra...you have flew through this. I can’t believe the pace you have been able to go at. You have also helped solve a question that Acathiens have not been able to understand for years. There have always been more males born then females. Now we know why. Lets continue on. You have about ten samples left. Lets see if we can find some.”

Audra nodded and got back to work.

Yes...oh my gosh. Yes. This is what I have been looking for!” Audra shouted as she peered into the microscope. There she could see the specimen was carrying more dominant X chromosomes.

“Sample twenty five. Who is sample twenty five?”

Mylio looked down through the names Audra had organzied at the beginning.

“Eleas.” Mylio responded.

The blood drained from Audras face.

“No. No I am not ready to open that can of worms. No not today. I can’t...no anyone but...no.”

Audra scrambled to find the other samples and checked through four others.

“No...no...NO….YES! HA! Yes here is another! Sample 472.”

Mylio flipped through some pages, “Sample 472 is...Arhin.”

“Arhin? That sounds familiar.”

“Eleas right hand man.”

“Oh yes. Okay...well thats a little better I guess. I have a couple more I’m going to check and then we are complete with everyone!”

Audra studied the last few samples and found two others were positive X dominant as well.

“Sample 74 and Sample 159 are positive.”

Mylio scanned through, “Sample 74 is...Galeo…”

“That makes sense…”

“...and Sample 159 is My...no.”

Mylio paused his face as pale as a ghost.

“Who is the last sample Mylio.”

Mylio didn’t move. Audra approached him and grabbed her organizer. She quickly scanned over the numbers and found that it was,

“Oh! It’s you!” Audra laughed. “Well...I can see how that can be a little awkward since you know, I’m going to be carrying the baby. But it’s not that bad. Okay...so we have Eleas, Galeo, Arhin, and Mylio.”

“NO!” Mylio shouted.

Audra jumped back. “Mylio I...whats the problem. I’m sure you can tell the king you have no interest in being the father…”

“NO! HE CANNOT KNOW!” Mylio shouted again.

“I don’t understand? I have to tell the King everyone who is capable…”

“Audra for the sake of your life, my life and your mothers life you will not tell the king.”

“My mother? What do you mean my mother? What does she have to do with…” Audra stopped and looked up into those familiar eyes.

Mylio looked away his eyes full of pain and guilt.

“No...my father...my father’s name is Leon. He left my mother before he even knew she was pregnant.” Audra whispered.

Mylios shoulders slumped and tears filled his eyes.

“Audra…”

Audra shook her head. “No. No that is not possible. That would mean that I...that you. I am a half...No. The Aishgara. I can’t this isn’t happening.”

“Leon is my familiars name. I use that name on land. It’s easier then creating an entire new identity. You...you shouldn’t have been possible. Your mother wasn’t a zavingas. She didn’t have any magic in her. We can’t reproduce unless there is some...magic in a human. I tested her. She had nothing. Not even a sliver. It was safe. It’s a part of the human experience. To experience human emotion in every way possible. But...I...I fell in love with her. True love.”

Audra sobbed and clasped her hands over her mouth. Pressing herself against the door trying to force her way out. Mylio held up his hands.

“Please...let me explain.” His voice a desperate whisper. “I loved Pearl. She was everything and more. We met accidentally. She was on an expedition and I was helping to stop some whalers killing a pod of humpbacks. Pearl saw what was happening and jumped into help us. She was fearless, smart, beautiful. I joined her to finish her expedition and everything else with her after that. I even planned on never returning. A human life is nothing compared to an Acathian. It wasn’t unheard of and I got to the point where I told Pearl what I was. She even met Leon, my familiar, I trusted her with everything. She knew we would never have children. She was okay with that. We wanted a life together. We had been together for a couple of years and I had found an envelope wrapped up. It had my name on it. I opened it and thats when I saw the sonogram. I lost it. At first I thought that Pearl had cheated on me. However, I knew that was physically impossible. I would have smelt another man on her if she had. Knowing that somehow I had gotten her pregnant. It was unheard of. I freaked out and I...left her...left you.”

Tears were pouring down Audra’s face. Shaking her head she was trying to get the large metal door open to get away from Mylio.

“I knew you were Pearl’s, my, daughter as soon as I saw you. I have been so cold to yo because I couldn’t chance anyone finding out what you are.”

Audra unlatched the door and pushed with all of her might. Fleeing from the room as fast as she could.

“Audra, WAIT…” Mylio screamed.

Audra didn’t stop but took off. Diving back into the water rushing to get away from the truth as fast as she could. It wasn’t fast enough. Mylio grabbed her quickly and whipped her around.

“NO! Let me go! Let me GO!” Audra screamed and kicked.

“ENOUGJH!” Mylio shouted and gave Audra a hard shake making her wince and freeze.

“I know...Audra I know that this is too much to take in right now. I understand you’re confused and angry.You must pull yourself together right now. If you give away anything to anyone here. They will kill you. You are a half breed. An Abomination to the Acathien people. Do you think there hasn’t been other half breeds not born? They were experimented on, dissected, tortured and brutally murdered. You have no rights. Not even those precious princes’s, who both act like they love you, would protect you from the wrath of Acathiens.”

Audra couldn’t stop the tears as she stared into the face of the man she had dreamed about since she was a child.

“You’re the reason my mother hates me.” Audra whispered.

Mylio dropped Audras arms and pulled back.

“What?” He whispered.

“My mother, she hates me. I was nothing but a reminder that you left her. She treated me like an inconvenience. Eventually she stopped showing up all together. Because you left her without a single explanation. Now you want me to just act like everything is fine?”

Mylio sighed and ran a hand through his white hair.

“Audra, I wish I could change things. I did what I had to to protect you and the woman I loved. They would have tortured you both just to spite me. You don’t have to like me. But Audra, if Codon finds out what you are...I fear what he will do. Even now, he knows that you are different for some reason. We have seen a half breed in over a century. So that isn’t even on his radar but he has something horrible planned for you. You are doing things that haven’t been seen in centuries. It is only a matter of time. By then I hope to help you escape this place. Please...for your sake...protect yourself. Destroy the evidence that I can birth females and never tell the king. Please…”

The desperation in Mylios voice was so coating. Audra couldn’t help but pull away just to try and breathe.

“Fine! I will do as you ask.”

“Thank you…”

“I need answers. I need them now.”

“Not hear. The ocean is Codon’s domain. He has spies everywhere. Back in the lab, I will answer anything I can.”

“ I have to give Codon my findings first...but I will come back after and we are going to have a very much needed talk.”

Mylio nodded and he almost began to look younger then he had. A little twinkle was in his eye. Audra felt the need to ask.

“Why do you look fifty years older then all the other Acathiens?”

Mylio looked down shamefully.

“Leaving Pearl almost killed me. I became so physically ill after returning to the ocean no one knew what to do or how to help me. I began to age and grow frail. The desperation of wanting to return had over powered me. The fight to stay practically killed me. After a few years I began to regain my strength, but I was the first Acathien to age in a millennia.”

Audra softened a little. Seeing that it was just as much torture on Mylio as it was on Pearl for them to be separated.

“I have to go.”

With that Audra turned and left to find Codon.