Sight Seeing (Story Arc 7: Atlantis) (1/5)

At The Ferrison History Museum…

Russell: (Entering the Atlantis exhibit with his friends) This museum is huge!

Thomas: We’ve been here for hours. We already saw the film on the Middle Ages, the exhibit on Ferrison’s history, and visited the gift shop several times.

Jasper: (With a lot of souvenirs) I love gift shops!

Russell: (Looking at all of the ancient art and crafts) Wow. The cause of the island’s fall into the oceans was unknown, but it was believed to have been technologically advanced.

Goyle: Marvelous. (Looks) Master Russell, why is it that so much is unknown about this island?

Russell: One of the major reasons in that no one has ever found it. Plus, there was no documentation regarding its existence, only stories.

Voltiana: Do you think we’ll ever find it?

Russell: I’m not sure. (Thinks hard) We’ve never actually tried to find it. How ‘bout it?

Everyone: WHAT?!

Russell: What?

Parmesan: Who knows what could be down there!

Goyle: I agree Master Russell. We need to know what we are dealing with.

Kai: We could run into something dangerous!

Russell: Guys, listen to yourselves. That’s exactly what all of the other explorers have said. They were too afraid to come near the truth because of their fear of the unknown. We’re better than that. We’re Equinox Exploration. Our mission is to provide knowledge about our uncharted planet to those who are unable to find the answers themselves. If we throw away this case, it could take hundreds of years for us to find the truth of the lost island. Why would we want our future generations to go without knowledge? They should have the right to know about the planet that we live on. So, are we going to Atlantis?

Parmesan: (Pats his shoulder) Of course I’m in, boss.

Goyle: (Smiles) Well spoken, Master Russell. You have my aid.

Thomas: Me too. We’re a team.

Kai: (Nods) For knowledge. For the world.

Russell: (Smiles) Thanks, guys. Let’s go find that island.

At The Ferrison Beach…

Atoji: (To Russell) Sorry, I can’t go with you guys.

Russell: What do you mean?

Atoji: I still have a mission of my own. I want to seek happiness. I love you guys, but there is still a big world I have to trek. No need to worry about me; I’ll be alright.

Russell: Are you really sure?

Atoji: (Nods) I am.

Thomas: (Looks down) Atoji…(Finally looks up after a long silence) Take care, alright?

Atoji: Thanks, Thomas. It means a lot.

Goyle: I wish you the very best of luck, Master Atoji.

Atoji: Thanks a lot, Goyle. (Shakes his hands) Good luck to you too.

Parmesan: (Hands Atoji some ingredients) Here, I don’t want you to go hungry.

Atoji: (Takes them) Thank you. You didn’t have to-

Parmesan: I wanted to.

Kai: (Walks up to Atoji and kisses his forehead)

Atoji: (Smiles as he slightly blushes) Don’t worry guys. We’ll meet again soon.

Russell: (Pats his shoulder) My friend, you are right. Until then, be careful and take care of Mamoru.

Atoji: (Smiles) Thanks. Keep your team safe, buddy. See ya, guys. (Begins to walk away)

The team waves goodbye to the swordsman. Surprisingly, no one was too upset with his departure. It was almost as if, they sensed his return to be very soon.

Jasper: (To the team) This is where we part ways as well. We have a job to do as superheroes.

Russell: Take good care of Ferrison, hero. (Smiles) Don’t disappoint your fans.

Voltiana: We won’t. You know where we are. This isn’t goodbye at all. You can visit at any time.

GM: (To Parmesan) Can we feel your ears before we leave? For good luck?

Parmesan: What?! (Blushes) Ok, fine…

Jasper, Gourmet Man, and Voltiana: Yes! (They rub his ears)

Later, Deeper Down The Path Of The Beach…

Russell: The boat shop is not too far from here.

Goyle: Are you sure, Master Russell?

Russell: I am. Once we get to the shop, we ask for a boat and diving equipment. I’m licensed.

???: How in the hell do you expect to reach Atlantis like that?

Russell: (Looks up) Huh?

Shenbei: My name is Shenbei. I am a member of the Unity Garden.

Shenbei was a slim yet muscular young man. He wore a collared light purple long-sleeved shirt with matching pants, black boots, and black gloves. He also wore silver-colored earrings. His hair was combed back and neon green and his eyes were sky blue.  He appeared to have a gloomy or bored expression locked onto his face.  

Thomas: “The Unity Garden?” What is that?

Shenbei: Have you not heard of the Unity Garden? (To Russell) I’m disappointed in you. You should know about the world around you.

Russell: I have to admit, your group name sounds familiar.

Shenbei: We’re more than just a group, Russell Punnetine.

Russell: How do you know me, anyway?

Shenbei: We do a good job at learning about others. The only reason we’re here is because you’re in danger. Each and every one of you five.

Russell: “We?”

Shenbei: The rest of the squad should be here shortly. Certain members were sent here because the enemy is very serious about finding you.

Goyle: What do you mean by “enemy,” sir? Who is after us?

Shenbei: I’ll have to start from the beginning. (Sigh) There are three army corps: the Black Rose Army, the Red Rose Rebellion, and the Unity Garden. The one who came first were the Black Rose army. They originated when some people began to fear the outside world due to disasters related to the supernatural. This corps, who isn’t in league with any government, came along and decided that humanity should be isolated from the paranormal and that the paranormal does not deserve equal rights, freedom, or independence. Global governments everywhere disagree with these guys, so they are viewed as a corps of criminals all over the world. Despite this, the Black Rose army is still fighting hard to this day. Their leader is named Quill; people say he’s so terrifying and powerful that he can stab through your soul with a single glare if you’re not strong-willed. The Red Rose Rebellion came along later. They are a group of nonhumans who blame humanity as a whole for this. They might be enemies of the Black Rose army, but they are willing to kill or torture innocent people if they’re human. They are also willing to capture people and force them into their army. Draco is their leader; people tend to call him a “necromancer.” The Unity Garden, that’s us, was the last to form. The Black Rose army was capturing and killing nonhuman citizens while the Red Rose Rebellion was doing the same to pure humans. We formed in order to fight these two armies and to see to it that neither succeed. Unlike them, we don’t force others into our army, nor do we find species an issue. We are in league with many governments and have gained many allies of all races such as humans, giants, blesserin, nekos, demons, angels, you name it. As for our leader, well, he told me to have you guys meet him before I talk about him. He likes surprising people; he can be a little strange, but he is the one responsible for saving the lives of millions. Anyway, where are those guys? (To a communicator) Hello?

???: Galaxy Gate! (A dimensional portal opens and numerous figures walk out of it)

Parmesan: What the-?!

Kai: Who are they?

Shenbei: There you are.

???: I apologize for the wait. So this is Equinox Exploration? Interesting.

Russell: Who are you?

???: We have come to protect you. Are you Russell Punntine?

Russell: Yes, I am.

Niramaru: (Reveals his face from the shadows) I am Niramaru. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person.

Russell: (Shows a smile along with an expression of curiosity instead of shock) Galaxy Gate Master, Niramaru? (Shakes his hand) The pleasure is all mine.

Continued On Part 2