The Prophecy of Atlantis

Anna

  Julian's face is as white as a ghost. "Anna? This man is your father?" She nods.

"I'm so sorry, Julian! I never knew that he was an historian..." Her heart is in her throat. "I'm so sorry!" The apology is as useless as a pen without ink.

   Another part of her life had been revealed to be a lie: her parents had always led her to believe her dad was a doctor. He had always been a loving and gentle father. All those late nights that she'd believed he was helping others, he'd actually been capturing adventurers like Julian. Why wouldn't my mother have warned her about this? Why did she hide this from her for twenty-two years? Her parents are strangers. The only person in my life I do know is Julian.

  Her dad grabs her arm with such force that she cries out. Julian's eyes flash in anger and lashes out at her father, but Dad easily knocks him to the ground.

"Stay away from that boy, Anna! I'm not going tell you again. And if you come here even one more time, I won't be afraid to come for you too- even if you are my daughter!"

"Julian!" Anna shouts out for her only friend, trying to grab his hand as he reaches for hers Their hands touch for just a moment before she's being pulled away again.

  She's  crying when her dad pushes me out of Julian's prison and back into the hallway of the castle. She tries to go back in to save Julian, but I'm blocked out, causing her to scream in anguish and pound on the walls. She storms back to her room where she finds her mom sitting on her bed.

"Anna, we need to talk."

    Anna's lips curl back in disgust. "About the fact you never told me dad is an historian? That he's had my only friend locked in that prison for six years? I know, Mom. I know that you've lied to me my whole life!"

   Mom's face pales. "I'm sorry, Anna. I didn't tell you because you'd be in danger too if you knew. And now that you know the truth, there's something very important I need to tell you-"

"I don't want to hear it!" she shouts. "Get out! I'm leaving!" Anna turns to go, but Mom steps in my way before she can escape.

"Annabelle Jasmine Meyer, you will listen to me! Sit down! Now!"

   Anna's so upset that she's shaking. "What could you possibly have to say to me after all that?"

 "What if I told you there's a way we can get you and Julian out of here? I can take you both somewhere where you'll both be safe."

    It wasn't what she'd originally planned, but knowing that there could be a future with Julian in it changed everything.

"I'm listening."

   Before Anna's mom explained the plan, she told them about Anna's dad. He had never revealed his cruel side to her mother until a few months ago. She had found him beating Julian in the dungeons. When Dad saw her, he shouted curses at her to get out. She was too afraid of what he would do to them if she did anything at that moment, so she ran out and began working on a plan to get Julian and Anna out. She would have to remain here to continue her work. Her mom had been trained in elemental magic all of her life. Tonight she'd finally mastered creating a portal in the castle that lead to the realm where she learned everything: The Illusion Reach. Even with her years of training, it took her time to perfect it. She informed them that she had already sent a letter to her mentor, Mark Evans, and he was anticipating Anna and Julian's arrival. Anna's heart sinks as she thinks about all that she's sacrificing for us to get to safety. She'd tried to convince her to come, but she was too determined to continue her work to be persuaded otherwise. "Besides," she'd said drily, "someone has to man the fort."

    They sat together huddled in Anna's room, discussing what they were about to do. They waited until they were sure it was safe, then ventured out and went to rescue Julian.

     They stood before the passageway to Julian as Anna's mom built up her magic. She created a ball of electricity in her palm that grew bigger as she expanded it in her mind. Mom gave Anna and Julian the signal to step away right before she sent a bolt of lightning that cracked the wall's foundation straight down the center.

     She gaped at her. "After all these years, I never knew my mom was a badass!" The two of them exchanged grins as they rushed in to rescue Julian. They quickly explained what was going on, much to his bemusement. When they tried to pick him up, he winced. Anna gingerly lifted his shirt and saw that his stomach was badly bruised. She drew in a sharp breath and glanced at Mom, who was the perfect picture of calm. She lets out a two-tone whistle and a fiery bird appeared out nowhere and lands on her shoulder. She gestures to Julian's injury and the bird's eyes shine with ethereal intelligence. Anna sits watching in fascination as he tilts his head to release its tears onto Julian's injury, which instantly heals him.

"A phoenix!" She couldn't tear her eyes away from the creature. "I always thought they were myths."

  Mom gives her a knowing look. "In our world, you have to believe in everything."

   A few minutes later, they arrive at the portal. Mom is practically pushing us toward it. Anna turns to face her, frowning. "But what about you? What will happen to you?"

"Don't worry about me, baby. Just get yourself and Julian to safety. I'll take it from here." She smiled in that classic reassuring way that all moms save only for their children.

   Anna hugs her tightly. "I'm so sorry I doubted you. I love you, Mom. Thank you for everything."

    She squeezes her back. "Anything for you, sweetie. I love you, too. Take care of each other. Remember to keep your hands linked as you go through the portal.

"It's time for you to go. Mark is waiting." She tries to read Mom's expression, but whatever she's feeling is so well masked that there's no way to tell. Julian takes his hand in hers. And in a flash of light, they're traveling through the portal.

     They arrive at The Illusion Reach. They're surrounded by lush nature all around. Exotic flowers, trees and everything in between. There's a building that appears to be an abandoned warehouse, at odds with the beautiful scenery adjoining it. A man stands waiting at the door. He smiles at them, his laugh lines pronounced with age. His eyes are kind as he greets the couple.

"I'm Mark Evans. Welcome home."