The Forbidden Touch From the Abyss (EDITING)

Chapter 16

The mermen and the others around him brought Jule long past Fisa's weird place. On some point of the ride, Jule had fell asleep against the merman. He didn't see to care, and she was tired to think of where she was going.

When she awoke, she looked at the merman questionably. He pointed in front of him, for her to look. She did, and widened her eyes. She was definitely not expecting to see that. At all. She looked back the merman, and he was smiling.

"Atlantis?"

He nodded, still smiling. Jule looked at it with fascination. The whole place was blue, and beautiful. The palace, and small stone houses around it were shining blue. The sunlight from the sky, was actually shining over the place. Mermaids swam, they were beautiful. The place seemed...fit.

"Come," he gently requested, "well shall meet the queen."

Jule nodded, trusting the merman. He took a hold of her waist, and swam towards the palace. On the way, many of the merfolk waved him and the others behind. Jule smiled the whole time, adoring the look.

When they entered the palace, and Jule widened her eyes as she stared, literally everything was blue. She knew they lived underwater, and had blur features themselves, but she did think everything had to be blue. Still it was beautiful. Many open passageways were revealed, and Jule blinked.

She pointed to it as she looked over at the merman. "Do you guys ever get lost?"

He snickered, and she was fascinated at the sound. It was a bit deep, but rich. She couldn't help, but admire it. It was weird.

"A sense of humor, delightful." He looked over at the passages. "It may look like much, but it is not. The queen enchanted for our protection, there is only three. Only merfolk can see this, but outsiders cannot."

Jule frowned, she didn't understand something. Looking at the passages then the merman she asked, "Then what would happen if the outsiders go into the wrong one?"

"They either die with a a trap invisibly hung, or they cannot get in."

Jule looked back at the passages, widening her eyes. "Intense."

He laughed, and swam into one of them with her with others following. Soon, they arrive into a large space filled with many people. Merman were on the side, standing firmly and looking forward with frigid eyes. Jule eyed them, it was odd. They looked as of they were in some formation mode. Jule figured they were guards.

Jule looked forward to see Sera sitting in a large shell with a big smile on her face, but most importantly she saw someone turned their body around. Jule smiled at the green eyes that now turned wide.

Ace laughing relievingly, swam toward her. The merman let go of her just as Ace wrapped his arms around her. She raised her eyebrows, not expecting this at all. Still...she hugged back, grateful to find him once again. For some reason Jule couldn't feel herself letting, though she knew it'd be wise to since she had a boyfriend.

Nate. She had forgotten all about him and Shari, her life in her world. She loved that life, but had this feeling that even if she wanted to go back to the way it was, that would never happen. She couldn't help, but feel that things has changed.

"Ahem."

Jule realized how long she embraced Ace, and quickly let go. He did the same, looking as if he just noticed himself. She look at the still smiling Sera, a bit embarrassed.

"Lovely to meet you, young one." Sera greeted.

Jule widened her eyes, she could actually hear the power in Sera's voice. It was pleasant, yet just...wow. Suddenly Ace stepped forward, head held up high. "Thank you for saving us, your highness."

"There was no trouble," she replied, "you're safe."

"Yeah, what's with those uglies?" Jule asked. "I saw the way you and Fisa were looking at each other, pure hatred."

Sera sighed, looking at Jule solemnly. "Yes, Fisa and I have a nasty history. We are enemies. Our kind has been for centuries, but they have a right to be. She and her people are downright evil to the core!"

Jule raised her eyebrows. Way to show passion.

Sera must've realize what she'd done cause she inhaled sharply, and then exhaled. Jule wondered how long it had to take her to do, she noticed how awkward it was getting. "I apologize for the sudden outburst. Um, yes Fisa is evil. For centuries, she and her kind has continuously try to overthrow us. As you can see now, she has failed. We however, wish no harm to her kind. We wished for peace, but she never ceased to seize for what she wants."

"Is that what made you hate her so much?" Jule asked, curious.

"No." Sera answered, looking away. "She killed my closest friend...just to spite me."

Jule nodded, looking over at Ace. He had his head down, looking as if he were paying his respects. She watched as everyone in the room had their head slowly bent down, too doing the same. She stared awkwardly, bending her head down as well.

"Rise your heads," Sera spoke softly, "there is no need for that. This had already been done during the floating ceremony. It's alright."

Jule raised her head immediately, realizing she was the first one to do so. When everyone raised their heads, it Ace who now spoke up.

"Such a tragedy, your highness. I'm sorry."

She smiled, it was sweet. "It's alright." She now looked at both Ace and Jule. "I believe I have not learn your names yet."

Ace spoke up, carrying a smile on his face. "I'm Ace," he looked over at Jule,"and this is- "

"Jule," she interrupted, "Jule Merly. But call me Jule."

Sera nodded, snickering a bit. "Yes, what a very unique name."

"Thank you." Jule replied. "I like it very much myself."

She heard tons of laughter in the room, echoing from one person to another. It was weird, but cool.

"I can tell you're not from around here." She stated with a squint of her eye. "Are you from the human realm?"

Jule nodded slowly. "We're trying to find my parents. They were...poofed into this realm."

Sera gave a sad smile. "I'm am very sorry for your loss."

Jule nodded. She thought of her parents for a brief moment, wondering if they were actually dead. She could have died numerous times in this world, if it weren't for Ace always saving her. Who knows?

"We need to get to Neco, Queen Sera. Will you help us?" Ace asked.

Sera looked at him. "Of course, Neck is not very far from here." She looked behind Jule. "Orion?"

Jule turned to see it was the merman that saved her. His eyes were solely focused on Sera's. Jule was shocked by what she saw in his eyes. Hurt, interest. Jule looked back at Sera, and her eyes were solely on Orion. They stared for what seemed like forever, the vibe seemed tense.

"Yes, my queen." He answered.

Jule looked away as she raised her eyebrows. Well...they have history.

"Very well then," she sighed out before looking back at Jule and Ace, "let's get you to Neco."