Atlantis

Purities

I watched as merchants packed boxes and went back to the town. Creatures still on the bridge left boats were docked then abandoned. In under an hour the lake was empty and there were no signs of creatures anywhere. I made my way to a small vessel and paddled out onto the lakes surface.

It was dark out but the moon gave just enough light to let the water give off a pearly shine. I placed the paddle in the boat and put my hand in the water. It was cold but not freezing and it was clear. The dark sky reflected in the water ruining any chance to see what was below the surface. It was calm and quiet a sign that danger was near. A bubble of air rose to the surface of the water beside the boat. I stood up carefully only to fall as the water surged causing the boat to lean heavily towards the side the bubble had been.

I watched with a slight sense of fear as a black object rose from the water to jump into the air. It was bigger than a killer whale yet smaller than a blue whale. As it splashed back into the water I got a boat full of water dumped on me. Wet I dragged myself onto a seat while my feet were stuck in the water that filled the bottom of the boat.

I looked out to see what the creature had been but found nothing. Just as I looked away though a head emerged from the water to rise about eight feet balancing on a long thin neck. The head was not very big compared to its size but the creatures golden eyes gleamed with intelligence. I went to touch its mind but I was stopped as it spoke. "What brings a demon ilk to my domain?"

"You speak the common tongue then. Well no matter I shall ask you if you are the one responsible for this here lake." I said wanting to stand up but lacking the energy to do so.

"No my friend made it so I could be safe from the one called Bartholomew. I suppose you are here to kill me?"

"No killing consider me your friend dear creature. I may be a demon in this land but that doesn't account for my mind. I am King of the Shadows Emily." I said finally standing in the rocking boat.

"Glacious, but I am no king only a humble monster. I managed to create this lake as a haven for land walkers during the day and mine alone at night. You have broken the only law I will enforce so what is your excuse for breaking it?" the black head bent so it was eye level with me.

"To make a friend. Any creature against the one who calls himself the Hero is a friend of mine. It's a pleasure to meet you Gladious." I said with a slight bow.

The head also ducked its head. "Then you are part of the Alliance that is forming."

"I wasn't invited but I move independently."

"A fool hearty move."

"I cannot die, Gladious. I wish it weren't that way but I have no other choice. I cannot change the past." I said folding my arms.

"Interesting." the creature seemed to be in thought.

"Earlier you said something about a friend, may I inquire about him?"

"If I do..."

"A secret it shall remain. You have my word." I said placing a hand on my heart.

"Very well." the beast disappeared under the water and I watched as heavy fog covered the lake. The only place not covered was a ten foot radius around where the beast named Gladious had been. I waited patiently for the beast to reappear and during my wait Quicksilver felt the need to have a talk with me.

The dark shadow drifted from my wrist to the other side of the boat. "We should not be here."

"Whys that?" I said with a sigh. His personality was always like this. At first he seemed like the cool butler you saw in the movies then he turned out to be the smart kid everybody hated in school because he thought he knew everything about everything. It was annoying really.