"SIRE, ARE YOU ready to go?"
"Yes, thank you Captain Moby. I'll be right there."
The captain salutes and retreats, closing the doors behind him.
"Do you have to go?" The Queen asked, "wouldn't you rather stay here — in bed — with me?" She pulls the covers away exposing her firm breasts.
"As tempting as that wonderful offer sounds, I unfortunately cannot stay. Brokering this treaty will hopefully keep our kingdom prospering for generations to come."
"Well as soon as you return you and I will start creating our own generation."
"Anything you want my queen." King Merpus leans in and kisses his wife goodbye.
Later a small procession with King Merpus at the head departs the kingdom. It's citizens cheering them on.
(Next Day)
"Rise and shine, Your Majesty. You have a lot to do today."
"You go in my place, Umiko. I'm not getting out of bed." Said the queen from under the covers.
"I am your lady – in – waiting. Not your stand in. Now get your ass outta bed, please."
"I am your queen. You can't speak to me like that." She said still under the covers.
"Uh-huh, that's nice. Now get out of bed." Umiko opens the bedroom curtains letting the light in.
"You're fired."
"You'd be more convincing if you weren't hiding under the blanket like a child. Now please get up, and let's get you dressed, breakfast is in ten minutes." Umiko moves to the closet.
"Fine, you win." Queen Geneva, reluctantly gets up.
"Thank you." Replied Umiko, pulling out a yellow cup seashell bra.
****
Several days have passed. King Merpus had succeeded in negotiating a favorable treaty for his kingdom. He and his personal guard are still three days away from home.
There's still a few more hours of daylight left.
"Captain Moby, let's set up camp here for the night. No need to push on and struggle to set up in the dark.
"As you wish, sire." Moby turns to his men, "we'll make camp here. Marlowe, Jabal, you're with me guarding His Majesty. The rest of you will start setting up."
Camp is made, the troops are fed, half are resting and the other half is pulling security. King Merpus is still up, sharing a nightcap with Captain Moby.
"Pour you another drink, captain?"
"Better not. One is my limit when I'm on duty. It'd set a poor precedent if I'm intoxicated in front of the troops, and my reaction time would be sluggish if something were to happen."
"Fair enough. Then this shall be my last one before I turn in for the night." King Merpus downs the last dregs of his drink.
"Then I shall take my leave, sire."
"Goodnight captain."
"Goodnight Your Majesty."
Three hours later the king's camp is attacked. Six hours after that a lone traveler comes across the aftermath — recognized the King's Colours, and immediately raced to the Kingdom of Atlantis to report his findings.
Queen Geneva orders an investigation.
"Your Majesty, I have the investigation report you requested."
"You may proceed."
"Um, well you see… the thing is…"
"Dammit Captain Barracudon, this is no time to hesitate. Answer Her Majesty's question."
"Forgive me, Queen Geneva, Prime Minister Hurley, this is not an easy matter to broach."
Captain Barracudon takes a moment to compose himself before speaking, "King Merpus's whereabouts are unknown at this time."
"Then I order you to lead a search party for him at once."
"I cannot."
"I am giving you a direct order, Captain. Now go."
"Forgive me Your Majesty for I cannot follow those orders."
"And why not?"
"Because the Kingdom of Atlantis is currently facing a vast army composed of Gill-man, Vodyanoy, Deep Ones, and Kappas. They're approaching from the Tansy Kingdom. Which is located to the south of our border. Their estimated size is a legion of each faction."
Murmurs of "Oh no." "Can we win?" "We're doomed," and such ripples through the audience chamber. This news has everyone on edge.
Never before in the history of the kingdom has there ever been a force this vast that challenged them like this.
With a raised hand from the queen the room falls silent once more. The captain continues.
"I am the Captain of the Queen's Guard. My sole responsibility is your safety and well-being first and foremost.
With the absence of King Merpus, you are the current ruler. I'd be remiss in my duties if I left in search of His Majesty. For if the unthinkable were to happen while I was away.
"I could never forgive myself and I couldn't go on living in this kingdom any longer knowing that I failed in my duties of protecting Your Majesty."
Prime Minister Hurley nods his head in agreement, "I agree with Captain Barracudon. For the sake of the kingdom you must live on — to lead us in this time of crisis.
We must trust and believe that His Majesty's personal guard will bring our King — your husband back to us."
A slew of curses escapes Queen Geneva's lips — under her breath of course. It would be inappropriate for someone of Royalty to utter such words in front of their subjects. After taking a breath Queen Geneva asks, "how far away are they?"
"Our scouts say they've already crossed the boarder into the kingdom."
"When will they reach us?"
"At their rate of speed — roughly two days from now."
"Captain Barracudon, Prime Minister Hurley, and members of the royal court begin preparations for a siege."
****
"You called for me General Dagon?"
"Tell me captain, when will we reach the kingdom's capital?"
"If we push through the night with no rest, we'll arrive by evening tomorrow."
"Then do it. I want the castle surrounded. We'll cut off their means of support and any escape routes.
Once that's been established we can take our time destroying the castle and then the Kingdom of Atlantis will be under our control."
"What about the ones that let King Merpus escape?"
"Have them killed. It'll send a message to the troops that failure has consequences."
"Understood."
After the execution is carried out the army pushes onward through the night. Upon their arrival they come across a peculiar site.
A makeshift barricade of: tables, chairs, bookcases, mattresses, carriages, debris from torn down businesses and homes, bed frames, and even a kitchen sink had been erected on practically every street.
Their sizes may vary, but they serve two purposes: one is to slow down the approaching army. The second is psychological; by making them think an attack may or may not come if they approach carelessly.
Bringing the purpose of the barricades back around to slowing down the advancement of the army.
When confronted with the news of an encroaching army, and given the chance to flee. The citizens rallied around the queen instead.
Everyone from commoner to nobility, young and old, male and female started working together to defend their home.
Those who had retired from military service once again took up arms and put their skills to use "For Queen And Country!" they cried marching into the street.
Every household gathered up anything they would need to survive: food, water, weapons, armor, medical supplies, etc.
"Every street has multiple barricades?"
"Yes, General Dagon."
"Any sign of the kingdom's citizens? Its army?"
"None."
"What do you make of it, captain?"
"It's an effective strategy. It both slows us down and keeps us on high alert for attack. If we don't handle this correctly it could affect our troops' movements and morale.
As for the citizens, they either fled the capital or they are hold up within the castle's walls. Ready for a siege."
"Alright everyone, begin moving your troops into position. General Glagrid, move your troops to the north, General Urchin take the east, General Krindal to the west, and of course I'll remain here in the south.
We'll launch our first attack at midnight. Each of you will send one-hundred troops to start. Proceed at your own pace."
"What about reinforcements from neighboring kingdoms?" Asked Urchin.
"No need to worry. 𝐻𝑒 made sure no help would be coming." Replied Dagon.
"Hey Krindal wanna see who can breach the castle first?"
"Sounds like fun Glagrid, you're on."
****
As Queen Geneva sits upon her throne she's joined by Duchess Muiel Kelda and Count Jacques Tide — both of their families helped found the kingdom.
Captain Camie Aerwyna and Lieutenant Meriel Murigheal — commanders of the kingdom's military and the first females to earn this post on their own merits.
After a bit Prime Minister Hurley, and Captain Barracudon join them.
"Has there been any movement, Captain Barracudon?"
"No Your Majesty. Not since they surrounded the castle."
"What are they waiting for?"
"Perhaps they don't intend to attack us right away, but merely keep us in a constant state of alert in order to wear us down both physically and mentally." Said Prime Minister Hurley.
"Isn't that why we barricaded the streets? To keep them in a constant state of alert."
"That is correct, Your Majesty. However, until they make a move we are at a stand still. And the longer this drags out the greater the chances of us losing this war of attrition will be."
Before anyone could speak the doors open — a soldier rushes in, and takes a knee before the queen.
"How dare you barge in here…" Count Tide begins to berate the soldier when he's cut off.
"The enemy has begun advancing on the castle."
"From which direction?"
"From all sides, Captain Barracudon."
Captain Aerwyna then asks "how many?"
"It looked to be one hundred from each direction."
"Soldier, what is your name?"
"Baltic Strom, Your Majesty."
"Thank you Baltic Strom for your report. Captain Aerwyna, what do you make of this?"
"If they're only sending four hundred I believe they're testing us to see how we'll react."
"Do you have a plan?"
"I do, Your Majesty."
"Then proceed."
(North of the castle)
"Captain, what is taking so long?"
"Apologies General Glagrid, every other barricade has been booby trapped. It's taking time to disarm them."
"Stop wasting time on disarming them. Send one soldier to set it off so the rest of us can push through."
"Understood sir."
The next trap they come across is tripped causing an explosion that destroys everything in a two meter radius. Killing not only the soldier that tripped it, but six others as well.
"Keep moving!" Shouts their captain.
(West of the castle)
"Sounds like Glagrid is having fun over there. Push forward men. The first to breach the castle will become my right hand man."
Krindal's men shout with joy as they bulldoze their way through the barricades. By the fourth barricade a trap is set off freezing everything in a three meter radius.
Krindal loses forty of his one hundred men he initially sent.
(East of the castle)
"What's wrong? Don't tell me that's the best you got? I'm not even warmed up yet."
A lone fish-man stands before what's left of them General Urchin's one hundred men. He had single handley wiped them out.
"I am General Urchin, might I have your name?"
"I am Barracudon Sr. Retired general of this kingdom's military."
"To think I would cross paths with a legend such as yourself. It's no wonder my men fell so easily." Urchin turns to his men, "no one interferes. I want this to be a fair fight. If I fall, General Dagon will appoint my successor. Is that understood?"
Urchin's men acknowledge his orders with a boisterous, "Yes sir!"
Urchin spins his bill-hook and readies himself for combat. Barracudon Sr. pulls his broadsword out of the skull of one of the frog-men. He too readies himself for combat.
(South of the castle)
"What a powerful aura coming from the east. I'd be jealous if I didn't have my own powerful foe to contend with."
Just like with General Urchin. Dagon's one hundred men fell to a single fighter.
"I am General Dagon. Might I have the honor of knowing your name?"
"I'm Vanhildr, former valkyrie of the Harmonia Empire." As she responds Vanhildr has been holding a dagger by the tip of the blade, flipping and catching it by the tip.
"I've never faced off with a valkyrie before; this will be fun. I'll be going all out from the start." Dagon picks up his yanyue dao.
"Good. It would be a drag if the fight ended too quickly." With a smile Vanhildr pulls out a second dagger. She grips them both in a reverse grip.
Dagon and Urchin's fight would go on for a day and a half before the generals would emerge victorious. However neither one would come out unscathed.
Dagon would lose his right eye, two fingers on his left hand, and multiple scars across his body. He wears his injuries with pride. Vanhildr was the first warrior that pushed him to his limit.
Urchin loses his right hand and half of his right leg. Urchin would later on get them replaced making him whole once more.
Five days later. All four factions have been attacking in waves, attempting to breach the castle walls.
Only to be repelled time and again by the kingdom's military might. Then out of nowhere a lone figure dressed in a white silk kimono with a black tree design approaches from the south heading for Dagon's camp.
"Oh good it appears that I've made it in time."
"Who the hell are you?"
"I am Levitation. I serve Queen La-tif, ruler of the Netherlands Empire."
"You have no business here. Leave now, or your life will be forfeit."
"What a boorish man you are. Making empty threats without introducing yourself first." Levitation unfurls a fan and holds it in front of their face just below the eyes. "And I must correct you on one thing, you boorish, boorish man.
Per the new agreement established by Her Majesty and King Merpus; the Kingdom of Atlantis is now a vassal state under our protection. I am the one charged with overseeing its territory.
"I am General Dagon and I assure you it was not an empty threat. You're one person against our legions of soldiers. You will die here."
"Then prove it through your actions. Heed my call and come forth: Yamata no Orochi!"
A massive eight-headed — eight-tailed dragon/serpent with eyes like red winter-cherries, and an evergreen body appears above Levitation.
"Go!" Orders Levitation, pointing its now folded fan, "destroy anyone outside of the castle walls who resists. Leave this boorish man in front me alone, he's mine."
****
"Our King had survived the attack — returned to the Netherlands Empire and Levitation was dispatched to handle the invading army."
"That still doesn't explain how this prison labyrinth came to be." Said Stephanie.
"I'm getting there. So after the invading army was defeated Asmodeus created this place to house the prisoners.
For security reasons only members of the Royal Family know the intricate workings of this place.
Jafar, Murrissey, and myself only just learned a part of its secret. However…"
"Well don't keep us in suspense. What is it? What's the…ouchie!"
Stephanie grabs her head having been karate chopped again by Ian. "Please ignore her."
"Princess Ceto opened the labyrinth in a rush which is how your ship's got pulled in here. Normally we'd check the surroundings beforehand to ensure others aren't dragged into this place. That's the procedure set forth by The Royal Family."
"Why was she in such a rush that she didn't adhere to proper protocol?" Inquired Seymour.
"We were betrayed by one of our own."
"Do you know who it was?" I asked.
"Yes. She was a confidant whom Queen Geneva trusted wholeheartedly." Bay takes a moment — his heart is heavy, "it was one of the ladies-in-waiting who attended to the Queen personally. My Lady Umiko."
"You mean former Lady Umiko." Corrected Murrissey.
"Title aside, she betrayed us. And because of her betrayal Princess Ceto is the last surviving member of the Royal Family."
"Where is Umiko right now?"
"When we learned of her betrayal we investigated and learned she had fled here to free everyone imprisoned within this labyrinth."
"We believe she's hiding somewhere within this prison labyrinth." Said Jafar.
"But how did she get inside?" Asked Hornigold.
"It's Princess Ceto's blood, or to be more precise it's the Royal Family's bloodline. That's the key to this place."
Bay, Jafar, and Murrissey are left dumbfounded at Kino's statement.
"H-How did you know?" Bay finally managed to ask.
Kino just shrugs. "I honestly don't know. It just seemed obvious to me."
"You are correct. Her blood is the key, but there's more to it. Otherwise when Yukino killed Queen Geneva and King Merpus, they would've gotten out already."
Edward raises a hand. "Wait. Say no more Bay. The walls could have ears."
"Fear not, I wasn't about to reveal anything further. Now how shall we save the princess and our people?"
"Is there an area without water where I can fight?" Asked Kino.
"Yes there is."
"Good. Blackbeard, how many crewmen do you have that are capable of fighting?"
"We're all capable fighters lassie, but if you want a number it would be approximately two hundred."
"Right, two hun… WHAT?!" Kino's jaw drops. "I haven't seen that many around here. Where the hell are they?"
"Aside from exploring this place many have found spots to merely wait out our time here."
"Well gather up ye faithful crew. It's time to ship out… no wait, that's not right."
"You want me to gather me crew for a fight. Don'tcha lass."
"Aye."
"Ye'd make a great buccaneer lassie. Vice Captain Seymour let's go round up the boys."
Just as the pair begin to head out Bay speaks up. "Captain Blackbeard, Vice Captain Seymour, I will personally see to you and your crew are awarded properly for your aid in this matter."
"Aye, see that you do." Responds Blackbeard.
"Bay, Jafar, Murrissey, let's go save the princess and the rest of your people." Said Kino.