Lemuria (5)

The war was raging on the bottom of the sea bed. The unprepared, understaffed Deviants took heavy losses at the beginning when most of their ships were still docked during the initial assault.

Things turned for the better when General Dulpus took command, bringing order back to the fight.

However, the invasion had already begun and many buildings were being destroyed or breached by the Atlanteans and Aqueos.

To make matters worst, after the Deviants came together and formed a strong resistance, the Aqueos main force showed up. The bulk of their army was forced to swim behind because of a lack of Atlantean ships, and they were efficient killing machines in the water, gliding around with ease as they used their superior movements to get the drop on their enemies. Bringing the battle once again to a standstill before things started tilting in the invader's favor.

Without an infinite number of ships, and with a good number going down in the first wave and then 2nd wave, The Deviants were running out. They were also at a disadvantage when it came to underwater battles in general, not being able to breathe it themselves like their adversaries who could eject when things grew bad and continue to fight.

This didn't mean they didn't have suits of their own like the Atlanteans needed for going topside but with a finite number of resources, they didn't have enough for an army to go and face them in an element they weren't built for.

Their main strength was always having the best technology with a greater number of ships and energy weapons. This was flipped when the Atlanteans began stealing their tech and turning it against them, plus catching them off guard didn't help either at a time where their main force was fighting somewhere else, being left with only reserves to maintain the peace, not fight another bloody war.

Ships zipped around firing at each other, underwater detonations going off all around as some exploded and others crashed. Aqueos zoomed around taking out turrets and ships and piling on any Deviant caught swimming or casualties floating away from the destruction, feasting on them like piranha. While others swam their way into buildings that were opened up by blasts, attacking the citizens and protectors within.

Inside, The Atlantean breaching parties that started off the invasion were indiscriminately killing every deviant they saw, citizen or not. Releasing their built-up animosity over the years due to their two species clashing, where they were constantly on the receiving end.

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Back at the priest's building, Kargymax was leading a group higher to fight off the invaders. It was a tough fight that was going well as they went floor by floor pushing them back hard, but things changed when the waters flooded in sweeping many of their fighters off their feet while the Atlanteans were unfazed.

With his staff in hand, Kargymax used the power of his crystal to fend against the tides and allow his people to fall back. Atlanteans who rode ahead found themselves blown away as he leveled the staff, shooting powerful energy blasts. Keeping them at bay just long enough for reinforcements to arrive, wearing suits that would allow them to breathe underwater.

With Kargymax in the lead, they once again pushed them back as another round of explosions outside caused water to surge forth once more, this time completely flooding the hall.

Ready for it this time, the deviant priests braced themselves as the entire place filled with seawater. The Atlanteans who were slowly being pushed back had a surge of confidence in their home environment and attacked stronger than ever.

The swing of the battle went back and forth until the Aqueos appeared swimming at high speeds, crashing right through the unprepared Deviants. Kargymax was no exception, spitting up blood from being tackled by one, his concentration and hold on his staff slipping, he finds himself choking on water.

Freaking out a little, he quickly pulls the staff back in, clutching it tightly with both hands as he sends an eruption of power out pushing away the Aqueos on top of him and the surrounding water, allowing him to catch his breath as he breathes in deeply before the water closes back in, forcing him to use the staff once again to allow himself to breathe underwater.

Turning his focus to the Aqueos who tackled him, he angrily lashes out, firing a beam of energy right through the creature, killing it instantly. Unfortunately for Kargymax, this did not go unnoticed by the rest as he soon found himself surrounded.

Putting up a valiant fight, blasts of energy could be seen blasting away in every direction before the swarm of Aqueos completely engulfed him for the last time.

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Prince Ranar meanwhile was at the training pits just next to the gladiator arena where they held fierce competitions. His most favorite being duels between two combatants, where you could truly show your strength. He remembered watching in awe as Ransak and Karkas fought fiercely for the championship with the former somehow toppling the giant red Deviant.

Having always been a physical person and wanting to follow in their steps, he took to the training pits to fight and train among those who fought in such tournaments.

Not wanting to end up like his fat father, Ranar trained hard every day. Seeing results pushed him further as his muscles grew, becoming a muscular version of his father but without the large head, and sporting 2 enlarged tusk-like lower teeth making him look more orc-like in appearance.

Gaining the respect of the pit fighters after spending so much time with him gave him a sense of accomplishment as he continued to visit even after his father started ordering him to study more.

Today was like any other as he began his day in the sandy pit, lifting, running, sparring when a messenger could be seen frantically running towards him, tripping once, face planting right in the sand causing the others to laugh as he stood back up with a face full of sand.

Ignoring their chuckles the messenger continued, calling out as he got closer,- "Sir, Prince, Urgent message!"

"Alright catch your breath first, do we need to go somewhere private?" Asked Ranar still chuckling as the man arrived panting.

"No, no, not, enough, time," Weezed the messenger after just running all the way from the Royal chambers to here.

Taking a deep breath, he spits out his message as fast as he can,- "We are under attack, the king requests your presence immediately, where you are to prepare for war, gather whatever troops you can as fast as you can, and prepare for battle, the buildings above have already been breached, your father expects you to find him first before engaging the enemy."

The training area goes dead silent right before breaking out in an eruption of noise wondering what was going on.

Ranar whose eyes widened briefly, asked,- "Is what you say true? Are we under attack?"

The messenger holding in his frustration at being questioned, calmly answered,- "Yes, now if you would please excuse me, your highness, I have more messages to deliver."

Ranar who wouldn't normally hesitate to punish him for trying to leave before he allowed it, watched him go as his mind tried to process what he just heard.

Some of the gladiators and other fighters who overheard approached, along with his 4 royal guards who were waiting in the wings as he trained, now took position by Ranar's side, making sure he didn't get overwhelmed by too many people at once.

"Prince Ranar, Did we just hear correctly? Are we under attack?"

Ranar overlooked them all coming to a decision,- "Yes, I was told by the royal messenger that we are under attack, I now ask of you all, do you wish to join me in protecting our home? Follow me and I promise to lead us to victory!"

A loud roar of approval came pouring out as they all went to gather their gear and follow him out.

On their way out, up the ramp leading back to ground level, a group of men popped out from above, aiming their guns down at them.

His royal guard instantly took aim as they formed a wall to defend him.

Ranar scowled as he and the men froze, angrily yelling,- "Do you know who I am? How dare you point weapons at me! I'll have you all killed if you don't drop them and leave now!"

"Oh, we are well aware of who you are Prince Ranar, it's why we're here after all," said a bald green humanoid Deviant wearing a shiny red chest armor piece with golden shoulders and belt with silver-colored arms minus the red gauntlets and silver-colored legs minus the knee-high red boot gear.

"The names Brutus, you may have heard of me." Grinned the shiny armored Deviant.

Ranar scoffed,- "Never heard of you, do you expect me to hear about every little insect running around pretending to be something special, last chance to get out of my way before I let my boys loose," he said getting his men riled up as they all glared at their foes.

Brutus chuckled menacingly,- "You can't be serious, we have you right where we want you, you'll all be dead before you can even make it up the ramp, now how about you surrender quietly and I'll let your friends go."

Yells of disapproval went out as Ranar's training buddies were more than ready to die protecting one of their own.

Ranar frowned knowing what Brutus said was right, he just couldn't stomach how vulnerable he felt so he lashed out as he always does without taking the time to think about what he was saying.

Appreciating the comradery of his men, Ranar shouted,- "What do you want? Are you aware the city is under attack? Now is not the time to be fighting amongst ourselves."

"Oh I am well aware, what better chance to take you, hostage, than when the city is in turmoil, I have full confidence that our people can handle things without you, and then when all is said and done, you and I will take the throne."

Ranar shook his head,- "I don't think this is some simple attack or father would never send such an urgent request, and your crazy if you think my father and the council will give up the throne to some random warlord just because of me."

Brutus smirked,- "Hate to break it to you kid, but I have it on good authority that your father and the council has already bit the dust, trust me, you'll be safer if you come with me, we have much to discuss, some of which would be better heard privately I might add, I can promise it'll be well worth your time," he subtly said trying to persuade him.

Ranar on the other hand didn't believe him for a second, he had no reason to. One of the veterans he trained with walked over whispering in his ears, putting a grin on his face as he looked at him for confirmation. Seeing a nod, Ranar shouted,- "You don't know who you're messing with, it was a mistake to threaten us, I'll make sure you pay for this, MEN FALLBACK!" He ordered as the veteran who whispered took the lead.

"FIRE!" Shouted Brutus.

Many of the fighters fell to the shots, taking only a few down in return as they escape back inside the pit's inner chamber, where they followed the Veteran who knew a secret way out.

"It isn't really a secret way out, but I doubt many know about it, I only know cause I've been here long enough to have seen pretty much everything, anyways, it was made to secretly move the mutates in and out away from everyone else so has not to create a stir until they are needed for the games or whatnot... And here it is," explained the Veteran.

Ranar grinned,- "You did good, remind me to elevate your status when all is said and done."

"That's not necessary, I'm just doing my duty, shame on them for trying to take advantage when our people need them most," said the veteran shaking his head.

Ranar turned serious,- "They will pay, come on let's go before they catch up, we took too many losses and most of us are only equipped with melee weapons."

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Back in the control with Ghaur watching the monitors and giving commands to those he was able to get in communications with. The battles were starting to become a bit more manageable by closing off access across the board to the underground, effectively abandoning the buildings above to preserve their core.

This did not mean that there weren't enemy groups already inside and holding key positions so others could enter, but now they weren't coming from everywhere, this was something they could now work with and begin pushing back with force.

Ghaur also got into a heated argument with Dulpus who didn't trust the priest lord but left with little choice they came to an understanding and started to coordinate together, setting up pincer moves against some groups.

"Now that that's all settled, your priority now is to locate Prince Ranar," said Ghar to his men after stabilizing the situation. This would be the best time to get rid of the last remaining threat to his rule.

"My lord, the grey ones have finished Gomm and are now heading this way, and the Atlanteans main force isn't far behind them now."

Ghaur clicked his tongue in annoyance, he didn't know what they were exactly. Some kind of Atlantean mutate or just a highly strong, durable, regenerative subspecies that they hadn't met before for some reason. If it was the former then he was more than happy to see them all burn, but to have so many of the same would suggest a subrace of Atlantean and not just a mutate which is usually quite different from one individual to the next.

"Close the blast doors so they won't be able to get in and contact any group nearby to come clean them up if they can or better yet lead them away and draw their attention elsewhere," Ghaur ordered.

"Sir, I've found Ranar, looks like he's being chased by another group, I think they're heading this way but they're still too far to be certain," said another.

Ghaur walked over to look at his screen,- "That's him, and he would head this way if he knows anything, but I'm not aware of who those others are, to think there are groups out there taking advantage of the situation, at least these seem to be doing something useful for now... Find out who they are and tell me as soon as you can, I'm going out personally to take care of this, can't trust some unknowns to do what needs to be done, have a group meet me on the way."

"It shall be done, my lord."

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Thakorr running down the same hall he saw Ghaur and his men leave was soon shot at from the side by others down an adjacent hall.

Having fresh prey presents itself, Thakorr and the few vampiric Atlantean guards he had left, went after them, not at all picky about who it was.

The Deviants who shot were warned how to kill them but seemingly forgot about in the heat of the moment, not thinking it made much of a difference, having not fought any vampires yet.

This spelled their doom as Thakorr and his men took full advantage of their lack of knowledge and swiftly rushed in, closing the gap before any proper aim was taken and tore into them.

The Atlantean's main force which struggled to keep up with their king who suddenly took off on his own, was now just coming into sight of the aftermath.

The leaders looked on in horror in witnessing for the first time what their king truly was, what he was turned into, a red-eye glowing monster feasting on fellow humanoids. This was an eye-opener, they knew something was different about him, something wrong, but their loyalty to the throne had them following orders without question. They were even happy to be led into war against their hated foes, though they were skeptical of the Aqueos creatures he added to the army and the surface dweller who had his ears.

This, however, was too much, the leaders who took special note of how he and a few Atlanteans were just like the Aqueos, but let it be for now, after all, they were in a war.

Selene turned few Atlanteans, deciding the king was good enough for her purposes, having him order the armies to war. The Aqueos on the other hand had no such leader, so after learning of them, she with Thakorr and a handful of others went into the Abyss and began subjugating them one by one, it quickly spread after their initial assault, eventually turning them all in the end,

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Back to Ranar running in the streets with what followers he still had with him while dodging Brutus's pursuit.

"Damn you Brutus, I'll see your head put on a pike once I'm done with you, I'll make sure you beg for it," Ranar swore to himself, thoroughly pissed to have to be running from some nobody traitor while his people were being attacked, he just hoped his father had things well in hand without him.

Blaster shots flew over their heads as Brutus's group caught up once again.

"Shit, they definitely have spies around here watching us, there's no other way they can keep finding us like this," one man complained as they took a turn to avoid being straight shot from behind.

"Well that and this is the only way I can go to get to where I need to be, and they likely know that," said Ranar.

Suddenly from the buildings and alleyway's on their right, they were ambushed as Brutus and his men opened fire. Expecting Ranar to turn once fired upon, Brutus sent only a few to chase them while cutting through diagonally to catch up and hit them when they least expected it. He knew Ranar would likely choose right for there were many opening paths that way further down the line giving him more chances to escape, plus it was the most open. Where on the other hand, the left was a narrow path least traveled by even the locals for various reasons, which meant it wasn't a path a Prince would have ever taken or been familiar with.

Ranar and his group's eyes widened in shock as a great many of them went down instantly. His 4 royal guards pushed him out of the way, towards the buildings opposite of them to seek cover. Their royal green and gold-trimmed armor doing its work in protecting them as they took multiple hits.

After the initial shock wore off the pit fighting men that still stood charged, their fight or flight response conditioned to only ever fight. With only a handful left, it wasn't going to be a very long fight though.

The slightly wounded 4 royal guards took a position at the doorway firing back as one of them called out to Ranar,- "My prince, we can't stay here, we have to leave."

Ranar was feeling awful seeing his pit friends dying, he wished to stay and help them, but knew his guard was right. Bury the anger and hate in his heart for later he looked for an exit,- "You're right, let's go, I'll make sure to repay all this in the future, count on it!" He yelled the last part letting his friends know they wouldn't be forgotten.

Just as Ranar was taking his leave, the guards turned to follow when the last one in line got shot by a concentrated burst from many different people at once. Ranar's yell attracting their attention as Brutus ordered a group of them to not let them escape.

The guards paused, looking back in time to see him fall dead.

One of the others who were very close to him yelled out in despair,- "NO! Mizok!" Dropping to his knees in disbelief.

More shots incoming as the other two pulled him away,- "Snap out of it we have to go!"

"No! I will stay and kill them all!"

One of them angrily turned him around and shook him,- "We still have a duty to fulfill, and you can't get revenge if you're dead! Now move it! The prince is your best bet at getting it."

The saddened guard shrugged off his hands, and looked back one last time at Mozik with gritted teeth,- "I promise they'll pay Mozik."

Meanwhile, the pit fighters fought all the harder after hearing Ranar's yell, taking a few more down right before they too fell.

Brutus then ordered everyone else to hurry up and chase the escaping prince.

Ranar went on ahead not stopping to wait for his guards to catch up, not even aware that one of them fell as he ran, filled with motivation to gather an army and come back here to snuff out every single one of these traitors.

Two men who were assigned by Brutus to keep a lookout for the Prince were hanging out on a rooftop taking it easy as they joked around. Then one of them nudged the other pointing out- "Look, I think that's him, shall we call it in?"

The other spit off the roof,- "You do that, but I'm going down there, I'm sick of being on lookout duty, it's time I showed them what I'm capable of," he said hopping off.

The other one sighed as he used his communications to call it in before following.

Just as his royal guards were catching up, Ranar was going through another building when he saw two Deviant men pop out ahead, aiming their blasters at him.

"Well look at what we have here, Prince Ranar, how about you die for me." He laughed as he opened fire with his sighing partner.

Still angry from earlier, Ranar picked up speed, crossing his arms in front of his head as he charged into them., his arms and sides stinging from shots that landed.

Each of their poor shots doing very little damage to his bulky size as half of them even missed and more as Ranar drew closer, their anxiousness rising when they realized they weren't going to be able to stop him, their earlier confidence gone as fear took over.

"Die, die, die, Why won't you die already!" The man yelled worriedly.

"Shit, we need to run!" Yelled the other in panic. He knew this was a mistake, there was a reason why they were lookouts after all. He never knew why he would always let his friend talk him into doing stupid things, his regret was never higher than it was right now.

Ranar using his massive leg muscles easily closed the gap in a matter of moments, his arms going wide as he tackled the pair who tried to turn to flee. Sending them crashing straight through the solid door frame with him right behind. He then began to punch them both into a bloody paste as he let out his built-up anger and frustrations, only stopping when his royal guards pulled him off so they could continue to flee.

Now a slightly hurt Ranar and his three equally wounded guards ran for their lives as Brutus and his men chased them down.

This was all foreseen by Brutus though, he already had men spreading out and corraling them to their inevitable doom.

With little choice left, Ranar and his guards pushed on, looking for a way to escape despite the bleak outlook. It was then at their lowest point, they hit a reinforced wall, a set of buildings that were interlocked together back when a rich mob boss Deviant bought them up and made it his own private fortress. A place the locals knew to stay away from if they wished to continue their peaceful lives.

At any other time, Brutus wouldn't even risk coming here, but he decided to gamble that it would be fine with the chaos happening, worst case, he negotiates with them over Ranar's head. Best case, no was even there or willing to come out to bother with someone during these questionable times, hopefully, more worried about keeping himself safe in his fortress behind his walls.

Ranar turned around facing Brutus and his men who were just reaching the area, surrounding them with blasters pointed on all sides.

Brutus stepped forward giving a slow clap,- "Bravo, well done, you've done a number on my little group here, I saw what you did to those two fools who crossed you, perhaps the rumors of you ripping your way out of your mother's belly were true, but all good things must come to an end, how about you surrender now and I promise to spare your guards," he said trying to end things nicely. Even if he was counting on things to go hard, he thought he would at least try.

"It's you who should surrender! If you think taking me will net you anything but death your sadly mistaken, I'll personally be the one to torture you when all this is over," Ranar blustered.

Brutus sighed raising a hand that once lowered would have his men take them down,- "Well then let's get this ov..." Upon hearing the sound of another group arriving, he paused his speech as he warily looked over expecting the mob Deviants to show up.

His face paled when he saw his men backing off, giving room for the iconic white geared armed warrior priests. The complete opposite of Ranar, whose sour demeanor visibly brightened upon their appearance, feeling hope once again.

Brutus's face went ashen when he saw Ghaur step out in front to inspect the situation, stiffening under his gaze when his eyes swept past.

"Look at what we have here, does anyone care to explain?" Asked Ghaur, flexing his authority.

Seeing Ghaur brought great joy to Ranar, believing his father sent him to save him, he spoke enthusiastically,- "Uncle Ghaur, it's good to see you, can you believe these fools wished to capture me, make sure to capture that one alive," he said pointing at Brutus whose face fell at being singled out in front of the priest's.

Ghaur sneered at Ranar which was missed by him as his eyes turned to the one that was pointed at,- "Ah yes, Brutus, isn't it? I've heard a good deal about you on the way here."

Brutus started to sweat, he didn't like where this was going one bit,- "I'm honored such an esteemed person has heard about little ole me, out of respect for sir priest lord, how about letting me and my merry band leave peacefully, we area all devote believers of your church, many of us attending your wonderous sermons and wish no ill will towards you or yours," he said chuckling nervously.

His men unaware of his distress echoed his sentiments, before Ranar shouted angrily,- "As if we would believe your lies, Ghaur, kill them now!" Causing all Brutus and his men's faces to turn ugly.

Ghaur scowled hearing this pompous fool shouting his name so casually while ordering him about like some dog, causing him to snap,- "Quiet brat! I'll get to you in a minute," he said silencing the shocked Ranar before turning his attention back to Brutus.

"Oh yes, I've heard of you Brutus, on the way here I had some of my men investigate you and your little group here, and your men do indeed attend my church from time to time, but you, Brutus, have never attended, in fact, I don't even think Brutus is your real name," said Ghaur.

All eyes turned to Brutus who was trying and failing to maintain a strong outer appearance.

"That's as far as the investigation went, you've done a good job hiding until now, but there are only two reasons one would go through so much trouble to hide his identity, either he's gotten on the wrong side of someone powerful, but seeing as how you scrouged up this crew and made yourself a warlord, that isn't the likely case, is it? They would have easily spotted your activities and identified you." Ghaur rhetorically asked, answering himself before continuing.

"Nope, I think it's something much, much worst, the only other reason one would go through so much trouble and even seek to gather a group together to secretly protect himself and prevent people from asking questions, is if he's not a Deviant, but a Filthy Mutate! Hiding in plain sight, isn't that right, Brutusss." Ghaur said disgustedly.

Seeing his own men's eyes turn hostile towards him, Brutus snapped- "How dare you call me a mutate!..." He said trying to defend himself, but quickly changed tones when he realized who exactly he was talking to,- "I mean, lord priest sir, surely your mistaken, there's no way I'm a mutate, just look at me!" He pleaded.

"Let me ask your men then, have any of you seen him without his armor on?" Ghaur asked, dismissing the confusion among the men as they once more glared at Brutus, even angrier now that his words caused them to ever question the lord priest.

Brutus picked up his weapon pointing it at Ghaur who was quickly shielded by the warrior priests as his own men tackled him before he could get a shot off.

"No! Let Me Go! I Am Your Leader! You Listen To Me, Not Some Crazy Priest!" Brutus madly yelled as he struggled to free himself.

Ghaur addressed Brutus's men,- "Don't worry, I do not fault you for being deceived, feel free to go and take care of it while I tend to business here."

They bowed giving thanks before dragging a defeated Brutus away.

Ranar not pleased seeing them walk away, argued,- "How can you just let them go after what they've done, I want retribution for what they did to me and my friends!"

Ghaur sneered at the insolent fool,- "Why would I punish them for achieving something I desired?" he scoffed.

"Huh? What you desire?" asked a confused Ranar.

Not wasting any more time, Ghaur gave the order,- "Kill them."

A baffled Ranar and his guards died unwillingly.