The Book

Aiden had made a solemn promise to return, but time passed without any sign of his return. In response, Leah sought solace in her bunk bed, wrapping herself in sheets from head to toe. Throughout that agonizing night, she wept silently, her roommates oblivious to her concealed tears. For years, she had been the epitome of composure, exuding an air of tranquility and contentment aboard the ship. It was one of the qualities that had captivated Aiden, but it all crumbled in the wake of a single incident.

She had always harbored the foreknowledge that such a moment would come, but its abrupt arrival caught her off guard. The ominous yellow halo that now shrouded two ships on the sea had been on her radar, so why did she find herself taken aback? Perhaps, deep down, she was not yet ready for the world's end.

Meanwhile, Aiden stood pensively near the ship's railing engaged in a conversation with the chief, their words carrying an air of concern. "What are our next steps, Aiden?" The chief gazed into the distance, where a persistent yellow halo continued to radiate, casting a celestial golden hue upon the night sky. Amidst the tranquil sounds of lapping waves, an eerie calm prevailed, hinting at an impending storm.

With a heavy heart and a sense of disappointment, the chief reflected on the years spent tirelessly safeguarding life aboard the vessel and seeking a secure sanctuary for all aboard. Despite his efforts, an overwhelming feeling of sorrow lingered, knowing that the threat they faced loomed ominously. 

"Chief, I understand your sorrow, but consider this - even if Leah had shared the foretold visions with us," Aiden attempted to justify Leah's decision not to divulge the information, but the chief let out a wistful chuckle, bringing Aiden to a halt.

"It's not a matter of Leah keeping secrets," the chief declared, locking eyes with Aiden. "Even if she had disclosed it all, I'm afraid we'd still have been powerless to alter our fate." Aiden nodded, relieved that the chief grasped the essence of his message.

"It's not Leah's responsibility. I'm grateful she kept it to herself. If she had warned us earlier, we would have been treading on a precarious path. I'm thankful we managed to cherish some moments of happiness." He passed a calm smile toward Aiden. "But I'm deeply concerned about Leah; she might be shouldering unnecessary blame. Aiden, you must look after her—this situation isn't her fault. We'll arrive at the port in four days," the chief reassured, patting Aiden's shoulder.

Observant, the chief had noticed Leah's absence from her room throughout the day, and Aiden's lack of attention to her well-being. It was a collective understanding that Leah wasn't at fault; Aiden, particularly, comprehended this truth. However, he found himself unable to shake this burden from his mind. His reluctance to face Leah possibly stemmed from internalized anger or perhaps an unpreparedness to confront her.

Several days had come and gone, leaving only a single day until they would reach the port, followed by an excruciating six-day wait for the arrival of the supremes. Aiden's heart bore the weight of a hidden truth, for he had confessed everything except the impending arrival of the supremes. A sense of dread gnawed at him, as no one, not even the most learned scholars, possessed knowledge of what these supremes looked like; even the most ancient texts remained silent on their physical appearance.

As the ship approached the distant land on the horizon, a sense of collective anxiety and anticipation rippled through the passengers and crew. They clung to the hope that this new destination would offer solace and prosperity. The persistent yellow halo in the sky fueled their optimism, leading them to speculate that perhaps the divine lords were finally heeding their fervent prayers.

Conversations aboard the ship bubbled with excitement and speculation, and it was surprising to note that this newfound land did not appear on their maps, which had hitherto displayed endless expanses of water. Many among the passengers began to wonder if this was the fabled land of Atlantis, a legendary realm lost to the depths of the sea in ages past.

In three days, Aiden deliberately avoided any contact with Leah. Despite catching occasional glimpses of her during meals, she consistently retreated to the seclusion of her room. Perplexed by his own behavior towards Leah – the one person who held intricate knowledge and could decipher the book's meanings – Aiden found himself lost in introspection, reflecting on the events of the past six years.

Amid this contemplation, a revelation struck him like lightning: "Mind Manipulation," he whispered. The Supremes employed mind manipulation. Could this be the reason behind the man's actions, which ultimately led to Damien's death? "What if he was under their control?" Aiden mulled over the myriad possibilities and the man's past utterances. Recollections of the man's vehement declarations about the crew holding everyone hostage and his intent to harm them suddenly made sense to Aiden. "His aggressive behavior... it all fits," he concluded.

Determined to seek answers, Aiden felt an urgent need to confront the man. "I have to speak with him," he declared resolutely, setting off towards the dock. 

As Aiden dashed down the stairs, onlookers witnessed his urgency, yet none paid heed to the palpable worry etched on his face. Amidst the bustling crowd, his own companions attempted to halt him for an explanation, but Aiden pressed on, unfazed by their inquiries.

"Sir," Rukbat made a valiant attempt to seize his attention, yet Aiden surged past her, determined and resolute in his pursuit. Alongside Rukbat, other women whispered, "He must have gone to that hero girl," a reference to Leah, earning a disapproving glare from Rukbat herself.

The scene unfolded with Aiden's relentless descent, the urgency and purpose in his movements reflecting an impending event that only he seemed acutely aware of.

Despite the prevailing sense that Aiden and Leah had ceased interacting lately, a peculiar question unexpectedly besieged Rukbat's mind: "Why?" This mental query arose following her sighting of Aiden and Leah at the open dock on the day the yellow halo appeared. The encounter seemed awry; both Aiden and Leah appeared tense, exchanging silent communication through their eyes. "Why does everything seem to revolve around Leah?" Rukbat pondered. The situation hinted at an underlying mystery, leaving her intrigued and determined to unravel the enigma that surrounded the two.

As Aiden approached the basement, his steps were heavy, weighed down by the impending task. With each step, he dragged his feet, and eventually, he came to a halt before the door that concealed the man they were holding captive.

Neo, who had been standing guard outside the door, observed Aiden's approach. He squinted his brows in a gesture of confusion, for it wasn't typically Aiden's responsibility to be on duty in this particular area. Aiden usually kept a watchful eye on the open decks, so Neo's curiosity got the better of him, prompting him to inquire, "What brings you here, Aiden?"

Aiden, whose unwavering gaze had been fixed on the door, briefly shifted his attention to Neo. "You must be tired," he remarked. "Go take some rest. I'll watch over things today."

Neo, taken aback by the unexpected offer, raised a visible question in his mind but ultimately thought, who could disregard the importance of rest? "Alright," he acquiesced, "but let me warn you—he's loud at night, shouting and everything."

Aiden nodded, listening attentively as Neo described the man. "Okay, I'll stay alert," Aiden assured him. He gently patted Aiden's shoulder before making his way toward the stairs, intending to ascend and have some time to himself.

Aiden waited for several moments, straining his ears until Neo's retreating footsteps faded away. He cautiously turned the knob, exhaling a held breath in an attempt to stay as silent as possible. The door creaked open, revealing a darkened room illuminated only by a single bulb powered by a generator. Taking a quick, cautious look inside, Aiden spotted a man slumbering, leaning against a pillar, his hands bound.

After ensuring the coast was clear, Aiden cautiously stepped into the room. With deliberate care, he closed the door behind him, producing a faint sound that startled the sleeping man from his peaceful state. The man grumbled, his eyes fluttering open with a mix of confusion and annoyance evident in his expression. He attempted to curse under his breath, the remnants of sleep clouding his senses as he grappled to fully awaken.

"Oh, finally, you are here," the man said, looking at Aiden, who promptly grabbed a chair and took a seat in front of him. Aiden was taken aback by the man's comment. "Why would this man be waiting for him?" he pondered. After all, he didn't even know him.

"I knew you'd come to find me," the man continued confidently.

"Who are you?" Aiden inquired, perplexed by the stranger's claim.

"I'm merely a passenger. My name is Rudolf," the man responded with a tinge of mockery in his tone.

Aiden persisted, not entirely convinced, "Don't play dumb. Who are you, really?"

The man leaned in, revealing his face, marked by an evident display of seriousness and hatred. He whispered, "Why do I feel like you already know me?" There was a chilling edge to his voice, accompanied by a piercing gaze fixated on Aiden.

Moments later, a sinister chuckle escaped the man's lips as he reclined, staring unflinchingly at Aiden, devoid of any fear. "Tell me, how's your friend?" he inquired, referencing Damien. "Is he alive or...?" He purposefully drew out the last word, injecting it with venom to provoke a response from Aiden. His aim was achieved as Aiden reacted swiftly, straddling the man and seizing him by the collar, his face contorted with rage.

"Right! Keep this anger; I'll need it when the time comes," the man declared, his words carrying an ominous weight. Despite the physical confrontation, his demeanor remained disturbingly composed, almost relishing in the provoked reaction. Aiden's fury was palpable, his knuckles whitening as he maintained his grip, a silent warning amidst the charged atmosphere. 

Aiden felt the firm grip on his collar gradually relent, allowing him a moment to catch his breath. Despite the tension coiling within him, he made a conscious effort to maintain a facade of composure. Resuming his place in the chair, he was deliberate in avoiding even a scornful glance toward the individual seated across from him.

The man in front coughed, a consequence of the pressure he'd felt on his throat moments before. However, a malevolent grin remained fixed on his face, as though the prospect of his own demise With unwavering composure, Aiden posed the question that had been weighing on his mind, "Why did you kill Damien?" His voice remained steady, yet he deliberately avoided meeting the man's gaze, the tension palpable in the air.

"Oh, his name was Damien! Nice name," the man replied casually, eliciting a visceral, repulsive reaction from Aiden. "Well, he was just a pawn, a mere piece moved to lure you to me. And as you can see, it worked. You're here."

That admission was what Aiden had been waiting for, the confirmation he sought. However, it fell short of offering the complete rationale behind this ordeal, leaving him still in search of answers. "You could have just asked for me," he remarked, a hint of confusion in his tone. 

"Could that truly have been effective or serious? Worse yet, you might not have paid attention to me, just as you neglect Leah," the man stated, prompting a surprised look from Aiden as he listened. Thoughts swirled in Aiden's mind. Why is this man mentioning Leah? 

"Are you taken aback? Well, rest assured, dear Aiden, these walls have their ways of knowing," the man continued mysteriously.

"Who exactly are you?" Aiden inquired; his curiosity piqued. "And what is it that you want from me?"

The man widened his eyes, a gesture indicating his effort to deliberate, then nodded, motioning for Aiden to approach. "Don't worry, just come here," he reassured when Aiden hesitated. Aiden tentatively edged closer, and the man also leaned in, meeting him halfway. In a low voice, he whispered into Aiden's ear, "I want you to understand who I am."

Following this, the man reclined, resting his head against the pillar once more, leaving Aiden astonished by the unexpectedness of the situation.

Aiden found himself in a state of bewilderment. Any lingering doubts he might have harbored about the spremes had vanished, replaced by a stark clarity. The man, who had shown no inclination for interaction during the past years aboard the vessel, now exhibited a blatant disregard for the lives of the people around him.

As the night unfolded, a mere ten hours separated them from reaching the port by the following day. Aiden realized that if he could gather his composure until then, perhaps he could unearth the answers he sought. The man's mention of Leah lingered in Aiden's mind, provoking questions: why was she significant? The unsettling notion of mind manipulation threatened to worsen if he spent any more time in this man's company.

Suddenly, Aiden stood up abruptly, feeling an urgent need to speak with Leah. Perhaps it was time to face her. He strode purposefully towards the door, causing the man to chuckle. However, that was the least of Aiden's concerns at that moment.

 Aiden walked out, absentmindedly leaving the door unlocked. Lost in his thoughts, he completely forgot to secure the door or ask someone to cover the duty at the basement. However, at the time, he couldn't foresee what might go wrong; his hands were tied by his preoccupation.

As the sun began its descent, casting an orange hue through the ship's windows, Aiden made his way across the deck's corridor. The warm glow illuminated his face, reminiscent of honey. The evening had settled in, signifying a time when everyone onboard would likely be leisurely strolling, engaged in conversations or simply relishing the moments before reaching port the next day.

The thought of conversing with Leah loomed in his mind, a challenging prospect, especially after having ignored her for three consecutive days. Nevertheless, he pushed forward, each step echoing like a determined rhythm on the deck.

He paused at the front door of Leah's room on the third floor, a sliver of hope lingering within him that she might be inside. He gently rapped on the door—once, twice, and then three times—followed by calling out her name, longing for a response, yet the silence remained unbroken. Disheartened, he took a step back, assuming she wasn't there. However, an inexplicable feeling urged him to grasp the doorknob and venture inside.

A hesitant thought lingered in his mind, "What if she's merely upset and wishes not to see me?" Despite this, he pushed the door open, only to be greeted by the sight of empty bunk beds, devoid of any presence. Aiden contemplated retracing his steps, yet his attention was drawn to an old book resting on the lower bed.

"Vastaus," the very book Leah used to immerse herself in. He reached for it, flipping through the pages until he landed on the section Leah had shared with him just a few days earlier—a page number etched in his memory. The familiar page lay before him, beckoning his attention. 

"Parts of which shall be encircled in a radiant hue, where two-thirds of the celestial expanse and two-thirds of the boundless ocean shall dissolve in a gentle, golden glow. A vivid rainbow, thee shall witness thrice, heralding the hour for creatures both winged and furred to take flight. Fret not, those who bear the key in their grasp, for the master shall return to reclaim his dominion. It is the righteous alone who may persevere until the end, but how many shall truly behold or hearken ere they are but dust and shadows?" Here's an improved version of the passage, refined for clarity, grammar, and elaboration:

As he revisited the familiar verse, the lingering yellow hue that had painted the sky a few days earlier still softly tinted the horizon and the distant expanse of the sea. It was a scene they'd witnessed before, where after a storm, one rainbow had emerged, hinting at the promise of two more to follow. Aiden delved into the verses, peering deeply into the inked letters, hoping to unravel further meaning hidden within their cryptic phrases. Suddenly, a realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.

"The key," he whispered to himself. These words hinted at a pivotal revelation; someone held a key to an undisclosed secret, and that individual was fated to endure until the very end, tasked with passing this key to those of supreme significance. The question loomed heavily in his mind: who could this person be? Amidst the multitude of ships navigating the open sea and the countless individuals entrenched in their battles on distant shores, the identity of the key bearer remained shrouded in uncertainty. How was he to embark on the daunting quest of uncovering the key bearer's identity, especially when time was an increasingly scarce commodity?

Among all the ships on the sea and all the trouble happening in far-off places, the person who has the key might be anybody. Aiden felt overwhelmed by the big job he had: figuring out who had the key within a short time. He needed to do this quickly.

But hold on, there was more to it. He noticed the bookmark and flipped through the pages. Aiden didn't think anything happening around him was just chance, and he felt the same about the mark in the book. And he was correct. The words he read were what he had been seeking – the answer.

"Behold, the key, lost in the depths, where existence met its end. Now it surfaces, emerging from the depths, crying out for the lives it once held dear. Unseen and deemed perilously lost by the world, yet it harbors the answer, an answer destined to emerge when its time arrives. On that fateful day, all else shall fade, save for the forgotten city, the keeper of the key, and those valiant souls in pursuit. Seek ye the highest crag, past the resurrected city, where your quest shall find its culmination." 

Everything seemed to be unfolding just as written in a book, almost like it was all planned out. If these supremes were merely extraterrestrial beings with the power of controlling minds, it didn't make sense how everything was aligning with the events in this book. However, this certainty vanished as the ship neared a port that wasn't marked on any map - a mysterious land, an unseen city rising, often referred to as Atlantis. This development meant Aiden now had to seek out the tallest crag, perhaps to unravel this quest. Yet, the looming question remained: what about the key?

As Aiden flipped through the pages, he heard murmurs outside. It sounded like a bunch of people were hurrying toward something. He noticed the sound of footsteps moving from right to left, heading up the stairs to the upper decks. At first, he tried to ignore it, thinking it might just be a regular movement. But the footsteps kept increasing, making it seem like everyone from the lower decks was moving upstairs. That's when he closed his book and stood up.

He soon realized why the footsteps were growing louder. Looking out the window, he was astonished to see not just one, but two unusually large rainbows. These rainbows were extraordinary—they formed a circle around a yellow halo from both the inside and outside. Aiden was in disbelief.

He hurriedly got up, hastily opening the door and apologizing to anyone he accidentally bumped into while rushing upstairs. He saw a crowd of folks completely captivated by the amazing rainbow, but only a few, his friends—comrades, the chief, and Leah, sensed trouble in the beautiful sight. People grumbled about not having cameras to capture the moment.

Aiden gazed at the gigantic rainbows; they seemed almost like a doorway to another world. As he scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face, he realized he had to find someone important. Finally, his eyes landed on Leah, who looked back at him with concern. He understood instantly: they needed to have a conversation.