Atlantis

Atlantis

Written by John M. Davis

A City of the Past Becomes Our Future

Copyright 2015 Serenity Valley Publishing

Editing: Daniél Lecoq

Digital Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to johndavisbooks.wordpress.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Settling In

Chapter 2: The Incredible Journey

Chapter 3: Once Upon An Ancient

Chapter 4: Not As They Seem

Chapter 5: Just The Beginning

Chapter 1

Settling In

Rain splashed against his wipers as life prepared to deal him the bad news.

It seemed as though a cloud had burst onto the cityscape of downtown Charlotte, but Josh continued to drive. Cautiously easing his vehicle down a road filled with the outline of bright streetlights, a clear-set goal. He was coming home.

A soldier for eight long years in the United States Army, Josh Pierce had seen a lot of things. Some good, others – not so much. He'd pulled his time; given his service to the country he loved so dearly. Finally, after eight years of wearing the uniform, he was returning home to the love of his life. Amanda.

From the time Josh and Amanda met in grade school, he'd known she was the one. At that age, of course, nobody believes people are capable of loving. Nothing more than a very cute crush to everyone around them, Josh felt something inside of him the day his eyes fell onto that little girl with fantastic finger-painting skills.

And during the journey from childhood to adulthood, they'd hit a few snags. Typical for budding love, no matter the circumstances. Josh had made his fair share of mistakes, as had Amanda. Something that was finally past the both of them.

Josh was careful to do things right this time. He'd carefully planned his return, and that included one of the largest bouquets of flowers he'd ever seen. Vibrant colors speckling the large assortment which tied together snugly with a nice red bow, coupled with a large bottle of rather expensive wine.

He was oblivious to either when it came to selecting properly, but with the amount of cash he'd spent in doing so, Josh felt confident he'd done the job right.

Still, for all of the service gone by – the memories he planned to make with his lover...he'd have to get through the damn rain. He couldn't remember a time when rain fell any harder. The sound of pounding water atop his sedan nearly drowning out the stereo within in.

As Josh hurried from the glisten of rain which covered his blue sedan, he immediately sprinted up the handful of steps which led to their front door. Preparing his hair with a quick comb through by hand and imagining Amanda's face. He momentarily struggled with the large arrangement of flowers as a pleading hand did what it could to align his key with its accompanying lock. Rain still pouring down beyond the front porch in drenching fashion, nearly rivaling Josh's nerves.

His dreams, however, came to a crashing halt as Josh entered slowly to see an emptied house. No red velvet sofa that had been chosen together the evening of signing for the house. No precious photos hanging from the walls. Nothing but empty walls. Josh's heart immediately knew his lover was not to be found.

Clasping the door behind him and trying the lights, to no avail, Josh finally sat on the hard floor, preparing to read a note which awaited him. Understand with the mere sight of the note that an end to their romance had truly arrived. Taking him completely by surprise and devastating him with a new dimension of pain.

Josh.

I can't do it anymore. I believed my heart would explode when hearing of your return home. I honestly did. I was wrong. I will always cherish the memories we have together, and consider you a friend. I care for you, I truly do. I just don't love you.

I honestly didn't think it was possible. Now, I know otherwise. Perhaps it's your absence that has slowly pulled me away from you emotionally. Maybe there is something wrong inside of me, I don't know? I just want to be honest about it. You deserve that much. You've been good to me throughout the years and I want you to understand that there is no one else in my life right now. Truly. I just need a bit of space.

Rather than watch us both continue to be unhappy, I think it's best that we go our separate ways at this very moment. While the feeling of being apart is so fresh to both of us. It may help to ease the sting a little.

Sorry about taking our things, but I know you well enough to know you'd throw them out anyway. I'd rather keep them than have a stranger holding them close.

If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. Just as long as you know that I'm here as a friend, nothing more.

Take care of yourself Josh Pierce.

-Amanda

Well. I didn't see that coming. Josh uttered as he flicked his wrist a bit, releasing the letter in the process. Slinging the sheet of paper as far away as possible, not that it would change anything between the two of them. Not now. For so many years they had been inseparable, but he'd never take her back after such a move. No matter how unbearable the pain felt in the moment, he was tough enough to absorb the hit and maybe, eventually, move past Amanda. Only time would tell.

Moments later Josh began concentrated his efforts on opening the large bottle of wine. He would have his welcome home party – drama be damned.

Welcome home soldier.

The slamming of a fist to his front door sent Josh straight to his feet, though he'd soon regret it. A combination of bright light and a hangover to blame.

Daylight funneling through his curtains as the beating to thick wood continued, making him wonder if it were even humanly possible to knock any louder. Josh was finally able to stagger over to the front of his very empty home.

Amanda? he asked, swinging the door open with desperation in his voice.

He was met, however, by a man decked in United States Army green.

Lieutenant Joshua Pierce?" the soldier asked.

His eyes continued to adjust, but he knew the visit was serious. Only two people had ever called him by the name Joshua. His kindergarten teacher and his superior officer in the armed forces.

As his eyes finally eased themselves back into proper working order, the mysterious man had the look of a soldier, no doubt. Brush-cut hair and chisel of experience upon his face. His uniform, however, was a lot different. Combat pants of black with several cargo pockets, a finely-pressed black shirt with blue trim and a handful of medals pinned to his chest – none of which Josh recognized.

Yes, he replied, trying to cast the sunlight from his eyes by holding a single hand to his brow. I mean no. Not as of last night. It's just Josh now.

I need you to come with me, sir.

Look, I'm not trying to be rude here, but it's been a very long night. I have a lot of things going on right now. I'm clouded. Except for my resignation from good old Uncle Sam. I'm pretty clear on that. They offered me a signing bonus of twenty-five thousand, I told them to shove it up their ass and, well, the rest is history. Josh replied.

I'm here to escort you, as a civilian, to a meeting with someone very important. You can come voluntarily – or I can radio it in and you'll be there by nightfall by more drastic means. Your choice. the soldier stated.

Right away, Josh understood the soldier's line of speaking, or rather, the government's way of operating. Uncle Sam did what he damn well felt like doing. You played ball like a major leaguer or you kicked and bitched about it, only to end up playing ball like a major leaguer in the end. Josh wanted anything but to go scurrying off with a stranger, hangover intact, but saw absolutely no way around it. The man had flashed his identification and, sure enough, he was a government suit and tie.

Alright, alright. Let me grab my phone and I...

No phone. Not where we are going. the soldier replied with a stern warning.

At that moment, Josh noticed a second man waiting in the car, also dressed in strange military gear.

Jesus man, what is this? No phone, no shower?

His words should have struck a humor cord with the man, but didn't. Letting Josh know the trip was one of top priority.

Alright then, Josh agreed, turning to lock his door before shutting it, but stopping short. Then again, my lady has just taken off with every damn thing I own. I say, let the vandals have at it. he added, slinging the door wide open and preparing to leave with the men. Expecting some type of reaction.

None came.

Josh had intended to track their course mentally, but after passing the second hour of their trip, he gave up on the idea. Simply concluding that it was a long damn way from home, especially with a hangover.

Making it more awkward, however, were the two soldiers travelling along – neither of them saying a word throughout the entire trip.

Nothing.

You guys really aren't much on conversation, are you? Josh asked.

Again, both men seemed to ignore his question. Aggravating the former soldier with a mighty hangover.

Look, Josh said loudly. I'm not asking for a damn password or treasure map here, I'm just trying to make this long car ride a little less, well...long. I mean, conversation, music – something?

Moments later, one of the men put the car's stereo on. Something about a bald girl licking a sledgehammer, from what Josh could tell.

Oh hell no. Is this really happening right now? Am I dreaming? Josh asked. I'm thinking it couldn't get any worse and then it does. This kind of music has no heart, man. No soul. It's what's wrong with the world today.

Click.

Agreed. one of the men said, putting a quick end to the ridiculous noise being passed off as music.

The two uniformed men glanced to each other for a moment. The driver finally speaking up.

Had a woman leave out on me too. Left me sitting in an empty house, the driver said. The bitch.

Well, Amanda's no bitch. Josh replied.

They're all the same when it comes down to it. the passenger remarked.

Maybe I liked you guys a little better when you were sitting there with your mouths shut instead of reminding me that my love life is in ruins.

He's not trying to offend you, the driver added. He just means that you find the right one and fall for 'em, get used to having them around and then they skirt out on you when you need 'em the most. It happens to the best of us.

That I'll agree to. Josh said with a nod.

Just want to say, the passenger said, turning to face Josh. "We