Oceanus, Tale of Two Tides

By Gregory Lewanski

Deep beneath the waves of the ocean's surface rests a mysterious and beautiful nation. Known to its people as Atlantis, this aquatic race has been long adapted to a life of underwater habitation. Homes and businesses lay surrounded by grand, crystalline domes serving to protect their city from the pressure and submersion of the water around them. When young man, Phobos Cepheus, becomes restless with the seemingly utopian life, he decides to begin an expedition to learn about their people's forgotten past. Along the way, he becomes allied with friends both old and new. In this tale of his journey for understanding, he learns of a truth about the borders of their known world that could be of great value, yet danger, to his home's security beneath the sea. Join our central protagonist on this aquamarine journey through the blue and beyond, to learn about the wonders and dangers posed by nature and man in this teen/young adult novel. Submerge yourself in the clear, blue waters of Oceanus.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312349124

Book preview

Oceanus, Tale of Two Tides

OCEANUS

Tale of Two Tides

A Novel By

G.M. Lewanski

Cover Illustration by

Maria Vaza-Kaczynski

Copyright  2013 G.M. Lewanski

Chapter One

Deep beneath the waves of the sea, inside massive, hundred foot domes constructed from ancient and heavy glass tempered in methods long forgotten, the beautiful blue and green from the ocean’s waters filtered into a window to the sea around the submerged nation of Atlantis. Deep within the great city of crystalline domes, under the beauty of the reefs and the magic of the light playing across the magnificent glass spheres that preserved the aquatic Atlanteans, sat a shrouded portion of the nation, surrounded in a manner of never ending twilight. Trapped within the depths, between cold imposing pressure and all manner of aquatic predators, the dark waters were not for any but the strong, in both body and mind. Without doubt, the inhabitants who lived nearby and traversed these waters were responsible for much of their world’s protection.

On my command! The command came from a tall, wide framed man, hearty in musculature, with dark, ash grey skin and shiny black locks of braided hair. These braids sat in three, hanging down the man’s back, over the deep cobalt fabric of a casual garb. A neatly kept beard of a few inches hung from his chin in two additional lines, shaking as the order burst forth from his lips. He threw a forceful hand forward, pointing towards the thick crystalline glass dome, which kept Atlantis safe. His forest green eyes shone in the thin columns of sunlight that could only just barely manage to pierce into the depths of the surrounding gloomy water.

This was one of the lowest in a series of gargantuan glass structures, which created the underwater country known to its people as Atlantis. The great, imposing figure commanding other similarly built men around him was known as Deimos Cepheus. He was a powerful leader, excellent fisherman, and fierce fighter; all of which earned him much respect in the lower tiers of their domed society, where much of the fishermen and protectors of Atlantis spent their time training, constructing, and observing in the waterscape they called Oceanus.

Standing shorter by naught but a few inches, a second figure ran past to a series of levers on the wall; this was his son, Phobos Cepheus.  He held one lever tight, waiting for the right moment to come. In the dark water around them, a fearsome and nightmarish frame slowly and purposefully came into view. A large circular light became progressively apparent, and behind it a colossal hideous visage, wracked with enormous javelin-like teeth emerged. The shadowed one is here! It is Dagon! Release the valve now! The man commanded with added urgency unusual in his typical tone. 

Without hesitating, the one named Phobos pulled down hard on the lever, which connected to a series of small, hinged glass orbs that held brittle containers full of highly toxic jelly filled with injecting barbs. As the thick toxic sludge seeped before the monster called Dagon, its lamp recoiled and the monstrous fish halted its ominous advance. The jelly sludge caught in the wake of the lamp’s movement pulled towards the giant beast. As its skin burned and stung, Dagon turned away and retreated painfully back into the dark waters of the ocean’s abyss, driven away by the toxic defenses of the aquatic city.

Phobos lifted the lever up again, and into its original state. The thick glass doors lifted up and shut the bio-sludge from pouring out into the sea. The young man heard footsteps and saw his father Deimos standing before him. He wore a thick black and deep blue uniform of shark hide. Deimos looked upon his son with eyes shining full of appreciation, and proud admiration. Phobos was not normal for an Atlantean.

The people of the upper tiers were of a more slender build. Pale skinned, with white, almost platinum colored hair of the lightest hues, and almost all had some variant of blue eyes. Phobos was unique. His mother was a Coral. That was the term the people of the lower tiers bestowed upon the upper dome inhabitants. Abyssals were typically of a subdued, darker ash grey in tone, with charcoal black hair on average.  Likewise, the upper levels referred to the lower tiers as the abyss, and it’s people the Abyssals. Neither term had ever been considered derogatory, as both parts of the undersea society had a rigid respect and appreciation for one another.

Both the Corals and Abyssals lived in harmony, performing their respective jobs and duties without concern of any threat within. The Corals took care of the majority of the common fishing and aquatic plant cultivation, while the Abyssals would be prepared for any sort of defense, as well as external maintenance work on the crystalline domes, as they had much higher endurance to the harsher temperatures and pressures than the Corals possessed.

Deimos was not only a strong man, he also firmly steadfast his beliefs, both in morals and the traditional spirituality of his people. In the center of their deep-sea waterscape was a massive dome, which had long been shattered, the once prismatic top completely destroyed and the dome drowned. Today, Deimos was going to take Phobos to this old Temple Dome. Dagon showed up twice this month alone, that’s unusual. The young man said to Deimos. In response, his father replied with contemplative wonder, True enough. Perhaps we should honor the sea. Phobos nodded in silent agreement.

No one has been inside the actual Temple since the collapse of the dome many years ago, and the contents of the Temple itself have been long forgotten. All that was known about the drowned temple, is that it has been protected for many years by an octopus of grand stature, believed to be the god-pet of their deity. The oceanic god whom the Atlanteans worshipped had become known as Oceanus. The name was not shared between deity and environment, as it would seem, but technically one and the same. Their ocean world was one living mass, yet eternal and never-ending, and thus viewed as both their creator, and their home.

Phobos stood and let his hair rest around his head. The hairstyles worn in Atlantis by it’s people held great significance in showing one’s place in their society. Deimos was a well known, and indeed a powerful figurehead. In addition to this, the man was also highly respectful of the Ocean Spirits and their gifts. As such, he retained the ‘three-set braids’ of high status, as well as having pierced ears. Phobos had his hair out, as many young men and women of Atlantis would be seen wearing prior to a marriage, or achievement of status in the community.

Still in simple dark blue clothing, Deimos shook his head, obviously thinking deeply. I’m going to bring something to the broken dome. Perhaps if we offer something to Kraken, his eyes will be more steadfast and vigilant for us. Phobos nodded briefly, and walked with his father out of the defense chamber.

Akin to the legends of ancient Greece, the mythic creatures of Atlantis, while considered of godly origin, were acknowledged to be simply gargantuan, albeit very real creatures of the deep. The ‘tribute’ paid to Kraken, was not at heart dedicated to the entity itself, so much as a dedication to their God through a manifestation of his power in the form of the great animal. The Atlanteans were indeed spiritual, but as a race were also highly interested by aquatic biology and technology as well.

Phobos, like a handful of other Atlanteans, had parents from different levels of the nation. This was how he was different than many others of his people. He lived in the mid-tiers, in a home directly adjacent to his family house. Often times, Atlanteans would live in family housing of spacious, yet easily arranged homes in the various districts of the housing districts. It was not uncommon for young Atlanteans to move into their own homes, sometimes connecting directly to prior family dwellings. Phobos’ home was one such living quarter.

Leaving the darkness of that dusky lower defense room, they stepped into one of the major domes, which alone stood some several hundred feet upwards, and many more in width. Different pathways created metal catwalks and circular walkways, allowing the inhabitants various directions of travel with ease. Four major bridges of apparent stone and metal met in a cross section above the floor level of the dome, which held it’s own walkways over small shallow pools of sea life suitable for public keeping.

Often Phobos would see couples coming around to walk the lower paths and look at the different colorful fish and eels. At night, the schools of fish would lay low, and the bioluminescent deep-water fish would emerge, while an underwater light show would take place. The lantern fish schools, and various other luminous sea life in these water gardens made it popular among those in love, as well as with children, eager to see the light show.

Passing over the lower walks and fish gardens, Deimos remembered meeting Phobos’ mother there. He smiled, but didn’t speak, as he had retold that tale many countless times, and Phobos more than anyone knew that story too well. Along the way, several citizens greeted them as they passed by, sharing a friendly gesture and words now and again.

While the two sects of Atlanteans lived in harmony, mixed marriages weren’t as common as one might have thought. Not out of any prejudice, but out of simple convenience to societal function. Phobos was only one in a hundred crossed Atlanteans. He retained light green eyes resembling the Abyssals, while his slightly leaner physique led one to think about the Corals. His hair and skin however were a clear mix of both, with his hair being a shiny charcoal tone, and his skin a light grey.

As they crossed into the next dome over, Deimos spotted their house and took note. Your mother’s not home. She must still be at the jewelry shop. Please go to the store. We’ll go to the Temple as a family. Deimos said with directed intent, while still holding an underlying fatherly attitude of paternal request. Yes, father. Phobos replied dutifully, before stepping inside the door to his home, which was only a few steps left of his father’s door, a narrow white wall separating the two building.

Phobos took a short time to change into a long sleeved shirt of a rich navy blue hue, with a pair of pants to match. The sleeves were just a bit wider at the cuffs, and the bottom hung around the waistline. A turquoise vest sat upon the shirt, vivid yet not gaudy. The vest was clearly meant for formal wear, while remaining tastefully practical. He gave a shout to his father, informing him of his departure.

The young man stepped back onto the walkway, looking across the housing dome, speckled with glimmering light. He knew exactly where to go. His mother was the owner of a shop on the second ring of the central dome. The store had one of the best views of the Statue of Oceanus, Atlantean god of the sea. He ruled the tides and fish, the whales and dolphins, the Abyss and the Coral Reefs. Their world was under his domain, and he was a good god.

As he walked along, he thought back to the attack by Dagon, the giant sea angler. It was mythical tale amongst his people, in which Oceanus was once commanding of three legendary pets. Two of these were said to have gone astray from their loyalty to Oceanus, but one of which defended his people, ever steadfast in its search for peace and wisdom.

Of the three were Dagon, Leviathan, and Kraken. Dagon was the colossal anglerfish that hunted in the deep upon Abyssal and fish alike, while Leviathan was the gargantuan Shark, which hunted in the shallows of the reefs and high ocean. But then there was Kraken. Kraken was the massive octopus that resided inside the Sunken Temple’s dome. Secretive and defensive, as well as the prized servant of Oceanus, Kraken remained as a defender and medium between the Atlanteans and Oceanus itself.

Phobos walked along the railing of a walkway upon reaching the Central Dome, and leaned on it, taking a momentary break to look upon the splendor of the Great Statue. It stood massive, reaching from beneath the bottom water gardens up to the highest walkway, which kept roughly even with the eyes of the magnificent carving. The tall god stood proud, holding a trident in one hand, gripped with resolve.

The entirety of the legendary carving had been tediously constructed from rare corals and glasswork from all levels of the sea. The most rare sands and corals from the reefs and deepest ocean floor, collected and built from the hardship of many Corals and Abyssals alike, this was truly a magnificent statement and monument to the unity of Atlantis.

Many other Atlanteans stood gazing upon it as well, which was not uncommon in the city. Phobos noticed a few eyes on him, being a Tidal wearing formal attire on a typical day. The term ‘tidal’ was accepted by all but the smallest few, and even the Tidals themselves generally accepted the name. It referred to the fact that instead of being limited to primary life high or low in the water, they were easily adaptable to any environment in the Great Waterscape, just like the shifting tides, and thus the name came to be.

He stood away from the railing, and looked around stretching his neck, before continuing on his way to meet his mother. Passing along the walkway, he allowed his attention to float away, looking up into the outside water. Dolphins, whales, and sharks swam about. Though the large amount of cetacean activity had managed to drive off the majority of sharks, a few smaller breeds lingered around, obviously too small to be considered a threat to the athletic dolphins and great whales.

He smiled as the playful creatures dove deep, and then darted upwards to the shining light above. Not many had seen the World Above, as usually only Corals were to swim in the reef. Despite this, it wasn’t usual to near the top of the waterscape, as it was unknown territory, and considered to be dangerous. The Corals were aware of the air above, and many disregarded the statements by the Temple of Oceanus to stay beneath the waves while swimming. Whether to get a breath of air, or to simply take a look around while performing a duty, it had simply become fairly commonplace.

The Temple Workers and Priests of Oceanus claimed the world of air to be a holy place held sacred. The Atlanteans with more scientific approaches to the world yet agreed that it shouldn’t be approached at all, or rather without practicing extreme caution. From these men and women it was out of concern towards their location being discovered by possible outside threats, rather than any religious purpose. Many teachers, scholars, and engineers believed that Atlantis would not be prepared for an attack from above, without knowing about those who may dwell there.

Walking along several stores built from corals, sands, and stone, like most things in Atlantis, Phobos walked by an herb shop beside a Curio Shop. This store held bizarre items found in the ocean, as it’s owners were a family of Abyssals who’d regularly swim out in the deep and shallow waters. Here they searched for anything from strange and rare coral to items believed to have been dropped from Oceanus himself. Looking onward, he noted his mother’s shop was nearing just ahead.

Standing just before a tall door of white and silvery coral rock, he recognized the shop as his mother’s. A sign hung above the door reading Jewelry and Wear. It was a simple title, but his mother was a wonderful crafter, and had personally designed the sign with dolphins and whales along the trim, which held a border similar to that of a design of waves. Little images of seaweed and kelp were depicted drifting upward on the outer edges. Looking through the small colorfully tinted windows, he could see the vague image of a woman sitting behind the counter. Entering the store, Phobos made his way past a few rows of small shelves peppered with a variety of gems and adornments.

Standing beside the countertop, he placed a hand on the frame, and leaned gently. Hello, mother. He said, loud enough to get her attention, but forming his voice to be a little more upbeat. The woman looked up from her work, a small pearl and glass necklace she had been stringing. Her bright silvery hair hung down just past her shoulder blades on her back. When married, women traditionally cut their hair short, but afterwards it was up to them as to how they kept it.

Her sky blue eyes looked to see him standing there. She smiled, and set the necklace down with her skilled but light and ginger hands. She sat there smiling, obviously waiting to hear what he had come for. Hello, Phobos, she said softly, Having a good day? Phobos smiled and shook his head in almost amused consideration rather than disagreement. Dagon returned again. We used much of the barbed jelly to send it away, but at least he’s gone once more.

Smiling, she returned to her work on the necklace. Adjusting a pair of green tinted magnification glasses she used for fine detail work. Likely, the lenses were makeshift, out of various glass types available to the people of the sea. Without looking up from her work, she asked. So what brings you here? Just felt like visiting your mother?

Not wanting to seem rude, he replied, Naturally. Of course, father wants the three of us to head to the Temple Dome today. He wishes to send something to Kraken in hopes that we can convince him to be watchful of the deep. He leaned against a wall, crossing his arms. He had faith in the Atlantean god, though he viewed their deity as the spirit of the sea itself, rather than the humanoid manifestation they depicted.

The usual, keep the Guardian happy to keep Oceanus happy. She started threading the final glass bead at the end of the necklace she was working on. Almost ignoring what Phobos had said, she watched a young Coral girl pass by outside. You need a to think about a family. Phobos was looking around the shop, when he snapped his head in her direction. Not this, mother, please… She held her hands up in front of her. All I’m saying is, you’re contributing a lot to Atlantis when you help your father, but it’s never too early to look to the future. Phobos sighed and looked back to the trinkets and other small fine items on display. Eventually. He answered curtly. When I know, you’ll know. Believe me.

His mother shook her head and began to place a metal clamp on the end of the string. There, it’s finished. Phobos, remembering why he was there, moved back towards the counter. Come on, we’ve got to get back to the Temple Dome. Looking to Phobos, she shook her head. Not yet, I can stay for a little while longer, just wrap up this hour or so here. Your father will understand.

Just as the last words came out of her mouth, they heard the shop’s door pop open. A young woman, apparently no older than nineteen years, stood in the doorway wearing a beautiful, smooth, flowing blue dress. She walked to the counter beside Phobos and smiled at him as she passed by. Her long silky, white hair reached down her back, just touching her waistline. Her deep blue eyes covered the store, and finally reached his mother.

Is this it? She asked his mother in an airy and smooth voice. His mother smiled and held it up to show her. Yes, I just finished it, and it’s ready for you. What do you think? The girl turned around to latch the clamps behind her neck. She looked to Phobos, Can you help me? Phobos was taken aback. Well, I’m not really used to jewelry, but... He spoke, uncertain. His mother pushed him forward a bit, so he gently bumped into her back, the necklace began to slip and quickly he grabbed the two ends, so as to not let it fall.

The girl’s light grey face blushed just a bit, and she let her arms down. Giving up, Phobos attached the two side of the clamp, and let the necklace fall upon her chest. The girl turned and pulled her hair over the necklace cord. How does it look? His mother smiled while looked upon at the bright blue gem that hung in the middle amongst an array of tiny turquoise rocks and pearls. You look absolutely beautiful. Don’t you agree Phobos?

Phobos who was looking away to avoid the somewhat awkward situation, looked back. Oh? Quite beautiful, actually. Phobos noted that the tones of the necklace complimented her eyes very well. The girl smiled and stood before the counter. I hope so, I love how it came out! She took a small collection of golden coins and a single small chunk of lapis colored stone from a little dark green purse that hung lightly off her shoulder, and placed them on the counter. His mother collected the money, stashed it in the wooden lock box under the desk, and thanked the young girl again.

The young lady stepped away from the side of the counter and stood face to face with Phobos. She offered a strange manner of expression, which bordered between curiosity, and familiarity. Have we met before? Her lovely voice inquired with a gentle tint of knowing. Phobos narrowed his eyes, unfamiliar with the girl. I don’t think so. Maybe you’ve seen me around the domes? The girl shifted her lips while thinking.

Maybe. My name is Midia. I’m studying our language and history. She answered, introducing herself briefly. Well, regardless, hopefully I’ll see you around more than just today! She said with a pleasant smile. The girl gave Phoebe one last word of thanks, and said farewell to both Phobos and his mother. With that, she closed the door, and was on her way.

Looking back to his mother, he simply sighed. She raised her eyebrows. What? You should thank me! Besides, didn’t you notice? Phobos started rummaging through older items in the back and simply responded with an Hm? His mother shook her head again and grinned. She was a Tidal. Just like you! I bet you two would get along spectacularly. Phoebe laughed shortly, almost forced yet quite obviously entertained.

I know, I saw. He answered, Just please don’t try to do me any favors. We have business to take care of right now, anyway. She sat in silence for a brief moment, and then gave in. Alright, alright. Let me just lock up the money. She leaned down to lock the wooden money box, and secure it neatly behind a small trap door she had his father, Deimos craft for her, just in case.

From the window, Phobos watched others walk along, but saw Midia leaning against the railing looking upon the statue of Oceanus. She did seem like a pleasant girl, and she reminded him of himself in many ways, aside from simply being a Tidal. She seemed independent, with an open and studious mind, and judging from how she walked and watched the Waterscape, she thought deeply about many things, as he did.

He tore his eyes away from the window, only to turn and see his mother watching him smirking. He almost felt like blushing. I was… just looking at the statue. It looks different through this tinted glass you know. She didn’t buy it. And he knew she didn’t. Uh huh. She replied patting his shoulder she moved towards the doorway. Come on, let’s go. Your father’s probably bored of waiting.

The two walked together outside the shop, and Phobos looked around the large open dome. Midia had already left, and Phobos walked to where she had stood, looking upon the great image of their god while his mother locked the door to her store. He turned and leaned backwards against the railing and waited for his Phoebe to gather the last of her things.

Without waiting for long, she turned around, and stuck her key into the small handbag she carried with her. They began walking back the way he had come, once again toward their respective homes. For the first couple minutes, they simple strolled along in silence, until his mother spoke up. So… Midia... Phobos shot a sideways glance at his mother, and shook his head in exasperation.

Once again, defending her words, she said, I just think she’s a nice girl and you two would get along very well. Don’t you think that it would be a decent prospect? Phobos didn’t answer, he had indeed thought about it, but he didn’t relish the concept of rushed personal matters. I wish you’d quit it with that. I told you, when I’m ready, you will know. He kept facing forward. His mother, letting out a sigh, decided to let her son win this round as well. She always did have a good intuition though, and she decided to abandon her pursuit. Hopefully, she thought, He’ll see in Midia what Deimos saw in me.

Chapter Two

Phobos and his mother slowly strode the final stretch of the great walkway that connected their housing quarter to the rest of the underwater neighborhoods in the middle tier of their aquamarine world. As expected, Deimos was already outside and waiting, watching the vast expanse of oceanic beauty through the crystal glass that encompassed their realm. He turned upon hearing the footsteps draw near, and saw his wife and son.

He moved to her side, quicker than he usually would and embraced her tightly. Kissing her gently he pulled back. "Hello Phoebe. It was quite a hassle today. I’m sure Phobos has told