The Sky Gods of Atlantis
by Sunny Ghauri

Copyright © 2019-2025 Sunny Ghauri. All rights reserved.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This is Book 2 of 3 in the Third World Universe.

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[Chapter 1] Daniel: The Inauguration

Before the Great Flood, ancient Atlantis stretched across what is now the Atlantic Ocean. At the heart of this vast continent, three colossal landmasses floated in the sky, held aloft by an unseen force. These were the great floating islands of Atlantis—together they were known as the Atlantean Capital and the seat of power for the global leader that was Atlantis. Each island bore the name of a great, noble family: Canary, Banali, and Kobol, their legacies etched into the foundations of this ancient civilization.

Today was a pivotal day—the day Atlantis inaugurated its final Chancellor, Marcellius Sumeri. An unexpected candidate for the role, Marcellius was a renowned outsider, not related by blood to the royal family. For many, his election was a breath of fresh air, a hopeful departure from centuries of royal influence, and a moment of joy for a nation longing for change.

Daniel Nuhi had waited for this day for years. He had dreamt of leading the Atlantean Parliament, and now he would serve as the Chief of Staff, the right-hand man, to the next Chancellor, Marcellius. His office would wield immense power, second only to the royal family.

Daniel reached up and turned off his cerebral bridge, a small device affixed to his left temple, where he had been watching holographic live news stream of the crowds gathered outside the Parliament building as notable figures entered for the occasion, while other the streams detailed the extravagant events that had been held in Marcellius' honor over the past week. The device powered down with a faint hum, and Daniel let out a steady breath, grounding himself. This was the moment he had been waiting for—the pinnacle of his career.

At least we didn't rise to power through brute force and murder, he thought, recalling his history books detailing the Nori Civil War that had occurred over fifteen years ago. During which the King overthrew his cousin, the Nori Queen, in a coup supported by "the New King's Army"—a rebellion fought under the banner of halfbreed freedom.

Smiling faintly, he peered through the senators' common room windows overlooking the Parliament's grand hall. Today, it wasn't just the legislators and their staff present in the building, but all powerful Atlantean elite, the wealthy commoners from across the continent, and the global elite. Daniel could never quite decide if he was disgusted or inspired by them all. Perhaps it was a bit of both.

Daniel was an ambitious young man, but he was a commoner—grounded in more ways than one. Unlike the Atlantean elites, known across the continent as "sky gods," he walked with both feet firmly on the ground. The nobles, with their ability to float through the air and move objects with their minds, possessed gifts that defined their power and secured their status. This supernatural gift was the very essence of their nobility, the foundation of their authority.

Of course, the term "sky god" was considered a slur among the elites, and Daniel had carefully trained himself never to utter—or even think—it.

Daniel watched as the noblemen and noblewomen floated into the hall, their glorious robes billowing elegantly, their feet never once touching the ground. Their movements exuded grace, a constant reminder of the gifts that separated them from the rest of the world. He shifted uncomfortably in his own navy robes, suddenly unsure if they were appropriate for such a lavish occasion.

The sheer opulence around him was overwhelming, the kind of spectacle that would have left the fishermen in Monika City speechless. He smiled faintly at the thought. Papa would never believe it, he mused, recalling his Papa's skeptical words when Daniel first ventured into this world.

He had grown up in a small town on eastern sea board of Atlantis, just outside of Monika City. He grew up helping his fisher father, until his life changed the day he received an acceptance letter from the University of Gothur in Monika City. The elegant script on the tablet read: Based on your exceptional academic record, you have been awarded a full scholarship to study politics and law.

He reminded himself that Gothur was the second-largest and most prestigious university on the continent, surpassed only by the illustrious University of Bahyan City. Some of the best came to study in Gothur. The occasional Atlantean noble fell from the sky to grace the halls of Gothur. It was there, at a policy-making conference during his fourth year, that Daniel crossed paths with Marcellius Sumeri—a meeting that altered the course of his life.

Daniel shook off the wave of nostalgia, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he recalled his Papa's skeptical voice: "What does a fisher boy know of politics and the filth that happens on the floating islands?" His Papa had believed the study course would be a waste of time, insisting his efforts would be better spent honing his fishing skills.

If only his Papa could see him now.

In the middle of the halls, a natural space seemed to open as two figures entered the room. The infamous beauties—Inanna Sumeri and her mother, Cilantra Canary. Cilantra was the quintessential Atlantean noble, a vision of elegance with large emerald-green eyes, soft, wavy brown hair, and radiant olive-toned skin that seemed to glow under the grand hall's light. Her beauty was legendary, the standard by which all others were measured—until her daughter, Inanna, was born.

Inanna possessed her mother's beauty, but her features carried the exotic allure of her great-grandmother Azena Sumeri. Her big, expressive brown eyes, cascading dark hair, and rich, sun-kissed skin set her apart, making her an icon in her own right. Many men, Atlanteans and foreigners alike, vied for her attention, enchanted by her striking appearance and sharp wit. Recent rumors swirled, however, that the Patar kalasaar had broken his engagement with her because she would be overlooked as the Sumeri kalasaar, lacking the great gift.

While Cilantra floated, her head held high, Inanna walked behind her, her feet on the ground like a commoner. Despite this, Daniel couldn't help but admire the grace with which Inanna carried herself.

He marveled at them both, his thoughts momentarily swept away. If I could marry a noble Atlantean beauty someday, he mused, maybe I'd become one of the sky gods too. After all, hadn't it worked for the Sumeris? Who were they before they married into the powerful Kobol and Canary families?

Then, Marcellius entered the senators common room, where Daniel stood deep in his musings.

"Daniel," Marcellius' commanding presence snapping Daniel out of his thoughts. Marcellius moved to the window where Daniel stood and peered out into the grand hall below.

Marcellius wore flowing robes, resplendent in gold and pristine white, draped over his tall, broad frame like the attire of an ancient ruler. Intricate golden embroidery lined the edges of his tunic, catching the light with every step. The robes cascaded all the way down, brushing the polished floor, and revealed sleek, polished shoes that gleamed with understated elegance—perfectly complementing his regal ensemble.

"Lord Marcellius," Daniel bowed deeply and then waited, his head slightly lowered, for Marcellius to speak.

Marcellius did not immediately respond. Instead, his eyes lingered on the crowd of nobles and dignitaries filling the space below, the faintest flicker of calculation crossing his face. "What's on the agenda?"

"Nearly all the guests have arrived. We should prepare for your entrance," Daniel said, offering Marcellius a tablet. "Your speech, as requested. It hits all the points you outlined."

"Good," Marcellius replied curtly, reviewing the speech with his usual stoic demeanor.

Then his brown eyes flicked to Daniel, narrowing slightly. "Where is your cerebral bridge, Daniel? It's public mandate now. We must set a good example."

Daniel inwardly cringed. He despised the cumbersome device, but he kept his expression neutral. "I'm incredibly sorry, My Lord," he said, reaching into his robe pocket. He reluctantly slid the cerebral bridge onto his temple. Instantly, holographic images and streams of data flooded the room, shimmering in mid-air.

Marcellius sighed heavily. "Where's mine?" he asked, annoyed. "I'm not even sure where I put it."

Daniel hesitated before pulling a more elaborate device from his other pocket. Marcellius' cerebral bridge was different—ornate, adorned with intricate gold detailing, and clearly enhanced with higher capabilities. "I have it," Daniel said. "May I place it on your temple?"

Marcellius nodded absentmindedly, his gaze fixed on the crowd below. Daniel stepped forward and carefully affixed the bridge to Marcellius' temple. The holograms around Marcellius sparked to life, but his reaction was immediate.

"Ugh, I hate all these images and data," Marcellius muttered, waving his hand dismissively. "Just turn it off."

Daniel suppressed a small smile as he complied, the holograms vanishing in an instant. That feature, of course, was exclusive to the cerebral bridges of the elite. When Daniel activated his own, the option to turn off the holographic feed didn't even exist.

"Did you know they're planning to implant these directly into the minds of babies soon?" Marcellius said, casually.

Daniel felt a wave of disgust churn in his stomach, but he masked it behind a polite smile. "I had no idea. How efficient."

He knew all too well that public mandates like this would never apply to the elite. Of course, their children would be spared.

As Marcellius turned back to the window, surveying the grand hall with an air of superiority, Daniel couldn't help but marvel at the disparity. Even in something as simple as a cerebral bridge, the divide between them was clear.

Daniel noticed Marcellius' ceremonial scarf was slightly askew, a detail the scrutinizing nobles would not miss. Hesitating briefly, he asked, "May I straighten your robes, My Lord?"

Marcellius extended his free arm without a word, his focus remaining on the tablet. Daniel adjusted the sleeves, collar, and finally straightened the neck scarf, tying it in a knot he had recently seen Prince Rami wear during media coverage of the week's lavish pre-inauguration events.

"That's different," Marcellius remarked, finally glancing down at the scarf. "Clever. I like it."

Daniel smiled, proud of the approval.

Marcellius placed the tablet on his desk. "I'm told my brother is here." He said with disdain.

"Yes, Lord Marcellius." Daniel hesitated. "Lord Marcus will be here shortly. He sent a message to your office an hour ago. I forwarded it to you," Daniel said, quickly checking his cerebral bridge to confirm he had done so. There it was. Daniel exhaled, relieved.

"Marcus means nothing to me," Marcellius said, coldly, turning to a decorative mirror across the common room. "He was a powerless child who now masquerades as a titan of industry. I know who he really is, Daniel. A hyena, lingering in the shadows until the lions make the kill." His large eyes locked with Daniel's before turning back to the mirror, perfecting his appearance.

Daniel shifted nervously, unsure how to respond. Marcus had played a pivotal role in Marcellius' campaign, securing influential allies and industry support to ensure his victory. Marcellius' distaste for his brother perplexed Daniel.

"Now that Marcus has the power he's always craved, Atlantis will suffer for it," Marcellius snarled. His fingers brushed the cerebral bridge on his temple. "These monstrosities—his creation. I much preferred the simplicity of a tablet."

Daniel knew very well that Parliament had implemented the cerebral bridge technology in a way entirely different from what Marcus Sumeri had originally proposed. When Sumeri first introduced the technology over five years ago, it had taken Alemuria by storm, revolutionizing their financial, business, and medical industries. Its potential seemed limitless, offering unprecedented efficiency and connectivity.

But in Atlantis, the government had taken a more authoritarian approach in its application of the new technology. They mandated the cerebral bridge's use across the continent, phasing out tablets entirely—a decision Daniel suspected was less about innovation and more about setting the stage for widespread surveillance.

Marcellius still preferred to used his tablet, like most other Atlantean elites. Daniel had secretly retrofitted Marcellius' tablet to work seamlessly with the new cerebral bridge technology. The hypocrisy of it all wasn't lost on him.

"And now," Marcellius continued with frustration, "he's pushing for some grand surveillance program in the Underworld and the South. Parliament and the King are eating it up, blind to how much control it gives him over Atlantis and its people."

Daniel chose silence, knowing any words might endanger his career.

"My brother is neither worthy of power nor does he understand the burden of its responsibility," Marcellius continued before abruptly turning back to the mirror on last time.

Daniel's cerebral bridge projected a faint holographic alarm, its soft chime echoing in his ears. "My Lord," Daniel hesitated before interrupting, "we should go now."

"Yes, we should." Marcellius floated out of the office, pausing at the large mahogany doors. A glint of melancholy crossed his face. "It's been a long twenty-five years in these hallways," he muttered. Then, turning to Daniel, he asked, "That's about how old you are, isn't it, boy?"

"I'm twenty-seven, Your Grace," Daniel replied, hurrying after him.

Marcellius continued gliding down the senator's hall past his old chambers. "Tomorrow, we will have the Chancellor's chambers." He said, pointing to large windows across the grand hall, a wicked smile curving his lips.

With that, Marcellius began descending the grand staircase, his presence commanding attention. Daniel followed closely, his heart pounding with anticipation.

As Marcellius entered the grand hall, the crowd erupted in applause, a wave of energy filling the cavernous space. Daniel followed, immediately accompanied by other staff and a large security detail, soaking in the electrifying atmosphere.

This is all for us, he thought, a surge of pride coursing through him. After all, he had been instrumental in bringing Marcellius to this moment, he reminded himself.

The crowd cheered louder as Marcellius floated onto the stage. Daniel frowned, noticing the stairs installed at the back of the stage—for him. A subtle reminder of the divide between himself and the figures floating above. Opting to avoid drawing attention to the fact that his feet remained firmly on the ground, Daniel chose to stand behind the stage, blending into the background as he often did.

The cheers grew even louder as Marcellius ascended the grand ornate podium, his feet never touching the ground. Numerous important nobles and key cabinet members were already on stage, their presence underscoring the gravity of the moment. At the center, the royal family floated in quiet prominence.

A senator introduced Marcellius, gesturing for him to take the podium. Marcellius raised his hands, and the hall fell silent.

"My good friends and fellow citizens," he began, his deep voice resonating through the chamber, "today, you entrust me with the future of our beloved continent, Atlantis, as we embark on a new era of peace and equality for all within our borders. Our nation stands at the peak of its history—stronger and more united than ever. We have ended the age of bloodshed wrought by the Noris and Alemurian tyranny. We have ended halfbreed slavery and trafficking and brought order to the Western Lands. We have made significant progress in rebuilding the South following the devastating attacks by the fringe, terrorist Yucan group five years ago.  Now, we enter an age of hope and peace for all—those with and without the gifts of the Goddess. I am honored to serve as your Chancellor, Atlantis!"

The applause thundered. Marcellius had done it—the first outsider to rise as Chancellor of Atlantis. Generations of exclusion had kept those without noble blood from governing. But now, the people had chosen Marcellius. Daniel believed in him, and so did the nation. Tears welled in Daniel's eyes, but he quickly blinked them away.

"As your Chancellor," Marcellius continued, "I will bring prosperity to the Underworld, technology and infrastructure to our South, and equality across the continent. I know of the poverty and disease that plague the Underworld and the South, the abuses suffered by women and children in these regions. My administration is working on a surveillance program that will regulate these areas and eradicate the injustice. I vow to work tirelessly to eradicate these atrocities, ensuring that all Atlanteans, no matter their station, can thrive!"

There are massive applause across grand hall.

Daniel's attention drifted momentarily as a young noble woman floated toward him from behind the podium. "Hey Daniel," she whispered, waving.

It was Alice Patar, the youngest daughter of the esteemed Patar noble line.  She was dressed in a blush pink gown that hugged her curves perfectly. The delicate fabric shimmered under the lights, emphasizing her hourglass figure. The neckline dipped just enough to hint at her ample bust, leaving just enough to the imagination to captivate. Her fiery red curls were neatly tucked behind her ears, framing her strikingly beautiful face.

"You're late," Daniel said, feigning a frown, though he was genuinely happy to see her.

"My cousin Sirius just got engaged to Kisra Banali, so we had a whole ordeal at the Banali estate this morning," she replied, brushing off the delay with a casual wave.

So, it was true. Sirius Patar had indeed broken it off with Inanna Sumeri, Daniel thought.

"Marcellius is on fire!" Alice exclaimed, her deep green eyes sparkling with excitement. "The crowd loves him."

"Yes, they do," Daniel said, adjusting his robes. He had gotten to know Alice over the past year when she began working as a media intern in Marcellius' office. A relationship that began as purely business, Daniel hoped would become something more someday.

"All the media outlets are streaming his speech in real-time. Even the Underworld is cheering! Look!" She held up her tablet, showing the celebrations on the screen.

Daniel smiled, his pride tinged with unease. "We should grab dinner later to celebrate—"

"Of course, I'll make sure Marcellius is the star of all the streams today," Alice interrupted, before gliding off in a rush.

Daniel sighed, his words left hanging in the air. He turned back to the stage, just in time to hear Marcellius conclude. "Our military is developing technologies beyond our wildest dreams to solidifying Atlantis as the world's foremost superpower. Together, we shall usher in a new era for humanity!"

Daniel was in awe. Marcellius delivered Daniel's speech better than he could have ever imagined.

The hall erupted once more as Marcellius descended the podium. Backstage, he turned to Daniel. "How much time do we have before the inaugural ball?"

"A couple of hours, My Lord," Daniel replied.

"I need a moment in my office with Alice about the first interviews at the ball. Send her up." Marcellius said, floating away.

Daniel hesitated, then pressed the holographic buttons hovering in front of him to call Alice.

Alice answered, her holographic image appearing before him with a bright smile. "Hello, Daniel! Long time, no see," she teased.

"Marcellius has requested you join him in his office chambers for interview preparation."

"Of course," she said, glancing over her shoulder. "I'll meet him there."

She hung up abruptly, leaving Daniel wanting more.

Daniel slowly approached the podium, where Marcellius had left his tablet, and looked out at the grand hall. The crowd was slowly leaving. He grasped the podium with both hands and looked longingly at the crowd. Some day, he thought.

His cerebral bridge buzzed, waking him from his dream. It was Marcellius.

"Daniel, you go ahead to the inaugural ball's venue. Ensure everything is perfect." He pressed.

"Yes, Your Grace," Daniel said, firmly. "I can help you and Alice with the interview points—"

"No need," Marcellius interrupted, curtly. "Just make sure the seating at my table is exactly as we discussed. Don't seat me near Marcus. Now go on ahead."

With that, Marcellius hung up, abruptly.

"Okay." Daniel adjusted his robes again, nervously, and noticed that he had forgotten his formal scarf in his office. To save time, he ran through the grand hall into the back entrance of senators chambers.

Suddenly, he stopped as he heard an unfamiliar sound. The sound was coming from Marcellius' old chambers. Daniel took off his cerebral bridge and looked to see if any other senators or their staff were in their chambers. The common room and hallways were empty, and the grand hall visible through the windows was nearly empty. He began walking very slowly towards the door of the Marcellius' old office chambers. The door was slightly ajar, Daniel walked up to it and placed his left right against the opening.

What he saw made his stomach churn. Above the sofas, Marcellius floated with Alice, their bodies naked and entwined in passion. "You like that?" Marcellius growled, as he moved against her body, groping her.

Daniel's heart pounded in his chest, and a wave of nausea overtook him. Staggering back, he fled the senators office chambers, the sounds of their union echoing in his ears, haunting him with every step.

Once outside the Parliament building, he gasped for air, trying to steady himself.

"Daniel," came a gentle voice.

He turned to see Cilantra. She wore a flowing gown of emerald green, its fabric draping elegantly over her shoulders and arms, cascading in soft folds to the floor. The material shimmered subtly as she floated, catching the light and reflecting a faint golden hue. A finely wrought gold belt cinched her waist, accentuating her graceful silhouette, while intricate embroidery—delicate patterns of vines and flowers stitched in gold thread—adorned the neckline, hem, and edges of the gown. Her poise exuding an air of timeless nobility.

"High Priestess Cilantra," Daniel stammered, bowing deeply.

"Are you alright? You look as if you've seen a demon," she said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I'm—I'm fine," he lied, struggling to compose himself. He said, attempting very hard to compose himself. "How—how are you?" Daniel bowed again, awkwardly.

"I'm doing wonderfully." She said, examining him closely.

Daniel noticed behind her the three Sumeri children: Inanna, Manik, and their newly adopted bull halfbreed son, whose name he did not know. Inanna stood out in a stunning blue gown, its elegant drapery and intricate embroidery reminiscent of her mother's style, though with a more youthful flair. The siblings appeared deeply engrossed in conversation, paying him no attention. He felt a wave of relief—they hadn't noticed his nervousness, which was evident in the tightness of his throat and the faint trembling of his hands. He was especially grateful that Inanna, in particular, hadn't seen him like this. He wished he could meet her under better circumstances.

"That speech was magnificent, Daniel. You are such an asset to Marcellius," Cilantra said, interrupting his thoughts.

"Thank you," he said, bowing.

Then, she looked at him deeply again, her lips pursed slightly. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes." Daniel said, still feeling disconnected from his body.

"Where is Marcellius? The family wishes to see him before the inaugural ball.

Daniel froze for a moment before realizing, with a jolt of panic, that he wasn't wearing his cerebral bridge. Fumbling, he retrieved it and quickly secured it to his temple. The device activated with a faint hum, projecting holographic displays around him.

"One moment, Your Grace. Allow me to check." Daniel said, his voice more composed now as pretended to tap through the interface to check for Marcellius' location.

Cilantra nodded, her emerald gown shimmering as she glanced at her children. Daniel noticed she wasn't wearing a cerebral bridge—a deliberate, quiet defiance.

"I—I do have some messages here from Lord Marcellius... He—He—He said he needs to rest. He felt quite-quite exhausted after the speech. He asked me to—to—to go check on the seating arrangements at the ball." Daniel responded, struggling to keep composure.

"Oh." Cilantra said, visibly puzzled. "He has not responded to my messages. I'll go up to see him."

"I have his tablet, which is likely why," Daniel searched his mind for an answer that would satisfy the Chancellor's very shrewd wife.

"Then, how did he send you messages?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "I think he was wearing a cerebral bridge, wasn't he?" She pondered out loud.

"He may have turned it off. I'm—I'm not sure you can, because—because I think some of the senators wanted a private audience with him. He could be with them."

"Is Marcellius resting or is he with senators?" Cilantra asked, sharply.

"I'm not sure, Your Grace." Daniel responded, wearily.

Cilantra stood in silence, he could sense she did not believe him. It was his job to know where Marcellius was at all times.

"Then we'll call his guard detail." She waived to one of her guards.

Just then, an older man with auburn and gray-streaked hair, a light beard, and bright green eyes approached them as if from nowhere, his steps firm and deliberate on the polished marble floor. Unlike the rest of the floating Atlantean elite, he walked. He wore a sharp, tailored vest suit—finely crafted, unmistakably Bayhan in style—a bold contrast to the flowing robes of the nobility.

That had to be the legendary Marcus Sumeri, Daniel thought, though he had never met him and couldn't be certain.

"Hey, guys! I finally got away from that Prince Rami. Does he always talk so much?" Marcus said, glancing back over his shoulder with a wry grin. Then his gaze shifted, landing on Cilantra. "Where's Marcellius?"

Finally, Marcus noticed Daniel, his smile widening. "Hello, I'm Marcus," he said, extending a hand in greeting.

Daniel found life returning to his body. "The—the Marcus?" Daniel shook Marcus' hand in awe.

"No, just Marcus." Marcus responded, laughing. "Where is that brother of mine? Too good for us now that he's Chancellor?"

"No, Lord Marcus," Daniel corrected himself quickly, realizing his slip and catching the title just in time.

"That's what we're trying to figure out." Cilantra said, frowning. "Marcus, this is Daniel Nuhi, Marcellius' Chief of Staff."

Marcus raised both eyebrows. "Daniel Nuhi, the genius boy from Monika, who has basically made my brother's career!"

If it had been in question before, Daniel knew now—he liked Marcus Sumeri. "Yes, My Lord. Thank you." Daniel's initial tension eased, a faint smile breaking through.

"Great to meet you, young man." Marcus said, gesturing to his state of the art cerebral bridge. A holographic notification with Marcus' contact appeared on Daniel's end. "If you ever get sick of working for my brother, you call me." He said, swaying as if he had one too many ambrosias.

Daniel smiled, weakly.

"No one appears to know exactly where Marcellius is." Cilantra interrupted. "Daniel was just telling me that Marcellius was either resting or with a group of senators. It's unclear which." Cilantra's dismay could not be any more apparent.

Marcus looked at Daniel from the corner of his eyes. "I see." He said, holding back a smirk.

Daniel shifted in his robes uncomfortably. They know, he thought.

Just then one of Cilantra's guards approached them. "High Priestess," he said, "I just received a call from the Chancellor's guard detail. The Chancellor is going directly to the ball and is unable to meet with anyone before then."

"So it begins," Cilantra said with disdain.

"So what begins, Mother?" asked the halfbreed boy.

"Your Father's reign as Chancellor."