The Hidden Kingdom

Leo and Ariana managed to escape from the pirates, after a fierce and bloody battle. They reached their ship, which was still intact and functional. They quickly boarded it and set sail, leaving the island behind them.

They followed the map that they had found in the temple, which showed them the way to the city of Atlantis. They sailed for several hours, until they saw a large dome that emerged from the water. It was made of glass and metal, and it shimmered with different colors. It was the protective shield that covered Atlantis, keeping it safe from the outside world.

They approached the dome, and saw a gate that opened for them. They entered the gate, and saw a magnificent sight before them.

It was Atlantis, the legendary lost city that had been hidden for thousands of years. It was a marvel of architecture and engineering, a blend of ancient and futuristic styles. It had tall towers and domes, bridges and canals, gardens and fountains. It had a bright and vibrant atmosphere, filled with light and music. It had a diverse and prosperous population, composed of humans and other races. It was a utopia, a paradise on earth.

Leo and Ariana were awestruck by what they saw. They felt a surge of emotion and wonder, as they realized that they had finally reached their destination. They had fulfilled their dream of finding Atlantis.

But their joy was short-lived, as they soon realized that they were not welcome there.

As soon as they docked their ship at a port, they were surrounded by Atlantean guards who pointed their weapons at them. The guards wore uniforms that resembled armor, and they were armed with swords. They spoke in a language that Leo could not understand, but Ariana could.

She translated what they said, and told Leo that they were under arrest. She said that the Atlanteans were suspicious of outsiders, especially those who came from the surface world. She said that they had strict laws and rules that forbade any contact with other civilizations. She said that they were in big trouble.

They tried to explain who they were and why they had come, but the guards did not listen to them. They tied their hands and took them away from their ship. They dragged them through the streets of Atlantis, attracting the attention of many curious and hostile eyes.

They brought them to a large palace that stood at the center of the city. It was the royal residence of the king of Atlantis, who ruled over the entire kingdom of Atlantis.

When the king saw Leo, he gasped and dropped his trident.

He looked at Leo with awe and fear.

"It can't be," he muttered. "You are the chosen one."

He turned to his courtiers and spoke in a trembling voice.

"The prophecy has come true. The sun has returned to Atlantis."