Guardians of the Crystals: The Osirion Connection, #1

Prologue

Deanu watched with a heavy heart, eyes brimming with tears as her beloved city slowly sank beneath the pulverising force of the brutal towering black waves.  From the safety of their ships, the surviving Atlantean people mutely observed their homeland violently disappearing beneath the raging waters.  There had been little time to prepare for the catastrophe; barely half of the Atlantean population had made it to the waiting ships.  Thousands died when their homes came crashing down amongst them, more drowning while running for their lives to board the ships.  Sixty large smooth cylindrical passenger ships hovered over the sinking landmass, each one carrying over twenty thousand Atlanteans and their families.  Eighteen immense block shaped cargo ships had been hastily loaded with animals, equipment, food and other precious cargo needed for successfully colonising another continent.  The cargo ships were ascending slowly with their precious payloads to join the waiting passenger ships.

The beautiful tropical landmass that was once the magnificent civilisation of Atlantis quickly froze from the sub-zero temperatures, the lush green mountains turning to white ice as the cobalt waves licked up their icy slopes.  The air was cloudy with driving snow, hail, fog, and typhoon force winds.  The ships hovered silently, their massive powerful space thrusters keeping the dreadnoughts steady in the raging icy blasts.  The last of the delicate rainbow crystal towers disappeared beneath the hungry violent waves, small bursts of prismatic light bursting through the dark waves from the remaining Crystals that still powered the dying city.  The land mass slowly rotated within the polar vortex, the earth’s spin dragging the dying freezing continent to the oblivion of the South Pole.  One by one, the ships powered up their navigational lights, intense sky blue beams cutting through the buffeting screaming winds as the ships started moving northwards to a new home.

One

Fourteen years had passed since the sinking of Atlantis.  Deanu could still perceive the image of destruction and death, forever burned into her mind.  She would never forget the screams of terror as her people tried to save themselves and their loved ones while the land of crystal crashed down amongst them.  The memories would stay with her for the rest of her long life.  Sighing, she got up from her dishevelled bed following a restless night of broken sleep.

Touching a panel on the stone wall of her room, her crystal window became transparent, offering a beautiful lush view from above the shining white city of Azh’Laakia.  Another touch to the panel and the crystal dissipated, allowing the cheery chirpings of birds, insects, and the distant murmuring of the city’s central waterway to reach her ears.  It was early; the golden sun was just barely hovering over the tree line of the surrounding jungle, the air still cool with no hint of the steamy humidity and heat that would shortly follow.  The skies were cloudless, tinged with pale burnished orange filaments of fog that lifted slowly from the forest canopy.  Yawning, Deanu stretched her body, enjoying the fresh air as it washed throughout the cool stone room.

Deanu brushed her long dark auburn hair in the reflective crystal that shimmered on one wall of her room.  Her tawny skin, darkened from the sun was in direct contrast to her sea green eyes as they flashed with an ancient intelligence.  Her people had migrated from the Pleiadian system over three thousand years earlier before their sun went supernova.  Their planet, Viraco, much smaller than this magnificent planet, orbited a dying red giant, the star Maya.  The Pleiadian Mayas as they were once named, had been leaving their home planet for millennia, settling on many planets across the Milky Way Galaxy, Earth being one of many her people now called home.  Deanu’s ancestors had constructed the maritime civilisation of Atlantis, their engineering skills bringing the crystalline cities of rainbows to life with their use and knowledge of the Power Crystals. 

Deanu lightly brushed her hand down the airy softness of her flowing linen garment that shimmered with light as she moved, microscopic crystals embedded in the fibres allowed light to constantly flow across the expanse of cloth.  Her arms and legs were free, her waist cinched with an ornate jade clasp given to her by the Totonac people who inhabited the surrounding jungles of her new home.  They were bordered to the east and west by the vast oceans of the planet.  This land had been scouted hundreds of years earlier by her people but never settled until now.  Many indigenous clans of peoples already inhabited the jungles since the dawn of time, their ancestors having originated from the Sirian and Arcturian star systems.  The Atlanteans were warmly welcomed by the native inhabitants of this beautiful land when they had first arrived following the destruction of their homeland. 

"The morning meal is ready Deanu, will you be joining us soon?’’  The soft voice of her building’s caretaker, Li’ala, fluttered through her mind.

"I’m on my way down Li’ala, thank-you’’ Deanu thought back as she left her sleeping chamber, heading for the spiral stone staircase that led to the ground floor of her home, sweet scents of honey and ripe fruit permeating the cool air.

Moments later, she entered the large courtyard, walking silently across the polished white marble stones.  Large crystal and white granite columns rose from the marble floor supporting a white marble lattice and crystal roof from which crawling vines and scented violet flowers hung.  A multitude of birds sang, chirped, and whistled from the tops of the columns and roof while flowing water from the surrounding crystal fountains filled the air with a divine harmonics.  Some people were seated at the small marble tables that were scattered randomly across the courtyard, enjoying their first meal of the new day.  Large mature trees, flowering bushes, creeping vines and smaller fruit trees encompassed the perimeter of the courtyard on all sides, overflowing onto the marble floor stones.

Deanu made for her favourite spot beneath the avocado tree heavy with ripe green fruit.  She seated herself on the carved wooden bench next to the small circular stone table on which Li’ala had placed her meal moments earlier.  Hungrily she ate her meal of ripe mango, thick chunks of sweet pineapple, and tangy cubes of prickly pear cactus and ripe slices of cherimoya.  A reed basket of fresh steaming thickly sliced dark bread accompanied her meal with small earthenware dishes of sweet and tangy fruit jellies tucked amongst the contents.  She poured herself a cup of hot steaming honey laced vanilla tea from the black stoneware jug to her left.  The rich heady aroma of vanilla assaulted her senses as she lifted the stone cup to her lips carefully.

"There you are!’’ a loud voice shouted behind her nearly causing her to burn her lips with the hot beverage.

For the love of Maya, I’ve told you so many times not to go around shouting like that D’ryvr!’’ she scolded the younger man who scuttled himself next to her on the wooden bench.  Grabbing a piece of dark bread, he stuffed it into his mouth without a second thought as his sister watched him with a look of disdain.  Really?’’

I ate before dawn my lovely sister, I’m starving now!  He delicately took a remaining chunk of dark yellow mango off her plate.  He was tall and slim, yet muscular, his smooth skin darkly bronzed from the sun.  A shock of dark blond hair hung in curls about his handsome face.  Sea green eyes watched her intently from beneath long dark golden eyelashes as he popped the fruit into his mouth, sucking the juice loudly from his fingers.  He wore a sleeveless tunic and breeches, much like Deanu’s, shimmering cloth that reflected the rainbow as he moved. 

"So what is the urgency about?’’ she asked, lifting one delicate arched eyebrow at her tousled younger sibling.

"Oh, yes, that.  Our long-range sensors picked up an Osirion ship over the Atlantic ocean a few moments ago.’’

"Why are they heading here for?’’ her curiosity peaked at her brother’s statement.  They shared the planet with the Osirion, a warlike humanoid race that originated from the Orion constellation many thousands of years before the arrival of the Pleiadians.  They had kept out of each other’s ways over the millennia, courteous to each other, but never more than that.  Even though the Alanteans disapproved of Osirion genetic manipulation of the native humanoid species inhabiting the earth and their constant destructive mining, they really could not do much about it.  The Osirion had warned the Atlanteans to keep their distance or problems might ensue between the two civilisations.  The Atlantean elders had chosen to keep a safe distance from their warlike neighbours by isolating themselves as far as possible from the Osirion.  However, the true reality was that the Osirion had no power when it came to the crystal technology of their peaceful neighbours, the Atlanteans, who could easily send them off into another dimension without a second thought!

"Something about wanting to meet with the Guardian of the Crystals.  That is all I overheard!’’

"You know you are not supposed to be eavesdropping little brother that is not well seen by the elders.’’  Deanu scolded lightly.

D’ryvr laughed, "Well?’’

"Well, what?’’

"Shouldn’t you be heading for the Complex?’’

"No.  Not until the elders summon me.  That would be too obvious what you were up to dear annoying brother.’’

"Deanu, your presence is required at the Complex’’ a gentle ancient, yet masculine voice whispered in her mind. 

"I am on my way Elder So’thn.’’  She quickly replied throwing her brother a wink as she brushed minute crumbs from her tunic, quickly leaving the courtyard and her inquisitive brother.

Two

Deanu briskly walked the white marble flagstones leading to the Complex several minutes away.  The air was becoming humid, the bright golden-yellow sun shining strongly now as it filtered through the dense foliage that covered the city’s walkways.  Tall spires of Rainbow Crystals atop white marble and granite stepped pyramids soared over the trees on either side of her as she approached the Complex.  Nearing the building, she could sense the low humming vibration of the Power Crystals flowing through her body, exciting her blood, lifting her spirits.  A break in the heavy dense trees gave way to a splendid site that she found enthralling every time she approached the sacred area.

The Complex was the largest of the white marble and granite stepped pyramids of the city, an immense building that overshot the tallest of the jungle trees by many lengths.  The pale stone reflected the hot rays of the sun for distances as far as the massive oceans that surrounded the lushly forested lands.  The lower half of the Complex was carved with beautiful limestone figures of peoples, animals and insects painted with rainbow crystalline powders that shimmered in the light creating an illusion of movement amongst the stone reliefs.  The carved stairway that led to the top of the Complex was painted with more shimmering Crystals while fountains of clear water flowed down each side of the stairway from the summit.  This was her sanctuary, where the powerful Pleiadian Maya Power Crystals that powered their civilisation were preciously guarded. 

Deanu ascended the long stairway, her eyes admiring the beautiful engineering feats of the crystal spires atop the Complex that showered drops of rainbow luminescence all over the white stones.  Nearing the top of the Complex, massive white granite blocks speckled with minuscule black shiny mica chips glinted in the hot sun.  The granite was humming in harmony with the Power Crystals, transmitting energy all over the city.  She lightly caressed the warm stone, feeling the raw power course throughout her body.  Cresting the top of the stairway, she entered the triple sentry of white granite columns that stood majestically beneath the flat latticework of Crystals that comprised the roof of the pyramid.  She could hear excited voices emanating from behind the columns ahead of her.

Once inside the coolness of the Complex, Deanu approached the two elders that were deep in conversation.  The top level of the Complex had several large crystal panels rising from the stone floor, flashing with symbols, numbers and lights, the brain of the city.  A team of engineers and technicians tended to the computers, adjusting the flow of energy over the power grid of the city and the surrounding lands.  The Complex itself acted as a capacitor and resonator for the Power Crystals that were kept beneath the gleaming marble floors of the control room.

"Ah, Deanu!’’ exclaimed a wizened small man with intense blue eyes, adorned in a glimmering long pearly-white robe that touched the floor.

"Elder So’thn, to what honour do I owe your visit?’’ she smiled at the frail man with the wide smile.

"Come, come, my dear.  We have an urgent matter this lovely day.’’  Elder So’thn motioned for her to join him and his companion, a middle-aged heavyset woman with long curly red hair and sensual dark brown eyes.  Her white skin was flawless, creamy and without blemish.  Her long flowing sleeveless dress shimmered with violet Crystals imbedded in the natural linen fibre.

"Elder V’leena, it is an honour to meet you,’’ Deanu said softly, bowing her head in respect to the red haired woman before her.  V’leena’s family were highly regarded amongst the Pleiadians, noble healers that could tap the Power Crystals directly for the healing all life forms.  They could easily channel the powerful energy into other entities without harm to themselves, therefore, establishing themselves as the overseers of health in the community. 

"Always an honour to meet you too Deanu.’’  The woman replied, her voice soft as a flowing breeze.  She smiled at the young woman, bowing her head to the Guardian of the Crystals.

"Deanu, we have an Osirion representative on his way over to meet with you.  He will be here shortly.’’  So’thn replied his voice tinged with anxiety.

Deanu feigned surprise.  "Really?  Why?’’

"He only mentioned to us that he wanted to meet with the Guardian of the Crystals, that’s it.’’

Well, Okay, though I don’t understand why they want to meet with me for. 

"We will accompany you Deanu; it is part of the protocol.  An elder must be present when dealing with any Osirion presence.’’  V’leena replied cautiously.

Deanu raised a delicate eyebrow at the elders.  That is fine, of course.  I wouldn’t have a clue what to say to them anyways.

"Deanu, we must be careful.  The Crystal technology is something that we are responsible for, it could destroy a planet if used wrongly.  You are the Guardian of the Crystals and responsible for the operation and handling of this powerful energy device.  Be careful of what information you give to the Osirion.  I know that they have always envied our symbiotic relationship with the Crystals since the time we first appeared on this planet.’’  So’thn said softly, his wrinkled hand gesturing to the Complex surrounding them.

Of course Elder So’thn"she nodded, her heart feeling a bit tight in her chest at that moment.

Three

Deanu had left the two elders to descend the spiral stone stairs that led below the Complex top floor to the deep heart of the stone structure.  Within moments, she entered the immense vibrating chamber that housed the precious Pleiadian Maya Power Crystals from their home world of Viraco.  The Power Crystals resembled a large rough-hewn pyramid in the way that they grew.  The Crystals were alive, pulsing in harmony, a multitude of colours emanating from their crystalline interiors.  The mass spanned the height of three men with the width of seven men lying head to toe on the stone floor.  Small, medium, and large Crystals protruded from the mother lode, all shimmering with intense power.  The Crystals contained all the knowledge and history of the Pleiadian Maya since the beginning of time.  The Crystals also contained the knowledge of the earth since its fiery birth by tapping into the crystalline structure of the planet itself.  The knowledge of the universe was contained within its shimmering depths.

The chamber vibrated from the Power Crystals, the energy captured by the granite walls, transferred to the towering crystalline towers and outer stone casing of the Complex to be sent to all that needed the pure celestial energy for their daily needs in the city and surrounding lands.  Deanu touched the crystal mass gently with both her hands.  The Crystals’ energy pulsed through her body; her mind flowed with that of the Power Crystals.

"Welcome Guardian’’ the Crystals whispered in her mind, stroking her consciousness like the delicate wings of a butterfly.

"Welcome Crystals’’ she thought back as she gently pulled one hand from the shimmering mass, but still keeping contact with the other.  "I am here to serve and guard you as always’’

"We thank you, Guardian.’’

Deanu pulled back her remaining hand just as the excited voice of her brother piped into her mind.

"An Osirion ship is approaching, get down here quickly!’’

"I’m on my way!’’

Deanu descended the stone stairs as quickly as she could, excitement filling her veins.  She had never met an Osirion before!  D’ryvr was waiting at the bottom of the Complex for her, equally excited as he motioned for her to hurry.  Reaching the bottom, he grabbed her hand as they ran together down the marble flagstones to the landing platforms.  A dull roaring shook the ground as they approached the eight immense flat-topped pyramids that served as landing platforms for their ships.  The platforms were constructed of black basalt and topped with shiny sheets of glistening black mica to protect the structures from the intense heat of ships engines. 

The roar grew in intensity as a medium-sized foreign warship approached over the gathering crowd of Atlanteans.  The dusty, pockmarked Osirion ship slowed its descent to the landing platforms, the thrusters glowing hotly, sending waves of heat billowing out over the crowd of people gathered below.  Deana found their engines so noisy compared to the Atlantean ships whose use of a different propulsion system created by the Power Crystals emanated no fumes or noise, only heat.  The ship hovered over one of the many platforms, descending vertically until its heavy metallic landing gear touched the mica platform.  The engines powered down until only the chirping of the birds and the hushed whispers of the gathered peoples filled the landing area.

The Osirion ship resembled a reptilian-like creature, that of the dragons that once roamed the inhabited planets of the Orion star system.  Metallic spines stretched above the ship, large wings, spread from the fuselage and over the top of the landing platform like some deadly beast about to attack.  Round eyes bulged from the "head’’ of the beast, the piloting and command centre of the ship.  Massive guns pointed in all directions, bristling from the skin of the ship like needles on a thorn bush.  Delicate flowing symbols decorated the sides of the ship, painted in pure gold leaf.  Gold tiles shimmered across the top of the ship like the scales of a reptile.  Obviously, the Osirion loved gold.  It was everywhere!

The elders So’thn and V’leena ascended the short flight of stone steps to the top of the shimmering platform, Deanu following closely behind.  Silently, they waited at the edge of the landing pad for the ship’s occupants to present themselves. 

Four

With a sharp loud hiss of compressed air, the forward belly of the ship split open, allowing a darkened metal stairway to slide down and hit the mica platform with a dull metallic thud.  Six heavily armoured Osirion soldiers descended the stairs, spreading out from the ship in a protective stance.  Deanu found the gesture quite amusing as she studied the tall heavily built Osirion warrior a few steps from her.  They were much taller than the Atlanteans, by at least a head or more.  They removed their helmets, tucking the heavy metal headgear beneath their muscular arms.  The men were powerfully built with pale white skin and icy blue eyes, long curly dark beards and short-cropped blond hair.  Their torsos were covered with intricate metal shielding that resembled dragon scales.  The shiny metal appeared lightweight, yet strong and adorned with graven gold markings.  The men sported heavy gold armbands and wrist cuffs of the same metal.  Lethal plasma weapons were holstered on their thighs and at their waists. 

Another Osirion descended the ship’s stairway, dressed in a simple black tunic and breeches adorned with the insignia of a rearing dragon weaved in gold thread across his chest.  He was tall, muscular, and much more slender than the heavy-set warriors were.  He sported a slim sword the length of his arm affixed to a leather and gold adorned belt that circled his lean waist.  He wore comfortable soft leather black boots that made no sound as he walked over to the elders and Deanu.  His well-developed upper arms were adorned with slim gold bands, but his wrists were bare.  Short, shiny black hair framed his face; his skin darkly bronzed in stark contrast to the warriors and he was beardless.  Intense golden hazel eyes beneath long black lashes gave him a sensual look much unlike the hard rocky stares of the warriors behind him.

"Greetings fellow Atlanteans!’’ the young Osirion spoke