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Three thousand years ago in a land called Animaria, a tale of love and legend begins. . .

The time is 1030 BC in the land of Animaria. The sky is clear, the seas are clean, and animal and plant life flourish the planet. And in Animaria, a special ceremony is taking place. The King of Animaria, whose name is Alexander, and his wife, Sara, celebrate the birth of their daughter Princess Shayla. The towns folk gathered at the royal dinner, to celebrate along with their beloved King and Queen.

"She's got her mother's eyes," some said.

"She's definitely got her father's strength; she's managed to roll over already," said others.

There was just one other person besides the King and Queen that cared very much for Shayla, and that was their personal protector, Auric Baliton. Auric was the top soldier in the land and used his special skills to protect the lives of his King and Queen. And now, with their daughter finally here, this meant that he wouldn't be at home with his own family as much as before.

Auric had a wife, named Penelope, and a son, named Merrick, who took after his father a great deal. He'd met her only seven years ago when the dreaded monsters of the earth known as orgs first attacked. Tthey fell in love at first site. And then they were married. After two years of wedded bliss, Penelope gave birth to her now five year old son. Merrick admired his father for what he did and swore that one day he would take his place. Auric was only to happy that his son wanted to follow in his footsteps. So along with his school studies he taught his son how to fight. Tonight Auric sat with his family, along with everyone else, to see Shayla.

"Can I see her father?" asked little Merrick.

"Of course son, you might be protecting her one day not too far off," said Auric.

Merrick smiled brightly, then ran over to the little cradle that Shayla rested in. Merrick first greeted her parents. "Hello, Your Majesty," said Merrick to Alexander.

Alexander was smiling and talking to everyone around him but then heard Merrick and turned around. He smiled and said, "Why if it isn't little Merrick Baliton? What can I do for you young warrior?"

"I was wondering if I could say hello to Shayla?" Merrick asked.

Sara turned to Merrick, smiled and said, "Of course you can, dear. You will protect her for me if I can't won't you?"

"Yes, Your Highness, I will," said Merrick sincerely. "I promise I won't let any harm come to her."

The King and Queen smiled, then motioned for Merrick to approach the cradle that was next to them. Merrick looked into the cradle, and saw the most precious site he'd ever seen. Here was this beautiful baby girl looking up at him, and smiling. He was immediately taken with her. He looked into her eyes and smiled back.

Merrick stroked the baby's forehead and whispered, "From this day forward, I am yours. I'll do whatever you wish of me and solemnly vow to protect you from all danger." Merrick then kissed Shayla on her head, then went back, and joined his parents at their table.

Twelve years passed by in the land of Animaria. Shayla had soon learned to walk and then was speaking full words and sentences to her parents. She attended private school studies to learn of her culture but wished that she could join the children of the village. While Merrick continued in school and constantly learned new skills from his father.

It was a an early afternoon, and the palace was quiet. Twelve-year-old Shayla walked around the hallways, having finished her morning studies already. She wished that she wasn't royalty and that she had the privilege to go out and do as she wished. However, being the King's daughter meant that she could not go anywhere on her own without someone else knowing where she was going. She was depressed that she had no friends her age to talk to, either. She walked with her hands behind her back, and suddenly, she began to cry. She ran to her parents bed chambers where she found her mother sitting and sewing. Shayla ran at her, and grabbed her in a tight hug and sobbed.

"Shayla, dear, what's wrong?" asked Sara.

"I want to go outside and play, Mommy, but I can't," Shayla sobbed.

"I see," said Sara. "I knew we were keeping you too cooped up in this castle."

"I want to play with other children, but I'm always here doing work," said Shayla wiping her tears away.

"I understand my darling," said Sara. "I'll tell you what. Today we'll forgo the rest of your studies. And we'll go into the village together."

"Really?" asked Shayla, becoming happy. "I'll get to meet other kids?"

"Yes, I'll take you to the ocean front, and you can go swimming. I'm certain many children will be there today," said Sara.

"Thank you, Mother. You're the best," said Shayla hugging her mother tightly. "I'll go and get ready."

Sara watched Shayla leave, and as she disappeared, Alexander entered the room. "Where was she going in a hurry?" he asked.

"I'm taking our daughter to the village for today. She's been here for too long," said Sara.

"I know she hasn't had much contact with the outside village, but Sara, you know how dangerous it is these days. These orgs, just don't stop coming," said Alexander. "I only want our daughter safe."

"She will be with me, Alexander," said Sara. "And why don't you alert Auric to meet us there if you're so worried."

"I think I will," said Alexander. "You know his son Merrick is becoming quite the powerful warrior himself, may even eclipse his father one day."

"He is a good lad. I remember when he and Shayla first met. He told me he promised himself to her, and he would die protecting her," said Sara smiling. "I wonder if she remembers him?"

"She can meet him again today. I'll tell Auric to bring him," said Alexander.

"Bring who?" asked a voice from the doorway. It was Shayla. She now wore a white, silky suit made for swimming.

"An old friend of yours you'll be meeting again today," said Alexander.

"A friend? I've never made any friends, daddy. I've been here my whole life," said Shayla.

"This is a boy you met on the day you were born," said Sara.

"A boy?" said Shayla smiling and blushing. "Do you think he still remembers me? How does my hair look?"

"It's fine dear," said Alexander, "Now I want you and your mother to have fun today. And stay out of trouble."

"We will," said Shayla giving her father a hug.

"We'll be back later this evening," said Sara giving her husband a kiss.

"Be careful, I don't want to lose you two. Now I'll go send word to Auric," said Alexander. Alexander left, while the two girls headed for their carriage.

In the village, at the Baliton home, seventeen-year-old Merrick had just gotten home from school. "Mother, I'm home," he called.

Penelope appeared from the kitchen, and asked, "How was your day?"

"It was interesting," said Merrick. "We were covering the history of the orgs and their attacks. The teacher was impressed with the knowledge I had of them."

"Well, of course she would be," said Penelope. "Your father has battled them countless times. It's no wonder you know about them, taking after him as you do."

Merrick smiled embarrassingly because what his mother said was the truth. He took after his father a lot, wanting to fight and all. And when Auric came home, he would always tell his son how he outsmarted an org.

"In my opinion though, these orgs won't be so little a threat soon, they're getting smarter," said Penelope.

"You're right. They are getting smart. Dad told me he met one that got away, and she knew a little black magic," said Merrick.

"I wish you would just stay here and not want to follow your father to fight," said Penelope.

Merrick gathered his sword, and his swim garment from his room. He then said, "Mom, it's what I believe in. I won't just sit and watch someone else do the job I was born for."

"You're right. You are your father's son," said Penelope smiling.

Merrick smiled back, taking her compliment. It was then that Auric came into the house, carrying a piece of parchment. "Hello son," said Auric clapping him on the back. He then turned to his wife and said, "Hello dear."

They embraced and kissed. Then Auric turned back to Merrick. "Where are you off to?" Auric asked.

"Well I thought I'd go swim for a while, then sharpen my blade with a wet stone," said Merrick.

"Good," said Auric. "This letter I received from the King says that the Queen and the Princess will be going to the beach also. And they want the two of us there to watch over them."

Merrick's heart skipped a beat at the news. He even dropped his sword on the ground. "Are you okay sweetheart?" asked Penelope.

"Yeah, just a little nervous. How long has it been?" asked Merrick.

"Let's see now," said Auric. "You're five years older than her, and you promised to watch over her when you were five. So that would make her about twelve I believe. Don't be so nervous son. She probably doesn't even remember you. She was just an infant then."

Merrick was saddened at these words. ‘Dad's right,' Merrick thought. ‘She wouldn't remember someone like me. She probably won't even recognize me. I haven't forgotten her, though. Nope, not one little thing.'

"Well let's go then," said Auric getting Merrick's attention. "If we leave now, we'll meet them there at the same time."

"OK," said Merrick picking up his sword. Merrick said goodbye to his mother and left with his father for the beach.

Next Time: Shayla and Merrick meet again after so long, and there's definitely a connection. The Aqua Org appears to attack, but Auric falls in combat. Will Merrick be able to succeed where his father couldn't? Stay tuned.