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                  For a moment there, Lena thought she could stay under the water forever and maybe she could... The news all over are replete of footages from the events of Steppenwolf—of flying men, gods, meta humans... Atlanteans. Perhaps the answer to the questions plaguing her for years is already in front of her. There, in the quiet blue waters surrounding and embracing her. The same waters where that same Atlantean she saw on the news rose from the waves for a quick “chat.”

                “My father told me about that barrier you built on the waterline...”

                “I really don’t know what you’re talking about...” just as Arthur was about to retort, Lena raised her hand to him.. “Truly, I saw the swarm of creatures a mile out... I went to the water on instinct.. I just wanted to stop them from reaching the coast... there was a surge of energy in the water...”

                Arthur could only look at her dumbfounded as she let it all out, “... I was driving by the lighthouse, the wind changed. Your father, Tom was on the dock looking out to the water... I saw the swarm.. I don’t even know what they were... but they felt... they felt wrong...”

                “The Trench.” As if the words should make sense to her.

                She looked at Arthur, really looked at him and saw beneath the lightness he projects to her his face has began to show a heaviness, a seriousness that unwittingly she began taking on herself.

                “I am just grateful that you are here, of all the coastlines... “ An unspoken plea clicked in her mind. An understanding between similar beings even though one is still coming to grasp with his destiny and the other barely peeking into the secrets of hers.

                “One less thing to worry about while you’re down there or out there... Don’t worry, I was cared for and loved here for many years... it’s my home too and I’ll defend it any way I can.”

                Arthur smiled and let out a deep breath. They both stayed by the shoreline still as stones staring out unto the sea.

                Her soul searching was disrupted by a violent push as a wall of water rammed its way towards her at impossible speed. All Lena could do was crossed her arms to cover her face bracing for impact but instead she felt a surge of energy from her body that broke the wave just as it closed in on her. Shock and disbelief had to give way to panic as she quickly swam back up to the surface to see what just happened.  She was miles away from the shoreline but as she scanned the area, the wall of water seemed to have broken into smaller pieces—smaller waves some still crashing into the shoreline. She turned and began swimming back to the beach—her beach.

                She made quick work of the swim back. The beach was littered once again by some debris from the sea but not as much as the last time when Atlantis sent that tidal wave. The damage and debris that brought on took months and still an ongoing rehabilitation.  She turned her eyes back to the water still deep in thought.  The blue waters glitter in the sunlight as the day goes by peaceful and serene no sign of the turbulence she unwittingly broke moments before. This should’ve calmed her but she knew better with the sea—the ocean that close to a decade now still withholds so much from her no matter how deep she dove its depths; as her skin dries from the sea air, a part of her knows--- the part only the water seem to touch to life—nothing is what is seems.

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                 Queen Atlanna sighed as she closed the last volume of records set on her desk. She was gone almost twenty years and though there are so much more records, reports and the former king’s own journals to look through, the sadness and devastation she is feeling has rapidly drained her of energy. King Orvax, in his rage and jealousy, was also consumed by paranoia and deep distrust that after Atlanna’s execution, he systematically removed and banished almost all of her known allies in the palace and the kingdom itself. Whole families, clans and tribes removed from their realms or eradicated completely. Bloodlines loyal and bound to her own—banished and dispersed to what parts of the seven seas. Fealties that she now desperately seek and need if she is to keep safe and protect her sons. Her sons—one now a King and the other—a lost Prince. Arthur, the new King of Atlantis, no.. King of the Seven Seas who still needs so much guidance to govern and Orm, her sweet Orm. He was barely eleven years old when she was sacrificed to the Trench. True, Arthur and Tom never left her thoughts but it was Orm’s face-- the tears in his eyes flowing freely into the seawater—that haunted her dreams all through her banishment. In her heart of hearts she could only hope that her son never forgot her and what she tried so dearly to instill in him.

                For a moment, when she saw Orm again in full armor fighting his brother, she had feared the worst—that Orvax succeeded, that there is nothing left of her sweet, kind and compassionate son. But when he finally turned to her after the fight, seeing her for the first time in twenty years, her fears dwindled. Somewhere in that angry and confused man, her child remains.

                A soft hiss from the door cut off Atlanna’s reverie. Vulko bowed his head before entering the room. He was holding what looked like a book and slowly offered it to her.

                “King Orvax’s journal from ten years ago, Your Highness...I took the liberty of marking the pertinent dates and entries concerning Lord Tharis and his family... “

                “Thank you, Vulko...”

                “Your Highness, for what it’s all worth, please accept my apologies... I—“

                “I know, Vulko... those years with Orvax.. “ Atlanna closed her eyes as she gathered herself, “there’s much to be done to try and salvage what he had left in his wake... Many of these actions, I noted were done executively—beyond the Council’s knowledge and consent.”

                “Yes, my Queen. In fact, at some point, more than half of the Council members could not act properly out of fear. A third of them were directly affected by the old King’s acts of “cleansing.” It was a dark time for the kingdom’s government...”

                “Hmmm... “ Atlanna scanned the cover of the journal handed to her. “Again, Vulko, you have my thanks.. I could only imagine the trouble and great difficulties you had to face in my absence... and indeed, for what it’s worth, both my sons are alive now against all odds... and I do believe, you have a big part in this..” She gave her old vizier a small smile to which the latter responded with a humble bow and taking this cue, he stepped back out of the door to leave her to her thoughts.

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                Prince Orm Marius, former King of Atlantis, former Ocean Master and currently a detainee of the Crown, looked out the window of his suite. The rooms were stripped of the trappings of his former title and role. Yet, as a palace residence, the suite still exudes an atmosphere much too opulent for a jail. He is bound to his quarters with guards stationed at the doors more for his protection rather than his escape. For where would he go now? He has spent most of his life following a plan. His father’s maybe even his mother’s and of course, his own. All these plans, years of preparation and sacrifice came crumbling down as his brother Arthur ascended to the throne claiming his birthright.

                He should be angry and he is, furious even. His whole life was devoted to Atlantis, to the throne... to his father and before, to his mother, for whom despite everything, he only feels love and longing. He was angry and furious for a while until he isn’t.

                This realization had left him in deep thought. For weeks now, he had no desire to leave his suite as he reflect on the events and the choices he had made that lead him to this point.  His mother visits him everyday without fail. The first few times all they did was sit together in silence. Orm openly stared and watched his mother and she seemed to be doing the same thing. For Orm, his mind was trying to catch up to the reality that after so many years, his mother was alive and right in front of him. He refused to speak because for some reason, a part of him, a part that laid dormant suddenly awakened and feared that if he spoke, she would vanish like in a faded dream... a memory of deep sorrow from many, many years back. It was Atlanna who broke the silence.

                “In the Trench, all days were the same. I could not tell day from night. But, when I grow tired, I slept and I dreamt... I dreamt of you, my sweet boy. I dreamt of you and your tears...”

                How could it be that after twenty years, his mother sounded the same. The voice singing that lullaby and reading him stories when he was small and his father was away; that voice that he had resolved never to hear again after witnessing her fall to the deep pierced his chest.

                “I have no words, my son. Only this overwhelming joy that I see you alive and...” something in Orm’s eyes caused Atlanna to pause but she moved closer and went on “I am doing everything in my power to keep you safe. I have failed you once, I will not let it happen again.”

                Then, his mother was folding him into her arms in embrace, much warmer and tighter than the first since she had returned. Orm’s heart was bursting but again, his mind reeled at her last words...

                Keeping him safe. Orm’s thoughts ran amuck. Of course, he is in danger now. Maybe he is even considered A DANGER against the throne... even he would think that. But, he had lived his life putting Atlantis first and above everything else. This is all he knows and he has no desire now to endanger the fragile “peace” Arthur’s ascension has brought. He walked away from the window and turned towards his desk preparing and organizing his thoughts. Perhaps he should write these down. It has been a while since he wrote anything personal in his journals. Maybe as he does this, he might find some release, a calm, maybe even a solution to what his mother told him about his safety...

                 Many weeks passed and Orm had built a routine in his detention. He began speaking with his mother during her visits and he will never forget how brightly she smiled the first time he called her “Mother” again in conversation. He is yet to speak with Arthur even though the King also visits him regularly sometimes with their mother, sometimes on his own. Arthur has no trouble talking to him. Mostly about the goings on in the Council, Mera’s work back in Xebel hoping to restore order there as well, and for some time he seemed to be throwing ideas or proposals as to his future place in the kingdom. But Arthur would not tell him the true reason for his visits. Possibly it’s biology. They are half-brothers after all such that Orm seems to read into Arthur’s subtexts in spite knowing him personally for only a short time. All his years under his father’s tutelage has taught Orm deep perception among many skills needed to be a leader. Orm did not need to dig too much to know his brother had been making plans for him too.

                He had just finished the last paragraph on his entry for that day when everything went black.

Chapter Text

                Lena had just completed her last round of the coast after the short but feisty storm that blasted its way over the weekend. Even when her adoptive parents were still alive, it was habit to check on the area after a storm. Back then, she only had to check on her side of the coast and cliffs... but now, she found herself driving and swimming all the way to the Lighthouse, checking in on Tom (much to his cheerful chagrin)—the other end of Amnesty Bay’s cliffs.

                The barrier she had (again) inadvertently cast along the waterline was still holding and as much as the ability disorients and confuses her every time, she had began to find comfort in it too. Upon further study, the barrier, beside being invisible to most beings and creatures of the sea, thwarts and breaks large underwater waves that could have damaged the coastline and smaller piers. It also repels unnamed creatures not so different from the “Trench” that Arthur pointed out to her and alerts her somehow of approaching entities that manage to go through it. Hence, as Arthur rose out of the waves holding up his brother’s unconscious body on his right shoulder and what looked like a duffel bag of sorts on his other shoulder, Lena was already by the shore waiting.

                “What the...” Lena was unsure if she had spoken the words outloud but Arthur was already looking at her with a small smile.

                “Great Barrier Girl!”

                “Majesty.” Lena made a small bow to which Arthur scoffed, “.. A little help.”

                Lena walked to his side and took Orm’s other arm and placed it on her shoulders. There was a slight tingle as her hand made contact with his skin but it was quickly overwhelmed by the weight of the still unconscious man. “Alright, over here...” She slightly pulled towards her left and forward to the hidden steps going up to the house. They managed to enter the living area and considering the situation, she prompted Arthur to continue on to one of the guest rooms by the dining area. She let go of Orm’s arm and quickly lifted the covers and Arthur laid him on the bed. Lena checked on the pillows under his head and gently stroke the hair from the side of Orm’s face. She quickly pulled her hand back but the gesture was not lost on Arthur who quickly turned back and walked out of the room. 

                “... I have food and drinks here. You look like you need sustenance.”

                Arthur grinned at her and motioned to sit on the stool by the dining table. She chucked it up to the suit that Arthur and Orm were wearing that despite just having emerged from the ocean there was not a drop of water where he sat. She placed a plate of steak with vegetables on the table and Arthur’s eyes widened at the sight of an almost frozen cold bottle of Corona.

                “Tom introduced me...” Earning a heartful and boisterous laugh from Arthur.

                “Thank you... I missed this.” In between bites, Arthur seemed to relax some more. Lena glanced back to the guest bedroom where Orm was sleeping.

                “What happened to him? He looked hurt.”

                “He was.. he is. I had him treated at the palace before bringing him here. But...” Arthur took another swig of his Corona. “.. there was an attack at the palace. I thought it was the safest place for him while mother and I...” sighing, “... figure out how to help him. Some factions of Atlantis... a kingdom or two, are not happy with him...”

                “I suppose that’s putting it mildly.” Lena offered. “I am no ruler or leader but he did almost cause another World War...” The man in front of her finally put down his fork and was about to say something when Lena’s eyebrows shot up her forehead, “Wait, wait, wait... No... no...”

                “I have nowhere else to bring him.. he has nowhere else to go.” He was pleading, the King of Atlantis was pleading to her.” This should not have bothered her that much but it did. She and Arthur were barely friends but something deeply ingrained in her started chipping away at her being. Is it guilt? Is it sorrow? She was grasping at straws trying to understand the feeling and ended up drooping her shoulders a little before giving in with a sigh.

                “I make no promises, Majesty.” In spite the death glare she is certain she was giving him, Arthur’s enthusiasm returned with a vengeance. “Thank you, thank you so much, Lena... You have Atlantis’ gratitude and favor.”

                “I don’t know about that... “ Arthur chuckled as Lena gathered the plates and the Corona bottle and walked to the kitchen sink. “Besides, I might seem to dawdle on the possibility that I am an Atlantean like you for years, but I do like the thought that I have an option of venturing there in the future.... and considering what I know of him... I don’t think Atlantis has any favors for the one who ends up killing or maiming the next in line for the throne.” Lena was quite caught up with her diatribe as she cleared the dishes that she was surprised to see the look on Arthur’s face when she turned around facing the table where he sat.

                For the first time she saw the troubled look on his face and it worried her, much too much for her comfort.

                “That’s my problem... I don’t think all of Atlantis would mourn my brother’s death.”

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                 Atlanna’s treachery knows no bounds.

                If my son, Orm is to ascend as rightful King of Atlantis and the Seven Seas, all the taint of his mother’s betrayal must be removed from all records and all of Atlantis’ memories. Yet, she is the direct descendant of King Atlan, she is—her blood is Atlantis. A predicament I have slowly but surely reached a solution to.

                I will begin with the eradication of all her allies and those honor-bound to her line.

                The written words began to blur as Atlanna’s eyes filled with unshed tears. It is one thing to learn that King Orvax had effectively cut off and alienated her allies from her son but it is another having to read the words and thoughts that the cruel man poured into the whole act. She is a Queen of Atlantis by right but the need and duty to secure the line of succession compelled her to enter an arranged marriage with the approval of the Council. Orvax came from one of the oldest of noble bloodlines from Atlantis dating back before The Fall. But, for a moment, Atlanna contended for another much older family; a bloodline as old as Atlan’s himself and-- if the legends are true—would never let harm befall upon her and her family. Lord Tharis Obex was a childhood friend and an honorable man. She knew him to be kind, fair-minded and strong in protecting what is his. Orvax, on the other hand, was known for his ambition which is not an entirely bad thing to have for a ruler but with this ambition came a brutality Atlanna only heard in whispers and gossip.  

                It was not much of a contest when Atlanna learned not in so many words that Lord Tharis was already in love with Lady Aletheia from another noble house. She knew this by the way they looked at each other and knew that eventhough Lord Tharis would accede to her without hesitation, she could not bring herself to force him into a marriage with her knowing she herself could not love him the way he is already loved. So, Orvax was the only known offer for her hand. Atlanna kept Tharis Obex’s chances as a secret even to her closest advisers. But, somehow, in his wrath, Orvax saw Tharis Obex and his line as a threat.

                Prince Orm has consistently shown himself worthy of my pride. I have appointed him Head of the Atlantean Armed Forces as part of his preparation as King. He has taken upon himself the campaign against the surface and all the surface dwellers. I would like to believe I have exorcised all of what is left of his traitorous mother from him but I can never be certain. Hence, I look to which that I can control.

                Atlanna thinks she is so clever. Perhaps relying on her belief that I am solely a man of reason and have very little regard to superstition. But, it is her own Tharis Obex’s undoing. I have already come to believe that I have rooted out all of Atlanna’s allies within and beyond the palace walls. My vengeance have reached the tail ends of the Trench and back and now, a decade later, Obex calls for aid. Tharis Obex, bound to Atlantis by oath to remain and protect that forsaken stronghold... he can rot there along with his entire family. I have ordered Vollus to burn the communique and remove its existence from all records.

                Tharis and Aletheia had a daughter. Atlanna remembers. Before Orvax knew about Arthur and Tom, the Obex’s had visited the palace for the first and last time with a little girl a few years younger than Orm.

                “No, this cannot be the end of them.” 

                Atlanna put the journal down and closed her eyes. She meditated and focused all her thoughts on her memory of Tharis’ last visit. She tried to clear her mind and the picture of Tharis’ daughter’s face and chanelled it out into the vastness of the ocean. What is your name, child? Forgive me... I do not remember but you have your father’s eyes and your mother’s courage...

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                “Now, in their love, which was stronger, there were the seeds of hatred and fear and confusion growing at the same time: for love can exist with hatred, each preying on the other, and this is what gives it its greatest fury.”[1]

                “Hmmm...” It’s that voice again. At first, Orm thought he was dreaming once more back when he was younger. After the fall of his mother to the Trench, he dreamt of her voice, just her voice... then he felt it again, a hand gently stroking his hair.

                “What am I to do with you?” the voice asked. No, it was not his mother’s voice but the sound brought him comfort all the same. It was unfamiliar but sounded kind and safe. Orm didn’t even know he knew what safe sounded like which left him quite bewildered.

                 Orm tried to move his body. He wants to wake up already. He wills his eyes to open but could not do so. He knows he is not under the sea anymore. A part of him seemed to pull him back.

                “Your Highness, you need to rest. You were hurt quite badly. But you are safe here. I promise.” In the olden days, such words from an unknown and obviously surface dwelling person would bring fury and chaos in Orm and would certainly awoken him but again, a feeling of peace enveloped his body and Orm found himself in deep slumber once again.

                 Unknown hours later, Orm’s eyes were opened and he was definitely awake.

                 He breathed in the dry air and relaxed to know that he was very close to the sea. As his eyes adjusted he stared at the white ceiling and slowly lowered his eyes to see a wide window that was facing the sea. The sea air blowing into the room as the light curtains danced and swayed. He felt the softness of the covers and the bed was warm and comfy. As he tried to get up he turned to his side and lifted himself to sit. He swallowed and felt dryness in his mouth but saw a glass of water by the bedside table and after a quick look and sniff, he drank it all. The bedroom door was closed but he could hear muffled voices from the other side. Orm stretched out his legs and arms and saw what looked like a pile of clothes by the seat next to the bed. He realized they looked like the clothes Tom and Arthur wore from the surface. He was a bit perplexed but after a few minutes, he figured he should change clothing and try to wear them. The pants was not that difficult to wear and it was loose and did not touch his skin much. The upper wear, however, was a bit disconcerting. He could not seem to figure out the holes and was about to give up when the door opened.

                “Little Brother!” Arthur’s voice quaked and Orm had to hiss from the noise.

                “Here, let me help you with that.” His brother grabbed the “shirt” and quickly pointed out which holes go wear and with a smirk told him how his clothes didn’t look too “shabby” on him.

                “Oh come on. Fine, Lena will help you get new ones when you’re ready.”

                “Lena?” Orm repeated as the two men walked out of the room into the dining area.

                “Hello, Majesties.”

                Orm could not explain it but he was certain this Lena is definitely Atlantean. It was her eyes that gave it away. They were rich hazel but with the right light there were green flecks in them that shone in the same shade of the waters of his home. She also stood a certain way not that different from ladies of noble birth and her voice, she had an inflection that was familiar but at that moment, Orm could not pin it down.

                But her demeanor was of a surface-dweller especially her tone as she spoke to his brother and to him.

               “Your Lordships, please.” Orm could not help but frown at her words while Arthur simply cackled as they sat down together around a table. Lena was still standing by the door as if waiting for something but she was facing them and her eyes were on Orm.

               “Lena, please.”Arthur gestured for her to sit down but she did not move, she kept her eyes on Orm and spoke, “I can’t... I’ll just stand here for a while, okay.” Then she looked away towards the sea. Orm noted that Lena seemed to be hearing or listening for something. But when she saw that he was watching she seemed perturbed and sat down on the couch just across from them.

               “I am sure you’re wondering why you’re here and where “here” is...” Arthur began. 

               It is a testament to how far their relationship has grown as Orm let his brother talk and tell him what had happened. Despite growing up years and miles apart, the past few months taught each of them to read each other’s cues and tics. At the extent and timing of the explosion and attack, Arthur immediately assured Orm that their mother was safe and nowhere near the area at that time. Orm nodded and responded to Arthur’s questions as to his injuries and the two even held on to each other briefly in gratitude and support.

              All this time, Lena watched them silently from her seat with an unreadable expression.

             Orm took a quick glance and thought that she had lovely eyes, sad but lovely. Only to find Arthur smirking at him, teasing as if he caught him in some inane prank or error and responded with a quick frown.

             Lena suddenly stood up and faced the sea again. Orm watched as she stared hard into the distant horizon and heard a faint boom.

            “What was that?”

            “They’re becoming more frequent the past weeks.” Lena spoke.

            “How are your barriers holding up?” Arthur stood next to Lena, his gaze joining hers.

            “They’re fine. More waves but lesser intrusions...” Orm cleared his throat and they both turned to him.

            “Tidal waves... not as big the one you...” Lena paused and coughed a bit. “they still damage the coast and bring in some debris... the barriers break them to smaller waves..”

            “And the intrusions?” Orm spoke before he could think of it.

            “A couple... creatures like those you call the “Trench..” The men both looked at Lena, “..they were looking for you” she looked at Arthur.

           “They spoke?”

           “In a manner of speaking...” Orm looked at her with a serious expression while Arthur simply looked impressed.

           “Hey... I am a box full of surprises.” Lena smiled and waved her arms in the air as she walked towards the kitchen. “Speaking of which, I am sure you’re hungry, Prince Orm. I have food prepared, hopefully they’re to your liking... otherwise...” She then made a face that had Arthur laughing and Orm shaking his head thinking of the oddness of their surface ways and whether he would ever get use to these weirdness.

          “Little Brother, Lena... I am sorry to leave so soon but I am going to the lighthouse now.” Arthur got up and walked towards the door going out to the beach.

         “Wait, bring these.” Lena had boxes and placed them on a satchel. “Give Tom my thanks for the box he dropped off the other day.”

          Arthur smiled softly at Lena. Orm felt a tiny punch in his gut as he noticed Lena smiling back the same way.

          As his brother moved out to the steps, Orm followed, quickly walking passed Lena.

        “Arthur!” Orm called out just as they reached the beach.

        “Yes, Little Brother.”

        “She just told you that she can talk to creatures of the Trench who happened to be looking for you... and then???” Orm looked at his brother with wide eyes and as perplexed an expression he can muster.

         “Oh, they’re always looking for me now...” Arthur flippantly answered. “It’s a new thing for Lena though.”

        “How long have you known Lena?”

        “A few months...” Arthur added in response to Orm’s look of surprise, “hey,... but she has lived here for years now. Try and get to know her, Orm.”

        “Do you trust her?”

        “You know what? I do... I have a good feeling about her...” Arthur and Orm stared at each other again as if trying to reach an understanding. “Don’t you?”

        Orm rubbed his nape and sighed. He could not say no because he would be lying. As if reading his thoughts Arthur waved, “I’ll see you soon, Little Brother. Maybe I can bring Mom  too.”  Orm smiled at the thought of their mother visiting him and as Arthur vanished with the waves, he turned back to the steps and made his way back to the house and to Lena.

[1] Once and Future King by T.H. White

Chapter Text

                As the two brothers left her house, Lena sat by the dining table. She had set a plate of slow-cooked chicken and rice for her house guest and was contemplating whether she’ll have some food herself. The past few days were chaotic at best. Since the arrival of Orm, things seemed to have escalated for her. As she got up to get another plate for herself, she began to ponder.

                For close to ten years she was here waiting by the cliffs and the shoreline of Amnesty Bay not far from where her adoptive parents found her. She would be lying if she said she had absolutely no clue as to who or what she is really. A year into her stay, Lena knew she was of the sea. It’s not just the inexplicable fear of leaving this place or venturing to parts where she cannot see and hear the ocean. On occasion especially on the first few years, she was plagued by visions and dreams of underwater vistas and voices speaking a language she knows in her heart but simply could not remember. No matter how hard she tried, the memories from before her finding on the northern shores of Amnesty Bay remained elusive.

                A sound from the door had Lena looking up and her eyes met Orm’s who was slowly approaching her. Lena noticed earlier how Orm stared at her so openly. He seemed focused on her face then her eyes as if he was searching for something maybe her own secret for him to read and learn for her. His stare was arrogant and challenging and not really understanding why, Lena stared back. As she watched his eyes dilate adjusting to the light, she noted the iridiscent blue of his eyes. The staring contest was getting ridiculous and she was starting to feel things she know she shouldn’t for a stranger.

                “Have you seen my future yet? Or is there dirt on my face?” Her voice sounded sharper than she intended but it had the desired effect. Orm seemed to be under a trance, broke it and blinked twice.

                “I apologize. You’re Atlantean.” His words playing between a statement and a question reflecting the very thin uncertainty not common for his personality.

                “Honestly, for years I did not know what I am... but, please...” Lena gestured to the chair next to hers. She had already placed two plates of food on the table. The smell was enticing that eventhough Orm had no idea what the dish was, he has every inclination to taste and try it.

                As Orm sat down and looked at the food, Lena explained, “it’s chicken with spices and rice... try it.” Lena picked up her fork and spoon and began eating from her plate. Feeling the hunger from days of recuperation, Orm watched her hands for a few seconds then tried to copy her gestures. It was easy enough and as he placed the food in his mouth the flavors and tenderness of the chicken as he chewed had him closing his eyes and breathing so deeply thathe missed the soft look from Lena as she continued to eat as well.

                “I suppose that means you like it?”  Lena’s eyes were on her food as she said this as Orm cleared swallowed and took a sip of water.

                “Yes. This is good.”

                “Good. Eat up, you need the energy. You can also have seconds, if you want.” Lena gestured to the kitchen where the slow cooker was. But Orm only nodded as he continued eating trying to ignore a niggling need to ask more questions from his host. She seemed not as antagonistic as he would expect for someone compelled to take him in.  Besides, Lena seemed to take extra effort from looking at him and to ask her more questions—innocent, intrusive or both—is truly bad form.

                They had the constant sound of the waves from the beach slightly interspersed with the clink of spoon and plate as company as the two ate in relative silence.

                The meal turned out to be an early dinner as Orm entered the bedroom and closed the door behind him. He could still hear Lena’s muffled sounds from the kitchen as she started cleaning up. Orm slowly scanned the room and was glad for the space. It’s not as large as his room back home but the big, open window facing the sea made it so much airy. Some thing even the most expansive hall in the palace cannot be.

                Orm found the duffel bag Lena told him about while they near finishing dinner. It was by the bed and it was quite heavy as he lifted it. When he opened the bag he saw some of his journals, some of his suits, and his mother’s pen. He carefully took out his journals and placed them on the desk next to the bed. The desk was narrower than it is wide with a part of it actually looking out the window. As Orm slowly opened one of the journals, a part of him seemed to soften in relief. When Arthur described the attack—an explosion taking out almost his entire wing of the palace—Orm thought he would never set eyes on his journals again and all those weeks of thought, reflection and plans burned into ashes and vanished in the water.   The care into which his things were packed in the bag told Orm how cared for and loved he still is. As he sighed and looked out into the window, he felt it on his cheek, a wetness that seemed to spring from an ache in his chest. He wiped his cheek with his hand and looked down again on his journal. He picked up his mother’s pen and began to write.

Chapter Text

                Arthur was deep in thought looking out the throne room’s tall windows. Mera is finally back in Atlantis and was seated next to him while a representative from the Brine Kingdom and the Atlantis’ economic committee were “duking it out” in what has now become an hour long meeting for the coming treaty signing between the two kingdoms.

                Mera cleared her throat and the two men stopped mid-rant while Arthur turned to them.

                “ The idea of this meeting is inform us of the final details for the treaty. But, this sounds like..” the King gestures to the two emissaries, “... weren’t the discussions began almost two months ago?”

                “Yes, Your Highness.” the Brine spokesperson responded. “...we have acceded to most of Atlantis’ requests but...” Arthur’s face must have shown the slight annoyance he was beginning to feel as the man-sized crustacean seemed to reconsider his next words. “... our King wishes to be clarified as to the whereabouts of the crown Prince.” To this Arthur took a deep breath before responding.

                “Well... I may not be that well-versed in Atlantean protocols.... yet. But I understand such an information concerning a high ranking member of the royal family..”

                “A besieged member of the royal family...” Mera interjected while also observing the exchange.

                “Yes, considering the events prompting his evacuation and the rehabilitation of a great part of the palace... I understand this is a matter between sovereigns... and if this treaty signing goes as scheduled, I intend to meet with the Brine King personally then...”

                Arthur did not need to hear it but he sensed Mera’s immediate discomfort at his last words. On the other hand, the Brine-man/person seemed to be appeased by this turn of events. He then look to the council representative to his left and handed him a document. “This is the final approved treaty changes. You will find most are already in the treaty as it is... Your Highness, the Brine King looks forward to speaking with you as equals.” He then moved as if to bow to Arthur and upon the latter’s nod, he left the throne room. Shortly after, the council representative having quickly scanned the document made his goodbyes and bows to Arthur and Mera and endeavoured to have the treaty’s final form on the King’s table by end of the day.

                When it was clear that they were alone, Mera stood and glided slowly to the room’s viewing deck. Arthur watched her with a slight tilt of his head and a small smile then he got up and followed her.

                Mera spoke her eyes scanning the blue horizon, “I know you are King and even before all this...” she lifted her left hand waving it in the water “... you are willful. I just wished you’d told me you’re thinking about meeting the Brine King this soon...” at this thought she had turned to face Arthur and looked at his face. “The Brine are as prickly and as stubborn as they come... even King Orvax had not intended to...”

                Arthur took her hand in his and this stopped Mera’s train of thought. “It’s true there’s so much I don’t know yet about this..” and he mimicked Mera’s earlier action with his other hand prompting a small smile from her... “and you know, most of the time I go about things by my gut.. and with what is happening here—the attack on Orm, the palace itself... I am grateful that I have you by my side.” At this Mera let Arthur pull her closer and he placed his lips on her forehead. A gesture of affection not common in Atlantis, Arthur learned early on, but Mera seemed to enjoy it as she leaned closer into him.

                “Besides, I don’t think you’d let me go there by myself.. and without ample preparations.” 

                “True.”

                At Mera’s brief response, Arthur slightly pulled his head back to look at her with that small but mirthful smile. “What was that? Did I hear you right?”

                Mera shook her head and smiled, “I think it’s already a known fact that I am not entirely averse to some of your choices as King now...”

                “Some?”

                “Yes, some...” The couple parted as Mera lightly swam to another panel of window. “...my father is glad you had let me help in Xebel. There are still much to be done but, most of the unease from the court there has been addressed...”

                “Good... that is good.” He cleared his throat. “... Mother has been busy as well trying to understand the last twenty years under King Orvax’s as well Orm’s rules...”

                “Maybe I can help her there too...” The look of honest eagerness on Mera’s face lifted Arthur’s weary spirit.

                “Thank you... you have no idea, Mera... thank you.”

Chapter Text

                     Blood begets blood.

                     After reading and re-reading King Orvax’s account of his revenge on Atlanna and her allies, Atlanna began looking for even older texts hoping that the departed king had overlooked some important writings about Atlan’s genealogy and the nature of a bloodbound oath. In truth, she doesn’t know what to look for as her own memories were made up of stories and sayings passed on to her by her own mother, grandmother and grandfather. Atlanna has spent hours in the library only taking breaks for food and of course to spend time to talk with Arthur, who still refuses to tell her where he took his brother after that... that dreadful attack. She could not blame him for that decision, she would have done the same but she also prayed to the gods that Arthur be more discerning than her in that regard. Secrets, no matter how good-natured, were her own undoing.

                     “Majesty...” It was Mera standing by the doorways and already bowing her greeting.

                     “Mera, my dear... come join me...” Atlanna gestured with her hand and Mera glided towards her and seated next to her.

                     “What is all these? Arthur told me you have been reading so many old texts... may I help you?

                     At the words, Atlanna smiled and looked at Mera’s face. She sighed and a full minute passed before she spoke. “There is more to Atlantis than all these wonders and inventions... do you still remember some of the stories I told you and Orm when you were smaller?”

                     “Yes... nursery rhymes and fairy tales.. legends that never fail to bring us to sleep.” Mera chuckled. She was about to laugh some more at a memory of Orm falling off the couch when something in Atlanna’s eye made her stop. “..they are mere legends, right? Well.. except for the...” Mera stopped herself and only a slight mirth lingered in  her eyes “... the Lost Trident of Atlan..”

                     Atlanna got up and gently swam towards a nearby shelf full of books. She glided from side to side as if contemplating how to begin... how to explain this whole endeavor she has undertaken for her sons.

                     “Mera... I know you love my son, Arthur and before that have an affection for Orm.. I would like to believe that in that brief time I was with you here, you have felt a similar care for me even though I am not your mother...”  Atlanna saw immediately the look of happy tears in Mera’s eyes that her words had struck. “I am going to tell you a story, I have told you this before... I don’t know if you remember but if you wish to help me, this is where we begin...” Atlanna returned to her seat and with a wave of her hand, the library doors closed and locked and it’s as if they were enclosed in a bubble... “... the words are exactly as told to me by my mother and her mother before and our great grandfather... along the line of Atlan...”

                     At the time before The Fall, before Atlantis coveted wings, she drew her strength from the earth. She build monuments and constructed wonders deeply rooted, unshakeable. She was a star shining bright looking up to the heavens. No other realm could surpass her beauty but she secured her power through blood...  and it is through blood that she will lose it all...

Chapter Text

     Personal Journal of Dr. Stephen Shin

     Date: xx-xx-xxxx

     Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean onboard “The Leviathan”

                     “It has been almost five months since the attack in Atlantis. The ion energy blast ripped off a good part of the main palace, which I already consider a success. The technology was experimental at best at that time and it almost depleted our reserves for the egress sans detection from the Atlantean Defense Forces. “The Leviathan” (my own christening) and her cloaking mechanism was also a surprise—that it worked then, honestly.”

                     Dr. Shin paused to re-read his notes. This is the first time in a long time that he was able to open his logbooks for a semblance of reflection on what has happened and continues to happen, now that he is achieved his lifelong dream of “Finding Atlantis.” Everything happened so fast but now, he felt the need to take advantage of the quiet.

                     “David is a revelation. I supposed it reflects more on my biases that I make this statement; having known him first as a mere pirate and now, as the weeks turned into months, I personally bear witness to the brilliant and cunning mind behind all his group’s plunder.”

                     “Plunder--- since we have met I already noted his obsession with Aquaman.  Riches and cargo from vessels took a backseat when he realized who I was and the knowledge I could impart and he could use for his personal crusade. I admitted early on that although I spoke of my beliefs publicly and so strongly, what I had were mostly hypothesis and conjectures. Despite that massive tsunami and a significant air time given to me by mainstream media, no one of significant import believed in me... until David.”

                     “Hence, with my life’s worth of research and study and David’s access to resources and some bit of Atlantean technology, we began this journey. It is now a year to the day that we had struck this bargain.”

                     “But, I don’t think David remembers at all. After the experimental attack on the Palace and weeks of no news as to Atlantis’ reaction, David was livid. I listened to him rant for days as he concluded that Aquaman and/or none of Aquaman’s loved ones were harmed or killed from the attack. The silence from the realm seemed to push him to the edge that on the next scouting mission where, as I deduced, a possible stronghold and armaments bay may have been hidden or buried by the ages, David recklessly entered a chamber and a cave-in separated us.”

                     “For a moment, we thought that was his end; that this obsession had taken him to his grave in the underbelly of an ancient underwater fortress. But a few moments passed and a blast of eerie green light cleared the rocks and debris to reveal a bleeding David but the Black Manta reborn with what I can only describe as a Black Trident and behind him, a hidden passage to a storage twice the size of The Leviathan containing what initial study revealed a powerful energy source, not so different from our present fossil fuels.”

                     “As we began to study and understand how to use this fuel, this energy that (as fate would seem) also powers The Leviathan the same way as its original energy source, I felt the old David was back again. He was re-enervated and that same mind and cleverness that first instilled my faith in the success of this endeavor returned. Until...”

                     A thud outside his door interrupted Dr. Shin’s typing. “Who is it?” There was no answer.

                     “I did not think much of it at that time but in the next weeks that followed the finding of the fuel which we now call “Oricalchum” from the inscribed Atlantean letters my team found on the ruins had learned to decipher using runic texts and other ancient symbols known to modern linguists—I noted David has began cutting his palms. Only small, a bit shallow ones but I know they’re there and when he noticed that I noticed he quickly pulled his hand back and began wearing gloves--- indoors.”

                     The sound of the morning alarm startled Dr. Shin and he began typing more quickly.

                     “I do not know for sure what all these means but after completing the designs for new weapons, he became more withdrawn and stayed in his rooms for hours on end. Sometimes, when his door is ajar, I could catch a glimpse of him seemingly in a trance, as if listening to something with that Black Trident before him. He would not let anyone touch it let alone near that thing, so I could not study its nature or composition—whether it’s anything like the tridents I saw held by Aquaman and even his brother known as Orm on the news back in the day. Yesterday, though I passed by his room as I was returning to the research bay and I am certain I heard David talking to someone. He was talking to someone in there but I know no one is allowed in his room ever. I did not dare look or peek despite my curiousity...”

                     The sounds of the morning crew shuffling just beyond his door told Dr. Shin that he would have to end his notes now. He saved the file on his external drive and locked it with his own encryption. As he closed the window and opened the files for his current research, he could not help but pause and close his eyes to rest. But, almost immediately the comforting dark of his vision was filled by a quick picture of David’s face—contorted in fury and his eyes, those eyes... – He was forced to open his eyes abruptly. Dr. Shin is also certain in the same way he was so sure that Atlantis existed that those eyes, they were not David’s at all.

Chapter Text

To die, to sleep;

To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause—there's the respect

That makes calamity of so long life.[1]

                     The days with having a house guest proved not to be as tedious as Lena anticipated. After Arthur’s last visit, she and Orm began to form a routine of sorts as the days bled to weeks. Lena would wake up to her alarm or even before that and would take a quick walk on the cliffs and shoreline, sometimes she would swim in the waters—warm in her skin even early in the morning. For the first few days, it would be just her watching the sunrise by the shore or as she swam feeling the stability of her barriers until she was no longer alone.

                     Orm joined her morning ritual about a week after Arthur’s visit. He was quiet only murmuring a “good morning”  and though she would start her walk or jog along the shore, Orm would stay behind his eyes on the horizon. When she goes to the water, that is when he actually joins her. Lena supposed he missed the water, so eventhough a part of her was weary of the idea, she did not stop him. She watched him go under and glide just beneath the surface. Orm was wearing a suit not so different from the one he was wearing when he first arrived with Arthur. Lena guessed there were suits in the duffel bag Arthur brought with him then. As she swam alongside and a few meters away from Orm, she found herself watching his movements. Like his brother and perhaps other Atlanteans, his body was obviously built for speed in the water. Lena’s eyes hovered over his toned shoulders and back and concluded that he is not so hard on the eyes. A thought that she tried (much too hard for her comfort, mind you) to quickly keep out of her mind with a shake of her head and several throat clearings.

                     Orm, for his part, already made up his mind about Lena the first morning he watched her swimming. If he found her attractive on land, she was magnificent in the water. She cuts through the current smoothly but he could tell from her speed that she’s holding back perhaps scanning the waterline the way she would the cliffs earlier. He wondered how long she had been doing this being able to move that swiftly and systematically. He should ask her about that. He really should talk to her more. Try and get to know her.. Arthur’s voice echoed prompting Orm to dive deeper into the water hoping the sensation will knock him back to his senses.

                       The first time he zoomed out unto the open sea, a few days later, she yelled in shock.

                     “Hey!” The sound was more of a warning than surprise. Lena was not sure how Orm will react to the barriers and vice versa; he was headed to one at full speed it seemed. She felt the impact rather than saw it and was already racing towards him.

                     “Are you alright?” She didn’t think much of it but hearing herself underwater was an otherworldly experience.  “Well... wow. Hi!” Lena started shaking as she tried to stop herself from laughing.

                     Orm seemed just as surprised. His contact with the barrier still sending odd vibrations throughout his body but hearing her giggles and seeing her trying to stop herself from laughing sent another wave of feelings heightened even more when Lena moved closer and touched him.

                     “... Are you alright?” She repeated, the laughter gone leaving just the barest hint of smile in her eyes. She had gently crossed the threshold of the barrier as if it was nothing. “I did not know it would do that to you... were you hurt?”

                     “...No. Just.. uh...”  Pull yourself together, man. For a minute, Orm was at a loss for words. He can’t seem to get past the feeling of Lena’s hand on his chest. Her motions just flowed so smoothly it’s as if she has always touched him like this while he felt himself lean to her closer. He looked at her finally and said, “... just a bit shaken but I am alright.”  

                     Orm is clearly in his element, that much is obvious to Lena as she felt his closeness and though a part of her tells her to, she simply could not take her hand off him. She was staring back at him as he assured her that he is unhurt and this should be her sign to... step? float backwards away from him. But, that did not happen. Instead, they kept on talking while hovering this close to each other.

                     “How did I feel to you?” Orm caught himself “..I mean, how did my contact with your barrier feel?”

                     “hmm... I..” Lena turned her eyes on her hand still placed on Orm’s chest then looked back up to his face, “... it’s a sense more in my head like an alarm... faint... but I guess since you were at full speed I was more concerned you’ll get hurt...”

                     “You thought I might not get through it?” the question was so soft, Orm’s voice seemed lower and his stare intense. Lena finally willed herself to move backward. She looked up and saw how far from the surface they were.

                     “Would you look at that, the sun’s really up... water’s getting warmer than usual...” She was smiling hoping to hide the distress she has began to feel from realizing how long they were being so close to each other just minutes before. “Time to go back.. we need breakfast.”

                     Orm, for his part, let out a breath. “.. Yes. I’m right behind you.”

                     As Lena prepared to swim back to the shore, she looked at him again as he spoke with a tiny smirk.  “Truly..” reassured she swam away but at this, Orm realized Lena doesn’t remember how to fly in the water like Atlanteans have been accustomed to. At this thought, Orm smiled with a glint of mischief to himself perhaps he could teach her.  

                     The rest of day Lena would do her usual errands and on some of them, she would bring Orm along. They were able to go to the market and grocery store as well as drop by the lighthouse a couple of times. For the former, Orm was an eager student and learner; beginning to identify and appreciate the various household and food items he has been using through his stay. For the latter, not so much. For the life of him, upon setting sight on the house where his mother lived a whole other life-- so very different from theirs-- Orm could not muster the strength to enter the gate. Tom would call out to him and at one point went to him as he stood by the truck trying to invite him in but he couldn’t move. Tom was gracious enough not to push. He would bring him a bottle of beer and stand with him by the gate while Lena took the time to scan the horizon atop the lighthouse.

                     “ She started coming by five years ago after John died.” Orm turned his head to Tom, Lena never mentioned her adoptive parents name to him ever. Tom was watching Lena who was already going down the side ladder. He continued, “...her father passed a year after her mom, Marsha.”  He then looked straight at Orm. His eyes soften and wistful look flitted on his face very quickly.

                     “Thank you, Tom.” Orm was handing back the empty beer bottle while Lena was already a few steps away.

                     “All clear for now, Tom.” She made a gesture with her two fingers touching  a little bit to the side of her forehead. This always makes Tom snicker, “What’s the point of that handheld I gave you if you still show up here to my end of the cliffs every damn day?” Lena laughed too and hugged Tom goodbye.

                     In the evenings after dinner, they would take turns cleaning up after. The chore was not that difficult to learn for Orm which had him wondering why Lena was so ecstatic that he was trying to learn to do it. It was the least he could do considering their living arrangement. Usually, Lena would enter her bedroom to retire for the night. Orm often does the same but recently, he would stand by the small landing before entering the living room to watch the waters. To his surprise—more at himself for not realizing it--- it has been almost six weeks since Arthur last visited.

                     Lena gasped herself awake.

                     She took deep calming breaths as she tried to bring her heartrate down to normal. She closed her eyes tightly then opened them again as if by doing so the remnants of the dream ( was it a dream or a memory?) would stay still in her mind. Still long enough for her record it; to write it down... Lena quickly grasped around her bedside table for her pen and journal; she touched her lamp which flickered to life and bathed her in a pale yellow hue. She desperately began writing down words... names? ..sounds she could recall.

                     Daughter, my daughter.. a man’s voice, Father?

                     Fire in water? How is that possible?

                     Pain, blood, sorrow... wailing. A woman’s hand on the ground... Mother?

                     That symbol... again, that symbol... and a name, word? Obex..

                     Lena is not much of an artist but she tried anyway; sketching, shading... outlining as many images her mind would allow her to remember before they all fade again.

                 She dropped her pen and stared at the symbol. She stared until, somehow, her mind slowed down but her heartbeat is still elevated. Lena’s eyes darted to her closet, what was her parents’ closet. She got up and opened the closet door. She gently set a pile of her clothes aside and found what she was looking for. Something she knew was there these many years. As she took the old bag out and laid it on the bed, Lena unzipped it and knowing what was inside, pulled it out and also placed it on the bed—laid out for her to see that the symbol she now clearly saw in her dream etched delicately on the suit she was wearing the day her parents found her. Lena’s vision flooded by their faces bright as day when she opened her eyes still stinging from the bright light and her chest still heaving from breathing dry air.

                Why is this happening now? Lena hears her mind scream reeling from some realization she has yet to understand. She did not notice her knees buckling under her as she ended up sitting on the floor by the bed. She placed her head on the side of the mattress as her shoulders slowly began to shake in time with the muted sobs she hoped only she could hear.

                 For the first time in a really long time, Lena wept.

[1] Hamlet’s Soliluquy by William Shakespeare

Chapter Text

                The dream always begins the same way.

                “I am not leaving you!”  But no matter how hard he lifted the torpedo would not budge and the seawater was rising much too fast.

                “Go... you need to live so you can kill that son of a bitch!” But he pretended not to hear; he still refused to leave him.

                For the first time in his life, David saw fear in his father’s eyes. But along with the fear; a sadness. Were there tears? He could not remember, there was seawater everywhere. Then, as in the many times he had seen this memory, his father lifted his hand from the water showing him the AED they had just pillaged from their last mission.

                “No. No...” David would plead to his father but the latter only looked at him as he armed the device, its sides blinking red.

                “No... damn you!” The curse words would echo in his mind even as he finally let his hands go of the torpedo, as he turned and ran towards the hatch...

                A moment ago, we were happy. A moment ago, he was so proud of me.

                David would always wake as that chamber below him explodes. Always on the dot. But the nightmare remained with him. In his waking moments, from the quiet as he worked in his workshop to the booming crash of the waves... always, always at the height of his wrath, his rage... When Orm gave him the technology to craft his weapon, his fury was tainted red from the color of the ion blasts...  Now, however, everything is bathed in green.

                You begged... you begged him for mercy to help your father. The voice mocked him. It was cruel and filled with malice as it let him relive the memory. Oh yes, you loved your father enough to humble yourself before that half-breed... and what did it get you? David can actually feel as that voice, the being who speaks infiltrate his most cherished memories, his hidden fears... even his life’s joys... and to his horror drown them all in a growing cloak of shame. What would your father say to you now... you have all these power but the half-breed still lives.  

                David is already awake, he knows this. This is not a dream, not a nightmare.

                As the slice on his palm refuse to heal leaving a burning pain, he also knows he is still alive.

                For weeks now, he would find himself in places not knowing or remembering how he got there. He would receive reports or responses for Orders he did not utter or recall having made. Even Dr. Shin, his closest ally, began to look at him with apprehension and fear...

                But all these pales to his realization that as the voice lingered and spoke on and on in his head, he is no longer alone in his fury and for better or worse, he will have his revenge.

                Let me tell you a story about my beloved Atlantis... At the time before The Fall, before Atlantis coveted wings, she drew her strength from the earth. She build monuments and constructed wonders deeply rooted, unshakeable. She was a star shining bright looking up to the heavens. No other realm could surpass her beauty but she secured her power through blood...  and it is through blood that she will lose it all...

Chapter Text

Time seems to move differently here in the surface. I had not realized that it has been six weeks since we had heard from Arthur. Of course, I am sure, he is in the middle of a busy time... any new King would be very busy. Most certainly in this unique point in the history of Atlantis. 

Governing Atlantis is a fulltime work. I remember how I had spent every waking moment working and striving for what is best for the Kingdom. Of course, looking back now, I also remember spending a great deal of thought to how to make my father proud of me, especially in my youth. 

Orm paused his writing as he tried to sort out the slight flow of memories from years so long ago. Moments and sounds of himself as a young boy standing before his father under the latter's endless scrutiny.

Step forward, Boy. Orm could taste the bitterness of the last word directed at him. Is that how a King of Atlantis stand? You're not wearing a crown yet but you could barely look up when I call you!!! Look at me, Boy!!!

But as Orm did, as his eyes met his father's, he  heard a resounding slap then felt a stinging pain on his left cheek and the tangy taste of blood on his lip. I will not cry, I will not cry, I will not cry and as he chanted these words in his young mind's voice, the sea carried the stray drops away... and so he looked back at his father's face masking his grief-- for the mother he had lost, for the father he desperately loved and the innocence he did not even know taken from him-- with a face of fury. 

It is only these past months of contemplation that I have come to terms with this. I have been angry almost half my life it seemed but anger, I also know is not enough to sustain anyone or anything worthwhile. Because now, in the clarity of the surface, as I watch the beautiful face of my home from these cliffs... as I begin to find ways to touch her and feel her eyes on me, I find there is more to me than my anger or fury or the losses I mask by them... 

Orm began to feel a struggle within his mind not about the direction of his thoughts that he allowed to flow freely but at the words he needed to describe the draw he feels for Lena.. and like many times before, he was thinking of her again... but a scream from the other room quickly cut Orms reflections and without hesitation, he stood up and rushed out of his bedroom.

He found Lena by the side of her bed. The bedside lamp was barely emitting light into the room. On her bed was what looked like a drawing pad, a pencil and Lena was leaning on what looked like a skinsuit but Orm could barely make it out against he rumpled sheets. Besides, his concern was more on Lena's state, he could not see her face as she placed her head on her arms her hair loose and long covering her but she was sobbing quietly.

"Lena..." Orm softly called out as he slowly approached her lowering himself to his knees as he reached her side.

"Lena... please..." His hand was already reaching to he, a need to touch and to comfort  overwhelm the fear. As his hand touch the side of her arm, Lena quickly lifted her head and turned to him.

Orm knew she heard him since her sobbing had stopped. His hands cupped her face, "Lena... I'm here.." Her eyes were opened but he could not tell yet if she was truly awake. Lena spoke  and to Orm shock, she spoke Atlantean, her eyes were pure green now and she called to him "My Lord..." in a plea, a prayer... To this Orm felt himself move closer their noses almost touching as Lena placed her hand on his shoulder. "my Lord..." she repeated as Orm whispered words he uttered only in his dreams, "My Lady.." he closed the distance between their lips. 

Chapter Text

The journey to the Brine Kingdom lasted seven hours and was thankfully uneventful. It gave Atlanna plenty of time to help Mera for last minute preparations assisting Arthur for his first major and official State Visit as King of Atlantis. This is also very historic for the Seven Seas as this is the first time a sovereign of Atlantis sets foot on Brine Kingdom soil in peacetime. Prior to their departure, Arthur gave a brief but powerful speech before the Council as he expressed before a room full of ardent Atlanteans "his hope and promise that Atlantis comes first and all his actions are towards her survival, progress and a peace between all realms ensured for many generations..." Atlanna will never forget the look of pride on Vulko's face as the hall erupted in applause; a look she is certain she also shares. She now looks out the viewport as she takes the last hours of the trip to rest. Her private quarter's desk now covered with documents and copies of old texts that she could carry as she continued her study of the lost customs. A purple cephalopod affectionately names Topo now accompanies and aids her in her task. Topo was an assistant keeper of tomes in the palace library (amongst his many occupations)  who was able to retrieve the oldest script Atlanna was searching for. Since then, the tentacled and monocled scholar ad not left her side when she enters the library.

"What do you think, Topo?" Atlanna spoke still looking out of the window watching endless blue space.

Topo paused its movements and looked at the Queen. His knowing eyes focused and caught her slight reflection on the viewport's glass. 

"Yes. I hope that the King will allow us to see their Archives.. and yes, Topo... it is beyond luck if the missing texts are there... but we have to try... I have to try... for my sons' sake." As she said this, Atlanna was already looking at Topi directly. To this, the keeper seemed to bow his head in agreement and the two proceeded in their reading.

The last half hour of the trip was signalled by the Captain over the vessel's comms. By then, the delegation is already set for disembarkation and everyone is in their designated posts. From the platform, the welcoming group from the Brine Kingdom could be seen also assembled by the landing pods. There were about twenty members all in all while several Brine soldiers stood at attention in key places each bearing a variety of weapons and arms fit to their appearance.

Brine citizens are often called "crabmen" by surface dwellers and Atlanteans alike due to their close resemblance to the crustaceans. This, of course, is a hasty generalization and an unfortunate slur deeply abhorred by the realm. Upon closer and a bit deeper interaction, most Brine citizens still bear a remarkable resemblance to other Atlanteans save for a growth of shell or hardened skin here or there. A result of decades of evolution adapting to the cruel depths. 

Atlanna watched as Arthur greeted and was welcomed by the Ambassador who was leading the assembly. Mera was standing next to Arthur offered a token which was received by Great Emissary, the highest ranking official from the Brine Court. This exchange is detailed in the program agreed upon by both nations. Atlanna also gave a small bow as she was acknowledged Queen Mother and then their delegation began to move towards what looked like three enormous clams which began quaking and moving as they approach. As the shells give way as gates do when they open to visitors, for the first time even before the Fall, the Blood of Atlantis enters the realm of the Brine. 

Chapter Text

The entirety of the realm known as The Brine Kingdom or Asgad Tubig in their old tongue is actually deep into the underground caverns of the ocean floor. Passages ranged from narrow crevices to hollowed out bypasses taller than ten storey surface buildings. But for Arthur, the wonder of these technological yet ancient structures is outshone by the brilliance of what initially looked like lights embedded in the stone walls of the underground city... but as the Ambassador narrated the history and founding of the Great Inner City, Arthur heard Mera’s small gasp as these “lights” were revealed as various gems, jewels and diamonds grew in size as they go deeper into the realm.

But the true wealth and riches that power and sustain the kingdom lies much deeper almost in its core.

“Your Highness, we wish to inquire whether you and your delegation would rather have some time for rest before commencing with the proceedings?” The voice of the Great Emissary was calm and rather soothing but as they—Mera, the Queen and himself-- had agreed upon, Arthur smiled at her and responded, “... the offer is much appreciated, but if it is not much trouble, I would like to proceed with our historic endeavour.” To this, the Great Emissary gave a bow and gestured towards the right pathway.

“Of course, Your Sovereign... but you cannot bring your entire group into the Hall of the King. Perhaps, those who are not... crucial to the proceedings could be escorted to the Banquet and should some desire for entertainment or respite, our ushers are all here to guide them...”

 “No problem.”  The Atlantean delegation broke off into several groups. Arthur, Mera and Atlanna together with two members of the the Council and two guards followed the Great Emissary on to enter the Hall of the King. The other groups were lead by Brine ushers to various directions towards the Banquet and presumably the suite for their stay during the visit.

The Hall of the King is not as large as Arthur imagined but it has a gargantuan feel to it—like being swallowed by a Great White Whale.   

 “King Arthur of Atlantis.” The Brine King’s voice boomed unto the austere chamber. “It is an honor to welcome the blood of Atlan in these our humble but hallowed halls.”

The Treaty signing took place beneath a large white orb at the center of the Hall of the King. The orb emanates what looked light moonlight to Arthur which is a puzzle since he is certain they are not less than twenty storey below the ocean floor. As if reading his mind, the Brine King spoke, “.. that orb contains about a hundred glowing jelly fish... took about three months to gather just for this ceremony...”  

“It’s beautiful.” Mera spoke while looking at the lights.

“Utter nonsense, if you ask me...” the Brine King scoffed. To which, Arthur snorted and began laughing. Then, the Brine King’s shoulders started shaking and his cackles echoed throughout the chamber. There was an uneasiness and tension in the room as the delegates from both Kingdoms stared and were stunned by the sight of the two Kings laughing uncontrollably after signing the treaty papers.

Had it not been for the ocean water surrounding them, Arthur’s eyes were probably watery from the act. Somehow, the coming conversation with the Brine King seemed less daunting obviously aided by the unexpected levity. They were still in good spirits with Arthur still smiling as the Brine King had placed his claw on his shoulder.

“Now, child of Atlan, let us speak of your wayward brother... just between us-- sovereigns.”

Chapter Text

Atlanna and Mera found themselves inside the Brine Kingdom’s Chambers of Histories. As fate (or sheer luck) would have it, Topo met another similarly ranked and inclined cephalopod, Kauri. As Arthur and the Brine King proceeded into the latter’s personal chamber after the treaty signing, Atlanna was able to respectfully ask an usher for assistance in obtaining formal consent to access the Kingdom’s Library or similar. At first,t here was resistance and vague responses from several palace officers, until it was Topo who quietly asked the Queen to “Allow me, to try, Your Highness, my Lady...” He gestured small bows to Atlanna, then Mera and then he glided to a hollowed out corridor leaving the two women to wait. Some minutes later, Topo returned with Kauri in tow.

Kauri seemed to belong to the same species as Topo but slightly smaller in size and her color much lighter—perhaps she is younger than Topo and her coloring is dictated by the location of her work. She is the caretaker and warden of the Chambers of Histories and as Atlanna realized—an ardent teacher of history as well.

“Many view the Brine Kingdom as primitive or worse, just more coherent creatures of the Trench...” Kauri’s thoughts projected to Atlanna’s and Mera’s while Topo silently pile texts and rolls of parchments he had gathered from the chambers’ tall shelves that surrounded the table Kauri had set for them. “But obviously now, you see we also keep and acknowledge our history as treasure... “

“My most heartfelt gratitude, Kauri.. for letting us see these trove of wonders...” Atlanna spoke with her heart, “...I do hope this will not get you into trouble with the King or the palace?” To this, Kauri seemed to tilt her head to the side and if she had lips, she’d probably be smirking. “...as I said, my Queen, we are full of surprises here...” Kauri and Topo swam up to the top shelves of the Chambers to peruse for more relevant texts  for their query.

Now, alone in their study, Mera spoke softly as she began unrolling the parchments. “.. where do we begin here? And as for surprises, we didn’t do all those preparations with Arthur just to be caught offguard like tuna tangled in nets, right?” Atlanna saw that filcker of worry in Mera’s eyes as she said these. She could not blame her, of course. The fact that they know that Arthur will be speaking with the Brine King by himself as a sign of good will for the sake of amnesty for Orm hence made every plan for any known outcome doesn’t take away the feeling of unease.

Her thoughts were cut short by Mera, “What is this? Words of the Brine King...” Atlanna scanned the parchment Mera handed to her, “It looks like a journal.. but why is this in their library?”

Balance. The key to our survival. The survival of the Brine Nation, Atlantis, The Fishermen... all of the Seven Seas rests on finding and maintaining balance— the Mother Ocean that cradles us now after our banishment into her arms deserves our utmost attention. It pains me to hear most of my fellow rulers, governors simply blame everything to the surfacers... yes, they are reckless, careless and dangerously ignorant lot but despite this truth, I truly believe that we, children of the Sea must do more thant casting blame and plotting destruction... that kind of thinking is what had brought about the Fall in the first place...

Atlanna noticed Mera was staring at the paper she was reading.They had been reading paragraphs of the Brine King’s reflections for several hours already “... this parchment, its ancient, isn’t it?”

“... the seal is of the old Brine Nation, yes... it’s supposed to be centuries’ old..” Atlanna responded.

“.. but why does this Brine King sounds awfully lot like the King Arthur is talking to right now...”

The two women’s eyes shot towards the doors of the Chambers as they heard a slamming sound.

“It’s because I wrote that... All of that.” The Brine King was standing by another doorway, his hand and giant claw on his waist. Behind him was Arthur with a slight frown on his face as his eyes landed on Mera and then Atlanna his eyes widen in surprise.

“Your Highness, we can explain... we apologize if this is such an intrusion...” Mera immediately spoke with head on a slight bow.

“Nonsense! Kauri!!!” the King bellowed... he stepped closer to them and Arthur was just a few feet hovering behind him. “It will take you forever, reading all that... I have the pertinent volume over here...”  As he said this, Kauri arrived with several rolled parchments in her tentacles and as she approached his majesty, one tentacle extended bearing a roll bound in shiny circlet.

The King turned his eyes on Atlanna, at first she saw in them, menace then to her surprise it was replaced with a look that she can only describe as sorrow. “Blood of Atlantis... everything begins and ends with you...”

Chapter Text

The first thing Lena notices is how quiet the morning is. Then, she felt the warm and strong arm holding unto her body and as she opened her eyes slowly she found herself looking at Orm’s sleeping face. Before she knew it, she had began touching the side of his face, ever so gently and lightly caressing his hair as her mind allowed her to recall what happened hours before.

She’s overwhelmed by all the sounds and images flashing uncontrollably now. Closing her eyes, putting her head down on her arms on the bedside doesn’t seem to help. She heard shouts, cries and words that did not make sense to her. ‘You have to leave, Catlena... you have to go!’  The symbol kept on flashing as if searing itself unto her brain.

“Lena!”  The voice was so soft but it was clear to her and wonders of wonders her mind suddenly went quiet. She opened her eyes and turned towards the voice. The room was barely lit but she still saw him standing by the door. It was Orm. She knew it was him and then he was kneeling before her, “Lena, please...” his hand reaching out and touching her. She doesn’t know what it is about hearing him say her name like that and seeing and feeling his hand on her skin. ‘Mo Thiarna...’ the words burned from her chest wanting to burst out. “Lena, I’m here...” and the words were out, “Mo Thiarna...” her hands holding on to Orm shoulder. She could see the surprise on his face when he heard her call the words to him. Words she remembered among other things as the days passed since his coming into her life. “Mo Thiarna..” My Lord, she repeated and the shock on Orm’s face morphed into something else. The blue in his eyes shimmered as he leaned closer to her  “A bhean choir...” The responding endearment to hers. My Lady then he kissed her.

Lena has never kissed anyone before and so she doesn’t know what to do or if she’s doing anything wrong and all she could do was kiss him back... it’s all she wants to do. Orm’s hands moved from cupping her face to gently sliding down to her arms as she leaned closer unto him not letting go of his shoulders. Orm slightly parted their lips prompting Lena to open her eyes and catch her breath. Their eyes met. “Hi..” 

“Tell me to stop...” As Orm said this, Lena could only stare at his lips, a gesture he did not miss and confirmed when it was Lena who surged forward urging him own. She slightly parted her lips and Orm seemed of the same mind as his did the same and she felt his tongue tentatively graze hers and they deepened their contact. Lena could not help the soft moans that escaped her and the responding sounds from Orm that tell her he is just as engrossed by this moment. As she felt her chest pressed on his and as  her thoughts become are overrun, it was Orm who barely managed to break the spell. “Lena...”

Lena remembered that instant; that moment when reality seemed to rush back in. “I’m sorry..” she gasped slightly moving her face away from Orm’s. They were still by the bedside holding each other with her right hand lightly placed on his nape, her fingers caressing and playing with his hair. “So sorry...” She felt Orm hold on to her tighter and his hand on her cheek, “Hey.. don’t say that...don’t apologize...” Lena leaned unto his hand drawn to the comforting touch. She looked up to his eyes and he was looking at her with such a soft and warm gaze she couldn’t stand it. “..Can you stand up?” He whispered to which she could barely nod unsure if her knees would not buckle but he was already helping her and lifting her up guiding her steps backward unto the bed. “You should get some sleep... let me...” as she sat on the covers, Orm began clearing the things on her bed—the pad, the pens and he touched her suit and saw the symbol... “... do you want to talk about it?” His voice was so gentle but there was a firmness in his tone that Lena felt assured somewhat. She gestured to her side table which was where Orm placed everything then she spoke.. “maybe later... Orm...” the meekness in her voice frightened Lena but he was already by her side. “What do you need? Tell me.” Orm was already holding her hand and as she placed her other hand on his Lena said, “Stay with me, please.” She fell asleep some time later with Orm holding her with her back to him. The warmth of his body and the sound of his breathing and heartbeat lulled her to sleep. Now, as she plays with his hair watching his face, Lena’s embarassment from last night’s “incident” came crashing back. “Oh gods, what am I going to do with you?” The immense feeling of shyness was slightly diminished by the subtle lifting of the corners of Orm’s mouth. But, his eyes were still closed and letting him think she did not notice, Lena gently lifted his arm from her waist and whispered, “... I think I’ll just make breakfast. It’s going to be a long day...” her voice was light and oddly, despite her disturbing dream last night, Lena actually felt less lost than she had ever felt these many years.

Lena had just pushed the button to start the coffeemaker and had just placed the toast on plates. “Let me help you with that..” He was already holding the plates and setting them on the table. Lena got the glasses and joined Orm. “Thanks. Let’s eat.”

“What’s the plan today?” The two started eating breakfast. Orm got up to get their coffee and instead of sitting across from Lena like usual, he sat down next to her moving closer. He offered a cup to her and Lena took it carefully. “... a couple of errands and I have something to show you today.” Lena doesn’t know how but the touching and hand holding just seemed second nature now with Orm. As they finish their coffee, her thoughts move back to her things set on her bedside table and as she fixed her her mind to her barriers she was called back by a tender squeeze on her hand. Orm was already placing a kiss on her knuckle. At the feel of his lips on her skin, Lena knew then, her decision is made.

Chapter Text

Orm carried the basket and bag and placed them in the backseat while Lena was locking the door of the house. He watched and waited for her as she walked towards him and the car and before she turned to get to the driver’s side, he stepped forward and held her hands with his, gently pulled her closer to a hug just because he felt like it. Back in Atlantis, in what feels like another life, Orm would never have done let alone think of acting anything like this. But then, looking back, when would he have the time to feel anything remotely close to what he is feeling now. He felt Lena relaxed into his embrace and her arms snake around his waist. “This is nice.” Orm didn’t speak and just placed his lips on her forehead. It was Lena who leaned back a little and eyes up to his and said, “...we have to go or will be too sunny...” At this he loosened his grip on her and let her get to the driver’s side of the car. He sat on the passenger seat and without any reminders, buckled up. Lena’s eyes were looking ahead as they drove unto the main road.

They turned right on the main highway which told Orm that this is not going to be an ordinary errands day. For a moment, he looked at Lena who is still looking unto the road ahead then he just watched the view from his window—the glimmering ocean waters, beautiful and enticing as always. He felt them speeding up as they go higher and further up from the beach. “Amnesty Bay is actually a cove.” The view of the sea was temporarily blocked by trees and large rocks  Lena spoke. “Several miles too long for people notice but Tom’s lighthouse and my parents’ cliffs almost parallel each other facing the sea... so when you sent that wave to us...”  The car slowed down and made a right to a dirt road and a few meters on, Lena parked the car and turned off the engine. Orm did not know what to say to her last statement. The wave, the death of the FisherKing, his quest to be Ocean Master, the battle with the Brine Kingdom... it all seemed part of another dream so long ago. But the heaviness of it all bore unto his being that he was frozen in his seat. “Orm, we’re here...” Lena placed her hand on his shoulder then his cheek. “Hey, don’t go all weepy on me now, Majesty.” A smirk forming on her lips. Orm exhaled and unbuckled, “I was just thinking... I am trying to remember...” He took Lena’s hand and held on. She looked at his face for a minute, seemed searching for something and then “... Join me, let’s do that together..” They went out of car, took the basket and bag and made their way to the cliffs.

Underwater cliffs and ravines are not uncommon in the Seven Seas. When he was younger, before his mother was sacrificed to the Trench, she would bring him and sometimes, Mera to one of her favorite places—her “secret places” she used to call them. One of them was an overlooking cliff an hour’s ride from the Palace. It was so high up he always thought if he’d jump high enough he’d be able to peek at the surface. He’d jump and jump and jump while his mother and Mera laughed heartily.

The wind was blowing quite hard as they walked to the clearing. The place was green with all the grass and small flowers littered the ground between stones and pebbles. “I can see everything from here...” Lena pointed towards the sea, “... straight across the shipping lanes... to the south... and in the right light I can watch Tom change the dials of this lighthouse through that tiny window...” She then looked at Orm and said, “.. down on that beach, that was where my parents found me... This is where Lena was born.” 

Orm placed an arm on Lena’s shoulders and pulled her close. She placed her arms around his middle and leaned her head on his chest. It was his turn to speak, “... I was eleven when my father had my mother executed for her betrayal. She was sacrificed to the Trench and my father had me watched as she was thrown down that bottomless precipice.” Everytime he remembered, an ache causes him to catch his breath. “A few weeks later, I tried to run away.. away from my father, away from the palace... just away. I thought maybe I could find my brother, my other family... maybe, somehow, I can have a piece of my mother again. But...” Lena straightened a bit but she did not let him. When he looked at her, her gaze was still on the waters, “... but before I could reach the borders, my father’s guards caught up with me. I was taken to the dungeons. My cell was so dark, I could not tell what time of day it was or how many days I was there... but everyday my father would visit me. He would open a small slat at the cell’s door, a sliver of light would enter the cell and for an hour every single day he would scold me... he would remind me that everything that’s happened was because of my mother... and I was as dirty as her for even thinking of leaving for the surface... the very thing that corrupted her...”

He felt her hands cup his face and her gentle pull to face her. “..Orm.” The sorrow in her eyes seemed too much for him to bear and he tenderly held her wrists “... I need to say this. I need you to understand this part of me...”  Lena sighed and nodded but she motioned for them to sit down by the rocks still with a clear view of the sea. Lena sat on the grass while Orm sat on a large boulder facing each other. Orm turned towards the waters again, “... I don’t remember how long he did that to me. But, I could not forget the rage that began to burn in me... I had lost all my tears at that point and no matter that I dreamt of my mother every time I slept I always awake to a world where she was gone and I...” He stood up prompting Lena to look up at him. He stepped towards the edge of the cliff and turned to face her, “... I didn’t want to die in that cell. I was eleven but somehow, in that darkness, I knew that it could not be my end. That I could hate my mother, my brother, the surface... and even my father and live with all that hatred... and fury... so, I did.” His fists were clenched as he said this, “... I spent every waking moment since being freed from that cell showing my father what he needed to see; that my mother’s memory be completely removed from all of Atlantis, that the end of the surface-dwellers is nigh; that Atlantis will rise to her true and rightful glory...  until it was all I breathed and lived for...” Lena stood up then and walked towards Orm stopping right in front of him. “When I commanded for that wave, I toasted the ruin and beginning of the eradication of this realm... I reveled in it... and prayed that it washed away every remnants of that boy drowning in that dark cell...”

“I cast my very first barrier that night your wave hit this cove.” Lena closed her eyes as she spoke. “... I was down by the beach and just finished visiting my parents when the waters receded... I knew it was a tidal wave and that I should leave for higher ground but... I just froze. I felt the energy moving towards me, towards the cove... it will destroy everything, even me...” as she recounted, she slowly raised her hands as if reenacting the memory, “I knew I might die just standing there, I remember starting to think that I will... but something in me made me close my eyes... I envisioned a bubble, some kind of dome strong enough to protect me... to protect my cove or at least, my parents’ memory... I kept seeing it in my mind’s eye and I grew deaf from the ocean’s roar then the world around me shook so violently I thought that was it... it was the end but I opened my eyes and I was the under water but I was not wet... my parents’ markers were intact and a part of the beach was enclosed in some kind of circular barrier...” Orm could only gasp outloud as Lena opened her eyes to see they were surrounded by a perfectly spherical barrier. It gleamed in the sunlight and seemed to hinder the bursts of wind without depriving them of air. Lena lowered her arms and the field of clear energy vanished, “.. of course, it only lasted for a while... there was still enough ocean water above me to drag everything back to the sea when I lost focus... I never told anyone that. The first time I remember not being so powerless and lost-- having no idea who I am, where I'm from-- only to fail at it moments later...”

She walked past Orm and moved much closer to the cliffs, “It took me three weeks to rebuild my parents’ markers and more than a month to clean everything up... the next time I made a barrier, I did not think much of it but it's still standing now...” Now, it was Orm’s turn to watch Lena and the urge to reach out to her is beginning to overwhelm him, especially seeing how close she is to the edge. She seemed to feel his turmoil and had a sad smile when she looked back at him. She took his hand and began walking back to the clearing. “Get our things, Orm.. I still have something to show you...”

“Where are we going?” He could not stop himself.

Lena was already moving down to the steps leading to the beach below “...Come on, your Lordship... I want you to meet my parents.”

Chapter Text

No amount of preparation and anticipation could diminish the trepidation growing in Arthur’s mind as he followed the Brine King into the innermost chamber of the Hall of the King. He did not dare to look back on Mera thinking his eyes would betray the thoughts and scenarios racing in his head. Instead, he mustered a small smirk and kept his head high, eyes straight on until he heard the resounding boom of the chamber’s doors signaling that he is indeed on his own now.

“You have courage, I give you that, Atlantean.” The Brine King’s back is still turned towards him, the man-sized crustacean seemed to stare at the wall before him riddled in what looked like thousands of barnacles arranged in an abstract pattern. So, Arthur could not tell whether the words were uttered with a smile or something else.

“I am sure you know that I’m making these things up as I go along...” Humor—grouchy humor—is Arthur’s quick response to most situation, including stressful ones. He heard the King chortled or at least he thought the sound was one.

“We both know that’s not entirely true, King Arthur.” The Brine King finally turned to face him. His eyes were that of a crab’s – two black balls dark as night— leaving Arthur in the dark unable to read him yet.

“Well... what is the point of having all those “diplomatic experts” if I don’t use their counsel, right?”

It seems the Brine King’s turn to watch him, Arthur noted as the former did not respond and instead, gestured towards what looked like a seat next to him and as he said a short thank you and took his seat, the Brine King let out a deep sigh. “.. do you or does the Surface have that expression, “... blood begets blood?” When Arthur did not quickly speak, the armored King continued, “... of course, they do... the oldest civilizations in the world are founded on this.. “saying...”  Arthur was mesmerized as the Brine King moved his hand and claw up to sign air quotes.

“My lord,” Arthur began, “my father taught me and made sure that I learn and appreciate history—mine and the rest of the surface world’s... and from the limited time I was able to study Atlantis’ own history, a thousand years of existence... waging wars at some point is inevitable.”

“In the case of your line, your great family...” But, the King seemed to cut off this train of thought and looked at Arthur’s face. “Where is your brother?”

“He is in exile.” Arthur did not skip a beat. “After the attack that almost killed him and destroyed half of the palace, I personally placed him beyond the reach of any of the Seven Kingdoms. He is still alive and I have no reason to lie to you and I also am not simply protecting him because he is my brother... ” The next words seemed to elude him, “... but.”

“... Yes, yes... but...” The Brine King interjected. “... I am no close friend of the Fishermen or the late Fisherking, and I am certain they have their own demands for justice from your brother... my concern is for my kingdom, my nation... the battle almost a year ago laid waste on the region bordering three territories, not all of them belong to the Brine...” At this point, Arthur stood up as the Brine King gestured towards a large table and on it lay what looked like a map of sorts.

“the point of contact between the armies of Atlantis and Brine was no coincidence...” Arthur took a closer look on the map following the other King’s claw, “... as you can see, my Kingdom survived the Fall only to be buried under the ocean floor and refusing to perish, we evolved accordingly... the same can be said of the Trench though their fate seemed baser than ours.. or so they say...”

Arthur spoke, “... what is this place called?” He was pointing at a very large tract of undersea land that if his understanding is correct, connects to the land mass of Maine directly entwined with the plates bearing the weight of Amnesty Bay.

“... the old names were lost even to me and to my kin but that is the sub-realm of Prekazka, part of Atlantis... known stronghold of one of the oldest bloodlines of Atlantis... Obe-Cosantoir...” The Brine King saw the look on Arthur’s face as the meanings of the words sank in... “Yes... Child of Atlan, I am sure you were given the crash course on the old tongues of Atlantis... not so different from the dead languages of the surface, of your father’s world... Protectors, Guardians of the Blood of Atlantis... known simply to us as Barrier-Makers.”

Before Arthur could ask another question, a light blue cephalopod glided into the room and with no show of fear approached the Brine King's ear as if to softly report a matter of great importance. At this, the King stood straighter, responded with a series of foreign words and waved the cephalopod away.  "... the next that I would say could wait a few more moments... Come my fellow King, your very young eyes reveal that there is so much you need to know... " Arthur could only follow suit as the Brine King moved much too quickly for a being of his size and deeper into the chamber they swam. As the far wall towards which they were going began to crack open, the last bit of their conversation started to claw its way unto Arthur's thoughts. "Protectors, guardians of the blood..." 

"I have a good feeling about her, don't you?"  The look on Orm's face and the feeling of affirmation it brought to his gut...

"I have nowhere else to bring him... he has nowhere else to go..." Lena looked confused, conflicted then a resolve came over her face, "I make no promises, Majesty."

When the bright light from the opened wall subsided, Arthur could see over the Brine King's shoulder, the bewildered faces of Mera and his mother surrounded by a cavern of tomes seeking for answers a part of which he now knows.

Chapter Text

“There is no deceit or any intent to mislead here, Your Majesty.” Atlanna was already bowing low before the Brine King whose eyes never left her. The King’s shoulders heaving seemingly in anger or frustration, she was not sure but she kept her head low with Mera just a few steps behind her also in submission.

“Of course not, child... deceit was never your strong suit...”  He offered his hand and Atlanna took it and gracefully stood up. “Good King, you called me, ‘Blood of Atlantis...’” her tone was unsure.

“I only call you what you are...” The Brine King waved his hand and Kauri locked tentacles with Topo. The two keepers seemed to focus on each other then they were joined by dozens of cephalopods who took the tomes and scrolls scattered around them glided away until the room was as it was when they first entered it. Arthur was already standing next to Mera while they can only watch in awe as the Chambers of History was transformed.

“.. when you told my emissary that you would talk to me personally about Prince Orm, I thought that he will be the only side bar in this state visit.” The Brine King talked to Arthur who turned his head in surprise. “... no Atlantean King had ever dared nor deigned to enter this realm. The only one who did try managed to scratch the borders riding the reins of war... the very travesty I had hoped to at last berate you with today... but... that look on your son’s face, Queen Atlanna when I spoke of the old tongues... and then this ‘search’ of yours for histories deleted or removed from your own archives....” The Brine King’s accent became thicker and his voice louder as he spoke. He then looked upwards prompting the others to do the same and slowly what looked like a map was splayed before them. Atlanna recognized the area depicted therein and spoke, “...My Lord King, this is where the battle between Atlantis and Brine happened... this...” her hand pointed to a symbol etched into the map’s face... “... the borders are not as clearly detailed here but...” The Brine King chimed in, “... as I was telling your son, there are three territories adjutting this map... the area for battle was chosen precisely for this... our army waited here and did not move any further...”

It was Mera who had to ask a question, “This map does not look like the ones in the archives back in Atlantis...” she looked at Arthur, “...those symbols, some I remember from history lessons but this... “her finger joined Atlanna’s hand “... it looks like a crest but not really..” Arthur cleared his throat, “... why did you choose this place for the battle with Orm?”

“Nexus Points, Lord King... the ocean is filled with them but as far as we are aware, there are less than ten much larger and very powerful ones.” When the three Atlanteans simply looked on, the King continued, “... as long as there is the ocean, points of convergences existed... and when the Fall happened, the land mass that was Atlantis covered much sea floor including about five Nexus points and harnessing three of them...”

Arthur asked, “..harnessing how?”

It was Atlanna who explained, “... from what I remember, Atlantis called these ‘portents’ ... windows or doors of power. Myths, really. Stories told to children and youngsters...  “Perhaps,” the King commented, “...but these so called doors of power are also the founts of Oricalchum. Old Atlantis’ source of power and heart of its technology... one of which keeps all this” he waved his hand and claw to motion on their surroundings “...alive.”

“... while the Queen was in banishment about ten years ago, the Nexus powering our city showed signs of disturbance.”

“... what sign?”  Arthur queried.

 “It went dark for a whole week. I immediately sent scouts to its twin located here...” The Brine King’s claw landed on the center of the region he earlier called Obe-Cosantoir. “... before they could leave, the energy returned... the city was safe...”

“Obe-Cosantoir?” Atlanna repeated. “The realm given to the Obex as a reward for acts of loyalty...” The Brine King continued “... and a wedding gift for King Atlan’s granddaughter... your great, great, great ??? ” The Brine King chuckled.

“What does that have to do with Orm?” Mera inquired but her eyes did not leave the symbol—her mind trying to remember every rune or sign she had ever learned growing up in both Atlantis and Xebel.

“... King Arthur has an idea. Yes?”

To this Mera quickly looked at Arthur her eyebrows reaching her hairline. “Arthur?”

“... this area here...” Arthur’s hand swept over the central region of Obe-Cosantoir, “...forms part of the mainland’s continental plate and not farther out here” He gestures outside the borders of the map “.. nestled the Amnesty Bay cove...”   Atlanna met her son’s eyes and as he uttered the words-- the name of her true home—she saw a flicker of what was it... fear? Worry? Hurt?

Kauri silently glided to the Brine King’s side and seemed to whisper something on his ear. “I am informed that the banquet for our dear guests is about to begin in...” He leaned closer to the cephalopod, “... oh, less than half an hour... Apologies, time got away from us... Highness, My Lady... My Lady...”  the King bowed slightly to each of them, “... We will see each other at the banquet... Kauri, please help them..”

Kauri, Topo and three other ushers esorted Atlanna’s party out of the Chamber of History and to their suites. Before she entered her room, Arthur called out to her and held her hand, “...Mother, after the Banquet, I have something to tell you... and several questions you need to answer...” there is a hint of desperation in his voice and Atlanna could not deny him anything.

“Of course, my son...”

Chapter Text

  The face of the cliff is still crumbling a full ten minutes after the initial blast.

  The explosion was glorious—for lack of the better term- but it was the series of sonic booms radiating in succession that had Dr. Shin—Stephern’s eyes fixed on his screen. The energy released by these tests were off the charts.

  “... Imagine the devastation this will wreak on the surface.” David watched the last of the ocean wall crumble into dust effectively flattening the valley. “No one will survive this.” Stephen stared at David as he spoke. He could not help but watch David’s hand tightly grip that black trident.. “Stephen, how much time do you need to ready the assault?” David’s green eyes tore unto Stephen’s “... we are finishing the loading and charging of the Oricalchum... a whole day, David...”   

“Stephen...” the deck was empty as the rest of the crew was working double time at the docks. David’s eyes dimmed back into brown for a minute there as he spoke his name. “What we are about to do, this is not just me getting back at Aquaman for what he did to my father...it’s important you know that.”  He did not respond. He did not know what to say to that. Stephen was also afraid as he note something else was shifting behind the man’s eyes...

“The line of Atlan...” David scoffed and his face seemed to change before his eyes... “... proud, noble, great, anointed...” morphed into a smile that bore no joy only malevolence “damned, cursed... will end.”

“Who are you? What have you done to David?”  Stephen could not stop the quiver in his voice but he refused to cower as he turned to face the man with the trident. The man, who is clearly, not his friend.

“Hmmm...” the voice that came out of David’s mouth and the subsequent words had Stephen transfixed in awe, in fear and in a painful realization.

“I am Kordax and like my brother, Atlan... I was a King by right. A hundred lifetimes ago...” The being inside David was staring into the distance through the Leviathan’s viewport as if seeing and watching a memory in his mind.

“I am the Blood of Atlan—anointed, revered... meant to rule. What a lie!” Eyes wreathed in green flames shot at Stephen’s face “... when I became more powerful, when my Kingdom reached the stars even after The Fall... my own brother could not stand it... he betrayed me and tried to destroy his own kin...”

“... everything I held dear, everyone in my realm destroyed and forgotten. My own flesh and blood...”

Stephen had no idea who this being was but he knows enough of pseudo-Atlantean history and culture to recognize that he and David have found themselves in the middle of an unending blood vengeance. Judging by the already sickened color of his friend’s hand gripping on the black trident like a lifeline, this Kordax, cursed brother of Atlan has and will have no scrupples using and then discarding them for this... his great revenge. But at that moment, he can only silently wrestle with his qualms and indignation...

“Dr. Shin... show me the location of Aquaman’s known family... his father, the Surfacer.. and his brother, the disgraced Prince... the information you have been so cleverly withholding from David for weeks now...”

To his horror, Stephen felt his body moved despite the resounding denial forming in his mind and then, his hands began to type his passwords and decrypting codes as the monitor blinked to life and began to reveal and construct the continental plates cradling a lost Atlantean province whose vast Oricalchum fields surround what appears like an active underwater volcano and then sweeping into the cove forming a land-chained barrier now known as Amnesty Bay.  

Chapter Text

Lena mentioned ‘markers’ prompting Orm to wonder how surfacers bury or remember their dead. His father, like all Atlantis’ kings before him is entombed under the Great Hill. As far as he knows, all kings of Atlantis save Atlan himself were placed there thus consecrating the undersea grounds with their blood. Of course, Lena’s surface parents were not royalty but as he followed her down the winding steps carved unto the cliff’s face, he felt a strong urge of solemnity; as if he knows he must be humbled to set eyes on the persons who took in, cared for and loved this woman leading him. It’s as if I will be following after you for all time. The words lingered in his mind like seeds planting themselves into truth.

“... they were cremated as per their wishes.” Lena was standing before a small enclave then she were on her knees as she gently removed small leaves and sweep sand that covered the faces of the marble markers resting under the cove’s natural rock face. As if reading Orm’s silence she spoke on, “... many surfacers still bury their dead in cemeteries and mauseleoms under the ground. Many also burn the bodies in “cremation”... keep the ashes in urns—some they keep in their homes or build special places, scattered in others... some, like my parents asked their ashes be scattered to the sea... they loved it here so I decided to build this for them.” Lena was tracing the letters carved on the markers – “For Marsha, who loved the sea and for John who loved her entirely...”

Orm found himself kneeling next to Lena. He faced the markers and bowed his head the way he did when he visited the Great Hill. Atlanteans do not talk to their dead. But, as he slightly turned his eyes to Lena her eyes were fixed on the markers and he could almost hear her soft whisper, “.. Mom, Dad.. this is Orm. I think... I know what I am now.” She sensed Orm’s eyes on her and kept her eyes on his and spoke slightly louder for Orm’s benefit, “... I don’t feel so lost anymore.”  Orm raised his hand and touched her cheek,  small smiles on their lips.  

A distant but clear boom made Lena turn towards the sea. She stood up quickly and Orm followed walking closer to the water. “Intrusions?” he asked. She shook her head int he negative. “It felt like an earthquake underwater... but it’s not strong enough to create waves...” But Lena seemed to wince as if hearing some hurtful sound. “What is it?” Orm moved to touch her, to help her then Lena covered her ears as if the sound got louder. “What is it? What is happening? Lena, look at me...” His hands were gentle but firm as he cupped her face to move closer to his. “Lena, A bhean choir...” Her eyes focused and were on his. She seemed to calm down, “... I don’t know what sound that was... but it felt, my body.. my head felt like I was blowing apart... repeatedly. Something terrible is happening out there...”

It was Orm’s turn to look hard unto the horizon. “Arthur... Mother...” Lena then stepped closer to the water and waded unto the sea until she was knee deep in it. She breathed deeply and an unseen wave of energy emanated from her moving forward to the waters. One wave, a second and then a third, then she tilted her head to the side as if listening for something and as her shoulders relaxed Orm felt relief awash him. He joined her where she stood. Perhaps it’s because of the time they spent together or this inexplicable need to be always in tune with her that Orm was not surprised at all when Lena spoke, “...if we are going to go out there to investigate or find Arthur or help them... I need to know some things first and I... I have a feeling, you can help with them...”

“What do you need to know?”

The pair was now seated inside a small hut several meters from the enclave. Lena told Orm that she would spend days down this beach just watching the sea and feeling like she was with her parents still. The hut was complete destroyed by the wave and Tom helped Lena rebuilt it after. Between them was a small table now covered by Lena’s things: her drawings from her dreams and the suit she was wearing when she was found a few paces from where they were.

Orm could not quite understand it but he was afraid. He looked at the symbol drawn on the pad and etched on the suit. He was recalling every lessons—history, calligraphy, even diplomacy—scanning images in his head that matches or looks similar to the symbol. “It’s a rune, I think. I always see glimpses of it early on after I was found here... they faded as time past and then...” Lena hands were clasped together, her fingers interwtined as if in prayer, trying to stop them from shaking as she spoke as if confessing a dark secret. “...the wave happened as I told you. When I tapped into this.. “ her hands moved apart then closed into fists on top of her legs, “... they became clearer, louder?? flashing in my head; searingly horrifying to me... then I met Arthur and you...”

Orm reached for Lena’s hands and held on to them. He was smirking as he asked, “...Arthur and me?” She laughed a little. “When I first met him, I think he was just figuring out if I’m one of those meta humans or aliens that came forth after Steppenwolf.”

“He knew.” He hoped the certainty in his voice calmed her. “Arthur knew the same way I knew the moment I saw you. You’re Atlantean, you belong with Atlantis... with me.” The last part he kept to himself. “Tell me what you know, Orm.”

“Atlantis is one of the oldest civilizations of this planet... and at the height of her power, an earthquake of tremendous strength that only wrathful and jealous gods could have done sent our nation, all its tribes and realms tumbling into the sea...” Lena listened on as Orm recounted the history of Atlantis as told to him by his mother and to her by her own mother... “Even before the Fall, the royal line of Atlan was able to keep and maintain its rule over Atlantis and its realms. King Atlan, wielded the Sacred Trident through his wisdom and strength. He was able to win and keep the loyalty and friendship of even stronger and bigger tribes.”

“I am trying to remember if I had seen this before...” Orm’s hand touched the symbol that Lena drew on her sketch pad. “But through the years, it is possible that many texts, symbols and histories are lost or stricken off from the archives... I don’t know if you remember or are starting to remember enough. Atlantis is many great things and more so... she is unforgiving.”

“Maybe this...” Lena touched her forehead, her fingers gently stroking her hairline “... this is a punishment of sorts. By that logic, it’s possible, I or my family or what’s mine caused an affront to Atlantis... maybe I am a danger to you... and Arthur made a mistake... You shouldn’t help me at all...” She quickly moved to distance herself from Orm but he kept his hold on her hand. “No..”

“No...” His voice is firm and his grip on her slackened but he did not let her go. “I don’t believe that. And I know you can’t really believe that either...”   

 “Why? You barely know me... I barely know me! ”  The words made her laugh softly, bitterly. Her eyes afraid to look at him.

“Before I came here, I was a prisoner. I was serving an unspoken but inexorable sentence. I have little comfort even in my own home...” he pulled Lena down to him and embraced her, “... I heard you first, you know... I heard you when you read to me those first days... barely understood the words but...” She chuckled softly on his chest. “... I wanted to wake up so much. I wanted to see you, to see who you are... you were a stranger but you also brought comfort Atlantis was not able to give me...”

Orm held her close but let Lena face him. He spoke on, “Arthur told me, he trusted you the moment he met you... something he does quite a lot since he knows what that feels like... I have never felt that instinct before... before you... it should worry me.. I grew up in distrust of others and I was almost always right... but it’s different with you...”  He doesn’t know what more to say to quiet the shadows of doubt swirling in her eyes as she searched his face and then, she seemed to have found it as Lena leaned closer and kissed him.

So this is how it feels like to fall... Orm thought and for the first time in his life, he was not afraid at all.  

Chapter Text

Soft, firm and sweet.

Lena found Orm’s lips surprisingly sweet. They were on the blankets spread on the hut floor. Orm underneath her, his hand gently caressing her nape; her legs between his and their bodies fully touching. The need to touch is overwhelming that Lena barely lifts her lips from his only for Orm to bring them back together... “gods...”

She doesn’t know how but then Orm’s body covered hers, her back on the blankets, her hands on him... his body, his chest, his shoulders down to his back... back to his cheek, his hair... soft caresses, gentle tugs.  Then, there’s nothing between them. His mouth nipping on her neck, upwards just below her ear, down down to her collarbone, her shoulder, she sighs and felt him move, a hand on her breast...  a slight nip on his lower lip.

Sighs, moans... his name, her name-- sounds join the song of the waves and wind just outside.

Then, he was there. He was touching her core with such gentleness. Slowly, one hand guiding her legs apart.. Lena watched Orm’s face through her hooded eyes, she saw his fascination and wonder as he begins to know her and as if sensing her, he looked up to her face and smiled before lowering his mouth to taste her. She couldn’t help herself as she gasped and closed her eyes losing control over the sensations he drew from her. Something began to build inside... something and she moaned aloud grasping for his hand that’s on her breast, joining, palming her together. He dove deeper, her hips lifted higher and she called out his name.

Orm moved to raise himself higher over her tracing kisses up all over her body tasting her skin with his lips, tongue and small nicks of his teeth causing her to giggle and sigh. Then they’re face to face again and Lena’s hand moved down his chest, feeling his hard stomach muscles, his hip and lower, lightly touching and feeling him grow bigger and harder in her hand. He grunted and moaned as they grind against each other. He kissed her so deeply that Lena lifted her arms and then held on to him holding on to his shoulders then her hands are on his hair. He moved his hips between her legs and they began to connect and their bodies joined in a rhythm.

Once again, as they moved together, Lena felt her body reaching for something; climbing a sort of peak and as their rhythm grew faster and she felt more pleasure in her core, she heard Orm repeating words over and over between moans and kisses. A ghra. A mhuirnin. My love, my beloved. Then, she felt it-- a rapture within. Everything seemed to explode and engulfed in some white light and her mind buzzed and raced as he continued to move in her then stilled. She felt him place his cheek on hers, feeling his breath against her skin and before her mind could catch up to her heart, she responded Is leatsa mé go deo.

I am yours forever.

Maple syrup and quiet mornings. Lena stared out the window facing the sea as the sun began to rise.

It’s been five days since the hut and Lena could not be made to care anymore how much time she and Orm spent together—talking, not talking. Talking about her parents, his parents.. about Tom and the town, about Atlantis and the lives they were trying to build. Running errands, roving the coast and waiting, watching for signs of Arthur or any one from Atlantis. Some hours filled with worry and concern for questions that remain unanswered. Then, the day would turn and they’d be swimming in the water, Orm teaching her how to move faster, streaking through the waves. He’d show her how to read small changes in the current and then she’d show her secret or hidden spaces under the waterline; places she found through the years of scoping out the cove and initially trying to understand why she ended up there in the first place.

They had made love under the night sky by the cliffs and the memory left a small smile on Lena’s face followed by a quick shake of her head.  They slept in Lena’s room now where Orm began reading the book she was reading to him when he was still asleep recovering from his injuries. The slight frown on his face was both endearing and priceless as he realized the name of the ‘Once and Future King.’ As she laughed at his petulant whining, Orm made her pay for that that evening making sure it’s only his name overwhelming her mind and out of her mouth.  

Lena felt Orm’s arm around her shoulders and his quick kiss on her head. “Good morning” She slightly tilted her face up and their lips meet like in a dance. Orm sat next to her and they started eating together, planning for the day ahead.

Chapter Text

The Banquet with the Brine Kingdom—the Brine King, his children and their nobility and military leaders -- went as smoothly as can be hoped. Despite appearances, the Brine King have been generous with his insights on the current state of the two Kingdoms’ relationship. Theirs is more stable compared to Atlantis’ and the Fisherman’s, which is Arthur’s next endeavor after he and his mother finally get to visit Orm again. As the mild jubilations amongs delegates wind down, Arthur searched for Queen Atlanna across the Hall and when their eyes met, a small nod and smile. He would have to tell her everything. Mera should be there too, he supposes. Arthur finally breathes out. “... Atlantean...” the Brine King spoke just behind him. “For what it is worth, you are a worthy fighter and your intentions as a leader are aspirational as they come... being a child of both worlds, your vision is broader than your brother’s... so, even if you are as green as an astrian algae, should you ever need my help or words or ravings of an immortal crab...” Arthus chuckled to this and placed a hand on the senior King’s shoulder. “Thank you, King Ungul, for your faith.”

Some moments later, Arthur was already in Queen Atlanna’s suite together with Mera. The two women were seated together while he faced them. All three were inside a bubble that Queen Atlanna asked Mera to cast, “... for our protection.”

“Mother, when you left the first time,  how did you end up in Amnesty Bay? Where were you going?”

Mera kept silent but Arthur can see the thoughts and concern reeling in her mind through her eyes.

Atlanna, for her part, had a small smile and a very slight tilt of her head but her eyes never left Arthur’s face searching and somehow finding some clues which gave her comfort.

“... I did not want to marry but as Queen and the direct descendant of Atlan, I had to. To continue the line of Kings. Orvax was the most likely and known option...”

“... there was another.” Mera whispered. Her perception and empathy never failed to impress Arthur.

“Yes. But I did not love him too. Tharis Obex, however, belonged to a bloodline as old, or maybe older than Atlan’s. His forebears and ours were comrades and then friends whose bond was forged in battle and blood as the family tales go... I thought, I needed time to reconsider my choice and perhaps time for Orvax to re-evaluate his methods...” But, she has yet to answer his question and Arthur pressed through his eyes.

“I was bound for the realm of Prekazka. The farthest region of known Atlantis, the stornghold of Tharis Obex and his family—who became my good friends. I was to ask for asylum and refuge but... there was a storm, it was different as the deluge laid waste both to surface and under water. I lost my bearings when a surge energy blast past me and when I recovered, I was lost and injured and then... I was on the rocks facing a tower of light...  the rest is... history.”

“Mera... thank you for your lessons and for being so patient with me. Mother, you already know I will and am always grateful for you and Pops...” He hoped the sincerity of his voice would soften the blow of this months-long secret he has kept and about to reveal to the two most important women in his life.

“Back in Amnesty Bay, I met a young woman who lived on the cliffs opposite the lighthouse... she saved half the cove by casting a barrier strong enough to break tidal waves and repel rogue creatures from the Trench... the moment I saw her, I knew she was Atlantean.” At this, Atlanna’s eyes widened. “... there was something about her. A kindness uncommon to Atlanteans particularly, the high borns. No offense. ” Mera rolled her eyes at this quip.

“What is her name?” Atlanna and Mera almost spoke in unison.

“That’s it. She was found by the northern beach ten years ago and was adopted by a couple who lived there. They call her Lena but she does not remember much of what happened to her or who she is. But at that time... I think she’s beginning to remember details... abilities and... when King Ungul told me and said ‘Barrier Makers...’ some pieces clicked...”

“Arthur, where is you brother?” Atlanna pleaded.

“Mother, why did you think to go Obe-Cosantair? How did you know you will be safe there?”

“It was just a strong... feeling.” Arthur’s voice joined hers. Then Atlanna continued, “... in my mother’s and grandfather’s stories, before the Fall, blood oaths were the strongest form of fealties next to kinship. Atlan had a brother, they were bound already at birth and only a deep betrayal can break it—not even death... but Atlan also made one other blood oath... to his best friend and brother from the older wars—he was a blacksmith when they were in the surface... and when the gods deemed them to evolve...” Atlanna gave one nod to Arthur. She did not need to speak it, the implication was clear.

“From then on, their lines were bound—at some point reinforced by other layers of bond such as marriages, partnerships, and many times and through many years, they were allowed free reign of their destinies but almost always beholden to each other... almost always to come to each other’s aid...”

Arthur held his mother’s hands, look at Mera then back to Atlanna. “Orm is safe. From what I understand, he is the best place to be with this situation. But, we must see him as soon as possible... ”

He was supposed to say something more but a loud knock on the door interrupted him. Mera removed the bubble and Atlanna gave the command to allow entry into the suite.

A Brine soldier in full gear stepped into the room, making Arthur tense where he stood and eye the back of the divider where he stowed the King’s Trident. Mera’s hands were also at a ready—to defend and fight. “Apologies for the disturbance... but a messenger arrived and seeks to speak directly with you, Sire.”

“What messenger?”

“He is of the Deep clan, we barely make out his language but from what we understood Sire” the soldier brought out a parchment and read aloud, “... the fylgja calls for her liege. The line is strong but is frayed..”

Atlanna’s eyes began to dim as if entering a trance while being moved by an unseen energy. “We have to go, Arthur. We have to go... now.”

Chapter Text

The Leviathan is a force of nature at full capacity and speed traveling to the coordinates that Dr. Shin had entered into the deck’s main computer. The strain of resistance was taking a toll on him as his head began to feel like its trapped in a vice grip and he felt warm liquid drip from his nose.

“You should not fight me so much... you don’t want to miss the spectacular salvo—the pre-cursor to Atlantis’ downfall...” He could barely hear David’s voice garbled over by Kordax’s.

A loud beeping sound echoed through the view port.

“The ship has been moving at full speed but according to our monitors, we barely moved a mile since entering this space...” the attendant crew’s voice reverberated from the speaker.

“But the radars are not picking anything...” Dr. Shin still trying to speak coherently to the crew through the pain.

“Yes, Doctor... but the ship is still not moving...”

David/Kordax started to pace right behind him as if in deep thought. Then, the Black Trident was raised and Dr. Shin felt a slight punch spreading out beyond the walls of the ship.

“...hmmm. Interesting.” The words out of David’s mouth were so soft, he thought he dreamt them.

“Stop the engines.” Dr. Shin passed on the order and slowly, the constant hum of the Leviathan’s engines quieted save for the one engine left to manage flotation.

“I need to see this for myself.” David/Kordax turned and was walking out of the captain’s deck obviously leaving the ship into the water but Dr. Shin tried to stop him by reaching up and grabbing his arm.

“Wait. Where are you going? Ugh...” his hands felt like they were on fire and he unwittingly let go and fell unto the floor. The pain upon pain now feels unbearable as he heard a whining cry that he realized was his own.

“...Stephen, Stephen... your friend David is right here with me. And he is WITH ME to see this through. The question is... are you?”

The overwhelming pain in his head kept him from opening his eyes but as he heard David/Kordax’s footfalls fade away, the hurt subsided gradually and through the dull throbbing, Dr. Shin managed to stand up and find his seat on the deck able to see through the viewport.

He watched as David/Kordax in full Black Manta gear and holding the trident swim in front of the Leviathan. They extended one hand in front of them as if to feel something in the water though Dr. Shin and the radars failed to see or find any thing that can effectively block or stop a vessel this size. Then, they fell back as something shocked them full of electricity. The crew was also watching from their stations and their faces transforming from confusion to awe as David/Kordax began hitting the unseen blockade his unheard screams from what looked like volts of electric energy surging into his body to repel him also bounce back into what is beginning to look like a wall of energy—no... as Dr Shin raised himself higher taking a closer look—walls, walls upon walls of unseen energy refusing to yield to David/Kordax’s assaults.

They were all so mesmerized by the sight that no one noticed a small swell moving underneath the vessel rising from the deep ravines spread out through the area. A part of the swell broke away to reveal several creatures not much different from the Trench. One of them acting like a leader gesturing to his fellows and they moved in different directions. But unlike David/Kordax or the Leviathan, the Barriers allowed them in as they silently swam and moved to their respective destinations.

David/Kordax screamed and screamed at the barrier. Out of pain, out of anger, out of frustration... then a realization halted his actions. He slowly pointed the Trident unto the unseen shield and hissed an encantation under his breath as he gripped tighter on the trident cutting his palm. As his blood mixed with the water and touched the field, the barrier did not fall but there was change to it—there is still resistance but...  

“Ah... Obe-Cosaintair....” a devious smile crossed on David/Kordax’s face. Then he swam back into the vessel. He found Dr. Shin still barely standing at the viewport then looked at them and saw the blood dripping from their palm.

“David... what have you done?”  Dr. Shin’s last thoughts and words before darkness overtook him.

“Shame. Let’s let him rest for a while, David. We just have to make some adjustments and soon we will bleed them—this Aquaman King and his line of Atlan, dry.”

Chapter Text

Lena’s cliffs became their cliffs as the days turned to weeks.

A slight change in the morning routine had them watching over the cove eyes trained on the waters for an hour or so before heading back to the house.

The “intrusions” that Lena’s barriers kept on sensing and alerting her on were becoming more frequent and several nights ago, Orm found her by the beach standing with two creatures that looked like they came from the Trench. She seemed to speak with and understand them and whatever they were telling her, he could tell, was not good news. He tried to hide and pretend he did not see them but Lena being Lena...

Orm was already in bed trying to feign sleep when he felt the dip of her weight behind him as Lena lay down and wrapped an arm around him. He moved, so that he’s facing her now. Her voice soft and soothing the rapid thumps of his pulse. “Did you hear us speaking?”  

“Yes.” He paused. “How long have you understood them?” Lena placed her head on his chest, adjusting her hand, touching his chest under his shirt.

“I think, deep down, I do understand them... they don’t speak like we do, it’s like a “mind thing” with gestures...” he felt her lips quirk a little on his skin as she spoke. “... I misunderstood them in the beginning... they keep saying a word that I felt meant ‘guardian’ and I thought they were asking for your brother... whom they keep on missing...” Their bodies subtly adjusted to each other and now, Orm has his arms around Lena, their legs entwined, their faces very, very close to each other. Both their eyes hooded close to sleep.

“...it was me. They were looking for me and they wanted to warn me, a great danger is coming here and I can’t be alone to face it. They asked for me to let them enter through the barriers—that they’re bound to... aid me, their fylgja.” Orm tensed at this only to relax unto her as she pulled him closer, “I agreed and in return, I asked them to help me too... to find Arthur as quickly as they can...” They kissed and began to move together, their bodies molding into each other. It was Orm who pulled back, “...whatever happens, whoever comes... Níl tú i do aonar. Ceangailim mo shaol leat.”[1]  Before she could respond, Orm kissed her with everything he had. His every move and every thought at that moment was on her—this affable yet disconcerting, annoyingly lovely, and generous woman. This person, who, without even trying broke through his walls and then wrapped him in this warm cloak of certainty... of clarity. He was a king, an Oceanmaster... no longer but with Lena, he is and could be more. Their bodies moving together, their hands joined then part not ceasing to touch, to feel, to know each other in a ritual meant only for them. They reached the peak together as Lena’s breathy voice echoed in his mind, fusing into his being. Is Fuil m'Fhuil sibhse, agus Cnámh mo Chnámh. Tugaim mo Chorp daoibh, chun go mbeimís Dá Aon.[2] Whatever happens, wherever this brings us... as all things came from and return to the sea... I will return to you, always to you, my Orm.

[1] Níl tú i do aonar. Ceangailim mo shaol leat.  – You are not alone. I bind myself to you.

[2] Is Fuil m'Fhuil sibhse, agus Cnámh mo Chnámh. Tugaim mo Chorp daoibh, chun go mbeimís Dá Aon. - Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One.

Chapter Text

The motions for their ships to leave the Brine Kingdom bound for Amnesty Cove were swift and efficient. Atlanna took on the task of sending half of their delegation back to Atlantis and Topo as a fast track messenger to speak directly and only with Vulko to ensure that they have the support of the Kingdom’s armed forces should the need arise.

They’re onboard Arthur’s vessel he fondly named “Nemoy” moving at full speed.  The being belonging to the “Deep Clan” as explained to him, spoke to Arthur with equal parts reverence and urgency. Using Atlan’s Gift, the two of them were able to converse in the quickest way possible. The soldier informed him of the months-long incidents and developments that’s happening on the region beyond the Brine Kingdom. Undersea earthquakes emanating from the nexus point at the center of Prezaska and the lost guardians just recently found— “our home is at the very heart of the okulus. The powerful vortex it produced protected us, our realm from intruders.” “When we could not find the Barrier Makers, we scoured the realm for them... only to find one, the fylgja nesting in the edges of the Obe-cosentair.”

Arthur raised his hand signing for the soldier to pause his report.  “Fylgja?” he had asked both through his gift and vocalizing it for Atlanna and Mera’s benefit.  “We have a legend, our people that beyond the vortex, the eternal storm, there are guardians who are our guides should we venture out unto the realm of Atlan...” the soldier whose name is Kraven bowed his head as he spoke more “... you see, good King. We are borne of the darkness—we did not need eyes to see and even your great ancestor feared us so... feared us before anything else. We fled to our fortress, down unto that vortex but the onslaught ceased and an Atlantean managed to enter through the energy field without destruction or fury rather he was inside an orb of calm... our forefathers took his oath of protection and he has kept it all these generations...” Kraven’s voice in Arthur’s mind cracked as if on the verge of crying but his face showed very little emotion. But for his part, Arthur tried to be as somber as he continue to listen and translate what he hears for his mother and Mera.  “.. and even when his own daughter, now seemed lost... the oath remains in her... intact and now, nurtured.” Arthur was caught off guard by a flash of vision projected by Kraven—of Lena by the beach with Orm just behind her, their hands linked.

He could not stop the chuckle and brief guffaw which earned him incredulous looks from everyone in the room. “..Sorry.” He mumbled, “Thank you... for this.” Then, he gently broke the mental link between him and Kraven and turned to Mera, “...and I am sorry for not telling you sooner—about Orm, about Lena. I did not want to burden you more than what you are also dealing with in Xebel. When I left Orm there, he was still...” at this moment, Atlanna moved closer to them as Kraven stepped back to watch the viewport behind him. Arthur continued, “.. Orm was still beginning to open up to me but as I saw them together... I don’t know how to explain it then... I just knew...” Atlanna’s eyes shone with tears flowing freely to the water, “...Orm is safe. But we need to get there, we need to be there.”

Kraven began to speak again to Arthur, “My Lord, an old evil... full of hate and anger for Atlantis has began consuming the realm. It is a sickness that ruins all it touched...  and it has set his ire on our Fylgja...”          

 “Funny thing, the never ending mending and unraveling of the fabric of destiny...” the voice of the Brine King echoed in Arthur’s head, “..and the tendrils, threads of consequences from the choices we make.”

Arthur tried but he knows he had failed to hide the despair and shame in his voice as he spoke, “This is my fault. In that split second decision I condemned my home, my family... my brother.”

In his memory, he watched as the young man quickly ran to his father’s side shouting and heaving as he tried desperately to lift the fallen torpedo off the older man’s body. The angry rush of the oceanwater filled and began to overwhelm their shouts and Arthur began his climb up the stairwell.  

“ Dad! Wait!” Arthur paused and looked back, the young man’s one arm was outstretched reaching to him while the other remained just below the torpedo.

He can see the man exerting his all to lift the immovable load.

“Help me. He’s trapped!” He ignored him and turned back to climb.

“You can’t leave him like this!” Arthur could already reach the next level out of the chamber. Then he stopped again, turned and looked down. His heart full of rage as he remembered why he find himself in this place—a hijacked submarine in the middle of the ocean; fighting pirates and outlaws supposedly to protect others; apparently he is bound to this duty because of his birth... and as always, he remembers his mother—and her cruel fate in the hands of her own people. People of these merciless seas.  His dark thoughts were pierced by a single word, “Please.” In that one word—an anguish—and he was fourteen again and Vulko finally told him that he will never see his mother again.  

He turned and looked at the man’s face, stared into his eyes, “You killed innocent people. You ask the sea for mercy.” He turned his back on him for the last time and continued to climb out fo the chamber leaving them. The angry shout and scream of the man drowned out completely by his own fury and sense of desolation.  

“This surfacer, this David Kane. He seems lost to his quest of revenge.” Hearing his mother’s voice, slightly eased the heaviness in Arthur’s heart. But, only slightly. “Yes, mother. It seems, as he could not directly hurt or kill me, he was looking and now, found another way to destroy everything I hold dear.”

“My Queen, My Love...” Mera joined in, “... we received Atlantis’ response to our message minutes ago, as we speak, the Council has began the process of preparing the City’s main defenses and en route to join us are the Elite Forces. They will be in Amnesty Cove in five hours.”

Arthur nodded solemnly.  “Not too far behind us, then.” He held on his trident and placed his forehead by the spines and sent out a call for aid to all manner of sea creatures.

He opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the viewport willing his thoughts to reach further out unto the vast blue, “... Be safe, Pops. Hold on, Little Brother... Lena... we’re coming.”