Episode Four

From Beneath the Waves

Chapter Three

Atlantis

Deep Beneath the Atlantic Ocean

16:48 – Atlantis Time

May 18, 2007

Today had come as quite a surprise for Garth and Tula. Queen Hippolyta had arrived at Atlantis by the behest of King Orin and Queen Mera. Queen Hippolyta had brought several other Amazons with her and while she spoke with their king and queen with her general, a woman by the name of Philipus, Garth and Tula found themselves showing two other Amazons, Artemis a blonde woman and Aquaria, a dark haired woman, around the domed city.

Their rather dismissive and negative reaction towards him made feel somewhat uncomfortable, or rather Artemis' reaction towards him. Aquaria said nothing and simply observed with curiosity.

Garth walked on the other side of Tula to where the Amazons were, keeping quiet as they slowly moved towards their first stop.

"This is the main plaza," Tula explained to their two guests.

Artemes was the only one out of the two that verbally responded. "It is nice," she said unenthusiastically. Aquaria on the other hand, looked around curiously with a pleasant smile on her face.

Tula wasn't dissuaded by Artemis' response and continued, "This is the market for the nobles, royalty and upper classes of Atlantean society. We would show you the other market plaza, but it lays outside the dome and I don't think you can breathe underwater."

Artemis folded her arms. "No, we cannot."

Tula faked a smile. "Come, let us continue," she said, leading the group through the market where various people were browsing goods.

Various people said a friendly "Hello," which Garth and Tula responded politely, while the two Amazons remained quiet, Artemis keeping her perpetual scowl.

After they had moved through the plaza, Tula led them to the bridge that lay in front of the large waterfall, hoping that it would impress them. Unfortunately, it didn't, at least where Artemis was concerned.

"We have bigger ones on Themyscira," the blonde Amazon said.

Aquaria, on the other hand, looked at the falls with a warm smile. Both Garth and Tula exchanged a glance, wondering if Aquaria was a mute. They hadn't heard her say a thing since meeting her.

Tula cleared her throat, not knowing what to do. She feared that she was a bad host and was making a complete mess of this tour. "Is there anywhere you would like to go?" she asked them.

"Home," Artemis mumbled. "However, since I am stuck here for the moment I will have to endure your hospitality."

Tula stepped closer to Garth, who placed his hands on her shoulders in reassurance. He leant forward, placing his mouth near her ear.

"You're doing a great job," he whispered.

Artemis glared at him, then at Tula. "Are you going to whisper secrets and lies, or are you going to show us around?"

Tula pulled away from Garth. "This way," she said as she continued the tour.

Garth didn't like this Artemis. It was his opinion that she felt like she was above them, that coming here was a waste of her time, that they weren't worth it. As for Aquaria, she was still an enigma. It was possible that she was faking her smile and was remaining quiet because she didn't have anything nice to say. Whatever the reason, he was starting to think that he probably wouldn't like her if she did speak, either.

The rest of the tour around the city went much of the same. Artemis continually showed disinterest, even yawning at points. Garth held his tongue, even though he could see it was upsetting Tula.

Finally and not too soon they came to their final stop. The palace itself, which lay in the centre of Atlantis. Inside, discussions between Orin, Mera and Hippolyta would either still be taking place or would have finished.

"I hope you enjoyed the tour," Tula said, her shoulders slumped.

Artemis shrugged. "It was adequate."

Then, for the first time, Aquaria spoke. "I enjoyed it," she said. "You have a very interesting city and culture here. I look forward to learning more about it."

Artemis rolled her eyes. "You would see beauty where none exists," she said.

"It may be different from our home, but it is beautiful in its own way," Aquaria countered. "They were both very gracious and polite during the tour, despite the hurdles they were faced with, Artemis."

"Let us get inside and finish this," Artemis complained. "What a waste of my time and of our queens. What possible benefits could there be of any alliance with these people?"

"It is up to Queen Hippolyta to decide if this was worth it or not," Aquaria said. "Now, let our hosts finish this tour."

Tula smiled at her. "Thank you," she said, before gesturing up the steps. "Let us go inside the palace."

"Hideous looking thing," Artemis said, looking up at the squidlike palace architecture.

Tula and Garth ignored her as the four of them made their way up the steps. One of the guards stepped forwards.

"We have been instructed to tell you to wait outside the dining hall," the guard informed them.

Garth nodded. "We understand," he said.

Artemis sneered as they stepped inside. "Men as guards, preposterous."

Aquaria tutted at her. "Different land, different ideas. Be open-minded."

The four of them waited near the entryway of the large dining room and watched as Orin and Mera slowly approached them with two women. The one leading in a white gown and was dressed in gold and was Queen Hippolyta. The other was her general, Philipus, a darker skinned and very intimidating looking woman.

"There you are, Garth, Tula," Mera said with a smile. "You have met Queen Hippolyta of Themyscira."

Garth bowed his head. "Of course. It is a pleasure to see you again."

Tula also bowed her head. "It is my honour to meet you, Queen Hippolyta."

The Queen of the Amazons tipped her head at them. "It is nice to meet you too, sister. And to see you again, young Garth." She turned her head to Artemis and Aquaria. "Did you two enjoy your tour of the city?"

Artemis stood straight. "It was adequate," she said predictably.

"I rather enjoyed it. They have some very interesting architecture and people here," Aquaria replied.

"Glad to hear it," Orin said as he moved past and pushed the doors to the dining room open. "Now, let us eat."

The group entered the room and sat down at the long table, Orin taking one side, Hippolyta taking a seat at the other. Mera sat to her husband's right and Garth and Tula sat to her right.

Hippolyta's three Amazon companions sat to her right along the table.

Four servants entered the room with Atlantean wine and filled everyone's goblets.

Orin rose, as did everyone else. "Let us celebrate the alliance between your and my people," he said to the Amazon Queen as he raised his goblet.

Everyone, including Hippolyta, raised theirs. "Though, it is a loose alliance may it still bring prosperity and security to both our peoples," the Amazon said back.

The group took a sip of their wine before they sat back down.

King Orin spoke, "While we discussed many things, one thing we decided was an exchange of sorts."

"Yes," Hippolyta said with a nod. "One of my people will be coming here as an ambassador, while one Atlantean will come to Themyscira."

Artemis went rigid in her seat as Hippolyta turned her gaze to her. "Since it is clear you don't want to spend more time here than necessary, that role will go to Aquaria."

The Amazon in question grinned with delight. "It would be my pleasure, Queen," she accepted with a bow of the head.

Orin looked at Tula and Garth felt his heart sink into his stomach. Their king spoke, "And we have decided that Tula would make a perfect ambassador for Atlantis."

Garth's chest felt like it was about to explode because of how hard his heart was thumping.

"I would be honoured," Tula said smiling.

"Then it is settled," Hippolyta said happily.

Garth, on the other hand, felt a little sick. The thought of Tula leaving Atlantis was one thing, but for her to be going somewhere he couldn't follow was entirely different. It had been years since the two had spent any length of time apart and for it to happen now when things were going so well. It was enough to make him light-headed.

Thankfully, the food came and he was able to turn his attention to that. He didn't hear much of what else was said that night. The only thing he did hear was that it would be only a few days before the exchange of Tula for Aquaria.

A few days with her, that's all he had until she was gone for what? Months? Years?

He didn't want to think about it.

As the evening came to a close, they all said a polite fair well to each other before the Amazons were escorted back to the dock where they would board an Atlantean submarine to be taken home.

Without saying a word to Tula, Garth rushed home and went straight to bed.

Sleep didn't come to him, his mind racing at what was going to happen. He couldn't just ask Tula to stay, that would be selfish and also would go against his king's wishes.

He knew it was now probably too late. For so long he had wanted to ask her, wanted to tell her that he wanted her to be his wife. For them to be bonded for the rest of their lives.

But what would happen now? What if she liked it there and never wanted to come back?

His stomach churned and his head began to ache. What if he had left it too late?

It was a question he couldn't answer, but he had to tell her before she went. He had to ask her to be his life-partner, to be his wife. Then, at the very least she would have a reason to return.

He could only hope.

Atlantis

Deep Beneath the Atlantic Ocean

10:21 – Atlantis Time

May 19, 2007

"You haven't said anything all morning," Tula said to Garth as they sat down on a bench by the plaza.

"Tula-" he began but looked away.

She put her arm around his shoulders. "You'll miss me, I know. I'll miss you too."

He gripped her arms tightly and stared into her eyes. "Tula, there's something I've been wanting to ask you for ages, but I've been too scared too."

"What?" she asked expectantly.

"Tula, I, I." He paused looking away. "Why can't I say it?" he asked himself in barely a whisper. He looked back into her eyes. "Tula, I love you."

"I know that, Garth."

"I mean, I want to be with you forever. I want us to be bonded, Tula."

She smiled a bright smile. "So, it took me going away for you to finally say it."

Garth looked away again.

She hugged him tightly. "The answer's yes. It's only going to be for a few months, five at the most. Once I return, then yes, I will be your wife."

"And I want so much to be your husband."

Their lips met and they kissed passionately, their arms clinging tightly around each other's backs.

They broke their embrace and stared deeply into each other's eyes.

"I will be waiting for you," Garth told her.

"And I will be looking forward to returning to you every second I'm there."

Garth smiled, despite the terrible feeling in his gut. The thought of her not wanting to return still lingered in his brain, pulling at his soul.

As if sensing his thoughts, she gripped his hands. "Hey, I'm going to come back, Garth. I loved you way before you even paid attention to me. I'll still love you when I return. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, one I have to take. But my heart will always be with you."

Garth felt better, but he still felt anxious about being separated from her. "I love you Tula," he said.

"I love you too."

Atlantis

Deep Beneath the Atlantic Ocean

11:35 – Atlantis Time

May 24, 2007

She hugged him tightly and he hugged her back. He didn't want to let her go, he never wanted to let her go.

"I'll miss you," Tula whispered in his ear.

Garth didn't answer, he just squeezed her harder, before reluctantly letting her go.

"Goodbye, Garth," she said with tears in her eyes.

"Goodbye Tula," he responded, trying as hard as he could to not shed tears himself. He wanted to remain strong for her. Or perhaps he needed to remain strong for himself because the desire to hold her, to stop her from getting on the submarine was almost too strong to ignore.

She stepped away and picked up her bags. "I love you."

"I'll be here waiting," he told her. "For as long as you're there, I will be waiting."

A small smile spread across her lips as she turned and made her way into the submarine.

Garth waited there over the next thirty minutes. First, watching the crewman finish boarding, then the gangplanks retract. He then watched as the submarine departed with Tula onboard, tears finally filling his vision.

It would take several days to make the trip there and back and once it did return, it would have Aquaria aboard.

He stood there already wishing that the sub wasn't leaving to take Tula to Themyscira, but was going there to pick her up. But it was just a wish, a lie to make himself feel better.

It didn't.

Garth composed himself before leaving the submarine bay. Today was going to be miserable and he didn't want to face it. He headed home where he spent the remainder of the day.

Atlantis

Deep Beneath the Atlantic Ocean

13:21 – Atlantis Time

May 30, 2007

Garth didn't want to be here, but this was the task he had been given and he would see it through.

The past week without Tula had been tough. The two of them had been spending a lot of time together and the lack of her company had made the days feel hollow and empty. He struggled to get up in the morning and found himself going to bed early, just wanting the days to go by.

Garth stood there in the submarine bay as the sub came into port. It didn't have Tula aboard, instead, it would have Aquaria. His task was to take her to the palace, though he didn't know why it had to be him.

Still, the task was given to him formally under the command of the king and it was his duty to obey, even if he wasn't feeling up to it.

He waited as the specifically chosen all-women crew of the submarine began to disembark, before finally seeing Aquaria walk down, the captain by her side.

"Garth," the female Atlantean captain by the name of Pika greeted. "This is Aquaria."

"We've met," Aquaria said nodding her head. "When I was last here."

Captain Pika nodded. "Of course. Well, I have some things I need to attend to. If you'll excuse me."

Garth and Aquaria watched the captain leave. Garth then turned on his heel.

"If you'll follow me," he said as he began to move off.

Aquaria quickly got in step with him. "I spoke to Tula when she arrived."

He glanced over at her but said nothing.

"She spoke fondly of you. I take it you two were lovers?"

Aquaria's forwardness took him by surprise. "Um, yeah," he stammered before clearing his throat. "Yes we were," he replied more composed.

"I see. It was clear that she would have preferred it if you had been able to come with her."

"As would I," Garth agreed.

"That is unfortunately not possible. You see, due to our agreement with the Gods, no man is allowed to set foot on our island, at least not without repercussions."

"I had heard," Garth said through his teeth. He didn't want to discuss this. He simply wanted to get to the palace and be done with this as quickly as possible.

"I can see that you miss her already," Aquaria commented.

Garth didn't respond.

"You don't have to tell me, I think I can understand. There is someone I'm rather fond of back on the island. Unfortunately, she's with someone else. Has been for centuries. Not that it would matter, she doesn't see me the same way I see her."

"This is different," he said. "We both love each other."

"I could tell by the way she spoke of you."

Garth slowed and looked at her. "How much did she tell you?"

"Nothing personal if that's what you're getting at. She spoke highly of you, though. I don't think the others could relate to how a sister could love a man."

"Can you?" Garth asked. "Relate I mean?"

"Love is love, regardless of whether it is for a woman or a man."

"Is that what you're looking for? Love?" Garth asked.

Aquaria shrugged. "I don't know. What I do know, is that ever since Princess Diana left the island, I have become curious as to what lies beyond our shores. I asked to come along and when she wanted me to be the representative to the Amazons, I was overjoyed."

"There is a lot to experience," Garth said. "I'm sure this place is very different to your homeland."

"Oh, it is, without a doubt," she said with a nod.

The two slowed to a stop as they came to the steps at the base of the palace.

"Here it is," Garth said, looking up as the doors opened.

He bowed as King Orin and Queen Mera made their way down the steps. Out of instinct, Aquaria bowed to the queen first, before quickly doing the same to the king.

Orin greeted her. "Welcome back to Atlantis, Aquaria. I hope your trip here was pleasant."

"It was, Queen Orin," she cringed as she realised what she had said. "I mean King Orin. Forgive my slight, I am still unfamiliar with male-gendered terms."

"Forget about it," Orin said, his face remaining rather stern. "There's nothing that needs forgiveness." He turned to Garth. "Thank you for escorting her. I may need your services later. For now, you are excused."

"Yes, of course," Garth said with a slight bow before quickly taking his leave.

He was going to head home but decided to go for a swim instead. He headed for the nearest airlock and ten minutes later, he was swimming in the currents of the deep ocean.

Atlantis

Deep Beneath the Atlantic Ocean

14:38 – Atlantis Time

June 12, 2007

The initial sense of loss had started to diminish. Garth still missed Tula terribly, but he no longer felt depressed about it. Slowly, life was starting to settle back into a routine. Even if that routine felt a little empty.

Between training and sparring, he found himself being tasked as an aide for Aquaria. Thankfully, she didn't ask much of him and it helped him keep his mind occupied. It was only in the late evenings, mornings and times when he had time to think that he found himself dwelling on the lack of Tula's company.

He had just been out swimming, which helped soothe him. Being in the water was natural for an Atlantean and it was one of the few places Garth felt truly at peace.

As he walked forwards away from the airlock, he saw Aquaria stood there waiting for him.

"There you are," she said.

He stopped walking. "Have you been waiting for me?"

"Your king wishes to speak with you."

"And he sent you to tell me?"

"I offered," she said.

"I will go see him then," Garth said as he began to move quickly towards the centre of the city.

Aquaria got in step next to him. "How has your day been?"

"Fine," he answered.

"Is that all? Just fine?"

He glanced at her. He was being too harsh on her, he knew that. It wasn't her fault Tula was gone. His girlfriend had wanted to take the opportunity and he was happy for her, even though he missed her.

Garth cleared his throat. "How has your time here in Atlantis been so far?" he asked.

"It has been educational. Working with men has been strange."

"Strange?"

"Yes, not as I imagined."

"And how did you imagine them?" Garth asked curiously.

"While there are some that behave just as I was told they would, like pigs, there are also those that act like people."

"It surprises you that there are men that act like people?" Garth questioned, feeling a little insulted

"You know what I mean," Aquaria said.

"Maybe I do."

The two soon made it to the palace. They stepped inside and made their way to the throne room, where they found Orin waiting for them.

"Garth, there you are," he said.

Garth bowed his head. "I came as fast as I could."

"I can see that." He looked to Aquaria. "We won't keep you." She bowed and left the room.

Orin stepped up to Garth. "I have an assignment for you."

"You do?" he asked, somewhat curiously

"It is regarding the Justice League."

"The Justice League?" Garth questioned. He was now starting to feel unsure.

"I have had some discussions with them and it was agreed that you would make a fine addition to their ranks."

"I would?"

"Not just that, I want someone on the inside. I did want to do it myself, unfortunately, right now I am far too busy. I need someone who can keep me updated on their actions."

"A spy?" Garth asked. "You want me as a spy, sir?"

"Not a spy, but a citizen of Atlantis and one of my subjects."

"Don't you trust them?"

"Not entirely," Orin revealed. "I don't need you telling me everything, just anything that concerns you or strikes you as odd."

"Yes, my king," Garth said with a bow of his head.

"Garth, I know this may be a difficult task. I know you miss Tula, but this is an important task, that I trust very few with."

"Yes, I understand."

"Don't worry, we are setting up a way of communication. I will make sure you are able to speak with Tula soon."

Garth smiled. "I would like that. Thank you."

"In one week, we will be both making our way to their Metropolis tower."

"I understand."

"You are excused, for now, Garth."

"Yes, thank you, my king." Garth bowed.

"I've told you before Garth. You don't need to be so formal with me."

Garth simply nodded his head, refraining from making an unnecessary apology. He quickly left the room, a feeling of happiness filling his soul. The joining the Justice League was an interesting and surprising turn of events, but that wasn't what he was focusing on. He was going to be able to speak with Tula.

Atlantis

Deep Beneath the Atlantic Ocean

10:21 – Atlantis Time

June 15, 2007

Garth sat there in front of the screen, his heart thumping in his chest.

An image began to form and a huge grin formed on his face as Tula's image appeared.

"Garth," she said grinning. "Good to see you."

"Good to see you too," he said almost wishing he could reach through the screen to touch her face. "How is Themyscira?" he asked.

"Oh, it's wonderful. I wish you could see it. The architecture, the culture. It's so different but similar at the same time."

"I'm happy you're enjoying your time there," he said, feeling a little anxious.

"Don't worry, once this is over, I'm coming home."

"I might not be here," he said, looking away from the screen.

"What do you mean?" she asked, a worried expression crossing her face.

"I may be with the Justice League," he told her. "By the king's orders."

"That's great news," she said, a smile forming. "If you're still there when my assignment is over, maybe he'll let me join you."

He smiled back. "I would like that," he said. "So, if you don't mind me asking, what do you do there?"

"I'm learning their customs and traditions," she told him. "It's all very intricate. Though there are times I feel weak and useless."

"What do you mean?"

"They're all stronger than me and they forget that sometimes. They often think I can do what they can do."

Garth grinned. "You're not useless, Tula. I'm sure you could help with things they can't do."

"They're already starting to figure that out. I annihilated them when it came to fishing. Put all of them to shame."

"I bet you did," he chuckled.

"Do you know how they hunt? They wade into the river with spears. I just jumped in and caught them with my bare hands and threw them into the baskets on the shore. I caught more on my own then they did collectively."

"How did they react?"

"Some were awed, but there was this one that really wasn't happy. I think she saw herself as the island's fisher and saw me as a threat to that."

"Don't let her intimidate you," Garth told her.

"She doesn't, don't worry."

"Good. If anything's bothering you, don't hesitate to talk to me about it. I'm here for you and I always will be."

"Until you go stay with the Justice League," she pointed out.

"I'll find a way to keep in contact, I promise."

"I know you will. And speaking of, I have to end this call."

"So soon?" he asked, not wanting the call to end.

"Sorry, but there are things I need to do. I will talk to you again soon, yeah?"

"Absolutely."

"See you soon. Love you."

"Love you too."

With that, the call ended. Garth leant back in his chair with a smile on his face. He felt good, energized. Today had been a good day and he hoped he would get the chance to speak with her again before he left Atlantis to join the league, which was something he felt apprehensive about.

Soon he would find out if his apprehension was warranted. It was a long time since he had spent an extended time away from Atlantis and he honestly didn't know what to expect.

Updated January 2018