Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Audrina and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
Heart of Atlantis Chapter 16
Cyborg hastily retrieved the selected memories from his systems and put them on display activating a function that would let all the Atlanteans see the truth.
A gigantic holographic screen came up surrounding Orm replaying just how Cyborg saw it.
"You killed her accused," Mera.
"I did," admitted Orm, shamelessly proud. "I ran the sword through her myself as she and my twin mewled for peace. You can count yourself fortunate, Bastard. At least our mother won't be the impediment to your life that she was to mine."
The image on the screen then switched to where Orm savagely backhanded Audrina in Queen Atlanna's tomb.
"No," screamed Audrina, pushing Orm's arm away from Arthur and trying to take the Trident out of his possession.
Orm wasn't having it, delivering a fierce backhand that sent him reeling aside, he yelled "Silence!"
"What is this," said Orm.
The cycle of footage then repeated itself over and over again. In the third round, it fully sunk into the Atlanteans the significance of what they were watching.
"Orm killed our Queen and abused our Princess? We are betrayed," shouted a random soldier.
"No, wait. This deception is their surface magic," shouted Orm, attempting to cover up what he'd done.
But Mera wasn't about to let him get off easy.
"Liar! I was there when Orm boasted of the murder of our Queen and hurt the Princess. It was as you see," proclaimed Mera, boldly.
Audrina said, "Mera speaks the truth."
Murmurs of uncertainty broke out amongst the Atlanteans now knowing whom to believe. They heard Orm confess to committing high treason before their very eyes yet here he is denying it. On the other hand, there's Princess Audrina and Mera informing them of the opposite. They knew Mera to be a strong, noble, and honorable warrior while the Princess was kind and honest with only Atlantis's best interests in mind always.
Who was telling the truth and who is lying?
Orm sealed the deal with the words he dared to speak next.
Sensing his victory was lost, Orm defended "I am your King! I did this for you!"
Arthur decided the people of Atlantis had tolerated Orm's foolishness long enough.
Arthur sucker punched Orm in the face breaking off a portion of the mask he was wearing. The Trident slipped from Orm's fingers as he flew backward into the side of a taxicab. His body left an indent as it slid to the pavement face all bloody.
Arthur, Audrina, and Mera stood united together to address their people.
"Is this the king you want, Atlanteans? A coward who lies to you. You need a light to guide you in the darkness, people of Atlantis. My people," said Arthur, passionately.
One by one Atlantean soldiers slowly lowered their weapons, spears, swords, and guns alike.
Under her breath, Mera whispered, "What are you doing?"
"Becoming a beacon," said Arthur, smiling. He then returned to speaking to the people of Atlantis. "I was born of two worlds! Atlantean by birth, human by instinct! With my help, we can join together and bridge those worlds in peace!"
There was silence and as more and more time went by Arthur, Audrina, Mera, and the Justice League became concerned that his speech wouldn't have worked.
But then one of the soldiers took off his helmet. Others followed and bent the knee to Arthur bowing to him in a pledge of loyalty. They all just instantly assumed that he would be their new King in place of the usurper Orm.
They were about to receive a surprise.
"It is my understanding that it was Queen Atlanna's wish that I would succeed her to the throne and become the key to peace that she envisioned for Atlantis. Although it pains me to do so I must go against those wishes. I am not suitable to lead you into the future," said Arthur.
The Atlanteans looked stunned at him including the Justice League.
"Arthur, what are you doing? You are the only one who can rule Atlantis now," objected Audrina.
"No, Sister, I am not," said Arthur, the look in his eyes making Audrina uncomfortable. "There is one other."
"Oh? Who," said Audrina, bluntly.
Artha chuckled placing a hand on Audrina's shoulder to look deep into her eyes.
Smiling, he said "You."
Authors Note:
Ha! Ha! Bet you guys weren't expecting that!
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.