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 19
Deep in the oceans at Atlantis, a grand occasion was about to commence.
All of Atlantis was gathered in an arena for the ceremony. Audrina and Arthur stood on a dais in front of the Council holding hands and waving to the citizens.
Yes, Audrina should be saddened that Orm was banished from Atlantis in a surface dweller prison, but out of it she got a second brother she knew would never take her for granted or abuse her. Audrina had faced plenty of loss, but her heart was full.
The entire Justice League was given its private section to watch the coronation happen, unofficially representing the surface world at this sacred gathering and presentation.
Among the Justice League Cyborg, Victor Stone, observed with a heavy heart as Audrina stood at its center addressing her people. To him, she looked even more radiant than the first time he saw her.
Most of the Justice League needed little breathing masks so they could be so deep underwater. Those that didn't require them were Green Lantern, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Green Lantern is an easy one since his ring protects him, but strangely enough Wonder Woman and Superman were included. Must've been something in their biology different to the others that granted them this ability separate from everyone else. They were pleased to see Arthur had finally found himself lost in contentment somewhere he belonged.
This day wasn't just about Audrina. She'd be announcing to the entire court Arthur's new role in their society. He'd stand as their ambassador to the world of skies from Atlantis. She'd spoken to him about it earlier and he was all too happy to agree.
"He looks happy," said Superman, observing the ceremony from high in the stands with the Justice League.
Arms crossed, Wonder Woman said "He has found his place."
"Are you free later," enquired Superman, smiling.
Turning towards him, Wonder Woman said "If I can find my glasses."
Last time the two went out on a date Superman had shown her that wearing simple glasses along with regular clothes did wonders to conceal his identity. She had been astonished when it succeeded not even bothering to hide it. It's a private joke between them.
His alter ego being a kid Shazam couldn't get over the obvious fact that they were all standing in a legendary city that until now many people believed to be part of myth and legend.
Not able to contain his excitement any longer, Shazam said "We're standing in the middle of Atlantis! I am totally geeking out!"
Speaking to Flash, Green Lantern said "Man, we have a weird job."
Below Audrina took a knee as one of her mother's advisors, now her own, symbolically tapped the Trident once on both of her shoulders. The Trident was then handed to her along with one of the Council members placing the crown of the Queen on her head. Audrina rose to her feet hefting the Trident high above her head. The crowd went wild cheering mightily and the sea resounding with thunderous applause.
"Hail to Queen Audrina," said Arthur.
"Hail to the Queen," echoed the citizens of Atlantis.
Audrina basked in their adoration momentarily. The atmosphere became infectious. It spread to Arthur. He acted on it accordingly.
Arthur and Mera kissed. The bond that formed between them has developed into love. The crowd went bonkers at the image beyond delighted. Audrina was pleased for them while at the same time envious. They both would share in love but she could never have one with the individual she chose.
Audrina raised a hand to quiet all of them garnering their attention. She had her own announcement to make.
"This is a day with great cause for celebration, not just for my coronation, but the dawn of a new era for Atlantis. I know that in recent days we have faced hardships that no Atlantean has ever faced before. But we have survived and are stronger for it," shouted Audrina.
The crowd roared in their approval.
"And to prove this I hereby install a new position for Atlantis. For too long we have been cut off from the surface world. Constantly fearing we'll be discovered and hit with an unprovoked attack by the surface dwellers. What my predecessors had in common is one thing and that is the wellbeing of Atlantis. But we can't hold it any longer by concealing ourselves from the world above. So I now decree that my brother Arthur Curry will stand as Atlantis's ambassador to the surface to improve relations so that the two realms can live in harmony and peace," declared Audrina.
The people of Atlantis screamed and cheered. Audrina knew that not all Atlanteans would be all for this idea. If they didn't like it then tough. Atlantis had kept itself cut off from the outside world for too long. It's about time that changed and that time is now.
"Well said," said Wonder Woman, favorably.
Mentioning a subject that had been on his mind for quite some time, Batman said "We need to consider solidifying this team."
Head cocked, Shazam asked "Like weekly meetings?"
"Yay! We're a book club now," drawled Green Lantern, sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
Concurring with Batman, seeing the logic behind it, Cyborg said "Batman's right. New threats are springing up daily."
Orm's little scheme is a pure example of that.
"Agreed. Someone should be watching," said Wonder Woman.
The corners of his mouth turning up in an amused smile, Cyborg said "It's funny you say that. I have been working on plans for a watchtower."
"You can count on me," affirmed Flash. "Hal?"
Feigning disinterest, Green Lantern said "Yeah, all right. I don't want to miss whatever weird crapola happens next."
"We should invite Arthur," added Superman.
They all looked forward taking note of an additional presence. Arthur and Audrina had approached undetected, he'd caught everything they'd been saying.
"I'm in," said Arthur, not hesitating for a second.
"He needs a code name," said Cyborg.
"Yeah? Well online they're calling him 'Aquaman'," said Shazam.
Shazam had seen articles online that had popped up about him. Considering where they were now the name seemed fitting for the newest superhero.
Frowning, Arthur said "I hate that."
To him, it sounded corny.
"Aquaman it is," said Green Lantern.
"You won't be too busy," inquired Wonder Woman, including Arthur's new duties. "I have seen the pressures of the crown. Your sister will need you."
"We'll make it work. I need to keep a foothold in both worlds. Besides it'll help repair and improve relations if he's seen helping out more often," said Audrina.
"What about you," said Cyborg.
Softening inside and out, Audrina said "I'll be okay. Atlantis needs me now. Orm may have nearly brought us to ruin, but we shall rise above his mistakes and become stronger."
"Well said," praised Wonder Woman. "You are a gifted leader indeed."
"I hope to be," said Audrina, blushing a bit at the compliment.
Mera swam up to them having just been informed of an enemy heading in their direction.
"My Liege, trenchers have been spotted at the edge of the city," reported Mera.
Remnants of Orm's own forces no doubt. This would have to be handled swiftly.
Squeezing Audrina's shoulder, Arthur said "Leave it to me. I've been itching all day for some action."
"Don't get cocky. Your head's already full of hot air. Don't need it to get any bigger," goaded Audrina.
Arms crossed, stoically, Arthur said "Is this how it's going to be from now on. Us jabbing back and forth at each other?"
"Probably," said Audrina, shrugging.
Grinning in nostalgia, Arthur said "I wouldn't have it any other way." He then directed his next words to the Justice League before swimming off with Mera to face the threat. "Hey, let me know when the next meeting is! I got to do some 'King of the Sea' stuff."
"Perhaps you should stay behind me," said Mera.
"Or perhaps you should stay behind me," countered Arthur, using telepathy to summon various sea creatures to him in order to face the trenchers head-on.
Back in the arena, the Justice League was about to depart.
Seeing them off, Audrina said "Atlantis appreciates what you have done for us. We shall forever be grateful."
"As are we to you," said Superman. "Without your help, countless lives would've been lost."
Audrina nodded acknowledging that.
Cyborg couldn't take it anymore. He had to talk to her.
"Audrina," he said.
Turning to him, Audrina said "Yes?"
Oh, man. Why did Cyborg feel hot all of a sudden?
"I-," said Cyborg, struggling to find the right words.
Filled with sympathy and compassion, placing the tips of her fingers over Cyborg's lips over the mask, Audrina said "I know…it's just how it is."
The two of them just stared at each other.
Clearing his throat, apologetic, Superman said "We have to go."
"Right," said Cyborg.
He and the Justice League began to leave, but then he stopped.
Revolving around so he was facing Audrina again, Cyborg said "Hey, Audrina."
"Yes," said Audrina, curious.
Smirking, Cyborg said "My name is Victor Stone."
Audrina's eyes widened and then she smiled warmly getting the gist of what he was doing.
"It's nice to meet you, Victor," said Audrina, beaming.
"Hey, Victor, quite flirting. Let's go," said Green Lantern. He got a flick in the forehead from Flash for that.
All of them laughed and this time the Justice League really did leave.
Audrina watched Cyborg leave longingly wondering if she would ever see him again.
Authors Note:
Hang tight for the epilogue. You guys are totally gonna enjoy what you find there.