Chapter 17: Fight for the Throne

Queen Atlanna helped Mera settle down at a campsite next to a rushing waterfall. There, the Princess had a chance to rest while Arthur just stared at his mother.

"Mom…?" Arthur let out.

"Arthur." Atlanna said softly, standing up and approaching him. "I can't believe you're here. I've lost count of how long I've dreamed of seeing you again."

"I thought you were dead." Arthur told her. "How are here? Alive?"

"Orvak sacrificed me to the Trench." Atlanna explained. "I survived and found this place. I've been trapped here alone for 20 years, dreaming of nothing but reuniting with my family."

She paused for a moment, her eyes becoming wistful.

"Thomas..." she whispered. "How is he? Does he remember me?"

"He still goes to the dock every day." Arthur reassured. "Hoping you'll come home."

Atlanna gave a small smile, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"You must hate me for leaving you." she said remorsefully. "For forcing you to grow up without a mother. I can only beg your forgiveness."

"I feel like I should be the one asking that." Arthur replied. "The only reason you're down here, was because you had me."

"No." Atlanna insisted, taking hold of Arthur's face. "None of this is your fault. I made a choice. I had to leave, to save you and your father. Everything I have done, I would do again to protect you both."

The two then pulled into a long overdue hug, both driven to tears at the chance to hold one another. It was a good minute before they released one another, Arthur wiping his eyes.

"Orm's planning on attacking the surface." he explained. "We came here looking for Atlan's trident. Do you know where it is?"

Atlanna's face became grave as she nodded.

"It is just beyond the waterfall." she answered. "But, it is guarded by the Karathen."

"The what now?" Arthur questioned.

"A great beast of the sea, said to guard the lost trident." Mera told him. "I thought it was just a story."

"It is no story." Atlanna informed her. "It lies in wait, devouring all who dare to come for the trident, waiting for the true king to come and claim it."

"How do you know it's there?" Arthur questioned.

"In desperation, I have tried to take the trident." Atlanna told him. "Each time, I barely escaped with my life. It will only allow the true King to pass."

"And you think that's me?" Arthur replied. "I haven't exactly proven myself king material lately."

"I don't agree with that." Mera spoke up, rising to her feet. "You have shown more courage and honor these past few days then Orm has shown in a lifetime. Atlantis has always had a king. Now it needs something more."

"But what can be greater than a king?" Arthur asked.

"A hero." Atlanna replied. " A king fights only for his nation, but you… you fight for everyone."

She holds his face again.

"You are ready, Arthur."

Arthur took a breath before turning towards the waterfall. He stopped just in front of it, turning back to Mera and his mother. Both stood side by side, seeing him off before he jumped through the falls.

The cave behind the falls was completely submerged in water, hiding the dark, murky ruins of the Lost Kingdom. In the midst of the broken buildings and thick seaweed, Arthur followed an unnatural golden glint that pierced through the gloom. As he approached it, he found the glow coming off of a solid gold trident. It was in the clutches of a skeleton sitting on a massive octopus-themed throne. The skeleton, clearly the remains of Atlan, wore an orange armored shirt, green pants, gloves, and boots, a long green cape billowing in the water. The trident itself was pulsating, as if it was alive.

As Arthur stared at the trident, the entire cave began to tremble. Arthur looked around to find the source of the shaking, only to look behind him and see a large monstrous creature with tentacles lurking towards him.

"You do not belong here!" it spoke, much to Arthur's surprise. "I have guarded the trident against those who would seek its power since the beginning. And never have I seen one more unworthy than you."

Before Arthur could react, one of the tentacles slapped him, knocking him back and making him tumble through the water. He quickly recovered and stabilized himself and tried to make a beeline for the trident, swimming as fast as he could. Unfortunately, he was smacked away yet again, crashing into several pillars along the way.

"You dare come here with your tainted blood?!" the creature taunted. "You think yourself a king?! You believe yourself worthy of the greatest power in all the seas?!"

Arthur dropped to the ground in pain as the creature loomed closer.

"You will defile this place no longer!" the creature declared, raising a tentacle to crush him.

"Wait!" Arthur cried out.

He held out a hand, unwittingly sending a pulse through the water. This halted the creature's tentacle, giving him a chance to talk.

"I don't think I'm worthy." Arthur finally spoke. "I know I'm not."

The tentacle retreated slowly.

"You… understand me?" the creature questioned, its voice laced with disbelief.

"I do." Arthur confirmed. "I didn't come here to claim a throne or to gain power. I came because my world is in danger, and this trident is my only chance to save it."

"You risk much coming here." the creature noted. "Even diminishing your own stature in my presence."

"I don't come here as a would-be conqueror or a pretender." Arthur explained, rising to his feet once more. "Just a man who cares about his home, his friends, and his family. And if that's not good enough for you, then screw you."

The creature gazed down at Arthur with intrigue and mild annoyance.

"No man has been able to pull the trident from Atlan's grip." the creature informed. "Should he deem you unworthy, well, I haven't eaten in eons, and I am famished."

It then withdrew, leaving Arthur alone with Atlan's body. He slowly swam over to it, unsure of what would happen once he touched it. Still, he had no other option, so he grabbed the trident. Upon touching it, the pulses became more frequent and higher pitched. He let out a breath, then ripped the trident out of Atlan's hands. It began glowing brightly, energy swirling around him until he disappeared into a whirlpool of golden light.

Miles away, the Javelin skirted across the sky as a large storm brewed overhead.

"Looks like we're getting close." GL remarked.

"I can sense Orm and his armies." J'onn announced, his eyes glowing brightly. "They are about to engage with the Brine Kingdom."

"Then we cannot afford to waste anymore time." Wonder Woman declared.

"I just hope this thing is waterproof." Superman mused as Wonder Woman piloted the ship into the waters below.

As the ship dove under the waves, Supes and Diana both grabbed rebreathers, J'onn morphed himself a pair of gills, and GL activated his ring, a halo of green surrounding him. Thankfully, the Javelin held up and slipped deeper into the water.

"Well we're alive, that's a good sign." GL replied.

"How much further until the Brine Kingdom?" Superman asked.

A red light began to fill the ocean, coming from a massive underwater volcano. J'onn went wide-eyed at the sight, stumbling back as Diana caught him.

"I believe we're there." she reported.

The four of them looked out and saw a massive army of crab people scattered across the fiery landscape. Other huge crabs were behind them, no doubt some form of artillery. Across from them was the combined armies of Atlantis, Xebel, and the Fisherman Kingdom. At the head of them all was Orm, looking determined to see this battle through

"Today, the kingdom of the Brine will fall before me." Orm declared, gripping his trident. "And with the last of the four kingdoms at my command, the surface will learn to fear Atlantis… and the Ocean Master!"

There is a loud cheer as Orm slid his helmet on.

"Attack!" He declared, prompting the armies to charge forward.

The armies began opening fire as the Brine Kingdom charged as well. The Javelin swooped in close, opening fire on the armies of Atlantis, much to the surprise of the Brine Kingdom.

"What's going on?!" one of the generals questioned

"Someone's on our side, that's what's going on!" the King answered.

The ramp on the Javelin opened up, allowing Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern to fly out and begin fighting. Superman plowed through several ships at super speed, causing them to explode. Wonder Woman shot out her lasso, wrapping it around one ship before swinging it around and knocking it into another. GL created a massive chainsaw with his ring, using it to cut through several ships. J'onn meanwhile, continued piloting the Javelin, using its on board weaponry to aid the team.

In the midst of the battle, Superman flew through the chaos and carnage to what was clearly the King of the Brine.

"Your Majesty, we are surface protectors known as the Justice League." Superman introduced. "We're here to help."

"Your aid is much appreciated." the King replied. "We have stood strong for thousands of years, and we will not fall to this would be conqueror now."

"That we can promise." Superman replied.

Just then, an energy blast came out of nowhere, knocking Superman back. As he crashed into the rocks below, Superman put a hand to his chest, seeing the significant singe marks on his skin.

"That… hurt." he let out, more shocked than anything.

"It seems mysticism is not your specialty, Surface Dweller." Ocean Master taunted, lowering towards him. "This will make killing you all the easier."

As Ocean Master tried bringing his trident down, Wonder Woman darted across the water and blocked the blow with her sword. She then shoved him back, causing him to skirt across the ground as she took a fighting stance.

"Let us see how well you fare against an Amazon, Atlantean." she declared.

The two then clashed weapons. Ocean Master pulled his trident back before swinging it at Wonder Woman, who backed away from every strike before blocking one with her sword. She then swatted one of his attacks away and tried to slash at him, only for him to swim upwards. She followed after, being met by Orm kicking her aside, knocking her through the water before Orm swam up, grabbed her, and slammed her into the rock. Diana gritted her teeth in frustration, batting his hand off.

"You may be a powerful warrior on the surface, but the ocean is my domain!" Orm taunted.

He was about to strike again, but suddenly, the ground started cracking open. A massive section of the sea floor gave out, the lava flow diverting as an enormous monster emerged. It looked like a cross between a squid, a shrimp, and a dragon with huge claws, jagged teeth, and tentacles that splayed out like a fan. It started smashing through the Atlantean armies and obliterating their ships, much to the surprise of everyone.

"Ok… what the hell is that?" GL asked.

"I have a better question." Superman offered. "Who's riding that thing?!"

Everyone looked up to see a lone figure standing atop the creature. Wonder woman squinted a bit, focusing on the figure before her eyes went wide.

"Arthur!" she shouted. "It's Aquaman!"

The others turned and saw it. Even from the Javelin, J'onn could see from the top of the creature's head, was Arthur, now clad in the orange and green armor of King Atlan, wielding a golden trident in his hand. He held the trident over his head, summoning massive lightning and power as Orm scowled him down.

"Kill him!" He ordered, pointing his trident at him.

Several ships flew straight at Aquaman, prompting him to fire an energy blast from his trident, damaging their engines and causing them to crash as the Karathen swam forward into the battle. As the creature smashed through ship after ship, war sharks and soldiers riding large seahorses came at Aquaman. He turned to them and focused his power towards them, taking control of the creatures and ordering them to turn on their controllers.

As they were fending off those they once served, Aquaman used his amplified powers to summon an army of sea creatures from the deep, ordering them to charge into battle for the good of the sea. Suddenly, hundreds of sharks, swordfish, and various other sea creatures including the beasts of the Trench swam into battle, fending off Orm's armies. As the battle raged, Aquaman hopped onto one of the sea horses and rode up to where Superman, GL, and Wonder Woman.

"Sorry I'm late." He told them. "I had to pick up a few friends."

"So I see." Wonder Woman noted.

"Nice outfit." GL commented. "It's certainly…"

"Yeah, I know." Aquaman cut off. "Outrageous."

"I was gonna say flamboyant, but that works too." GL remarked.

At that moment, Mera rode up on the back of a whale to meet up with the others. A contingent of Atlantean soldiers attempted to stop her, but the Trench quickly protected her, the rest getting swept up in a wave she created with a wave of her hand.

"This fighting is only going to get worse." Mera warned. "We need to act now before too many more lives are lost."

"You have a plan?" Superman asked.

"You guys try and quell the fighting on this end." Aquaman told them. "I'm gonna have a rematch with my little brother."

"The last time you tried that, you almost lost your life." Diana reminded.

"That's because Orm took me to his element." Aquaman replied. "This time, I'm gonna take him to mine."

"What about Vulko?" Diana asked. "I have not seen him among the fighters."

"No doubt Orm discovered his role in our plot." Mera mused. "He will most likely be on Orm's command ship."

"Did J'onn come?"Aquaman asked.

"Yeah, he's piloting the Javelin." GL replied.

Aquaman nodded, then turned to Mera.

"Take J'onn and go save Vulko." He ordered. "I'll need him more than ever once this is over."

"Just try and not get yourself killed out there." Mera told him.

"Same to you." Aquaman replied.

Aquaman then hopped back on his seahorse and rode off into battle. Mera swam off to meet up with J'onn as the three heroes flew back into the fray, blasting and fighting their way through the massive armies. Wonder Woman even smashed her bracelets together, sending a massive shockwave that sent several soldiers flying.

From a distance away, Nereus and Fishermen Princess witnessed the power of the League, as well as the entire wave of sea creatures obeying Aquaman's every command.

"He commands the Trench." the princess realized.

"That's impossible." Nerus let out.

"Not impossible, Father." Mera spoke up, swimming right up to him. "Arthur is king by our most sacred law. If you truly care for Atlantis, then you will stand down. If you don't, then everything you taught me will be nothing but empty words."

"It's true." one of the soldiers confirmed. "He wields King Atlan's trident. He commands the sea."

Nerus remained silent for a moment before speaking.

"Then that half breed is your king." He declared.

Mera smiled before seeing the Javelin fly overhead, prompting her to fly after it. The hanger bay opened for her, allowing her to swim in as it closed. She joined J'onn at the helm, looking out at the open ocean.

"It seems to be going well." J'onn remarked dryly.

"Better than we could have hoped." Mera agreed. "Head for Orm's command ship. We must find Vulko and free him."

"Right." J'onn replied.

J'onn then steered the Javelin towards the command ship. Down below them, the Atlantean army was getting decimated by the combined might of the sea, but Orm was still holding strong. Wielding his father's trident, he rode atop a massive sea beast, cutting down any and all creatures who got in his way. Aquaman did similar, riding on his seahorse and gripping his trident. The two finally clashed, knocking each other upwards. Orm stabilized and charged at Aquaman, trident forward. Aquaman quickly blocked it as the two dueled once more.

Onboard Orm's command ship, soldiers held Vulko on the main deck, allowing him a full view of the battle.

"It seems the true king of Atlantis has returned." Vulko commented.

"Be silent, traitor." One of the soldiers snapped.

He prepared to strike Vulko, but a feminine hand caught his wrist before the blow could land. The soldier turned just in time for Mera to flip him and disarm him. The second soldier was quickly taken out by J'onn, whose eyes glowed for a brief moment before the soldier laid down his weapon and fell asleep.

"Excellent timing." Vulko commended.

"We need to bring this ship to the surface." Mera told him. "It's Arthur's only chance."

Vulko nodded, holding out his wrists. J'onn snapped the cuffs binding them as Vulko rushed forward to take the controls.

"I suggest everyone hold onto something." he warned.

He then pulled a lever and the ship began moving up.

Aquaman's and Orm's battle was cut short when the ship under them suddenly began rising. Both were caught on it, forced to plant their tridents in order not to get knocked off. When the ship finally broke the surface, the two brothers stared each other down. Aquaman held his trident aloft, the massive rainstorm around them still raging as the armies of Atlantis and the Justice League surfaced, their eyes locked on the battle.

"End this Orm!" Aquaman insisted. "Before anyone else dies."

"That trident doesn't change anything!" Orm replied, dragging his trident across the ground. "You're still a halfbreed bastard! Unfit to rule!"

"I couldn't care less about the throne!" Aquqman responded, stopping and sliding into a fighting stance. "I just don't want the oceans to run red with innocent blood!"

"Then it will run with yours!" Orm yelled, running at him.

The two clashed again, the sound of ringing metal echoing over the storm. Hal, Superman, and Wonder Woman all watched, the latter a bit worried considering how the previous fight went.

"Should we help him?" GL asked.

"No," Wonder Woman replied, holding a hand up. "He has to do this alone. His people must bear witness, or he will never be accepted as their King."

The fight continued to rage, with Arthur feeling much more at home in the open air. It showed in his moves as he went faster and with more confidence. Still, Orm was no slouch, giving as good as he got. He even ripped off some of the panelling of the ship, throwing it at Aquaman, who easily dodged. Aquaman then forced Orm near one of the propellers of the ship, the rotation of which was strong enough to take off his cape.

"Yield!" Aquaman insisted.

"Never!" Orm declared, pushing him forward and kicking him to the ground.

Orm tried to stab him, but Aquaman rolled out of the way before hitting him with the blunt end of his trident. This knocked Orm back and allowed Aquaman to take a stance. He then started spinning his trident, building up a ring of water around it. Orm stared in shock as Aquaman manipulated his trident around him, forming an impressive water shield around himself. In fury, Orm let out a loud shout as he ran towards Aquaman, only for Aquaman to send the ring of water right at him, knocking him back. Orm landed hard on his back, grunting in pain.

"Yes!" Mera cheered, much to Vulko's surprise.

"Do I detect some admiration for our future king?" Vulko teased.

Mera's face turned as red as her hair. She then turned away from Vulko, her eyes returning to the fight. Orm pulled himself up, leaning on his trident as Aquaman continued to generate the wheel of water. Orm tried coming at him again, but Aquaman just threw his trident, knocked him back once more before charging at him himself. He leapt into the air, catching his trident and bringing it down. Orm tried to block the attack, but his trident was shattered into pieces by the blow. Orm fell back, being greeted by Arthur hold him his trident at his throat.

"It's over Orm." Arthur told him. "You lose."

"Then finish it." Orm demanded, lifting his chin. "Mercy is not our way."

"In case you haven't noticed bro," Arthur replied, withdrawing his trident. "I'm not like you."

"Do it!" Orm screamed, ripping off his helmet. "Kill me!"

"No!" a new voice cried out.

Orm froze, his eyes turning to the source of the voice. His eyes widened when he saw Queen Atlanna walking onto the ship in a beautiful white gown. The storm itself seemed to settle as she approached, the clouds parting to reveal the bright sun. The League all stared at the woman in confusion while Vulko looked like he'd seen a ghost.

"M-mother…?" Orm let out.

"Please, no more killing." She pleaded. "There has been enough bloodshed already, and I do not wish to see my sons fight."

Orm hadn't the strength to protest, he just stared at his mother as she approached. She held her arms out for him, embracing him tightly.

"Orm, my son." she whispered.

He returned the hug as J'onn turned to Mera.

"I thought Arthur's mother was deceased." He voiced.

"It's a long story." Mera told him.

She then led Vulko and J'onn out of the ship and onto the former battlefield as Orm and Atlanna finally released one another.

"I don't understand." Orm said quietly. "I thought you were dead."

"Arthur saved me." Atlanna told him.

"Then… you're on his side." Orm realized, a look of defeat in his eyes.

"I do believe that Arthur is the future for Atlantis." Atlanna answered. "He is proof that Orvak was wrong. The land and the sea are not too worlds, but one whole."

She placed a gentle kiss on his forehead as Mera, J'onn, Vulko, and several Atlantean guards approached.

"Take him away." Vulko told the guards. "And… make sure he has a view."

The guards then led Orm off, as Aquaman looked out and saw the crowd that had gathered.

"Didn't realize I had an audience." He commented.

"Of course you did." Diana called out as she and the other Leaguers landed on the ship. "They just watched the ascension of a new King."

"Guess so." Aquaman replied, looking down at the trident.

Mera came over, placing her hand on the trident and lowering it.

"This isn't what makes you King." She told him before placing her other hand on his chest. "This is."

"Thank you." Arthur replied. "And like I promised, that arranged marriage is over. You don't have to do anything you don't want to."

Mera looked surprised, then smiled.

"Then if you'll allow me." she requested before stepping forward and raising her voice. "People of Atlantis! Today began in bloodshed, but let it end in joy! I give you King Arthur of Atlantis!"

Arthur raised his trident overhead, prompting the crowds to cheer in response. Even the leaguers cheered.

"Hail to the King!" Hal shouted.

His cheer was picked up by the crowd, every Atlantean present shouting happily.

Sunrise came to the Curry family lighthouse as Thomas began his daily walk down to the dock. As he looked down at the dock, he stopped, seeing a familiar figure standing on the very edge. He dared to take a step closer, hardly believing what he was seeing.

"A-Atlanna…?" He let out.

"Hello Thomas." Atlanna replied smiling. "I missed you."

Thomas barely waited a second before dashing out and embracing his long lost love. They held each other in a passionate kiss. From the shore, Arthur and Mera watched and couldn't help but smile.

"I never thought I'd see the day they were reunited." Arthur admitted.

"Still, it is wonderful." Mera observed. "They deserve their happiness."

"No argument here." Arthur replied. "So, what's next for you? Now that you've helped me become king?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure." Mera admitted. "Although, I have become curious about your surface world."

"And I could stand to learn more about Atlantis if I'm gonna rule it." Arthur responded. "Maybe… maybe we can help each other."

Mera turned to him, giving him a smile.

"As you command, My King." she said.

"With you and me, it's just Arthur." He insisted. "No need for formalities."

"Well, if that's the case…" she replied before cupping his face and kissing him.

Arthur was surprised at first, but slowly melted into it, wrapping his arms around her.

Out in the middle of the ocean, Manta bobbed in the water as a Lexcorp shipping vessel picked him up.

"Sir! We found him!" one of the crewmen called out.

"Excellent." Luthor replied, walking forward. "Bring him aboard."

A net was thrown down and Manta was pulled out of the water, where he was set down on the deck. One of the sailors attempted to divest him of his helmet, but that's when Manta sat up, grabbing the sailor's wrist hard enough to break it.

"Don't even think about it!" Manta threatened.

"Easy there." Luthor insisted. "You're among friends now, Mr. Kane. or, do you prefer Black Manta now. Saw your show in Sicily. Very impressive."

"Who are you?" Manta demanded.

"My name is Lex Luthor," Luthor introduced. "And I have a proposition that could benefit us both."

"Whatever you're selling, I'm not buying." Manta snapped, throwing the sailor to the side.

"I can help you kill Aquaman." he proposed.

That made Manta pause. He met Luthor's eyes, as if to gauge if he was telling the truth. When Luthor's gaze did not falter, Manta backed down.

"Alright." Manta allowed. "You have my attention."

"All I ask in return… is that you take the Justice League down with him." Luthor demanded.