In this universe, superheroes are wolves with magical powers. The Justice League is still around, protecting Central City and the entirety of Earth. However, there is a new threat to society. A group of modified super villains, with their leader cau...
{Act 3 has been branded with a content warning for containing the following topics: depression (moments of emptiness and hopelessness), alcohol abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, manipulation, gore, death and trauma. Please protect yourself first if these topics will upset you/cause a trigger.}
{This particular chapter deals with: None}
"Is this true, Heelburn?"
"As much as I want to deny it.... Yes. It is true; someone has m...murdered my son in cold blood. He must have discovered something judging by the facial expression, and someone tried to keep him silent about it...to which...they succeeded..."
Ultramine sat back on his throne, tapping his paw to his jaw. He shared the same grief Heelburn was experiencing after being reported that his son, Zako, was found dead in an alleyway, apparently having been murdered by someone within Atlantis. The guard had told the King and Queen in secret as to not raise alarm to the expecting princess, who was close friends with Zako, as he did not want to add any new stress to her already frail body.
He turned to Aquamarine, who sat down and lowered her eyes. She was also sharing his grief but she didn't vocally express it, since she was not used to talking to others outside of meetings apart from Ultramine and Lazuli. She made brief eye contact with Ultramine before looking to Heelburn and lowered her head at him. He returned the gesture.
"Thank you, your Majesty," Heelburn said. He looked back at Ultramine, and the King noticed a subtle change to his expression as the guard clenched his paws. "We must find the murderer and bring them to justice! I can help with leading an investigation party to uncover clues on my son's death. I know some of the finest detectives myself."
"I completely understand, Heelburn, and completely agree with you." Ultramine nodded. "I will help with assembling a party for you."
"Would I possibly be included into this investigation?"
The two looked towards the door as Starshern slipped her way into the throne room. She made her way to Heelburn's side, hesitating at bowing to Ultramine. Though it made him curious, the King ignored it, and he immediately gestured for her to lift her head up.
"Good day, Starshern," Heelburn greeted in an exhausted voice. "I take it you...overheard?"
"I have. I am so sorry for your loss, Heelburn. I would feel the same way if anything happened to my precious niece since she's like a daughter to me." She rested her tail on Heelburn's back, which settled him a bit. "I could help you investigate who killed Zako."
"And when exactly were you so interested in investigations?" Ultramine asked, a little confused. He saw her side glance at him with a certain...annoyance? What was that emotion she was giving off? Had something ticked her off today?
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Very interested, your Majesty," she answered in a quick rush, looking away from him. "Shall we go, Heelburn? I know some other guards we can gather on the way out."
Heelburn blinked. "I-" He looked up at the King, obviously awaiting approval.
Ultramine nodded. "Go on ahead. And don't worry about Lazuli; when the right time comes, I will gently break the news to her."
"I don't wanna stress her out, your Majesty--"
"Oh, I'm sure she'll be fine! Come along!" Starshern interrupted as she nudged Heelburn forward.
The two had left the throne room and were padding through the hallway. Starshern had let Heelburn take charge up front so that she can linger slightly behind. "It's your investigation, Romeo," she told him. "Lead the way, and I will get the reinforcements." Though he was also confused by Starshern's change in behavior, Heelburn agreed and took lead. Hanging in the back, she gazed back and grinned.
That was the cue.
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Slipping through the throne room undetected, an Atlantean stared at the King and Queen as they listened to Zamu's reports. The unknown Atlantean grinned, sharp teeth revealing. Carefully and quietly, they put their plan into action; the Atlantean snuck up on the Queen, keeping their paws light as to not make any noise. Once they were in close range with Aquamarine, they tensed their paws, muscles bunched.
Zamu soon noticed upon pausing his sentence and shouted as he leapt, "Look out your Majesty!"
The King and Queen looked back with horror at the Atlantean ready to kill Aquamarine but Zamu barreled himself into them, rolling off of the steps. Once he pinned the Atlantean, he unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the unknown assailant's face. Ultramine arose rapidly, rushing to his wife and consulting her to make sure she was ok. Though shaken and clearly disturbed, she had nodded. The King quickly turned his attention to the Atlantean.
"What is the meaning of this!?" he snarled. "Were you sent to assassinate us? Tell us who sent you!"
The Atlantean just smirked. But they were not the one to answer him.
"I sent them, King Ultramine."
Lifting his head up, Ultramine turned around.
There Starshern stood, by the base of the steps, surrounded by Atlanteans who smiled hungrily at the King and Queen. The unknown Atlantean kicked Zamu off and went off to join the small group. Zamu quickly rushed to shove himself in front of Ultramine and Aquamarine, his sword now pointed at Starshern. "Explain yourself, Starshern!" the guard snarled. "What is going on??"
"Times are changing," Starshern began, pacing back and forth. "Thousands of years of a reign that has stripped and divided us. Power hogged to royalty. Thousands of years have we normal citizens been suppressed. Forced to obey and keep quiet. Allowed ourselves to be controlled by dark forces at work. No more. We demand our voices back! It is about time a new era in Atlantis arises. An era without royalty. An era where freedom and magic is ours for the taking." Her ice blue eyes bore into the King's skull. "Your bloodline ends here and now, King Ultramine."
Ultramine's eyes went wide. Everything was clear to him now, and it was happening right in front of his eyes all over again. Aquamarine scooted closer to him, pressing her side to his. He gently nudged her back just so he could bound past Zamu and lunge at Starshern.
"TRAITOR!" he shouted.
Starshern smiled. "Kill him and the Queen!" she commanded to the rebellion. "The princess is my niece's."
