The Tides of Change --- Justice League: The Throne of Atlantis

Chapter Eight

Repairs to both the surface world and Atlantis commenced slowly. There still wasn't much trust between either world, but there was hope for better times.

Thankfully, the leaders of the surface world were convinced that the attack on their world was due to Orm's manipulation and not the Atlanteans themselves. It was thanks in no small part to the surface guardians or the Justice League, as we've been told they're called. It took some convincing, and by some, I mean a lot. (Humans are stubborn) But it eventually worked out for both our worlds.

One of the compromises had been keeping Orm in a surface prison. I should've been happy that he was put away and no longer had control over my life, except I couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness. Despite everything that he's done, everything that he's put me through, he's still my brother, and as I remembered the times we spent together as kids, I couldn't help but miss him. I could never forgive him for his actions...but I will never forget him.

Now back in Atlantis, everyone was getting ready for Arthur's official crowning ceremony. Everyone except for me, that is. I mean, technically I was ready, just a bit more preoccupied at the moment trying to get seaweed out of the vents to the palace. Some annoying kids shoved it in there. They do it all the time, and I've never been able to catch who it was.

"Stupid kids, stupid seaweed, stupid vents," I muttered, wrestling with one stuck piece in particular. With one more strong tug it suddenly popped out, making me yelp and spin backward in the water. Thankfully someone caught my ankle, ceasing my spinning.

Turning to them, I fully expected it to be Heix, but instead, the Justice League is what faced me. I almost forgot they were coming as unofficial representatives of the surface world. Also because Arthur invited them. Most wore masks that helped them to breathe underwater while a few of the others didn't need them. I blinked a few times, surprised. The one who'd caught me was the fast man in the red suit from the battle. I think he's called The Flash.

Getting myself together I smiled sheepishly. "Uh, thanks."

He smiled. "Nice to see you again kid."

"Where's Arthur?" The one in the green suit asked. They call him Green Lantern, although, I don't know where the "lantern" part comes from.

"Oh, he's getting ready and having a mild panic attack in his room," I said, shrugging. "Don't worry. He's fine, Mera's with him...which is also why I'm not going in there." I grimaced.

I got a few chuckles and half-smiles from some of them. One did a full-out laugh, but the metal man, whose name I learned was Cyborg, elbowed him in the side. Surface dwellers are weird.

"I can take you guys to your seats if you want." I offered. "We should be starting soon."

Flash smiled and gestured with his arm. "Lead the way."

I grinned and swam ahead of them, having to remind myself to go slow since they weren't used to the water, even if most of them could fly. Once I got them to their seats, I waved goodbye and darted off behind the raised dais where Arthur would be officially presented soon.

I found both Mera and my brother waiting there. Since Mera used to be our mother's personal guard that means she's now Arthur's guard. Which means they, spend a lot of time together. Which means me trying not to stab my eyes out every time I come into a room and see them very obviously jump away from each other after I interrupt their "moments".

Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that they're together. Gives me something to tease them both about. But I would deeply appreciate it if they would keep it to areas that I don't frequent.

Speaking of the couple, Arthur was currently pacing in the water as Mera watched him with an amused expression.

"Hey," I said, appearing next to Mera. "You ready?"