Mera the Atlantian

Arthur Curry Jr. floated serenely in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic. Around him was the familiar warmth of his underwater kingdom. The vibrant corals and colorful schools of fish provided a beautiful backdrop, the comfort of home. Yet, an unsettling feeling gnawed at him, a sense of unease. It was too quiet, even for his secret aquatic castle.

His father left on urgent Justice League business and in his place was a void he felt deeply. Arthur Jr.'s mother, Mera, had departed as well, her mission known only to Arthur Sr. Now, alone in the grand halls of Atlantis, Arthur Jr. could sense the tremors of unrest that echoed through the kingdom.

Sleep continues to elude him. Tossing and turning, he finally gave up and darted out of his room, his heart continues pounding with unease. He made his way towards his father's quarters, hoping for some comfort there even in the man’s absence. But it was only a room, empty and cold. A sinking feeling began in his stomach.

"Mama! Mama, no!" Arthur Jr. cried out for no particular reason. His voice echoing through the royal chamber. His mother had always been his rock, her presence a source of comfort and strength. But now, there was a sense of unease even thinking about her. Why?

A movement caught his eyes suddenly and a figure lurked in the corridor, its movement visible only through the gap beneath the floor. Their movements. Arthur Jr.'s heart raced. He waited until the figures were gone and left the room to follow them. He might be afraid, but he was the prince and the firstborn. Nominally, he outranked all who may gainfully tread these halls.

He followed the footsteps towards the grand hall and hid behind a corner. He peeked through, his eyes widening at the sight before him. His mother was there speaking with uncle Orm. Orm, the Ocean Master, his least favorite uncle. But something’s not right. She was leaning against the wall, and he was standing so close to her. Closer than he had seen her standing next to anyone besides her father.

They seemed so friendly. Yet their expression was anything but. They looked at each other and there was a tension there. A tension as if they’re both seeing each other for the first time. They’re judging each other as if they don’t know if they should hurt each other or do something else.

"You have your chance, Orm," Mera said, her voice warm but also cold? "The Justice Leagueve t is on the brink of Civil War. Unless I summon him back, Arthur won’t be back until it has been resolved. And since I have things,” Mera leaned even closer “completely under control. There shan’t be a need to summon him back at all.”

Orm nodded, his eyes gleaming. "And what of the boy?" he asked, his gaze briefly flicking towards the hidden Arthur Jr.

Mera's expression did not change. "I will take care of him."

Arthur Jr.'s heart ached at the sight of his mother's and the things she’s saying. He wanted to run to her, to beg her to stop whatever she was planning. But fear held him back, his small frame trembling with the weight of this discovery.

A firm pair of grabbed him from behind and covered his mouth. Blue gloves, strong grip, two solid cushions behind him. He started but could not move an inch.

"Come, young prince," the woman said quietly. "You should not be here." He was lifted up as his kidnapper hovered above the air and they floated away backwards.

Arthur Jr. vainly struggled against her hold, his mind racing with questions and fears. What are they planning? he tried to say, but none of the words came out.

"Your mother believes she is doing what is necessary." The women answered anyways. “For the good of atlantis,” she said.

Arthur Jr was young, but he wasn’t that naive. What about Papa? Arthur Jr. screamed into the hands, his voice breaking. What about me?

The lady’s expression hardened. "Your father would not understand," she said. "He would not approve. He would interfere. But you must trust that your mother loves you and is doing what she believes is right."

Arthur Jr. was led to a secluded chamber deep within the palace, where a large contingent of women awaited. Lean, muscular women in hoplites armor, they must be the Amazon of myth. The warriors of justice made to protect and defend all of humanity against all war. But as he looked into their eyes, he saw no warmth, no compassion – only cold resolve.

“Hi, Arthur. I’m Karen,” the women said. “I’m a friend of your parents, both your parents. The amazons and I we’re here to protect you before the night is over.”

“I know who you are, Powergirl” said Arthur Jr.

Karen gave him a wry smile.

“Great, buddy. Now can I ask you to hang tight as your mother and I do our work?”

“I don’t suppose I have a choice.”

“No, I don’t think you do,” she said turning and left.

Hours passed, and Arthur Jr. remained in the chamber, he transitions from confusion to fear to hope and back again. Four Amazons were left to watched him. They were silent and their expressions unreadable, but there was a manic quality about them. The way they stared and the way they smiled. Arthur thought they were obsessed with something.

He wished his mother's embrace, for the reassurance that everything would be alright. But the future king of Atlantis, he remembered, must not show weakness.

As the hours churned on, the chamber door finally creaked open. Mera entered, her face broke into a smile at the sight of her baby boy. But Arthur Jr. something else in her eyes too, a flicker of the Amazon’s sickness.

"Mama," Arthur Jr. whispered, his voice trembling.

Mera approached him, her expression soft as she knelt beside him. "My precious boy," she said. "I am doing this for you, for us. You must understand."

But all he saw was the betrayal and the impending chaos. He knew in his gut this was not the way. Even in her embrace, he felt a chill seep into his bones.

"Mama, please," he pleaded. "Don't do this. Don't hurt Papa."

Mera's grip tightened, and for a moment, he saw a flash of regret in her eyes. But it was quickly replaced by the same manic energy his captors had. "I have to," she said quietly. "It is the only way."

And with that, she rose to her feet, leaving Arthur Jr. alone in the cold, empty chamber. The door closed behind her with a finality that echoed through his very soul.

Time passed in a blur. Was it an hour, or a night, or a day? All he knew was that his mother had gone a good while before the door opened again. The amazons stepped aside and took position around him. In the center of their formation was Powergirl holding a Atlantean trident.

Karen charged at him in a blur. In that moment stretched to eternity, part of him wanted to cry for help, but then he didn’t. He simply bit down his tongue and stayed silent.

Heavy lies the head, said his mother once reading him the story of old Damocles. Ignoble **** was always the price of royalty and he shall face his with a head held high.

"Forgive us, young prince," he heard the Amazon said as a wound erupted in his chest. For her part, Karen was almost entirely silent. All he heard from her was a disturbing moan.

He had expected Powergirl to go for the throat, a clean ****. It made no sense, especially for a warrior as honorable and experienced as her.

She pulled the weapon back and went at it again. As his consciousness fades, he vaguely registered that she smelled like those dolphin school gang-**** a sole female.

His resolve did not last till the end.