Chapter 14: The Rising Chaos

Atlantis - Royal Chamber

The majestic city of Atlantis, with its towering spires and intricate coral architecture, lay beneath the shimmering blue of the ocean. Bioluminescent flora illuminated the streets, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the structures.

The royal chamber, an expansive hall adorned with carvings depicting the history of Atlantis, thrummed with the anxiety of its occupants.

Aquaman, also known as King Orin, sat on his throne, his brow furrowed in concern. The occasional tremor shook the chamber, sending ripples through the water. His powerful physique, clad in golden armor and green scale-like pants, was a picture of royal authority.

However, the worry etched on his face revealed the gravity of the situation.

Around him stood a council of trusted advisors and warriors. Mera, his wife, with her flowing red hair and regal presence, stood by his side, her expression mirroring his concern.

Aqualad, his loyal protégé, with his calm demeanor and tactical mind, was at the forefront, ready to provide counsel. Garth, known for his magical prowess, stood beside Tula, a young warrior with a fierce spirit and unwavering loyalty.

Also present were a few other Atlantean officials: General Atlan, the stern and experienced head of the Atlantean military; Lady Mira, a scholar and historian of Atlantis; and Lord Vandis, an elder statesman with a deep knowledge of Atlantean politics and diplomacy.

"Report," Aquaman commanded, his voice resonating through the chamber.

General Atlan stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the tremors continue to affect various parts of the city. Our infrastructure is holding, but there are concerns about potential damage if the disturbances intensify."

Mera glanced at Aquaman, her eyes filled with concern. "We have deployed additional units to reinforce the weaker structures, but these tremors are unlike anything we've experienced before. They seem to be growing in intensity and frequency."

Aqualad nodded, his gaze steady. "We've conducted multiple scans and analyses, but we have yet to pinpoint the exact source of these disturbances.

The tremors appear to be originating from the deeper parts of the ocean, but the energy signatures are unlike anything we've encountered."

Garth stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "I've consulted with our sorcerers and scholars. There are traces of magical energy intertwined with the seismic activity. It is possible that these disturbances are being caused by a powerful magical entity or artifact."

Tula, always the warrior, clenched her fists. "We must find the source and put an end to it. The longer we wait, the more damage these tremors will cause."

Lady Mira added, "I've been researching historical records and legends. There are tales of ancient beings and powerful artifacts buried deep within the ocean. It is possible that one of these has been awakened or disturbed."

Lord Vandis, with his measured tone, concluded, "We must consider all possibilities, but we cannot act rashly. We need more information before we can take decisive action."

Aquaman listened to each of them, his mind racing with the implications of their words. He rose from his throne, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. "We will continue our investigations. Garth, consult with the sorcerers and gather more information about the magical energy. Aqualad, coordinate with our scouts to monitor the deeper ocean regions. Mera, oversee the reinforcement of our structures and ensure our people are prepared for any eventuality."

The council nodded in agreement, each member resolute in their determination to protect Atlantis. As they dispersed to carry out their duties, Aquaman lingered for a moment, looking at the map of Atlantis and the surrounding ocean. The tremors were not just a threat to his kingdom but to the entire world beneath the waves.

### Scene: Coastal Cities in Turmoil

The screen flickered with images of chaos and devastation. Coastal cities around the world were under siege by relentless natural disasters. Towering waves crashed against the shores, flooding streets and sweeping away everything in their path. Tsunamis engulfed entire neighborhoods, leaving destruction in their wake. Earthquakes shook the ground, toppling buildings and sending terrified citizens scrambling for safety.

A reporter stood amidst the wreckage, microphone in hand, her voice a mix of urgency and distress. "This is Jane Carter reporting live from Star City, where unprecedented natural disasters continue to wreak havoc on coastal regions worldwide. The death toll is rising, and emergency services are stretched to their limits. From monstrous waves to devastating earthquakes, the situation grows more dire by the hour. The cause of these catastrophic events remains unknown, and authorities are struggling to cope with the widespread chaos. Citizens are urged to evacuate to higher ground and stay tuned for further updates. The world watches in horror as these disasters unfold, causing unparalleled chaos everywhere."

### Scene: Vandal Savage's Lair

Deep within his shadowy lair, Vandal Savage watched the news report with narrowed eyes. His imposing figure stood still, arms folded behind his back, as he absorbed the information. The flickering light from the screen cast ominous shadows across his face, highlighting his contemplative expression.

Just then, a portal opened behind him, shimmering with dark energy. Klarion the Witch Boy stepped through, cradling his familiar Teekl, who lay contentedly in his arms, purring softly. Klarion's face bore a manic grin as he stroked Teekl's fur, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight.

"Ah, don't you just love such an inflow of chaos?" Klarion purred, his voice dripping with sadistic glee. "Everyone running around like headless chickens. Heheheh."

Teekl meowed softly, seemingly in agreement, as Klarion's smile widened. Vandal Savage glanced at Klarion from the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable.

"What is the point of all this?" Savage asked, his voice calm yet filled with underlying irritation. "You're drawing too much attention. The Justice League will undoubtedly intervene, and we don't need that now. You're causing too much damage, Klarion."

Klarion's grin only widened at the admonishment. "Oh, Savage, you're always so serious. Can't a being have a little fun?" He chuckled darkly. "I'm feeling bored. I need excitement! Watching these mortals scurry about, terrified and helpless—it's exhilarating!"

Vandal Savage's eyes flickered with a mixture of disdain and resignation. He thought to himself how troublesome Klarion was, almost like dealing with a petulant child, despite the chaos entity being as old as the universe itself. Savage knew that Klarion's whims were unpredictable and often destructive, but he also understood the necessity of keeping him as an ally.

"Your 'fun' could jeopardize our plans," Savage warned, his tone icy. "Reign in your chaos before it spirals out of control."

Klarion's expression turned slightly more serious, though the mischief never left his eyes. "Oh, very well, Savage. But remember, chaos is my nature. Don't expect me to suppress it for long."

With that, Klarion's smile returned, and he continued to pet Teekl, who purred contentedly. Savage turned his gaze back to the screen, his mind already racing with strategies to mitigate the damage and refocus their efforts. The alliance with Klarion was tenuous at best, but necessary for the grander schemes they had in motion.

WATCHTOWER

Aquaman's holographic image flickered into view in the Watchtower's command center, his face grim. "We have a rough estimation of where the problem might be originating," he reported. "The disturbances seem to be centered in the Atlantic Ocean, near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It's hard to pinpoint the exact location, but the tremors and energy spikes are consistent in that region."

Batman nodded, his expression equally serious. "We've been monitoring the same area. Our sensors indicate the same rough estimation, but pinpointing the exact origin has been impossible. There seems to be some kind of magical concealment blocking our attempts to locate it precisely."

Unknown to them, Klarion's concealment spell on his imitation of Typhon was working perfectly, masking its presence and activities.

"We need to move quickly," Batman continued. "The longer we wait, the more damage it causes. We'll deploy a team to investigate the area. Prepare for immediate departure."

Toneri's In his room, Toneri stood by the large observation window, looking down at Earth. His heightened senses picked up the disturbances, although they felt different from anything he had sensed before. It wasn't chakra, but something else, something that seemed to be blocked or concealed.

"A kekkai?" Toneri mused internally, considering the possibility of a barrier. He knew a close inspection might help him understand better. Sage Mode might enhance his perception, but he decided to wait until he was on the planet's surface again.

Just then, his door opened without the usual knock. He glanced back to see Batman standing there. They stared at each other for a moment before Batman spoke.

"We have a general location. We're moving out now. You're coming with us."

'How audaciously, for a mortal to think they could command me.' Toneri thought while looking at Batman impassively.

For a second a dark thought came to his mind, 'I could crush this pathetic mortal without evening looking.' But no, he decided against it.

Toneri nodded, and without another word, Batman turned and left but felt a cold shiver as he did so, 'what was that?' He wondered why he felt cold all of a sudden.

Back in the room Toneri thought to himself, 'Oh well, for now at least let's have at it.' As he returned his gaze back to the blue marble below.

Around the world, coastal cities continued to grapple with the relentless natural disasters. In Metropolis, Superman worked tirelessly to evacuate citizens from flooded areas. His superhuman strength was crucial in lifting debris and clearing paths for emergency services.

In Star City, Green Arrow and Speedy shot grappling arrows, rescuing people stranded on rooftops. They moved with precision, their arrows creating makeshift bridges and ziplines across the flooded streets.

In Central City, The Flash and Kid Flash zipped through the chaos, their speed allowing them to be almost everywhere at once. After successfully rounding up a group of bank robbers attempting to take advantage of the situation, Flash received a message through his comms.

"Flash, we need you at the Watchtower immediately," Batman's voice came through.

"On my way," Flash responded, turning to Kid Flash. "Finish up here, Wally."

"Hey, where are you going?" Kid Flash shouted, but Flash had already zoomed off to the nearest zeta-tube.

Sighing, Wally muttered, "He does that all the time," before continuing to secure the area.

In Atlantis, Aqualad and Tula coordinated with Aquaman, using their control over water to form barriers against the tsunamis. Garth and other Atlantean warriors reinforced the underwater city's defenses, their combined efforts preventing further damage.

### Scene: Gotham City

In Gotham City, Robin moved along the Gotham port, his mind filled with annoyance at being left out of the main mission. He had just finished dealing with a group of Penguin's thugs who were trying to smuggle weapons amidst the chaos. The bodies of the unconscious thugs lay scattered behind him.

Robin's communicator buzzed. It was Batman, updating him on the situation. "We need all available hands on deck. Keep Gotham secure and assist where you can."

Robin sighed, looking out at the turbulent waters. "Got it, Batman. I'll do what I can here."

Despite his frustration, Robin knew his place was in Gotham, ensuring the city's safety. As he moved along the port, he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was happening, and he was determined to play his part, even if it meant staying behind.