Chapter 85

Haruka stirred, his eyes fluttering open as the morning light filtered through the window. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, the fatigue of the previous day's events having faded. Sitting up on the couch, he was greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Hila stood nearby, a steaming mug in her hand. "Good morning, Haruka," she said, her voice soft. "I thought you might appreciate a cup of coffee after your rest."

Haruka smiled gratefully as Hila extended the mug to him. "Thank you, Hila," he replied, wrapping his fingers around the warm ceramic. He took a sip, savoring the rich, comforting flavor.

Hila asked Haruka if he had a good night's sleep, and Haruka replied that he did. "It was the most restful sleep I've had in a long while," he admitted, setting the empty mug on the coffee table.

Haruka then inquired about Atlanna's condition. Hila explained that Atlanna was sleeping, with Tom keeping watch over her. "He didn't leave her side the entire night," Hila said, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm grateful he was here to care for her."

Haruka asked, "Where is Mera?"

Hila replied, "Mera is doing maintenance on the ship."

Haruka raised an eyebrow. "Mera? Isn't she a royal? Shouldn't she have others to do that kind of work for her?"

Hila chuckled lightly. "Mera is quite capable and enjoys tinkering with machinery. She finds it soothing, a way to clear her mind. Besides, as the future queen, she believes in leading by example."

Haruka nodded, impressed by Mera's hands-on approach. "I see. That's admirable." He paused, contemplating the situation. "And how are you holding up, Hila? This must be a difficult time for you."

Hila gives Haruka a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me, Haruka. I'm doing alright, all things considered." She pauses, her expression turning more serious. "But you're right, we have more pressing matters to attend to. Mera and I have been discussing our next steps."

Hila sets her mug down and turns to face Haruka directly. "We need to find out what happened to Aquaman. His disappearance has left Atlantis vulnerable, and Orm is already taking advantage of the situation." Her brow furrows with concern. "We believe he may be behind the attacks, but we need solid proof before we can confront him."

Haruka nods, his mind racing as he processes Hila's words. "So what's the plan? How can I help?"

Mera enters the room, her expression tense. "We need to know if Arthur is alive or not," she says, her voice laced with urgency.

Mera nods, her gaze shifting to Haruka. "Can we count on your help, Kamen Rider? Atlantis needs answers, and time is of the essence."

Haruka meets Mera's steady gaze, a determined set to his jaw. "Of course. I'll do whatever I can to assist you and Hila in uncovering the truth."

Hila places a hand on Haruka's arm, her expression grateful. "Thank you, Haruka. We'll need to move quickly, before Orm can consolidate his power."

The three of them fall silent, each lost in their own thoughts as they consider the gravity of the situation. Haruka knows that finding out Aquaman's fate will be the key to unraveling the web of deceit that has been woven around Atlantis.

Haruka, Hila, and Mera heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Atlanna entering the room. The former queen of Atlantis looked a bit pale, but her expression was determined.

"I'm coming with you," Atlanna stated firmly, her gaze unwavering.

Mera stepped forward, concern etched on her features. "Mother, you should be resting. You're still recovering."

Atlanna raised a hand, silencing her daughter. "I will not stand idly by while my family faces such peril. As the former queen of Atlantis, I have a responsibility to protect my people and uncover the truth."

Hila glanced at Haruka, her eyes conveying a silent plea for his support. Haruka could see the resolve in Atlanna's stance, and he knew that arguing would be futile.

"Atlanna, we understand your desire to help, but your health is of utmost importance," Haruka said, his voice calm and measured. "Perhaps there are other ways you can assist us without risking further harm."

Atlanna's eyes narrowed slightly, and she fixed Haruka with a steely gaze. "I appreciate your concern, Kamen Rider, but this is my fight as much as it is yours. I will not be sidelined while my son's fate hangs in the balance."

Mera placed a hand on Atlanna's arm, her expression softening. "Mother, we only want to ensure your safety. The journey ahead may be perilous, and we couldn't bear to lose you."

Atlanna covered Mera's hand with her own, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I understand your worries, my dear. But I am stronger than I may appear, and my place is with you, not confined to a sickbed."

The room fell silent as Atlanna's unwavering determination settled over them. Haruka knew that arguing further would be futile – Atlanna had made up her mind, and she would not be swayed.

Atlanna's unwavering determination settled over the group, and Mera knew better than to argue further. The former queen of Atlantis had made up her mind, and she would not be swayed.

"Very well, Mother," Mera conceded, her expression resigned. "If you insist on accompanying us, then we must make haste. Time is of the essence."

Hila, who had been silent during the exchange, spoke up. "I believe I may have an idea of where to start our search for the King." She paused, her gaze shifting to the side.

Mera turned to her sister, her brow furrowed. "What are you suggesting, Hila?"

Hila cleared her throat, her posture shifting slightly. "The Sunken Citadel," she said, her voice quiet.

Mera's eyes widened, and she let out a frustrated sigh. "Hila, you can't be serious. That place is far too dangerous, even for seasoned Atlantean warriors."

Hila looked away, her expression sheepish. "I know, but it's the best lead we have. The Sunken Citadel is known to be a hub for information and activity in the undersea world. If anyone knows what happened to Aquaman, it's likely to be found there."

Haruka, who had been observing the exchange, spoke up. "The Sunken Citadel? What exactly is that place?"

Mera turned to Haruka, her expression grim. "It's an underwater ghost town and a haven for pirates and other unsavory characters. The Sunken Citadel is located in a deep canyon, far from the reach of Atlantis's patrols."

Atlanna nodded, her eyes narrowing. "If Hila believes it's our best chance at finding Arthur, then we must explore that avenue. I'm willing to take the risk."

Mera opened her mouth to protest, but Atlanna raised a hand, silencing her. "I understand your concerns, Mera, but we cannot afford to waste time. Every moment we delay could be crucial."

Haruka watched the exchange, his mind racing. The Sunken Citadel sounded like a dangerous place, but if it held the key to finding Aquaman, he knew they had to at least investigate.

"I'm with you," Haruka said, his voice resolute. "If the Sunken Citadel is our best lead, then that's where we need to go."

Mera looked between Atlanna and Haruka, her expression conflicted. She knew they were right, but the risks were high. With a resigned sigh, she nodded.

"Very well. We'll make preparations to depart for the Sunken Citadel immediately."

Haruka assisted Mera as she made final checks on the sleek, underwater craft. He moved with a practiced hand, helping to ensure the vehicle was ready for their perilous journey to the Sunken Citadel.

As Mera tightened a last bolt, she turned to Haruka, her expression solemn. "Thank you for your help, Kamen Rider. I know the risks we're about to face, but I'm grateful to have you by our side."

Haruka nodded, his own determination clear in his gaze. "Don't mention it, the situation affects us all. I can't stand at the side and ignore it."

Nearby, Atlanna approached Tom, her expression a mix of worry and resolve. The lighthouse keeper reached out and grasped her hand, his eyes filled with concern.

"Bring him back, Atlanna," Tom said, his voice low but steady. "Bring our son home safely."

Atlanna squeezed Tom's hand, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I promise, Tom. I will do whatever it takes to find Arthur and bring him back to us."

The former queen turned to face the others, her posture straightening. "We must depart now. Time is of the essence."

Mera and Hila joined Atlanna, and the three women boarded the craft. Haruka followed close behind, his heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. As the vessel submerged beneath the waves, Tom stood on the shore, watching them disappear into the depths.

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