Chapter 80

Haruka saw multiple submarines launching missiles and firing ultrasonic weapons. He noticed Tula and Kaldur already destroying some of the submarines.

The Atlantean warriors moved with incredible speed and precision, their hydrokinetic abilities allowing them to maneuver effortlessly through the water. Tula summoned towering walls of water to deflect the incoming missiles, while Kaldur's twin water-blades sliced through the hulls of the enemy vessels.

Haruka, still in his Kamen Rider Abyss armor, watched the battle unfold with a mix of awe and determination. He gripped the edge of the Atlantean vessel, his body poised to leap into the fray, but he held back, waiting for the right moment to lend his aid.

Mera, Atlanna, and Nereus stood on the bridge, their expressions grave as they surveyed the unfolding chaos. Mera's brow furrowed, her hands clenched into fists as she witnessed the assault on her kingdom.

"We must rally our forces and push back these invaders," she declared, her voice commanding. "Atlantis will not fall to the surface dwellers."

Atlanna placed a reassuring hand on her daughter's shoulder, her eyes filled with a mother's resolve. "We will defend our home, Mera. Together, we will prevail."

Nereus, his regal bearing unwavering, nodded in agreement. "For Atlantis and Xebel," he said, his voice a rumbling thunder. With a wave of his hand, he signaled the Atlantean vessel to join the fray, its powerful engines propelling it towards the enemy submarines.

Nereus, Hila, Mera, and Atlanna joined them in the fight. Haruka also participated in destroying the submarines.

The Atlantean royalty unleashed a coordinated assault, their combined hydrokinetic powers overwhelming the enemy vessels. Nereus summoned massive tidal waves to submerge the submarines, while Hila's precision strikes disabled their weapons systems. Mera and Atlanna worked in tandem, creating a vortex of water that crushed the hulls of the invading craft.

Haruka, still clad in his Kamen Rider Abyss armor, gripped the Abyss Sabers tightly as he surveyed the crippled submarine. With a decisive motion, he activated the Sword Vent card, summoning the twin blades to his hands.

Darting forward, Haruka slashed at the submarine's turbines, the serrated edges of the Abyss Sabers cutting through the metal with ease. Sparks flew as the propulsion systems were disabled, leaving the vessel adrift in the churning waters of the Atlantean defense perimeter.

Haruka approached the disabled submarine. With a sense of purpose, he grasped the hatch and pulled it open, fully prepared to confront any remaining crew members.

However, as he peered inside, he was met with an eerie silence. The submarine's interior was completely empty, devoid of any human presence. Haruka stepped cautiously onto the metal deck, his eyes sweeping across the abandoned control panels and vacant crew quarters.

"Strange," he murmured, his voice filtered through the Abyss helmet. "Where are the sailors?"

Haruka moved deeper into the submarine, searching for any sign of life, but the vessel seemed to have been hastily abandoned. He paused, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"If the crew is not here, then where are they?" Haruka wondered aloud, his mind racing with possibilities.

Haruka emerged from the disabled submarine, his gaze sweeping across the devastated battlefield. The other enemy vessels had been crippled as well, their hulls breached and sinking beneath the waves.

Haruka was about to comment on the strange absence of crew members when a familiar figure approached – Prince Orm, the younger brother of Aquaman. Orm's brow was furrowed, his expression one of shock and disbelief as he surveyed the damage.

"Mother," Orm said, turning to Atlanna, who stood nearby, "what has happened here?"

Atlanna's expression was grave as she met her son's gaze. "Atlantis has been attacked, Orm."

Orm's brow furrowed as he gazed upon the crippled submarines, his eyes narrowing with barely contained fury. The sleek, angular vessels were unmistakably of surface-world origin, a clear violation of Atlantis's sovereignty. His grip tightened around the trident he held, the iconic weapon of his brother, Aquaman.

"Mother, Mera," Orm said, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and dread. "I have grave news."

Atlanna and Mera turned to face Orm, their expressions shifting from the relief of the battle's end to one of trepidation.

"What is it, Orm?" Atlanna asked, her voice soft yet commanding.

Orm's gaze darkened as he held out the trident, the golden prongs gleaming even in the aquatic light. "I found this, along with the bodies of the Trench People, near the border." His words were heavy, laced with a sorrow that belied his usually stoic demeanor.

Mera's eyes widened in horror, her hand instinctively reaching for the trident. "No..." she breathed, the implications of Orm's discovery sinking in. "Arthur..."

Atlanna's expression mirrored Mera's, the queen's features etched with grief and disbelief. "My son," she whispered, the weight of the words threatening to overwhelm her.

Orm's jaw tightened, his own pain evident in the tightness of his features. "I fear the worst, Mother, Mera. Aquaman is gone."

The three Atlanteans stood in somber silence, the roar of the waves and the distant cries of their warriors the only sounds that pierced the heavy air. Mera's fingers traced the intricate engravings of the trident, a testament to her husband's heroism and the cruel fate that had befallen him.

Atlanna's eyes shone with unshed tears, her regal composure cracking under the weight of this devastating news.

Orm's gaze hardened as he surveyed the wreckage around them. With Aquaman's disappearance, the mantle of leadership now fell upon his shoulders. He straightened his posture, his grip tightening around the trident.

"Our king is gone," Orm announced, his voice projecting across the gathered Atlanteans. "But Atlantis will not fall. We must be vigilant and prepared for whatever the surface dwellers have planned."

The Atlanteans stood at attention, their expressions mirroring Orm's determination. Mera and Atlanna flanked him, their regal bearing underscoring the gravity of the situation.

"Send word to all the kingdoms," Orm commanded. "Atlantis is on high alert. Increase patrols along our borders and reinforce our defenses. We will not allow the surface world to encroach upon our home again."

The Atlanteans responded with a chorus of affirmations, their voices filled with conviction. Hila stepped forward, her eyes burning with a mixture of grief and resolve.

"The surface dwellers will pay for this," she declared, her hydrokinetic powers swirling around her. "Atlantis will not be cowed by their aggression."

Nereus, Hila's father, nodded in agreement, his own regal countenance hardening. "Xebel stands with Atlantis. We will not tolerate any further incursions against our kingdoms."

Haruka, observing the Atlanteans' unified response, could sense the simmering anger and determination coursing through them. The loss of their king had galvanized their resolve, and they were prepared to defend their home at all costs.

Haruka found everything to be highly suspicious. The attack on Atlantis, the disappearance of Aquaman, and Orm's sudden rise to command all seemed too coincidental. However, Haruka knew he couldn't speak out without proper evidence.

Orm's gaze hardened as he turned towards Haruka, the Kamen Rider's presence now viewed with distrust. "You," the prince said, his voice dripping with accusation. "You are a surface dweller, and you were present during the attack on our kingdom. I cannot allow such a threat to roam free."

Orm gestured to his guards, who quickly surrounded Haruka, their tridents pointed menacingly. "You are under arrest, Kamen Rider. Any resistance will be met with force."

Hila stepped forward, her eyes pleading with her brother-in-law. "Orm, please, he is not the enemy. Haruka saved my life and has proven himself a friend to Atlantis."

Nereus, Hila's father, placed a firm hand on her shoulder, his expression stern. "Hila, you must understand. In these uncertain times, we cannot afford to take any chances. The Kamen Rider must be detained for questioning."

Haruka tensed, his mind racing as he considered his options. He could attempt to flee, but that would only reinforce Orm's suspicions and potentially jeopardize his ability to uncover the truth. Surrendering, however, would place him at the mercy of the Atlantean authorities, and he wasn't sure how they would treat a surface dweller.

As the guards moved in to apprehend him, Haruka caught Hila's gaze, silently conveying his resolve. He knew that by cooperating, he might have a better chance of clearing his name and uncovering the true culprit behind Aquaman's disappearance.

Haruka did not resist and let the guards arrest him. Hila looked worried, but she listened to her father.

Hila turned to Nereus, her brow creased with concern. "Father, surely there must be another way. Haruka has proven himself a friend to Atlantis."

Nereus met his daughter's gaze, his expression resolute. "I'm sorry daughter, but Orm has commanded it. I cannot go against his authority."

Haruka remained silent as the guards escorted him away, his gaze locked with Hila's. Though apprehensive, he knew that cooperating was his best chance to uncover the truth behind Aquaman's disappearance.

///

Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story. If it does not gain any interest, I will drop it.

Advance chapters on my P@tE0N Najicablitz, which is also the best way to support me.