Fundraiser and Atlantis

"Well, after this terrible year so far, I am glad to introduce my cousin Maxmillion Vega Wayne." Bruce said stepping away from the stage. 'I wonder how he will do?' A small applause went off as Max stepped out.

For most, it would be the first time seeing the young billionaire. A few have heard about his violent reactions in the prep school that he was expelled from. Most thought him a brute and a disgrace to high society. if you were to ask Max, he would just laugh about it.

"Alright, no need to insult with the pity applause." Max grinned. A few people chuckled at that. Approach defintely welcomed to the false sincerity of some. "I am quite a straight shooter, so I will tell you off the bat the direction my company is going in."

"Hmm!?" One of the share holders looked suprised. 'What does he think he can do with the company we have slowly wittle from Vega's control?' Looking around the table was an eyeopener. But a few others grinned at what was coming. 'I have a bad feeling about this.'

"The last few months, every employee file has had a comb-over. And additional background checks, as well as a deeper evaluation on what they have been up to. The small things like taking a stapler home by mistake, hogging the donuts in the morning, and even punching out for an "emergency" all checked." Max looked out at the crowd. A few more people started to look uneasy. "Now... this was a charity event, but also a place for people to do back room deals. Everyone knows this, it is how things are always done."

"What is he doing!?" The one shareholder felt his sense of dread increase even further.

"Just be quiet. it will be ok."

"In the last few years during my parents' death, several little moneygrubbers have done some terrible things. Dreadful things. think of some bad creepy shit and it has been done." Max shook his head as he waved his finger. at the crowd. "I just can not have that in my company. A total of 2.3 billion dollars have been earned through this. I know, dreadful isn't it? nothing really done with it but having a few fucks do further shitty things."

"Well, that is one way to cause a problem." Lionel Luthor said. He and his people stared patiently to see what would happen next. 'I never thought he had the balls to do something like this. Young man will not live long enough to see adulthood at this rate. I do believe Lex is friends with him. I must keep an eye on that.'

"Now, to pay it all back in a way.." Max removed a folder from the table behind him. "..those involved have been arrested. State evidence turned over as well as witnesses protected. Now for the money, I am donating every drop to the city. Various projects are under way for the people in the know already. Businesses destroyed by this idiocy have already received a bailout and given payment for what happened. If that is enough to make up for it.." Max lulled his around a bit. ".. then screw em. i did not have to it at all. So do not come whining later."

"This is quite a joke Mr.Wayne." An old woman said. Her name was Tina Powers. One of the families that had ties to everything in Gotham. A close tie to the Wayne's. Family having come to the new World along with the others years ago. Responsible for the downfall of the Cobblepots rumors suggest. "Terrible joke child."

"Oh dear, you old bitch.." Max eyes shined just a little. Shown a good bit of information due to his eye. ".. I am glad to see you ended here and now." The woman was a bit of a monster. Max did not want to visit England anytime soon. 'Haaa, the A.I. will have to handle those plans.'

(Drawing up counter plans now.) The A.I. intoned. (Including Morgen le Fey to the scenario.)

"You have the right to remain silent.." A voice said next to her. Gordon was standing with cuffs as he read her rights. Several people around every table doing the same thing.

"Come quietly." Several officers came into the room. "You are under arrest for bribery and blackmail."

"Under arrest for extortion and murder." Another officer said.

All around the room several people were receiving warrants as well as handcuffs. It was quite a spectacle and carried on for several minutes. Arguing and yelling met with stern faces. Once it cleared, the room quieted down.

"What you see left, are people who are committed to saving Gotham. As well as the rest of the Country and further. I see some of you are looking at Mr.Luthor." Max said serious. "He has done a lot for several places. Including Gotham. Despite the danger, it has brought to his family."

'How does he know!?' Lionel looked shock as he stared around. Wondering how Max found out about the blackmail, that only a few knew about. Including the workings of his family. 'If they find out.. they will go after Lex the same way they did..'

"The Mercer family." Max said. "You adopted their daughter and she is friends with some people I know. The people responsible for your wife's death have been taken care of. It was no sickness that claimed her. As I believe you know already."

"I.. see." Lionel mumbled softly. He then went numb for a moment. His aides shaking him to no avail. 'I hope I can still stop that deal that is going through. A few

A few task force members were outside for the more able-bodied and runners involved. A few mafia members were arrested on the spot. Everything was done after checks were signed and processed of course. No sense in that not happening. hey would fight it, but that would not help their case. or the kickbacks to those they needed to pay.

"Well, exciting yes. Here is to progress and new days ahead. Cleaning up Gotham, one asshole and deadbeat at a time." Max raised his glass and the applause this time was genuine. He painted a target on his back that some people were glad for. It would allow them to push changes to try and save the city as well. "I hope everyone enjoys the meal."

Max sat down as the food was brought out. People conversing amongst themselves mostly. A few business cards delivered to Max to try and get on his good side with invitations. mercy sat next to him enjoying everything. The others still mingling with people despite what happened.

Once everything was done, Max and company returned home. But the night was not over of drama. Max eye lit up as he changed into his Watcher persona. he had work to go do at once.

.

Atlantis-

.

The Atlanteans were gathered around by decree of the tyrant king. The man now called himself King Neptune. Which did not go over well with the majority of the populace. Claiming to be a better leader than even the gods of the ocean.

Elder Leot, Magister Loke, Koah, Corum Rath and his people at the forefront to enact his desires. But the lose of the Queen and the heir was more felt lately since his inception of full control. The Atlanteans were learning the hard way, that Queen Atlanta was doing her best to fix problems. To late for regrets now.

"Settle down everyone." Elder Leot broadcast. Several sea creatures had not attended. Not respecting the false king. Only the creatures of the dark were in attendance. "The King has an announcement."

"Long have we felt the problem of the surface dwellers. The pollution, and utter lack of respect for what lies beneath the ocean." King Neptune said. "It is time to rise up and make them pay for this!"

A few nodding agreeing with him. But a few Atlanteans that witnessed the change in the last few years by several companies to clean up the waste, companies like Luthorcorp, Starr Enterprise, Wayne Enterprise, Queen consolidation, and the Kord group.

"We are in more danger than ever." King Ryus said. His two daughters swimming to his side. His general Nereus and a group of soldiers in wait. "Before her death, Queen Atlanta had put in motion to free us from the fate of the barrier. The moment she died, the deconstruction of the barrier stopped instantly. Years of her help wasted in an instant."

"Father.." Hila his eldest was the most distraught. The chance to finally free herself from the oppressive kingdom of her father lost. 'I wonder if he will still help me if I ask?' She stoked a bracelet on her wrist. made of titanium and inscribed with a spell for emergencies.

"The late Queen Mera was the only one trying to make up for everything that happened in the past. This fool is just trying to use the kingdoms for his own ambition." Mera said with derision. Her hatred for King Neptune clouding her vision in an instant. "This needs to end already for we can find better ways to acquire more food."

"We are leaving. King Ryus said. "We will not find help here." The Xebelian forces following. they did not consider the man their king. Queen Atlanta earned their respect after all she did. And tried to do for them. 'I have a bad finally about the future.'

"The war against the surface world will start in five years' time. They will pay for everything." King Neptune bellowed. His voice echoing out of the city and into the ocean. "We will conqueror the seas from the surface dwellers and sank the land in my name! For I am King Neptune! Even Poseidon would have to bow to me!"

*Rumble!* The ocean started to shake. Large chasms opened across the floor. King Neptune had angered the Gods. And disrespected the memory of King Neptune.

The city started to crumble as powerful underwater currents ripped apart the place. The people having no where to go as dark hands started to strike them. Each person caught turned into monsters of some kind. The Xebelian were almost swept up but Hila's bracelet shined.

*Boop!* A mirror appeared as Max stepped out into the water. His smacking against the gods curse. A barrier appeared in an instant around them all.

"it's you!" Hila cried in excitement. She turned to Mera. "Told you my Master would help us!"

"Yeah yeah!" Mera grumbled. Embarrassed for not believing her sister. "You took some stranger as a master, know respect for yourself."

"The Xebelian are under my protection. I suggest you go to the others. The ones who have not learned from the mistakes of old." Max said with a strong edge in his voice. The hands reached a little and robed his barrier. "Insolent! I do not mind slaying Gods this early!"

*Pew!* A large beam of pure energy fired out. Max let loose a large portion of his virtues energy. Power of Temperance burning the arms despite the pressure of water down below. The gods responsible, received a burning backlash as well.

"Do not piss me off!" Max was understanding about them being upset. Does not mean he would be ignored. It is their fault for not leading them all better in the first place. Turning to Mila, he had to ask. "What is your desire princess?"

'I desire.. that we Xebelians are saved!" Hila said quickly. For an instant, she thought she was able to see a grin appear on Max's face. But the clothing obscured to much.

"Your wish.. is granted." With a snap, the forces disappeared.

In another location, the Bermuda Triangle disappeared as well. Scientists would study it awe for the next few years time. Unable to figure anything out besides the large hole in the ocean defied physics. The underwater kingdom now floated in the sky high up in the atmosphere of Gotham. Hidden by layers of magic deeper than several places. as well as technology that would baffle scans for the next few decades.

"The surface..." King Ryus mumbled looking out. Everyone was currently standing on a stone road. he turned to look at the creature that was Max and his daughter with fear. Something he had not experience in a long time. "What happens now?"

"Now, your daughter helps educate you all on your history." Max said calmly. granting her wish removed the excess aches and pains from not using his power to kill. Virtue had its perks within his cultivation. "As well as them."

*Shing!* Several statues appeared. Mixture of Greek, Roman, African, Aztec, and Celtic Gods.

"If you do not want the fate of the others, I suggest you all listen for once. A lot needs to be covered to understand the reason Atlantis fell originally. And the role everything plays in the grand scheme of things." A voice whispered to all around. Gaia appeared walking on the stones barefooted. Lucious vines grew in each step enriching the place. "My wayward children, you need some faith."

"Thank you very much master." Hila said to Max. "Glad you are always watching."

"It is with the name. But a long road is ahead of you all. If you need help, call this number." Max passed over a card to her. "Just do not pressure her to much." A mirror appeared as he stepped threw. On his way to speak with Atlanta and inform her personally of what happened. "Behave my student."

"I will!" Hila waved happily. Behind several Atlanteans just look trying to take everything in. The panic form the change to the surface tingled a bit. But the adjustment was quick considering they were once surface dwellers a long time ago. The magic that gave them the ability to breathe underwater retracted just a bit. "Finally out of hiding. Well kind of."

"Sister, we need to have a long talk about what he has taught you." Mera said a bit upset. More at her self than her twin. "Is that how you beat me in the last duel?" Her sister just grinned at her not saying anything. "Oh, that is so not fair. You learned from someone who defied the gods!"

.

Elsewhere-

.

A few robed figured stared amongst each other. Flesh burned for the strike of Max. It was not regenerating fast at all. The one in the center, the obvious leader spoke out. It was Poseidon of the Greek Pantheon of Olympus.

"All but one of the Kingdoms have fallen under the curse. A chance for the ocean to heal despite our best efforts." His gaze went around and the various individuals. Not a one voicing any complaints. "This.. Wanderer had interred once before on something, it has turned into a habit of late."

A woman holding a jar that seemed to constantly spew water out into the vastness of existence stepped forward. Her aquamarine hair pulling attention even further as it swayed. The very definition of a pure woman of old in her eyes. This was the Goddess Aquarius.

"A just punishment for those who planned to kill Queen Atlanta in the first place. All the work ruined by a weak husband. Who we should have killed in the first place."

"Ares got in the way of that." Poseidon said. "And Zeus would have had a fit if we had to find another War God to replace him." He gazed turned to Aquarius' partner in crime for most things. "Hapi, what do you think we should do about this affront to our dignity?"

"Ummm nothing." Hapi rubbed his hand in memory. he was among the best healers and did not like that feeling at all from the backlash. "From what I understand, he has ties to several members of your Pantheon. I say let it go and have them owe us."

The others mumble in agreement to that. Just one disgruntled about not taking a hard approach against what he believed to be a mortal striking them. The God Tempest carried grudges about as well as Poseidon.

"Very well then." Poseidon agreed up front but mentally he had a different plan. 'Uncle Hades owes me a favor. I will just have to call it in. Especially since a breach in Tartarus was found in the Pacific Ocean that one time. And I covered it up for him.'

The meeting of the various Water Gods and Goddess continued. Relenting on several matters and deciding to secure several areas away from human study. Such as the Deep trench, and Arctic Zone. Not enough was done to allow them that. They would gather again in a few years to recheck it.