114 - Atlantean Attack

Gotham had transformed in the blink of an eye.

Gone were its dark alleys and grey skyline. What stood in its place was a city of light.

Right before the eyes of hundreds—right under the nose of the world's greatest detective—the whole grim, oppressive city had turned into a crystalline marvel that rivaled even an advanced civilizations. The very air hummed with transcendent energy, inspiring awe in the masses and terror in those who thought to challenge it.

*HHMMM*

A deep, guttural rumble echoed through the air, like the groan of a giant beast awakening from its slumber. The sky darkened as if to rain. People of Gotham turned to the sky, expecting another surprise.

Nion's head snapped toward the horizon. His shared vision with a Sentinel stationed on the coast revealed the dark clouds gathering unnaturally fast, casting shadows over Gotham. The Sentinels patrolling the shoreline turned their attention to the phenomenon, their cores glowing as they prepared for combat.

The city began to hum as billboards across Gotham switched to live footage. The screens displayed the terrifying sight of a massive wave, hundreds of feet high, forming in the distance. Its frothing crest illuminated flashes of blue as Atlantean warriors riding enormous sea beasts surged alongside it.

At the forefront, riding an armored sea beast, stood Orm, the Ocean Master. He raised his trident high, commanding the sea itself. His amplified voice boomed across the ocean, dripping with disdain.

"Land Dwellers!" he roared. "For too long, you have polluted our oceans, destroyed our world, and dared to attack our people. Today, we show you the power of the sea!"

At his command, the massive tsunami roared forward, its size and force enough to swallow Gotham whole. Panic spread through the streets as people began to flee, their faces etched with terror.

Nion stood calmly, watching the wave rise above Gotham's skyline. With a wave of his hand, a massive holographic image of himself materialized, towering over the city.

"Stay calm," his voice boomed, resonating with authority. "You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Have I not shown you enough! Are you cowards?!"

His words cut deep into the Gothamites, halting them in their tracks. They looked up at his titanic figure and remembered his presence in the city. This alien had enough power to make Earth kneel.

"Sentinels, maintain peace in the city," he ordered.

At the same moment, the city seemed to take a breath. Energy pulsed out from Gotham's core, spreading outward to the very edges of the city. From orbit, it appeared as though a beacon had been lit.

The pulse drummed like the heartbeat of the city, awakening to protect its people. The very air hummed with energy as a golden film enveloped Gotham, forming a protective dome.

The rushing tsunami crashed against the invisible barrier with an earth-shattering force. Its roar sent ripples through the shield, yet not a single drop of water broke through. The thin film stood like as a wall between Gotham and its total destructions.

Those near the coast saw the massive wave cascade harmlessly against the shield, returning to the ocean as though nothing had happened. In Gotham Square, the crowd watched in stunned silence, their fear slowly giving way to awe.

"Citizens, we shall cut this ceremony short. Return home and enjoy your day," Nion announced naturally, as though commenting on the weather. "The city is secure, and it shall not fall. Never again."

He turned to the Mayor and Commissioner Gordon. "Keep the streets in order. I will deal with the child throwing a tantrum."

Gordon nodded and took command of the police, escorting the Mayor and council members. The police maintained order among reporters clamoring for answers, directing the crowd to safety.

Nion gave one final sweep of the situation before stepping through a Door that appeared beside him, reemerging a few feet from the raging ocean. He saw the line of atlanteans soldier that were trying to destroy his city.

He raised his hand in a gun gesture and mimed firing.

...

Back in the ocean, Orm's eyes narrowed as he watched the wave dissipate against the forcefield without causing any substantial damage.

He raised his trident, signaling his forces to attack. Atlantean warriors surged forward, launching projectiles and conjuring waterspouts to assault the shield. Relentlessly, they tested its strength. Projectiles collided with sparks, while torrents of water splattered ineffectively against it.

Even as sea creatures slammed against the barrier, it showed no sign of relenting.

Orm stood atop his sea beast, frustration and determination etched across his face. "Break it down!" he commanded. "It will yield to the might of Atlantis! Show them our strength!"

Before his forces could respond, a transparent wave rippled through the ocean—a mix of electromagnetic and psychic energy. Atlanteans and their mounts fell prey to the attack, collapsing into unconsciousness. Only those with iron wills clung to wakefulness.

Orm felt the wave wash over him but resisted its effects, bolstered by his royal crown and sheer determination.

"I don't like fish that dance on my plate," Nion's voice carried over the crashing waves. "I like them dead and roasted, with a bit of lemon on the side."

Orm sneered, his anger burning hotter. "So, the self-proclaimed King of Earth graces us with his presence," he mocked. "You dare challenge the ocean? Do you think we are as weak as the land dwellers? I will show your world that the ocean is not afraid!"

Nion shrugged, his tone unimpressed. "I don't play with children who stay up past bedtime. Go fetch someone older and more responsible."

"I am enough for you," Orm declared, his laughter cold and hollow. "Your toys cannot withstand the might of Atlantis! The surface world has taken too much from us. Today, we take it back."

As Orm gathered the waves for another attack, Nion looked on, unfazed.

Orm raised his trident high. "The ocean will have its justice!"

Thunder rumbled through the darkened sky as lightning struck Orm's trident in a brilliant flash. The weapon glowed fiercely, arcs of electricity snaking around it. Orm prepared for a final strike, pouring all his power into bringing down the shield.

"Today, the land will know the might of the ocean!"

Orm roared as the tsunami surged forward, carrying the weight of the ocean with it. He swam with the wave, trident raised high, striking the shield with all his might.

BOOM BoomBoomBoom!

The sound of thunder rolled through Gotham, the colossal force clashing with the immovable object. Lightning struck frantically as the trident pushed against the golden film, its tip sparking and burning with power.

Orm gritted his teeth, his muscles bulging as he pressed the trident with all his might. Yet, even he could tell he wasn't making a dent. His eyes crossed the barrier, locking onto Nion, who stood calmly with his hands in his pockets.

"Having trouble, Princess?" Nion asked, his tone dripping with mockery.

...

Beneath the City

Silent footsteps echoed in the void.

Zion walked steadily forward, lantern raised to illuminate the impenetrable darkness. The light revealed nothing beyond their immediate path, the air growing colder, heavier, and reeking of decay.

Robin followed close behind, tension evident in his tightened grip on his staff. The faint echoes of his steps betrayed his unease.

"You're being cryptic," Robin said, his tone dry. "What exactly is this 'Darkness'? And why couldn't Batman come?"

"Why? You scared?" Zion teased, his gaze unwavering as he peered through the shadows. "He's needed topside for the reopening. Besides, this is something I can handle myself. I just need someone to watch my back."

Robin's lips twitched in reluctant amusement. "And here I thought you brought me along for my sparkling personality."

Zion chuckled. "That too, Robin. I don't need another brooder. I don't get how he keeps it up."

"Tell me about it," Robin said, his tension easing slightly. "Sometimes I wonder if he feels anything at all."

"He does, but he's scared to show it," Zion replied. "Batman is the protector Bruce Wayne created to shield himself. After years, only Batman remains."

"That's heavy," Robin muttered, his fleeting enthusiasm dimmed.

"Meh," Zion shrugged. "That's why you'll never be like him, Robin. You don't dwell in the past; you push forward toward the future. You're not Batman, but you'll be something else."

"What can I be besides Robin?"

"You'll know when your wings are grown," Zion said with a mysterious smirk.

Robin groaned. "Can't you stop being cryptic?"

"Sorry, but it's a job requirement for a seer," Zion quipped, chuckling.

Their banter was cut short as Zion stopped abruptly.

"We're here," he said, stretching the lantern forward.

Robin squinted into the darkness but saw nothing. "I don't see anything."

"That's because this magical darkness blinds your perception. It tricks your senses," Zion explained, placing his hand firmly against the void. "When dealing with magic, never trust your eyes. This darkness hides the maze. We took about 136 turns before reaching here."

Robin turned back, but all he saw was more darkness. His stomach dropped. "We… took turns?" He remembered only walking straight, following Zion's light.

Zion placed the lantern down and pulled a bag from his coat. "Robin, listen carefully. I have somewhat of an idea what's inside. it's the center of the curse that permeates Gotham. But I have no idea what else might be there."

From the bag, Zion pulled two iron short swords, blessed by priests and enchanted with runes, and extended them toward Robin. "You're going to need these."

Robin looked at the blades, lethal weapons Batman would never approve of. "No guns?" he joked.

Zion shrugged. "These should be enough to kill most evil things inside."

He armed himself next, pulling out holy grenades, knives, and revolvers, strapping a katana to his back. He loaded Robin and himself to the teeth before stepping closer to the wall.

After a moment of examination, he turned to Robin. "Inside, trust nothing you see. Follow your gut."

Robin nodded firmly, taking the lantern.

Zion performed a series of hand seals, his hands glowing with green light. His posture shifted from that of a mage to a fighter as he drew back his fist and punched the wall with all his strength.

Green energy erupted from his fist, cracking the darkness with an ear-piercing shriek.

Robin watched as the blackness shattered, revealing a small stone chamber with a casket in the center. Religious markings adorned the walls, crosses and ancient bottles of holy water scattered about.

Robin stepped inside, the malice of the place pressing against his skin.

"What is this place?" Robin asked, his voice hushed.

Zion approached the casket, conjuring a blade of black light. "Gotham's oldest secret—the foundation of its curse."

With a single thrust, he stabbed the body inside the casket.

The black light sank into the corpse, and the chamber shuddered violently as darkness recoiled.

"Finally, coming to use, Nekron," Zion muttered.