Najicablitz
patreon
DC X Rider Ch 84
🕑 Added 2024-11-28 14:14:22 +0000 UTCHila and Mera hid the craft in a secluded reef, concealing it among the swaying kelp and coral. Atlanna, Queen of Atlantis, rested quietly, her condition stabilized thanks to Haruka's Shift Car.
Hila paced around, her brow creased with worry. "Mera, Haruka should have been back by now. What if something's happened to him?"
Mera placed a reassuring hand on her sister's shoulder. "Do not fret, Hila. Haruka is more than capable of handling himself. He will return to us."
Hila's gaze drifted to the shimmering waters beyond the viewports. "I hope you're right. I... I fear for his safety." A tinge of vulnerability crept into her voice.
Mera offered a gentle smile. "Haruka has proven himself a worthy ally. He will not abandon us." She squeezed Hila's hand lightly. "Have faith, sister. He will come back to you."
Hila nodded, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. With a deep breath, she turned her attention back to the sleeping Atlanna, determined to remain vigilant until Haruka's return.
The mirror shimmered, and Haruka emerged from it. Hila and Mera were surprised to see Haruka, but Hila, relieved, hugged him, knowing he was safe.
"You're alive!" Hila exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion. She pulled back, her eyes searching his face. "We were so worried."
Mera approached, her regal bearing tempered by a rare display of concern. "What happened, Haruka? Where have you been?"
Haruka placed a reassuring hand on Hila's arm. "I'm alright. I had to take a detour, but I'm here now." He glanced at Atlanna's still form, his expression sobering. "How is the queen?"
"Stable, for now," Mera replied. "But we must get her to safety quickly."
Hila nodded, her grip on Haruka's arm tightening. "Then let's go. We can't stay here any longer."
The group moved with purpose, Hila and Mera guiding their small craft through the winding currents, Haruka keeping vigilant watch. As they neared their destination, a sense of unease settled over them, the weight of their perilous situation pressing in.
Haruka asked if they knew any safe location to rest. Mera knew one location. The lighthouse in Amnesty Bay. Home of Arthur's father.
"The lighthouse in Amnesty Bay," Mera said. "It's a safe haven, far from prying eyes. We can hide there until we determine our next move."
Hila nodded, her eyes filled with relief. "Then let's go. The sooner we reach Amnesty Bay, the better."
Guiding their small craft, the group set a course for the familiar coastal town. As they neared the shore, the towering lighthouse came into view, its beacon shining like a beacon of hope.
Hila maneuvered the vessel towards a secluded cove, and they disembarked, Haruka carefully assisting the weakened Atlanna. The salty breeze caressed their faces as they approached the lighthouse, its sturdy structure a testament to the resilience of this place.
Haruka glanced around, taking in the tranquil surroundings. "This should be a safe haven for now. Let's get Queen Atlanna inside and tend to her wounds."
Mera and Hila nodded in agreement, and together, they made their way towards the lighthouse, seeking refuge and a moment of respite in this familiar, safe haven.
Haruka, Hila, Mera, and the injured Queen Atlanna arrive at the shores of the lighthouse in Amnesty Bay. They approach a small, weathered house nearby and Haruka knocks on the door.
The door opens, revealing a man with light brown hair streaked with gray at the temples. He has a sturdy, rugged build, his face weathered by years spent by the sea. Warm hazel eyes peer out from beneath bushy brows, conveying a sense of kindness and steady determination. Dressed in a flannel shirt, worn work boots, and a well-worn jacket, he has the appearance of a seasoned lighthouse keeper.
Tom Curry was delighted to see Mera, a familiar face from Atlantis, at his doorstep. However, when he laid eyes on the unconscious Atlanna, his expression quickly shifted to one of deep concern.
"Mera, what's happened?" Tom asked, his brow furrowing with worry as he ushered the group inside. "Is Atlanna alright?"
Mera's voice was tinged with urgency. "She's been injured, Tom. She needs to rest for now." The queen's face was etched with worry as she glanced back at her mother's still form.
Tom nodded grimly, his gaze sweeping over the small group. "Come in, come in. Quickly now." He led them to the spare bedroom, where they gently laid Atlanna down on the bed.
Tom hovered over Atlanna, his weathered hands smoothing back a stray lock of her silver hair. "Oh, Atlanna," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "What have they done to you?"
Hila and Haruka watched on as Tom tended to the queen, his touch gentle and his eyes filled with a deep, abiding love. Mera stood nearby, her regal posture betrayed by the tension in her shoulders.
The room fell silent save for Atlanna's steady breathing as Tom continued to watch over her, his expression a mix of concern and determination. Haruka and the Xebelian princess exchanged a weighted glance, both acutely aware of the gravity of the situation and the need to find a safe haven for the injured queen.
Mera, Hila, and Haruka leave the bedroom, allowing Tom and the injured Atlanna a moment of privacy. They make their way to the cozy living room, the weight of the day's events etched on their faces.
Hila sinks into an armchair, her regal posture slumping with exhaustion. "I can't believe this is happening," she murmurs, her brow furrowed with concern.
Mera takes a seat on the weathered sofa, her fingers drumming restlessly against the armrest. "Nor can I. Everything has happened so quickly." She casts a worried glance towards the bedroom door.
Mera turned to Haruka, her brow furrowed with concern. "What happened to our pursuers? Were you able to lose them?"
Haruka nodded, though his expression remained grave. "For now, yes. But I fear it may not be long before they catch up to us." He glanced between Mera and Hila, a hint of unease in his voice. "By helping me, you two could be branded as fugitives. As royalty, you may not face the same consequences as I would."
Hila sat up straighter, her eyes narrowing. "Do you mean to suggest we abandon you, Haruka?" Her tone was laced with offense.
Mera raised a placating hand. "Hila, he has a point. Our involvement could bring great trouble upon our kingdoms." She fixed Haruka with a steady gaze. "However, we made the choice to aid you and Atlanna. We will face the consequences together."
Haruka's shoulders sagged with relief, though the worry remained etched on his features. "I'm grateful for your help, but I don't want to jeopardize your positions. Perhaps it's best if we part ways here, and I continue on alone."
Hila opened her mouth to protest, but Mera placed a hand on her arm, silencing her. "We will not abandon you, Haruka. We are in this together, for better or worse." Her expression hardened with determination.
Haruka's expression softened with gratitude as he looked between Mera and Hila. "Thank you, both of you."
Hila's lips curved into a small smile, a rare display of warmth from the usually stoic princess. "Of course, Haruka. We are in this together, as Mera said." Her gaze held a hint of concern. "But for now, you should take the chance to rest. You've done enough for today."
Mera nodded in agreement. "Hila is right. You've been through a great ordeal. Stay here, with us, and regain your strength. We will keep watch over Atlanna and plan our next move."
Haruka opened his mouth to protest, but the exhaustion weighing on his shoulders became increasingly evident. With a weary nod, he conceded. "Very well. I'll take some time to rest, but I won't be far." He looked at the two princesses, his gaze earnest.
Haruka lay on the couch to close his eyes for a brief rest. The fatigue of the day's events had taken a toll, and he allowed his body to sink into the cushions, his muscles relaxing. Though his mind remained alert, the quiet sanctuary of the Curry home provided a welcome respite. As his eyelids grew heavy, he focused on the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, letting the familiar rhythm soothe his nerves.
