Najicablitz
patreon
DC X Rider Ch 77
🕑 Added 2024-11-21 13:41:04 +0000 UTCHaruka, clad in the sleek Abyss armor, engaged in lively conversation with Hila, Kaldur, and Tula after their intense sparring session. The exchange was interrupted as a messenger rushed in, calling urgently for Hila.
"Your father, King Nereus, has arrived," the messenger announced, eyes wide with urgency.
Hila's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "My father?" She glanced at her companions.
"I must go to the throne room at once." Without hesitation, Haruka, Tula, and Kaldur fell in step behind her, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected royal visit.
The trio entered the ornate throne room, where King Nereus, a commanding figure with a regal bearing, stood conversing with Queen Mera. Hila approached her father, her expression a mix of delight and apprehension.
King Nereus stood tall and proud, his imposing figure commanding the attention of all present. His long, silver hair flowed gracefully, framing a face that exuded both wisdom and authority. Piercing blue eyes surveyed the room, their gaze unwavering as he acknowledged Hila's arrival. The ornate, scale-like armor he wore glinted in the light, a testament to his status as the King of Xebel.
"Father," Hila said, her voice carrying a hint of formality. "I was not expecting your arrival."
King Nereus turned to his daughter, his icy blue eyes scanning the room until they landed on Haruka, Tula, and Kaldur.
"Hila, my dear," he said, his tone measured. "I came as soon as I heard of your safe return." His gaze shifted back to Hila. "And I see you have brought... guests."
Haruka felt the weight of Nereus' scrutinizing stare, and he instinctively stood a little straighter, his Abyss armor gleaming under the room's soft lighting.
Mera stepped forward, her regal posture commanding attention. "Father, may I present Kamen Rider, the one who aided in Hila's safe return." She gestured towards Haruka, her expression calm and composed.
Nereus' eyes narrowed slightly as he considered Haruka. "I see." He turned to Hila, his voice taking on a more paternal tone. "My daughter, I am relieved to see you unharmed. However, I must speak with you regarding the... situation that has arisen."
Hila nodded, her shoulders straightening as she prepared to address her father. "Of course, Father. I will hear your concerns."
Nereus cast another glance towards Haruka, Tula, and Kaldur. "In private, if you don't mind." His gaze lingered on Haruka, a silent request for the others to leave the room.
Hila hesitated, her eyes flickering towards Haruka for a brief moment before she nodded in acquiescence. "As you wish, Father."
Haruka, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, inclined his head respectfully. "We will wait outside, Your Majesty." He turned to Hila, offering her an encouraging nod before he, Tula, and Kaldur exited the throne room, leaving Hila and King Nereus alone to discuss the pressing matters at hand.
Nereus, the formidable King of Xebel, stood before Aquaman, his piercing gaze unwavering. "Have you located the individuals responsible for the attack on my daughter?" he demanded, his voice laced with underlying tension.
King Arthur, the ruler of Atlantis, met Nereus' intense stare with a measured response. "I'm afraid we have not yet been able to identify the culprits, Your Majesty," he admitted, his brow furrowing with concern. "My guards are still investigating the matter, but we have found no definitive leads thus far."
Nereus' jaw tightened, and he paced the ornate throne room, his regal bearing underscored by the barely contained fury in his movements. "This is unacceptable," he growled. "My daughter was attacked, and you have yet to bring those responsible to justice."
Arthur raised a placating hand. "I understand your frustration, Nereus, but we must proceed with caution. We cannot simply accuse the surface dwellers without solid evidence."
The mention of the surface world caused Nereus' expression to darken further. "And why not?" he challenged, his voice dripping with disdain. "It is no secret that the surface harbors those who would seek to undermine our kingdom."
Arthur took a step forward, his own regal demeanor unwavering. "That may be true, but we cannot allow ourselves to be consumed by suspicion and hatred. Such a mindset will only lead to further conflict, one that could have devastating consequences for both our worlds."
Nereus' eyes narrowed, and he regarded Arthur with a mixture of skepticism and grudging respect. "You speak of caution and restraint, Aquaman, but you must understand – my daughter is my priority. I will not stand idly by while those who dared to harm her remain free."
Arthur nodded solemnly. "I know, Nereus, and I share your desire for justice. However, we must tread carefully, lest we inadvertently spark a war that neither of our realms can afford." He paused, his gaze hardening. "I will not allow that to happen, even if it means standing against you."
Nereus held Arthur's unwavering stare, the tension in the room palpable. After a long moment, he inclined his head slightly. "I have no wish to see Atlantis and Xebel at odds, Aquaman. But I will not simply wait for your investigation to bear fruit." He turned, his regal cape swishing behind him. "I will take matters into my own hands if necessary."
Arthur watched as Nereus strode towards the exit, his mind racing with the implications of the king's words. He knew that Nereus' thirst for retribution could prove to be a dangerous catalyst, one that could unravel the delicate balance between the surface and the sea. With a heavy sigh, Arthur resolved to redouble his efforts, determined to find the true culprits before Nereus took matters into his own hands.
Hila and Mera watched their father leave, the weight of his words still hanging in the air. Mera placed a gentle hand on Hila's shoulder, offering her sister a sympathetic look.
"Do not worry, Hila," Mera said, her voice soft yet reassuring. "Father is simply concerned for your safety. He means well, even if his methods can be... unorthodox."
Hila nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "I know, Mera. But I cannot help but feel that his actions may only serve to escalate the situation, rather than resolve it."
Before Mera could respond, a messenger rushed into the throne room, his expression one of urgency.
"Your Majesties," the messenger addressed Arthur and Mera, "the Trench People have been sighted on the outskirts of Atlantis. They are causing a disturbance and threatening our borders."
Arthur's expression hardened, and he turned to Mera. "I must go and address this matter immediately. Prepare the guards, but ensure the citizens remain calm."
Mera nodded, her regal bearing betraying none of the worry that surely gripped her heart. "Be careful, my love," she said, her eyes conveying the depth of her concern.
Arthur offered her a reassuring nod before turning to depart, his powerful frame cutting an imposing figure as he strode towards the city's edge.
Haruka, who had been waiting outside the throne room with Hila, Tula, and Kaldur, saw Aquaman's hurried departure and approached Hila.
"What's happening?" he asked, his voice tinged with unease. "I saw the king leaving in a rush."
Hila met Haruka's gaze, her own expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "The Trench People have been spotted near our borders," she explained, her words laced with worry. "Arthur has gone to confront them and prevent any further incursions."
Haruka felt a pang of apprehension at Hila's words. The Trench, the savage, devolved Atlanteans, were a constant threat to both the surface world and Atlantis itself. If they were causing a disturbance, it could spell disaster for the delicate balance between the two realms.
Nereus, who had been observing the exchange from the shadows, narrowed his eyes as he watched Hila's interactions with the Kamen Rider. The king of Xebel did not miss the concern that flickered across his daughter's features, nor the way she seemed to gravitate towards the armored figure.
Nereus' expression hardened, a silent disapproval radiating from his very being. He had not come all this way to see his daughter grow attached to a surface dweller, no matter how heroic his actions may have been. Nereus knew that the world above the sea was a treacherous place, filled with those who would seek to exploit or undermine the kingdoms of the deep.
As Haruka and Hila continued their conversation, Nereus made a mental note to keep a close eye on the Kamen Rider, determined to ensure that his daughter's focus remained on the welfare of Xebel and its people, rather than on the fleeting alliances of the surface.
