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DC X Rider Ch 68
🕑 Added 2024-11-13 14:46:33 +0000 UTCHaruka and Hila strolled through the quaint streets of Amnesty Bay, the Xebelian princess captivated by the unfamiliar sights and sounds. Hila's striking beauty, accentuated by the elegant green dress, drew the admiring gazes of many men, much to Haruka's growing discomfort.
As they passed by, several men, their arms wrapped around their girlfriends, turned to ogle Hila, earning swift slaps from their irritated partners. Haruka cringed inwardly, regretting his decision to take Hila out in public. Their mission required discretion, but Hila's allure was proving to be a distraction.
Hila, seemingly oblivious to the attention, observed her surroundings with a curious gaze. The salty breeze, the crashing waves, and the bustling activity of the coastal town were all novel experiences for the princess, who had spent most of her life beneath the sea.
"This place is quite different from Xebel," Hila remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of wonder. "The surface world is... intriguing."
Haruka nodded, his eyes darting nervously as another group of men ogled Hila, their wives or girlfriends glaring daggers at them. "Yes, it is," he replied, his tone tense. "But we should try to keep a low profile, Princess. We don't want to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves."
Hila's brow furrowed slightly, her gaze shifting to Haruka. "Unnecessary attention?" she repeated, her tone questioning. "Surely these surface dwellers are simply admiring my appearance. There is no harm in that."
Haruka sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That may be true, but it could also draw unwanted trouble. We need to be discreet, remember?"
Hila tossed her head, the light catching the elegant sweep of her hair. "I am a princess of Xebel," she declared, her tone lofty. "My beauty is a testament to my lineage and noble bearing." She gestured gracefully, the emerald fabric of her dress swishing. "I cannot help that I draw admiring glances. It is simply my nature."
Haruka rolled his eyes. "I understand, but we're trying to avoid attention, remember?" He paused, then asked, "Speaking of Xebel, what is it like? I don't know much about your kingdom."
Hila's expression brightened as she spoke of her underwater home. "Xebel is a marvel, unlike anything on the surface. Our architecture is a blend of ancient Atlantean designs and modern, bio-technological innovations. The city shimmers with bioluminescent corals and gleaming metal alloys."
She continued, pride evident in her voice. "Our people are fierce warriors, trained from birth to defend our sovereignty. We value loyalty, honor, and the strength to protect our way of life." Hila's gaze grew distant, a hint of longing in her eyes. "My father, King Nereus, is a formidable ruler who has kept Xebel independent from Atlantis for generations."
Haruka listened intently, fascinated by Hila's description of her kingdom. "It sounds like an impressive place. I can see why you take such pride in it."
Hila nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Xebel is my home, and I would do anything to defend it. The surface world may hold many wonders, but it cannot compare to the majesty of the ocean's depths."
Haruka is intrigued by Hila's explanation of Xebel. He listens attentively, captivated by the princess's pride and reverence for her underwater kingdom.
"It sounds like a remarkable place," Haruka muses. "I can understand why you hold it in such high regard." He pauses, then asks, "What are your thoughts on the surface world, though? How does it compare to Xebel?"
Hila's expression shifts, a frown tugging at the corners of her lips. "The surface world..." she begins, her tone tinged with distaste. "It is a place of constant chaos and destruction."
She gestures around them, her emerald gown swishing with the movement. "Look at this town, for example. The pollution, the reckless behavior of its inhabitants." Hila shakes her head disapprovingly. "It is no wonder Atlantis has long sought to keep its distance from the surface."
Haruka nods slowly, considering her words. "I can understand your perspective. The surface world does have its fair share of problems."
Hila's eyes narrow. "Problems? The surface world is a blight upon the ocean, Haruka. Your kind pollute the waters, wage endless wars, and have no respect for the sanctity of life beneath the waves."
Her voice grows heated, the passion in her words palpable. "Many in Atlantis have advocated for striking back, for asserting our dominance over your kind. But King Arthur, the Aquaman, has stayed their hand, for he alone understands the delicate balance that must be maintained."
Haruka listens, his brow furrowed in thought. "Aquaman... he's the king of Atlantis, right? I've heard stories about him, but I don't know much else."
Hila nods, her expression softening slightly. "Yes, Aquaman is the rightful ruler of Atlantis. He is a powerful warrior, but also a diplomat who seeks to maintain peace between our two worlds." She pauses, her gaze turning thoughtful. "Though I must admit, even he has struggled at times to control the more... aggressive factions within Atlantis."
Haruka is interested in the aggressive faction. "Who is leading the aggressive faction within Atlantis?" he asks Hila.
Hila's expression darkens. "Prince Orm, the younger brother of King Arthur, is the one spearheading the calls for war against the surface." She sighs, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.
"Orm has never been content to simply maintain the status quo. He believes that Atlantis should assert its dominance, that we should no longer tolerate the careless destruction wrought by surface dwellers."
Haruka listens intently, sensing the gravity of the situation. "What makes Orm so determined to go to war? Surely, Aquaman has tried to reason with him."
Hila nods solemnly. "Aquaman has tried to reason with Orm, but Orm's hatred for the surface world runs deep. He was told since a young age by his father, the previous king Orvax, that the surface dwellers are to be hated."
She pauses, her gaze turning distant. "Orm believes that the only way to ensure Atlantis's survival is to eradicate the threat posed by the surface. He has been rallying the more militant factions within our kingdom, promising them glory and power if they join his crusade."
Haruka frowns, troubled by Hila's words. "And what of the rest of Atlantis? Do they all share Orm's views?"
"No, not all," Hila replies. "There are those who still believe in Aquaman's vision of peace and cooperation. But Orm's charisma and the promise of war have swayed many to his cause."
Haruka nods, his brow furrowed in thought. "I see. This Orm sounds like a dangerous individual, and his desire to eradicate the surface world is deeply concerning." He makes a mental note to watch out for any signs of Orm's involvement in the attack on Hila, though he refrains from voicing his suspicions to the princess.
Hila's gaze shifts to Haruka, her expression curious. "And what of you, Haruka? Do you reside in this quaint town of Amnesty Bay?"
Haruka shakes his head. "No, I don't live here. I'm actually from National City, a larger city on the West Coast. I'm just passing through Amnesty Bay on my summer travels."
Hila nods, her interest piqued. "National City, you say? I'm not familiar with that place. What is it like?"
Haruka considers his words carefully. "Well, National City is quite different from Amnesty Bay. It's a bustling metropolis, with towering skyscrapers and a diverse population."
Haruka tells Hila, "If you're interested, I can show you around National City in the future. There's a lot to see and experience on the surface."
Hila's eyes light up at the offer. "I would be delighted, Haruka. Experiencing the surface world firsthand would be a rare opportunity." She pauses, then adds, "And I confess, I am quite curious to see this National City of yours."
With a smile, Haruka nods. "Then it's settled. We'll make plans for me to show you around sometime."
The two continue their stroll through Amnesty Bay, the salty breeze ruffling their hair. Hila takes in the sights and sounds of the quaint coastal town, her gaze darting from the crashing waves to the colorful fishing boats lining the docks.
Hila takes in the sights of Amnesty Bay, her gaze sweeping across the quaint coastal town. "This place has a certain charm to it," she muses. "It's quite different from the grandeur of Atlantis or the majesty of Xebel."
Haruka hums in agreement. "There's a tranquility here that's hard to find in the bustle of the city. It's a nice change of pace."
As they wander, Hila inquires about Haruka's life in National City, her curiosity piqued. Haruka speaks of the towering skyscrapers, the bustling streets, and the diverse array of people and cultures. Hila listens intently, her eyes sparkling with wonder at the descriptions of the surface world.
The two continue their delightful conversation, their steps leisurely as they explore the charming town of Amnesty Bay together.
