DC: Gods Sin

NOTE: Short filler chapter as I continue to figure out how/where they will transition to

(POV Enchantress)  

My decision had not been an easy one. Nonetheless, I would stand by it. Observing the handful of sea-people I determined the silver-haired woman was of the highest authority. Hand still holding Algor at bay, I addressed her, 

"I think we can all agree to keep things civil now, can we not?" 

"You will receive no complaints from me. I suppose we should start with introductions, I am Queen Atlanna, Queen of Atlantis and this is my son Orm, the King of Atlantis. May I ask who I am in the presence of?" Introducing her son and herself, the woman signaled for her soldiers to stand down. 

"Very well, Atlanna. I am known as the Enchantress, and this body's host is called June Moone. Though I would say we are pleased to make your acquaintance, it would be untrue. As for our Demon, well, I believe Algor has already sufficiently introduced himself. If all your questions are out of the way, how about you tell us why we were attacked so unceremoniously by you strangers." Glaring at the guilty party one by one, I was glad to see at least some showed the decency to appear ashamed. 

Sighing, the Queen turned to her son who could not bear to meet her eyes. 

"Long story short, as the King of Atlantis, my son is also the Lord of the Seven Seas. A few hours ago, and rather abruptly I might add, he lost control of the entire Arctic. We simply came to find out who, what, when, why, and how. As I'm sure you can tell, he doesn't have the best head on his shoulders, and it seems like he acted a bit preemptively. I sincerely apologize on his behalf. Though forgive me for being blunt, I would still like to know how you managed to strip his claim of the Arctic from his grasp." 

It was now my turn to release a sigh and turn to Algor. Except he had no trouble meeting my gaze, clear question marks within his eyes. In a swirl of black smoke, his form shrank and changed back to that of a human. Or as close as he could get. 

"I don't think there was really any stealing, or stripping of control... more like returning to who it belongs. I'm sure if I leave the Arctic, you'll have authority over it again, but for the time being, you'll have to settle with being Lord of the Six Seas. Besides it's not something I did on purpose." Shrugging his shoulders, Algor answered her question to the best of his ability, if not in the most condescending way possible. 

His current distaste toward them was understandable so I did not rebuke him. The same could not be said for Orm, who was fuming at his words. 

"How dare you claim to have authority over our Sea! Atlantis has been the sole ruler of the Seven Seas for millennia. My father, and my father's father, and his father's father were Kings, and they wielded the Trident of Poseidon, the God of the Ocean! Who are you to-" 

"Mind your tone, boy. Anything and everything you and your kingdom have managed to lay claim to is only due to my absence from this realm. Epochs ago, when humans were but a passing thought in the creator's mind, I was walking the earth, and laying waste to the monsters that dwelled within it. My dominion is not a claim. It is a truth, a reality. Allow me to share with you another reality, that title of 'King' and a Gods Trident couldn't save your father from the depths of hell. Even now, I'm sure he's being tormented for eternity." Without a semblance of fear, Algor casually insulted an entire kingdom before their very King and Queen. Hearing his words, even I could not help but give him a look from the corner of my eye. 

Before anyone could even hope to rebuttal, he reached downward grabbing the trident that had been thrown at him earlier, and propelled it toward Orm. A whistling sound was heard before the weapon was speared into the floor directly at his feet. 

"Return that to your Queen and be sure to thank her. If not for your mother's intervention, you'd be burning beside the rest of your bloodline." 

"Alright, I think that may be enough Algor." Attempting to salvage this situation before it got any worse, I could not believe that I was somehow the voice of reason. Even June was no help. 

(You tell em Algor! Shoulda put that trident where the sun don't shine! That'll teach him to attack us outta nowhere and then talk all high and mighty after getting his ass kicked!) The mortal was practically bouncing up and down as she cheered on our Demon's actions. 

Thankfully, it seemed Queen Atlanna had not taken offense to anything Algor had said. 

"Yes, the same goes for you, Orm. Algor was it? You said that as long as you leave the Arctic his authority will return. Would it be rude of me to ask what we would have to do to get you to leave then?" 

"We do not mind leaving, but as Algor said, it is his domain and as such we would prefer not to be forced to leave without gaining anything in return. We would have a few demands as recompense." Jumping at the opportunity she had presented us; I once again took over negotiations. 

"Of course, I would expect no less. Name them, and if what you seek is within reason I will promise to fulfill your request to the best of my abilities." Clearly happy that I was being cooperative, Atlanna seemed to visibly relax as though a weight was off her shoulders. 

Crossing my arms, and furrowing my brows seriously, I listed our desires, 

"First, we would like some transportation to another continent. Somewhere that could be considered safe. Second, we would like to receive some earth money so that we may secure a place of residence. Third and most important, this is non-negotiable. We would like some food." 

I nodded to myself, pleased with my skills. With this, all our immediate needs would be met, truly I am a master in the art of negotiation. Glancing at the Queen, she also seemed appalled at the level of skill I had displayed, her mouth opening and closing unable to find the words. 

"Let me... let me get this straight. Y-you want a ride to the mainland, some cash, and a bite to eat. In exchange for control over the Arctic Ocean?" After staring at me for a few moments with that same dumbfounded look on her face, she looked to Algor for affirmation. 

"It would seem so. If that's all she wants, then that's fine with me. I serve her, not the other way around. Besides, I don't think you could've hoped for a better deal." Shaking his head, my Demon began laughing to himself. What was so funny? For some reason, I felt as if his amusement were directed at me. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

(POV Atlanna) 

We were currently within one of Orm's flagships, we'd had Murk and a few guards swim to the nearest outpost, and bring it back here so we could transport the duo... or trio depending on how you looked at it. I was still befuddled at how we had managed to reach such a simple agreement. 

Truthfully, I almost felt bad. The Enchantress for all her posturing, demeanor, and articulation seemed ignorant of the world. Fortunately, her Demon, as she called him, didn't seem to mind and even found the situation funny. More so, than his interaction with Orm at the very least. For what it was worth, the boy had come and thanked me for saving his life. It seemed I owed the Demon my thanks for that as well. 

Murk and Tula had been unnaturally quiet during the entire ordeal. No doubt the combination of Algor's words, and that ability he'd almost used had caused them a great deal of turmoil. It didn't help that the Demon in question was currently asleep in the lap of a blonde woman. I believe she is who the Enchantress introduced as her host, June Moone. 

Unlike the ancient, confident, lofty, and dark aura her counterpart possessed, June was akin to a ray of sunshine. Though, I wasn't fooled. For the sun's rays would burn any who looked hard enough. That Witch wouldn't have chosen her as a host if she were so simple. "So, Miss June. What is it you all plan to do now? Are you sure there's nothing else that we can help you on your way?" 

"Oh, I'm not really sure. We kinda have just been taking things as they come. If I had to guess, though, I'd say our first order of business would be finding someplace to stay. After that, knowing these two, we'll likely end up in trouble again." Chuckling, the woman entertained herself by poking and prodding at the Demon in her lap. 

Watching her trace his wound, I couldn't help but wonder what the Demon had lost his limb to. 

"If you don't mind me asking, who is it that took that man's arm? Such an injury... it looks more akin to a curse than simple scarring." 

Not even glancing at me, she laughed once more, waving my question off. 

"Don't look so nervous, there's nothing to worry about. No one is coming after us or anything. Algor says he took it from himself." 

I'd be lying if I said that didn't provide me at least some level of relief. Still, her response left more questions than answers. Continuing to observe the woman in silence, I couldn't help but wonder how they had managed to summon or contact such a creature. Algor followed their commands without issue and that last ability he was preparing. How did they ensure his loyalty? 

If I could just... my thoughts were abruptly halted when I noticed one of the sleeping Demon's eyes open. Body tensing, I offered him an apologetic smile. Algor said nothing, just staring at me in silence with a warning behind his gaze. 

Perhaps noticing our interaction, June leaned her head over his face. 

"Algor, are you awake now?" 

"No." He said, quickly closing his eye.