Chapter 82: Chapter 81
Haruka sat in his cell, feeling grateful that the guards had not made him remove his armor. Two Atlantean guards stood watch outside the doorway, and there were no other prisoners nearby, leaving Haruka alone in the entire prison.
Someone entered the prison and it was Hila. Hila apologizes to Haruka for not being able to help him. "I'm so sorry I couldn't do more to prevent this," Hila says, her brow furrowed with worry.
Haruka offers her a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Hila. I don't blame you." He pauses, his expression turning serious. "But I need you to be careful around Orm. Something about this whole situation feels too coincidental."
Hila's eyes widen slightly at the mention of her brother-in-law. "Orm? But he is a prince of Atlantis. Surely he wouldn't—"
Haruka raises a hand to interrupt her. "I know he's royalty, but think about it. Aquaman's disappearance, the attack on Atlantis, and now Orm taking command? It's all too convenient."
Hila's brow furrows as she considers Haruka's words. She knows Orm can be ambitious, but the thought of him orchestrating such a betrayal weighs heavily on her. "I'll keep my eyes open," she says, resolve hardening in her voice.
Haruka watched as Hila's expression shifted from worry to determination. "I'll do what I can to get you out of this cell before it's too late," she said, her voice laced with urgency.
Haruka offered her a reassuring nod. "Don't worry about me, Hila. I'll be fine on my own." He paused, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Just focus on keeping an eye on Orm. I have a feeling we'll need you out there more than I'll need you in here."
Haruka watches as Hila nods and leaves the prison. Alone now, he sits back and takes in his surroundings. It has been two hours since he was brought here, and not a single guard has come to check on him. Fortunately, there is a mirror in the cell, and Haruka knows just what to do.
Haruka approaches the mirror, his reflection rippling as he focuses his power. With a deep breath, he steps through the glass, entering the Mirror World. The transition is jarring, the world beyond the mirror a distorted, eerie reflection of the one he left behind.
The air feels thick and oppressive, the colors muted and shadows elongated. Haruka gazes upon the towering, twisted structures of Atlantis, their organic curves now sharp and angular. A sense of unease settles over him as he takes in the unsettling atmosphere.
"So this is the Mirror World..." Haruka mutters, his voice echoing unnaturally. He begins to explore, his footsteps muffled as if the very air is trying to swallow the sound.
Haruka steps cautiously through the distorted Mirror World, his senses heightened by the unsettling atmosphere. The familiar structures of Atlantis loom around him, their organic beauty twisted into something sinister.
Haruka deploys a Takocandroid, the small robotic creature unfurling its tentacles to cling to the nearest surface. The Takocandroid's camera eyes glow softly, capturing every detail of Haruka's surroundings. Satisfied that the Candroid will record his movements, Haruka begins to navigate the Mirror World version of Atlantis.
The streets are eerily deserted, save for the occasional flicker of movement in the shadows. Haruka keeps his senses alert, searching for any sign of Orm. As he ventures deeper into the mirrored city, he catches a glimpse of the prince striding through the halls of the palace, his expression grim and determined.
Haruka follows Orm at a cautious distance, the Takocandroid faithfully recording the prince's every step. He watches as Orm enters a private chamber.
Haruka watched from the Mirror World as Orm entered Mera's chambers. The queen sat alone, her eyes red from silent tears. Orm approached her, his expression softening.
"Mera, I know this is a difficult time," Orm said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "But we cannot afford to dwell on Aquaman's disappearance. Atlantis needs us now more than ever."
Mera looked up, her grief-stricken face hardening with resolve. "You're right. I must be strong, for Atlantis and for Arthur." She took a deep, steadying breath. "What is our next move, Orm?"
Haruka observed the exchange, his brow furrowed in thought. Though Orm's words seemed sincere, Haruka couldn't shake the nagging suspicion that something more sinister was at play.
Orm's words are measured, his gaze unwavering as he addresses Mera. "We must have retribution against the surface. They have taken our king from us; we cannot let this stand."
Mera's expression hardens, her grief giving way to a steely determination. "Orm, you cannot be serious. A war with the surface will only bring more destruction. It's not what Arthur would have wanted."
Orm's brow furrows, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "Arthur is no longer here, Mera. The time for his ideals has passed. Atlantis needs to take decisive action to protect our people."
Haruka watches from the Mirror World as Orm leaves Mera's chambers, his expression grim and determined. Haruka's brow furrows with suspicion, and he decides to follow the prince, his Takocandroid faithfully recording Orm's every move.
Orm strides through the distorted halls of the Mirror World's Atlantis, his steps purposeful as he makes his way towards the throne room. Haruka trails behind, keeping a safe distance and ensuring the Takocandroid maintains a clear view of the prince.
As Orm enters the throne room, Haruka takes a moment to survey the chamber. The towering columns and ornate decor have been twisted and warped, the once-majestic space now exuding an air of unease. Haruka's grip tightens on the Shotriser at his side, his senses on high alert.
Orm approaches the throne, his gaze sweeping across the room. Haruka watches intently, waiting for any sign of the prince's true intentions. Orm's expression is unreadable, a mask of calm determination as he stands before the empty seat.
Orm's expression remained impassive as one of his men entered the throne room. The Atlantean soldier approached the prince, offering a crisp salute.
"My lord, the army stands ready. What are your orders?"
Orm's gaze hardened, his voice authoritative. "Prepare the troops. We must unite the other kingdoms under our banner before we can march on the surface." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "The time has come to reclaim what is rightfully ours."
The soldier nodded, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. "It will be done, my prince." He turned and swiftly departed, leaving Orm alone in the throne room.
Orm stood before the empty throne, his gaze hardening with resolve. "Soon, I will be the true ruler of the seas," he declared, his voice carrying a weight of ambition. "The title of Ocean Master will be mine, and when I turn my sights to the surface, no one will be able to stop me."
The sound of approaching footsteps drew Orm's attention, and he turned to see his mother, Atlanna, enter the throne room. Her expression was grave, tinged with a deep concern.
"Orm, I've heard troubling rumors," Atlanna said, her voice laced with worry. "Mera tells me you're planning to wage war against the surface world. Is this true?"
Orm's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. "Yes, Mother, it is true. The surface has taken too much from us, and it's time we took back what is rightfully ours. Atlantis deserves to rule the seas, and I will not rest until that goal is achieved."
Atlanna's brow furrowed, her gaze pleading. "Orm, please, this is not the way. Conflict with the surface will only bring more destruction and suffering. We must find a path of peace, not war."
Orm's expression hardened, his resolve unwavering. "Peace? The surface has never shown us any kindness. They have polluted our waters, encroached on our territories, and now they have taken the life of our king. Atlantis deserves retribution, and I will be the one to deliver it."
Atlanna stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "Orm, you must listen to reason. This path of vengeance will only lead to more bloodshed. Arthur would not have wanted this."
Orm's grip tightened on the trident at his side, his knuckles turning white. "Arthur is gone, Mother. His ideals have failed us. It is time for a new era, one where Atlantis reigns supreme."
Atlanna's expression shifted, a glimmer of fear flickering in her eyes as she realized the depth of Orm's conviction. "Orm, please, you must reconsider. There is still time to turn back, to find a better way."
Orm's jaw clenched, his eyes hardening with a cold resolve. "It is too late for that, Mother." With a sudden, fluid motion, he thrust the trident forward, the sharp prongs piercing Atlanna's chest.
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