(Flashback)
In Atlantis, Hila stands in the royal living room of the castle, gazing out the window at the shimmering city below. The grand capital is a sprawling expanse of towering, coral-hued structures that seem to grow organically from the seabed. Glowing bioluminescent lights line the streets, casting an ethereal glow upon the bustling Atlanteans going about their daily lives. Schools of brightly colored fish dart through the water, while giant sea creatures patrol the outer perimeter, ever watchful for threats.
Hila's emerald green eyes, flecked with golden shimmers, reflect the beauty of her underwater home. As the princess of Xebel, she has spent her life surrounded by Atlantis' splendor, yet the weight of its protection still rests heavily upon her shoulders.
Hila hears the sound of the door opening behind her and turns to see her sister, Mera, entering the room. Mera's striking appearance commands attention, her long crimson hair flowing like liquid fire and her regal bearing exuding both grace and power.
"What are you thinking about, Hila?" Mera asks, her voice carrying a hint of concern.
Hila turns back to the window, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "I was thinking about how the surface dwellers are getting closer and closer to discovering Atlantis," she says, her tone measured and thoughtful.
Mera moves to stand beside her, following her sister's line of sight. "Do not worry, Hila. Our technology and magic are far beyond their understanding. They could not uncover our secrets so easily."
Hila nods, but the furrow in her brow betrays her lingering unease. "I know, but I cannot help but feel that the time is coming when we will have to make a choice - to remain hidden or to reveal ourselves to the world above."
Hila's brow furrows deeper as she considers the growing tensions between Atlantis and the surface world. "The pollution from the surface is only getting worse. I've heard some of our people calling for retaliation, for attacking the land-dwellers before they destroy our home."
Mera places a reassuring hand on Hila's shoulder. "You know that as long as Arthur is king, he will not allow any attacks against the surface. His heart is divided between the two worlds - he will not forsake either one."
Hila nods, understanding the weight of her sister's words. "That is true. Arthur has lived most of his life on the surface. He knows their ways, their struggles. He will not turn against them, no matter how much our people may demand it."
A troubled look crosses Hila's face as she contemplates the delicate balance Arthur must maintain. "But for how long can he hold back the tide of resentment from our people? The pollution, the encroachment, the disregard for our home - it grows worse with each passing day."
Mera's expression turns somber. "I know, Hila. I share your concerns. We must be vigilant, ready to support Arthur in his efforts to bridge the gap between our worlds. The future of Atlantis, and perhaps the surface as well, rests upon his shoulders."
The sisters fall silent, each lost in their own thoughts about the challenges that lie ahead. Hila knows that the tension between Atlantis and the surface is a tightrope they must walk, with the threat of war always looming in the distance.
Hila watches as the doors to the royal chambers open, and Aquaman, her brother-in-law, strides in. His presence commands attention, his towering frame and chiseled features exuding a regal, aquatic grace. The golden trident in his hand is a symbol of his authority as the king of Atlantis.
Mera, Hila's sister, greets Arthur warmly, a hint of concern in her voice. "Arthur, is something wrong?"
Aquaman's brow furrows slightly as he responds, "A military submarine has been detected near the borders of Atlantis. I was about to go investigate the situation myself."
Hila steps forward, her voice calm and steady. "Allow me to go in your stead, Arthur. You have important meetings to attend to here in Atlantis. I have nothing pressing to occupy my time."
Arthur considers Hila's offer, his blue eyes reflecting the weight of his responsibilities. "Are you certain, Hila? The surface world's presence so close to our borders is concerning."
Hila nods, her expression resolute. "I am more than capable of handling this task. And as you said, your presence is needed here. Let me go and report back what I find."
Mera places a hand on Arthur's arm, her gaze conveying her support for Hila's proposal. "It's a wise decision, my love. Hila is a skilled warrior and diplomat. She can handle this situation with the utmost care."
Aquaman sighs, a hint of reluctance in his voice. "Very well, Hila. But be cautious, and return as soon as you have gathered the necessary information. I trust your judgment, but the surface world's intentions are not always clear."
Hila inclines her head respectfully. "I understand, Arthur. I will be discreet and thorough in my investigation. You have my word."
With a final nod, Aquaman turns to Mera, and the two engage in a hushed conversation, their expressions serious. Hila takes this as her cue to depart, her mind already racing with the possibilities that this mission may uncover.
Hila
Hila swiftly makes her way to the docks, her footsteps light and graceful despite the urgency of her mission. As she approaches, she sees her beloved mount, a massive seahorse-like creature, waiting patiently. Her Xebelian guards stand at the ready, their armor gleaming in the underwater light.
The captain of the guards steps forward, his expression one of concern. "Princess Hila, where are you headed? Is something amiss?"
Hila nods, her brow furrowed. "Yes, Captain. I have been tasked by King Aquaman to investigate a military submarine that has been detected near our borders. I will need a squad of your best men to accompany me."
The captain's eyes widen slightly, but he quickly regains his composure. "Of course, Princess. We will assemble the finest warriors to join you on this mission." He turns to the others and issues a series of rapid orders, his voice firm and authoritative.
Hila watches as the guards spring into action, quickly gathering their weapons and equipment. She knows that time is of the essence, and she cannot afford to delay. The presence of a surface vessel so close to Atlantis is a cause for great concern, and she must act swiftly to gather information and ensure the safety of her people.
As the squad of guards assembles, Hila takes a moment to mentally prepare herself for the task ahead. She knows that the surface world's intentions are often opaque, and she must be vigilant and cautious in her approach. The last thing she wants is to provoke a conflict that could escalate into a full-scale war between Atlantis and the land-dwellers.
Hila turns to the captain, her expression resolute. "We must depart immediately. I will not risk any further delay in investigating this matter."
The captain nods, his own face set with determination. "As you command, Princess. We are ready to accompany you."
Hila strides towards her mount, her movements fluid and graceful. She takes a moment to gently stroke the creature's scales, whispering a few words of encouragement before swinging herself into the saddle. The guards quickly follow suit, mounting their own seahorses and forming a protective formation around Hila.
With a flick of the reins, Hila urges her mount forward, the powerful creature surging through the water with effortless speed. The guards follow close behind, their weapons at the ready, their eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger.
As they approach the suspected location of the submarine, Hila feels a sense of unease settle in the pit of her stomach. She knows that the surface world's presence so close to Atlantis is a grave matter, and she must be prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Hila tightens her grip on the reins, her jaw set with resolve. She will not falter, not when the safety of her people is at stake. Whatever she finds, she will handle it with the same unwavering determination that has defined her as the princess of Xebel.
Hila surges through the water, her seahorse-like mount cutting swiftly through the currents. Unbeknownst to her, a group of figures in sleek black armor and scuba gear observe her from a distance, their visors reflecting the eerie glow of the Atlantean city.
The Manta Men, Black Manta's elite soldiers, track Hila's movements with precision, their cybernetically enhanced senses allowing them to monitor her every action. They remain hidden, blending seamlessly into the underwater environment, awaiting further orders from their ruthless commander.
Hila remains unaware of the Manta Men's presence, her focus solely on the task at hand – investigating the suspicious military submarine that has been detected near Atlantis's borders. The princess of Xebel is determined to uncover the truth, even as the looming threat of the surface world's encroachment weighs heavily on her mind.
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Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story. If it does not gain any interest, I will drop it.
Advance chapters on my P@tE0N Najicablitz, which is also the best way to support me.