Byakko and Wonder Woman are flying over the Atlantic Ocean in search of any traces of the nuclear misscles or clues to the potential of Atlanteans being involved.
Byakko to pass the time started chatting" So, Diana, it's been a while since our last big battle with Darkseid's son and uncle. How have you been adjusting to life here among humans?"
Wonder Woman blinked at the question not expecting it, but appreciated it"It's been... quite the adjustment, I must say. But I've found solace in helping those in need and learning about this world's complexities. And my sparring sessions with you have helped. How about you, Byakko? How have you been faring?"
Byakko shrugged" Oh, you know me, always keeping busy. Though, I must admit, it's been a bit quieter without the looming threat of Darkseid's forces. I mean we bested those he sent and he's been quiet since...too quiet, but hey, I guess that's a good thing, right?
Wonder Woman smiled"Indeed, it is. But even in times of peace, there are still battles to fight and people to protect. And you've been busier than Batman, your territory has the lowest crime rate and you've made so in some way or the other you oversee every aspect of the city development
Byakko rubs the back of his head." Well, it's my territory, and as such it is a reflection of me. I can do more than stop bad guys and I possess the means to better the work both in and out of uniform. And as for times of peace. Couldn't agree more." he chuckles "So, no leads on these missing nukes we're supposed to be tracking. Which makes sense if Atlanteans did take it. It won't be up here."
Wonder Woman nods" Not yet, but I have a feeling we'll find it soon enough." She smirks" After all, we make quite the team, don't we?"
Byakko grins" Absolutely. Though, I must say, flying over the ocean like this, it's quite peaceful, isn't it?
Wonder Woman" It truly is. There's something about the vastness of the ocean that puts everything into perspective."
Byakko nods" Yeah, reminds you of how small we are in the grand scheme of things. But hey, at least we're making a difference, right?"
Wonder Woman smiles warmly "Indeed we are, Byakko. And I couldn't imagine doing it with anyone else by my side."
Byakko laughs " Well, I'm honored to be your partner in crime-fighting, Diana. Here's to many more adventures together."
Wonder Woman raises her fist" Too many more adventures. " they share a brief moment of camaraderie before turning their attention back to the task at hand, flying off into the horizon
A few minutes later Byakko began to sniff the air drawing Wonder Woman's attention. He pauses his flight and continues to sniff the air.
Byakk "Diana, I'm getting a strange scent one is completely strange a mix of two things and the other is... It's not human. Something's off."
Wonder Woman's brows furrowed" Let's investigate."
They flew towards the source of the scent with Byakko leading the way they arrived in minutes and witnessed the intense battle between the two armored individuals a blonde man in orange and green armor and a red-headed woman in green and dark blue armor and grotesque creatures.
Byakko narrowed his eyes"Looks like they could use a hand."His aura begins to intensify, casting a golden glow around him.
Wonder Woman shouted, "Agreed."She draws her blade, her battle cry echoing across the ocean as she dives into the fray.
As they join the fight, Byakko's golden aura pulses with power, amplifying his strength and speed. Meanwhile, Wonder Woman's sword slices through the air with precision, cutting down the creatures effortlessly.
Wonder Woman: Stand strong, friends! We're here to help!
The blonde male and the red-headed female glance at each other with relief before nodding in gratitude.
The blonde male sighed" Thank the gods for your timely arrival!"
The headed female decapitated one of the creatures with an ice dagger before chiming in" We could use all the help we can get against these abominations."
As the battle rages on, Byakko's aura grows brighter, and suddenly, the sky begins to change. Using his eyes which can detect aura he noticed more and more of the creatures ascending to their location. He needed to prevent the others from getting overwhelmed and reduce the number of these creatures. Dark clouds gather, and the wind picks up speed, swirling around them.
Byakko: Brace yourselves!
With a fierce roar, tornadoes descend from the sky, their immense power sucking up the water and the horrifying creatures below. Like the fangs of the heavens they pierced the water and drew the creatures up and the vicious winds shredded the creatures apart.
Wonder Woman and the audience looked on locked on in awe having finished off the once on the island" By the gods! Byakko" mumbled Wonder Woman The storm grew stronger as more tornadoes fell from the sky and pierced the water. Each tornado died in blood.
Byakko glances in a certain direction sensing something approaching. His eyes narrowed again before he relaxed. He then looks at the water and notices the creature retreating as the mass of aura recedes to the depths. His glow began to dim slowly and the storm began to part. The tornadoes stopped and the sky was clear once again.
Byakko descended next to Wonder Woman with his arms folded."The others are here.". Flash showed up first speeding across the water. Behind him were Superman, Shazam, Cyborg, and Green Lantern carrying Batman in an energy bubble.
"Wow, that was some storm B. Saw it from miles away," said an excited Shazam
"Made a hell of a beacon to find you though" added Flash.
Batman walked towards the blonde man"Arthur Curry?" he asked although his tone suggested he knew the answer. The blonde man nodded.
"How do you know my name"
~Meanwhile in Atlantis~
" Orm, what madness has consumed you? Why would you seek to start a war?"
"War is inevitable, Mother. The surface world has shown us nothing but contempt. It's time for Atlantis to rise and claim what is rightfully ours."
As Queen Atlanna speaks, her eyes are filled with a mix of sorrow and disbelief, her hands trembling slightly as she clutches her trident. Orm's expression remains cold and determined, his features twisted with the conviction of his beliefs.
"You speak of madness, yet you fail to see the consequences of your actions. War will only bring destruction and suffering to both our worlds."
The tension in the room is palpable, the air heavy with the weight of their disagreement. Behind Queen Atlanna, the grandeur of the throne room stands as a stark contrast to the brewing conflict.
"You underestimate our power, Mother. With the Trident of Atlan at my command, I can ensure our victory."
Queen Atlanna's gaze softens, a hint of sadness lingering in her eyes as she shakes her head in dismay.
"Your arrogance blinds you, Orm. And it seems your thirst for power knows no bounds. But know this, I will not stand idly by while you lead our people down a path of ruin."
Just as tension reaches its peak, Black Manta enters the chamber, his eyes burning with fury. His footsteps echo ominously against the marble floor.
"Atlanna! You dare accuse me of treachery?!"
Queen Atlanna's grip tightens on her trident, her stance unwavering as she faces Black Manta, her expression a mix of defiance and determination.
"Your treachery knows no bounds, Manta. But I will not let you harm this kingdom."
Black Manta's anger flares, and he lunges towards Queen Atlanna with his blade drawn, intent on silencing her accusations.
"You will pay for your insolence!"
With a swift motion, Queen Atlanna deflects Black Manta's attack with her trident, their weapons clashing in a flurry of sparks.
"Your threats will not intimidate me, Manta. I will protect Atlantis at any cost."
As the two engage in a fierce physical confrontation, Manta combines his optic beams and blades to fend off the Queen's ferocious and fluid onslaught and the Orm seizes the opportunity, striking Queen Atlanna from behind with his sword. The room falls into stunned silence as Queen Atlanna gasps in shock, and disbelief as her body collapses to the ground.
" Mother..." Orm whispered with perhaps the last shred of love his heart possessed. As he grabbed his mother's trident and felt the power within. All his eyes held was thought of greed and conquest. He would surrender the throne to no one.
~Meanwhile Back on the Serface~
"Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Cyborg, Arthur, and Mera will head to Atlantis and meet with the Queen to prevent the possibility of Orm taking over or the people pressuring for war given the attack with surface weapons," said Batman before pausing.
"Myself, Flash, Shazam, and Byakko will be up here in case things go south."
"Why am I on surface guard duty the action is below," asked Byakko to which Shazam nodded showing his agreement.
"I thought cats hated water" chimed in Lantern. But a low reverberating growl had him raise his hands in surrender and take a step back.
"We have two of our heavy hitters and two of our versatile members accompany Authur and Mera. We need our other heavy hitters on the surface and we have the benefit of you and Shazam being versatile heavy hitters. Flash to provide support and emergency evacuation should it come to that."
Byakko sighed and Wonder Woman placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder"I shall regale of our exploits in Atlantis. No details shall be spared" she said with a warm smile.
"I shall hold you to that" Byakko then turned to Arthur"You might not see it but if peace is the path your second home wishes to take then you are the best choice for Kingship"
"But I don't want to be King"
Byakko began walking away and nodded toward Flash and then Shazam who followed behind, Flash then sped off across the water and Shazam took off after him.
"The thing is Arthur, you have seen the best and worst of people on the surface. Atlantis has only seen the worst with water pollution so abundant. You mother saw the best in your father and that is why you are here. You are proof that coexistence is not only poss but can bring forth a miracle. Who better than that miracle to lead them into a new age?"
Arthur had a pensive look on his face. The batwing arrived and descended to let Batman hop in."It's time to go" he said to Byakko who nodded and began ascending. But left some parting words for Arthur.
"Embrace the greatness within you, even if it leads you down unexpected paths. Your humility and reluctance to claim the throne only further prove your worthiness," he said and paused getting nods from Wonder Woman and Mera.
"Remember, true leadership isn't about seeking power, but about serving others with wisdom and compassion. Trust in your abilities, let your actions speak louder than any crown ever could" finished Byakko and getting a resolute nod from Arthur before he took off inot the sky follow by the Batwing.