The path to the royal palace was an architectural marvel, carved from giant coral structures and crystals emitting a soft, pulsating light. The League advanced, surrounded by Orm's wary royal guard, but unable to resist the sense of wonder. Schools of brightly colored fish swam in complex formations between the towers, and the entire city seemed to breathe with its own ancient, mysterious life.
Utopian walked beside Hawkgirl, his gaze capturing every detail. "It's... incredible," he murmured. "An entire civilization, cut off from the world for millennia."
"Try not to look too impressed," Shayera whispered back, a slight smile on her lips. "We have a reputation to uphold."
They finally entered the palace, a vast dome whose walls seemed made of frozen water and mother-of-pearl, adorned with frescoes telling the history of Atlantis. In the center, on a throne carved from a single block of abyssal amber, sat Arthur Curry. His mere presence filled the space. He held his trident not as a weapon, but as a scepter, a symbol of his authority.
Prince Orm stood to his right, his face still set in a mask of disdain.
"I am Arthur Curry," the King said, his voice calm but carrying a natural authority that needed no amplifier. "King of Atlantis. You stand in the Hall of the Tidal Throne. Now, explain to me why I should not consider your presence here an act of war."
Superman stepped forward, embodying diplomacy and respect.
"King Arthur, we thank you for granting us this audience. We are here because a vessel from the surface, an unarmed research submarine, was attacked and disabled at your borders. Its crew is in mortal danger."
"Atlantean borders are not negotiable, Superman," Orm retorted before his brother could reply. "Their vessel penetrated our airspace. The response was justified."
"The response was disproportionate," Wonder Woman interjected, her voice clear as a bell. "No life should be forfeit for a border, whether on land or under the sea."
Aquaman raised a hand, imposing silence.
"Master of the Oceans," Superman continued, seizing the opening. "The humanity of the surface is evolving. It is learning from its mistakes. But it fears what it does not understand. This fear leads to conflict, like this one."
He took another step forward, his gaze sincere.
"You have the power to change that. You who walk between two worlds, you can be a bridge. We ask you: come to the table of nations. Come and speak to the United Nations Security Council. Plead your case, explain your people, their rights and their borders. Show them the wisdom and nobility of Atlantis, instead of only showing them the points of your spears. Force commands respect, but only dialogue builds peace."
The silence that followed was heavy. Orm watched his brother, expecting a rebuke. The League held its breath.
Aquaman observed Superman, then his gaze swept over each League member, lingering on Diana's determination, Batman's calm, the new arrival Utopian's respectful curiosity. He saw not invaders, but peers. Protectors.
"The surface nations," he said finally, "have long considered the oceans their property, a resource to be plundered. Their waste fouls our waters, their nets empty our nurseries. My people's distrust is not without foundation."
He rose from his throne, his imposing figure silhouetted against the palace's blue-tinged light.
"But you are right on one point, Superman. Hiding in the abyss and striking those who come too close is not a strategy; it is a reaction of fear. Fear is the path to war."
He took a few steps, his trident tapping softly on the mother-of-pearl floor.
"I will go to this assembly of nations. I will bring the voice of Atlantis. I will tell them our laws, our rights, and the consequences if they violate them." His gaze hardened. "But know this: it will not be a request. It will be a warning. The next time a surface vessel threatens my people, the response will be more than a simple disablement."
It was an agreement. Precarious, laden with mistrust, but it was a first step.
"We will accompany you," Wonder Woman offered. "To guarantee your safety and that of the diplomats."
Aquaman nodded slowly. "So be it."
As they left the palace, Utopian felt a deep respect for the monarch of the seas. This was not a superhero seeking glory, but a king bearing the weight of an entire people on his shoulders. It was a lesson in leadership and sacrifice he would not forget. The world of the surface and the world of the oceans had just taken a fragile first step towards each other, and the Justice League was its catalyst.