Inching Closer
9/2/1936, Pacific Ocean
They were starting to get ready for the migration, Namor was sitting on a giant crab, looking at it all when he heard his name, “Namor… Namor!” a voice shouted, but Namor was mulling everything over, “Drift off! I wanna be alone.” Namor had said as a gentle hand went and touched his shoulder gently, “I don’t understand you, Namor.” Sandy said, making him turn in surprise at that.
“You love me one minute, then you tell me to drift off the next!” she said as he saw her, “Sandy!” he had went, getting up t embrace and kiss her, as he had separated, he had looked at her, “What are you doing here?” he asked, “Do you mean to stay?” he had asked of her, and hearing that, she had a sad look now, “I realized I just on’t belong on the surface anymore.” she told him.
“And maybe I don’t belong here EITHER, but I know I want to be with you.” she had said to him and hearing that, Namor started to look around, “Did Bobo come back with you?” he had asked of her, “He’s not coming back.” Sandy told him, “He’s going to wait for Liz.” Sandy had told him, “He chose love. Just like I did.” she had said to him, making Namor sad, but respecting his choice as their paths diverged now.
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9/2/1936, Long Beach, Washington
Bobo had made a shack now, a place to live for now as he had waited, the gill scarf would help him for now, and he knew that they would come back, he just needed to stay strong, she would return, she and his child would come back, and he would be waiting for them here, ready with a home for all three of them as Bobo had thought on this, giving himself strength for now.
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6/7/1937, Kendal Residence, New Canaan
Liz had been screaming as the midwife had been working to get her child out of her, “One more push, Miss Kendal.” the midwife had said and hearing that, Liz had started to grunt in pain, in pain as she had seen that the saltwater birth that she had been having had started to get red as the woman had panicked as she had went and pulled out the baby who was crying out loud now.
That had made Liz who was tired, obviously bleeding, and worried, try to get up, “What… what’s wrong with my… my baby?” she had asked of them, making the two look at each other worried before Liz had motioned for them to give the baby to her, they had looked at her parents who had nodded, making her smile as Liz looked down at her child, “It’s a girl.” The midwife said, looking at the ears.
They were as pointy as Bobo’s and Liz thought that she was beautiful, even with the whisps of black hair there and a small bit of blonde, “Hello there, I’m your–” “Sister.” Tim Kendal had said to Liz as she had her taken away and given to Maria who had looked at her features, “We can bleach the hair, keep her hair long to cover the ears, “Maria said, already determining everything as Liz looked at them.
“What are–?” “We can’t very well have a bastard in the family.” Tim had told her, “And if we tried to give her up for adoption, you would do anything in your power to bring this indiscretion to light.” Tim said, hearing that, Liz knew this was the best option right now, “Can I at least… name her?” she asked, making her parents both look before nodding, “Very well, what?” Maria had asked as Liz thought of two for her REAL family.
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12/9/1937, Orekki Reefs, Atlantis
Namor had been watching her as she had sliced some corral with ease, “Tcha–HAH!” she went, making Namor stunned, “She’s… She’s so…” “Admiring the local scenery, Prince Namor?” a voice said, making him turned, embarrassed, “What? No! I’m NOT, I’m–” he started before seeing WHO is was that had said that to him, “Dorma!” he had went towards the smiling noble lady.
“And AMbrose too!” she said to him as her goldfish swam by her, Nammu in Lemuria with Sandy to watch over Beemer and Zarina, “He’s the one who found you ogling that poor girl…!” she said to him, jealous slightly but glad that Sandy got over him while Namor crossed his arms, “Hmf! Have a care, Dorma.” he had told her, “You may still be a lady–in–Training, but I am still the crown prince.” he had told her.
“And that’s NOT what was going on at all!” he had said to her, “She was doing her morning practice routine, and I couldn’t help but watch.” he admitted to her, “Take a CLOSER look… see if you recognize her now.” he said smugly as she had turned confused, “Recog– OH!” Dorma went, the pieces clicking in now, “Oh, that’s sweet mercy!” she said as the prince and her watched.
“None other.” he told her, “And– Immanu’s beard, look!” he said as the others had started to go by, “It’s the rest of The Swift Tide!” he had said as Dorma gasped, “The Swift Tide.” she had whispered as the leader noticed them, “Ho, Imperials!” she had shouted before moving her shark towards them, “Prince Namor, isn’t it?” She said, “Your people said you might be out this way. And… Lady Dorma, I wager?” she asked.
“Y–yes, That’s us!” Namor had said, nervous that he was meeting such famous heroes, “And you’re–” “Kharsa, daughter of Kharsan of Imperial.” Kharsa said as she had offered her hand to him to shake, “Captain of this merry throng, for my sins.” she had said towards him, “We did not expect to be in these waters during your visit, but we found information that your court wizard must hear right away.”
“O– Of course!” he said, flabbergasted, “Court Wizard Syzandias… that’s Sycorax’s grandfather, isn’t it?” he had asked of her, making Kharsa chuckle, “You stay well informed.” she told him, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Prince Namor… and you, Dorma, as well.” The leader of The Swift Tide said, “Perhaps we’ll see again later.” she said towards him as the squad had went and left them.
“Until then, cool waters and favorable currents to you!” Kharsa had said as they watched, “Cool waters…” Namor said, waving towards her before looking at his hand, “Kharsa…Leader of The Swift Tide.” Namor said, feeling like a child again before Bobo left, “She shook my hand…” he had went while Dorma was annoyed when someone spoke, “First time, hm?” a new voice said, making both turn to see, “Wh–?”
That was when they saw a young man, around their age with wild hair and Sharka clothes on, “Good day, Prince, Lady.” he had said, smiling wider towards Dorma as he said that, “I am called Attuma, son of Attukar of The Chasm People.” he had said, surprised Namor, “…Chief Attukar?” he had asked of him as the two went and shook hands, he was large and thicker than Namor, but not stronger.
“I’ve only met The Riders of The Swift Tide a few times myself.” he had told him, “But Garanna The Breaker, the greatest of them, grew up with The Chasm People.” he said towards the pair, “Oh?” Namor asked, not liking the sound of that, “I grant you, the Breaker’s deeds are mighty, but the GREATEST of them?” Namor asked, “Kharsa of The Imperials leads the Tide for a reason after all.” he said.
“And Sycorax… her sorcery makes her a match for any!” Namor had told them, “Why, three times they stopped assassins at the gates… BEFORE your Garanna ever joined!” Namor said, but Attuma wasn’t deterred, “Ah, you Imperials. Always sure your warriors are the best…” he went before looking towards Dorma subtly, “…Even if it blinds you to the truth.” he had said towards them.
“I mean, who’s to say those assassins even reached the gates with with Garanna around? Eh, Lady Dorma?” he had asked, making her a bit flustered, “Well, I–” “But I’ll freely admit this: The Imperial City DOES hold some of the most beautiful women in all The Seas, and THAT’S no lie.” he said and hearing that, Namor didn’t know if he had had liked the sound of that at all.
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12/9/1937, Sharka Capital, Chasm Territory
“This is troubling news indeed.” Krang had said towards the Court Wizard, “The Surface Menm so close to an artifact of such great power.” he said with a bit of worry, “What say you, Syzandias?” Krang asked as the Prince, The Lady and Attukarsen entered, “What say I Krang?” He asked, “What do you think?” he snapped, “We must act, RAPIDLY!” he told him.
“The realm is in grave danger every moment we delay!” he had snapped, “The realm? Pfah! The Oceans themselves, and more!” he said which Krang nodded at, “I concur, wise one.” he had admitted, “As warlord, I shall speak to Attukar, and–” “Ho, Krang!” Namor had shouted, “The Swift Tide said there was news…” he went, making Krang smile towards him.
“Ah, Namor! Lady Dorma! And Ambrose, of course.” he said, deciding to play friendly after he was embarrassed by Dorma and the twins, “How has your day gone? You met the Tide?” he had asked, Ambrose and Dorma accepting it while Namor decided he was friendly ever since he gained the title Warlord, “Namor met Attuma, too… and they didn’t get along so well!”
“Pff. Hardly fair, Dorma.” Namor had said, “I TRIED to be polite, but that pumped–up pufferfish is such a–” “Ahem.” Krang went, already slowly guiding him away, “A word, Namor, if you would?” Krang had asked, making sure they were separated before he spoke to him, “Attuma, as a chieftain’s son, IS a prince, of sorts,” Krang admitted to him, “And I DO hear they occasionally tend to arrogance. But–”
“What do you mean? That I am–” “No, no.” he lied, knowing that the others told him something similar, “A light jest, no more. But consider this:” he had told the Prince, “If we DO bring the Chasm People into the empire…” he start, making sure to plant his hands on his shoulders, watching him listen, “…Attuma will one day be an important ally.” he admitted.
“Ao for the people’s sake, and your grandfather’s peace of mind…” he reminded, “…It is best if princes find a way to get along. Do you follow me?” he had asked him, “Of course. I understand.” Namor said, not liking it but understanding, “Excellent. I was sure you would.” Krang said, “Now go get ready. It will soon be time for The Welcoming Ceremony.” Krang said as they swam to get ready.
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The people were all celebrating and as they had done as much, the Chief of The Sharka, current leader of The Chasm People, spoke, “My People!” Attukar shouted, “By the Grave of The Currents, we are together. Safe and well!” he shouted towards them, “Another circuit of the Ocean’s ways, and another good year!” Attukar shouted as the Chasm people cheered for him, “We have gathered as out travels take us…”
“And gathered for solemn purpose, too!” He told them all, “And we are blessed…” The Chief said to his people, “Not only by the presence of out friends from Atlantis, but by the Swift Tide as well, who protect not just Atlantis, but ALL Sea Peoples who live in peace!” he told the crowds, “We honor you, mighty warriors!” he shouted as the warriors gave their respect, “Most kind, sir!” Kharsa shouted.
“And now, let us share with our City–Born visitors something few outside the chasms ever get to see…” he had told them, and with that, they saw, a Sea Dragon, mounted and guarded by warriors, it was beautiful, and made them look in awe, “Quite a sight, Dorma.” Namor said to her, “She is magnificent, my Prince. Such a–” “There you are, Dorma!” the familiar voice of Attuma said as he approached.
“I thought you might enjoy a snack. Crispy and delicious… best in the Western Reefs!” he said with a smile as Namor frowned, “Attuma.” he had said, “There’s no need for you to…” he started before seeing Krang, motioning for him to be civil, “To…” he went before deciding, “To fo to such trouble.” he had told The Sharka, “But it’s kind of you to share your people’s delicacies with us.” he told him.
“‘Us’? I hadn’t meant–” “But tell me, friend.” Namor said, “You see things from a different perspective than we can.” he admitted, “How do you think the choice will go?” he asked, “Will The Chasm People make an alliance with Atlantis?” he asked of him, “A good question, Prince Namor. I really can’t say.” Attuma had admitted to him, “Many of our leaders believe it would be the wise choice,” he said to him.
“Leading to prosperity and security for all.” Namor nodded at that, “But at the same time, there are those who stand firm against the–” “GODS OF THE DEPTHS! WHAT– WHAT–” Someone had shouted out as they had all looked and seen that there were Chasms coming to attack, “DEATH!” “Death to the oppressors! Slaughter them all!” “Show them! SHow The Atlanteans! Their Tentacles clutch for us–”
“But The Chasm People will never bow to them!” they had all shouted out towards them when Kharsa spoke, “Rise, Tide!” she shouted, “Had we not been here, they might have succeeded, but the Swift Tide will not allow it! Rise!” she shouted, the others taking the chant as they had went into the fight as they watched, Kharsa heading into the thick of it, blade in one hand, fist the other but never overwhelmed.
Sycorax, their mag shooting out her magic, electrocuting them with ease before they could get close to touching her, Sweet Mercy moving swiftly and neatly in between, slitting the throats of her enemies with ease, Garanna The Breaker wielding her weapon and taking man with a single sweep, “Tolan’s bones! They’re–” Namor wen, all three amazed at the sight of them.
“I had no idea they could fight like that!” Dorma said, “No idea ANYONE could!” she said, “But where is the fifth of them? The one they call The Mountain?!” The Lady asked when they saw he red, the gigantic and mighty Lemurian from a place older and and darker than their sister city, “Come on, you slugs!” she shouted out, “One at a or all at once!” she barked towards them.
“Come forward and FALL!” The Mountain shouted as Namor cheered, “Hah! Perhaps we were both both wrong, Attuma!” Namor had said to him, “Perhaps The Mountain is The Greatest of–” “Glrp?” Ambrose said, drawing his attention to the side, “Eh?” Attuma said, just as surprised, “Look!” Namor had shouted, as surprised as the others, “More of them!” Dorma shouted.
“Creeping up from the back while The Swift Tide is occupied!” she said, as angry as the others at that, “Pah! Are you with me, Namor?” Attuma had asked of him, “I am!” Dorma told him, “Of course! In the name of Emperor Thakorr and of Atlantis herself–” Namor shouted, swimming fast as he went and tackled on, “IMPERIUS REX!” He roared as Attuma came and struck one on his right.
“And for The Chasm as well, Traitors!” he said as the one he attack dropped his spear, “Here, you won’t need this while I have a use for it!” he had said, taking it as three went after Dorma, “Oh, look, it’s the little lady of Atlantis!” one of the women snarled, “Pretty–Pretty!” the man said as Dorma sighed, “I, ah, I wouldn’t…” “Oh? And you think we’ll take orders from a soft thing like you?” the third asked.
“Well…” Dorma had said as Ambrose had spoken, “GOMPP!” he had went, releasing a soundwave that had disorientated them, which was when she struck, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Dorma snarled, cold cocking him, “I’m no helpless court damsel, Slime… I am Dorma of Atlantis!” she had declared as Attuma saw who it was that was attacking, “But no, hold, HOLD!” he shouted.
“Stop this madness!” attuma had shouted, making them all look in confusion, “I know you, Ronal! And you, Eithys! I know your families!” he had said towards them, “It’s not your way to go against The Tribe!” but they weren’t listening, “Bah! The Tribe!” He snapped, “You will die, Atlantis–Loving scum, and your simpering father dies next!” he had snapped, making Attuma smile, “Oh. THAT’S how it is, is it?” he asked.
“Well, then…” Attuma had said before the two of them had went and leapt towards the two of them, Namor using his strength while Attuma being as brutal as the others and as they had went and fought them off, being vicious like they had both been taught, Namor in the Imperial style while Attuma used The Shark spearmanship as well when they had seen the survivors were running away.
“Hah!” Namor had went as the three of them were unharmed, “The cowards flee, those who still can!” Attuma had said as the crowd that started to cheer, “KRAAA!” “RAA! ATTUMA! NAMOR! DORMA! HRAA! ATLANTIS! YAA!” The crowd went as the trio had looked at them, “Wh–What?” Attuma had asked them, as surprised as the Atlanteans when the Swift Tide swam above them.
“Well fought, young ones!” Kharsa shouted, “Our thanks for the timely assistance!” the leader said, “YAW. Good Work.” The Mountain said to them, “We’ll bring back the fugitives.” Sycorax had said towards them, “But you… all of you… you do your people proud!” she said as they swam away, shocking the three, “The– The Swift Tide–” “They thanked us!” Dorma said, finishing Namor’s thought.
All the while the members of The Chasm and Atlantis looked at them, “Well, now.” Krang said, “That gives me an idea.” The Warlord said, “Syzandias, Chief Attukat… If I could have a word…?” he had said, the group all going and starting to discuss things as the teens were all excited about everything that had been happening and wanting the adventure to not stop.
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12/10/1937, Sharka Capital, Chasm Territory
“My people. My friends.” Attukar had said to them,”Today we have survived treachery and sedition, thanks to the aid of heroes… our own heroes and Atlantis.” he had said to them all on the balcony, “Would that was ALL that has occurred today.” he told them, ‘But no. The Swift Tide brought word this morning.” he had said, making them all look towards them.
“The Unforgotten Stone… The Last Dark relic of a time before even WE swam theses seas… has been found.” he said, making them all gasp at that, “Or, at least, the TRAIL of it.” he had said, “It’s power is dark and wile.” he said, “Its very existence imperils us all, be we tribesman OR Imperial.” Attukar told them, “It must be recovered. It must be deal with, once and for ALL TIME.” he said to them.
That was when the heroes had started to swim by him and his balcony, “And so I tell you today… that the Swift Tide’s next mission will be the retrieval of the stone, with all possible speed.” he had told them all, “But that TOO is not all.” he had explained, “As a gesture of thanks for their aid today… and as a symbol of The Growing Bond between Atlantis and The Chasm Folk…” he told them.
“My son, Attuma, and The Crown Prince of Atlantis, Namor, will join The Tide of their heroic mission!” he had said and hearing that, the crowd cheered and hearing that, the trio had all started to to chant their names, “We’re going, Namor!” Attuma had said to them, “With The Tide!” The Sharka had said to them, “Us! With The Tide!” Namor had said, the Prince said with a grin, “Hmph.” Dorma had said, not happy.
“Ambrose and I… we helped, too!” The Lady had said towards them, “But do WE get to go…?” she had asked as Sycorax swam by them, “Rest easy, Lady Dorma.” She told Dorma, “Men may forget what a woman can do… as we of The Tide have all had reason to know… But I’m sure we can find room for a spirited young Atlantean and her fish.” She said, making both smile, or at least what Ambrose did instead of smiling.
“R–Really?” she had asked of her as the crowd cheered, “NAMOR! ATTUMA! DORMA! THE TIDE! HRAAAA!” The crowd had all cheered and hearing that, the three of them had smiled at that, all of them excited and liking the sound of that, Namor had looked towards each other before they had went and started to enjoy the celebration with each other, wondering what would be up next.
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12/10/1937, Residential Area, Ryūgū-jō
Nammu had been with Sandra and Tali, all of them in Lemurian clothing as they had enjoyed some of the meal that had been prepared with squid, “[So how do you think the idiot and your mistress are doing?]” Tali had asked, making Nammu sigh as Sandra repeated the words, trying to understand their language, “I’d say that Namor is doing something brave or foolish.” Nammu told her cousin.
“Why not both?” Sandra had asked and hearing that, the two of them had laughed, loving the sound of that as Nammu sighed, “I’m just glad Emperor Thakorr let me bring Tiny.” Nammu said to them, “I just hope that Bobo is having as good of a time as the rest of us.” she had said towards them, remembering how he left like the others, all hoping the Chasm negotiations were going well right now.