"The Truth That Sets You Free"
“Imperious Rex!”
Namor shouted as he landed a mighty blow upon his enemy, the immense force of his unrestrained blow rippling a destructive wave of punishment across a Faceless One. Giganto followed suit, swatting many that would center on Namor’s position.
“They still march for the entrance to Subterranea upon that hill,” Namor shouted. “What is in there?”
“Monster Isle is more than equipped to handle an incursion, Namor,” Mole Man quickly snapped. “Monster Isle did not ask for your help.”
“Obviously we do not agree upon the severity of the situation at hand,” Namor replied as he continued paving his way through the mindless Faceless Ones. “This will become annihilation if we do not turn the tide quickly.”
Mole Man smirked, revealing that he knew something which Namor did not. Another monster revealed itself from the cave entrance, its white hair a beacon to all those below as he exited the darkened cave. The monster was enormous, having to slouch upon his exit from the cave. The creature raised his right hand high and muttered one word under its massive white fur – “Stop!”
Mole Man’s smile extended from ear to ear with the monster’s appearance. “You see Namor, nothing can stop Xemnu the Titan upon Monster Isle.”
Namor cautiously walked up on one of the savage attacking beast, thankful for the reprieve but leery of even the results. He wondered was it really that easy?
He examined the Faceless Ones, which remained still as if they were statues. Namor examined the blank features of the creatures until he noticed a twitch in the one in front of him. Namor stepped back, cocking back his powerful fist to land a blow dead center on the creature in front of him.
“What are you doing?” barked Mole Man.
“Your fallback plan is useless, you fool. “
“What do you mean?” Mole Man shouted, but the once still attackers began to revive back into their attacking mindset.
“Your monster’s ability to control minds will not work on creatures that apparently have no independent thought.”
~A~
The grand Atlantean doors swung open to announce the arrival of Queen Marrina of Atlantis. Andromeda, with her hand on sword hilt, followed closely by Marrina’s side. Both approached where Peter and Nia Noble were located.
“God save the Queen?” Peter uttered. He had not known why he and his wife were summoned, but summoned they were with the most urgency.
“Please forgive my husband, Lady Marrina,” Nia interrupted. “He is not the greatest in diplomacy.”
“We do not pretend to believe what your husband is not,” Andromeda replied. “He is a warrior as I am, and you the diplomat.”
Peter winked a pleasant gesture to Andromeda. “Glad you think so highly of me, Andromeda.”
“Do not fool yourself, Peter Noble,” hissed Andromeda. “We are not friends.”
“…at least not yet.”
“How may we help you, Lady Marrina?” Nia asked.
Marrina relayed a caring smile. “It should be I who asks you the same question Nia.”
A perplexed Nia looked at her husband who had the same confused look on his face. “I do not understand your question, Lady Marrina.”
“I stumbled across a young Neptunian boy earlier. He told me of very concerning matters within New Atlantis relations. Is Atlantis treating your people well?”
“Lady Marrina, Atlantis has opened its gates to all the survivors of Neptunia. That alone is enough for me. If anything else has happened I have not been told.”
Marrina was uneasy by the news. She had hoped to come to a quick decision with the information that was brought forth. “I ask you then to keep your eyes and ears open, Nia. As will I in regards to any matters with the Neptunian people within Atlantis. If anything happens, good or bad, I wish to be aware of it.”
Nia bowed her head, “I thank you, “Lady Marrina. I hope our talks are just of the friendly matter.” Getting up from her seat, she arose only to notice Peter had not followed. “Is something wrong, Peter?”
“There is,” Peter replied. Peter’s face had a look of deep concern, garnering the attention of both Marrina and Andromeda.
“Please tell us,” Marrina asked.
“I believe the Neptunians are being treated unfairly- physically and maybe emotionally.” Peter said.
“You have proof of this,” Andromeda asked bluntly.
“I do not have actual witnesses stepping forward, but I notice things,” Peter answered. “It’s like World War Two all over again. I see our people isolating away from the Atlanteans. I see bruises and cuts on people I know they didn’t have when we entered. “
“How come you didn’t express concern to me,” Nia asked.
“We are stretched too thin, Nia. Neptunia was just obliterated. We have people that are in need of medical attention in the streets of Atlantis waiting. I know Atlantis medical units are doing the best with what they got, so my attention is mainly on that. Did you really want me to question the integrity of Atlantis with them taking us in and treating our people with no actual evidence?”
“The medical attention and sanctuary offered to the Neptunians was offered by me, “Marrina said. “The unfair treatment of any Neptunian by any Atlantean was something I had not expected, Peter. Do you think you two can get your people to come forth with any improprieties Atlantis has committed?”
“We can try.”
“Than that is what we shall do.”
Peter arose from his chair only to be greeted by Andromeda. “You have something to say, Andromeda?”
“Though you are from the surface, you spoke for your people, Peter.” Andromeda whispered. “You should be proud of that.”
“How come I do not feel that way, Andromeda?”
“…Because you are a warrior and not a diplomat. You are a leader none the less. A leader does not say what the community tells them. A leader does what is righteous and the community will follow.”
“I should have spoken sooner.”
“The past is the past, Peter Noble,” Andromeda answered. “It is what you have done that really defines a person.”
“How would you define me, Andromeda?”
Andromeda smiled. “Since you fought for your people, I consider you my friend.”
Peter returned the smile with a wink and a devilish grin. “I told you we would be.”
~A~
A bright light with a wailing shrill raced across the gray rainy skies until it reached surface on Monster Isle. Both Namor and Mole Man watch the flash race into the depths of the island. The explosion of the object caused soot and debris to scatter across a large portion along Monster Isle.
“Is this another salvo by this enemy?” Mole Man hissed.
“No you fool,” Namor smirked, instantly recognizing the deadly sound of the bombardments. “Atlantis has finally arrived.”
The cloud of debris began to settle as the sound of thunder rumbled the darkened skies above again. Flashes of light erupted sporadically toward Monster Isle like lightning in a storm. Namor could feel the ground beneath his feet rumble with fear with every blast it received. He could see a shimmer of light in the distance riding the horizon as it approached. His smirk stretched into a smile stretching ear to ear as the shimmer of metal turned into the two battleships of the Atlantis fleet.
The Faceless Ones were not pinched on both sides in their attack. One side occupied the denizens of Monster Isle and on the other the incoming army of Atlantis. The division of Faceless Ones split into two, the ones that stayed on the surface quickly succumbing to the sheer force of the denizens of Monster Isle while the other quickly eating upon the armory which was housed by the Atlantean battleships.
One of the battleships top hatch opened as both ships approached the beaches of Monster Isle. Atlantean soldiers began to swarm the beach with their water breathing apparatuses and Atlantean weaponry.
“Lord Namor, sorry we are so late,” said Byrrah. “I am glad you have saved some for Atlantis.”
Byrrah and Namor shared a humorous smile. “I have made some headway into the incursion, but you are more than welcome to any surviving predators,” said Namor. “My heart wants to continue this battle with you, but I must know what these fiends wanted inside that cave entrance.”
“You are too kind,” Byrrah replied. “May I ask the status of them…” Byrrah asked, pointing at the many monsters from Monster Isle.
“The monsters of Monster Isle are tame compared to my vengeful wrath, Byrrah,” Namor said. “Attack the Faceless Ones and I am sure the Army of Atlantis will find that the natives will be more than willing to fight on our side.”
~A~
“In here,” a voice commanded in a decibel above whisper. “…Quickly!”
Many followed the voice, leading them into an unoccupied room within the city of New Atlantis. They moved carefully, but did so with an expected mission.
“Do you have it?” One voice asked.
“Of course I do,” another one answered.
There were many in the room, but one stood on guard with his eyes fixed on the outside. “We have to hurry. “
The others agreed as they circled together in the floor. They formed a tight formation, each of their arms pressing together against one another as they all waited for it to start.
The group was startled as an unexpected companion had made their presence known. A boy, not even a teen yet, stumbled from out of the shadow in front of the group.
“Brother –“ the young Neptunian asked aloud in the room. “I am looking for my brother.”
“Koa!” a voice erupted from the group. “Where did you go?”
The boy seemed ashamed to find the words to answer his brother. “When the Atlanteans attacked us I ran and hid,” he said softly.
There was no shame as he embraced his younger brother in his arms. “I am just glad the Atlanteans did not hurt you.”
Koa stepped back, locking eyes with his brother. “I did meet some Atlanteans though.”
There was a moment of caution of what young Koa would say next.
“I met the Queen of Atlantis,” he smiled, as his meeting with Marrina sparked vividly within his memory. “She is nice. Her friend Andromeda seems friendly too.”
“Marrina’s reign was initiated while the Atlantean King was exiled,” a voice uttered from under a hood, his face draped in darkness. “Andromeda is General of the Atlantean Army. She is just like the rest of her kind.”
Koa’s brother agreed. “I have heard the blood Andromeda has spilled among the ocean’s surface. I would beware of both of them, Koa. Did you not notice what the Atlanteans have done to us since we have been here?”
Koa’s brother stepped into the light, showing the multiple bruises along his face. One of his eyes was barely able to open as the other began to tear as he remembered the numerous fists that had struck his face.
“Tulaofa,” the hooded Neptunian uttered as he laid a calming hand on his shoulder. “Was your brother followed?”
“I do not believe so,” one said gazing outside again.
“Then let us proceed.”
Koa’s brother nodded, leading his brother toward the formation as he sat the young Neptunian down beside him.
“What is going on?” Koa asked apprehensively.
“Today we fight back.”
The hooded Neptunian raised his hands upward as the others began to sway in unison in a rhythmic dance. There was soft whisper that grew louder until it formed into chant. The fear which the Neptunians experienced just mere seconds ago quickly faded in their ritual as all that remained was hate. Hate for all the suffering they had endured, both to their city and in their brief time in New Atlantis. It was that thick hate which empowered their incantation until a massive eruption of light beamed from within the circle.
The room fell into a deep cold. Their gills felt as if they were breathing in soup and within a second there was nothing but darkness.
Koa awoke groggy, his hand gripping his head as it felt as it was splintered open. “Tulaofa, are you okay?”
Koa’s eyes focused to see his brothers looking into his yet still and empty. Tulaofa was breathing no more - As was everyone else that partook in the ceremony outside of Koa.
Koa staggered in shock, his fear worsened by not knowing what had happened to the men. How long was he out he wondered. What could have killed all them so silently? He tried to scream but couldn’t. His attention shifted as he could hear Atlantean guards in the distance. Many questions raced through his head. What would he say to the guards? He could hear the clanging of the Atlanteans getting closer and that worried him even more at the moment. He looked at the fallen Neptunians one more time, and then ran.
~A~
“Where do you think you are going, Namor?” Mole Man asked in a huff.
Pushing Mole Man aside with his sheer size, Namor continued into the cave. “I am going to find out why these creatures were so focused on this cave.”
“This is an entry way down to Subterranea. You are not permitted to enter.”
Namor could feel the air change warmly when Mole Man spoke. It wasn’t from the self-proclaimed keeper of Monster Isle, this was bigger – more primal, and yet familiar. He turned to see the eye of Giganto staring at him from behind Mole Man into the cave. Namor remained silent, gauging the purpose of Giganto. There was another huff which Namor greeted with a smile.
“I believe I just got permission.”
Mole Man turned to Giganto in disbelief and back to Namor. “Even if you were permitted down to Subterranea, you would not know the way down the long corridors let alone get back!”
Namor reached the edge of the cave floor, looking down a massive crater which seemed to bottom out into pure nothingness. Even his keen eyesight, which enabled him to traverse the darkest waters, failed him that moment.
“I will admit that you are correct, Mole Man,” replied Namor, as he gripped the back of Mole Man’s shirt lifting him into the air. “That is why you are coming with me.”
“No…” Mole Man screamed as Namor began his deep dive downward the darkened path.
“What...are...you…looking…for,” Mole Man wondered, the speed in which Namor was dropping them causing difficulties for Mole Man to catch his breathe.
“We will know when we see it,” Namor replied.
The duo continued their descent downward, the pressure pressing down on the both of them. Namor began to bleed beads of sweat due to the rising heat too. They quickly passed many levels of the Subeterranean path, ignoring the many wonders that few had seen. With a sudden stop, both Namor and Mole Man spotted something unusual.
“What happened here?” Mole Man asked as he gripped his neck due to the whiplash.
Namor stepped over the lifeless bodies of many blue toned bodies. He noticed they each had fins gracing their backs along with their web extremities that no longer moved.
“Who are they?” Namor asked, holding back his anger from the loss of more aquatic citizens.
Mole Man examined the bodies too, remaining silent in memory of the fallen. “This is Meramec, an underwater city that house aquatic Mereloids. How did those attackers make this far from Monster Isle?”
“They did not come from Monster Isle…” Namor voice echoed. “Monster Isle was just for show- a distraction.”
Mole Man approached Namor, noticing him look upon some foreign writing inked in blood. “Do you know what this is?”
Namor eyes scanned the walls carefully, the answer souring his own tongue. “It is Atlantean writing – old Atlantean writing.”
“What does it say?”
“It says, ‘I live again.’”
Namor shouted as he landed a mighty blow upon his enemy, the immense force of his unrestrained blow rippling a destructive wave of punishment across a Faceless One. Giganto followed suit, swatting many that would center on Namor’s position.
“They still march for the entrance to Subterranea upon that hill,” Namor shouted. “What is in there?”
“Monster Isle is more than equipped to handle an incursion, Namor,” Mole Man quickly snapped. “Monster Isle did not ask for your help.”
“Obviously we do not agree upon the severity of the situation at hand,” Namor replied as he continued paving his way through the mindless Faceless Ones. “This will become annihilation if we do not turn the tide quickly.”
Mole Man smirked, revealing that he knew something which Namor did not. Another monster revealed itself from the cave entrance, its white hair a beacon to all those below as he exited the darkened cave. The monster was enormous, having to slouch upon his exit from the cave. The creature raised his right hand high and muttered one word under its massive white fur – “Stop!”
Mole Man’s smile extended from ear to ear with the monster’s appearance. “You see Namor, nothing can stop Xemnu the Titan upon Monster Isle.”
Namor cautiously walked up on one of the savage attacking beast, thankful for the reprieve but leery of even the results. He wondered was it really that easy?
He examined the Faceless Ones, which remained still as if they were statues. Namor examined the blank features of the creatures until he noticed a twitch in the one in front of him. Namor stepped back, cocking back his powerful fist to land a blow dead center on the creature in front of him.
“What are you doing?” barked Mole Man.
“Your fallback plan is useless, you fool. “
“What do you mean?” Mole Man shouted, but the once still attackers began to revive back into their attacking mindset.
“Your monster’s ability to control minds will not work on creatures that apparently have no independent thought.”
~A~
The grand Atlantean doors swung open to announce the arrival of Queen Marrina of Atlantis. Andromeda, with her hand on sword hilt, followed closely by Marrina’s side. Both approached where Peter and Nia Noble were located.
“God save the Queen?” Peter uttered. He had not known why he and his wife were summoned, but summoned they were with the most urgency.
“Please forgive my husband, Lady Marrina,” Nia interrupted. “He is not the greatest in diplomacy.”
“We do not pretend to believe what your husband is not,” Andromeda replied. “He is a warrior as I am, and you the diplomat.”
Peter winked a pleasant gesture to Andromeda. “Glad you think so highly of me, Andromeda.”
“Do not fool yourself, Peter Noble,” hissed Andromeda. “We are not friends.”
“…at least not yet.”
“How may we help you, Lady Marrina?” Nia asked.
Marrina relayed a caring smile. “It should be I who asks you the same question Nia.”
A perplexed Nia looked at her husband who had the same confused look on his face. “I do not understand your question, Lady Marrina.”
“I stumbled across a young Neptunian boy earlier. He told me of very concerning matters within New Atlantis relations. Is Atlantis treating your people well?”
“Lady Marrina, Atlantis has opened its gates to all the survivors of Neptunia. That alone is enough for me. If anything else has happened I have not been told.”
Marrina was uneasy by the news. She had hoped to come to a quick decision with the information that was brought forth. “I ask you then to keep your eyes and ears open, Nia. As will I in regards to any matters with the Neptunian people within Atlantis. If anything happens, good or bad, I wish to be aware of it.”
Nia bowed her head, “I thank you, “Lady Marrina. I hope our talks are just of the friendly matter.” Getting up from her seat, she arose only to notice Peter had not followed. “Is something wrong, Peter?”
“There is,” Peter replied. Peter’s face had a look of deep concern, garnering the attention of both Marrina and Andromeda.
“Please tell us,” Marrina asked.
“I believe the Neptunians are being treated unfairly- physically and maybe emotionally.” Peter said.
“You have proof of this,” Andromeda asked bluntly.
“I do not have actual witnesses stepping forward, but I notice things,” Peter answered. “It’s like World War Two all over again. I see our people isolating away from the Atlanteans. I see bruises and cuts on people I know they didn’t have when we entered. “
“How come you didn’t express concern to me,” Nia asked.
“We are stretched too thin, Nia. Neptunia was just obliterated. We have people that are in need of medical attention in the streets of Atlantis waiting. I know Atlantis medical units are doing the best with what they got, so my attention is mainly on that. Did you really want me to question the integrity of Atlantis with them taking us in and treating our people with no actual evidence?”
“The medical attention and sanctuary offered to the Neptunians was offered by me, “Marrina said. “The unfair treatment of any Neptunian by any Atlantean was something I had not expected, Peter. Do you think you two can get your people to come forth with any improprieties Atlantis has committed?”
“We can try.”
“Than that is what we shall do.”
Peter arose from his chair only to be greeted by Andromeda. “You have something to say, Andromeda?”
“Though you are from the surface, you spoke for your people, Peter.” Andromeda whispered. “You should be proud of that.”
“How come I do not feel that way, Andromeda?”
“…Because you are a warrior and not a diplomat. You are a leader none the less. A leader does not say what the community tells them. A leader does what is righteous and the community will follow.”
“I should have spoken sooner.”
“The past is the past, Peter Noble,” Andromeda answered. “It is what you have done that really defines a person.”
“How would you define me, Andromeda?”
Andromeda smiled. “Since you fought for your people, I consider you my friend.”
Peter returned the smile with a wink and a devilish grin. “I told you we would be.”
~A~
A bright light with a wailing shrill raced across the gray rainy skies until it reached surface on Monster Isle. Both Namor and Mole Man watch the flash race into the depths of the island. The explosion of the object caused soot and debris to scatter across a large portion along Monster Isle.
“Is this another salvo by this enemy?” Mole Man hissed.
“No you fool,” Namor smirked, instantly recognizing the deadly sound of the bombardments. “Atlantis has finally arrived.”
The cloud of debris began to settle as the sound of thunder rumbled the darkened skies above again. Flashes of light erupted sporadically toward Monster Isle like lightning in a storm. Namor could feel the ground beneath his feet rumble with fear with every blast it received. He could see a shimmer of light in the distance riding the horizon as it approached. His smirk stretched into a smile stretching ear to ear as the shimmer of metal turned into the two battleships of the Atlantis fleet.
The Faceless Ones were not pinched on both sides in their attack. One side occupied the denizens of Monster Isle and on the other the incoming army of Atlantis. The division of Faceless Ones split into two, the ones that stayed on the surface quickly succumbing to the sheer force of the denizens of Monster Isle while the other quickly eating upon the armory which was housed by the Atlantean battleships.
One of the battleships top hatch opened as both ships approached the beaches of Monster Isle. Atlantean soldiers began to swarm the beach with their water breathing apparatuses and Atlantean weaponry.
“Lord Namor, sorry we are so late,” said Byrrah. “I am glad you have saved some for Atlantis.”
Byrrah and Namor shared a humorous smile. “I have made some headway into the incursion, but you are more than welcome to any surviving predators,” said Namor. “My heart wants to continue this battle with you, but I must know what these fiends wanted inside that cave entrance.”
“You are too kind,” Byrrah replied. “May I ask the status of them…” Byrrah asked, pointing at the many monsters from Monster Isle.
“The monsters of Monster Isle are tame compared to my vengeful wrath, Byrrah,” Namor said. “Attack the Faceless Ones and I am sure the Army of Atlantis will find that the natives will be more than willing to fight on our side.”
~A~
“In here,” a voice commanded in a decibel above whisper. “…Quickly!”
Many followed the voice, leading them into an unoccupied room within the city of New Atlantis. They moved carefully, but did so with an expected mission.
“Do you have it?” One voice asked.
“Of course I do,” another one answered.
There were many in the room, but one stood on guard with his eyes fixed on the outside. “We have to hurry. “
The others agreed as they circled together in the floor. They formed a tight formation, each of their arms pressing together against one another as they all waited for it to start.
The group was startled as an unexpected companion had made their presence known. A boy, not even a teen yet, stumbled from out of the shadow in front of the group.
“Brother –“ the young Neptunian asked aloud in the room. “I am looking for my brother.”
“Koa!” a voice erupted from the group. “Where did you go?”
The boy seemed ashamed to find the words to answer his brother. “When the Atlanteans attacked us I ran and hid,” he said softly.
There was no shame as he embraced his younger brother in his arms. “I am just glad the Atlanteans did not hurt you.”
Koa stepped back, locking eyes with his brother. “I did meet some Atlanteans though.”
There was a moment of caution of what young Koa would say next.
“I met the Queen of Atlantis,” he smiled, as his meeting with Marrina sparked vividly within his memory. “She is nice. Her friend Andromeda seems friendly too.”
“Marrina’s reign was initiated while the Atlantean King was exiled,” a voice uttered from under a hood, his face draped in darkness. “Andromeda is General of the Atlantean Army. She is just like the rest of her kind.”
Koa’s brother agreed. “I have heard the blood Andromeda has spilled among the ocean’s surface. I would beware of both of them, Koa. Did you not notice what the Atlanteans have done to us since we have been here?”
Koa’s brother stepped into the light, showing the multiple bruises along his face. One of his eyes was barely able to open as the other began to tear as he remembered the numerous fists that had struck his face.
“Tulaofa,” the hooded Neptunian uttered as he laid a calming hand on his shoulder. “Was your brother followed?”
“I do not believe so,” one said gazing outside again.
“Then let us proceed.”
Koa’s brother nodded, leading his brother toward the formation as he sat the young Neptunian down beside him.
“What is going on?” Koa asked apprehensively.
“Today we fight back.”
The hooded Neptunian raised his hands upward as the others began to sway in unison in a rhythmic dance. There was soft whisper that grew louder until it formed into chant. The fear which the Neptunians experienced just mere seconds ago quickly faded in their ritual as all that remained was hate. Hate for all the suffering they had endured, both to their city and in their brief time in New Atlantis. It was that thick hate which empowered their incantation until a massive eruption of light beamed from within the circle.
The room fell into a deep cold. Their gills felt as if they were breathing in soup and within a second there was nothing but darkness.
Koa awoke groggy, his hand gripping his head as it felt as it was splintered open. “Tulaofa, are you okay?”
Koa’s eyes focused to see his brothers looking into his yet still and empty. Tulaofa was breathing no more - As was everyone else that partook in the ceremony outside of Koa.
Koa staggered in shock, his fear worsened by not knowing what had happened to the men. How long was he out he wondered. What could have killed all them so silently? He tried to scream but couldn’t. His attention shifted as he could hear Atlantean guards in the distance. Many questions raced through his head. What would he say to the guards? He could hear the clanging of the Atlanteans getting closer and that worried him even more at the moment. He looked at the fallen Neptunians one more time, and then ran.
~A~
“Where do you think you are going, Namor?” Mole Man asked in a huff.
Pushing Mole Man aside with his sheer size, Namor continued into the cave. “I am going to find out why these creatures were so focused on this cave.”
“This is an entry way down to Subterranea. You are not permitted to enter.”
Namor could feel the air change warmly when Mole Man spoke. It wasn’t from the self-proclaimed keeper of Monster Isle, this was bigger – more primal, and yet familiar. He turned to see the eye of Giganto staring at him from behind Mole Man into the cave. Namor remained silent, gauging the purpose of Giganto. There was another huff which Namor greeted with a smile.
“I believe I just got permission.”
Mole Man turned to Giganto in disbelief and back to Namor. “Even if you were permitted down to Subterranea, you would not know the way down the long corridors let alone get back!”
Namor reached the edge of the cave floor, looking down a massive crater which seemed to bottom out into pure nothingness. Even his keen eyesight, which enabled him to traverse the darkest waters, failed him that moment.
“I will admit that you are correct, Mole Man,” replied Namor, as he gripped the back of Mole Man’s shirt lifting him into the air. “That is why you are coming with me.”
“No…” Mole Man screamed as Namor began his deep dive downward the darkened path.
“What...are...you…looking…for,” Mole Man wondered, the speed in which Namor was dropping them causing difficulties for Mole Man to catch his breathe.
“We will know when we see it,” Namor replied.
The duo continued their descent downward, the pressure pressing down on the both of them. Namor began to bleed beads of sweat due to the rising heat too. They quickly passed many levels of the Subeterranean path, ignoring the many wonders that few had seen. With a sudden stop, both Namor and Mole Man spotted something unusual.
“What happened here?” Mole Man asked as he gripped his neck due to the whiplash.
Namor stepped over the lifeless bodies of many blue toned bodies. He noticed they each had fins gracing their backs along with their web extremities that no longer moved.
“Who are they?” Namor asked, holding back his anger from the loss of more aquatic citizens.
Mole Man examined the bodies too, remaining silent in memory of the fallen. “This is Meramec, an underwater city that house aquatic Mereloids. How did those attackers make this far from Monster Isle?”
“They did not come from Monster Isle…” Namor voice echoed. “Monster Isle was just for show- a distraction.”
Mole Man approached Namor, noticing him look upon some foreign writing inked in blood. “Do you know what this is?”
Namor eyes scanned the walls carefully, the answer souring his own tongue. “It is Atlantean writing – old Atlantean writing.”
“What does it say?”
“It says, ‘I live again.’”