King of the Seven Seas..... "Pirate Treasure"
Aquaman #2 - February, Year One	by Mike Exner III

She truly was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen. As his magic helped to propel Tempest through the water towards Poseidonis, the beauty encapsulated in his magical sphere kept directing his attention. Many times he’d nearly slammed head first into an outcropping of oceanic rock for he wasn’t really watching where he was going. Now, as he neared the city of Poseidonis, he found he really couldn’t take his eyes off of Dolphin. Koryak, that idiot, had struck her and knocked her unconscious but even with the slight bruise formed over her eye, it seemed as though she were peacefully sleeping.*

[*Koryak struck Dolphin last issue - Will]

Still Tempest planned to make Koryak pay for what he had done. The timing for a confrontation had been all wrong earlier though. The people of Poseidonis had just been freed from the hold of King Iquila and a battle between the crown prince of Poseidonis and Tempest would have surely disheartened the populace.* So Tempest gathered Dolphin and decided to make his way to Poseidonis. Aquaman not only needed to see his son’s handiwork, but Tempest had a few things to talk of with King Orin as well.

[*The confrontation nearly happened last issue - Will]

Frankly, Tempest was tired of being thought of as Aquaman’s sidekick. In his years as Aqualad, Garth had been subjected to verbal, as well as physical abuse by his friend and mentor. Aquaman and Tempest had made a reconciliation of sorts over the years, but still, Garth could see that Koryak was the spitting image of his father, only worse. Abusing women was despicable. It made Garth sick to his stomach. Something was going to be done and even though the law of Atlantean royalty demanded Garth tell Aquaman of his son’s behavior and leave the punishment up to the King, if Aquaman wasn’t willing to punish Koryak, Garth would be more than willing to do so.

“W-what’s going on?” Called a voice from underneath Garth and it surprised him. He stopped short and looked down and saw that Dolphin was regaining her senses. She looked up at him and Garth felt himself look away, flushing brightly. He released her from the magical sphere she was held in and she swam up to his level.

“Garth, you’re back. I can’t believe it, Orin will be so pleased.” Dolphin said and Tempest felt his heart sink into his feet. Orin, it was always about Orin. Why couldn’t he ever get out of Aquaman’s shadow?

“Yes, I’m sure he will be. I was journeying to Poseidonis just now, it’s right over the ridge. Would you care to accompany me the rest of the way?” Garth said and his voice was sweet and sincere. Dolphin found herself attracted to him even more so than ever. Was she mistaken in seeing something in the way he looked at her as well?

“It seems I’ve already accompanied you quite a ways as it is.” Dolphin said and she smiled. It made Garth’s heart melt and if he were standing, his knees would have buckled. “The last thing I remember is convincing King Iquila to release the people and then I was struck from behind.”

“You freed the people?” Tempest said and shook his head, the anger bubbling in him again. “It was Koryak that struck you down. I arrived just as he did it. He said it was a mistake, performed in a fit of rage, but I don’t completely believe him. I plan to tell Orin of what he did and let the King decide his punishment.”

“No, I’d rather you didn’t tell Orin of what happened.” Dolphin said and as Tempest tried to speak in protest Dolphin shushed him with her fingers. Her fingers on his lips made Tempest flush again and he was silent as she spoke. “When last I saw Orin he was acting strangely. I’m not sure but I’ve been hearing rumors that he has claimed the title of King of the seas from Triton. If this is true then Aquaman is dealing with many hardships. A feud between his closest friend and his only son and heir to the throne is the last thing Orin needs.”

“But Dolphin, he struck you and…”

“And I am fine now Garth. I appreciate your concern, but what Koryak did to me was an injustice to I and I alone. It will be up to me how he is dealt with on my own terms. Koryak will get what is coming to him, but not now. I’m trusting you to say nothing to Orin. Agreed?” Dolphin spoke with finality and Garth nodded his head. He couldn’t believe the strength of the woman before him. She’d seemed so frail as he carried her towards Poseidonis, and now, now she was obviously the one in control.

“Then let us travel the rest of the way to Poseidonis together.” Dolphin said and turned in the direction of the city. Tempest quickly caught up with her and they swam towards Poseidonis, side by side.

Vulko knew that Koryak was a troubled soul. He’d been through so many trials since being reunited with his father. His mother, Kako, was transformed into the fire elemental of Earth, Corona.* He’d been mind controlled by Kordax and been forced to do horrible things under Kordax’s control. His part in the destruction of Tritonis was testament to that. Still, Vulko was certain that Koryak would make a good King one day, a just King. Tempest and Dolphin and even the people were skeptical to a degree, but Vulko had groomed Orin, who now seemed fully capable of ruling his people. He could do it with Koryak too. It was simply a matter of time.

[*It happened in DC’s Aquaman #7 - Waterlogged Will]

“How goes it old man?” Said Koryak as he streamed quickly past Vulko, sending a bit of the soft silt of the ocean floor up into Vulko’s face. He coughed and slowly swam up and out of the cloud of dirt. Koryak seemed revitalized and playful. Vulko was glad. The people were forced to walk for they were too tired to swim and it was a long journey. The good temper of the Prince would raise their spirits and make them press on.

“It goes well ‘upstart’. I only wish Orin were here to see what you have done for the people. How they struggle to reach him and struggle because of the strength they see in you.” Vulko smiled and motioned for Koryak to come over to him. Koryak swam over quickly.

“You are a good man Koryak and I believe in you. Never forget that. Even as I do THIS!” Vulko said and slopped a bit of the slimy ocean floor he’d captured in his hands into Koryak’s face. Koryak howled and the people laughed. Vulko laughed with them. Soon the people would be back in their city and things would be back to the way they should be. King and Prince ruling side by side with the people strongly behind them. An age of prosperity, Vulko could feel it.

Suddenly Vulko was struck to the ground by something hard and heavy. He tried to rise up but he couldn’t. Whatever it was had him held down firmly. Then Koryak was there, standing in front of him, and his face was not one of good humor.

“I should hope that you would never in your life do something like that again Vulko.” Growled Koryak from deep in his throat and the pressure on top of Vulko increased. He whimpered in pain and Koryak smiled. “I hope we are clear on this point. I am the Prince of Poseidonis and I will not be embarrassed or made a fool of. Do you understand?”

Vulko nodded and Koryak sneered. He let the weight of his hard-water barrier linger on Vulko a few moments longer as the people stood watching, then he let up on it and Vulko gasped for air. Koryak turned and swiftly swam off in the direction of Poseidonis. A few of the people rushed to Vulko’s side to help him up. A simple joke was all it had been but it had backfired horribly. It was all Vulko’s fault. The Prince was not to blame. Koryak would still make a good King, everyone would see. He turned and looked back at the people who were looking frightened and angry, and tired. Vulko could not hold their gaze for long. He raised his hand and summoned them to keep going. It was still a long journey and they had to press on.

They both made their way out of the gates of the city again and stopped short. There, in front of them, lowering into the depths was a large school of dolphins. In the middle of the school, surrounded on all sides, was Aquaman. He appeared to be unconscious, or worse, dead. The dolphins didn’t seem to be in mourning however so Tempest and Dolphin both swam towards them. The dolphins settled down upon the ocean floor and lowered Aquaman. As Dolphin and Tempest approached they scattered and swam away quickly. Tempest watched them go but Dolphin immediately swam to Orin and looked him over.

“Garth, get over here quick.” Shouted Dolphin and Tempest rushed to her side. He looked down at Aquaman and it didn’t seem as if he were unconscious or dead, merely sleeping. Tempest reached out a hand and shook Orin and suddenly Aquaman’s eyes fluttered and then opened. He looked at Tempest and Dolphin for a moment as if he didn’t recognize them and then smiled.

“Tadpole, you’re back.” Aquaman said and Garth frowned and threw some sand on Aquaman. Orin laughed and got up and then rubbed his eyes with his hand. He looked at Dolphin and laughed again. “I can see. Blessed Atlantis, I can see!”

“Orin are you all right?” Dolphin asked and Aquaman grabbed her face in his hand and kissed her. Dolphin drew back but Aquaman didn’t even seem to notice or care.

“I’ve never been better my dear, sweet lady. I can see both you and Garth and you’ve never looked better.” Orin cried and swam above his friends, pivoting and twirling through the water.

“He’s fine.” Tempest said dryly and Dolphin looked over to him and smiled. Garth felt his frown melt away. Aquaman calling him Tadpole and kissing Dolphin hadn’t exactly been the way he’d wanted their reunion to go, but when Dolphin smiled at him like that, none of it seemed to matter.

Aquaman swam back down and landed in front of them. He was beaming and Garth was a bit freaked out by it. Orin put his arms around both of their shoulders and began walking towards the city. Tempest stopped short and Aquaman turned to look at him.

“Garth, what’s wrong?” Orin asked, and Garth nearly told him about Koryak. Dolphin’s firm look convinced him otherwise so he said the next thing that popped into his head.

“Dolphin and I, we came here to tell you about the people.” Garth said and it was Aquaman’s turn to frown. He looked from Tempest to Dolphin and back again and shook his head.

“I told Dolphin when she came to me that the people are King Iquila’s for now. I realize that they are suffering and tired, but the people of Tritonis were caused to suffer as well. They will not be accepted back to Poseidonis or recognized by me until King Iquila releases them.

“That’s just it Orin, the people have been released from King Iquila’s rule.” Dolphin said and Orin’s face brightened once again. He looked at Dolphin questioningly and she nodded her head. “Just this afternoon, King Iquila finally listened to reason and released the people. The labors of Tritonis were nearing completion and he felt no real further use of them.”

“Does she speak the truth Garth?” Aquaman asked and Garth was shocked that he would even care what Garth had to say.

“Yes, I was there and Iquila released the people of his own will. They were allowed to leave and they should be on their way as we speak. Dolphin and I came here to accompany you on your way to greet them.” Garth said.

“I think if the people see their King they will feel better and more capable of making the long journey home Orin.” Dolphin said and Aquaman nodded his head. “The people are exhausted and I’m sure Vulko and Koryak are having difficulties. They need all the help they can get.”

“I agree Dolphin, and neither of you know how overjoyed I am to know my people are on their way home, where they belong. We will leave at once. Agreed?” Orin said and needed no answer from Dolphin or Tempest as they both rose from the surface of the ocean floor and began swimming towards Tritonis. They couldn’t have possibly known that they were being watched by a threat in the distance. Just as they couldn’t have known about the three figures approaching the gates of Poseidonis as Aquaman and friends swam out of sight.

“Lord Orin, I am so sorry for all the trouble that has come to pass over the course of these past few months. I’ve doubted your ability to rule at every turn and look at the result. All here have heard the news of your victory over Triton for the title of King of the seas and all here are ready to pledge full allegiance to you and crown you as both King of the seas and ruler of Poseidonis once and for all.” Vulko spoke as a diplomat and his voice carried over the entire assemblage. The people cheered as Vulko ended his speech and Aquaman clapped Vulko on his back lightly. When Vulko winced Aquaman frowned.

“I’m sorry old friend, I realize that you and the people are sore and tired from your labors. We are nearing Poseidonis. The journey will not be long now that I am here to help you. Once we reach the gates of the city I promise to rule over the oceans fairly and justly. A new age is coming for the oceans.” Aquaman proclaimed and the people cheered again.

“What a touching moment.” Said a voice from behind Aquaman, and all assembled turned to look. There, standing on a rock jutting out from the floor of the ocean was a man. He was huge, well over seven feet tall with muscles that bulged out from the uniform he wore. It resembled somewhat of an ancient pirate outfit except that it was more form fitting to his body, not baggy at all. In the man’s hand was a large sword that glowed with a strange light around it. He pointed the blade at Aquaman and continued. “You, King of the sea. My name is Cutlass and I have come to kill you and all of your miserable people.”

“You will find that task is easier stated than accomplished my large friend.” Said Aquaman with rage boiling up inside him. He rushed at Cutlass and drew back his hook to strike. Cutlass merely deflected the blow and slammed a huge fist into Aquaman’s face. Aquaman was stunned and thrown clear by the blow. He righted himself and made to attack again but was shocked to see Cutlass was almost on top of him. Cutlass’ sword came directly for Aquaman and he put up his hook to shield himself.

Suddenly a bubble of green light formed around Cutlass and whisked him a few feet away from Aquaman. Tempest swam in between Aquaman and Cutlass.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow you to kill my friend, Cutlass. I’ve trapped you in a sphere of magic. You won’t be breaking out of it anytime soon so I suggest you surrender.” Garth said and gestured with his hands, reinforcing the sphere surrounding his enemy. Cutlass just laughed.

“You think this little thing is going to hold me boy?” Cutlass reared back his sword and thrust it into the bubble of magic. It penetrated and Garth gasped as the feedback hit his body. The sphere broke into magical shards that ricocheted in all directions. Some flew into the crowd and injured some of the people. Aquaman watched as the people began to panic and swam over to Garth.

“Tempest, are you alright?” Aquaman asked and Tempest nodded his head then promptly passed out. Aquaman looked in Dolphin’s direction. She seemed ready to attack Cutlass but Aquaman stopped her with a cry. “Dolphin, you and Vulko take the people the rest of the way to Poseidonis. I’ll deal with this Cutlass myself.”

Dolphin turned to the people and she and Vulko began barking orders. The people found their strength and began to hurriedly swim towards Poseidonis. Aquaman frowned deeply. Where was Koryak? He should be here to help Dolphin direct the people. Orin would have to deal with his son later. His thoughts were interrupted as Cutlass charged, his sword gleaming.

“You’ll deal with me yourself you say? I think you’re in over your head King.” Cutlass growled and Aquaman steadied himself. Garth was settled on the ocean floor and would be of no help in this fight. It was just Aquaman and Cutlass now. The King of the seas grinned, this was just how he liked it.

They passed the rise and Dolphin froze along with everyone else. There standing in their path were two more men with outfits similar to the one Cutlass had been wearing. One of the men was older with a long red beard and long red hair. The other was young and gaunt. There was hardly any meat on his bones at all. His eyes were sunk deep into his head and he seemed almost reptilian in appearance. The older one spoke.

“Good evening people of Poseidonis. My name is Captain Nemo. This is my associate Eeol. I trust you’ve already happened upon Cutlass. He’s a frightful fellow I know but he is rather effective at what he does.” Nemo smiled invitingly as if he were simply speaking to old friends and Dolphin clenched her fists.

“What do you want?” Cried Dolphin as she swam before Nemo and Eeol, putting herself between the two men and the people of Poseidonis.

“Why, if I were to tell you what I was after that would spoil the surprise for your great and powerful King would it not?” Said Nemo, he nor his friend appeared to be anywhere near the size of Cutlass and Dolphin was sure that with her speed and enhanced strength, she could take them out.

“Whatever you want with Orin, you’re going to have to get by me first.” Said Dolphin and charged towards the two men. Nemo just smiled.

“Eeol, if you please.” Nemo said and Eeol rose from the ocean floor and propelled himself at Dolphin. He was quick and she couldn’t dodge out of his way fast enough. He placed his hands on her and she immediately felt the stinging blast of electricity enter her body. Eeol smiled, showing rows of needle shaped teeth and hissed at Dolphin. The people cried out as Dolphin lost consciousness and Eeol dropped her and let her fall to the ground.

“Well, that certainly was fun, now wasn’t it?” Stated Nemo and Vulko stepped forth from the crowd. Nemo glared menacingly at him and Eeol hissed again.

“I certainly hope you’re not going to be the next one to give us a problem old fish.” Nemo said and looked at Eeol. Vulko looked up as well and saw the electricity sparking from Eeol throughout the water. He could feel the slight twinge of electricity flowing in the current.

“No, I and my people will give you no trouble Captain. I merely wish to know what it is you have planned for us.” Vulko said and Nemo walked forward until he was close enough to grab Vulko. Vulko was lifted off the ocean floor and brought nose to nose with Nemo.

“I’m afraid I can’t share that with you old fish. But soon, soon you’ll know exactly what my plans are. All we’ve got to do is invite Aquaman to the party.” Nemo said and Eeol hissed again at the mention of Aquaman’s name. Nemo roughly dropped Vulko to the ground and lifted a device to his mouth. He began to speak into it softly and then turned back to face the people.

“Come let us go down to the gates my friends. There is much to do and very little time to do it. Your King will be here at any moment.” Nemo said and the people began to make their way down the ridge at Vulko’s instruction. Eeol picked up Dolphin and trailed behind, making sure no one tried to escape. When everyone was in front of the city, Eeol swam over beside Nemo with Dolphin in his arms.

“When your beloved Orin arrives, he’ll wish he’d never been named King of the seas.” Nemo said and Vulko shuddered deep inside his bones.

“Man, this is getting kind of pathetic Aquaman. I thought you were supposed to be a tough guy. Maybe if I head on back to that pretty underwater city of yours and cause some havoc you’ll be more willing to put up a fight.” Cutlass said. Orin flexed his muscles and tossed the rocks from his body. Cutlass smiled. “If I was a rock, I’d definitely be impressed.”

“You are a foul villain Cutlass and I will be happy to let my people decide your fate once I have defeated you.” Aquaman roared.

“That’s big talk. Let’s see how your people feel about that.” Cutlass said and turned to flee. Aquaman shot the grapple wire from his hook but Cutlass was anticipating it and deflected the hook again with his sword. Aquaman raged as he reeled the cable back in and made to pursue Cutlass but then remembered Garth. He swam down to where Garth was lying and shook him violently.

“Tempest wake up. Blast you Tadpole, wake up now!” Yelled Aquaman as he shook Garth. Tempest awoke slowly and Aquaman lifted him to his feet. “We’ve got to pursue Cutlass. He is on his way to Poseidonis to attack the people. He is not the best swimmer, I believe we can still catch him.”

Garth nodded his head but then slumped back to his knees. Aquaman grabbed him and tried to raise him to his feet again but Tempest waved him off.

“Don’t worry about me Orin, I’m still not feeling right after Cutlass hit me with that feedback. I’ve got to rest for a while. I’ll catch up as soon as I’ve got my legs under me again.” Tempest said and Aquaman frowned.

“I don’t like leaving you here alone Garth. What if Cutlass wasn’t alone in his attack? You could be..” Aquaman started but Tempest cut him off by using a bit of magic to push Aquaman away.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. You’ve got to make sure Cutlass doesn’t harm the people. You’re a good King. I’m realizing that now. You’ve got to make sure Cutlass is stopped.” Garth said and Aquaman nodded. He rose from the ocean floor and took off full speed in the direction of Poseidonis. Garth sighed and concentrated. He had to shake of the wooziness he was feeling. He had to help Aquaman before it was too late.

A man was standing in front of the gates of the city and Aquaman swam down to the ground to face him. He was wearing an outfit similar to the one Cutlass had been wearing and he seemed relaxed and in control. He beckoned Aquaman to approach and then held up his hand for Aquaman to stop. When Aquaman didn’t he gestured towards the crowd of people and out stepped another man dressed in the pirate like garb. This man had his hand around the throat of both Dolphin and Vulko. Aquaman stopped walking and the man with the red beard smiled as his associate with Dolphin and Vulko in tow, sidled up beside him.

“Greetings King of the sea. My name is Captain Nemo. The man with his hands firmly around the neck of your friends is called Eeol. You’ve already met Cutlass but I believe a reintroduction is called for. Cutlass?” Nemo spoke smoothly and Aquaman was barely able to turn in time to see Cutlass bear down on him and knock him to the ground forcefully. When Aquaman rose to his feet, Cutlass too was standing with his partners.

“What do you want?” Aquaman said and clenched his fist. Nemo leaned against the gates of Poseidonis and ran his fingers up and down the dome.

“What do I want?” Nemo repeated Aquaman’s question and grinned. “Why, I want your cooperation King Orin. I desire the riches that Poseidonis has to offer me, and most of all. I want you to hand them over to me freely.”

Aquaman couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Three men who were obviously surface dwellers had come down to his city. Assaulted him, his people and his friends and were now insulting him. The anger seething in Aquaman could not be contained and he erupted.

You are nothing more than a mere thief and you have the audacity to believe I will hand over the ancient treasures of my kingdom to you freely?” Aquaman roared and Nemo seemed shocked by the ferocity of his statement. Aquaman continued unabated. “I will never forfeit the heritage of my kingdom to the likes of you Nemo.”

The people of Poseidonis let out weak cheers that soon died away. Nemo merely laughed.

“Strong words King Orin, strong words indeed. Under different circumstances I’m sure that I could respect and perhaps even befriend a man such as you.” Nemo said and stepped over near his men again. “However, I am going to take what I wish from you. If you resist in any way, my associate Eeol will pump enough electricity into the two people he is holding to assure that they both die horribly painful deaths. I hear they are good friends of the King of Poseidonis. The choice is yours. Do they live or do they die?”

“Captain, you see that up ahead?” Called a member of the crew and Garner opened his eyes and peered in the direction his crewman was pointing. Up ahead was what looked like a huge whirlpool. Garner gave the orders to reverse thrust and turn about. The whirlpool was relentless though. It sucked at the “Morning Calm” as if it were a giant mouth swallowing the sea.

The current grew stronger and the boat was flung into the pool. The ship began to pick up speed as it was hurled around and around the lip of the vortex. Garner clung to the railing on the side of the ship and peered over the edge into the water. There, in the water, were hundreds of sharks, swimming against the current. Garner knew it wasn’t possible but there they were.

Suddenly, one of the sharks darted up and took a swipe at the boat as it passed. The thumping sound emanated through the boards and the entire crew felt it. Shark after shark took their turn slamming into the boat. Some used their teeth, and others just used their bodies. The boat wasn’t that strong and there were a lot of dead fish inside weighing it down. Finally a shark was able to split the wood under the boat and the ocean raced inside. The boat began to sink and it seemed as if the water of the whirlpool was pulling the boat apart as well.

One of Garner’s crewmembers cried out again that there was something in the water ahead. Garner barely had time to brace himself before they hit it and were flung into the air. The boat shattered and came down violently into the ocean. The current of the pool pulled Garner underneath and as he looked around he couldn’t see any of his men. What he did see made him scream. The water filled his lungs as his voice echoed through the water. The sharks bore down on him and the last thing Reginald Garner ever saw was his own blood.