Post by qpq on Nov 16, 2012 12:47:36 GMT -5
Synopsis: AC and Dylan meet with Troy who shares with them his part in the search for the Trident. He explains that he is there to aid AC. Though AC and Dylan are suspicious about his sudden appearance and willingness to aid them with ACs search for the trident the accept his help. Troy also advises them that there are more Atlantean relics and that he possesses one of them, the pendant that allows for teleportation.
AC: AC wasn't in at the time when the note was dropped off. But, when he got back to the motel. He'd see the note that was left for him. Picking it up, he'd press his lips together. Someone wanted to meet him at Dylan at the Aquarium. Heh, how appropriate. Things were still a buzz from the museum take over and robbery. Pulling his cell out, he'd dial Dylan's number and wait for her to pick it up.
"Hey." he said with a smile, there was something about being with her that made him smile. That made him feel like a little boy who had a crush on the girl in the playground. "I got a note to meet someone at the Aquarium. I don't know why, but I have a feeling it's nothing bad. I doubt it's our friend Manta. He wouldn't be this bold." checking his watch "Wants to meet at 9pm at one of the doors. I think we should go." a nod.
Between the two of them, they should be able to handle any kind of threat. When time came, he'd swing by Dylan's place about an hour before the meeting so that they would have time to get down there. And… he secretly wanted to be around her. Since the incident, they didn't spend all that much time together… which he cited himself as fault. Mainly for not calling her afterwards. He should have… but … he didn’t.
Was it on purpose? AC didn't think so. But he knew he felt a little guilty over it.
DYLAN: She’d agreed to go, hell she agreed that she wanted to help him figured this all out but she wasn’t sure if he understood that meant she was packing up and going with him when they finished with things in Gotham. This had gone beyond what they’d started last year and she was beginning to realize that she needed to see it through, not just for AC but for herself. There were a lot of reasons for that that she didn’t feel like analyzing right now, mostly because she’d done it before, time and time again.
When AC came to pick her up she slid into his car, mouth turned down in a grumpy frown. It wasn’t anything he hadn’t seen before. She could work herself into a snit and just as easy work herself out within a few minutes. Though this one was probably because there was a slim chance that it was Manta that left him the note. If that was the case she was going to break that stupid helmet and shove it down his throat.
They car ride over was quiet and after they parked she slid out of the car and looked at the aquarium closing down for the night. “Are you sure they wanted to meet after the place closed? Seems fishy to me.” She smirked at him.
TROY: When they arrived at the aquarium the parking lot was deserted. However it appeared that there were a few cars there. Probably the custodial staff and security guards, but no one seemed to be rushing over from out of the darkness to tell them that the aquarium was closed. There also wasn't anyone trying to jump out and attack them so it wasn't as bad as it could have been however it was rather odd that someone would request to meet them there rather than somewhere else.
When they approached the west entrance there was no one there, but there was something along the glass it appeared to be white almost like chalk of some sort, but it was an arrow pointing up which meant continue straight ahead.
They would find the door open when they reached it and the hallways were dimly lit. The illumination was coming from the tanks that lined the walls. One of the gates that allowed entry into the aquarium was open and it lead you down a short hall that eventually turned into a bit of spiral ramp that took you down towards the larger tanks. It was like moving into an underwater world and though the hall itself was dimly lit one could still make out shapes due to the light coming from the tanks themselves.
Some of the creatures contained within were sleep, others were moving about, but it was scene from the ocean with brightly colored fish moving about about. Some avoiding predators and others seeming to explore their environments with some simply remaining suspended in the the water not moving at all. There were a few benches in the center of the adjoining rooms for people to sit and watch the fish, but there was no one there at the moment.
It would be a moment before a form began to approach from the opposite end.
AC: When she said something, he gave her a strange look with something of a grin. "That? That was terrible." smirking as he slid out of his car meeting up with her at the head. It was strange to be out here when nobody else was. She was close, there was a time they'd take each others hands. To walk in together… but right now it didn't seem it. AC still had strong feelings for her, he wanted to be with her. To show her that he was sorry for his attitude and that he'd make up for it. Though, the words didn't come out as they moved into the aquarium. It was still strange, it felt strange.
Moving deeper into the aquarium, he'd look at all the sealife around them. "It's beautiful when nobody is around." saying to her as he stands in front of one of the large tanks, looking in as various kinds of fish pass by. "I almost forgot what this place was like." saying as he smiled to her, then moved with her towards one of the benches. "Remember when we went here on a date when we got back from Florida?" asking as he smiled. "You thought I was crazy for wanting to take you to a place surrounded by water." grinning. "But, you folded. I think it was because of my boyish good looks."
Pausing though when he noticed something move from the opposite side, he squints trying to see who it was. His hand, body shifting to stand infront of her. Even know he knew she didn't need it, it just felt like it was coming out of habit.
DYLAN: She laughed when he gave her the look and gave him an innocent look before falling into step beside him, hands slid into the back pockets of her jeans. She was ignoring the urge to lean against his arm as they walked so he’d take her hand like he used too. She did have admit though, seeing him again wasn’t as hard as she thought it would have been. Sure the café wasn’t a walk in the park but now, this was easy, almost like it had been before they’d dated… you know, minus the whole mysterious meeting with who knows who.
“Yeah it is.” She said quietly as they moved through the dimly lit halls of tanks. The lights from the tanks made strange swirling patterns on the floor. “Maybe creepy beautiful.” Admittedly she still wasn’t all that fond of this much water around her when they didn’t know who they were meeting but anger and the urge to beat the shit out of someone did tend to give her more courage to face that fear.
“Yup. I finally got tired of you begging me to come so I came. And I’m pretty sure I grumped at you all day.” She smirked then turned her head to watch the figure heading toward them. AC moved to stand in front of her and she slugged him in the shoulder. “Stop being a chauvinist you ass.” Then stepped over beside him.
TROY: He could hear them before he even saw them. He didn’t hurry in his steps, taking his time until he was close enough for them to make out. He wore the same hooded cloak that he had worn before. It covered everything including his face, but that was only for a moment until he pulled it back so they could see him fully under the dim light. He stood in front of one of the tanks while a fish swam behind him.
“There’s nothing for either to be worried about. I’m not here to fight you. Far from it actually.” He glanced from AC then towards Dylan. “Thank you for coming. With what’s happened I doubt you want to spend your nights at the aquarium meeting strange people, but better here than on the top of the Planet. I doubt there’s anywhere we might be able to go where someone might be watching, but better here than anyone else. I know people here. “ Besides he didn’t want to put his face out there too much.
“The police are still looking for a reason to drag me back in for questioning or worse yet charge me with Anthony Shin’s murder. They could tag me with being an accessory, but that would be stretching it really, but they need to hang someone up for everything that happened at the museum. The entire thing was unfortunate. Shin’s death. Manta getting away, but nothing can be done about that now. We need to press forward and prevent him from getting the other pieces of Poseidon’s Trident.”
AC: Listening to him, then making a face at Dylan for slugging him on the arm. "It's not chauvinism. It's call protecting the people you love." this might not be the place for it, but he was tired of her view that he was doing it because he was superior. That wasn't the case at all, not in the least. Returning his attention back to Troy, he'd nod. "I agree. And he won't have the rest of the pieces. But, who are you?" asking.
"Why should I trust and listen to you? No offense. But meeting here is kind of shady. I understand your decision wanting to hide in the shade. Though, understand that you've come out of nowhere and you're saying we need to make sure we don't let Manta have the rest of the pieces of the trident." licking his lips. "How do I know this isn't a ploy by Manta? The man has a vendetta against my father. And it seems he's turned his sights onto me and Dylan."
"It's a shame what happened to Shin. But… I'm not talking until I know I can trust you."
DYLAN: “It’s called I don’t need you to protect me.” She hissed at him, along with shooting him a dirty look. They’d been over that one on more than one occasion and it never seemed to change. She hated it when people tried to ‘protect’ her. Her brother did it when he was around, much to her greater hate of it. Even her dad but that was excusable seeing as he was her father and he was Superman even if couldn’t do it anymore. That part of him never went away even when it powers did.
“Why would the police want to charge you for his murder? Were you there when he was killed?” She had to fight the urge to fire off about ten more questions and limit it to the important ones instead.
“How do you know about the trident?”
TROY: Troy seemed to be ignoring he banter between the two of them. It was irrelevant to the conversation so it wasn't something that needed to be commented upon. "Troy Stephens," Troy replied to the question as to who he was.
"I believe a better statement would be that we will do what we can to ensure that he will not acquire any of the other pieces." As it was difficult to know if he would not acquire them. He already had one it was unknown if possessing one would lead Manta and his people to the others.
"I'm not asking you to listen to me, Arthur Joseph. I'm asking you to let me help you prevent Manta from obtaining the other pieces. I was delayed in my arrival as I was needed elsewhere." He couldn't be in two places at once and the Keeper required his assistance in St. Roch. He arrived in Metropolis as quickly as he could.
"You should trust me because I do not want the trident to fall into Manta's possession. It would be overstating the obvious, but that would be unfortunate for all." He arched his brow. "I can assure you that I am not in league with Manta and this is not a ploy to gain your trust to stab you in the back. That would be rather awkward and I doubt I would be welcomed anywhere if I did that." He had rather puzzled look on his face at that.
"My appearance at his place of work leaves much to be desired in their minds. Coincidence that I was there perhaps moments after his death. I'm afraid that Manta was responsible. Not directly, but orders from him lead to Shin's death. Stephen Shin's son had become fascinated with the world of the sea like his father, but he studied it's treasures not it's inhabitants. However a collection of items had come into his possession. A portion of the trident being one of them. I suspected that he was unaware of what he had."
He felt responsible for Shin's death, but he could not focus on that what he needed to focus on were the questions.
He parted the cloak a bit revealing dark clothing underneath before he brought out a pendant.
"Because it has fallen upon me to ensure that the relics of Atlantis does not fall into the hands of those that are not worthy to wield them." The chain itself was nothing special, but the pendant which if they looked closely resembled a small globe made of gold.
"It was passed to me and I mean to honor what it means to be the holder of this pendant. If that is not enough he glanced at them both. My word as a Themysciran should be enough to speak to trust."
AC: Taking the pendant, he nodded. "Dr. Shin also worked with my father during the Age of Heroes. When my father wasn't much older than me and experiencing his abilities for the first time." he'd talk to Dylan about it again later. They were going to have to come to an agreement somehow. But, he was going to worry about that later.
"Wait.
Relics of Atlantis?" saying as he pressed his lips together. Trying to figure out something. "I found Atlantis, but I can't open it without the Trident. I have a feeling I'm going to need the relics to power it up." looking the globe over, he slides his thumb over it and then nods to Troy. Realizing who he was, or rather, what.
"I've done a lot of reading about the Age of Heroes. You can be trusted." raising his hand out to Troy. "What else do you know about the relics?"
DYLAN: She wasn’t sure about this guy, Themysciran or not. Sure she knew who they were but anyone could claim it, proving it was a whole other matter. She didn’t run around trusting every one that claimed something till she knew for sure. She wasn’t sure if that was the reporter in her or just the world that she’d grown up in.
“How exactly do you know about all this?” For AC’s sake too she was a little miffed that whoever it was that had deemed this guy good enough to go looking for everything from Atlantis hadn’t come to AC first. From everything they’d found out it was his birthright, not hooded mystery man from door number 2.
Her own personal feelings aside at the moment she kept her mouth shut and crossed her arms. She kept her eyes on Troy and a frown turning her lips down.
TROY: “That would be Stephen Shin. He was your father’s friend and he also attempted to kill your father at one point, difficult association at best.” It was said in a matter of fact manner. It was something that he thought everyone knew, but then again that might not be the cause.
“Relics.” He said with nod. “The relics of the of Atlantis were forged by the Dead King of the Atlantis. They each granted the holders special abilities.” He took back the pendant to place it around his neck.
“The Trident being one of the more powerful. In Manta’s hands it could do untold damage.“ Damage that some people didn’t completely understand. “I don’t know where all the relics are. Some may be within Atlantis for safekeeping others could be scattered across the earth. All I know is when I came of age and I was told that I would being beyond the shores of my own home that I would be entrusted with the pendant and that it would aid me in my tasks.” Simple as that
“I know because I was told. I’m not sure what you have been told or what you believe, but I wish no ill will to Arthur Joseph or his kin. Themiscyrans have long been friends of the Atlanteans. Even before the Age of Heroes there was peace between our people. I would not do anything to change or upset that. As for the timing. Things never happen before they are meant to. It is simply the way it is. To come into his life before he was ready to accept who and what he was would have been foolish. To send me out to the world before I was ready would have been reckless. There are other forces at work and whether or not you believe in fate or destiny all I can say is that the world that we live in is not the world that was meant to be. A balance must always exist. The scales have been tipped and as they attempt to right themselves there will be a need of individuals with great courage and strength. Upheavals are never pleasant and there will be many that will fight to maintain the status quo.”
That aside he shrugged his shoulders. “Arthur requires allies. Some will be found some will be sought others will see a noble cause and will chose to stand beside him.”
AC: Crossing his arms, Arthur would nod. Trying to figure the best way to respond to him. "Well, Thank you for the information, Troy. I know what you are, as you know what I am. And I don't mean to sound rude, but what is it that you want? I know you're not here to fight with me. You have other duties to do." pressing his lips together. "I mean, I'm trying to figure a way to make it sound that I'm not rude. And it's not that I don't trust you. I trust you on some level. At least, not to fight or attack us.." saying as he pushed a hand through his hair as he moved to look into one of the tanks.
"But, I know what I am going to do. Me and Dylan are going to find the rest of the Trident. We're going to stop Manta, and we're going to bring Atlantis back." taking a deep breath. "I am my father's son, I am the Prince of Atlantis. There's not going to be anything stopping me from reclaiming my birth right." turning to Troy. "Do you have any other information on the Trident, or where other pieces can be found? If Manta found one, it's one to many. But, at least he won't be able to complete it without the missing piece."
DYLAN: “You’re saying very little in a lot of words is what I think AC is trying to say. You’re not exactly giving us any information that is going to help us find the other pieces of the Trident or any other artifacts that might help us find them.” She crossed her arms, the same unhappy expression not having left her face.
“If you want to help, then help, but that also means that you have to prove that you’re going to help. Standing there telling us that you have all these tasks to do is fine but I don’t see what that has to do with us.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose, she knew she was coming off bitchy but she didn’t exactly like the situation at the moment.
“Arthur has something better than allies. He has friends and I know I’m sure as hell going to have his back.”
TROY: Troy listened at the both of them and considered his words carefully knowing what he knew. "Whether either of you would like to admit it or not, you are going to need assistance. Manta is testing you and anyone that decides to support your, Arthur Joseph. Problem is he's been at this longer than any of us and he has a support network that gives him numerous advantages. You're still learning what it is that you're truly capable of. He could have easily pushed the button on the detonator at any time. He's toying with both of you. Pressing your buttons learning how far you will let it play out. He’s studying you. Sooner or later he is going to go in the kill and it is going to take more than just the two of you to recover what has been lost. This is my path this is where I need to be."
Everything he said was true from his perspective and there was no one that would be able to tell him differently. "There world has changed, but the world still needs people willing to stand up for what is right, to do the right thing. If that is something that you cannot recognize then the world is in far worse shape than anyone could actually conceive. You say you know what I am just as I would know what you are. Then you would know that once given a task I will not stop until it has been completed. I am asking to join you on your quest. If you decline then you shall go on your way, but it does not mean that my quest has ended. It simply means that I will have to do what is needed to ensure the success of my quest."
“There is another thing to consider regarding Manta’s piece. He may do nothing. He may wait for you to gather the other pieces together. He may only have one piece, but it would be one piece that you would not have. It goes both ways.” Simple as that.
Troy walked over towards one of the tanks to observe one of the sleeping fishes. “It was broken and the pieces hidden. Hidden until the time was right for it to be reforged…” Which was an entirely different matter onto itself.
“Manta will not be the only person seeking the Trident. The recovery of the first piece I cannot say how it came to rest here simply that it did, but the other pieces will not be easy to recover. It was my hope that if another relic could come in contact with it that it would help guide the way to the remaining pieces, but Manta was able to secure it.” He drew his fingers along the glass considering everything that he had been told and why he was here.
“I sought Shin’s son out for more than the piece of the trident. His father was an associate of your father, Arthur. He was someone that your father trusted until he betrayed him. He knew who your father’s friends were. He knew who his allies were in the beginning. Sometimes it’s best to go as far back as you can to trace the path of someone’s life. Learning what you can to figure out how they think and determine what they will do when things are at their worst.”
Turning away from the tank he looked at the both and took a deep breath. “Your father knew that this would be a difficult undertaking and whether or not you would like it or accept it you would need help. I bear this pendant because of an oath that is meant to be upheld. To find the Trident you will need to walk in your father’s footsteps. To know his past is to find your future.”
“If you’re looking for a knapsack of knowledge with maps and magic compasses I do not have that for you, but I’m hoping that this will be enough. It was my belief that it begins with Shin the father not the son. If you have not looked there then perhaps that is a place that you should start. His obsession could guide you to exactly where you need to go.”
AC: Pressing his lips, he gives him a nod. Taking everything in. But, now he was showing his cards and the pair had nothing really to share with him. No knowledge. Nothing. But, the least they could do was trust him. As he was trusting them right now. Troy was making a lot of sense, so he would nod. "You're welcomed on our journey, Troy." saying as he then glanced to Dylan, since he was pretty sure she didn't trust him.
"The least we can do is extend the same trust that you're extending us. I don't know what we can do for you. But, you're welcomed to join us. I will need Allies, other than the ones I've already made." saying as his hand snaked to take Dylan's into his own, giving it a squeeze, a symbol to show that she was part of it. If not a greater part of it.
"It feels strange, to walk in his footsteps. When I was in Florida. They seemed big, bigger than life. And there was a doubt that I would never fit in his footsteps. But, with you, and with Dylan. I think I can fill those footsteps. I want to make this planet better, I want to be able to make a change in the world." turning slightly to look at Dylan as he studies her. "I want my children to be raised in a world where Heroes aren't shunned, or forgotten." it wasn't a let's make babies now, but he was looking at the future. Something he hoped she would be in it. To be a part of it.
"It seems my father put a quest infront of me. It started with him, and now it ends with me." giving Dylan's hand another squeeze. There was a part of him that was ready to accept the role. To bring Atlantis back to life. Then there was another part that he was going to fail. That Black Manta was going to win and destroy everything in his life. But, that's why he was going to have friends and Allies, right? Turning to look at the Aquarium tank, then to Troy, he would nod.
"Dr. Shin…." trailing off. "I wish I could have met him. But, from what I understand from what I know from my father's history is it was uneasy friendship that turned sour." frowning slightly. Shaking his head he glances to Troy. "How do we contact you if we need help? and Vice Versa. Consider us in." he knew Dylan didn't like him making decisions for her, but he hoped, he hoped she had enough faith in him to judge if someone was untrustworthy. For both their sakes.
DYLAN: This was birthright and his quest so she kept her mouth shut. He could bring anyone he wanted into it and she’d smile and play along when she needed too but that didn’t mean she had to trust the guy until he proved he was worthy of it.
AC’s hand wrapping around hers made her look at him and give him a little smile though she hid the thrill that went up her spin at his touch followed by a chill of reality. Yes she would help him get his father’s trident back and help him bring Atlantis back but when push came to shove, that wasn’t a world she could live in. She couldn’t breathe in the water and her swimming skills weren’t exactly stellar. No at the end of this she’d let him go, even if he didn’t realize that’s what would happen.
She hid her thoughts and just smiled at him, giving his hand a little squeeze. She’d always been the practical one between the two of them anyway.
“I can look up his career on the computers at work and find out what people he worked with in the past in relation to Atlantis. Unless you’re talking about more personal things he could have been involved in.”
TROY: Was he sharing everything no, because not everything he knew was meant to be shared. Not everything he understood. It was a tight rope that he walked and he knew the score. He knew how bad things truly could get. He also knew the promise he had made. His words didn’t seem to hold anything back and expression didn’t speak of things being withheld, because what had been shared between him was between him and the gods. Not something that you jump right into because sometimes not knowing was better. Knowing everything could lead to problems that people may not be ready to handle and Troy wanted to avoid complicating matters if at all possible.
“I think it’s natural to feel that way. There is a lot that has been thrust upon your shoulders, Arthur Joseph. It’s not something to be taken lightly. The burden that has been placed upon you is not for the faint of heart. It will never be an easy path, but it is one that you will be able to weather. There are people that believe in you, you simply need to continue to believe in yourself.” He knew all about the burdens that Arthur felt. He wanted to discuss it, but it was not the time. He knew that some of it had shifted to his sister, and she would do well, but he knew that there were people that were looking for him to be every bit of the person that she is.
All of them had legacies to live up to, but they had to find their own ways. They had to make their own mistakes.
“The world is changing. It’s changing right now, here. This is part of that change. The ripples will slowly cross the world and change will begin to take shape. It may not always happen as fast as we would like it, but it’s happening.”
It’s the way he like to think upon things, because that was the nature of change. One stone in the pond at time with the occasional group. Sometimes they could be small, sometimes they could be large.
“I think a review of Shin’s life and work would be appropriate, but access to some of his personal items may be required. Everything he knew may have not been published or shared. There may have been some things that he was never able to share or decided not to share. His son may hold the key there. He had a love of the sea. I think it was a direct result of his father. I think his father’s work helped him in his field of study. When you were in Florida did you visit the Shin family home? If not it may be worth looking into. The same can be said of Anthony Shin’s residence here.” Nothing should be overlooked, but Troy also considered the other relics. One concerned him as he was unsure of its location. It may be what they needed to focus on before anything else as it could solve or create more problems, but he needed to get more information first.
He considered the next question carefully. “Well...” He reached to his pocket to pull out some cards. He thought they might be appropriate. “This is my cell number. I found that it helps to have a cellphone.” He had some funds nothing extravagant as he was keeping a low profile, but he could acquire the necessities.
“There is something that I wish to look into, another relic that could be useful in our search. It provides the gift of sight. If it is not in Atlantis it could be useful it could also be dangerous if Manta or another considers it for themselves. It has been in my mind for quite some time, but last I heard it was to be returned to Atlantis as the dark times began. There are two people that may know what has come of it. If it something you wish to consider see what you may be able to find on someone called the Operative “
AC: AC wasn't in at the time when the note was dropped off. But, when he got back to the motel. He'd see the note that was left for him. Picking it up, he'd press his lips together. Someone wanted to meet him at Dylan at the Aquarium. Heh, how appropriate. Things were still a buzz from the museum take over and robbery. Pulling his cell out, he'd dial Dylan's number and wait for her to pick it up.
"Hey." he said with a smile, there was something about being with her that made him smile. That made him feel like a little boy who had a crush on the girl in the playground. "I got a note to meet someone at the Aquarium. I don't know why, but I have a feeling it's nothing bad. I doubt it's our friend Manta. He wouldn't be this bold." checking his watch "Wants to meet at 9pm at one of the doors. I think we should go." a nod.
Between the two of them, they should be able to handle any kind of threat. When time came, he'd swing by Dylan's place about an hour before the meeting so that they would have time to get down there. And… he secretly wanted to be around her. Since the incident, they didn't spend all that much time together… which he cited himself as fault. Mainly for not calling her afterwards. He should have… but … he didn’t.
Was it on purpose? AC didn't think so. But he knew he felt a little guilty over it.
DYLAN: She’d agreed to go, hell she agreed that she wanted to help him figured this all out but she wasn’t sure if he understood that meant she was packing up and going with him when they finished with things in Gotham. This had gone beyond what they’d started last year and she was beginning to realize that she needed to see it through, not just for AC but for herself. There were a lot of reasons for that that she didn’t feel like analyzing right now, mostly because she’d done it before, time and time again.
When AC came to pick her up she slid into his car, mouth turned down in a grumpy frown. It wasn’t anything he hadn’t seen before. She could work herself into a snit and just as easy work herself out within a few minutes. Though this one was probably because there was a slim chance that it was Manta that left him the note. If that was the case she was going to break that stupid helmet and shove it down his throat.
They car ride over was quiet and after they parked she slid out of the car and looked at the aquarium closing down for the night. “Are you sure they wanted to meet after the place closed? Seems fishy to me.” She smirked at him.
TROY: When they arrived at the aquarium the parking lot was deserted. However it appeared that there were a few cars there. Probably the custodial staff and security guards, but no one seemed to be rushing over from out of the darkness to tell them that the aquarium was closed. There also wasn't anyone trying to jump out and attack them so it wasn't as bad as it could have been however it was rather odd that someone would request to meet them there rather than somewhere else.
When they approached the west entrance there was no one there, but there was something along the glass it appeared to be white almost like chalk of some sort, but it was an arrow pointing up which meant continue straight ahead.
They would find the door open when they reached it and the hallways were dimly lit. The illumination was coming from the tanks that lined the walls. One of the gates that allowed entry into the aquarium was open and it lead you down a short hall that eventually turned into a bit of spiral ramp that took you down towards the larger tanks. It was like moving into an underwater world and though the hall itself was dimly lit one could still make out shapes due to the light coming from the tanks themselves.
Some of the creatures contained within were sleep, others were moving about, but it was scene from the ocean with brightly colored fish moving about about. Some avoiding predators and others seeming to explore their environments with some simply remaining suspended in the the water not moving at all. There were a few benches in the center of the adjoining rooms for people to sit and watch the fish, but there was no one there at the moment.
It would be a moment before a form began to approach from the opposite end.
AC: When she said something, he gave her a strange look with something of a grin. "That? That was terrible." smirking as he slid out of his car meeting up with her at the head. It was strange to be out here when nobody else was. She was close, there was a time they'd take each others hands. To walk in together… but right now it didn't seem it. AC still had strong feelings for her, he wanted to be with her. To show her that he was sorry for his attitude and that he'd make up for it. Though, the words didn't come out as they moved into the aquarium. It was still strange, it felt strange.
Moving deeper into the aquarium, he'd look at all the sealife around them. "It's beautiful when nobody is around." saying to her as he stands in front of one of the large tanks, looking in as various kinds of fish pass by. "I almost forgot what this place was like." saying as he smiled to her, then moved with her towards one of the benches. "Remember when we went here on a date when we got back from Florida?" asking as he smiled. "You thought I was crazy for wanting to take you to a place surrounded by water." grinning. "But, you folded. I think it was because of my boyish good looks."
Pausing though when he noticed something move from the opposite side, he squints trying to see who it was. His hand, body shifting to stand infront of her. Even know he knew she didn't need it, it just felt like it was coming out of habit.
DYLAN: She laughed when he gave her the look and gave him an innocent look before falling into step beside him, hands slid into the back pockets of her jeans. She was ignoring the urge to lean against his arm as they walked so he’d take her hand like he used too. She did have admit though, seeing him again wasn’t as hard as she thought it would have been. Sure the café wasn’t a walk in the park but now, this was easy, almost like it had been before they’d dated… you know, minus the whole mysterious meeting with who knows who.
“Yeah it is.” She said quietly as they moved through the dimly lit halls of tanks. The lights from the tanks made strange swirling patterns on the floor. “Maybe creepy beautiful.” Admittedly she still wasn’t all that fond of this much water around her when they didn’t know who they were meeting but anger and the urge to beat the shit out of someone did tend to give her more courage to face that fear.
“Yup. I finally got tired of you begging me to come so I came. And I’m pretty sure I grumped at you all day.” She smirked then turned her head to watch the figure heading toward them. AC moved to stand in front of her and she slugged him in the shoulder. “Stop being a chauvinist you ass.” Then stepped over beside him.
TROY: He could hear them before he even saw them. He didn’t hurry in his steps, taking his time until he was close enough for them to make out. He wore the same hooded cloak that he had worn before. It covered everything including his face, but that was only for a moment until he pulled it back so they could see him fully under the dim light. He stood in front of one of the tanks while a fish swam behind him.
“There’s nothing for either to be worried about. I’m not here to fight you. Far from it actually.” He glanced from AC then towards Dylan. “Thank you for coming. With what’s happened I doubt you want to spend your nights at the aquarium meeting strange people, but better here than on the top of the Planet. I doubt there’s anywhere we might be able to go where someone might be watching, but better here than anyone else. I know people here. “ Besides he didn’t want to put his face out there too much.
“The police are still looking for a reason to drag me back in for questioning or worse yet charge me with Anthony Shin’s murder. They could tag me with being an accessory, but that would be stretching it really, but they need to hang someone up for everything that happened at the museum. The entire thing was unfortunate. Shin’s death. Manta getting away, but nothing can be done about that now. We need to press forward and prevent him from getting the other pieces of Poseidon’s Trident.”
AC: Listening to him, then making a face at Dylan for slugging him on the arm. "It's not chauvinism. It's call protecting the people you love." this might not be the place for it, but he was tired of her view that he was doing it because he was superior. That wasn't the case at all, not in the least. Returning his attention back to Troy, he'd nod. "I agree. And he won't have the rest of the pieces. But, who are you?" asking.
"Why should I trust and listen to you? No offense. But meeting here is kind of shady. I understand your decision wanting to hide in the shade. Though, understand that you've come out of nowhere and you're saying we need to make sure we don't let Manta have the rest of the pieces of the trident." licking his lips. "How do I know this isn't a ploy by Manta? The man has a vendetta against my father. And it seems he's turned his sights onto me and Dylan."
"It's a shame what happened to Shin. But… I'm not talking until I know I can trust you."
DYLAN: “It’s called I don’t need you to protect me.” She hissed at him, along with shooting him a dirty look. They’d been over that one on more than one occasion and it never seemed to change. She hated it when people tried to ‘protect’ her. Her brother did it when he was around, much to her greater hate of it. Even her dad but that was excusable seeing as he was her father and he was Superman even if couldn’t do it anymore. That part of him never went away even when it powers did.
“Why would the police want to charge you for his murder? Were you there when he was killed?” She had to fight the urge to fire off about ten more questions and limit it to the important ones instead.
“How do you know about the trident?”
TROY: Troy seemed to be ignoring he banter between the two of them. It was irrelevant to the conversation so it wasn't something that needed to be commented upon. "Troy Stephens," Troy replied to the question as to who he was.
"I believe a better statement would be that we will do what we can to ensure that he will not acquire any of the other pieces." As it was difficult to know if he would not acquire them. He already had one it was unknown if possessing one would lead Manta and his people to the others.
"I'm not asking you to listen to me, Arthur Joseph. I'm asking you to let me help you prevent Manta from obtaining the other pieces. I was delayed in my arrival as I was needed elsewhere." He couldn't be in two places at once and the Keeper required his assistance in St. Roch. He arrived in Metropolis as quickly as he could.
"You should trust me because I do not want the trident to fall into Manta's possession. It would be overstating the obvious, but that would be unfortunate for all." He arched his brow. "I can assure you that I am not in league with Manta and this is not a ploy to gain your trust to stab you in the back. That would be rather awkward and I doubt I would be welcomed anywhere if I did that." He had rather puzzled look on his face at that.
"My appearance at his place of work leaves much to be desired in their minds. Coincidence that I was there perhaps moments after his death. I'm afraid that Manta was responsible. Not directly, but orders from him lead to Shin's death. Stephen Shin's son had become fascinated with the world of the sea like his father, but he studied it's treasures not it's inhabitants. However a collection of items had come into his possession. A portion of the trident being one of them. I suspected that he was unaware of what he had."
He felt responsible for Shin's death, but he could not focus on that what he needed to focus on were the questions.
He parted the cloak a bit revealing dark clothing underneath before he brought out a pendant.
"Because it has fallen upon me to ensure that the relics of Atlantis does not fall into the hands of those that are not worthy to wield them." The chain itself was nothing special, but the pendant which if they looked closely resembled a small globe made of gold.
"It was passed to me and I mean to honor what it means to be the holder of this pendant. If that is not enough he glanced at them both. My word as a Themysciran should be enough to speak to trust."
AC: Taking the pendant, he nodded. "Dr. Shin also worked with my father during the Age of Heroes. When my father wasn't much older than me and experiencing his abilities for the first time." he'd talk to Dylan about it again later. They were going to have to come to an agreement somehow. But, he was going to worry about that later.
"Wait.
Relics of Atlantis?" saying as he pressed his lips together. Trying to figure out something. "I found Atlantis, but I can't open it without the Trident. I have a feeling I'm going to need the relics to power it up." looking the globe over, he slides his thumb over it and then nods to Troy. Realizing who he was, or rather, what.
"I've done a lot of reading about the Age of Heroes. You can be trusted." raising his hand out to Troy. "What else do you know about the relics?"
DYLAN: She wasn’t sure about this guy, Themysciran or not. Sure she knew who they were but anyone could claim it, proving it was a whole other matter. She didn’t run around trusting every one that claimed something till she knew for sure. She wasn’t sure if that was the reporter in her or just the world that she’d grown up in.
“How exactly do you know about all this?” For AC’s sake too she was a little miffed that whoever it was that had deemed this guy good enough to go looking for everything from Atlantis hadn’t come to AC first. From everything they’d found out it was his birthright, not hooded mystery man from door number 2.
Her own personal feelings aside at the moment she kept her mouth shut and crossed her arms. She kept her eyes on Troy and a frown turning her lips down.
TROY: “That would be Stephen Shin. He was your father’s friend and he also attempted to kill your father at one point, difficult association at best.” It was said in a matter of fact manner. It was something that he thought everyone knew, but then again that might not be the cause.
“Relics.” He said with nod. “The relics of the of Atlantis were forged by the Dead King of the Atlantis. They each granted the holders special abilities.” He took back the pendant to place it around his neck.
“The Trident being one of the more powerful. In Manta’s hands it could do untold damage.“ Damage that some people didn’t completely understand. “I don’t know where all the relics are. Some may be within Atlantis for safekeeping others could be scattered across the earth. All I know is when I came of age and I was told that I would being beyond the shores of my own home that I would be entrusted with the pendant and that it would aid me in my tasks.” Simple as that
“I know because I was told. I’m not sure what you have been told or what you believe, but I wish no ill will to Arthur Joseph or his kin. Themiscyrans have long been friends of the Atlanteans. Even before the Age of Heroes there was peace between our people. I would not do anything to change or upset that. As for the timing. Things never happen before they are meant to. It is simply the way it is. To come into his life before he was ready to accept who and what he was would have been foolish. To send me out to the world before I was ready would have been reckless. There are other forces at work and whether or not you believe in fate or destiny all I can say is that the world that we live in is not the world that was meant to be. A balance must always exist. The scales have been tipped and as they attempt to right themselves there will be a need of individuals with great courage and strength. Upheavals are never pleasant and there will be many that will fight to maintain the status quo.”
That aside he shrugged his shoulders. “Arthur requires allies. Some will be found some will be sought others will see a noble cause and will chose to stand beside him.”
AC: Crossing his arms, Arthur would nod. Trying to figure the best way to respond to him. "Well, Thank you for the information, Troy. I know what you are, as you know what I am. And I don't mean to sound rude, but what is it that you want? I know you're not here to fight with me. You have other duties to do." pressing his lips together. "I mean, I'm trying to figure a way to make it sound that I'm not rude. And it's not that I don't trust you. I trust you on some level. At least, not to fight or attack us.." saying as he pushed a hand through his hair as he moved to look into one of the tanks.
"But, I know what I am going to do. Me and Dylan are going to find the rest of the Trident. We're going to stop Manta, and we're going to bring Atlantis back." taking a deep breath. "I am my father's son, I am the Prince of Atlantis. There's not going to be anything stopping me from reclaiming my birth right." turning to Troy. "Do you have any other information on the Trident, or where other pieces can be found? If Manta found one, it's one to many. But, at least he won't be able to complete it without the missing piece."
DYLAN: “You’re saying very little in a lot of words is what I think AC is trying to say. You’re not exactly giving us any information that is going to help us find the other pieces of the Trident or any other artifacts that might help us find them.” She crossed her arms, the same unhappy expression not having left her face.
“If you want to help, then help, but that also means that you have to prove that you’re going to help. Standing there telling us that you have all these tasks to do is fine but I don’t see what that has to do with us.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose, she knew she was coming off bitchy but she didn’t exactly like the situation at the moment.
“Arthur has something better than allies. He has friends and I know I’m sure as hell going to have his back.”
TROY: Troy listened at the both of them and considered his words carefully knowing what he knew. "Whether either of you would like to admit it or not, you are going to need assistance. Manta is testing you and anyone that decides to support your, Arthur Joseph. Problem is he's been at this longer than any of us and he has a support network that gives him numerous advantages. You're still learning what it is that you're truly capable of. He could have easily pushed the button on the detonator at any time. He's toying with both of you. Pressing your buttons learning how far you will let it play out. He’s studying you. Sooner or later he is going to go in the kill and it is going to take more than just the two of you to recover what has been lost. This is my path this is where I need to be."
Everything he said was true from his perspective and there was no one that would be able to tell him differently. "There world has changed, but the world still needs people willing to stand up for what is right, to do the right thing. If that is something that you cannot recognize then the world is in far worse shape than anyone could actually conceive. You say you know what I am just as I would know what you are. Then you would know that once given a task I will not stop until it has been completed. I am asking to join you on your quest. If you decline then you shall go on your way, but it does not mean that my quest has ended. It simply means that I will have to do what is needed to ensure the success of my quest."
“There is another thing to consider regarding Manta’s piece. He may do nothing. He may wait for you to gather the other pieces together. He may only have one piece, but it would be one piece that you would not have. It goes both ways.” Simple as that.
Troy walked over towards one of the tanks to observe one of the sleeping fishes. “It was broken and the pieces hidden. Hidden until the time was right for it to be reforged…” Which was an entirely different matter onto itself.
“Manta will not be the only person seeking the Trident. The recovery of the first piece I cannot say how it came to rest here simply that it did, but the other pieces will not be easy to recover. It was my hope that if another relic could come in contact with it that it would help guide the way to the remaining pieces, but Manta was able to secure it.” He drew his fingers along the glass considering everything that he had been told and why he was here.
“I sought Shin’s son out for more than the piece of the trident. His father was an associate of your father, Arthur. He was someone that your father trusted until he betrayed him. He knew who your father’s friends were. He knew who his allies were in the beginning. Sometimes it’s best to go as far back as you can to trace the path of someone’s life. Learning what you can to figure out how they think and determine what they will do when things are at their worst.”
Turning away from the tank he looked at the both and took a deep breath. “Your father knew that this would be a difficult undertaking and whether or not you would like it or accept it you would need help. I bear this pendant because of an oath that is meant to be upheld. To find the Trident you will need to walk in your father’s footsteps. To know his past is to find your future.”
“If you’re looking for a knapsack of knowledge with maps and magic compasses I do not have that for you, but I’m hoping that this will be enough. It was my belief that it begins with Shin the father not the son. If you have not looked there then perhaps that is a place that you should start. His obsession could guide you to exactly where you need to go.”
AC: Pressing his lips, he gives him a nod. Taking everything in. But, now he was showing his cards and the pair had nothing really to share with him. No knowledge. Nothing. But, the least they could do was trust him. As he was trusting them right now. Troy was making a lot of sense, so he would nod. "You're welcomed on our journey, Troy." saying as he then glanced to Dylan, since he was pretty sure she didn't trust him.
"The least we can do is extend the same trust that you're extending us. I don't know what we can do for you. But, you're welcomed to join us. I will need Allies, other than the ones I've already made." saying as his hand snaked to take Dylan's into his own, giving it a squeeze, a symbol to show that she was part of it. If not a greater part of it.
"It feels strange, to walk in his footsteps. When I was in Florida. They seemed big, bigger than life. And there was a doubt that I would never fit in his footsteps. But, with you, and with Dylan. I think I can fill those footsteps. I want to make this planet better, I want to be able to make a change in the world." turning slightly to look at Dylan as he studies her. "I want my children to be raised in a world where Heroes aren't shunned, or forgotten." it wasn't a let's make babies now, but he was looking at the future. Something he hoped she would be in it. To be a part of it.
"It seems my father put a quest infront of me. It started with him, and now it ends with me." giving Dylan's hand another squeeze. There was a part of him that was ready to accept the role. To bring Atlantis back to life. Then there was another part that he was going to fail. That Black Manta was going to win and destroy everything in his life. But, that's why he was going to have friends and Allies, right? Turning to look at the Aquarium tank, then to Troy, he would nod.
"Dr. Shin…." trailing off. "I wish I could have met him. But, from what I understand from what I know from my father's history is it was uneasy friendship that turned sour." frowning slightly. Shaking his head he glances to Troy. "How do we contact you if we need help? and Vice Versa. Consider us in." he knew Dylan didn't like him making decisions for her, but he hoped, he hoped she had enough faith in him to judge if someone was untrustworthy. For both their sakes.
DYLAN: This was birthright and his quest so she kept her mouth shut. He could bring anyone he wanted into it and she’d smile and play along when she needed too but that didn’t mean she had to trust the guy until he proved he was worthy of it.
AC’s hand wrapping around hers made her look at him and give him a little smile though she hid the thrill that went up her spin at his touch followed by a chill of reality. Yes she would help him get his father’s trident back and help him bring Atlantis back but when push came to shove, that wasn’t a world she could live in. She couldn’t breathe in the water and her swimming skills weren’t exactly stellar. No at the end of this she’d let him go, even if he didn’t realize that’s what would happen.
She hid her thoughts and just smiled at him, giving his hand a little squeeze. She’d always been the practical one between the two of them anyway.
“I can look up his career on the computers at work and find out what people he worked with in the past in relation to Atlantis. Unless you’re talking about more personal things he could have been involved in.”
TROY: Was he sharing everything no, because not everything he knew was meant to be shared. Not everything he understood. It was a tight rope that he walked and he knew the score. He knew how bad things truly could get. He also knew the promise he had made. His words didn’t seem to hold anything back and expression didn’t speak of things being withheld, because what had been shared between him was between him and the gods. Not something that you jump right into because sometimes not knowing was better. Knowing everything could lead to problems that people may not be ready to handle and Troy wanted to avoid complicating matters if at all possible.
“I think it’s natural to feel that way. There is a lot that has been thrust upon your shoulders, Arthur Joseph. It’s not something to be taken lightly. The burden that has been placed upon you is not for the faint of heart. It will never be an easy path, but it is one that you will be able to weather. There are people that believe in you, you simply need to continue to believe in yourself.” He knew all about the burdens that Arthur felt. He wanted to discuss it, but it was not the time. He knew that some of it had shifted to his sister, and she would do well, but he knew that there were people that were looking for him to be every bit of the person that she is.
All of them had legacies to live up to, but they had to find their own ways. They had to make their own mistakes.
“The world is changing. It’s changing right now, here. This is part of that change. The ripples will slowly cross the world and change will begin to take shape. It may not always happen as fast as we would like it, but it’s happening.”
It’s the way he like to think upon things, because that was the nature of change. One stone in the pond at time with the occasional group. Sometimes they could be small, sometimes they could be large.
“I think a review of Shin’s life and work would be appropriate, but access to some of his personal items may be required. Everything he knew may have not been published or shared. There may have been some things that he was never able to share or decided not to share. His son may hold the key there. He had a love of the sea. I think it was a direct result of his father. I think his father’s work helped him in his field of study. When you were in Florida did you visit the Shin family home? If not it may be worth looking into. The same can be said of Anthony Shin’s residence here.” Nothing should be overlooked, but Troy also considered the other relics. One concerned him as he was unsure of its location. It may be what they needed to focus on before anything else as it could solve or create more problems, but he needed to get more information first.
He considered the next question carefully. “Well...” He reached to his pocket to pull out some cards. He thought they might be appropriate. “This is my cell number. I found that it helps to have a cellphone.” He had some funds nothing extravagant as he was keeping a low profile, but he could acquire the necessities.
“There is something that I wish to look into, another relic that could be useful in our search. It provides the gift of sight. If it is not in Atlantis it could be useful it could also be dangerous if Manta or another considers it for themselves. It has been in my mind for quite some time, but last I heard it was to be returned to Atlantis as the dark times began. There are two people that may know what has come of it. If it something you wish to consider see what you may be able to find on someone called the Operative “