beware of the depths

“Her name is Mera and you don’t want to get on this quick-tempered beauty’s bad side because she won’t hesitate to kick your butt across all seven seas.”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

twelvepercentpepperpotts:

Pepper shook the woman’s hand, and then took a seat beside her. The ground was cold, but it was warm enough that at least the Hudson wasn’t totally frozen over anymore. She breathed in the scent of the water deeply, though it was far from ‘fresh’ really. “And I’ve heard about you, Queen Mera,” she said, bowing her head deferentially. “Truthfully? This is the one spot in the city that always seems quiet,” she mused, glancing out over the water. “I guess because it’s not exactly the most ‘pleasant’ place,” she admitted. “The water’s too polluted for most people. But I sort of like imagining ways to make it better. What about you?” she asked, turning her head towards the woman.

Mera appreciated the gesture of respect - on the surface, she hadn’t really been shown it much, which was aggravating, mostly due to the fact that not many knew of her heritage. “And what is it you have heard of me?” Her gaze wandered from Pepper’s face over the sea and to the unnatural color of it. “Yes, it is indeed. It disgusts me.” She furrowed her brows. “Well, it is the closest to my people I can be right now. I have devoted myself to helping this world find its way to peace and it doesn’t look like that is going to be achieved any time soon.”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

sugardonttouchme:

She paused at the question, shoving her hands into her pockets. “Been traveling for a while,” she said carefully. “Guess I reckoned it was time to settle down somewhere. New York seemed as good a place as any. Not too bad, far as cities go,” she quipped, smirking slightly. “You some kind of scientist? Like marine biologist or something?” she asked. The woman was being intentionally vague, something that always made her a tad suspicious. “Seems to be a lotta those lately. Inhumans and Wakandans, all that,” she shrugged. “Guess the ocean probably has places like that too. This world’s crazier than a fox in a hen house, honestly.” 

Anna Marie tilted her head to the side, watched the woman carefully for a second. “Don’t know about all that,” she said, shaking her head. “But I wasn’t born yesterday or nothing.” At the mention of the battle, she bit her lip, and shook her head again. “Nah, I was hiding out with some friends. Stayed out of the city ‘til it was all over.” The people here were tired, they looked plumb tuckered out, after all they’d been through. “Ya ain’t wrong. But there’s plenty of fight left in ‘em. Place like this never gives up.”

“A lot of people seem to think that lately. New York’s the place to be these days.” Mera could tell the girl didn’t like to talk about where she came from too much, and that was fine - she wouldn’t inquire more. She didn’t elaborate on where she came from herself too much, simply because she didn’t need surface people suddenly invading the sea to look for the kingdom of Atlantis. Their worlds were completely different. “Well, I’m not a scientist. But I can breathe under water.” She gave a laugh. “That should explain it.” Mera was secretive in some aspects, but she was not afraid to admit what she could do or demonstrate if the situation called for it. “Yes,” She nodded. “Very interesting. It is getting wilder and wilder.”

“Is that so. Well, I am glad you remained unharmed.” That didn’t stifle Mera’s thought of the other female perhaps being gifted, but all the more awoke a feeling of disappointment in her. Where she came from, everyone was a fighter, a soldier. Altlanteans were much like Amazons or Wakandans - they strived in battle. To Mera, it was cowardice to hide if you were able to fight, so her voice was sharper than before, but she held back - there was also no reason to start an argument or upset the girl now. “I heard that before. I do have faith in them.”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

sugardonttouchme:

Dearest was a name she hadn’t been called in a while. Maybe since Raven, which sent a small pang through her. But she smiled at the woman. “Sugar, I’m from Mississippi. I’m more familiar with rivers than I am the sea.” She gazed curiously at the woman, searching for something in her eyes. “I reckon you do though. Judging from how you asked,” she pointed out, arching a brow. 

Doom – she didn’t even want to think about whatever he was planning. They had a boatload of troubles without supervillains coming in to wreak havoc, couldn’t this city catch a break? “I did say hopefully,” she muttered, pulling on her gloves a little. “Trouble ain’t never far from a place like this, don’t gotta tell me that.”

“What brings you here, then?” Mera inquired, tilting her head. With this much interest and apparent experience with dangerous situations, she must have some kind of gift, or at least a good reason to come to New York. “Yes,” She smiled, “I do. I know more about the ocean than I do of the land, to be exact.” She chose her words carefully, as always. “Incredible worlds that may not seek to be discovered.”

Mera knew that over the rebuilding of the city, people would forget about the pain of battle, the circumstances and they would start to trust again, oblivious to the real battle just waiting to be unleahsed. She could feel it coming. “You are clever, then. Have you been here for the battle?” She shook her head in disbelief. “These people are not warriors. They are worn out.”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

sugardonttouchme:

Anna Marie laughed at that response, and pulled her hand back. “What cha mean, sugar?” she asked, curiously tilting her head. “I mean, I guess space just has everyone plumb fascinated, ya know? There’s all those other worlds out there.” She glanced up at the sky, which seemed much more pleasant now that there wasn’t a god-ugly ship hanging in the sky. “Guess it ain’t all good though. Hopefully we don’t get invaded again for a good long while. I don’t know about you, but I’m a little tired of aliens.”

Mera hesitated at being addressed as sugar - she didn’t regard that as a proper way to talk to her, but then figured it wasn’t meant to offend her. “Do you know what lies beyond the sea, dearest?” She met the other female’s gaze, already knowing the answer. Mankind knew more about space than they knew about their oceans, and that served Mera well, but it was still idiotic to her. “Well, I wouldn’t be so sure about the end of war. We will probably have Doom upon us in no time.” Her gaze drifted towards the ship’s ruins. Mera had seen battle, had witnessed the ongoing threat of danger surrounding her. If she thought this was over, she would have returned to her people already.

[fuckyeahgamesoundtracks]

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[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

anicemcn:

“Only in the literal sense,” he replied with a snort. He didn’t recognize the woman, but in New York, it wasn’t surprising. There were millions of people, some with superpowers, and some without. Which group she belonged to, Bobby had no idea, but he intended to be friendly. “What kind of person would I be if I let a stray cat get seriously injured?” He grinned at her as she asked for his name and shrugged a shoulder. “I’m Bobby Drake. It’s a pleasure to meet you, stranger.”

“Bobby Drake.” She repeated, “It’s my pleasure.” She smirked as she extended a hand towards him like she’d watched so many times. “My name is Mera.” She knew that some had heard of her, especially after the battle for New York; of her powers and her background. She wasn’t secretive about it all, on the contrary, it was something to be proud of, but she wasn’t one to chat up easily about her personal life, either. Mera didn’t need to make friends on the surface, when she would eventually return to her kingdom when trouble was over. “You a certainly a hero, with your compassion for felines.”

[sugardonttouchme]

Anna Marie was standing in front of a rather large hunk of Skrull mothership. She had her gloves on, hood up, careful to let as little skin as possible show. It was starting to get warmer, hinting at Spring – unfortunate for her. She was really going to miss being able to go out with gloves on and not get weird looks. “It’s weird to think this was once in space, right?” she murmured, reaching a hand out to touch it. Her southern accent was thick and noticeable, so different from the native New Yorkers all around her. 

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

“It’s stranger to me to know people around here keep their minds occupied with space so much they forget there are large areas on earth they know nothing about.” Mera shrugged as she came to a stop next to the girl staring at the now-deserted ship. It was a huge attraction now, of course - now that people had gotten over the inital shock of what happened. Mera noticed the other female didn’t seem to be from around here and started asking herself if she’d come here for a reason at this time, like Mera had herself, or if she was just unlucky like that, getting caught up in the war between two worlds.

[defendertemple]

Iceman to the rescue!

Sure it was only a cat stuck in a tree with no owner in sight, but Bobby was an X-Men. In order to maintain his heroic visage, he definitely had to save the kitten. Transforming into his ice form, he created a small bridge, and picked the cat up gently. Sliding back down, he set her loose, murmuring, “Good kitten!” Proudly, he switched back into his ordinary form, and looked around, checking for witnesses. Apparently someone had witnessed the entire thing, and he saluted them. “Be chill,” he quipped. “I’m an X-Men, this is my night job! Iceman at your service.” Sure, the entire explanation was unnecessary, but context was always best when someone witnessed a man turn to solid ice.

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

Mera watched the whole thing go down with a smile, kind of astonished that someone would use their powers out in the open like that. Most people seemed so be shy about them, hiding them, even, but Mera had never really understood that. Where she was from, it was something to be proud of, something that displayed power to others. When he turned around to speak to her, she still smirked. “Icy man with a warm heart, aren’t you? That was very noble of you.” She cocked her head to the side. The redhead was certain she could turn him into a little river of flowing water right then and there. “Oh, Iceman. Do you have a human name?”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

righteouscap:

Power over the sea. Steve’s foray into Storm’s mutant powers extended only to the local and immediate weather—controlling such a large swathe of the world sounded terrifying. Steve never liked feeling scared unless he was about to do something that actually warranted it. Mera must’ve been a lot stronger than he was to handle that burden. 

“I’m glad I have you to watch my back.” Atlantean training was something Steve had to see.

The nearest Skrull fell to the ground after Mera was through with him, looking as dry as a desert. “Neat trick,” Steve called, standing firm to block a stampede of three Skrulls. He smashed his shield into the first Skrull’s head, then used the body as a projectile at the second and third soldiers. They crumpled like paper. “What else do you have?” He asked Mera, disposing of his assailants and moving on to the next charge.

Mera hadn’t expected to see the Captain impressed when she told him about her abilities. There were a lot of gifted people around now, magic users, enhanced senses or bodies and well-trained folk. And she was of royal blood, after all - and she grew up with power rushing through her veins. While only her twin sister shared her exact capability, there was no denying that the royal family of Xebel possessed inconquerable strength. But Xebel wasn’t existant to the surface, and feeling like her home never existed was worse than knowing it had been destroyed.

She took a good look at his shield as they approached their first enemies. She’d seen that metal many times having been to Wakanda, and she knew its might - frankly she couldn’t wait to see it in action.

“You just wait and see.” Mera exclaimed with a smirk, then charged for the nearest alien, jumping onto him to tackle him down and struck him with a fist right to the chest, feeling his breathing fade under her. She felt protective of this city somehow. She couldn’t let these monsters overtake the city like Leron had her kingdom, couldn’t let them suffer like her people had, and just that fueled a burning rage in her only statisfied by battle. So she took one down after the other.

[aayla-securas]

Queen Mera in D.C.’s Bombshells #48 (2016)

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

righteouscap:

D-Day finally arrived.

It was never like you thought it would be, Steve had learned long ago. You could prepare for the first clash until you were bleary eyed and aching, but every operation was different. Every soldier was different. The fella next to you could break at the first chance, or they’d be the one with you until the end of line, ready to make the sacrifice play. You’d never know until the moment came.

This moment had Steve working alongside a stranger, after the initial Skrull mothership breach. She wasn’t incapable, Steve noted—Mera looked as if she was clocking exits and anticipating the worst with a grimness known only to people who understood the field. 

“It’s nice to meet you, Mera,” Steve told her, pulling the shield off his back. He hadn’t heard of her before. Time was short, and they were in enemy territory. Better speak up before it was too late. “What can you do?” He questioned, listening to the thunder of approaching feet. 

“Ready?” Steve asked, angling the shield to deflect the first volley of a Skrull blaster.

“I possess power over the sea. Water is everywhere.” She added before he could begin to underestimate her. “Besides that, Atlanteans receive intensive training in combat.” That much, they had in common with Amazons. They were soldiers, every single atlantean man and woman. Besides that, Mera found she was stronger than most humans Once you came ashore, there was no way of not hearing about the resident heroes such as Captain America. People were proud of their war heroes and no one had not heard of the soldier and his mighty shield. So, when he got it off his back and the march of their enemies begun to ring louder in their ears, Mera knew it was time, and instantly she felt like she was sent back to atlantean wars. Subconsciously, she formed her hands to fists.

“Yes.” A little smile was forming on Mera’s lips. She’d felt frustration and anger build up in her lately that she hadn’t found a way to let out. Now was her chance to finally do some anger management sessions people so kindly advised her to take. She didn’t need a weapon. All she did was extend her arm and focus on a skrull to drain the water out of his body.

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

@righteouscap

Following someone, especially in battle, had never been Mera’s strong suit. Of course, she was used to being in charge as queen and it had always been expected of her to know what would be best for her people. But not now. From what she heard about Steve Rogers, he was a proper warrior, a soldier unlike most people on the battle field that had never been in war. It had been clear that he would join those to go into the mothership - the lions den, where things had to be finished. It had been just as clear to Mera where she’d go. This was her purpose now; she was here to help humanity regain their peace and liberty again and she would not shy away from going all in. Of course, this would not be an easy fight. These Skrulls would be nothing like the ones they’d fought before.

“I am delighted to fight alongside you, Captain. My name is Mera, I think my powers will be of assistance to you.” Commonly, even if they knew who Mera was, people would question her powers if she wasn’t anywhere near an open surce of water, but they underestimated her. There was water everywhere, source of life in every corner, energy she could use. She was a force of nature and she would use it.

[twelvepercentpepperpotts]

@dontbowtoanyking

They had all kinds of royalty in New York these days. The King of Wakanda played video games in her company’s tower. But there was another royal among them, one Pepper supposed some people overlooked. She might have, had she not been, well, Pepper. So when spotted Mera down by the water, of course, Pepper walked over with her head held high. “Hello,” she said brightly. “I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced before, your majesty,” she said, smiling gently. “I’m Pepper Potts, CEO of Stark Industries. It’s my pleasure.”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

Mera missed her home, she missed the soft embrace of the waves around her, she missed her people - there was something about her oceanic homeland that the surface couldn’t give her. That was why she spent a lot of time down by the water, even if she rarely went into it. Somehow she felt like she needed to check up on it, like she’d let down its creatures. When a woman approached her, Mera raised her head to look at her, slightly smirking at the title she’d chosen to address her with. “No, I don’t believe we have.” She reached up to extend her hand towards the other female, but didn’t get up. “Miss Potts. I have indeed heard of you. I’m happy to make your aquaintance. What brings you down here?”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

soncfthebat:

“I am unsure if they are getting filled with fear or if they are becoming fearless. I know Gothamites are becoming the latter; and I can only hope New Yorkers are the former.” During the last venom attack, he could barely get people from their place in line to get the latest Wayne Phone. It was absolutely ridiculous. “They are like the pigeons and rats and cockroaches that infest this city–unconquerable, for whatever reason.”

“Gothamites. They have endured madness like this for a while, so I hear.” Mera nodded, remembering the things she’d heard about Gotham City. “In war, once people have reached the peak of their fear, they realize there is nothing left to lose.” She raised her drink to her lips. “You do not seem to fond of this city if you compare its people to such lowly beings.”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

outlawunderahood:

He smiled at her attempt of a threat, which was a very charming. Now he was glad he got a random hankering for pancakes. Jason gave her a winning smile when she admitted that the pancakes were in fact awesome. “Mera… nice to meet you. Over pancakes,” he took another bite. He shrugged. “You deserve to be flattered. I was very impressed. Not many women have the balls to shutdown a guy like that. And I happen to like women like that… with pancakes obviously.”

He smiled, which told Mera he had no idea what she said was actually true. Mera had actually never had pancakes before, but she’d noticed surface people seemed to have certain obsessions with food and slowly she was beginning to understand that. Instead of an answer she just looked at him as she wiggled off another piece of the pancakes and put it in her mouth before putting down the fork. “The balls. Right.” She couldn’t help but smirk at that. “Well, they should. No woman should tolerate being disrespected like that.” The redhead raised her eyebrows. “So this is the ideal for you, huh.”

[dontbowtoanyking-blog]

akagoddammit:

Jessica was almost drunk enough to laugh at that. “All right, Queen of England, thanks for the permission,” she said, shaking her head. “Guess I just never saw the point.” Which wasn’t true, she’d enjoyed her birthdays as a kid, even after her family died. Trish found a way to make them matter, to do small things, but that like so many other things had been taken from her. “Touche,” she replied, knocking back her drink again. This time, she told the bartender to just leave the bottle. 

“See for me,” she said, pouring herself a new drink. “This is the same old establishment. Not this place in particular, but shitholes like it,” she declared, turning towards the woman. Her eyes were darting around, looking for trouble maybe? “Place like this, what you see is what you get. There’s no frill, no stupid mixed drinks. It’s liquor, shitheads, and the occasional drinking buddy. The even more occasional asshole that you have to throw through the window to make him stop hitting on you. Simple shit,” she said with a wry smirk that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Mera wanted to let that go, but then decided to use her chance to introduce herself. If she was drinking with a strange woman on her birthday, it was probably polite to know her name.”It’s Mera, actually.” She’d noticed a while ago that she held herself differently than most people from the surface world; that she spoke differently. It may come across as self-absorbed or like she felt she was better than others, but all her life she’d resided along side kings and queens and preferred a careful choice of words. Of course, surface-lingo was vastly different to how Atlanteans spoke, aswell. Mera nodded and her gaze dropped to the liquid in her glass. Yet another unhappy soul, grieving a life she’d probably never had access to.

The redhead couldn’t imagine her new drinking buddy in any other establishment than this one at that moment, judging from her attitude alone. She herself preferred a simple life over the debauchery this city had to offer, and that had nothing to do with money or prestige. “Just what I was looking for.” It was interesting to live in an environment where most people didn’t know her. Underestimated her. Everyone had secrets here, and people were riddles. Who knew what this woman hid behind the grim look on her face.

[harleyquinnsquad]