• • •

Arthur and I sat at his kitchen table in what was a very awkward silence. I kept my eyes on my fingers as they squished the hem of my sweater together. In and out, folding it like an accordion only to straighten it out again and start over. I could feel his eyes watching my every move, waiting calmly in front of me. Sighing, I glanced up at him. He was leaning back in his chair, eyes trained on my face.

"By "we" do you mean Mera?" I asked.

Arthur perked up and leaned forward, "I've already contacted her." There was a pause, and the eyebrow with the scar slicing through it twitched slightly, "Are you remembering?"

"Only a few things so far. We're not exactly friends are we?"

He laughed, "No, we're not exactly just friends."

"Ok, what happens next?"

He clapped his hands together, standing up suddenly. I stared at him waiting for an answer.

"She dies."

• • •

Even if remembering was something I hadn't thoroughly done yet, I felt like I was meant to be here. His house was comforting to me, and while my mind hadn't caught up, my heart was beginning to warm at the sight of him. Arthur had gone outside to greet Mera who he said would be happy to see me, but even I knew that wasn't the case. Whenever he said her name an overwhelming emotion of jealousy would sweep over me, and I would wonder if seeing her in this state would benefit me.

Their voices grew louder the closer they got to the door, and his deep voice was low and gruff while hers sounded of annoyance.

I sat up straighter and watched the door swing open. Mera was exactly like she was in my flash of memory, beautiful and knowing. Her hair was bright and wet. The luxurious green armor hadn't surprised me, and it was like I knew she was supposed to look like this. I stared at her fake smile and stood up to greet her. Not sure on what to do I offered my hand, but she pulled me into her armor-clad arms, and that's when it hit me.

"It was inevitable — the miscarriage. Your body cannot sustain a being not meant to be carried by a human. You were simply too frail for Atlantean blood. Arthur should see that now."

The memory hit me hard, and I quickly kept my emotions in check when she pulled back, but my eyes flickered to Arthur, and I knew he had seen them.

"You are looking rather well. It's good to see you on your feet." Mera confessed, her bright blue eyes lingered on my healing gash on my forehead.

"I can fix that for you if you'd like?"

"What?" I glanced at her frowning, "I don't want any more magic or water spells, whatever you guys call it, performed on me. Thank you though."

Mera, I could tell, had swallowed a retort and gave me a thin-lipped smile before turning to Arthur.

"She's as charming as ever, your human." She walked over to him, her hand lingering on his forearm. "Now, tell me of this plan."

My eyes stared at her pale hand on his sweater-clad arm and then his hand reached for hers and a moment I thought he would hold it, but he moved it. I looked at him and saw he was staring at me. Suddenly, I knew who he was, I knew how I felt about him, and I knew what happened between us. Every little detail was suddenly exposed. It didn't come in flashes of memories only in intense waves of emotions. I sat down on the couch placing my head between my legs as the sudden urge to scream and cry slammed into me.

"Ingrid?"

"I'm fine. I need a minute." I huffed. My hair blocked the view, but I knew he was kneeling in front of me. I could feel his presence, smell pine trees and feel his warm hand on my knee. On instinct I laced my fingers with his and squeezed, reassuring him. A dark shadow fell over me as he leaned forward, warm lips pressed to my forehead.

"You're alright."

I nodded, and he gave my hand a gentle squeeze before standing up. I heard his heavy footsteps follow Mera into the kitchen who had asked if I was alright. Swallowing the emotion, I wanted to let out I shook my Lima of the feeling and stood up.

Mera wasn't precisely speaking in hushed tones, and I joined them in the kitchen only for their conversation to stop, and two pairs of eyes snapped to me.

"Don't stop on my accord. Arthur said we needed to end this sooner rather than later, so how about we do that?"

The plan was simple. At least simple to Mera and Arthur, I was confused.

"Wait. Am I going here first?"

"No. You're going to The Lighthouse to turn off the light," Mera responded with a thick voice of massive annoyance.

"Ok...I think I got it."

* * *

The wind whipped harshly around us sending sharp pellets of water at my skin. The Atlantans looked at home, and I held the large raincoat closer to my body. The storm had appeared out of nowhere, but Mera insisted it was Brie's doing and I couldn't argue. Next, to me, Arthur had an odd look on his face, he looked like he wanted to say something.

Cautiously, I reached out to him. My fingers slid against his wet and alarmingly warm skin for just a second before his gold eyes locked with mine. Cocking my head slightly, I took a few steps back, and he followed.

"You look like you want to say something."

He sighed, "I don't want you here for this."

"I technically won't be. I'm supposed to go turn off the light the minute Mera signals me. I won't be here for the fight. Even though I want to see this, I know you'd rather I stay safe."

He blinked down at me, water cascading down his face, "You're reasonable."

"Yeah, well I'd rather not die again." I laughed, but he didn't find it funny. His gaze was stoic and piercing, and I did the one thing I could think of, I kissed him.

"Ingrid. I need you to go now." Mera ordered, and I pulled away from Arthur glancing at Mera for a brief moment before stepping around the tall man.

"Ok."

I had only taken a few steps when Arthur called to me.

"Don't do anything stupid."

I smiled, "Take your advice."

And with one last look over my shoulder I sprinted down the pier and reached the Lighthouse, but before going upstairs, I made my way to the kitchen. Above the stove and behind the pots I located the heavy bag Mera had placed there, quickly pulling it off the shelf it fell to the floor, and I uncovered the weapon she had told me to grab.

It was as beautiful as her armor gold and regal. The crossbow fit perfectly into my shoulder and didn't feel massive against my frame which was great because my stitches were tight after I reached up for it off the shelf. The arrows were white and shined brilliantly. The tips were silver and a black power hummed against the blinding light arrow it was encased in as if it was fighting to break free. My hold was light as I shifted the three long massive arrows into the quiver and positioned it onto my back before climbing up the cold winding staircase.

While Arthur was getting a coat for me, Mera had explained the weapon.

"This will fit the person holding it. It was Brie's before she was exiled and has been forbidden in the kingdom, locked away for decades, but I being me got the key. I think you can do more than turn off a light, don't you, Ingrid? You have to be precise in your shooting, picture her and calm yourself, don't overthink, shoot. You'll know the signal when I give it, don't shoot it a second before or a second after. Precision is key. I cannot stress that enough. This weapon is powerful."

"Tell me what it does."

"It kills Atlanteans."

• • •

I wanted to apologize for the long wait between chapters. Thanksgiving Break is starting, and finals are soon, my Psych Stats class is kicking my butt, my dog died, my twin brother is having a baby, and my love life has been renewed, so it's been a wild first semester for me.

I purposely left the plan ambiguous because I want it to play out as you read not for you to know it beforehand. And I'm getting super excited for Aquaman. It looks amazing.

The Lighthouse will be finishing up soon ( yes, I know I've said this a million times already, but I mean it this time.) and then I'll be moving Ingrid and Arthur's story to JL.

I wanted to thank all of my amazing readers, I had no idea how much this story was going to be loved, and I owe it to you all for giving me the guts to not quit and keep writing!