the sea does not like to be restrained.

When: Present Day Where: Star City - City Park With: Open to all! :D 

“And that is why I hope this planned charitable event will help to foster relations between vigilantes, heroes and the everyday citizens of this city that has been so welcoming to me and my cause. Thank you.” Chou nodded softly as the assembled crowd applauded. 

He didn’t usually try and book out such large spaces as the city park, but the turnout had been decent and announcing he planned on throwing a charity gala deserved as wide an audience as possible.  

Stepping down from the podium he walked towards the crowd, happy to speak to all. “I do hope you don’t think my adding that small gala announcement to my usual speech was somewhat crass.” he chuckled quietly, “But it does seem to have got people talking.” 

//

Garth went in attendance to see Chou speak. He couldn’t help himself since maybe he has grown to really like the guy. He’s attracted to him, no question about it. He watches him speak to the crowd and the mention of a gala being thrown peaks his interest. He claps along with the rest of the audience.

When his purple eyes see the other man stepping down from the podium and toward the crowd of people, his feet step forward to try pushing his way through them. He wants to reach Chou first before anyone else does. There’s an expression of delight on his face once finally stopping before him.

“M’gonna need people to stop calling me kid Nova just cause Richard is the other Nova. I’m like Thirty, at least call me just Nova or Nova Knight.” Sam complained still hounded by the fact that some still viewed him as that bright eyed spunky kid who donned his father’s nova helmet and became a hero. “Anyway, how’s your day going so far, you doing alright? Depending on the answer you give me I might just have to treat you to ice cream and dinner for taking the time to listen to me.”

//

Joey’s knowledge of the other’s Atlantean heritage was decent, or so he’d claim. The presence of the other’s tattoos and their conversations from their time together provided some insight. Then there was the abundance of income he might have mentioned once or twice. He shook his head with a quiet chuckle, mostly at Garth’s insistence of paying him in full. 

“I don’t mind some of the restaurants here, but I prefer cooking at home,” he explained. “Come to think of it, the holidays are around the corner. If you’re not doing anything at that time, you and your son are welcome to stop by our place.”

//

Garth does have more money than he knows what to do with. He likes spending it on his friends, supporting their interests and careers. It’s important to him and a way better use of his time. He never brags about this though . . .  not that kind of man. He doesn’t want any amount of wealth to determine what kind of person people see him as. This has worked for him so far already.

“You can’t go wrong with a homecooked meal. It’s more special, you know? Although eating out can be fun with friends.” Garth has fond memories of going out to diners with the Titans when they were a lot younger. “I’d love that. I might have to take you up on that offer since we won’t have any plans. How very sweet of you.” You should never be alone on holidays, right?

[ @seawavcs ]

Riptides were dangerous and not everyone knew what to look for. Not everyone knew the signs. But Elysia did, and it was the kid’s lucky day that she was there collecting shells off the shoreline. Neglectful parents; it could have been a shame.

With a wave of her hands, Elysia pulled the tide back in towards the beach to bring the unconscious kid back in. A draw of her fingers pulled the water from his lungs and set a coughing fit, expelling more water. She gave him a pat on the back when the mother came in a rush and a slew of thanks.

A familiar face broke through the sparse crowd and Elysia offered him a warm smile. “You missed all the fun,” she welcomed under breath, in case anyone were to hear.  

Riptides are something Garth knew are dangerous as well, knowledge that you learn from an early age when you’re born in the deepest parts of the ocean. When all you know is being in water you learn all about currents and what’s dangerous. Humans don’t seem to realize it despite having some insight.

He seemed to arrive at the beach when there was a small crowd forming near the water. What was happening? It’s a mystery to him but Garth tells his son to stay close while they approach. The eight-year-old doesn’t seem to mind, too preoccupied with playing in the shallow part of the ocean in the meantime with some of the crabs.

“ yeah ? thats fair enough .. i’m still not used to it. ” a hidden grin before her head turned to glance at the owner of the voice. an eyebrow rose before she pulled her legs up to cross. the grin stayed at he spoke, her head shaking slightly. “ you didn’t scare me. i’m not easily scared. ” a mumble. eyes move to watch him sit before they stray away slightly ; she didn’t know him & staring was rude even if she was criminal. “ – cat. i’m cat. but i do the same thing … though i don’t live in this building. ” she couldnt really say she was here on a break from her job.

“Okay . . . well that makes me feel better at least.” Garth would have felt bad if somehow he managed to startle her. He doesn’t really give off the type of vibe that would scare someone. Which is fortunate considering the amount of magical power that the prince can harness but this moment isn’t about thinking about that really.  “You not used to living in a building like this one? It’s my first time too.” Which is honest . . . the living space is different from anything else that Garth has lived in back in Atlantis. When you’re royalty the living spaces are different in the ocean but that doesn’t really mean anything here in California on the surface. Which is refreshing.

the air was cold around her, but she liked it. the feeling of almost being too cold to be outside on the rooftops. felicia found it better to think out here, rather than in her fairly posh apartment. got her back to her roots. a smile crossed her lips as she moved to sit on the edge of the rooftop ; legs dangling off the edge, to a normal person, this would be insane. but she had been doing this for most of her life at this point, it came natural.

a pause of her thinking as she moved to glance over her shoulder, moving her white hair out of the way ; blinking slightly. not many people could sneak up on her & she wouldn’t notice. she was impressed. “ — its rude to sneak up on someone like that, y’know, could get you hurt. ”

“I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you. I live in one of the apartments in the building.” The prince gestures vaguely to the door behind him that leads back inside. He isn’t always here considering that his main home will always be in Atlantis but he has been spending more and more time here in the city. His son seems to like experiencing the different parts about the surface since it’s such a different world. “I’m sorry for startling you though.” He meant it, always being sympathetic and sweet.

 -

[TXT] Thanks Garth. I appreciate it.

It feels premature if not a step out of place to talk about how the others are coping. Or at the very least, how she’s trying to keep a hand outstretched to as many people as possible. Donna knows with their previous history though, once face to face, that stronghold might crack a little.

[TXT] Oh good. I wasn’t sure how fond he’d be. They might become best friends.

[TXT] That sounds like just what I need. I can be down there with Clio in a little bit.

[TXT] You won’t be able to miss us.

[ TEXT ] It’s what friends are for! You’re welcome.

All too often Garth worried about other people first, not himself, but maybe that’s something a lot of people in their profession can relate to. He’s trying to get better at taking care of himself but he might always be the type to look after those he cares about before his own predicaments.

[ TEXT ] I hope they do! That will be a sweet sight to witness if that happens. I can picture them playing together already.

[ TEXT ] We’ll be here waiting!

[TXT] Glad to hear from you.

The thought of Garth spending time with his son brings a small smile to her face. It’s nice he has family to turn back to after substantial wreckage. That he can have a moment of peace. Normalcy.

[TXT] I’m okay. Still…picking up some pieces. But I’ll be fine.

Donna waits a few minutes before she texts again. She doesn’t want to be pushy, but she wants to see him. She wants to escape away even if just for a few hours, if possible.

[TXT] Did I tell you, I got a dog? Does Cerdian like dogs?

[TXT] image

[TXT] That’s Clio.

[TXT] Are you going to be at the beach for much longer?

[ TEXT ] I’m happy to hear from you too. Especially with recent events . . .

It has been difficult for Garth to wrap his head around the fact Bruce Wayne is dead. He always seemed like the type of man who would be able to come back from anything. Maybe that’s just what he made himself believe after meeting him at a young age. It’s hard growing up and watching those you’ve looked up to leave this world. Garth didn’t like having to rely the news to his parents back in Atlantis since Arthur and Mera knew him.

[ TEXT ] I’m always here for you. Whatever you need, Donna.

It’s what friends are for. Garth is good at cheering people up.

[ TEXT ] Cerdian does like dogs! He hasn’t really spent a lot of time with one up close but I think he’d be delighted to meet your new companion.

[ TEXT ] Clio is gorgeous. How can you say no to that face?

Praise was not something he sought when pursuing his works. For him, it mattered that he was trusted with such tasks. Making art for the few who he had the distinct pleasure of calling his ‘friends,’ were a different story.

“Mind you, I charge a pretty penny for my works but I suppose I can offer a ‘best friend’ discount,” Joey teased, slipping his offending finger from his temple towards the bottom of his chin.

“Really, it’s my pleasure to make art for friends. I wouldn’t expect you to break the bank. I’ll leave that for my regular clients. Coming by for lunch sometime is good enough for me. Otherwise, I’m usually preparing food for myself and my siblings whenever they’re around.” 

//

“I can handle the charge . . . trust me.” Garth is royalty after all which comes along with being wealthy. He just doesn’t flaunt it like some people do and only unearths the treasures when necessary. He likes to stay humble and not be greedy . . . maybe that’s why the prince doesn’t understand some celebrities. “You don’t have to give me a discount. I want to support your art!” Which means paying the full price for one of his commissions. Garth isn’t sure what he would want on his wall yet but that will come to him in time. Something aquatic definitely . . . but anyone would have been able to guess that he would request it for a theme.

He smiles though, unable to refrain from doing so. “If you really insist. I’d never say no to getting together for lunch though . . .  I’m very fond of the cuisine here in the city. It’s a nice treat.” Considering he grew up eating a very different diet deep in Atlantis. “You pick your favorite place and I’ll be there. My schedule is always open for my closest friends.”  Garth smiles sincerely and is already looking forward to their time together.

-

“I’m glad, it was highly educational as well as interesting. I don’t often get to speak with people who have such open minds; usually they’re almost fanatical in agreeing with what I have to say or so utterly against it they refuse to engage at all.” he said quietly, leaning over the side of the boat a little and reaching a hand down to trail gently in the salt water. Garth held power and influence over this realm. The Ocean held so much power, so much potential and, like much of their land, was misused by humans. With a little effort he was sure he could twist the other’s nature more to his liking and gain considerable power for his cause at the same time. Chou worked best in the shadows and what better shadow to hide in than that or royalty? But, impatience could lead to failure and Chou had time on his side. He would have his way soon. “I hope to get to know you better too,” he added, his smile shyer than Garth’s open expression.

“Indeed. As are the trees and forests of this planet, really we’re just temporary interlopers but some struggle to even use the world around them properly; instead just taking and taking with no though for what happens after their brief time is ended.” Of course his time was already longer than most and showed no signs of slowing down, it made him all the more suited to ensuring the planet endured.

He flicked his gaze to Garth’s body as it was easily revealed, the tattoos on his muscular arms and chest caught his attention and made sure the other would see him looking before having their eyes meet. He turned to watch the other dive gracefully into the sea and vanish beneath its surface, he was down long enough for a normal person to cause worry but, Garth was far from normal. When the other surfaced he smiled again, “It is, nature is on our side today.” he brushed a strand of hair back behind his ear, “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but your tattoos, they’re so engaging. Is there any meaning to them?”

Not everyone is so interested in the educational conversations Garth wants to have with them. He understands that it wasn’t always everyone’s cup of tea. However, the delight felt when another encourages his ramblings? It’s a happiness unlike any other.  There’s so many little facts to be shared about the ocean from the marine life, plants, and how the different ecosystems thrive. He thinks that it’s important to make everyone know about the misconceptions. He doesn’t even think that sharks are so bad — surface dwellers have it all wrong and have become obsessed with making them out to be these villains in their films. Garth remembers being a kid and traveling through open water with his father when they came across a trio of them stuck in a large net. They helped rip open a hole large enough for the sharks to leave. Arthur and himself are able to communicate with other marine life so an attempt was made to try telling the creatures that they could go, but they were more interested in just observing the hole carved into the netting. He was promised that they’d figure it out eventually.

“Well . . . I’m not like other people. I hope we can get to know each other better too.” Maybe they both felt that special connection between each other.  He likes that they both appreciate nature and respect the planet in a way that is becoming less popular. Which isn’t right but maybe together they can help encourage the public to take interest in being kind to the forests and oceans. “Our time here is only temporary but we can try educations others in more eco friendly practices.” He smiles from his spot in the water.

@seawavcs

LIKED for a starter! 🎪

"I'm okay, I promise." Dick was doing his best to project a sense of control. Right now he felt like everyone was looking at him, waiting for him to make some sort of decision, and he already knew what he was going to do. There was no doubt that Batman was his responsibility. It was also a role he'd fallen into before, when Bruce was "dead", and even though the transition hadn't been seamless, it wasn't something he would ever regret. At some point, he always expected to take the cowl again. It was just a matter of when.

But that wasn't something he came to talk about. There were a lot of people involved in the events of that day. Dick wanted to make sure they were okay. Just because Star City hadn't been bombed didn't mean it wouldn't feel the fallout from it. "What about you? Did you manage to get out of the city?"

//

The Atlantean observes his friend, nodding his head at those four words. If that changes at any point? He’ll be ready to offer support. He couldn’t begin to imagine what losing a parental figure is like. Garth doesn’t push it though, respectful of anything that might be felt right now. He’s always been the empathic one . . . always believing in talking your way through situations. “Are you sure? I believe you.” He even smiles softly, reaching out with a hand to give Dick’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. His son is asleep in his lap at the moment, using his lap as a makeshift pillow . . . which is sweet. The eight year old is tired after all the events recently.

His hand reaches back to his side. “We managed to get out of the city. We swam away into an open part of the ocean. I wanted to stay and help with evacuating the civilians but getting Cerdian to safety was important too.”

Donna stared down at her phone intensely, feeling like a thousand thoughts were rushing through her mind at once. The Joker had really gotten away with something this time, and the cost was practically catastrophic for everyone involved. If anything, it was a rare moment where Donna felt directionless given the circumstances. She could throw herself into work at the magazine, bury herself so deep she didn’t have to think about any of it. But, she couldn’t, could she? Her friends, her family if they ever needed her it would be now and though she wouldn’t jump to admit it, she needed that steady reassurance too.

She texted Garth directly.

[TXT] Hey.

[TXT] What are you up to?

@seawavcs

Garth isn’t a stranger to catastrophic events. His father adopted him when he was only ten years old and that caused him to become a sidekick rather early on in his life. He hates seeing the world like that . . . in pain and bringing harm to each other. Maybe that’s just the prince hoping for a world that would have peace. Which isn’t the world that they live in unfortunately. He helped clean up the city that morning, little by little is better than nothing. Garth always charitable but now? He found himself sitting at the beach, watching as his son is collecting some seashells. His phone goes off and he pulls it out of his pocket to check the message.

Donna.

This brings a smile to his face, hearing from one of his closest friends.

[ TEXT ] Hey!

Zatanna followed next to Garth, watching the waves sway in hypnotic back and forth motions. The winds appeared to strengthen them only slightly.  She approached the ocean with the other, snapping her fingers in the direction of her ankles, eliminating her sandals from her feet.

Soon, the aforementioned waves reached the hems of her cover, small ripples swirling the fabric above her hips. The tips of her toes were starting to make a small ascent from the sand underneath them. 

“Naturally,” she said with an affirmative nod. “I always trust your word when it comes to the water. You know it much better than I do. After all, it’s always good to get away from our problems once in a while.”

//

There’s something comforting about the waves. Of course, anyone would claim that Garth is biased but that wouldn’t bother him at all. It brings him joy getting to swim with an old friend. He doesn’t get to convince as many of his friends as one might think. He can understand being afraid of the unknown . . . especially when the ocean is so vast. They won’t go too far but it’s just nice to have this time together and catch up. 

Garth went a little further to a comfortable distance and smiles looking back over at Zatanna. “I am the ocean expert, absolutely. I do like being able to spew ocean facts to people.” One of very few that’s around in the city. His adoptive parents busy these days it seems like but that’s okay . . . royal duties and all.

“Nothing wrong with wanting to get away from your problems. Everyone deserves a stress free day. No better way to do it than spend some time at the beach.” This is definitely a good day.

To know that Garth could relate was a refreshing contrast from the clients who were insistent on his presence during their parties. And as his former teammate would recall, the movie nights were pleasant, to say the least. A simple evening at the tower justified time well spent rather than a night out on the town.

“My works haven’t changed much when I had my easel during our Titan days,” he confessed, pressing a finger to his temple. “I don’t remember if you’ve seen them but I know my sister is quite familiar. Seeing as we now live together, I’d like to say she’s tolerant of the additions I’ve added to the place.”

//

Sometimes there’s no better feeling than having a friend nearby. Garth knows how tense everything has been on the surface recently. He has been doing research recently to keep himself updated on the state of the world. While mainly living in the ocean, this city has become a second home. He cares about his friends and any former allies that reside here. He also is aware of how crucial it can be to respect all parts of the planet. His life has always been chaotic, especially since Arthur adopted him at a young age but sometimes it feels like his younger days were a lot simpler. They’re far from those movie nights, huh?

“I vaguely remember. I’ve always been a fan of the art you create. It’s always impressive to see what can be made out of the materials an artist chooses.” Garth didn’t grow up with pencils or paint since his people expressed themselves differently than putting things down on paper. It only made him appreciate it more when coming to the surface and making talented friends like Joey.  “I think it’s great that you decorate your place with what you make. I have an apartment in the city . . . maybe I’ll commission you for a piece to hang one of these days. The walls are rather bare.”

When: Present Day Where: Boat - Ocean Outside Star City With: Garth @seawavcs​

“I’m so pleased you had the time to meet with me again, Garth.” Chou smiled, the expression subtle and patient as he sat with a practiced elegance on the built-in bench the modest boat had. It was a small vessel, but had a strong motor and was easy enough to use. When the other had arrived at the docks at the allotted time, Chou had explained he’d hired the boat himself, wanting the to have privacy to talk; it was easier for him to manipulate a conversation to his liking without an audience after all. 

The craft wasn’t difficult to man so he’d had them out to sea within a few minutes; they didn’t go far, the city still in view but it seemed small now, the waves lapped placidly around them, gently rocking the boat and he looked over the edge into the waters below, unable to see a thing yet a cavalcade of life was no-doubt abuzz beneath the surface. 

“I cannot help but find it humbling,” he said quietly, “Humans think they own and understand so much of the world yet we’re practically children before the ocean; it’s mysteries are boundless to us, but not to you.” he added, turning back to Garth and smiling, “I should love to see you in your natural homeland. And if you’d enjoy the chance to, by all means go ahead.” he gestured to the sea slightly, “I doubt it will interrupt our conversation.” 

There wasn’t many instances where the prince found himself spending an evening on a vessel like this. Garth doesn’t like the larger ships for several reasons. Those tend to dump their waste into the water when traveling vast distances. Which makes them an unpleasant sight — mostly the ones built for fishing or cargo ships. He pushes all of those feelings aside because the boat Chou hired for them is comfortable. He can’t help this feeling, always soft and these kind of gestures do make him feel special. Garth does like having privacy when getting to know someone. You could say that he was a romantic and it’s easy to get close on this small vessel. He likes it very much so accompanying Chou today was an easy decision to make. “The pleasure is all mine. I quite enjoyed our chat when we first met and I’ve been interested in getting to know you better.” He smiles as well, moving around to look out at the ocean.

While it isn’t easy to see through the water, Garth knows that there’s plenty of life thriving. He has spent time getting to know the local marine life after deciding to split mis time between Star City and Atlantis. He didn’t wear his entire uniform, only the black pants portion but paired it with a white dress shirt that’s unbuttoned a little for comfort. There’s so much of the ocean that Humankind haven’t explored and maybe it’s better off that way.

Elysia had to laugh at that. “Strange as in ‘stranger danger’. You can’t be too careful with people around here… Around anywhere, really.” Her mind raced back to her so-called family, a group of money hungry low lives who wanted nothing more than to exploit her and her mutation. It made her sick thinking about it, but the gentleness that exuded from Garth was comforting. It helped to ground her in the present moment.

“Ah. Well, that sounds like a lovely time. I’m sure they’ve missed you.” Elysia had a handful of friends, new people she was just getting to know after having left for that extended period of time. She never got the chance to expand on any her relationships in the city before she was taken. “Shoes are nice because then you can protect your feet from the scorching asphalt. I hate walking barefoot on it - the worst! Reality t.v is, uh… not good. So your intuition is right on the money with that one, at least.”

There’s so much about the surface that Garth doesn’t understand. Their fashion is always the main one, wondering why they felt the need to wear so many layers. He couldn’t stand it personally but would deal with it when a situation presented itself where he would be required to dress similarly to the Humans. What else he doesn’t understand is the different social standards. Stranger danger felt like more of something taught to those who live here on land but Garth certainly felt it growing up. He hid behind his father all the time around new faces. “You telling me that I should be weary of other people in Star City?” The Atlantean is more confident these days but likes to be aware of his surroundings. “I’ll be spending more time here so insider me curious. . .”