Downtime

Gotham City; August 27th, 6:17 EDT

The sounds of a fight are able to be heard outside an abandoned building. Kaldur is hit hard, his water bearers falling out of his hands as he continues to roll until he hits a garage door hard enough to dent it, the splatters of clay over his dark skin and his short blonde hair instantly give away the identity of his opponent. As he falls to the floor his tattoos stop glowing. Clayface walks past the rest of the Team who are all unconscious and covered in clay like Aqualad. Forcing himself to look up, he sees Clayface’s shadow step into the light as he laughs. Then watches as his left hand turns into a square-mace. As Clayface raises his arm to attack, a familiar shadow gets larger as it gets closer to the glass ceiling.

Crashing through the window is Batman, who takes Clayface’s full attention, then launches two Batarangs at the villain. Only for them to be absorbed into his arm, for a moment, until they explode and completely destroy his arm. As Batman lands in a crouch before Clayface, the villain strikes once more, but Batman jumps back to avoid the hit. Pulling out a high powered taser that sticks to the right side of Clayface’s chest and continues to send electricity through the villain until he loses his form entirely.

Batman’s eyes narrow as he stands. Zeroing in on the one person still conscious.

Mount Justice; August 27th, 7:58 EDT

Batman faces the Team as they walk through the Zeta Tube and into the Mountain. “I need to talk to Aqualad. The rest of you hit the showers and head home.”

“"Head home?"” Superboy asks as he raises his arms, gesturing to the Cave, an annoyed look on his features. “I am home.”

“Just Aqualad.” he says darkly, looking to his own protogé. The thirteen looks up to Kaldur, who returns the look. Looking into the Cave Robin keeps his eyes away from Batman as he walks past him. Only looking over his shoulder for a second, not even slowing in his steps, his eyes falling to the floor as Batman keeps his focus fully on Aqualad.

“I am sorry you had to intervene.” Aqualad speaks first, his own eyes dropping. “I know the team performed poorly.”

“The team performed adequately.” Batman interrupts darkly. “The problem was you. You're their leader, and your head wasn't in the game.”

Aqualad instantly denies the accusation. “No, you are-” he sighs, “correct. Of late, I am not even convinced I belong on the surface world.” he looks down once again, glancing at Batman for a moment, then finally looking to the side. “For so many years, it filled my every thought. But now that I am here, my dreams are all of Atlantis.”

“Atlantis…” Batman begins, “or someone you left behind?” Kaldur’s eyes instantly shoot up, stunned into silence. “You can split your time between the surface and the sea. But not your mind. Either you're here 100% or you need to walk away. Make a decision, Kaldur, and make it soon.”

With that Batman leaves Aqualad alone with his thoughts.

Poseidonis; August 27th, 13:00 UTC-2

(Universal Time Coordinated basically means the segment of time zone mapping that surrounds the Prime Meridian {by about 5° in either direction. Plus moves right, while minus moves left. The continental US exists in -4 thru -8 meaning that Poseidonis right around the center of the Atlantic Ocean. Ya know in case you needed that random bit of knowledge.)

Recognize: Aqualad; B-0-2 (cc, why you say E? Also, until now I never really put 2+2 together and realized that Robin had B-0-1 because he was supposed to be the leader until this episode.)

Aqualad materializes in the ornate Zeta Tube, though standing as he does, the second he is solid he begins to swim through the halls. Finding Aquaman waiting for him.

“Greetings, Kaldur’ahm.” (I’m gonna try and get close to what it sounds like. Input is welcome since I do not speak Greek, Ancient Greek, or Atlantean. Though I can honestly say I had fun doing it.) (Kyray, Kaldur’ahm) Aquaman greets his arms out at his sides.

“King Orin.” (Annex Orin) Kaldur returns, raising his fisted right hand to his forehead.

“The Queen and I are hosting an intimate dinner tonight.” (iona sa ke-ay go oligar ithemun deep non pe-ay omen.) Orin says to Aqualad as they continue their journey down the halls. “Will you attend?” (Kay desperan broselphine?)

“Your Majesty…” (Annex...) Kaldur begins, trailing as he is unsure how to say what he is thinking. “There is someone… special… I had hoped to see tonight-” (estir ah tomo ah de han ull pizon itin cadis pairon-)

Orin chuckles lightly. “You may invite a friend.” (dena se gelesses philon.)

Kaldur smiles. “Thank you, My King.” (ef caras tose, Annex.)

As they part ways, Kaldur going right and Orin going left, the King of Atlantis says his goodbyes. “Until tonight.” (ga tespera opsa mena.)

Aqualad swims passes a female student making a seahorse in her hand as a boy with a dolphin tail in comparison to the feet his partner shares with Kaldur. As well a young boy who has an anthropoid appearance, but green skin. Reciting “tunto asive tav mati” which makes the water-magic bend and spin to his will. (La’gaan, I’m like 90% sure.)

A young woman shouts “chuto ideti!” which cause the brew before her to explode. “Watch this!” she encourages. “Did it work? I can’t tell if it worked.” she murmurs. (I think at this point they are still speaking Atlantean, we’re just hearing English.)

“Oh.” a small stout man with an octopus head murmurs, stressed. “I’ll never finish in time!” then uses magic to make some of the floating squares before him to line up and finish a segment of the stone. Aqualad comes to a casual stop behind him.

“Topo, the workmanship is magnificent.” Kaldur says, his voice true with emotion.

“Kaldur!” Topo gasps in surprise, facing the sixteen-year-old. (Can you gasp underwater? Idk, just roll with it.) “Wait. Wait.” turning back towards the stone. “Watch. Listen” raising his hand and filling the stone with magic.

The images move as Topo’s voice becomes a narration. The image shows Orin losing to an adversary wielding lightning and a trident. “Our beloved king was at the mercy of the vile Ocean Master. But two young students” The picture swims sideways to reveal two recognizable forms creating a large funnel. “Kaldur’ahm and Garth intervened” the image of Aquaman rises up to punch Ocean Master under the jaw. “allowing the Aquaman to triumph.” Aquaman stands tall over the two kneeling students. “Impressed with their valor Aquaman offered both young heroes the opportunity to be his protogé.” Garth is shown on the steps of a building creating another powerful funnel, Topo behind him and off to the left, “Garth chose to continue his studies at the Conservatory of Sorcery,”  while Kaldur stands beside Aquaman, sharing his symbol, “but the brave Kaldur accepted his King’s offer and became…” Kaldur’s symbol glows bright blue before pulsing once and moving away from Kaldur’s body taking up all available eye space, then Kaldur’s form flashes white in the bright blue. “Aqualad!”

Kaldur smiles sadly.

“Kaldur?” Topo asks, worriedly. “I mean, Aqualad?”

Kaldur does not pull his eyes away from the stone. “Oh. It is very good.”

“Oh, thank you.” Topo says modestly, then wrings his hands nervously. “Um, do you think it’s alright that I put myself in? I know I was not really there, but I-”

Kaldur cuts him off. “It is fine.” he assures calmly, reaching out and touching the stone. “Do you know where I might find Tula now?” finally he faces Topo again. “And Garth?”

“The roof, at their studies.” Topo replies instantly.

Two figures circle each other, using magic to launch spheres at each other. Both of them unable to hit the other.

Zooming in on the purple eyes that match his dark blue hair, half tied up in a wolf-tail, as the teen male jumps back. Showing off his sapphire blue shorts and tank, while an almost berry blue with bright arctic blue edging and designs act as tassets on either side of his hips. The two meet to form a belt and he also wears one that comes tightly around his shoulders and ribs, but not inhibiting movement. Finishing it off with bracers around his low forearms and shins.

As he jumps back tattoos on his arms glow white-blue and another orb forms in his hands. Releasing it, the orb forms a blast of energy that his opponent barely dodges by turning away and going under it.

She’s tanner than her opponent, with auburn hair and sea foam green eyes. Wearing a lemon yellow halter top, that shares the same arctic blue for her edging and low-V design coloring as her opponent’s own clothing. Her ocean blue tie-off skirt covers her matching bottoms. Finishing it off with matching lemon yellow braces that come to a point over the back of her hands and insteps on her feet and shins. Her own tattoos glowing bright down her arms and over her pelvic bones.

As the spell dissipates she finishes her circle and two orbs form in her own hands, that she fires rapidly after each other, the first being a single shot her opponent dodges under, while the second requires both her hands that she uses to spiral at her opponent’s crouched form. Yet, he pushes off the ground, into an open back flip. Which he lands smoothly, but into another crouch as he puts up a shield to block her next attack.

Behind his turned back a woman observes, she is paler than the other girl but noticeably older than the two teens, she has a crown in her red hair, while all her clothing. Though not too different from the teen’s is all in shades of green. A tied dark green bikini top and collar match her tie-off skirt that is tied to her left hip, she wears a bright green half cape that connects to her collar then flowing over her shoulders. Then under her skirt, the cape splits in two to flow by each knee. Her hands on her narrow hips.

“Your technique is excellent but your choices remain predictable.” she tells him as he releases the shield, looking over his shoulder at her before he stands to face her. The white tattoos fading from his arms. “Combat sorcery requires…” she searches for the right word. “improvisation.” she sees Kaldur rise over the roof’s edge. Swimming towards the teacher and her students. “Kaldur’ahm.” she greets, relief coming from her voice. “Oh, so good to see you.”

Both her students look the same direction as her, stunned. The girl’s own tattoos fading as well as she breaks into a happy smile and a joyous cry of his name.

She smiles as he swims closer, the two make eye contact for a moment, but as the other male and the teacher swim up he stands before her as her two students remain behind him. “Apologies, my queen.” he apologizes, placing his fist onto his forehead and dropping his gaze slightly. “I did not mean to interrupt.”

The Queen smiles at him. “It is well.” she assures, causing Kaldur to drop his hand and raise his gaze. “I have another class. Will I see you at dinner?” she asks.

“Yes your majesty.” he replies.

“We shall talk then.” she decides, before swimming back inside.

Kaldur turns to the other two teens.

“You look well, Kaldur.” Tula says genuinely as he gives him a quick hug.

“Yes, surface life agrees with you.” Garth agrees.

(I love Yuri Lowenthal and Cree Summer, I mean honestly, I grew when Ben 10 Alien Force was THE show I watched consistently throughout my teen years and Danny Phantom was airing during my tween years. But hearing them talk like this sounds just off to me. Tula is okay, but Garth just sounds strained the whole episode. Maybe it’s because of the fact that he’s now dating Tula and he’s worried how Kaldur would take it, but I liked Yuri Lowenthal a lot better as Icicle Junior in Independence Day and in later episodes- *shouts angrily at the sky* and I could’ve lived with literally ANYONE else being Lagoon Boy! WHY did the universe feel the need to torture me with having THE MOST annoying character in S2 {arguably the whole show} have the voice I will never not recognize?- Or it could just be the fact that I will never see him as anyone other than Ben, so hearing it from any other character is a little odd for me.)

“You speak as if I have been gone for years, but it has only been-” Kaldur begins.

Both Tula and Garth cut him off. “Two months.” they synchronize.

“That long?” Kaldur asks, thinking back on it, surprised. “Then I must make for lost time.” he murmurs to himself, before turning back to his friends, or rather one of them. “Tula, would you accompany me to dinner tonight at the palace?”

His friends exchange a look that doesn’t go unnoticed, however, their frowns seem to.

As Kaldur turns to Garth as well. “I wish I could invite you as well.” placing his hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“I made that choice long ago.” Garth responds, looking to Tula’s turned back.

“We have another class” she tells him, backing up slightly and grabbing Garth’s arm lightly. “but I will see you tonight.” she promises as the two take off. Kaldur watches them leave, and a small smile raises the right side of his mouth.

“You have to tell him.” Garth tells Tula, both strongly and saddened, once Kaldur is out of earshot.

In another part of Poseidonis, the science center, a scientist talks about whatever is frozen inside a block of ice above his and another man’s head.

“It is disturbing, to say the least.” as he and a regal looking man with black hair swim into the main chamber. “The creature is frozen. Has been frozen for millennia. Yet, somehow, it still lives.” the beeping and thumping behind them comes to have a new meaning. A heartbeat and brain activity, for the giant starfish frozen in the ice. “We have even detected brainwaves.” (I know the ordering seems a little odd, but I have an uncle who’s a doctor so I knew that if the beeping didn’t line up with the heartbeat, which it doesn’t, then it’s measuring something else. The thing they would usually look for in coma patients and put a meter on would be brainwaves. Apparently, who knew?) He turns to the dark haired male. “Needless to say, Prince Orm, the study of this find has become the science center’s highest priority.”

“All security protocols are in place. No unauthorized personnel gets in or out.” a female guard speaks up.

“Excellent.” Orm says blandly, looking to the starfish once more.

Mount Justice

Static sounds throughout the room, Superboy sitting on the couch while M’gann stands in the kitchen, reading a cookbook. Smiling as she looks up, she looks a little confused and shows it in her voice. “Would you like me to turn that on?” referring to the fact that Superboy (Son of bitch! Can we PLEASE call him Conner now?- And NO Google it is not spelled with an o-r. And for anyone who thinks that Conner is dense enough to believe that he thinks this in an actual channel. I’m not saying you’re dumb, I’m just saying you’re wrong. Conner may be a clone that has- at this point- zero social experience outside the Team, but I think he knows it’s not a channel. The reason he leaves it on would be as simple as the fact that he has superhearing and I know when it’s an eerie silence your brain increases the sound of whatever is happening around you. Something that has to be worse for Conner. Turning on the TV, but leaving it static means that it acts as almost a white noise.) is merely staring at the TV screen that it has no signal and is, therefore, the source of the static.

His eyebrows drop slightly. “No.” he says, his voice barely hiding his defensive tone.

“Well,” M’gann drawls not entirely sure if she should ask her next question, but decides to anyway. “would you like to help me make dinner?”

“No.” he speaks monotonically, but still stands up and turns to walk around the couch to the kitchen before he even finished his response.

Walking into the kitchen, a frown on his face, M’gann smiles at him as she lifts her cookbook and heads towards the island in the center of the kitchen. “Uh, Let’s see… We’re going to need some brown sugar,” Superboy instinctively ducks as he hears the cabinet open over his head, looking rather confused as the brown sugar floats down and practically into his hand. “a little butter,” this too flies right into his hand. “some salt, cooking oil,” she continues to list as she walks towards the fridge, ingredients moving telekinetically, her pace picking with each ingredient. “vinegar, a few eggs, couple tomatoes, some milk, a bowl of flour, and two cups of-” she’s cut off by stuff clattering together behind her turned back.

Superboy stands still, the bowl on his head, milk in his hand, as his shirt is drenched white and splattered red. Under the bowl he looks slightly angered, but mostly confused. Feeling it drip he drops the milk and looks himself over.

“Oops.” M’gann mumbles, rag flying into her hand before she quickly walks up to him. “I’m so sorry.” she apologizes, knocking the bowl off his head with her hand, bringing the rag up to try and get the stains out as Superboy stands stark still. “I should have paid more attention. It was too much at once. Too much at once. Hello, Megan!” she rambles, nervously, moving from his shirt to his face. “That’s so me. I… uh…” she freezes as he looks down at her, making eye contact.

Red Tornado’s loud steps announce his presence as he walks down the hall. M’gann standing alone in the kitchen, chopping a red onion. (I’m going to assume that like us their red onions are purple and they aren’t called purple onions. Though that would make so much more sense.)With a small splatter on the edge of the counter and tomatoes in a wood container off to the right of her cutting board, and some already chopped onions in a bowl.

Looking over he sees Superboy- still, a mess, not even having it out of his hair- sitting on the couch watching the static on the TV. Pulling off a kicked-puppy look that no one can see.

The Justice League Member turns around without saying a word and walking back down the hall.

Outside Poseidonis a black drill pierces the ocean floor. From the hole comes two figures covered in black armor from head to toe.

Two Atlantean guards notice them instantly. “Halt, intruders!” they call out. Firing shots from their staffs. The two swim away, forcing the guards to make chase, only to be struck by a third intruder wielding a gun that shoots red lasers. That causes electricity to spark around their forms on contact.

The third follows the other two, all three looking over the two crates. One of the guards falls, but grabs a falling staff, but before he could do anything the armored foot lands on his back pinning him to the ocean floor. This one wearing a distinctly larger helmet.

“That was careless, Alpha squad.” his tone dark and angered as he looks at the three stunned members of Alpha squad. “Don’t let it happen again.”

“No, sir.” the gunslinger replies.

“All squads, report.” he commands.

“Beta squad, ready.” one reports in, a group of two outside a small building.

“Gamma squad, ready.” this is a group of three in the streets.

“Delta squad, ready.” two more on a ridge.

“Epsilon squad, ready.” they radio in.

The Leader lands before the three before him. “Phase-one complete. Initiate Phase-two.”

A closed carriage with a large tail on the end takes off through the open water just over the tops of the buildings, guards standing outside and swimming on patrol. On a small pillar, away from the prying eye, a black hand places a small spearhead shaped device, then hits the red button.

From the bushes (idk what they are, just roll with it) two stand ready, one bringing his hand to his helmet. “All squads report, Manta Stings in place and ready. Phase-two complete.”

Gotham City; August 27th, 20:04 EDT

Outside Wayne Manor owl hoots. While inside, more specifically in the gym, a young Dick Grayson is up on the ring set. Going through two full rotations before releasing at the top, completing a full flip and grabbing the rings again, finally coming to a stop in a perfectly vertical handstand, gritting his teeth and descending slowly until he’s parallel to the floor, then all the way down into a cross.

“"Just Aqualad".” he grumbles, sweat falling down his face as he pushes up a little higher, bringing his pointed toes to be parallel to his hips, then moving slowly through to another handstand, his eyes on something on the floor away from the mat rather than on his hands.

Pulling through a full rotation, releasing high and flipping through it to land on the punching bag he had been eyeing. Landing on the balls of his right foot, his knee bent and his left leg swinging out to the side of the bag. However, his momentum pulls at him, dropping him off the bag. He pulls through getting his hands below his head and pulling a fast-paced walk over, still due to the left over momentum. The total momentum slams his back into the wall with a bang . He narrowly avoids hitting his head on the wall as well.

Opening his eyes as he spins tightly, his right hand coming up as a block, as his left-hand hits the wall in a solid punch. Hard enough to crack it. (What planet do you live on where a normal- as in not superpowered, because no one trained by Batman is fully normal- teenager can punch a wall and cause damage to IT?! Especially considering that wasn’t drywall, but almost definitely concrete.)

Placing his hand on the wall he pulls his hand out of the small crater, before walking away from the wall slowly.

All of this being watched by Bruce Wayne- in his Batman suit with the cowl down- through the security monitor in the Batcave. Alfred glances at Bruce for a minuscule moment, able to read the cape crusader’s body language.

Dick grabs his water bottle, holding it against his head as he sits down on the bench in the center of the room. Looking- glaring- down at the floor as he opens the cap. Drinking it with an angry glare that has been moving from every inanimate object he’s seen.

The door to the gym opens and Alfred Pennyworth clears his throat loudly. Which catches Dick’s attention and he looks to the Brit. “Master Bruce wishes to see you.”

Dick sniffles (what is the word I’m looking for cuz I’m 90% sure that ain’t it.) before standing and heading to the other side of the gym.

A door to the outside of the Manor opens, Dick standing- physically cooled off, but still steaming emotionally- before Alfred. Walking out the door a ball bounces on the hard ground. Startling Dick considering he didn’t see it until it was already in his hands. “What's this?” he asks, defensive but noticeably a little confused.

Bruce Wayne stands before him, in his own casual workout clothes. “Training. Hand-eye coordination.”

Dick smiles, cocking his head slightly. “One on one?” the tone of his voice changing almost entirely to a teasing one.

“If you think you can handle it.” Bruce says confidently.

Dick drops his stance, taking off and dribbling almost immediately. Laughing as he makes his way down the court. The ball hits the backboard with a clang, and the thirteen-year-old's happy cry of “Yes!” gives away that it went in.

Alfred Pennyworth smiles happily at the scene.

Poseidonis

“A gigantic echinoderm, frozen yet still alive.” Prince Orm relays to the guests at the large table. Yet, despite its size, they all sit close together. “Of course, at this point, our data is quite limited. But Dr. Vulko thinks the creature is very promising.”

Kaldur leans to his left and speaks quietly to Tula. “I am considering rejoining you at the conservatory.” Tula doesn’t say anything, only a sad smile crossing her face.

Though her eyes snap back into focus as she hears Queen Mera speak up from Kaldur’s right and her husbands left. “You realize you left your studies some time ago.” she prefaces, carefully. “Your sorcery skills have not kept apace.” all conversation has stopped to listen to the Queen, but Kaldur and Tula already have a knowing look on their faces. “You would no longer be in Tula’s class or Garth’s.”

(I HATE this part!)

Kaldur looks down, then glances at Tula out of the corner of his eye. “Perhaps I will require a tutor.”

Tula smiles a little too brightly and takes a forkful of food into her mouth. Once Kaldur looks away her expression drops once again.

Central City; August 27th, 20:05 CDT

(I looked at Central for three minutes before I realized I had put it as Center-al. Literally. I couldn’t see what was wrong with it. It’s not even that… late… peoples, I just looked at the clock it’s past 4 am, I thought it was- like- midnight.)

Inside the house the table is full, seating seven. One at each head of the table, with two women and a young couple and Wally across from them. A HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner hanging over the bar counter between the kitchen and dining room.

The blonde beside Wally stands, taking the plate from the young redhead on his right as he speaks. “Here, let me get that.” then disappearing from sight. Reappearing before the greying man at the head of the table by Wally, who has a toothpick in his mouth. Taking the empty plate and the butter. “And that, and this, and those, and these.” clearing the entire table single handily. Before zipping around to the older woman’s side of the table and taking her plate. “How about that?” then zipping into the kitchen.

Wally, on the other hand, finishes the food on his plate, even as the blonde comes back around the table. “This, too.” finished, Wally stands, holding his own plate up with a smile. “I got it.”  which is instantly taken out of his hands.

“Thank, Uncle Barry.” he says smugly.

“You’re welcome, Kid.” Barry replies. (now in the cc kid isn’t capitalized, but I’m doing it because I think it’s better. I know at 16 the last thing I wanted to be called was ‘kid’.)

“You’re a lucky lady, Iris.” a slightly older redhead comments across the table, as Wally walks into the kitchen. “Our Wally certainly isn’t that fast. Not when it comes to clearing the table.” the brown eyed, brown haired, large man at the head of the table closest to her moves so he can put his arm around her waist.

“Mom!” Wally groans from the kitchen.

“Neither is my Jay, believe me.” the older woman comments, placing her hand on his. Though, Jay looks none too pleased with his wife’s comment. “I know, I know. You’re a retired speedster.” she pats his hand to calm him, though he still looks a bit miffed. “And since it’s your birthday, we won’t argue.”

Barry walks back into the dining room. Holding a chocolate cake with a singular candle for Jay. “Wally's fast enough when he wants to be. We're suddenly out of ice cream.”

“Wally!” his mother reprimands, scaring Wally enough to startle a small shout out him.

At his mother’s glare, despite the spoon of ice cream in his mouth he looks right to Jay. “Umm, Happy Birthday.”

Poseidonis

Aquaman and Mera stand, the King with his arm around his queen. “We have an announcement.” he says calmly, but the joy in his voice is unmistakable.

“I am with child.” Mera confesses, moving her and her husbands intertwined hands over her stomach.

Excitement flows off Tula in waves, before she too stands and swims over to hug the queen. “Oh, that is wonderful!”

“Congratulations.” Kaldur approaches the king, offering a hand that his mentor takes in both hands. “An heir to the throne, at last.” however, as Orm stands he realizes the secondary implications of a child of King Orin. “Apologies, Prince Orm. I did not mean-”

Orm smiles to the teen. “No fear, Kaldur.” he assures swimming up to the King, taking a grip at his elbows. “No one could be more thrilled at this news than I.”

“Thank you, brother.” Orin tells the raven. “Thanks to you all.” before leaning down and kissing his wife.

Orm looks away in almost an instant, while Kaldur looks to Tula, who watches with a neutral expression.

“Superman to Aquaman.” the communicator in Aquaman’s symbol interrupts. “League emergency at Tokyo Bay. Rendezvous at the Watchtower.” (um, does anyone want to question why this isn’t like muted or something. Since the Watchtower is supposed to be kept a secret?)

Aquaman hits his symbol so it glows. “Acknowledged.” he replies simply. Then looks to his wife in his arm, but takes her hand in his. “It seems I must take my leave.” she doesn’t even make eye contact as she turns away. Though he looks to Kaldur instead. “Swim with me.”

The two make their way down the halls.

“Batman has made me aware of your dilemma.” Orin tells Kaldur, who looks shocked, but then looks away. “I know, from personal experience, it can be difficult to live there and love here.”

Kaldur makes no comment, merely mulling over his King’s words as they make their way to the Zeta Tube.

A holoscreen appearing before him. Recognize: Aquaman; 0-6  the computer calls out as Orin presses on the screen. Dictating his point of travel.

He turns and puts a hand on Kaldur’s shoulder. “I am confident you will make the right choice.”

Kaldur puts his fist to his forehead as the King of Atlantis swims to the Tube. disappearing in a flash of gold. Watching as he disappears, then heading back the way he came.

In the streets of Poseidonis two guards swim past an open circle of pillars with a dome covering. As they have their back to the dome, six (yes, I had to stop and count) drop behind the pillars. One brought his hand to his helmet. “Omega squad is in position. Initiate Phase-three” he relays.

Kaldur and Tula swim side by side, through the gardens. Both coming to a stop and turning to each other almost entirely in sync. “There is something I must-” they both laugh realizing they’re overlapping each other.

Tula picks up first. “I-”

Her stuttering and nervous glances give Kaldur plenty of time to calmly speak first. “Please, Tula. I have made a decision… to stay in Atlantis.” he takes her hand in his. “With you- because of you.” her eyes go wide in shock.

Before her whole posture turns sad and she pulls her hand from his. Completely turning away from him. “Kaldur, I'm sorry. We wanted to tell you sooner.” she looks back at him, still nervous, but a very different kind. “But Garth and I… we are together.”

Kaldur looks away, clenching his eyes shut as he turns his head to the ground. Before anything can be said, explosions go off behind him. Taking out a large building.

Two more go off in the lower levels, bringing their attention there instead.

Kaldur watches in horror as the city crumbles before his eyes.

On the ground guardsmen lift rubble, trying to free pinned civilians. Some of the rubble shifts, easing the load but getting too close to the citizens for the guardsman’s liking. “Careful!” he shouts. Then looks to another. “Get theses people out.” the three make it out, but as they do the guard that lead them gets hit by a memorable ray. Two more shots are fired quickly, taking out an outlying guard and the one holding the rubble.

The invasive troops fire rapidly and without consequence. One takes out a missile launcher and aims it at the still-standing building.

Kaldur and Tula approach the scene, seeing the intruders. Kaldur takes out his Water Bearers, forming long whips. While Tula conjures up magic that she aims right below Kaldur’s feet as he heads higher. The magic runs true and hits the rubble wall they were hiding behind with perfect accuracy.

Through the smoke Kaldur attacks, his Water Bearers now swords. Taking out two with flowing strikes, in the same move, he chops a soldier’s gun in half, then turns into a tight back kick that causes him to fly out of the way. All the way into another soldier who is still firing.

Another continues to fire, while the unarmed soldier turns to his radio. “Alpha squad requesting reinforce-” unable to finish the request as Kaldur hits him hard with his kick, then hitting him and his comrade with his swords. Both of them crying out in pain.

A flurry of soldiers descends on the Palace. Where Queen Mera and five guards stand ready.

The infiltrators fire first, the guards return fire and Mera puts up a small shield to stop the ones that get too close to where she is. Using her other hand to create another magic circle to release magical eels that take down quite a few of the invaders.

One of the guards is hit, revealing Mera’s glowing tattoos and her raised arms. Preparing something. Another guard falls and Orm takes his place, firing shots that take out a few of the invaders. He comes beside Mera, who raises her arms up and out, creating a stingray shaped shield. Large enough to block all incoming shots.

Tula creates a small burst of magic that she throws at the ground just before the shield, which slips past their turned backs. On contact, it explodes knocking them all out.

Much to the shock of Mera and Orm. Looking up they see her dodge an attack and wrap magic around her adversary, yet as she takes this one down another rises behind her. Though another whip-like coil wraps around him and drags him down. Straight into the ground as Kaldur lets momentum take over.

“This attack was precision planned.” he tells those around him, still dodging and fighting with a whip and chain mace combination from his Water Bearers. “The initial explosions lured our troops into ambush.” He takes out another attacker with his whip, then turns it into a shield to block attacks. Tula dives past him, five on her tail.

As she stops close to the ground she fires two simultaneous bursts, aiming for the connection of the ridge over their heads. It lands on top of them, and she turns away and swims past her queen.

Seeing her out of the way, Mera raises her arms higher, the ray turning more solid until she slams her arms back down to he in front her chest. The ray follows and takes out more invaders and pillars behind them.

Aqualad grabs one of the men’s guns, changing the angle with no time to spare, causing the shot to hit another rather than him, before yanking the gun away and hitting him with a hard front kick to the stomach. Moving on, Kaldur keeps his singular Water Bearer in whip form. Wrapping it tightly around a protruding rock, and yanking it down to the ground, taking out more soldiers.

A funnel sweeps up the rubble and some soldiers. Moving her body, Tula controls the funnel, sending it towards some of the still remaining soldiers. Who are hit with their comrades and rubble.

“Tula!” Garth calls, gaining her attention.

Tula’s eyes go wide, though Aqualad is instinctively covering her 6, as she sees one of the black armored soldiers behind Garth’s turned back. “Garth, look out!” she cries.

Aqualad hits an advancing soldier with his chain mace, turning to see what caused her cry. Garth doing the same as he realizes she’s looking past him. As the soldier takes aim.

The shot rings true, but Tula put herself between Garth and the shot. She cries out in pain as she is paralyzed by the shot.

“No!” Garth shouts, but the anger in his voice is mostly at himself.

“Tula!” Kaldur shouts, horrified. Advancing on his friends as Garth takes Tula in his arms and gently lowers her to the floor. Kaldur releases the magic from his Water Bearers as his feet touch the floor.

Though before them are still dozens of soldiers. They waste no time trying to take an easy shot. Yet, the shots are blocked by magic tentacles rising out of the ground. Being controlled by Mera. Matching tattoos come onto her cheeks, and with enough effort to forge a battle cry they come down her arms.

Raising her right hand three tentacles rise up taking out soldiers, with her left hand three more rise up on the other side. The soldiers continue to take shots, but they’re blocked as Mera crosses her arms in an X. The entire spell created a massive octopus. It’s head behind the five defenders, two tentacles in front and three off to the left and right.

Orm turns to the three teens, or rather Kaldur. “Surface communications are down. We cannot reach King Orin. Summon more troops to the Palace.

“The palace was not the only target.” Garth speaks sadly. “I witnessed in sectors one, two, three, and five.”

Kaldur looks down at his friend. “Nothing in sector four?” he asks, before rising once more. Looking over the wreckage. “Explosions all over the city except where the Science Center is located. Where your Giant Sea Star is secured.”

“Then it is all a diversion.” Orm states angrily. “But with the King away, I must protect the Queen... and the heir.”

“I need no protection.” Mera snarls, still holding the spell. “Go!”

“No, Mera. If you suffered any injury, my brother would never forgive me.” Orm says sadly.

“The Prince is right, my Queen. This battle is mine!” he snarls his last words, starting to take off when another voice speaks up.

“And mine.” Garth interrupts.

“Your place is with Tula.” he states darkly, seeing an opening and taking it. Making it through and only having to swipe at one of the soldiers. Those who try to follow him getting caught by the octopus.

Gotham City; August 27th, 22:06 EDT

Police sirens blare, and it rains heavily. Both common occurrences in Gotham, more common together. In a top story apartment is Artemis, sitting with her back to the TV, assembling one of her arrows.

“Next up on the Comedy Classic Network an episode of Hello Me-”

The loss of noise catches Artemis by surprise. Looking over her shoulder worriedly. Then to her right, where a raven haired woman in a wheelchair holds the TV remote. “This came in the mail for you.” she says excitedly, waving two pieces of paper for Artemis to take.

The blonde turns away from her arrows. “You opened it?” though she’s not that surprised. “Mom!” she groans, just trying to convey that she doesn’t want her opening her mail.

“Oh, just read it.” she says, not the tiniest bit remorseful.

“I’ve been awarded a full Wayne Foundation Scholarship to the Gotham Academy?” she questions, repulsed and confused. “But I didn’t apply?” the look she sends her mom with the arched eyebrow is asking is she did.

“It’s not that kind of scholarship. You qualify or you don’t.” she tells her, then rolls forward slightly. “Gotham Academy is very prestigious. You should be thrilled.” she says, her own excitement showing as she comes close to Artemis.

Who rolls up the papers. “Yeah, I’m not switching schools.” throwing the crumpled paper onto the coffee table. “All my friends are at Gotham North.”

Her mother reaches out instantly, uncrumpling the paper and laying it in her lap. Looking up she sees Artemis looking down the shaft of her arrow. She moves closer and snags the arrow from her daughter’s hold. “You’re going, or you give up your extracurriculars.” shoving the paper back in front of Artemis.

Who stands, looking down, with her hands on her hips. “Mom, don’t make threats you can’t enforce.” she says smugly, taking the arrow back.

She reaches out, grabbing her daughter’s forearm. “Artemis, this is a chance to better your life!” she unintentionally (dear God I hope that’s unintentional.) enunciates her point by hitting her hand on the arm of her wheelchair. Artemis’ gaze softens, watching as her mother tears fall down her face. “A chance I never had.” her voice not wavering, but quiet and nearly defeated.

Artemis crouches down, reaching out and taking her hand and looking up at her mother. “Okay, mom, I’ll go.” she smiles despite the fact that her mother still has her eyes closed. “I’ll go for you.” this catches her mom’s attention, and she looks to her daughter with a stunned expression which then brightens into a smile.

She leans forward and embraces her daughter, Artemis keeps her smile up until she’s resting her chin on her mom’s shoulder, looking almost worried before she closes her eye and fully returns the embrace.

Poseidonis

Guards float, unconscious, while explosions overtake the Science Center. Kaldur is undeterred and swims towards the Center.

Inside the Center, Dr. Vulko and guards stand before the Sea Star. The guards shooting at the intruders. They concentrate fire on the leader as he breaks through the floor with no weapons. When an explosion goes off behind them, knocking them off balance and giving the flank time to shoot them in the backs.

The leader shoots one with the red eyes of his helmet. “Objective secured.” he states, as he observes that all Atlanteans are either unconscious or worse off. “Manta Sub, initiate Phase-four.”

Above the glass top of the Science Center a giant sub, properly named for its manta shape, comes to a stop over the building. It’s belly opening to reveal a laser that instantly takes charge and fires at the glass.

Kaldur reaches out and taps a key code that opens a hidden entrance. Sensing a presence behind him, he reaches up, grabbing his Water Bearer as he turns. Though stops, when he sees it, is only Garth. “You should be with Tula.” he says annoyed.

“The Queen watches over Tula and sent me after you.” Garth conveys.

Kaldur nods smally, before heading into the entrance without a word.

Inside the chamber, the soldiers tie cables around the Sea Star, once they are finished they signal to their leader and watch as the laser melts through the glass.

“Check the perimeter. Once the sub melts through the dome, we take our prize and go.” he commands. Two soldiers behind him head off to follow his orders.

Kaldur and Garth move quietly through the halls.

Kaldur suddenly drops behind Garth. “You have a plan?” he asks quietly, then turns to realize that Kaldur isn't beside him. Coming to a stop just before an intersection of hallways. “Kaldur?”

Two of Manta's men appear, taking aim at Garth. Only for Kaldur to drop on the right one’s head and hit the other with his mace. Garth’s eyes are wide in shock, his mouth gaping (like a fish, I’m sorry I know I’m not funny.). “I too have my studies.” he tells his old friend smugly.

Two soldiers enter through a hole in the ground, the second even saluting the leader, while the first heads forward undeterred. Manta looks their way, not over looking the two handles at his hip. The two reach the cables, looking up at the laser that is still working its way through the dome.

“Impressive, is it not?” Manta asks. “Aqualad.” he accuses, getting an instantaneous response, where Aqualad shoots the gun at him, just barely missing. Garth starts to shoot as well, as the leader swims around the edge of the dome, then shooting at both of them with the eyes on his helmet.

Hitting both teens, knocking them back. Manta aims for a second shot but hits the wall over their heads. Aqualad instantly reaches up to remove the helmet, taking his Water Bearers as well. Turning them into twin swords to block the incoming shots. He blocks two more shots and dodges one from another soldier, while the leader aims straight for his head.

Aqualad ducks under the two shots, turning his right sword into a whip that wraps around the soldier’s leg which he uses to pull the soldier in front of Manta’s next shot.

“Such a waste. You really have no ambition beyond serving Aquaman? Aren't schools of others willing to die for their king? This fool, for example.” he turns his attention to Garth, who has just managed to get his cracked helmet off his head. (HAHA! I just got the fish pun!)

Aqualad and Manta move at the same time, Manta firing two shots at Garth, while Kaldur wraps his whips around Garth and pulls him away from the shots. The two taking cover under an archway.

Kaldur turns to the ravenette, grabbing the front of his armor and forcing him up near his eye level and against the wall. “Garth.” he speaks tensely, drawing the boy’s attention away from the shots that are still firing at them. “Get your head in the game.”

Kaldur gives him no time to respond, as he grabs one of his Water-bearers and swims out from behind their cover, using the bearer as a shield to block their shots.

Gritting his teeth, Garth watches him go, before drawing his hands together. Blue magic already beginning to form in his hands. “I summon the power of the Tempest.” as the magic responds to his call it increases in thickness and brightness before he turns around the corner of the archway. Firing the laser beam-like shot at Manta and his closest henchmen. Manta manages to dodge, but the henchmen get hit and swirl around the funnel.

Just as the laser melts through the dome.

The laser moves up and to the left inside the belly of the Manta Sub, as a hook and line take its place. Lowering through the hole towards the Sea Star.

Manta sees the hook drop, just as he sees Aqualad cut through two henchmen. Yet when the teen tries to hit him, he delivers a strong uppercut to knock him back. As the teen regains his balance Black Manta fires shots from his helmet at him. Kaldur transforms his swords into a shield to block the attacks, while Garth comes in front of his friend on his right and unleashes lightning magic at the enemy.

The attacks are narrowly dodged by Black Manta and his singular remaining henchman. From the shoulder of his suit comes a small missile launcher. Two were shot at the teens. It hits Garth’s magic, before shrouding them in blackness. (I want to call this smoke but they’re underwater…)

The henchman raises his long gun to take aim at the teens despite the murk. “Forget them.” Manta commands. “Get the job done.”

Lowering his gun he takes off towards the Sea Star.

From the murk Kaldur emerges, going for a double slash at Black Manta. Who swims up to avoid the attack. Looking down at the teen as the lenses of his mask fire shots. This time Kaldur’s prepared, turning one of his Water-bearers into a rotating shield that lets him swim towards the source with less resistance.

Within arm’s reach, Aqualad turns his shield back into a sword and attempting a pair of downward strikes at Manta. Manta drops down and kicks Kaldur in the stomach once he is overhead. Trying to fire a shot at his turned back, which Kaldur retaliates with a slash of left Water-bearer. Manta kicks his side once more, knocking the teen out of striking range before firing at him again.

Gritting his teeth Kaldur turns towards Manta, turning his Water-bearers into a rotating shield.

While on the floor Garth is avoiding shots from a henchman, by hiding behind the pillar. Then firing small, accurate lightning strikes.

The second henchman goes to the top of the Sea Star, connecting the hook to the cables the others had set in place.

“Garth the cable.” Kaldur calls out to his friend.

The pale teen is narrowly avoiding getting shot but can see the Sea Star rising from the pedestal. Avoiding a shot that is way too close for comfort, he conjures another spell in his hands. Aiming right for the hook.

The spell hits its mark, taking out the henchman as well, and dropping the Sea Star back to the pedestal. Which it crushes under the weight, but ice breaks as well. Releasing an arm of the Star into the water.

The sound catches Manta’s attention in an instant. He watches as the arm twitches slightly before going limp again.

He swims towards the Star, forgetting that Aqualad is behind him.

Kaldur uses this to his advantage and turns his Water-bearers into whips and one catching Manta’s left leg, and the other wrapping around his chest to pin his arms at his sides.

Straining against Manta’s struggles, Kaldur sends electricity through the Water-bearers.

Manta fights against it, breaking free with enough force to knock Kaldur back into the wall. “If I can't have it, NO ONE CAN!” he screams loud enough that it echoes, before turning to the Star and firing another missile at the pedestal.

The explosion erupts quickly and massively, shattering computer screens and forming fire despite being below the surface.

Garth gets in front of Kaldur and raises his hand as if to prepare a spell.

While the dome of the building blows out.

Ice breaks apart from the floor of the Science Center to reveal both Garth and Kaldur, unharmed, but alone.

Above their heads, the Manta Sub takes off through a hole in the dome of Poseidonis.

Poseidonis; September 3rd, 21:08 UTC-2

“Our city was heavily damaged,” King Orin tells Garth, Tula, and Kaldur. The teens stand with Orm before the King and Queen. “and many Atlanteans were injured. But it could’ve been far worse.” he places his hand over his wife's stomach, she places her hand over his. Almost fear in her eyes. “I am grateful to you all.”

“This contains all that survived.” in a small glass container that fits in the palm of the Prince’s hand is what remains of the Sea Star. “It is already regenerating. The Star requires further research.” that much is obvious. “With the Dome compromised we cannot safely secure, or study it here in Atlantis.” the Prince looks to Kaldur. “Perhaps the Surface World can do better.”

“I’m sure they will be eager to try.” Orin tells his brother. “Kaldur?”

The teen steps up, raising his fist to his forehead. “Call me Aqualad, my King.”

The King’s mouth raises in a small smile.

Tula, Garth, and Kaldur are the only three that remain in front of the Zeta Tube.

“Kaldur - I - we - that is…” Tula stumbles, not sure how to say what she wants to. Though lets it fall as Kaldur places a hand on her shoulder and Garths.

“I wish you both, nothing but the best.” he tells them honestly. Hugging Tula he heads to the Zeta Tube, pausing to look back over his shoulder at Garth. “Have you ever wondered what would have happened if I had stayed behind and you had become Aqualad?” (Teen Titans, probably)

“Never.” Garth tells his old friend with a smile.

“No, neither have I.” he agrees.

Recognize: Aqualad; B-0-2 the computer calls out as his form disappears.

Continuing as he walks out of the Zeta Tube in Mount Justice.

Batman stands in the center of the room. Typing away on the holo-screens that look like keyboards. “Made your decision?” without even a pause or looking up.

“The decision is made. I am here. One hundred percent.” he tells Batman strongly.

The Team walks up behind Batman’s turned back. “Just in time for your next mission.”

Kaldur nods, the Team coming to a pause as they listen to Batman.

“The Watchtower detected an immense power surge in the Bialyan Desert.” (uh, Batsy… isn’t the Watchtower a secret? Ya know, like was said in Episode ONE?!) 

Deep in the water, the Manta Sub continues on its journey away from Atlantis.

Black Manta stands before the white bodied screens of the Light. “I was unable to secure the objective, and was forced to execute plan B.”

“You did well. Everything falls into place.” one of the members of the Light tells him. (Ocean Master)