(no subject)
((This is a storypost, continuing out of the events below))
Aqualad sighed, as he sat in his designated cockpit of the T-Ship. He felt odd, for a number of reasons - one of them was that he was currently in a tiny space, with water surrounding the glass bubble that held him inside. As someone whose natural state was amphibious, he felt somewhat odd, like he was hiding when he didn’t have to. But then, this was getting him where he needed to go to quickly, and that was the important thing.
But that wasn’t the only thing. Here he was, going home for the first time in over two years. He was going to see Arthur - no, Aquaman - again, and he was certain it wouldn’t be a fond reunion. There was the fact that the two of them had not exactly parted on good terms, as well as the fact that Aqualad was coming to confront him. Confront him about the supposed information Aqualad had learned, or thought he’d learned, from the man named Slizzath.
The man who had the same eyes as he did. Eyes that meant that they had some sort of connection - a connection that had been kept from him by the Atlanteans.
“Hey Aqualad, we’re coming up on those coordinates.”
Aqualad looked up, and hit the comm button on his console to reply. “Thanks Cyborg,” he said. “Everyone, keep on your guard. Atlantis has probably already detected us on long range sonar.”
“Hey, no worries!” Beast Boy replied. “I mean, you're with us, right? Just send 'em the 411 and we're in the clear.”
Aqualad frowned, and prepared to reply, when Starfire's voice came over the comm. “I am not so certain, Beast Boy,” she said. “I have seen many races react cautiously to visitors even if there is a friend among them.”
They all heard Beast Boy sigh. “So much for surface-to-ocean brotherhood, then,” he said.
Aqualad pressed a few buttons on the console. “... Come in Atlantean Security. This is Garth, steward of King Orin. I'm here seeking an audience with his majesty, and am seeking permission to enter the city. Repeat, this is Garth, steward of King Orin...”
Silence followed, with no return reply. Inside his cockpit, Beast Boy tapped his fingers against his console. Cyborg stared at the waters ahead, sternly, while Starfire watched, anxious.
Aqualad just waited for what he knew was coming.
... Unable to take the silence any longer, Beast Boy annoyedly tapped his comm.
"Are they ever gonna respond?" he asked, irritated. "Not even a 'get out, go home?' You'd think if they were trying to avoid us, they'd send a sea monster or something."
Then, suddenly, as if on cue, several dark shapes rose from the sea floor around them.
"Well, BB, you were close," said Cyborg, eying the gray colored, square-shaped vessels surrounding them. "More like... 'sea-ships' than sea serpents."
"Surface-dweller vessel," a voice said, coming over the comm. "Prepare to be forcibly disabled and brought to Atlantis."
Then, with barely any warning, the lead ship opened fire. Cyborg acted quickly, and maneuvered the ship out of the way of the blast.
"Any ideas Aqualad?!" the bionic teen asked over the comm. "These are your people, I figured you'd know man."
Aqualad grit his teeth, and frowned. After thinking for a moment, he sighed, and said, "Separate the T-Ship into segments. Try to get past them and head straight ahead. They won't destroy any of you if you fail, just disable you. These guys are just the border patrol; when my transmission reaches Atlantis, the royal guard will show up to interrupt all this."
"You sure about that?" piped up Beast Boy.
"I'd bet my life on it," Aqualad replied.
The other three Titans thought about this, and individually nodded. "Separating... now!" Cyborg said, keying in the command on his control panel.
With that, the T-Ship split into four individual segments, with the fifth, unmanned portion of the ship remaining connected to Cyborg's segment.
"All right. Let's head out," Aqualad ordered to the rest, and began to shoot straight ahead.
The others started to head along, trying to do exactly what he told them. But trying to get past them was easier said than done, with trying to avoid the blasts that were coming right towards them. Obviously the ships were none too happy that they were still trying to get ahead.
"I fear that we will not be able to get through this in one piece!" Starfire said to her friends.
"Dude, how long is it gonna take for the royal guard to show up?!" Beast Boy asked.
"Just keep going," Aqualad said. "It shouldn't take much longer!" Or at least, Aqualad was hoping that his transmission wouldn't take much longer to reach Atlantis.
Unfortunately, this wouldn't be long enough for Beast Boy's segment of the T-Ship to avoid getting hit by incoming fire, disabling it.
"... Oops," said Beast Boy.
“Yo, BB, you okay?!" asked Cyborg.
“Yeah, dude, I'm just gonna haveta get wet - so I hope they have those guns set to stun!" he popped the canopy of the drifting segment and morphed into a dolphin as the water rushed in, getting ready to catch up with his friends under his own power.
"I am hopeful that they will not wish to fire upon a native creature of Earth's ocean," Starfire said as she dodged another shot.
“Yeah, well, if he's going to be alright...” Cyborg began, “... I am _so_ going to make sure these guys make up for the damage to my baby!”
“I thought the T-Car was 'your baby',” Starfire replied.
“If I built it,” replied Cyborg, “it's MY baby.”
Aqualad grunted, as he turned to the side, dodging one of the ships' laser blasts. He would have smiled inwardly at the fact that his friends could manage to keep their wits about them, even while conversing, if not for the fact that he had to focus on keeping his portion of the T-Ship in one piece. It was at times like this that he wished the Titans East had trained more with their version of the ship...
It was then that he suddenly had an idea. He pressed his comm button, and spoke to everyone, “Guys, I think I have an idea to help put some distance between us and them. But you're going to have to back me up for a minute or two.”
“Whatever it is man,” Cyborg replied, as his ship dodged a laser blast, “do it fast!”
Aqualad nodded, and concentrated. After warning Beast Boy, he closed his eyes and concentrated, activating his telepathy. Unfortunately, this caused his segment of the ship to slow, leaving him vulnerable...
Over in her segment, Starfire noticed this, as well as the fact that the Atlantean Ship's laser turrets were moving to lock on to him. “I think I see what we need to be 'backing up,'” she said, comming Cyborg. Her ship turned along with Cyborg's, and just as the Atlanteans opened fire, so did they.
The three blasts struck in between the Atlantean ship and Aqualad's, creating a blast that sent the smaller craft reeling. Both Titans gasped, and commed Aqualad.
“Hey man, are you alright?!” Cyborg asked.
“Is your ship undamaged?” questioned Starfire.
Aqualad groaned, rubbing his forehead. Being jostled like that while exercising his telepathy wasn't exactly a comfortable experience. “Yeah, it looks like all systems are stable...” he replied. Then, he noticed something on his radar, and smiled. “And here comes our plan, guys.”
Just as the Atlantean ships were aiming to fire again, several large figures drifted in between them and the Titans. The humpback whales, called by Aqualad's telepathy, remained there, blocking the larger ships' movements.
“Well, let's never look a gift whale in the mouth,” Cyborg said. “Let's make tracks, guys.”
“While I am unsure how we are to 'make tracks' underwater, I agree,” said Starfire. “Come, let us move on ahead and meet the Royal Guard Aqualad spoke of.”
Aqualad nodded, and the three ships moved on ahead, Beast Boy following close behind, now in the form of a barracuda. Aqualad waited with bated breath; Atlantean ships were impervious to radar, so he wouldn't be able to see them coming... at least, he'd have to wait to see them with his own eyes.
He sighed, and closed his eyes. Better to run into Aquaman sooner than later...
“Aqualad?” said Cyborg over the comm. “Heads up man...”
He looked up, and sure enough, there was the unmistakable sight of the Atlantean Royal Guard approaching them, riding on personal one-man watercraft, and escorted by two smaller battleships. And in the lead was...
Aqualad blinked.
“Hey, Aqualad,” Cyborg said, “The guy in the front? That Aquaman?”
Aqualad shook his head. “No... No it's not.
“It's his brother, Orm.”
------------------
About a half hour later, the newly reassembled T-Ship (minus one segment) pulled into a dock in Atlantis, and the Titans finally emerged into the open air. They had met the Royal Guard, who had more or less done exactly what the border patrol did, just minus the threat of arrest. As the Titans stepped out of their craft, and Beast Boy pulled himself onto the dock, the tall, imposing figure of Orm, brother of King Orin, stepped towards them.
“Garth,” he said, dryly. “You've at last returned. And bringing... guests along, I see.”
Aqualad frowned, and stepped forward. “Hello, my prince,” he said. “And yes... these are my friends. Starfire, Cyborg, and Beast Boy, members of the Teen Titans.”
Orm glared at him. “And what would give you reason to return home, with our people's sworn enemies accompanying you?”
Beast Boy nudged Cyborg, and muttered, “Aqualad wasn't kidding when he said these guys weren't really hospitable...”
Aqualad glared. “Prince Orm, these people have done nothing wrong,” he said, gesturing towards them. “In fact, the girl, my friend Starfire, isn't even FROM Earth, but another world. They are no threat to our people.”
“I will be the judge of that,” Orm replied. “You say they are no threat, and yet, they have brought weapons...”
Cyborg frowned, and morphed his arm into a Sonic Cannon, and then back again, as if to demonstrate. “They kind of come attached, dog.”
Orm's lip curled into a sneer, prompting Aqualad to try and recapture his attention. “My Prince, I did not come here to discuss Atlantis's relationship with the surface world,” he said. “I came here to speak with the King, and they came along to make sure I'd be alright. I can understand your fear, sir, but three people are not enough to wage war on this entire city.”
Orm grew silent, and for a moment, all he did was stare at Aqualad. Finally, he nodded. “Very well,” he said. “But unfortunately for you, our great King is not IN Atlantis.”
Aqualad blinked. “... He's not?”
Orm nodded. “I'm afraid that he's gone to the Arctic to try and establish a new way of defending our city,” he replied. “This is what happens when you abandon your nation, I'm afraid. You never know quite what's going on.”
Aqualad's jaw fell open. He wouldn't be able to talk to Aquaman?
“Dude, how can you defend your city with something that's all the way up in the Arctic?”
Orm scowled at the green teenager. “... We have our ways,” he said. Then, he turned back to Aqualad. “... However, if you wish to pass whatever trivial message you have, Garth, I'll make sure the King receives it when he returns in four weeks.”
Aqualad stepped back, and Orm made a satisfied grin. Aqualad sighed, and looked at the ground. “... I've come... because I know about the Idyllists.”
The eyes of Orm and his guards suddenly widened, while the other Titans just looked at each other in confusion. Suddenly, two guards stepped forward, crossing spears in front of Aqualad.
Orm glared at him. “Just how much do you know?” he demanded.
Aqualad glared. “Everything...”
Orm scowled yet again. “Take him and his surface-dwelling friends to the Main Council building, NOW,” said Orm. “We will discuss this before the Elders.”
Aqualad looked back at his friends, nervously. Cyborg's hand was on his cannon arm, and Starfire and Beast Boy both looked ready to fight. “Well, Aqualad?” Cyborg asked.
Aqualad sighed. “... We'd better do as they say.”
The others nodded, and without a word, they did as they were told.
------------------
About an hour and a half later, Aqualad, Starfire, Cyborg, and Beast Boy stood in the center of a large, rotund chamber. Above them, a number of Atlanteans were assembling in their seats.
“... Aqualad?” said Beast Boy. “Are you SURE that we're not in any danger?”
Aqualad nodded. “Trust me, Beast Boy. If any consequences are going to be paid, then I'm the one who'll have to bear them, not all of you.”
“I do not understand,” Starfire said. “Why SHOULD there be consequences? Who are the Idyllists? And why would they be enough to cause you to have to be punished?”
Aqualad paused, and then opened his mouth to speak, when suddenly, a voice stopped him.
“Garth!”
Aqualad turned, and his eyes widened when he saw who was approaching him. It was a red haired Atlantean woman, wearing green and a royal crown upon her head. He blinked, and then stepped back, clearing his throat.
“Um, hello Queen Mera,” he said.
“Garth, there is no reason to stand on formality,” she said. “I heard about what happened when I spoke to Orm... I'm so sorry you had to learn about it this way, Garth...”
Aqualad looked to the side, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah, I'm sorry I had to find out this way too...”
Cyborg began to say something. “Um, listen lady, I'm sure you're a nice person and all, and I hate to break up this little reunion,” he said, “but I think it's about time one of you told us just what was going on.”
Aqualad and Mera exchanged glances, and the former nodded. “... Yeah, I owe you guys that much at least. Mera, you probably know the whole story better than I do - I came here for answers, after all.”
Mera looked at him and sighed, then turned to the Titans. “... Garth is not a true Atlantean, you see. He is really a member of the race of Idyllists, who were proficient in the art of water mysticism, and who split away from Atlantis many years ago, after our city was sunk beneath the waves. However, 12 years ago, the Idyllists declared war on Atlantis, and its king attempted genocide on his entire people, so he would be able to use their powers for his sorcery. All of the Idyllists were wiped out, save for a small portion of the population... a few elders, and children. It was... it was agreed that the children would be raised without knowledge of their true heritage, as though they were children of Atlantis, while the Idyllist Elders tried to ensure that those children carried on their mystical heritage...”
Aqualad sunk, while his friends just stared, open mouthed. “So, then it is true,” Aqualad said, his voice shaking. “You... and Aquaman, you knew the entire time, didn't you?”
Mera frowned. “Garth... you were but a child,” she said. “When you came to Atlantis, the memory of the war, seeing your people die, you had blocked it out. You weren't prepared. Orin and I agreed that one day you would be, but you left us, and-”
Aqualad scowled, and interrupted her. “Tell me, my queen, who was it that cut off all contact with me after I left Atlantis, because I disagreed with him? Who was it that said he wanted nothing to do with me, until I decided to come home? And how exactly would this person have had any chance to tell me, when I was ready?”
Mera's jaw fell open, and she grew quiet. Then, she sighed, and turned away. “... You and I will agree, Garth, that my husband can be a very stubborn man.”
And with that, she turned to walk away.
The Titans stood there, without saying a word, for several more moments. It would be Starfire who would step forward, and speak first.
“Aqualad... are you certain that you should have spoken to her in such a manner? I understand how you must feel, but she did so out of concern, and-”
“I know Starfire,” he said. “... That's... that's kind of what makes this so hard.”
Just then, the voice of Prince Orm rang out, calling everyone's attention to a platform at the center of the chamber. “This hearing will now be called to attention,” he said loudly. “I have spoken with our King, and have informed him of the situation. He has made a decision.”
“A decision?!” Cyborg said. “But we haven't even started, and-”
“It's alright Cyborg,” Aqualad, stepping towards Orm's platform. “This is the way my people are. They already have what they need to know to decide something.” And then, he looked up, at his mentor's brother. “... And what is the King's decision?”
Orm smirked. “The King is not pleased with the actions you have taken,” he said. “You abandoned Atlantis, and then returned with surface dwellers, thereby jeopardizing the security of our kingdom. And now, you present a risk to the secret that we have kept for over a decade.”
“And what of it?!” Starfire said, floating up. “The children of the Idyllists have a right to know what became of their people!”
Orm frowned at her. “The King has considered this,” he said, dully. “Unfortunately, this is not something that can be exposed to the remnants of these people in such a wanton manner. What Aqualad knows could destroy their sense of identity - their pride as Atlanteans, their sense of heritage.”
Starfire's face contorted in anger. “If being an Atlantean means carrying on a lie, then perhaps there IS no pride to being one!”
A wave of shocked murmurs passed through the crowd above. Cyborg and Beast Boy both blinked, and then exchanged nods.
“I agree!” cried Cyborg. “What kind of pride is there in being something you aren't? I know, believe me.”
“It's a pretty darn cold thing to do,” said Beast Boy. “And how will you even know what'll happen if you don't give them a chance to find out for themselves?!”
The entire chamber was quiet, even among the assembled elders. Orm stood on his platform, an expression of disdain heavy on his face. “And what, may I ask, would two surface dwellers and an off-worlder know what it's like to be an Atlantean?”
“He's right,” Aqualad said, before any of the other Titans could make a retort. “... To us, taking pride in who we are... or what we think we are, is everything. And... and a bunch of kids, they won't be able to understand that.”
The Titans blinked, at a loss for what to say to that. Suddenly, before any of them could think of what to do, Orm spoke again.
“My brother believes that young Garth here must be sworn to keep the secret, and to never speak of this matter again,” the Prince declared. “However, honored Elders, I believe that he has already shown a blatant disregard for authority, and cannot be trusted. I move that you use your authority to go beyond the King, and vote that he be exiled indefinitely from our city...”
There would be no declarations of surprise from the Council, but rather, from the Titans. “You can't do that!” Cyborg cried.
“This is totally unfair, man! You think that Aquaman's gonna be happy with you for this?!” declared Beast Boy.
Starfire floated up. “This is unfair!” she cried. “You speak from the perspective of people who are afraid! You do not understand what it's like to be seeing things from his perspective!”
“With all due respect, my dear,” said a voice, “we do.”
The Titans turned towards the sound of the voice, and saw a number of Elders grouped together, all standing up. They all had dark colored hair, and black, white irised eyes, just like Aqualad.
“We are several of the Idyllists that managed to escape our city's destruction,” said one of them. “We are the ones who originally decided that this secret must never be told. So, when you say that the Council does not understand his viewpoint... keep in mind that some members of the Council, are in fact more aware of the problem than he is.”
The Titans just gaped. Cyborg scowled in frustration, while Beast Boy stared at the ground. Starfire floated back down, and walked towards Aqualad.
“Aqualad... Garth, you surely cannot trust this decision...?”
Aqualad turned to look at her, looking like he was fighting back tears. “These are my people, Starfire,” he said, quietly. “All of them. I'm an Atlantean... I'm subject to our laws. I'm also a Titan... and we're sworn to protect things like that.”
Starfire stepped back, unsure of what to say.
Aqualad turned, and stepped towards Orm's platform again. “... I am ready to accept your final decision,” he said, aloud.
Orm nodded, and looked to the council. “All in favor that Garth, Steward of the Mighty King Orin, be banished, say aye,” he declared.
The vote was unanimous.
“Aye.”
------------------
Ten hours later, Orm stood in his private chamber, speaking with his brother Orin, otherwise known as Aquaman.
“He was banished?” Aquaman demanded. “On whose authority?!!”
“The Council's, brother,” said Orm. “I apologize, my King, but according to the laws of our people, they are allowed to vote and override your decisions, providing the vote is unanimous.”
Aquaman scowled. “And you advocated this?” he said, sighing. “I never had a chance to speak with him myself.”
Orm shrugged. “In either case, brother. The matter is closed.”
Aquaman shook his head. “No, no it is not,” he said. “... I'm going to find out how he became aware of all this. As soon as the project is over with up here, I will return to Atlantis, and begin my investigation. I owe him that much at the very least.”
Orm nodded. “Very well, my brother.”
“I'm signing off now, Orm. Keep the kingdom safe in my absence.”
“Of course, brother.”
The view-screen went blank, and Orm smiled. No matter what his brother did, he doubted it would be enough to convince the Council to reverse his decision. And that meant that the King would be without one of his most trusted friends and allies indefinitely.
That would suit him quite nicely, when the time was right.
------------------
At about the same time, the T-Ship had already set off again. The Atlanteans had at least been gracious enough to recover the damaged part of the T-Ship, and partially repair it. Cyborg had called it a “rushed hackjob”, and resolved to have it fixed when they got back.
Inside his cockpit, Aqualad sat, quietly. He had turned off his comm... he didn't quite feel like talking with anyone at the moment. The long hours since the council meeting had not helped to ease his spirit.
He sighed, and looked out at the open ocean, beyond the realm of the protective glass. He felt confined now more than ever. But he knew one thing, at least.
No matter how much Atlantis claimed to rule the ocean, the entirety of it was not theirs to command.
He still had that at least. Part of his home would never be entirely cut off from him.
And yet, that would be ill comfort.
And so he closed his eyes and sighed, lying back in his chair. Nothing to do now, but wait for them to return to Jump City. And quietly, he remarked to himself, it was true what the old surface dweller saying said.
You really can't go home again.
Aqualad sighed, as he sat in his designated cockpit of the T-Ship. He felt odd, for a number of reasons - one of them was that he was currently in a tiny space, with water surrounding the glass bubble that held him inside. As someone whose natural state was amphibious, he felt somewhat odd, like he was hiding when he didn’t have to. But then, this was getting him where he needed to go to quickly, and that was the important thing.
But that wasn’t the only thing. Here he was, going home for the first time in over two years. He was going to see Arthur - no, Aquaman - again, and he was certain it wouldn’t be a fond reunion. There was the fact that the two of them had not exactly parted on good terms, as well as the fact that Aqualad was coming to confront him. Confront him about the supposed information Aqualad had learned, or thought he’d learned, from the man named Slizzath.
The man who had the same eyes as he did. Eyes that meant that they had some sort of connection - a connection that had been kept from him by the Atlanteans.
“Hey Aqualad, we’re coming up on those coordinates.”
Aqualad looked up, and hit the comm button on his console to reply. “Thanks Cyborg,” he said. “Everyone, keep on your guard. Atlantis has probably already detected us on long range sonar.”
“Hey, no worries!” Beast Boy replied. “I mean, you're with us, right? Just send 'em the 411 and we're in the clear.”
Aqualad frowned, and prepared to reply, when Starfire's voice came over the comm. “I am not so certain, Beast Boy,” she said. “I have seen many races react cautiously to visitors even if there is a friend among them.”
They all heard Beast Boy sigh. “So much for surface-to-ocean brotherhood, then,” he said.
Aqualad pressed a few buttons on the console. “... Come in Atlantean Security. This is Garth, steward of King Orin. I'm here seeking an audience with his majesty, and am seeking permission to enter the city. Repeat, this is Garth, steward of King Orin...”
Silence followed, with no return reply. Inside his cockpit, Beast Boy tapped his fingers against his console. Cyborg stared at the waters ahead, sternly, while Starfire watched, anxious.
Aqualad just waited for what he knew was coming.
... Unable to take the silence any longer, Beast Boy annoyedly tapped his comm.
"Are they ever gonna respond?" he asked, irritated. "Not even a 'get out, go home?' You'd think if they were trying to avoid us, they'd send a sea monster or something."
Then, suddenly, as if on cue, several dark shapes rose from the sea floor around them.
"Well, BB, you were close," said Cyborg, eying the gray colored, square-shaped vessels surrounding them. "More like... 'sea-ships' than sea serpents."
"Surface-dweller vessel," a voice said, coming over the comm. "Prepare to be forcibly disabled and brought to Atlantis."
Then, with barely any warning, the lead ship opened fire. Cyborg acted quickly, and maneuvered the ship out of the way of the blast.
"Any ideas Aqualad?!" the bionic teen asked over the comm. "These are your people, I figured you'd know man."
Aqualad grit his teeth, and frowned. After thinking for a moment, he sighed, and said, "Separate the T-Ship into segments. Try to get past them and head straight ahead. They won't destroy any of you if you fail, just disable you. These guys are just the border patrol; when my transmission reaches Atlantis, the royal guard will show up to interrupt all this."
"You sure about that?" piped up Beast Boy.
"I'd bet my life on it," Aqualad replied.
The other three Titans thought about this, and individually nodded. "Separating... now!" Cyborg said, keying in the command on his control panel.
With that, the T-Ship split into four individual segments, with the fifth, unmanned portion of the ship remaining connected to Cyborg's segment.
"All right. Let's head out," Aqualad ordered to the rest, and began to shoot straight ahead.
The others started to head along, trying to do exactly what he told them. But trying to get past them was easier said than done, with trying to avoid the blasts that were coming right towards them. Obviously the ships were none too happy that they were still trying to get ahead.
"I fear that we will not be able to get through this in one piece!" Starfire said to her friends.
"Dude, how long is it gonna take for the royal guard to show up?!" Beast Boy asked.
"Just keep going," Aqualad said. "It shouldn't take much longer!" Or at least, Aqualad was hoping that his transmission wouldn't take much longer to reach Atlantis.
Unfortunately, this wouldn't be long enough for Beast Boy's segment of the T-Ship to avoid getting hit by incoming fire, disabling it.
"... Oops," said Beast Boy.
“Yo, BB, you okay?!" asked Cyborg.
“Yeah, dude, I'm just gonna haveta get wet - so I hope they have those guns set to stun!" he popped the canopy of the drifting segment and morphed into a dolphin as the water rushed in, getting ready to catch up with his friends under his own power.
"I am hopeful that they will not wish to fire upon a native creature of Earth's ocean," Starfire said as she dodged another shot.
“Yeah, well, if he's going to be alright...” Cyborg began, “... I am _so_ going to make sure these guys make up for the damage to my baby!”
“I thought the T-Car was 'your baby',” Starfire replied.
“If I built it,” replied Cyborg, “it's MY baby.”
Aqualad grunted, as he turned to the side, dodging one of the ships' laser blasts. He would have smiled inwardly at the fact that his friends could manage to keep their wits about them, even while conversing, if not for the fact that he had to focus on keeping his portion of the T-Ship in one piece. It was at times like this that he wished the Titans East had trained more with their version of the ship...
It was then that he suddenly had an idea. He pressed his comm button, and spoke to everyone, “Guys, I think I have an idea to help put some distance between us and them. But you're going to have to back me up for a minute or two.”
“Whatever it is man,” Cyborg replied, as his ship dodged a laser blast, “do it fast!”
Aqualad nodded, and concentrated. After warning Beast Boy, he closed his eyes and concentrated, activating his telepathy. Unfortunately, this caused his segment of the ship to slow, leaving him vulnerable...
Over in her segment, Starfire noticed this, as well as the fact that the Atlantean Ship's laser turrets were moving to lock on to him. “I think I see what we need to be 'backing up,'” she said, comming Cyborg. Her ship turned along with Cyborg's, and just as the Atlanteans opened fire, so did they.
The three blasts struck in between the Atlantean ship and Aqualad's, creating a blast that sent the smaller craft reeling. Both Titans gasped, and commed Aqualad.
“Hey man, are you alright?!” Cyborg asked.
“Is your ship undamaged?” questioned Starfire.
Aqualad groaned, rubbing his forehead. Being jostled like that while exercising his telepathy wasn't exactly a comfortable experience. “Yeah, it looks like all systems are stable...” he replied. Then, he noticed something on his radar, and smiled. “And here comes our plan, guys.”
Just as the Atlantean ships were aiming to fire again, several large figures drifted in between them and the Titans. The humpback whales, called by Aqualad's telepathy, remained there, blocking the larger ships' movements.
“Well, let's never look a gift whale in the mouth,” Cyborg said. “Let's make tracks, guys.”
“While I am unsure how we are to 'make tracks' underwater, I agree,” said Starfire. “Come, let us move on ahead and meet the Royal Guard Aqualad spoke of.”
Aqualad nodded, and the three ships moved on ahead, Beast Boy following close behind, now in the form of a barracuda. Aqualad waited with bated breath; Atlantean ships were impervious to radar, so he wouldn't be able to see them coming... at least, he'd have to wait to see them with his own eyes.
He sighed, and closed his eyes. Better to run into Aquaman sooner than later...
“Aqualad?” said Cyborg over the comm. “Heads up man...”
He looked up, and sure enough, there was the unmistakable sight of the Atlantean Royal Guard approaching them, riding on personal one-man watercraft, and escorted by two smaller battleships. And in the lead was...
Aqualad blinked.
“Hey, Aqualad,” Cyborg said, “The guy in the front? That Aquaman?”
Aqualad shook his head. “No... No it's not.
“It's his brother, Orm.”
------------------
About a half hour later, the newly reassembled T-Ship (minus one segment) pulled into a dock in Atlantis, and the Titans finally emerged into the open air. They had met the Royal Guard, who had more or less done exactly what the border patrol did, just minus the threat of arrest. As the Titans stepped out of their craft, and Beast Boy pulled himself onto the dock, the tall, imposing figure of Orm, brother of King Orin, stepped towards them.
“Garth,” he said, dryly. “You've at last returned. And bringing... guests along, I see.”
Aqualad frowned, and stepped forward. “Hello, my prince,” he said. “And yes... these are my friends. Starfire, Cyborg, and Beast Boy, members of the Teen Titans.”
Orm glared at him. “And what would give you reason to return home, with our people's sworn enemies accompanying you?”
Beast Boy nudged Cyborg, and muttered, “Aqualad wasn't kidding when he said these guys weren't really hospitable...”
Aqualad glared. “Prince Orm, these people have done nothing wrong,” he said, gesturing towards them. “In fact, the girl, my friend Starfire, isn't even FROM Earth, but another world. They are no threat to our people.”
“I will be the judge of that,” Orm replied. “You say they are no threat, and yet, they have brought weapons...”
Cyborg frowned, and morphed his arm into a Sonic Cannon, and then back again, as if to demonstrate. “They kind of come attached, dog.”
Orm's lip curled into a sneer, prompting Aqualad to try and recapture his attention. “My Prince, I did not come here to discuss Atlantis's relationship with the surface world,” he said. “I came here to speak with the King, and they came along to make sure I'd be alright. I can understand your fear, sir, but three people are not enough to wage war on this entire city.”
Orm grew silent, and for a moment, all he did was stare at Aqualad. Finally, he nodded. “Very well,” he said. “But unfortunately for you, our great King is not IN Atlantis.”
Aqualad blinked. “... He's not?”
Orm nodded. “I'm afraid that he's gone to the Arctic to try and establish a new way of defending our city,” he replied. “This is what happens when you abandon your nation, I'm afraid. You never know quite what's going on.”
Aqualad's jaw fell open. He wouldn't be able to talk to Aquaman?
“Dude, how can you defend your city with something that's all the way up in the Arctic?”
Orm scowled at the green teenager. “... We have our ways,” he said. Then, he turned back to Aqualad. “... However, if you wish to pass whatever trivial message you have, Garth, I'll make sure the King receives it when he returns in four weeks.”
Aqualad stepped back, and Orm made a satisfied grin. Aqualad sighed, and looked at the ground. “... I've come... because I know about the Idyllists.”
The eyes of Orm and his guards suddenly widened, while the other Titans just looked at each other in confusion. Suddenly, two guards stepped forward, crossing spears in front of Aqualad.
Orm glared at him. “Just how much do you know?” he demanded.
Aqualad glared. “Everything...”
Orm scowled yet again. “Take him and his surface-dwelling friends to the Main Council building, NOW,” said Orm. “We will discuss this before the Elders.”
Aqualad looked back at his friends, nervously. Cyborg's hand was on his cannon arm, and Starfire and Beast Boy both looked ready to fight. “Well, Aqualad?” Cyborg asked.
Aqualad sighed. “... We'd better do as they say.”
The others nodded, and without a word, they did as they were told.
------------------
About an hour and a half later, Aqualad, Starfire, Cyborg, and Beast Boy stood in the center of a large, rotund chamber. Above them, a number of Atlanteans were assembling in their seats.
“... Aqualad?” said Beast Boy. “Are you SURE that we're not in any danger?”
Aqualad nodded. “Trust me, Beast Boy. If any consequences are going to be paid, then I'm the one who'll have to bear them, not all of you.”
“I do not understand,” Starfire said. “Why SHOULD there be consequences? Who are the Idyllists? And why would they be enough to cause you to have to be punished?”
Aqualad paused, and then opened his mouth to speak, when suddenly, a voice stopped him.
“Garth!”
Aqualad turned, and his eyes widened when he saw who was approaching him. It was a red haired Atlantean woman, wearing green and a royal crown upon her head. He blinked, and then stepped back, clearing his throat.
“Um, hello Queen Mera,” he said.
“Garth, there is no reason to stand on formality,” she said. “I heard about what happened when I spoke to Orm... I'm so sorry you had to learn about it this way, Garth...”
Aqualad looked to the side, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah, I'm sorry I had to find out this way too...”
Cyborg began to say something. “Um, listen lady, I'm sure you're a nice person and all, and I hate to break up this little reunion,” he said, “but I think it's about time one of you told us just what was going on.”
Aqualad and Mera exchanged glances, and the former nodded. “... Yeah, I owe you guys that much at least. Mera, you probably know the whole story better than I do - I came here for answers, after all.”
Mera looked at him and sighed, then turned to the Titans. “... Garth is not a true Atlantean, you see. He is really a member of the race of Idyllists, who were proficient in the art of water mysticism, and who split away from Atlantis many years ago, after our city was sunk beneath the waves. However, 12 years ago, the Idyllists declared war on Atlantis, and its king attempted genocide on his entire people, so he would be able to use their powers for his sorcery. All of the Idyllists were wiped out, save for a small portion of the population... a few elders, and children. It was... it was agreed that the children would be raised without knowledge of their true heritage, as though they were children of Atlantis, while the Idyllist Elders tried to ensure that those children carried on their mystical heritage...”
Aqualad sunk, while his friends just stared, open mouthed. “So, then it is true,” Aqualad said, his voice shaking. “You... and Aquaman, you knew the entire time, didn't you?”
Mera frowned. “Garth... you were but a child,” she said. “When you came to Atlantis, the memory of the war, seeing your people die, you had blocked it out. You weren't prepared. Orin and I agreed that one day you would be, but you left us, and-”
Aqualad scowled, and interrupted her. “Tell me, my queen, who was it that cut off all contact with me after I left Atlantis, because I disagreed with him? Who was it that said he wanted nothing to do with me, until I decided to come home? And how exactly would this person have had any chance to tell me, when I was ready?”
Mera's jaw fell open, and she grew quiet. Then, she sighed, and turned away. “... You and I will agree, Garth, that my husband can be a very stubborn man.”
And with that, she turned to walk away.
The Titans stood there, without saying a word, for several more moments. It would be Starfire who would step forward, and speak first.
“Aqualad... are you certain that you should have spoken to her in such a manner? I understand how you must feel, but she did so out of concern, and-”
“I know Starfire,” he said. “... That's... that's kind of what makes this so hard.”
Just then, the voice of Prince Orm rang out, calling everyone's attention to a platform at the center of the chamber. “This hearing will now be called to attention,” he said loudly. “I have spoken with our King, and have informed him of the situation. He has made a decision.”
“A decision?!” Cyborg said. “But we haven't even started, and-”
“It's alright Cyborg,” Aqualad, stepping towards Orm's platform. “This is the way my people are. They already have what they need to know to decide something.” And then, he looked up, at his mentor's brother. “... And what is the King's decision?”
Orm smirked. “The King is not pleased with the actions you have taken,” he said. “You abandoned Atlantis, and then returned with surface dwellers, thereby jeopardizing the security of our kingdom. And now, you present a risk to the secret that we have kept for over a decade.”
“And what of it?!” Starfire said, floating up. “The children of the Idyllists have a right to know what became of their people!”
Orm frowned at her. “The King has considered this,” he said, dully. “Unfortunately, this is not something that can be exposed to the remnants of these people in such a wanton manner. What Aqualad knows could destroy their sense of identity - their pride as Atlanteans, their sense of heritage.”
Starfire's face contorted in anger. “If being an Atlantean means carrying on a lie, then perhaps there IS no pride to being one!”
A wave of shocked murmurs passed through the crowd above. Cyborg and Beast Boy both blinked, and then exchanged nods.
“I agree!” cried Cyborg. “What kind of pride is there in being something you aren't? I know, believe me.”
“It's a pretty darn cold thing to do,” said Beast Boy. “And how will you even know what'll happen if you don't give them a chance to find out for themselves?!”
The entire chamber was quiet, even among the assembled elders. Orm stood on his platform, an expression of disdain heavy on his face. “And what, may I ask, would two surface dwellers and an off-worlder know what it's like to be an Atlantean?”
“He's right,” Aqualad said, before any of the other Titans could make a retort. “... To us, taking pride in who we are... or what we think we are, is everything. And... and a bunch of kids, they won't be able to understand that.”
The Titans blinked, at a loss for what to say to that. Suddenly, before any of them could think of what to do, Orm spoke again.
“My brother believes that young Garth here must be sworn to keep the secret, and to never speak of this matter again,” the Prince declared. “However, honored Elders, I believe that he has already shown a blatant disregard for authority, and cannot be trusted. I move that you use your authority to go beyond the King, and vote that he be exiled indefinitely from our city...”
There would be no declarations of surprise from the Council, but rather, from the Titans. “You can't do that!” Cyborg cried.
“This is totally unfair, man! You think that Aquaman's gonna be happy with you for this?!” declared Beast Boy.
Starfire floated up. “This is unfair!” she cried. “You speak from the perspective of people who are afraid! You do not understand what it's like to be seeing things from his perspective!”
“With all due respect, my dear,” said a voice, “we do.”
The Titans turned towards the sound of the voice, and saw a number of Elders grouped together, all standing up. They all had dark colored hair, and black, white irised eyes, just like Aqualad.
“We are several of the Idyllists that managed to escape our city's destruction,” said one of them. “We are the ones who originally decided that this secret must never be told. So, when you say that the Council does not understand his viewpoint... keep in mind that some members of the Council, are in fact more aware of the problem than he is.”
The Titans just gaped. Cyborg scowled in frustration, while Beast Boy stared at the ground. Starfire floated back down, and walked towards Aqualad.
“Aqualad... Garth, you surely cannot trust this decision...?”
Aqualad turned to look at her, looking like he was fighting back tears. “These are my people, Starfire,” he said, quietly. “All of them. I'm an Atlantean... I'm subject to our laws. I'm also a Titan... and we're sworn to protect things like that.”
Starfire stepped back, unsure of what to say.
Aqualad turned, and stepped towards Orm's platform again. “... I am ready to accept your final decision,” he said, aloud.
Orm nodded, and looked to the council. “All in favor that Garth, Steward of the Mighty King Orin, be banished, say aye,” he declared.
The vote was unanimous.
“Aye.”
------------------
Ten hours later, Orm stood in his private chamber, speaking with his brother Orin, otherwise known as Aquaman.
“He was banished?” Aquaman demanded. “On whose authority?!!”
“The Council's, brother,” said Orm. “I apologize, my King, but according to the laws of our people, they are allowed to vote and override your decisions, providing the vote is unanimous.”
Aquaman scowled. “And you advocated this?” he said, sighing. “I never had a chance to speak with him myself.”
Orm shrugged. “In either case, brother. The matter is closed.”
Aquaman shook his head. “No, no it is not,” he said. “... I'm going to find out how he became aware of all this. As soon as the project is over with up here, I will return to Atlantis, and begin my investigation. I owe him that much at the very least.”
Orm nodded. “Very well, my brother.”
“I'm signing off now, Orm. Keep the kingdom safe in my absence.”
“Of course, brother.”
The view-screen went blank, and Orm smiled. No matter what his brother did, he doubted it would be enough to convince the Council to reverse his decision. And that meant that the King would be without one of his most trusted friends and allies indefinitely.
That would suit him quite nicely, when the time was right.
------------------
At about the same time, the T-Ship had already set off again. The Atlanteans had at least been gracious enough to recover the damaged part of the T-Ship, and partially repair it. Cyborg had called it a “rushed hackjob”, and resolved to have it fixed when they got back.
Inside his cockpit, Aqualad sat, quietly. He had turned off his comm... he didn't quite feel like talking with anyone at the moment. The long hours since the council meeting had not helped to ease his spirit.
He sighed, and looked out at the open ocean, beyond the realm of the protective glass. He felt confined now more than ever. But he knew one thing, at least.
No matter how much Atlantis claimed to rule the ocean, the entirety of it was not theirs to command.
He still had that at least. Part of his home would never be entirely cut off from him.
And yet, that would be ill comfort.
And so he closed his eyes and sighed, lying back in his chair. Nothing to do now, but wait for them to return to Jump City. And quietly, he remarked to himself, it was true what the old surface dweller saying said.
You really can't go home again.