"Kaldur'ahm they will kill you."
"I don not care! You brought this upon me!"
"I am the reason you walk this earth!"
"That is precisely the problem!"
The atmosphere in Black Manta's submarine was about as thick as it could get. The villain had taken off his helmet to reveal a face which resembled Aqualad's but with more age and experience to it; he was angry but also worried. Aqualad was in his hero suit staring at the man in anger. A blonde tanned woman was staring at the two of them watching them argue. A large number of Black Manta's men were also present.
"If you return to Atlantis Orin will have you executed, it's the law." Said Black Manta
"So? Let him try!" Snarled Aqualad "I am not to be kept away from the only home I have ever known!"
"Kaldur you are being unreasonable!" Said the blonde woman "Why will you not go with your father? You will still be aloud to go in the sea and will not be treated as a traitor..."
"It is not leaving Atlantis that would bother me but rather being in a situation where it may be asked of me to fight my friends."
"Kaldur..." Black Manta started
"No! My decision is final!" Aqualad Snapped "I am returning to Atlantis, if only to show Orin that I am the son of Black Manta and I am not afraid of him!"
There was a pause that lasted a few seconds but for those present it seemed like it lasted several hours. Both parents and child were eyeing each other waiting to see the other's response, for the other to make a move or say something. Black Manta broke the silence :
"If that is your choice my son, then I won't stop you. Your courage is truly something to be admired."
"It is not so much courage as my honour being questioned. I have never harmed Orin or planned to betray him, yet he still questions my loyalty now that he has discovered my relation to you."
"I see... So you plan to leave when?" Asked Black Manta.
"Now, there is no point in delaying further..."
Aqualad glanced away, there was uncertainty is his voice and eyes. For a moment, his parents saw the young six year old half-Atlantean who had lived for all his life on the land about to take his first step into the ocean. It was the same uncertainty and fear. He glanced back at them. His parent's opened their arms. Aqualad through himself into them, needing reassurance. The hug wasn't long but it was enough to comfort the teen. He pulled away looking determined.
"Good luck, Kaldur'ahm..." Said his mother, Sha'lain'a
"Give Orin no mercy." Black Manta said
"I won't... father..."
Aqualad turned his back. A fiery mix of courage and determination burned in his eyes as he walked towards the air lock at the back of the submarine. Black Manta's men got out of his way some occasionally nodding in respect. He had made his choice and now, he was marching towards what was likely to be his death.