Greetings fellow readers and writers! I would just like to say that I'm very proud of myself for posting my next chapter on the day I said I would. I would also like to say that after this chapter, I only have one more written to post. If you want me to write more in addition to the ones I did for homework, please review and tell me so! I'm honestly not too happy with this chapter, but I hope you all enjoy some more Batman and Robin antics!
Arthur paddled lazily around the outskirts of Atlantis, waving occasionally when he passed by a sentry or civilian. It was the first day in months that he didn't have any kingly obligations or duties as Aquaman, and he enjoyed being able to drift along the current with no responsibilities.
"King Orin!" Arthur glanced over to see Tula, his head pupil at the Atlantis Conservatory of Magic and secretary in training, rushing his way. "Good morning, sir. I don't mean to bug you on your day off, but Professor Ahmi has some paperwork that she wants you to look at, and Mera told me to tell you that the guard in the Northern quadrant wanted to discuss some new dynamics and-"Tula, enough." He chuckled. "Tell Ahmi and Mera that I will handle everything tomorrow, but today is my day off, and I wish to spend it relaxing. As for the Northern quadrant, I trust you can handle it?"
"O-of course, King Orin. I am sorry to bug you. I suppose I'll see you tomorrow, then?" with a nod from her elder Tula glided off, leaving Orin to himself again.
That's right. No guards to deal with, no protégés to train, no civilians to save, and no crazy bats to please. Today it's just me, myself, and-
The man mentally groaned as his communicator went off with a high pitched beeping. After a moment of consideration he reluctantly held the com to his ear and answered, "Aquaman."
"Batman." The unmistakable, monotone voice of Gotham's hero echoed through his earpiece. "Your assistance is needed in Gotham. Be at the Batcave in 15 minutes."
This time Arthur groaned loudly into the speaker. "Bats you know this is my day off. Can't you get somebody else to do it? I'm sure Flash would be more than happy to-"
"Flash is in Central City on his own assignment. Besides, we need your expertise for this mission."
"Fine," he sighed after a moment, "I'll be there in 15 minutes."
"Good. Batman out."
With another sigh Aquaman swam to the Batcave's coordinates, wondering what on Earth the Bat would need his help with.
So much for my day off…
15 minutes later Aquaman was wading in a very large, bat-shaped pool. Staring down at him was the Dark Knight himself, arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
"Good morning, Batman. I trust you're having a better day than I am." At the Caped Crusader's glare the semi-aquatic hero made his way to the edge of the pool and hoisted himself out of the water. "Well I'm here. What is it you need my help with?"
"Robin and I are going on a deep undercover mission to obtain information on Lex Luthor's new beach side resort here in Gotham. We suspect he may be scheming against Wayne Enterprises. For the purpose of this mission, Robin and I both need to appear as guests at the resort."
"And where do I come into this?"
"You are going to teach Robin how to surf."
"What?! Batman this is ridiculous. Of all the days you could ask me to do something so trivial-"
"The mission" Batman interrupted sharply "is never trivial." Aquaman winced at the Batglare sent in his direction. After a moment of consideration, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
"Alright. I will do it. So where is Robin, anyway?"
"GERONIMOOOOO!" Batman and Aquaman both whipped around to see Robin swinging on his grappling hook like a pendulum over the water before letting go and diving into the pool with an impressive display of acrobatics. Once he was done the sopping Boy Wonder paddled to the edge of the pool, where he looked up at the older heroes expectantly.
"Robin" Batman started "Aquaman has agreed to teach you how to surf. I assume you will be on your best behavior?"
"Of course, Bats! How could I ever live with myself if I disrespected the King of Atlantis?"
Aquaman suppressed an eye roll and clapped his hands together. "Well then, let's get started."
As Aquaman and Robin paddled out to the middle of the pool on their respective surfboards (The Batcave has EVERYTHING), Batman walked over to a large switch. When he pressed it, a soft whirring was heard as a machine came to life.
"On the East side of the pool is a large spring that, when activated, will push a connected structure back and forth through the water and produce artificial waves for you both to use. From here I can change the speed and size of the waves." On cue, the water started to rise and fall as small waves glided over the surface. The waves slowly picked up in size, and when Aquaman was pleased with the size he began.
"Alright, Robin, the main thing you want to remember when surfing is to keep your surfboard moving longitudinal to the movement of the waves. You want to make sure you move parallel to the movement of the water. The second your board starts to angle off, you will fall. Understand?"
"Got it." Before Aquaman could get another word in Robin swam towards an oncoming wave. He swiftly hopped to his feet and, like the acrobat he is, started to climb up the crest of the wave with perfect balance. After a moment of success, a second wave moving transverse to the original collided with the first, sending Robin off his board and into the water with a large splash. Aquaman pushed himself over to the sputtering hero and helped the boy back onto his surfboard.
"Well that went well." Robin replied sarcastically.
"You had the right idea. What you failed to remember, however, is that there is more than one path of waves being created. Each one moves at a different frequency, so you must be prepared for when waves cross each other."
"So… that means when two waves meet I have to accommodate for their destructive interference, and re- angle my board in the appropriate direction?" Aquaman smiled slightly. Smart boy.
"Yes, exactly. Now why don't you try again?" With a nod Robin again paddled out to the turbulent water. Alright. Robin thought to himself. This is just like physics. Each waves' period lasts approximately 3 seconds, which gives me about 2 seconds to climb the wave. When the second wave hits, the resultant moves off about 30 degrees to the left. As long as I move my board at the time of the collision I should be good to go. The Boy Wonder made it to the middle of the pool. He watched intently as a fresh wave sailed closer.
"You can do this." He muttered to himself. "You're Robin, the boy who can do anything. You can handle some water no sweat." The wave was coming to its full height now, and Robin paddled frantically to keep up. Reaching the top, he stood up on the surfboard with ease, arms spread out to keep his balance and eyes glued forward. He flew on top of the wave, and when the second wave neared he took a deep breath.
"Just a little to the left…" in one swift motion the young hero made the turn, staying upright and dry while he continued on the wave's path. "Perfect." He let a large grin come to his face, and a cackle escaped his lips.
"Hey Batman!" the boy shouted. "This is pretty easy! You should come and try it- whoah!" Suddenly Robin flew forward, flapping his arms wildly as he soared through the air. Aquaman and Batman both visibly winced when he hit the water with an echoing smack.
"Robin!"
After 10 seconds Robin still hadn't surfaced, and Aquaman swam as fast as he could to where the boy crashed. Just when he neared the surfboard bobbing in the water, the Boy Wonder sprung out to the surface next to him, an even bigger smile than before plastered on his face. "That was awesome!" He shouted. "Let's go again. Hey Bats, pump up the amplitude!"
Two hours later Aquaman and Robin were sitting on the side of the Batpool's wing, catching their breath. As it turns out Aquaman was rusty after not surfing for almost 3 years, and Robin – always a fast learner – had quickly surpassed his teacher. While they sat in comfortable silence, Aquaman thought to himself:
Maybe today wasn't as bad as it could have been. Robin was unusually well behaved, and he definitely makes for a good time. Still, I'd like to spend at least some of my off day just relaxing.
Aquaman stood up from the floor and stretched out his stiff limbs. "Well, Robin, this was more entertaining than I had feared. Thank you for a good time. However, I do believe I'll be going now. Mera is probably wondering where I am."
Robin stood up after the elder hero and shook his hand. "Sure thing, Aquaman. And thanks for teaching me. It'll definitely come in handy tomorrow." The two started walking towards the Batcave's main, land-based exit.
"Yes, Batman was mentioning something about that… So tell me more about this undercover mission you two are going on. I was not aware that Lex Luthor had opened up a beach resort." Robin stopped walking, and glanced up at the hero with a confused expression on his face.
"Undercover mission?"
"Batman told me the reason you needed to learn how to surf was to maintain cover for an undercover mission at some beach resort." The Boy Wonder's confused look turned into a smirk. Batman… As they reached the exit and Aquaman started to leave, Robin turned around to walk away. As the two split ways the younger called over his shoulder.
"Oh no, we're not going on any mission tomorrow. In fact, we're taking the day off to go to the beach and relax. After all, everybody deserves a break once and a while."
Before Aquaman could reply the door to the Batcave slammed shut, and the sea faring man was left walking home in simmering frustration.
Guess we know who Robin got his trolling habits from. I mean, let's be real - Batman can pull some pretty funny stunts, especially when they benefit himself. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Remember, leave a comment telling me whether or not you want me to continue these one-shots. Also, I've been brain storming a couple action/adventure stories as well, so stay posted for those!
~The Vernaculist
