Chapter 10: Downtime
Gotham City
August 27, 06:17 EDTEight days have passed since Kent's death. During that time I've been busy setting up Extremis for when I'm ready. It's almost complete, I just need to run some more tests before I can inject it into me. I also have the Mark 50 ready to be used.
Artemis and M'gann have been by my side, keeping me company so that I don't get consumed by my guilt. Even Raven sensed my guilt and was shockingly enough caring about me and what I'm going through. I forgot that she was an empath but I didn't think that she would warm up to me, it's possible it's because of the chosen one thing. It's still nice though in any case. They truly are the best any guy could ask for. Eventually, Batman called us for a mission about Clayface. We suit up and go to the location he sent us. I'm wearing the Mark 46 armor which is way stronger than its predecessor.
A few moments later I was thrown into the wall again. Damn Clayface is stronger than I thought. Everything was going well until Aqualad hesistated for a brief moment which leads us to this current situation. I hear Aqualad fire a few water blasts and heard Clayface ice over. Clayface hit Aqualad again and sent him flying in the air which knocked him out. Aqualad fell right next to all of his other teammates. Clayface walked up to me and turned his hand into a mace before lifting it up into the air, ready to give another blow.
Then, Batman crashed through the glass skyscraper and threw some bat-a-rangs. They imbedded themselves into Clayface's arm and blew up. This gives me the opportunity to some taser tags onto him. They electrify him but he doesn't go down. Batman landed behind him and shot a taser gun at him which shocks Clayface more and melts him altogether. It was over.
Mount Justice
August 27, 07:58 EDT"I need to talk to Aqualad. The rest of you, hit the showers and head home." Batman said as we came out of the Zeta-Tubes.
"Head home? I am home." Superboy said sarcastically, walking by Batman.
Batman ignored him as Aqualad, Robin, and myself stop in front of him.
"Just Aqualad." Batman told us. I nod knowing where this conversation is going and head to my quarters to clean my armor of the clay.
While Robin walked away, giving Aqualad a jealous look.
"I am sorry you had to intervene. I know the Team performed poorly-" Aqualad started to say, but Batman interrupted him.
"The Team performed adequately. The problem was you. You're their second in command and your head wasn't in the game." Batman cut off. Aqualad looked up sharply.
"No, you are-" Aqualad tried to say, but sigh at that and continued "correct."
Batman narrowed his eyes, while Aqualad looked away. "Of late, I am not even convinced I belong on the surface-world. For so many years, it filled my every thought. But now that I am here, my dreams are all Atlantis."
"Atlantis. Or someone you left behind?" Batman questioned, making Aqualad's head rise again.
"You can split your time between the surface and the sea, but not your mind. You're here, 100%, or you need to walk away. Make a decision Kaldur and make it soon." Batman saidsharply and walked away, leaving Aqualad to his thoughts.
After I finish cleaning my suit, I see Aqualad heading to the Zeta tubes.
"Hey Kaldur" I call out to him "Is everything alright?"
"I'm having a bit of a crisis" he said to me honestly "I'm heading back to Atlantis to center myself"
"Oh cool, you mind if I tag along?" I ask him with a smile. "I always wanted to see the legendary city"
"I don't see why not. The Stark family has earned the respect of Atlantis and since you trusted Aquaman with your origins I think he would be honored to have you in his kingdom" Kaldur reasoned.
"Awesome" I exclaimed "let me go get my suit"
Poseidonis
August 27, 13:00 UTC-2Recognized Aqualad B-02
Recognized Iron Man B-09.
Kaldur and I arrive at Atlantis. I'm currently wearing the Rubber Duckie armor that I saw Tony create in the tv show Avengers Assembles. It looks more badass than the hydro armor to which I also built as a precursor to this.
We swam to Aquaman who was waiting for us.
"Greetings, Kaldur'ahm and David Stark" Aquaman A.K.A. King Arthur said to his protégé and myself in Atlantean. Aqualad taught me the language of his people should I ever find myself in Atlantis. I was honored that he taught me this language.
Kaldur lifted his arm in salute and I bow to the King.
"King Orin." Kaldur'ahm and I acknowledged.
The mentor, his protégé and the Iron Knight started swimming together, side by side.
"The Queen and I are hosting an intimate dinner tonight. You will attend?" King Arthur asked us in Atlantean.
"Your Majesty... There is someone... Special... I hoped to see tonight." Kaldur said to his king shyly.
King Arthur just laughed.
"You may invite a friend." The King said as he looks at me "What of you David?"
"I wish to explore Atlantis with Kaldur'ahm as my guide before joining you and your wife, Your Highness" I said to him in perfect Atlantean. He was impressed by my skill in the language.
"Very Well. Until tonight" he said with him separating himself from us.
Kaldur and I swam through the Conservatory of Sorcery, seeing many of the students using magic to make little shows and stuff. One of them was L'goon boy who was practicing his sorcery. I must say that it was magnificent to see in person. I can see the students looking at me in awe. I don't know if they know who I am but I don't want to anger sorcerer Atlanteans underwater so I keep moving with Kaldur.
Kaldur swam up behind a student with an octopus face. He was making something on the wall and rambling about how he wouldn't finish in time.
"Topo, the workmanship is magnificent." Aqualad complemented in English
Topo,turned around at the sight of Aqualad and myself. Topo just looks at me in awe and starts frantically shaking my hand.
"By Neptune's beard, you're Iron Man also known as David Stark. The King mentioned you and you're exploits both in and out of the armor. It's such an honor to meet you." He said to me in excitement. I guess the people of Atlantis do know who I am. Didn't think I'll be famous down here. "Please come watch and listen" he says to us as he gestures to the tapestry in front of us.
We were enveloped in a blue vortex and a little slideshow thing started.
"Our beloved king was at the mercy of the vile ocean master." Topo, started to say.
King Arthur was slightly bowing to a man with a trident.
"But two students, Kaldur'ahm and Garth, intervened, allowing the Aquaman to triumph!" Topo said, happily.
Kaldur and another student were using magic to help the king, and Aquaman was defeating the ocean master once more.
"Impressed with both their valor, Aquaman offered both young heroes the opportunity to be his protégé." Topo said.
The student and Kaldur were bowing in front of King Arthur.
"Garth chose to continue his studies at the Conservatory of Sorcery." Topo said, and continued on to the magnificant story.
The student was mastering a watery vortex.
"But the brave Kaldur accepted his King's offer: Aqualad!" Topo shouted.
A picture of Aquaman and Aqualad appeared. Aqualad's belt buckle glowed blue and the pictures disappeared.
"Kaldur, I mean Aqualad..." Topo said to Kaldur, who was a little bit day dreaming.
"Oh it is very good" he said to Topo.
"Very good? It was downright amazing. You have talent. Keep up the good work and you'll become someone to remember." I said to Topo.
"Oh thank you thank you thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me" Topo said happily to us "Uh, do you think it's alright that I put myself in? I know I was not really there but I-" Topo ask, nervously.
"It is fine." Kaldur cut off, touching the picture.
"Do you know where I might find Kira now...And Garth and Tula?" Kaldur asked.
"On the roof, at their studies." Topo informed him.
Kira? That's not a character that was mentioned in the show before. What's going on here?
Two students were sparring with their magic, Queen Mera, their master, and a girl with long red hair wearing an outfit similar to Tulsa's were watching. Tula shot a blast and Garth held up a shield.
"Your technique is excellent but your choices remain predictable. Combat sorcery demands improvisation." Queen Mera said, then spotted Kaldur and I swimming up.
"Kaldur'ahm, oh it's so good to see you!" Queen Mera greeted him as she then looked at me "Mr. Stark it's an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine, your highness" I said to her with a bow. "I had heard rumors that the Queen of this illustrious city was a beauty. I can see now that their words are only a unjust simplification. You are truly a sight that put most women to shame."
"Oh such a charmer" she says to me with a smile "my husband could learn a thing or two from you."
"I doubt it, your highness. If he was able to capture your heart, then the king is truly a lucky man to have you at your side." I said to the Queen.
"Well you have certainly given me an excellent impression of you Mr. Stark" said Queen Mera until Kaldur had something to say.
"Apologies My Queen, we did not mean to interrupt." Kaldur said saluting her.
"It is well. I have another class. Will I see you at dinner?" Queen Mera asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Kaldur answered.
Queen Mera smiled at the answered he said.
"We shall talk then. Till we meet again Mr. Stark" Queen Mera smiled and swam away.
Kira looks at him with a smile "you look well Kaldur"
"Yea you look great" Said Tula.
"Yes, surface-life agrees with you." Said Garth.
Kaldur turned confused. "You speak as if I have been gone for years, but it has only been-"
"Two months" they say to him with sad expressions.
"That long? Then I must make up for lost time. Kira, would you accompany me to dinner tonight, at the palace?" Kaldur asked Kira. Kira and Garth share a look. One that I recognize, it's a look of conflict. So in this timeline, Kira is Aqualads love interest and currently dating Garth but they have never told him. Tula seems to be single and just a friend. This is interesting.
"I wish I could invite you as well." Kaldur said, placing a hand on Garth's shoulder.
"I made that choice long ago." Garth said while looking at Kira.
I then talk to Kaldurs friends, especially Tula. Her death in the show was indeed heartbreaking and she seems like a girl who could've become someone great if she hadn't died. But now that someone new has filled the slot for Aqualads love then maybe I can prevent such deaths.
"So you are the ones Kaldur keeps talking about" I said to them "it's an honor to meet you."
They all look at me with awe in their faces. How famous am I here.
Tula talks first with excitement in her voice "It's such a pleasure to meet you Mr. Stark. Our king has told us much about what you and your family has done to preserve the purity of the ocean. Because of you our waters have never felt so clean in a long time."
"Indeed, you're contribution both as Iron Man and a Stark have truly made an impact on Atlantis." Said Garth.
"The honor is ours Mr. Stark for your presence here is one to talk about." said Kira
It is true about what they say about my family and I cleaning the oceans. Over the years, we have been building alternative ways to decrease the amount of pollution in the seas and create clean energy. It took a while to do but we have succeeded. Unfortunately, we haven't really fixed the pollution problem but we did put a big dent in it and hopefully in a few years it will cease to exist. This is why the Stark name is a name of veneration in Atlantis. I also allowed Aquaman to tell his people about my other life but to keep it a secret from my parents and the rest of the world. I mean not many Atlanteans leave the seas unless absolutely necessary so my secret is safe. In all honesty, I didn't think that I would be so outwardly famous in Atlantis though which amazes me. I guess I do more good than I realized.
"Tula, if I may be so bold, I was wondering if you would like to join me to dinner with Kaldur tonight" I ask her curiously.
"Really?" she asks me with a blush "Why me?"
"I think you are a very capable sorcerer and fighter. I highly doubt the king and queen would deny your presence to join us. So would you like to?" I reason with her. She takes a minute to respond.
"Oh yes, definitely" she says with a smile.
"Fantastic. I shall see you then" I said to her.
"We have another class to get to but we will see you tonight." Kira said and swam away, dragging Garth and Tula by the arms.
Kaldur and I watched them go with a small smile on our faces face.
"You have to tell him." Garth said to Kira as they swam away.
"It is disturbing, to say the least. The creature is frozen, has been frozen for millennia. Yet somehow, it still lives. We have even detected brainwaves. Needless to say, Prince Orm, the study of this find is the Science Centers highest priority." The director of the Science Center said to Prince Orm.
"All security protocols are in place. No un-authorized personal gets in or out." A guard told the Prince.
"Excellent." Prince Orm said.
Meanwhile in Mount Justice, Connor sat on the couch, watching the no signal channel.
"Would you like me to turn that on?" Megan asked.
"No thanks" He said.
She frowned at his answered, but then smiled and ask. "Well, would you like to help me make dinner?"
"Sure" he said. Connor has been more open to helping people than he did in canon. He's more emotional open than he was before. This is mainly because of me and Superman. We have helped Connor develop into being a person and have both guided him to become a hero in his own right. He has Superman's heart which is good. That is what's important. No doubt he could surpass the man of steel himself one day.
Megan started going down a long list of ingredients and floated them over to Connor. As she searched through the fridge. She wasn't watching where she throws stuff, and stopped when she heard something clatter behind her. She looked behind her and saw Connor covered in milk, eggs, tomatoes, and flour, with a bowl on his head.
"Oops." She said as she grabs a rag.
She walked forward, and knocked the bowl off his head and helped him clean the mess. Within a few minutes they start to laugh about the situation. Connor and M'gann have a brother and sister type of relationship. They care about each other greatly and they have each other's back no matter what.
Red Tornado soon walked into the room to see Megan chopping onions, and Superboy going to change his clothes and assist M'gann in the kitchen. If he had a face, I think Red Tornado would be smiling at the display. Two kids getting along and helping each other. Red Tornado is one of the most human machines, second to Friday, ever created. Maybe one day, he can live as one.
Back in Atlantis, a drill came out of the ground, followed by a few minions.
"Hold, intruders!" Two guards yelled, swimming up.
The minion shot the two guards and swam after the drill. One guard managed to get up, but was quickly stopped by none other than Black Manta.
"That was careless, Alpha Squad. Don't let it happen again." The villain threatened them.
Alpha Squad nodded their heads. "No sir."
Black Manta nodded.
"All squads report." He commanded through the com.
"Beta Squad ready." One minion said.
"Gama Squad ready." Another minion said.
"Delta Squad ready." Then another minion said.
"Omega Squad ready." And the last minion said.
"Phase One complete. Initiate Phase Two." Black Manta ordered.
All the squads placed a device somewhere near where they are.
"All squads report. Manta Stings in place and ready. Phase Two complete." One minion said.
Gotham City
August 27, 20:04 EDTDick was practicing his acrobatics but was angry at the whole situation with Batman and Aqualad. The reason he was angry was because he hates being left out of the loop. He has to know everything since that was what he was taught or else he cant figure out what to do.
"Just Aqualad." Dick mumbled.
He then back flipped, have expectedly to land gracefully on a beam, but falling down instead. He quickly recovered by back springing and ran into a wall. He then punch the concrete wall making a big dent on it.
Batman sees this from the monitors of the bat cave.
The door to the gym opened and Alfred Pennyworth, their butler, cleared his throat. "Master Bruce wishes to see you."
The butler led them to the basketball court, where Bruce threw a ball at Dick, who easily caught it.
"What's this?" Dick asked.
"Training. Hand-eye coordination." Bruce said.
"One on one?" Dick asks
"If you think you can handle it" said Bruce. They then start to play the game with Alfred smiling at the site. He's glad to see that his surrogate son taking the time to be a father to Dick despite his job as Batman. He's proud of the man he is and what he has become.
"A gigantic echinoderm, frozen, yet still alive. Of course, at this point, our data is quite limited, but Dr. Voldko thinks the creature is very promising." Prince Orm told everyone in the dinner table. I had my helmet collapse into my armor in order to eat the food. I must admit it's very good. Kaldur was able to conjure an air bubble for me so that I could be able to eat at the table. He's grown accustomed to using his magic more. Tula blushed after see my face.
"Fascinating" I tell the prince. To know much about the ancient sea life has always fascinated me. The sea has many ancient things buried beneath its waters. Its a place where civilizations of the past now reside. I'm cut out of my thoughts when I hear Kaldur talk.
Kaldur leaned towards Kira. "I am considering rejoining you at the Conservatory."
Kira did not look too excited about that. I learned more about Kira during my time at the dinner table. She is Tula's older sister and assistant to the queen. When she is not in class learning, she is helping the queen teach due to her advanced sorcery skills. Kira and Kaldur were practically inseparable along with Tula and Garth. Kaldur would eventually grow an attraction towards her but never had the courage to tell her.
Queen Mera then heard what he said. "You realize you left your studies a long time ago. Your sorcery skills, however, are still intact but there is still need of improvement. You would no longer be in Kira's class, or Garth's or Tula's"
"I've had Kaldur train himself to keep his skills up to par. I'm not sure how much he needs to know but I think it would be useful if he was taught more spells to use when facing opponents" I said to her. I could see Kira, Tula and the Queen have admired looks that I was considerate of Kaldurs magical capabilities.
"I agree with David" Tula says. We agreed to call each other by our first names. She is a very good conversationalist and really cute.
"Very well" Said the Queen "But you would need a tutor"
"I may know one who could" Said Kaldur as he looks at Kira. She puts on a smile but it soon changes when he looks away. It's a look of sadness. I see this and know what's about to happen. I do feel sorry for him. I was in the same situation in my world but I was always rejected. No girl wanted to be with me at least the ones that I had interest in. I hope Kira doesn't die or else Kaldur would really be depressed.
Central City
August 27, 20:05 CDT"Here, let me get that." Barry Allen A.K.A. The Flash said.
And then started clearing the table with his speed. Wally quickly finished his plate and stood up. Which Barry quickly took it and to the kitchen.
"Thanks Uncle Barry." Wally said and followed his uncle.
"You're welcome, Kid." The older speedster replied back.
"You're a lucky lady, Iris. Our Wally certainly isn't that fast, not when it comes to clearing the table." Wally's mother said to Iris.
"Mom" Wally yelled "I'll have you know that I'm getting faster now because of David's training"
"We know sweetheart" Said Wally's Mom.
Joan, Jay's wife, spoke up next. "My Jay was the same way, believe me."
Jay, the Flash before Barry, looked at her with a look that said 'really?'.
"I know, I know. You're a retired speedster and since it's your birthday we won't argue." Joan said, patting her husband's hand.
"Wally's is gettting fast." Barry said, who was coming out of the kitchen holding a cake. "We're suddenly out of ice cream."
"Wally!" His mother screamed, catching him with a spoon in his mouth and an empty two quart carton in his hands.
"Uh... Happy birthday." Wally said, sheeply.
In Atlantis, King Orin and Queen Mera stood up with excitement in their eyes.
"We have an announcement. I am with child." Queen Mera said with a big smile.
"Oh, that is wonderful!" Kira said, springing up and hugging her teacher with Tula not far behind her.
Kaldur swam forward and put his hand on King Arthur's shoulder. I just clapped and praised them both for their legacy.
"Congratulations. An heir to the throne at last!" Aqualad said excitedly.
Prince Orm stood up and Kaldur bowed his head at his mistake.
"Apologies Prince Orm, I did not mean-" Kaldur started to apologise, but Prince Orm interrupted him.
"No fear Kaldur. No one can be more thrilled at this news than I!" Prince Orm said happily, holding his brother at arm's length. I really doubt that
"Thank you brother." King Arthur said, then turned to Kira, Kaldur, Tula and myself. "Thanks to you all!"
Then King Arthur and Queen Mera started making out. Prince Orm looked away with a teasing look, Kaldur just looked at Kira while Tula looked at me with a blush on her face. I could tell that she was crushing on me and I didn't mind. I gave her a wink and she blushes even more.
The moment was ruined when King Arthur's com went off.
"Superman to Aquaman. League emergency in Tokyo Bay. Rendez-vous at the Watchtower." The Man of Steel informed the Atlantian.
King Arthur pressed his com. "Acknowledged. It seems I must take my leave." King Orin said and turned to Kaldur. "Swim with me."
Aquaman and Aqualad swam towards the Zeta-Portal leaving me with everyone else to converse.
"Batman has made me aware of your... dilemma." The King said.
Kaldur looked surprise and looked away in shame.
"I know from personal experience that it can be difficult to live there and love here." King Arthur said as they stopped in front of the Zeta-Portal.
Recognized Aquaman 0-6
Aquaman, turned to Kaldur and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I am confident that you will make the right choice."
Kaldur smiled and saluted. Aquaman nodded and swam into the portal. Kaldur turned away and swam back. I get notification from Friday of incoming hostiles. It's time.
"Friday, send the Iron Legion. We are going to need backup" I tell her.
"On their way Boss" she said to me
Black Manta's troops appeared behind some pillars, leaving the palace guards unaware.
"Omega Squad is in position. Initiate Phase Three."
Kira and Kaldur are talking in the garden. I imagine the conversation is about Kaldur staying because of her and she telling him that she's with Garth. I'm sure it's an emotional conversation but right now we need to mobilize. My helmet comes back on and I relay the threat that is coming to Tula and the Queen. I contact Aqualad with my communicator.
"Aqualad, we got trouble incoming" I tell him. As soon as I said that, Black Mantas troops move in. Explosions were heard throughout Atlantis. They were damaging its infrastructure and firing at the guards who were trying to help civilians out of the rubble. Kaldur and Kira begin to attack them.
Queen Mera, Tula and I along with the rest of the guards go to the front of the palace where we see a good amount of Manta's troops coming at us. I go ahead with the help of my thrusters and start attacking. I fire a series of repulsor beams and rockets at them which thins them out considerably. Unfortunately, a few still able to fight swam past me to shoot the Queen and her entourage. The Queen and Tula fire impressive amounts of magic at them while Prince Orm and the guards fire their weapons at the troops. We were easily able to defeat them but more started to come in a bigger wave. I see Kaldur and Kira appear next to us as they fight the troops.
"This attack was precision planned. The initial explosions were lured in for ambush." Kaldur explained as he fought.
Kira destroyed a column knocking more troops out. She flew by Queen Mera, who used a manta ray shield as a knockout blast. Kaldur took out a few by using combat and throwing a giant boulder on top of a few. I was still shooting my repulsors and other explosive projectiles. The troops were quickly sucked in by a vortex and were spilled out the other side by Kira.
"Kira!" Garth screamed, swimming up, not noticing the troop behind him. I see this as I use my thrusters to get them but was blocked by some troopers. I can't get to them in time.
"Garth, look out!" Kira swam forward and was about to take the shot for him until one of my legionnaires appeared in front of the blast. The legionnaire was I damaged due to the shields I implanted in their systems. The legionnaire blasts the trooper with a repulsor blast and goes on to fight the rest. 40 legionnaires that I summoned appeared on the battlefield assisting the royal guard.
"Is everyone ok?" I ask them once I finished dealing with the troopers.
"Yea we are fine. What are those things" asked Kira.
"Those are my Iron Legion and right now they are the Calvary." I said to her. She nods in acceptance for that answer. All of us then continue to fight as we see the Queen summon Octopus tentacles as her tattoos start to glow. Many of the troops stood little chance against her power. We assisted her with the strays.
Prince Orm fires his gun at one of the troopers and tells us "Surface communications are down. We cannot reach King Orin! Summon more troops to the palace."
"The palace was not the only target. I witnessed explosions in sectors 1,2,3, and 5." Garth said.
"Nothing in sector 4?" Kaldur asked and swam forward. "Explosions all over the city except for where the Science Center is located, where your giant sea star is stored."
"Then it is all a diversion." Prince Orm said, also swimming forward. "But with the king away, I must protect the Queen and the heir."
"I need no protection! Go!" Queen Mera said, speaking up.
"No Mera. If you suffered any injury, my brother would never forgive me." Prince Orm said.
"She won't be alone. My legionnaires will assist her in this fight. They are durable and can very well take these guys down." I said to him. I can tell that he doesn't like this idea.
"Iron Man is right. With his legionnaires the Queen will be safe. In the meantime, this battle is mine." Kaldur said, swimming forward.
"And mine." Garth said.
"Mine too" Said Kira.
"Don't forget about me" Said Tula.
"Your not leaving me behind Kaldur. We are a part of a team. Your battles are mine" I tell him with confidence.
Kaldur looked at us with a smile on his face and nods. His water bearers glowed we swam forward knocking out troops along the way.
Gotham City
August 27, 22:06 EDTWithin the penthouse, Artemis listened to the TV as she inspected her new arrows from me. Her mother, Paula Crock who was now walking without any assistance in a wheel chair took something out for Artemis.
"This came in the mail for you!" She said excitedly.
"You opened it? Mom!" Artemis complained, taking the paper from her.
"Just read it!" Paula said excitedly.
Artemis began to read the mail, and was surprised to read it.
"I've been awarded a full Stark Foundation Scholarship to the Gotham Academy? But I didn't apply." Artemis said confused until she realized. "David did this didn't he?"
Paula still had a smile on her face. "Yes he did, he wanted you to have a good education from a prestigious school. Besides, I may have threatened him to do it." She gives off a sheepish grin when she says that.
Artemis just laughs at that knowing full well that her mother is the one person that can scare me to do anything especially now that she can walk.
Once she stops laughing, she starts thinking "Are you sure about this? What about my friends in Gotham North?" She asks her mother.
"Honey, I want you to have the life that I never had and with David's help, you can do that." Paula said to her daughter. Artemis agreed that with my help, she and her family can have a life outside of the cowl. She thinks for a few minutes and then looks at her mother with a smile.
"Ok Mom I'll go" Artemis said as she gives her mother a hug.
Meanwhile in Atlantis, Kaldur, Kira, Tula, Garth and I are heading to the science center. Guards at the Science Center tried to defend the sea star but it was no use, they were immobilized by the beams. Black Manta looked at the sea star passively.
"Objective secure. Manta Sub, Phase Four." The Manta Sub said and flew above the Science Center.
We swam into the Science Center as the beam from the Manta Sub melted the glass, the troops put rope around the frozen sea star and readied it for transportation.
"Check the perimeter. As soon as the sub melts through the dome, we take our prize and go." Black Manta said.
As we swim through the halls, two troopers appear around the corner. I blast my thrusters and slam them both into a wall, knocking them out.
"Alright, Aqualad, Garth you take the uniforms of the troopers and blend in. Try to find a way to prevent them from taking the sea star. The rest of us will be right behind you while being invisible." I told them while Kira and Tula were confused on the invisible part. I take out two camo tech devices that can be activated once placed into a persons chest. They did so and became invisible while I do the same for my suit.
Black Manta gave something to a troop and spotted two others. The two went to the sea star and checked the clasps. Black Manta saw something on one of the troops, and swam up behind them.
"Impressive, isn't it? Aqualad." Black Manta said.
Aqualad then started shooting, along with Garth. But Black Manta just swam away and shot a red beam from his eyes. Black Manta then shot again, missing, and hitting a wall.
Aqualad took off his helmet and pulled out his Water Bearers, deflecting all the blasts Black Manta blast. A water rope grabbed a troop's ankle and pulled him down, being used him as a shield from Black Manta. Aqualad turned to the villain.
"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!" Black Manta said.
Then Garth took off his helmet as Manta shoots at him. Kira was able to form a shield to block the blast and exits camo mode along with me and Tula. We are all fighting against the troopers with a mixture of magic, tech and combat skill.
The Manta Sub finished melting the dome. A clasp replaced the laser and started to drop down towards the sea star. Black Manta fought Aqualad and Garth, who fought with incredible skill. A rocket launcher appeared out of Black Manta's shoulder and shot at the two, encasing them in smoke. A trooper aimed his gun but he was abruptly stopped by me shooting him with my repulsors.
Aqualad jumped out of the smoke and aimed for Black Manta but he jumped out of the way. Black Manta shot at Aqualad but he put up a water-shield and lunged. The two exchanged and dodged blows. I do not intervene since that is his fight. I'm facing off at 10 troopers while Garth stood behind a column firing at some other troopers near the sea star with Kira and Tula fighting their own troopers. I noticed one trooper secure the clasp to the sea star.
"Garth, the cable" I shout as I was bombarded by lasers from a few troopers.
Garth shot an electric blast, stopping the sea star from rising any further. Some of the ice broke, releasing the sea stars tentacle. Black Manta saw the tentacle move somewhat and moved towards it. Aqualad shot a water rope and pulled him back. He sent electricity down the rope, but Black Manta got out free, sending Aqualad into the wall.
"If I can't have it, no one can!" Black Manta shouted angrily, and shot several missiles at the sea star. I was able to shoot him knocking him back but it was too late.
Garth swam forward and put up a shield with Aqualad around them while Tula and Kira form a shield around me and them to protecting us from the explosion. When they released their shields, we saw that the Manta Sub fly away.
Poseidonis
September 3, 21:08 UTC-2"Our city was heavily damaged and only a few Atlanteans were injured." King Arthur told his brother. "But it could've been far worse."
He then placed a hand on Queen Mera's stomach and his unborn child. "I am grateful to you all." Once the battle was over my legionnaires were sent back to the cave.
Aquaman looks at me "Thank you Mr. Stark for protecting my family and people. You have proven yourself a true friend to Atlantis. From this day forward, you shall be known as the Barsen'thor of Atlantis."
I tilt my head in confusion. I never heard of such a title before "What is a Barsen'thor, your highness?"
"The Baresen'thor is a ceremonial rank that is rarely given to surface worlders but it is a rank similar to that of a commander who holds authority second to that of us. They help guard and protect Atlantis during times of crisis. If it wasn't for you and your Legion many Atlanteans were saved from death and did not suffer many injuries. You are deserving of the rank for you have displayed great leadership when this whole attack happened" Said Queen Mera.
I don't know what to say and the most logical thing I could do is kneel before them.
"I am unworthy of such an honor" I said to them. I couldn't see them smile as I kneel humbly before them.
"Rise Barsen'thor Stark, you are certainly most worthy and I would not give this title to you if you didn't deserve it" Aquaman said to me. I nod my head in thanks still speechless on this reward. I was broken from my thoughts when the prince spoke.
"This contains all that survived from the sea star." Prince Orm said, holding up a case with a small sea star tentacle.
"It is already regenerating. The creature requires further research but with the dome compromised and the Science Center in ruins, we cannot safely secure or study it here in Atlantis." Prince Orm explained.
Prince Orm then glanced at Kaldur. "Perhaps the surface-world can do better."
"I'm sure they will be eager to try. Kaldur." King Arthur said.
Kaldur stepped forward and saluted. "Call me Aqualad, My King."
King Arthur and I gave him a small smile.
Aqualad stood with Kira and Garth by the Zeta-Portal while I talk to Tula
"Kaldur, I-We-That is-" Kira tried to explain, but Kaldur placed a hand on their shoulders.
"I wish you both nothing but the best." Aqualad told the two, happily.
Aqualad and Kira hugged and he headed towards the Zeta-Portal.
"I- uh was wondering if-um-if I asked the Queen to join you and your team in the surface world, w-would you be ok with that?" Tula asks me with such nervousness in her voice. I put my hand on her shoulder to comfort her. She looks to me with a hopeful expression.
"Of course I would be ok with that Tula. There is always spots open to join my team and the more of us the better. I would definitely enjoy your company should you become a part of Young Justice" I say to her. She smiles widely with excitement and hugs me. Everyone who sees this smiles at the display.
"That's wonderful news. I'll ask the Queen once we have Atlantis stable and hope to meet you again" she says to me as she heads back to the King and Queen.
Before we leave, Aqualad turns back to Kira and Garth. "Have you ever wondered what would've happened if I had stayed behind and you would become Aqualad?"
Garth looked at him smiling. "Never."
Kaldur smiled at him. "No. Neither have I."
Aqualad turns to me and says "Thank you David for helping me and my people. The title of barsen'thor is truly a deserving title for you"
"I appreciate that Kaldur" I said to him as we head to the Zeta tube.
Recognized Aqualad B-02
Recognized Iron Man B-09
Aqualad and I exited into the cave to see Batman doing work on the holographic computer. I go switch out my suits knowing full well that we got a mission coming.
"Made your decision?" Batman asked Aqualad, not looking at him.
"The decision is made." Aqualad told the dark Knight.
Batman turned to him for his answer.
"I am here. 100%." Aqualad told him
The rest of Young Justice, including myself, came in walking up behind Batman.
"Just in time for your next mission." The Dark Knight said.
Aqualad nodded.
Then Batman went to explain the mission. "The Watchtower detected an immense power-surge in the Bialyan desert..."
Unknown Location
In the Manta Sub, Black Manta is in a dark room. It is filled with one light, with video screens of dark figures.
"I was unable to secure the objective. And force to execute Plan B." Black Manta explained.
"You did well. Everything will soon fall into place." One of the dark figures said.
Hello guys, I finished another chapter involving Atlantis and Tula. I also created an OC named Kira to take Tula's place in Aqualads heart because since David is a new existence to this world, somethings are gonna happen that he doesn't expect especially meeting new people filling the roles that other characters did in the show.
Also the Atlanteans know who David is because Aquaman told them. He doesn't mind tho because one day everyone will know that he's Iron Man but he wants to be more experienced and more prepared in future when the moment comes for the world to know who he is. I mean it's worked well with Tony so far.
Now I'm sure you're wondering why I gave David the title the barsenthor from Star Wars. I just found it to be badass and it just sounds cool too. So don't judge me.
I also have another story idea. I have a SI/OC get transported into the Arkhamverse as Batman. He lives as Bruce Wayne fighting the battles that was done in the game but is more emotionally open than the original dark knight. He more allowing to work with people. Another idea is an SI/OC who was born as the twin brother of Naruto and shares the Yang chakra of the Kyubbi. He does everything he can to make sure Naruto lives a decent life even if he has to be seen as a demon to do it. He'll help Naruto become the ninja he was meant to be and join him in his quest to be hokage. Both are most likely gonna be harem stories. What do you guys think? Let me know.
I hope that I wrote this chapter well for your entertainment. A lot of things were going on and I tried my best to balance it out and make the characters to be realistic to what I remember from the show and to the changes of the timeline.
I hope you guys enjoy it. Thank you. This is me signing out.