I hate...
Disrespect
Aqualad POV
Three days ago
"Swim along, kid." the commander said. "You may be experienced, but you're no use to this army. Especially against the Neptunians."
"The Neptunians?" I asked, "Who are they?"
"They're a bunch of people who had their genes spliced." he replied, "And as a result they can breathe underwater, have telepathy, and can withstand extreme amounts of pressure, a lot like us. However, they can't control water or talk underwater."
"Except our genes weren't... Spliced." I said, "As you pointed out, they cannot control water, or talk underwater, meaning they must exercise their telepathy." And we control water through our telepathy.
"Correct." he said, "Now swim along. You haven't even graduated from school yet, little fish."
"I've been serving on the surface." I said, "Why can I serve above the ocean, but not in it?"
"You're just a kid." he said, "And one who's not very strong at all. Sure, your skills give you an advantage above the water, but under it? There's not a single Altantean in Mera's school who couldn't beat you." I narrowed my eyes.
"Fine." I said, "You can control water, can you not? I would suggest you answer."
"I can." he answered, "How else do you think I could get to such a high position? Swimming?"
"No." I said. "But, since you can control water, you've graduated from Queen Mera's school. Meaning, if can beat you, in front of everyone, then I can technically gradutate."
"Are you challenging me, kid?" he growled. "Fine. Tomorrow morning, just after moonrise."
"Consider it done." I said, with a nod. "And to make it official..." We swam to the surface, and I slice my finger open on my gills, and he did the same. I touched his forehead, and drew my symbol on it, as he did the same on mine. We waited until it had dried, and we went back underwater.
The Next Morning: Moonrise
"I see you arrived, small fry." the commander taunted. "Let's show the world how foolish you are."
"You have your education, Commander." I said, "And I have mine. Let us see which prevails."
"Consider it done." he said, repeating the words I'd said just the day before. I drew my water bearers.
"I will not tolerate disrespect from one who has yet to even set eyes upon the land of the surface dwellers." I said, "Let us begin the duel."
"The rules for the duel are this: You will fight until either you, or your opponent gives in, or goes unconscious." Aquaman said. "You will began after the three-count.
"One-count.
"Two-count.
"Three-count.
"BEGIN!" We swam at each other, each determined to be the victor.
I swam/flipped over the commander's attack, and landed a kick solid on his chest. He went backwards, and hit a rock. He didn't stir, and one of the audience swam over to him to check his pulse.
It was not uncommon for an accidental death. The volunteer nodded, signaling that the commander had survived.
"And the victor, with an astounding 35 hits, is Kaldur'ahm!" Aquaman said, and I saw the relief on his face.
He'd doubted the wisdom in my choice, because, if I'd lost, the commander would have mocked his decision to take me as his protegè, mocked his decision to bring me to the surface world.
"Because the victor has yet to be graduated from my school and defeated a graduated student, he is now officially graduated from school" Queen Mera said, with a twinkle in her eye. "But, if he wishes to learn more, or even teach, he is more than welcome."
"Thank you, my Queen." I said, bowing. The crowd began to disperse, and Orin swam up to me.
"Kaldur, you know your challenge may have had disastrous consequences." Heavy on the dis. he said, and I nodded. "Why did you do it?"
"Apologies, my king." I said,"I did it because I was tired of the disrespect I constantly get from your commanders. Now, what's this about going to war against the Neptunians?"
The next morning
I returned to Mount Justice and saw my Team sitting around. Robin was the first to notice my arrival.
"Kaldur!" he said, leaping to his feet. "About time. Batman wanted us to go on a mission, like, last night!" I nodded.
"Then we will see what it is he needs." I said, and the rest of the team headed into the debreifing room, and I finally allowed myself to think about the past few days' events.
"I hate disrespect." I muttered, following my Team.
