|Mount Justice
|August 2, 11:49 EDT
There was a palpable buzz throughout the Cave. A mixture of excitement and nervousness hung over the air like static electricity. It fluctuated at great lengths with each passing minute ticked by. The perpetrators of this energy were pacing around the Cave doing what they could to escape this quagmire. Robin was dissembling and reassembling his grapple gun for the umpteenth time on the kitchen table. M'gann was trying and failing to make cookies as she constantly tipped too many ingredients into the mixture or missed some entirely. Wally was busy gorging himself on anything within the pantry. Superboy was stomping around the Cave with a volatile storm of emotions hovering above him. That just left Kaldur alone in the gym.
Kaldur was busy inspecting the equipment in case their new teacher needed them to use the equipment for an exercise. Kaldur doubted such but Black Canary and Red Tornado had warned them to expect the unexpected when it comes to Piccolo. Plus, doing this gave something for Kaldur to do. After all, idle hands were the devil's playthings, and the devil that would soon come upon them did not tolerate idle hands.
A sharp series of beeps shock Kaldur upright. He banged his head on a weight bar enough to dent it. Hissing out his pain, Kaldur yelled out. "Cave, turn the reminder off and alert the Team to gear up and assemble in the main foyer" he ordered.
The Cave's supercomputer, lovingly dubbed Cave, ran the day-to-day operations within The Team's base of operations. Anything from displaying in-depth holograms and steaming live footage and information of situations around the globe to plumbing maintenance and alarm clocks. Kaldur considered the computer a godsend for managing his Team. Rather than rushing around the Cave to retrieve his team, the computer simply broadcasted it across the Cave and the Team's personal devices. "Alert. Aqualad has requested all Team personnel to prep for duty and to report in the main foyer. Repeat. Aqualad has requested all Team personnel to prep for duty and to report in the main foyer" Cave announced.
Aqualad made his way out of the gym and into the main foyer. The gigantic foyer took up most of the space in the hollowed-out mountain. Fitting for the original operations for the Justice League, the main entrance/body was wide enough to fit a whole gymnasium into it with the height of a small metropolitan building. Aqualad guessed that Superman and Green Lantern were fans of the Cold War-style bases as this place definitely felt like one. It had a large moonpool that led to the ocean as well as a vehicle storage bay that had a secret ramp that allowed people to come in and out if the Zeta Tubes were offline. Speaking of, a recent addition to the base was the two Zeta Tubes which Kaldur found Superboy eyeing off. He noted Superboy was hiding his anxiety under his glare. Kaldur stood beside him under the massive metal structure hanging above them. The power generator and the computer's central processing and housing system. The Cave's 'brain and heart'. Kaldur addressed Superboy's concern. "I remembered when I first stood before the doors that lead to the Atlantean throne room and my king. The anxiety I felt was… palpable. So great was it that any other emotion felt alien. My thoughts ran so fast and numerous that I couldn't bear the thought of slowing down, lest I make a fool of myself for being slow. 'Addled-minded students do not belong with the honor class' I thought then. I was there with my other friends and classmates, the top of our schools and the most magically gifted children in Atlantis."
"I dreaded the look my king would grace me. The silent judgment. Would he see me as a mistake in the system? Was I worthy enough to be granted an audience with him? Would he see me as a failure for not meeting his expectations?"
"And you realised it was all for nothing as he turns out to be a great guy and you managed to impress him so much he made you his sidekick. The moral of that story is that I'm overthinking things. Did I get all of that?" Superboy snidely asked.
Kaldur was not offended by his passive-aggressive manner. He smirked at him. "Not quite. You forgot to mention the point where my king and Ocean Master burst through the door and ruined most of the castle in the process. Or the fact that I stupidly dove in to protect my king. That earned me the title of Aqualad and a place by his side" Kaldur said with pride.
Superboy scoffed and turned his head away. Kaldur continued regardless. "The real moral of the story is that worse things can happen and that given the chance, show them what you can do."
"So I should hope for The Coalition of Gods to show up so I can save Superman and Piccolo from them?" Superboy asked.
Kaldur shook his head. "No. Mainly because you would not survive if you got involved, and because what I did was idiotic. My king said so afterward. Fortunately for us, this will just be an introduction course. Regardless, pay attention and follow their lead. When the time comes, you show your true potential. The Gods know we need it…" Kaldur said worryingly.
Superboy didn't seem relaxed after Kadlur's words but he was contemplating them silently. It was about then that the rest of the Team arrived. Robin led ahead while Wally and M'gann walked behind. Wally again tried in vain to flirt with the Martian. Kaldur didn't mind banter of any sort being shared between team members so long as everything was above board and it didn't harm anyone, but Wally's painful flirting with a confused and uninterested M'gann was uncomfortable for everyone to hear and see. It was more cringe-inducing than genuine emotional or mental harm. It was quite clear M'gann hadn't fully adapted to Earth's, and by extension American, culture, and thus most of Wally's double entendres and inuendoes were met with confused laughing or clueless smiles. It wouldn't be so bad if Wally hadn't taken all of it as signs that he was gaining M'gann's affection and kept doing them under that misguided belief. So Kaldur was stuck in a rut either telling the Speedster that he was making a fool out of himself or letting him paddle on until M'gann turns him down.
Wally lent into M'gann. "So, there's this little joint I know in Metropolis. Perhaps I can take you there one nigh-"
"Are you alright Superboy?" M'gann asked.
She flew away from a defeated Wally and towards Superboy. He rolled his eyes aggressively and grumbled through clenched teeth. "I'm fine. Perfect! Why is everyone else thinking something is wrong?" he demanded.
M'gann flinched and rubbed the back of her head. "Well it's… It's because… um…"
"Because it looks like you're expecting the Zeta-Tubes to sock you in the face at any moment" Robin quipped with his usual snark.
Superboy tsked. "I'm. Fine," he hissed.
"Yeah, come on guys! It's just the most powerful person in the world that's gonna whip us into shape. Nothing to be scared about!" Wally encouraged.
"I'm not scared!" Superboy yelled.
M'gann chimed in. "It's ok Superboy. You have every right to be scared- I mean, you have permission to- No-no! It's… natural? Yeah! It's natural to be frightened by Piccolo. You know, I know a story that-"
"I already met my pep talk quota" Superboy swiftly dismissed.
"Oh. Ok…" M'gann mumbled.
"You know M'gann, I could do with some soothing words from you" Wally suggested.
"Well… actually, I-I… didn't really have any prepared" she shamefully admitted.
"Then why did you offer to share some if you didn't have any?" Superboy asked with a tone mixed with baffled and annoyed.
Before M'gann could nervously respond, the Zeta-Tubes whined to life. The conversation was swiftly forgotten as everyone stood at attention. "Recognised: Green Arrow – 08. Recognised: Hawkman – 09. Recognised: Red Tornado – 16" Cave announced.
Stepping out of the Zeta Tubes after their respective titles and designations, the members of the Justice League took their spots in the main foyer across from The Team. "Heya kids. Ready for a lesson in the school of hard knocks?" Green Arrow laughed.
All of The Team, minus one, nod their head eagerly. M'gann doubly so. "Finally, I reference I understand" she cheered.
Green Arrow nervously laughed and rubbed the back of his head. "What can I say? I love the classics."
"Where are the others?" Superboy demanded.
"Patience Superboy. Black Canary and Superman will come soon. This first training session is a matter of importance. The League was meticulous in its formatting of this training resume. It is best that we have many members of the Justice League present to… oversee this lesson" Red Tornado explained.
Superboy stood down and resumed glaring at the Zeta Tubes. Kaldur picked up the words Red Tornado spoke. "We need our lessons to be overseen? I've explained this already to Batman and the others" Kaldur reminded.
"I understand your want for independence but this situation is delicate and the League's intervention is nonnegotiable" Hawkman explained.
"Short answer: Piccolo. Long answer: Piccolo is ruthless. Most of us in the League frankly don't trust him to hold back on you. You want proof of what he's capable of? We'll let Black Canary explain her training regime when she was Piccolo's student. Afterwards, you'll be thanking us for being here" Green Arrow said with a proud look.
The Zeta tubes came to life again. "Recognised: Black Canary – 13. Recognised: Captain Marvel – 15" The Cave announced.
Superboy blinked. A shocked look came over his face as Captain Marvel stepped out of the Zeta tubes along with a saddened Black Canary. Kaldur noticed the other Leaguers shared Superboy's expression. Captain Marvel saw this as well and blushed in embarrassment. "Ah… heya everyone!" he said meekly.
Superboy blinked again. He shook his confusion off and stomped towards the Leaguers. "What is this?! Where's Superman?!" he demanded.
Green Arrow and Hawkman asked the same with a silent look. Captain Marvel looked away in shame while Black Canary gave Superboy a glance. A glance that told everyone all they needed to know about why Superman was absent. "He's not coming," she said to everyone.
Superboy looked hurt by that. His eyes widened briefly before settling back into a glare. With a tense glower, Superboy turned and walked back to his team. Kadlur and the others wanted to comfort him in his moment of rejection but Kaldur wisely chose against it. Someone as volatile as Superboy was better off brooding through his emotions before getting emotional help from someone. "Don't worry everyone, I might not be Superman, but I'm a close second" Captain Marvel encouraged.
"Captain Marvel was willing to spare some time to oversee your first training lesson," Black Canary said.
"Jeez, you make it sound like it was a chore" Wally snidely said.
"He agreed to it on short notice. Like two minutes ago short notice" Black Canary chided lightly.
Kadlur moved to save Wally. "I apologise for our reactions. We appreciate your attendance, Captain Marvel."
Captain Marvel smiled at him. "Thanks Kal- Aqualad…" he then crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at his comrades. "Seems like you're the only one who feels that way," he remarked with an unimpressed tune.
Black Canary and Hawkman looked sheepish, Red Tornado remained still with his expressionless face and Green Arrow shrugged his shoulders. "What? We were expecting the big guy" he exclaimed.
"Regardless, we should call in our last guest" Black Canary announced.
She summoned her aura around her, amazing M'gann in the process. A few seconds later, he appeared. With a sharp woosh noise, Piccolo teleported himself before them all. Instant Transmission, Kadlur swiftly recalled. One of Piccolo's most advanced abilities. Kadlur had heard rumors from his king and other Justice League members that he could supposedly teleport from planet to planet at will. He can even go so far as to teleport himself to another dimension! It was hard to believe a power like that could be taught but Piccolo and the others were here to prove them wrong… hopefully.
Taking his fingers away from his forehead, Piccolo addressed the Justice League members present. "Good to see you've gathered a good variety of judges Green Arrow. An officer from a warrior race and the logical robot. Perfect to see if the brats can handle a little beating" Piccolo sarcastically said.
Green Arrow rolled his eyes. "Rar-rar Piccolo. Sorry that one of your biggest supporters for this decided to avoid his responsibility and dip on us" Green Arrow snapped back.
He's/I'm not his responsibility" both Piccolo and Superboy said at the same time.
There was a pause as Piccolo turned towards Sueprboy and the Team. He looked over Superboy and then the others. Kaldur froze under Piccolo's calculating gaze. It felt like Batman was staring at him. Silently judging and weighing him up. It felt worse though as Piccolo was more intimidating with his massive physique, heavy brow, and stern face. Once looking over the last member, he greeted them. "Good to see that all of you are here" he praised.
Kaldur couldn't help but smile at his praise. M'gann was a bit too giddy as she flew over to him and acted like a fan girl. "Oh my gosh! Mr. Piccolo, I have to say that I am a massive fan! What you did for the people of Mars was-"
"Have you lot gotten through those racial reforms yet?" Piccolo interrupted.
M'gann's eyes bulged out in surprise. Her excited demeanor changed quickly to one of shame and nervousness. "Um… They're try- We're trying! We're trying to get them through… but a lot of the high-class elites are dragging their feet" M'gann admitted sorrowfully.
Piccolo scoffed. "Figures. I might pay them a visit afterward" he grumbled.
M'gann lit up at that. "Really?!" she gasps, smiling.
"Miss Martian, that is enough" Black Canary ordered.
M'gann flew back to her group, looking quite happy and excited. Kaldur didn't know what they were talking about as his knowledge of Martian goings-on was quite light. He figured what Piccolo did on Mars must've been significant if M'gann was such a big fan of him.
Piccolo stood with the Justice League members, gesturing to Black Canary to take the floor. She did so and spoke to the Team. "It is good to see you all ready for training. It is an honor for Piccolo and me to be teaching you. We'll throw a lot at you. We'll teach you what we have learned. From my mentors and from our shared experiences. I will say it now; it will be hard and it will be difficult, but it will be worth it."
With that, Black Canary took in a deep breath. Closing her eyes and locking her arms beside her, she puffed her chest and let it all out in a sharp exhale. Along with it came her aura. Unlike before where it just lit her form in a bright silhouette, this aura had some kick to it. Wind blew from it and it looked like a roaring flame that engulfed her body. A loud whine accompanied it, sounding a lot like her Canary Cries. Black Canary looked to be straining in her locked position. "What you are seeing now is my power. My Ki, all of it. Ki is the energy that flows through everything and everyone. Every culture and civilization has a name or a variation of it. Chi, Qi, Touki, Chakra, or simply Energy, is all a part of you. From this day forward, we will refer to it as Ki and we will be teaching you how to grow yours, how to draw it out of you, and how to harness it to aid you" Canary explains.
Kaldur couldn't help but smile at her words and the prospect of learning such abilities. He had seen the scant footage of Piccolo in action and heard tales from the League. Piccolo's feats were extraordinary and rivaled that of the Gods themselves. The fact that they were to be taught such things made him, and no doubt everyone else, excited. So imagine everyone's shock and disappointment to see Red Tornado wheel out a trolley full of kneeling pads. Black Canary grabbed one and showed it off. "The very foundation of Ki comes from meditation. Focusing on the mind, body, and soul will help you all identify where your inner energy lies and where to tap into your Ki when the moment comes. Today we will begin that journey. We'll spend the day going over breathing exercises I would like you to practice in your off time" Black Canary explained.
"Are you serious?"
The low growl made everyone turn to Superboy. He was staring at them with a heated glare and his arms were firmly crossed. "This is a joke. Why would I need meditation?"
"For one, maybe to fix that attitude of yours" Green Arrow chided.
Superboy's eyes widened and filled with seething rage to the point he unfurled his arms and brought them to the side with fists clenched. "Oh, this attitude is justified with this junk! This is our training? The one the whole League was scared over?! Kneeling pads and breathing exercises! This is all you managed to come up with after ghosting us for weeks?"
Hawkman stepped forward. "You're out of line Superboy. The league has spent those weeks thoroughly detailing your training reg-"
"What were you expecting?"
Hawkman was cut off by Piccolo's gruff tone. He stared at Superboy with a look that Kaldur was glad that he wasn't on the receiving end of. It was a smoldering glare akin to Batman's infamous disappointed scowl. Under Piccolo's stare, Superboy didn't react. His irritation was too strong to allow him so. "Actual training! Combat training from you" Superboy clarified
"Really?" Piccolo asked with a sincere tone.
He was humouring him though in a way Kaldur suspected wasn't genuine. The look in his eyes, the underlining tone, and the tiny smirk that was subtly hidden, felt like Piccolo was looking at Superboy like an adult would to an excited bumbling toddler. "Yeah. I can handle anything criminals throw at me, so the next logical step is learning from you and learning how to take out major opponents like Parasite, Silver Banshee and Bloodsport!"
"Really? Those guys are in the big leagues…" Piccolo said in an interested tone.
Piccolo uncrossed his arms and turned to face Superboy. Kaldur didn't need Robin's human intuition to see Green Arrow and Hawkman tense up or Black Canary adopt a concerned face. "Do you really think you can handle whatever is out there?" Piccolo asked.
"I don't think, I know I can" Superboy defiantly stated.
"He's right about the first part" Wally snickered subtly.
Piccolo held eye contact with Superboy for a few more seconds then turned to Kaldur and the others. "What about you lot? Do you think breathing exercises and meditation are a waste of time? Or do you want to learn something more… engaging?"
The borderline wolfish smile and his tone triggered Kaldur's fight-or-flight instincts. It was telling him to run. "I, for one, recommended a good meditation to start off this wonderful training session. Don't we all agree? Yes sir, yes sir. Love me some breathing exercises!" Robin painfully laughed and quickly filled his arms with kneeling pads.
He sped walked to everyone and handed them the pads. Kaldur gladly took the lifeline and voiced his choice. "Before taming the waves, we must first handle the current" Kaldur quoted a passage from an Atlantean book.
Robin rushed towards Wally, but the Speedster foolishly turned him away. "Nah man. I wanna see this go down" Wally smiled at the tension brewing between Piccolo and Superboy.
"Dude, I've been very tolerant when it comes to you and stupid ideas, but this time I'm putting my foot down! Take the mat and breathe!" Robin shoved the kneeling pad into Wally's chest.
Wally held the mat limp-wristed. His focus was more on Superboy and Piccolo, silently egging them on. Kaldur knew of Wally's position to see them fight and realised they were tied. The deciding factor was their resident Martian.
M'gann squirmed and blushed at being the center of attention. Her eyes darted to everyone in the room but Piccolo's. She lingered on Robin, who was silently pleading and pointing at the pad in his hands. Kaldur hoped she would make the right decision. A hope that wined when her eyes fell upon Superboy. Kaldur was not blind to the Martian infatuation with Superboy. In fact, it was blatantly obvious to him back when M'gann changed her uniform's colour pattern to match Superboy's and then acted shyly about it afterward. Kaldur's new hope now was for her to at least see common sense and not feed into Superboy's arrogance for some brownie points. A hope Kaldur did not have for long as M'gann shyly said, "Maybe… seeing some martial arts demonstrations will help us-"
A powerful telekinetic force ripped the kneeling pads out of all their hands and slammed back into the cart with such force that the cart went careening into a wall. The subsequent loud metallic bang shook everyone into silence. The only noise heard was the cart slowly wheeling away from the residual force. The silence accentuates Piccolo's deathly demeanor. Sure, he was still smiling but his eyes held a soul-snaring glare. All directed at them. The seconds felt like a lifetime before Piccolo broke it with a huff. "Fine then. Time for the first lesson" Piccolo stomped away with a flurry of his cape.
He walked past the heroes present with Black Canary calling out to him in a concerned voice. "Piccolo. Don't-"
"Relax. We're just training like they asked. Computer, activate marital training" Piccolo called out.
The giant hanging super computer whirled to life and glowed blue out of the bevels in its body. The reinforced floor had a blue grid projected onto it. "Recognised Player 1: Piccolo. Rules?" the Cave's supercomputer asked.
"Standard Tenkaichi Budōkai rules" Piccolo responded.
"Piccolo" Black Canary pressed more firmly.
As the supercomputer followed Piccolo's orders, Piccolo turned to face Black Canary. "Don't worry. They'll walk it off come the night" Piccolo reassured.
Green Arrow, Captain Marvel, and Hawkman were hesitant about it but Black Canary and Red Tornado were willing to let him do what he wanted, which caused no small amount of fear in Kaldur. They were going to enter the ring with Piccolo for crying out loud! Kaldur was flanked beside Robin and Wally, both looking as anxious as he was. Wally flicked his hand up. "Yeah teach? Just to clarify, it's just Superboy getting whipped and not-"
"Are you a team?"
"Huh?"
"Are. You. A. Team?"
"Yes sir?"
Piccolo's jaw tensed. Dissatisfied with Wally's answer, he turned to Kaldur. "Aqualad. Your teammate seems to be hard of hearing or an idiot. I wager on both. Are you all a team?" Piccolo reiterated.
Ignoring Wally's insulted expression, Kaldur answered swiftly. "Yes sir. We are all a team."
"And what does a team specify?"
"We are a group of individuals working together towards a common goal" Kaldur answered with confusion laced in his tone.
"Does this apply here? Are you training as a team?"
"Yes sir"
Piccolo cast his eyes over the rest of the Team to address them all. "As a team, you are one unit. One body. One mind. One soul. No team will survive on the battlefield when divided or when one member is the sole focus. The same applies to everything else. Fighting, learning, training, and punishments. You will learn as a team, fight as a team, care as a team, and most of all, all of you will suffer as a team! Don't worry Kid Flash, you'll have your turn in the ring in due time" Piccolo said with a wide smile.
Kaldur saw Wally shudder under that smile. "Now then, Superboy! Since you brought this up and are so keen to do so, stand up here and face me" Piccolo barked.
Superboy wasted no time stomping into the holographic ring. The supercomputer registered him as Player 2. "Since this is going to be too easy for you, we'll have some handicaps. No Ki and only out-of-the-ring knockouts or if the other passes out. Sounds like a challenge? Good. Are you ready?" Piccolo asked with a quirked brow.
Superboy snorted. "Since the day I was born," he hissed.
Piccolo laughed. "Don't you mean since you were grown?" he said with a smirk.
Kaldur didn't need super hearing to hear Superboy's teeth gnash together and grind to the point it made Kaldur's own teeth hurt. He heard M'gann gasp behind him. "T-that was-"
"Way below the belt" Robin winced.
The fact that Superboy was a clone was a sore subject to avoid at all costs around Superboy. A subject that Piccolo didn't give a damn about. Superboy looked like he wanted to murder their new teacher. Neither bothered to bow or acknowledge the other like goods sportsmen. Straight away Piccolo roared "BEGIN!"
With a roar, Superboy shot straight to Piccolo. His launch was so powerful the ground almost cracked under the pressure. Both arms raised up high, Superboy brought them down just as he landed. A loud bang echoed across the whole Cave as Superboy struck the ground instead of Piccolo. Their teacher simply stepped back and let Superboy's attack miss him. Undeterred, Superboy quickly clasped his hands together, dashed forward, and swung upwards. Again, Piccolo dodged it with a simple sidestep. Superboy let out a bellowing roar and launched a flurry of quick gaps at Piccolo. Surprise-surprise, Piccolo dodged it all. He simply rotated his body back to the point Superboy's fists couldn't reach. Piccolo clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Wild swinging, hair-brained positioning and unfocused. Let me guess, no need for a technique if you have the strength behind your swing to take out your opponent? Or even a plan if you cannot knock them out with a punch?" Piccolo snidely asked.
His response was an aggravated snarl. Piccolo grumbled in distaste. "Let's see if that even works" Piccolo stopped dodging.
He held still as Superboy's fists connected with Piccolo's abdomen. A mighty clap shot through the air and Kaldur could feel the wind bellow from the impact. Yet despite being hit with the power that could level a building, Piccolo did not move. No flinching or exhaling. Just standing there with a stone-cold glare. Superboy roared in anger and struck again, and again… and again. Punch after punch connected yet nothing happened. Again Superboy unleashed a flurry of punches, as well as a few kicks here and there. A solid minute of this ticked by before the unmoving Piccolo finally spoke. "Stop trying to hit me and hit me!" he demanded.
Superboy howled and moved to tackle Piccolo. Pressed up against him, Superboy wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into a deathly bear hug. Not that it looked anything like it. It was more akin to watching a toddler try their best at picking up their parent. It was a bit uncomfortable to watch. Even Wally, who was glued to the fight, had to look away out of embarrassment. Kaldur was only brought back into the fight when Superboy relented and tried a different approach. Before he could, Piccolo butted in. "Guess those little Imps struggled to program some intelligence into your skull" he berated.
Again, another insult to Superboy's past. Superboy didn't take that lightly and struck out hard and fast. Kicking him this time with roundhouses that had the same effect as his punches. Piccolo scoffed at the fourth impact. "What did they fill your head with anyway? Those documentary pieces of Superman? The Man of Steel. Savour of countless lives and the greatest superhero of all time. Nonsense. They should've taught you common sense before that dribble. Right next to manners" Piccolo groaned.
Superboy reverted to punching. The thunder claps were upping in intensity to the point Kaldur could see the air around them ripple. Piccolo spoke firmly under the useless onslaught. "Do you really think you could have any hope of replacing Superman? You're nothing more than a cheap knockoff!"
His statement made M'gann gasp and the rest widened their eyes in shock. Even Superboy froze, but that was short-lived as unbridled fury soon took over. Blinded by the insult, Superboy pounced on Piccolo quite literally. He leaped towards Piccolo with the intent to tackle him, only for their new teacher to sidestep it. Superboy went careening out of the ring, diving into a roll and resting on his knees. He was tired and out of breath, his eyes bulging and full of confusion and anger. He cared not for the computer blaring out his failure and Piccolo's victory.
Piccolo stood over Superboy with an unimpressed look. "It's not all about strength on the battlefield. Your opponents will use psychological warfare on you as much as they would their fists and powers. The fact you fell for a simple insult is proof enough that you're not ready. You have the strength, I'll give you that, but without clarity and fortitude; you're nothing more than-"
Superboy shot up from the ground at blinding speeds. Kaldur could only see a blur charging at Piccolo. He didn't even hear Superboy's anguish roar till it was all over. Kaldur didn't see it but Piccolo easily roundhouse kicked Superboy mid-leap. A sharp crack, like a whip, and Superboy was shot into the far side of the Cave. Superboy crashed into the rocky wall with a mighty boom. A second went unnoticed before everyone reacted. "Superboy!" M'gann cried out.
"Damn it Piccolo! What the hell?!" Green Arrow cursed.
Piccolo rested his leg back down and grumbled. "Relax" he scoffed.
The dust settled to show Superboy embedded into a hole that was in the perfect shape of his body. His eyes were closed but his face was contorting in an array of expressions to show his shock and pain. He only opened his eyes when he heard Piccolo's footsteps. Piccolo stomped towards Superboy with Hawkman and Green Arrow flanking him. Piccolo talked over his shoulder. "He's a tough brat. He can handle some punishments" he said.
"That does not give you the right to harm him" Hawkman hissed.
"Disciplining him" Piccolo corrected.
Arriving at Superboy, Piccolo stood before him with crossed arms and an even cross expression. "Learn from this; control that temper, and if you behave like an animal, I'll treat you like one" Piccolo growled.
He didn't wait for a response from Superboy before grabbing the collar of his shirt. He easily peeled Superboy out of his fixture in the wall and onto the floor. Superboy landed unsteadily, wincing and grabbing his side in pain. He knocked off Piccolo's hand and limped away with a sculk. Not a word to Piccolo or the others as he began to make his way to them. That was when Piccolo slammed his open palm into Superboy's back.
Superboy cried out in shock. A bright light followed by white smoke burst from his back. Superboy fell to the ground with smoke bellowing from where Piccolo hit him. Kaldur and the others were all shocked that their teacher would attack their student with their back turned. Captain Marvel voiced such a mood. "What are you doing?! Hitting him in the back!" he yelled.
Piccolo stood unfazed. Fortunately, Black Canary stepped up to alleviate the situation. "Everyone, it's fine. That was Superboy's initiation" she explained.
Kaldur, his teammates and their skeptical mentors looked confused until Superboy calmly stood up. "I'm… ok" he grumbled under his breath.
The smoke cleared from his back. True to his word, Superboy was unharmed but he did have a new addition to his ensemble. Imprinted on the back of his shirt was a red symbol matching the shade of his Kryptonian one on the front. It was in the form of a solid circle surrounded by a ring with the two elements connected at the bottom. Piccolo didn't comment on the new addition. He sought to continue their lesson. "Miss Martian, get up here" Piccolo demanded as he stepped back into the ring.
Kaldur turned to M'gann. He found himself uncomfortable at seeing the young Martian girl fidgeting with a pale shade of green across her features. She hesitated for a moment too long for Piccolo's taste. "Get up here now!" he roared.
M'gann jumped and let out a small 'Eep!'. She quickly ran up to the ring, not flew Kaldur noted. Was she so scared that she couldn't focus on flying or that she forgot to? Kaldur couldn't find it within himself to blame her for her absentmindedness. Kaldur felt his mind was struggling to form any thoughts under the stress and anticipation of fighting Piccolo.
M'gann shakily took her spot across from Piccolo. Piccolo stared her down. "Are you ready?" he asked.
M'gann swallowed nervously. "Um, not really?" she sheepishly answered.
Piccolo's expression didn't change. He stiffly put his arms flush against his body and bowed to her. M'gann panicked. She fretted around but swiftly returned the bow. She jumped back up quickly. "I-I said I wasn't ready" she cried.
Piccolo ignored her. He got into position, legs spread and arms up ready to strike and defend at a moment's notice. He opened his mouth, about to bellow the starting round but Black Canary put a stop to that. Standing in front of Piccolo with an unimpressed look, she put a pause on the fight to let Captain Marvel console M'gann. "Don't worry Miss Martian. Take a breath and don't worry about a thing" he said.
M'gann followed his words, taking deep rapid breaths. "Thank you, Captain. Everything is going so fast! I met my hero, learned what exactly we're learning from him, got excited about learning and doing what he can do, and now I'm fighting him! Did you see what he did to Superboy? Have you seen what he's done to villains?! I can't beat him!" M'gann panicked.
"This isn't about beating him" Kaldur spoke up.
"Yeah. This is a test. He's testing you" Robin said.
"No. I am just going to beat her up" Piccolo quipped.
M'gann shivered and paled further. "Piccolo!" Black Canary yelled.
Piccolo grumbled. "How else are these brats going to learn to follow our lead?! What I'm doing here is disciplining them. Showing them what the consequences and punishments are. Do they want to ignore the foundations and chase some flashy tricks that will end up killing them? Let them get a taste of the hurt that will bring" Piccolo pressed.
"That doesn't give you the right to torment them for being curious" Black Canary snapped back.
"You're right if only they hadn't agreed to it. They asked for this so I'll give it to them" Piccolo growled.
Robin tentatively held his hand up. "Does that mean Aqualad and I are off the hook because we didn't agree to this?" he asked.
They saw a tick appear on Piccolo's forehead. "What did I say earlier?" he growled.
Robin sighed defeated. "We're a team so we get punished as a team" he bemoaned.
"I think… I'm ready" M'gann called out.
Everyone looked to see some colour had returned to her and she looked more confident and self-assured. "Are you sure?" Captain Marvel asked.
M'gann nodded. "Yes, I'm sure now" she responded with a strong tone.
Captain Marvel stepped out of the ring. Black Canary remained to drill into Piccolo. "Go. Easy. On. Her!" she growled, jabbing a finger into his chest with each word.
Piccolo grumbled under his breath but relented with a nod. That was Black Canary's cue to leave the ring. The combatants readied up. As they did so, M'gann spared some words to Piccolo. "Just so you know, I'll never disobey you. It's an honor to be your student. I would never betray your trust in me" she says with a smile.
Piccolo huffed out a chuckle. "Noted. BEGIN!"
M'gann took into the air. Her eyes glowed green as she used her powers. Kaldur didn't know what power she used or what she planned on doing, because it was over before he could see either. In a flash, Piccolo cleared the distance between the two of them and firmly planted his elbow into her stomach. When Kaldur meant into her stomach, he meant into her stomach. His elbow impacted so far into her that her stomach bulged and molded over his limb. M'gann recoiled forward and spewed a hail of spittle out of her open shocked mouth. Both combatants landed on the floor and skid to a stop. Piccolo held still as M'gann recoiled back. She stepped out of his limb with uneasy steps. Two steps back and she, what Kaldur could only morbidly describe, began to melt. Her limbs stretched down to touch the floor, her hair thinned and sunk back into her skin, her face drooped and her body coiled inwards. Everyone was horrified by the sight. Her mouth gapped open and teeth, now sharp and numerous like a shark's, gnashed in the air in desperation. There was a piercing feeling in their minds. It felt like someone had slammed something into their brains. Kaldur knew that feeling back on their first mission together. It was M'gann. 'Help. Can't… breathe!' she panicked.
Everyone began to panic. They all believed she was choking as her skin began to turn so white that it looked like she was a corpse. Her savior came in the form of the same man who put her in this situation. Piccolo raised his hand high up in the air and slammed it down on her back. Like Superboy, a bright flash blew across her back in time with her suddenly gasping for air. M'gann fell to the ground, gasping and taking in as much air as possible. Slowly, her body began to retake shape. Her white skin slowly toned back to her earthy shade of green. Laying prone on the ground, the Cave declared her defeated with the victor standing over her. "Too slow. You've panicked and overthought everything and now you paid the price" Piccolo said to her, regardless if M'gann was even paying attention in her current state.
"That… that was going easy?!" Green Arrow yelled.
Black Canary put a hand on his chest. "Unfortunately, that was" she informed.
The Leaguers and the Team looked at her stunned. "You mean this could've been much worse?!" Captain Marvel gasped.
Black Canary nodded. "First disciplinary lesson, he sent a Ki blast point blank into my head. Broke my jaw, and nose, and burnt all of my hair off" she admitted.
That made them pale and mortified by the knowledge. "Jeez," Wally whined.
Piccolo leaned down and picked M'gann by the scruff of her neck. She had the same symbol Superboy had on her back but it was clear that it was painted on rather than embodied, tattooed, or burnt on. Kaldur fully expected Piccolo to permanently put that symbol on her but he was grateful for it being otherwise. He guessed someone as ruthless as Piccolo has limits when it comes to his students. Piccolo tossed M'gann lazily towards Wally. Wally, not expecting it, panicked and ducked. M'gann sailed over him and into Superboy's arms. Superboy caught her and held her bridal style. "You alright M'gann?" he asked.
M'gann gasped over and over again until she panted out. "I… I think I'm dying" she moans.
"You focus too much on your telepathy and telekinesis Miss Martian. That leaves your physical body vulnerable to attacks. A costly mistake on the battlefield" Piccolo announced.
M'gann merely whimpered in response. Piccolo turned to Robin. "You're next Boy Wonder," he said.
Robin paled, his eyes lingering on the battered Superboy and the incapacitated M'gann. Seeing firsthand what facing Piccolo resulted in, Robin mournfully accepted his fate. He stepped into the ring but not before giving Wally an earful. "I told you, dude. If I survive this, I'll wipe the floor with you!" he hissed.
Wally gave him a wincing smile. "If you survive. I'll always treasure our moments together" Wally joked.
Robin tsked and prepared himself. He stood in his dedicated spot in the ring. Standing across from one another, Robin and Piccolo bowed respectfully and rose to meet each other. "BEGIN!"
Quick to the draw, Robin released three smoke bomb pellets. The ring was blanketed in a dense smog. Not for long though as Piccolo simply snapped his fingers to make it disappear. The loud snap was so powerful it blew the smoke away, revealing Robin sprinting right toward Piccolo. With his cover lost, he swiftly improvised by throwing some Birdarangs. Piccolo simply pivoted his torso from side to side to avoid the projectiles. What he didn't see was the Birdarangs swooping back towards him.
Kaldur expected Piccolo to block either Robin's kick or deal with the incoming Birdarangs. Just as Robin and the Birdarangs met with Piccolo, he simply bent backward. His feet still planted on the floor, Piccolo lent far back so Robin's kick went sailing safely over him. Robin's projectiles would've hit him hadn't the boy's quick reflexes snatched them out of the air. Diving into a roll and back into his feet, Robin again threw the Birdarangs back at Piccolo. Piccolo lent back up and grabbed them mid-air. A classic mistake, Kaldur thought.
Piccolo twisted that notion as his own when he waited for the Birdarangs to react. As soon as the centers of them lit bright red, Piccolo threw them back at Robin. Robin's eyes widen seeing his attack turned against him. He dove out of the way but was caught in the explosion. He was flung to the side. Robin slid to a stop just before the ring's boundaries. "I... should've seen that coming" Robin wheezed out.
"If you've seen it coming then act on it!" Piccolo yelled as he leaped into the air.
Robin quickly rolled, avoiding Piccolo's heavy knee crashing on the ground. Kaldur eyed the League members getting angsty over that move. They were on edge with M'gann's trial and it looked like they weren't taking any more chances here. Another debilitating attack and they will stop this.
Robin leaped back onto his feet. "Dude, I was being sarcastic" Robin quipped.
"Don't call me dude!" Piccolo yelled.
Piccolo launched a kick towards Robin. Robin easily blocked it. Suddenly both of them were locked in hand-to-hand combat. Gaps, kicks, blocks, faints, and parries were exchanged in rapid succession. Even as he was struggling to meet Piccolo's pace, Robin still joked. "What do I call you then? Sensei? Teacher? Master? Lord of the woodwind instruments?"
Piccolo made a lunge for Robin, aiming to grapple him. Robin went into his lunge and made sure to bend his body away from Piccolo's massive arm. He ran up Piccolo's torso, using his broad figure as a springboard to perform a backflip. Allowing the Boy Wonder to disengage and gain some breathing room. As he did so, he performed an upward kick that connected under Piccolo's chin. Piccolo followed the momentum of the kick, flipping backward as well. Before he did so, he managed to grab Robin's utility belt. His hand easily crushed the belt lining and freed it off of Robin.
Both gracefully performed their backflips. Landing upright, they stared at each other. Piccolo held the broken utility belt in his hand in a mocking manner, while Robin mirrored the same mocking tone in his smile and two-finger salute. Kaldur picked up a small whine building in the damaged belt. It was then flooded with live electricity. Powerful enough that it even made Kaldur's hair stand on edge at this distance.
It was the belt's anti-theft and tampering countermeasures. If anyone but Batman or Robin touches the utility belt, powerful volts will course through the device until the holder lets go of it. It produced enough volts to make even Killer Croc drop it in a few seconds flat. Even Kaldur, who had adapted to surges of electricity, struggled with holding it after Robin had pranked him with it. Seeing Piccolo standing there, not minding that his whole body was flashing bright white as hundreds of volts were passing through him was filling Kaldur with dread. Not for Robin but for himself.
One of Kuldur's main abilities was electrokinesis. Seeing as it did not affect Piccolo, he knew the upcoming fight would not bode well for him. Yet again, who else's fight was going well? Robin was clearly on the back foot with his shocked expression was anything to go by.
Piccolo ran towards Robin. Faster than anyone could perceive, Piccolo caught Robin. With one hand grasping Robin's shoulder and the other holding his currently high-voltage belt, Robin's fate was sealed. Robin let out a cry as the searing volts were transferred onto him. Both he and Piccolo were alight with electricity. Seconds passed and just as Kaldur was about to panic for Robin's health, Piccolo let go of the belt and Robin.
Robin stumbled about, trying to regain a steady balance. His hair was frizzled, his head smoking and the smell of burning gel flooded the air. Robin took a dizzy step forward, then another, and rose his next foot up. It froze mid-air. Robin blinked once then twice. Piccolo hummed and hovered a finger over Robin's forehead. "You'll call me Piccolo. Got it? Good."
After his words were said, Piccolo pressed his finger onto Robin's forehead. A loud crackle sounded as left-over static energy zapped Robin's head. Robin flinched a little too fast, tipping him off balance. He fell back and out of the ring.
As the computer announced Robin's defeat, Piccolo knelt over him. He hovered his hand over his left breast, parallel to his Robin symbol. A white flash later, Robin's costume was branded with the same mark Piccolo gave Superboy and M'gann. Standing back to his full height, Piccolo addressed his new student. "Your martial prowess is impeccable but your overreliance on your equipment and that loud mouth of yours will get you in trouble. Shut your trap, focus on your opponents, and realise your tools can aid the enemy just as much as they aid you. Understood?"
Robin let out a winded wheeze and managed to stiffly nod his head. Piccolo turned to the League present. "See? I can pull my punches. I know when to hold back" he pointed out.
"Yeah, that knee drop was really cutting it close" Green Arrow chimed.
Piccolo hummed. "He dodged, didn't he?" he quipped.
While the heroes and Piccolo argued the possibility of Robin not dodging, Kaldur and Wally came to their friend's aid. "You all good man?" Wally asked.
"...Nah dude" Robin weakly said.
"Do you need medical attention?" Kaldur asked with a worried look.
"Can you fix a bruised ego? Or nerve damage? Or the damage I'll do to Wally when this is all over?" Robin wheezed out.
Kaldur sighed. "No, no and depends" he answered.
"Dude! What gives?! Why am I copping the flank from you? I'm not the only one" Wally whined, gesturing to Superboy and M'gann.
Robin coughed out a laugh. "Yeah, compared to a kid who runs his mouth more than his feet to a nigh-indestructible alien with anger issues and a telepathic Martian who can mess with your mind or fling you across the room, I stand a better chance bad-mouthing you pal."
Wally opened his mouth to retort but it fell flat when a dreadful shadow loomed over them. "Your friend is right about one thing, Kid Flash; you're partly responsible for all this. Now, get up here. It's your turn" Piccolo announced.
As Piccolo turned to take his spot in the ring, Kaldur spared a glance at the pale Speedster. "Good luck. Try to be… unpredictable" Kaldur weakly offers.
Wally let out a harrowing groan and slumped to his feet. He was dragging his feet getting to his position, aiming to delay the inevitable for as long as possible. Piccolo's unimpressed look spurred him to quickly drop the act and get into position. Mirroring the others before him, Wally bowed in time with Piccolo. "BEGIN!"
Wally arched his leg up and stretched his arms back in the classic Flash pose. He was about to break into a run. He leaned forward and, in a flash, he ran… straight out of the ring.
Everyone, including Piccolo, was baffled by this move. The computer blared out Wally's failure loudly yet he didn't seem to care. Wally had a shamed face that Kaldur could tell was fake. Kaldur could see he was smiling underneath his humiliated exterior. He raised his hands. "Sorry Piccolo! I just… I didn't know what on earth came over me! You yelled begin, I was going to take you down with a leg sweep and then a dropkick- but all of a sudden! Zip! I found myself here! It was like… I didn't have the resolve. The bravery to face an opponent of your caliber. I know, I know. I'll be facing more powerful and experienced baddies out on the field, but I guess that's what we need to train with me, huh?"
Kaldur struggled immensely not to roll his eyes with each word coming out of Wally's mouth. He was laying on the pity and fakery so much that Kaldur found the whole thing downright embarrassing. Largely because no one fell for it. Everyone cottoned on to his scheme halfway through his self-deprecating speech, showing so with unimpressed glares. None were less impressed than Piccolo. Swiftly returning his surprised expression to his regular stern one, Piccolo marched towards Wally. "Does it hurt being that smart?" he snidely asked.
"Huh?" Wally
Piccolo scoffed. "I guess I mistook your smartassery for actual brains"
"Well, you did-"
"You thought it was smart to be a coward and avoid your punishment by jumping out of the ring? Did you honestly believe I'll just leave you be because you lost? Because this, in some way, means you outsmarted me? I thought you were the boy who managed to recreate the Flash's experiment through burnt footnotes and quips from the Flash. The one who gained his powers through sheer determination and his smarts. Where's he? Why am I the one facing the coward who can't think to save his own hide?!" Piccolo barked.
All pretense of fakery left Wally's face and posture. Now he was actually ashamed, shrinking down with each berating word from Piccolo. After the verbal lashing, Wally meekly lifted his head. "So… is that all? Are we done?" he asked.
Piccolo's glare tightened. "No."
Piccolo thrust his hand out towards Wally. Wally flinched as swirling energy emerged from his palm. An orange glow bathed the room along with a high-pitched whine as it grew in strength. Piccolo loudly spoke, talking towards Wally and at the same time addressing the League. "This little attack will give a little bit more of a zap than what Robin experienced. You can handle that, can't you smart guy?"
Wally stepped back in fear. His face paling and eyes wide in horror. "But you said-"
"I said I wouldn't use Ki in the ring. You're out of it. Better start running."
Piccolo's attack reached the apex of its brightness and whining. Finally, Piccolo released it. A bright ball of orange Ki blasted out of his hand and raced towards Wally. A trail of energy was left in its wake. Wally let out a cry and dodged to the left. The Ki ball sailed past but swiftly turned around to follow Wally. Wally dodged again and ran to the other side of the atrium. Again, the Ki ball chased after him. Now Wally was sprinting around the atrium with the Ki ball close behind. It was slightly amusing watching Wally run around as the ball chased him. He was panting and crying out for help as he ran circles around them. "Guys! Come. On! You. Guys. Don't. actually. Think. This. Is. Ok? Right!?" Wally screamed, yelling each word towards the Leaguers with every lap.
Hawkman, Red Tornado, Green Arrow, Black Canary and Captain Marvel looked at each other, unsure of whether or not to intervene. Captain Marvel chimed, "I mean, Batman would do the same if we did something similar."
They shared another long look before concluding that Captain Marvel did have a point. "So long as it doesn't harm him too much" Red Tornado pointed out.
Collectively, they looked toward the Team members off had faced Piccolo. Superboy's bruises were slowly healing, M'Gann was back on her unsteady feet and Robin was starting to feel the tips of his fingers and toes again. Seeing that they were somewhat alright, they silently agreed to stand back and watch. "Sorry Wally. Either keep running or take the hit" Black Canary yelled to him.
"Ooohhh! Come! ON! This. Is. So. Unfair! AAHHH! It's speeding up!" Wally cried as he continued to run away from his punishment.
With Wally's situation resolved, it was onto the last subject. Kaldur took a deep breath, steeled himself, and stepped forward into the ring. Each step felt like a burden. An invisible weight pulled Kaldur's feet and stomach down. He knew it was dread. He took in another breath to ease himself. He was taken back to that time where he stood before the Atlantean throne. That same moment he told Superboy earlier before this whole mess. The feeling of dread and worry about what was to come, followed shortly by horror when facing a great enemy. Kaldur pivoted to face Piccolo. He felt like he was facing Ocean Master all over again. The feeling of fight or flight battered his psyche. Suddenly, running away like Wally wasn't such a bad idea. Seeing Wally blur past his vision with a Ki ball hot on his heel reminded Kaldur of that futility. His fate was sealed when Piccolo tore those kneeling mats away from their hands.
Kaldur pressed his clammy hands together and bowed in the traditional Atlantean style. Not much different from those found on land except for the hand placement. The hands pressed together, fingers spread and pointed slightly away from the chest. Since the ocean was home to a variety of different sentient species with different appendages, this bow was the most convenient one to use across all species.
Piccolo bowed with his arms to his side and parallel to his torso. They both straightened up and stared each other down. Piccolo was firm and unwavering. Nothing like the pure wrath Ocean Master had when Kaldur had struck him. Oddly, Kaldur found comfort in that. It was a reminder that this was as much of a lesson as it was a punishment. Kaldur did not fear being killed as he had with Ocean Master. He was just expecting to get a beatdown. Kaldur, realising that, braced himself for the inevitable and met it with determination. Kaldur was surprised when Piccolo's gaze changed. It was still stern and imposing, but it held a small sliver of respect. Piccolo even gave him a small grin. All of that fell when he suddenly barked. "BEGIN!"
As soon as those words left his mouth, he ran straight at Kaldur. Kaldur swiftly grabbed his Water-Bearers and summoned a large shield with both of them. Just in time, Piccolo hit it with a flying front kick. The impact rattled Kaldur's bones and the momentum of it pushed him right towards the edge of the ring. Kaldur thought fast. With Piccolo's foot still on his water shield, an idea formed in his mind. He dissolved the water and manipulated it to wrap around his leg. Kaldur followed with the momentum and threw Piccolo right out of the ring.
Kaldur had a moment of disbelief, wondering if he just really launched him out of the ring on the first go. Sadly, Piccolo proved him wrong. Piccolo flipped in the air and launched his arms towards either side of Kaldur. Stretching them out to latch onto the ring floor. His arms went taut and pulled Piccolo right towards Kaldur at high speeds. Kaldur didn't have time to form a shield. Piccolo drop-kicked him right in the chest. Kaldur swore a rib cracked under the hit. He was launched across the ring, rolling to a stop and entering a coughing fit. "Hey! He's out! He went over the line, and he used Ki!" Captain Marvel shouted.
"It's Tenkaichi Budōkai rules!" M'gann yells.
Everyone turned to the shaky Martian. "The rules say that unless the opponent touches the ground outside of the ring, they're still considered in the fight. And that wasn't Ki. That's a natural ability Namekians have! He didn't say anything about not using natural abilities" she said.
"I see someone pays attention and does their homework…" Black Canary praised while giving Captain Marvel a light unimpressed look. "Good work M'gann… Piccolo. Would you like to say something to a student actually learning?" she asked.
"Busy" Piccolo gruffly dismissed, stomping over to Kaldur slowly coming to his feet.
Kaldur rubbed his chest, wincing as he touched the impact sight. 'Yeah, that will bruise' he groaned mentally.
"Good work on that little move, but you'll have to be craftier than that to get me with a ring-out" Piccolo applauded.
Kaldur gave him a stiff nod. He rose to his full height and readied his Water-Bearers. Two heavy hammers formed from the water. Kaldur brought them to bear, ready to strike. Piccolo halted and splayed his arms out to let Kaldur hit him. He obliged and swung his hammers at Piccolo's torso. A loud boom echoed with each strike yet Piccolo did not move. It was like the waves crashing against a cliff face. Nothing was working but Kaldur didn't need it to work. He needed Piccolo to believe this was all he had while he formed a plan.
Piccolo was right, Kaldur had to be crafty to get him out of the ring. Kaldur didn't have a hope in hell win with a knockout so a ring knockout was his best bet. The question was how was he going to do that? Piccolo's reflexes were fast enough to intercept any attacks and keep himself in the ring. His stretching ability was an issue as well. With the core and muscle strength he had, Piccolo could easily hold himself out of the ring. Kaldur had to kick him out by surprise and low to the ground so Piccolo didn't have time to claw back in. How he'd be doing so was still a debate in his head. His time was short as Piccolo's patience wore thin.
He moved to strike so Kaldur changed it up. He swung more, with which one he summoned a different weapon. Heavy clubs, curved blades, and sharp daggers but none of it worked. Piccolo scoffed at his attempts and began striking him. Kaldur formed a shield with his one Water-Bearer. Piccolo's fist easily punched through it and struck Kaldur's face. Kaldur recoiled back, allowing Piccolo to score more hits. Kaldur was on the backfoot. He swung wildly, missing each strike. Piccolo punished his mistakes with more gaps and kicks to his face and body. Kaldur again found himself on the ground. Piccolo loomed over him, his eyes narrowed into glaring slits. Kaldur paled under the gaze but formed an idea. Piccolo raised a hand, ready to strike. Kaldur fained fatigue for a bit longer. Just as Piccolo was about to strike, Kaldur acted.
Summoning a rapier with both his Water-Bearers, Kaldur struck at Piccolo's eyes. This move would've thrown him clear off both the Team and the Justice League- definitely shaming himself and his family, for willingly blinding someone by piercing their eyes, but this was Piccolo. Kaldur knew this move wouldn't hurt him. He wasn't even aiming to do that. The razor water hit his eyes but Piccolo didn't react. Well, he did… just with a horrifying smirk. "Good move. Doubt the League would approve of it but good work picking on a weakness. My turn."
Kaldur gasped as Piccolo grabbed his Water-Bearers and yanked them out of his hands. He then threw them off to the side. Kaldur quickly backflipped onto his feet, in time to meet a flying knee to his face. He managed to block it but ended up hitting himself with the back of his hands. Kaldur stumbled back upon Piccolo's onslaught. Every gap and kick made Kaldur burn with pain. He struggled to shield himself from the flurry of attacks. Kaldur had a brief moment of clarity. Just as Piccolo was about to hit him again, Kaldur braced his legs for the oncoming move. Piccolo's fist went flying. Kaldur managed to sidestep it in time. Twisting his body around, Kaldur grasped the outstretched limb and pulled it down. Piccolo was thrown forward but predicted this move. He extended his body backward mid-pull, allowing him to firmly land on his feet. With incredible core and muscle work, Piccolo managed to pull himself back upright. As he did so, his outstretched hand grabbed Kaldur's shirt. Kaldur didn't even have time to register what had happened before he was thrown in the air.
He flipped backward, his arms and legs outstretched to try and balance himself. In his spinning world, he caught sight of Piccolo leaping towards him. Kaldur's reflexes kicked in and his mind went into overdrive. He remembered he still had one bit of kit left on him. It was the perfect way to orientate himself and launch a surprise attack on Piccolo. The only drawback was he was going to get an earful from his king about wreaking his gear. Kaldur quickly figured a verbal lashing was better than being knocked out. Kaldur slammed his hands on his Water Pack. Timing it just right, he ruptured the water within. The water exploded out of his Pack, the force of which orientated himself as well as launched him towards Piccolo.
From Piccolo's widened eyes, Kaldur guessed he caught him off guard. Pursuing his advantage, Kaldur put all his power into a mean right hook. He easily collected Piccolo's face with a nasty thump, followed by a rocking boom. Both fell to the ground shortly after. Kaldur on his feet, Piccolo on his back. "He's down! Get him Kadlur!" Superboy yelled.
Kaldur sprinted towards Piccolo. Already he was getting onto his feet. He grumbled loudly, flicking water off of his body and cape. Kaldur noted he was standing in a pool of water. An idea formed in his head. First, he had to disable Piccolo but keep him in the pool of water. Kaldur panicked when Piccolo was moving towards him. Time to do something stupid. Doing his best to mimic Superboy, Kaldur jumped in the air, howling as he brought his arms up above his head. 'By Poseidon, please don't kick me!' Kaldur begged.
The Gods are on his side this day. Piccolo held still and swiftly plunked Kaldur from the air by his neck. Kaldur gasped as Piccolo firmly held his neck. "A stupid move to end our little dance, but it was impressive all around" Piccolo complimented.
Kaldur groaned out. "It's not… finished!"
Kaldur held his hands towards Piccolo's face and blasted him with light. A beginner's spell for children, Illumination was as simple as its namesake; it created a light. This one though, Kaldur put more power into it. Piccolo was just blinded by 2000 lumens. He cried out in shock and pain. Kaldur moved to seize his only opportunity to defeat him. He slammed his arms into Piccolo's forearms, dropping him. He crouched down upon landing, his hands sinking into the water below Piccolo. His tattoos glowed brightly as he set up his plan. He agitated the water and made it slicker. Kaldur then rushed towards Piccolo, kicking off the ground hard enough to make the floor crack. He tackled Piccolo, wrapping his arms tightly around Piccolo's arms. The momentum of Kaldur's tackle carried them through the slick water. Piccolo tried to dig his heel into the ground but it proved futile. Kaldur was pushing them towards the edge of the ring!
Kaldur made sure to jump and put his feet on Piccolo's knees so no part of him would touch the ground first. His plan of pushing both of them out of the ring was working! If all went to plan in the next few seconds, Piccolo would fall out first and land on his back. Kaldur would win. It seemed that way right until Piccolo leaped backward. Despite being blind, Piccolo timed his jump perfectly. His toes just touching the edge of the ring. His body turning so fast that it will be Kaldur touching the ground first. Seeing his world turn upside down, Kaldur knew his fate was sealed. His back slammed onto the floor. Kaldur expected Piccolo to fall on him too but he didn't. As soon as Kaldur touched the ground, Piccolo enabled his flying abilities. He hovered over Kaldur, uprighting himself and setting him back on his feet. Piccolo then knelt and offered a hand. Kaldur took it. "I'm glad to see not all of you are helpless causes," he said.
His tone was different. He was more upbeat. Happy at a stretch. Kaldur shakily rose to his feet with the aid of Piccolo. "Thank you, Piccolo. I am glad you found one of us worthy of your tutelage" Kaldur mumbled through the pain flaring across his body.
Piccolo chuckled. "On the contrary, all of you have potential. Some just need more… effort to bring it out" Piccolo said.
Kaldur chewed his cheek, thinking how to process his words and wondering if he was one of those who Piccolo needed the effort to bring the potential out of. His thoughts were interrupted when Piccolo slammed his open palm into Kaldur's bruised chest. A bright flash and Kaldur had a new painful addition to his suit. Kaldur rubbed over the new marking and coughed. Piccolo stood tall and looked over his students. "I guess that's everyone done then…"
"Ah, Piccolo? Kid Flash" Captain Marvel reminded.
"Oh," Piccolo said nonchalantly.
Piccolo snapped his fingers. An explosion rocketed out from the upper gallery overlooking the main atrium. Through the smoke came Wally, screaming as he flew right through the open gallery and down towards the Team. Piccolo flew up and caught Wally. Settling back down, Kaldur saw Wally looked slightly gaunter and paler. His hair was frizzled and mattered with sweat. His suit was banged up from the explosion and his boots looked worn down. "So… hungry…" he moans.
Piccolo slammed his back, allowing the symbol onto him. Wally barely reacted. He tossed him for Kaldur to catch. Kaldur worried as he felt how light Wally was. "Please Kal. Just a crumble of something. Fruit even! Seaweed! Anything to eat!" he begged.
A buffing sound drew their attention to Piccolo, who held out a green apple that had magically appeared in his hand. Wally didn't waste any time. He snatched and devoured that thing with gusto. Seeing Wally eat regularly was an unpleasant thing to witness already but a starving Wally was an ungodly sight. Kaldur turned away to avoid the messy sight of him eating. Luckily, it was over fast. With Wally's appetite abided, for now, Piccolo continued on. "As I had said to Aqualad, you all have potential within you. I wouldn't have bothered to be your teacher if you hadn't. However, it will take a long time and even more effort from Canary and I to bring it out."
Piccolo turned to Black Canary, giving her a small smile before turning back to the Team. "She is right. It is an honor to be teaching you to ways of Ki. My life's work. That is why I have taken all of you to be my students."
Piccolo turned his back on them. He grasped his cape and pulled it off of him with a flourish. The back of his purple Gi was plain and ordinary until he activated his aura. A bright white bathed him momentarily until an orange hue emerged from his back in the shape of the same symbol he implanted on them. Kaldur couldn't help but gasp at the sheer amount of power he saw radiating off of that symbol. Through the rumbling sounds of his energy, Piccolo spoke with a clear and commanding voice.
"This is the mark of Pride, my school of martial arts. With this, you are branded not only as a disciple of its arts but marked as mine. You will be my students. My merry band of grasshoppers. You will listen to me. You will follow my every advice and order to the letter. You will not falter. You will not slack under my tutelage. You will take only after me. You will bleed. You will be hurt. You will be in a hell of my make and choosing. All of this so you may be better than what you are now. Better than the League. Better than the villains who wish to see this world enslaved or destroyed. Better than even I. One day, you won't wear this symbol. One day you too will grace it upon your own pupils, but that day is far, far ahead of you. Between then and now, you must face trial after trial. Each will test you and build your character and potential to the fullest. If you want to be where I am today, then you must earn it. I, and Black Canary, will help you… but we can't do it alone. You must help us, help you. Whatever we throw at you, we expect equal commitment and enthusiasm. We say jump, you say how high. Now, do I make myself clear?"
Spurred by his speech, Kaldur and the Team collectively yelled "Yes sir!" with the desired commitment and enthusiasm he wanted. Piccolo smiled at that. "Welcome to the School of Pride! Now… sit down and meditate!" Piccolo screamed so loud it hurt everyone's eardrums.
The Team scrambled towards the cart, almost fighting over each other to grab a kneeling mat. Once he took hold of one, Kaldur tore off to kneel on the ground. Settling into an Atlantean meditation stance, Kaldur focused on his breathing. Just like he was taught back at the Conservatory of Sorcery. He sensed the others had joined him, taking their seats near or beside him. Seemingly pleased with his new students, Piccolo returned to the Leaguers. Kaldur listened in. "Out with it. Are you all comfortable with my methods now?" Piccolo asked with a demanding tone.
"Well, some notes first. Loved the speech. It was so cool!" Captain Marvel gushed.
"I concur. Marginally aggressive at some points, but inspiring all the same" Red Tornado praised.
"As for the methods you used… harsh but effective" Hawkman posed.
"Edging on ruthlessly brutal Piccolo" Green Arrow chided.
"Agreed. Next time they act up, maybe I should take point in disciplining them" Black Canary offered.
"Maybe you take point in everything" Green Arrow proposed.
"I'll allow Black Canary to be more involved in future teaching lessons. Consider today… setting a good first impression" Piccolo said.
The bruises on Kaldur's chest flared with each breath. 'Of course, a good first impression' Kaldur snidely remarked. "So we all agree that this was a hit. We can continue with this?" Captain Marvel asked.
There was a moment of silence. "Only a few bruises, heads smashed, and electrocutions. I say it went well. Agreed" Hawkman chimed.
"Agreed" Red Tornado echoed.
"Sure. So long as you keep your end of the deal" Green Arrow said.
Piccolo hummed, sounding like he was saying yes. "It's settled then. Piccolo and I will keep training the children. We'll follow the plan the League is comfortable with. However, if we have constant repeats of today, I'll let him train them for a day... His way" Black Canary announced.
Kaldur, and all of the Team, held their breaths in silent horror.
This was it, the beginning of their long, agonising journey to learning Ki.
Apologise for the late release. This chapter was meant to go live yesterday but FanFiction was down all day. I do hope I've done the characters justice here. One of my biggest worries is that I made the characters OOCs without me noticing. I think I've struck a fair balance between Piccolo's ruthless teaching and his ability to see potential and ease off on curtain aspects of training.
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