Chapter 25 - 25 Aqualad and Batgirl (1/2)
Loud music played in the streets of Brooklyn, and street musicians and loud speakers echoed in the neighborhood. It was roughly six o'clock so kids of various ages were riding their bikes around the streets, laughter and cheering could be heard often as well.
”I forget how nice it is on the surface. With all the running around and fighting, I sometimes miss the good stuff”.
Kaldur spoke as he sipped on a cold bottle of water Barbara had purchased for him, spending too much time in the hot New York air wasn't always good for an Atalantean like himself.
The red head beside him, who was wearing glasses to obscure her pretty green eyes had also tied up her wavy red hair into a loose ponytail at the base of her head. It gave Barbara a ”normal” girl look, contrary to her aloof personality.
The girl in question raised an eyebrow and laughed at the dark-skinned Atalantean, whom tilted his head in confusion.
”Have I said something wrong Barbara? Something that amuses you?”.
The waved her arms in denial but just sent a glance to the protégé of Aquaman before looking out to the bay, and the light shimmering off the water.
”I was surprised when you asked me to come with you today Kaldur. To be perfectly honest, I thought you would've asked Mareena, since it's obvious that you like her”.
Kaldur blinked several times before chuckling and shaking his head.
”To be perfectly honest, I did like Mareena, but those feelings have long since faded. She is my Kings daughter and might someday ascend the throne and become the Queen of Atlantis. And even if she didn't and joined the Justice League, it wouldn't be appropriate”.
Barbara adjusted her glasses slightly and gestured for Kaldur to continue. The Atalantean looked hesitant at first, but sighed under the questioning gaze of the red head.
”Mareena, and I were both students at the Conservatory of Sorcery, a place in Atlantis where we both were trained in the art of Atalantean combat and magic. We were friends, and everyone around her was envious of my degree of closeness with her.
I wasn't treated very nicely by my fellow students at the Conservatory. I believe the word you would use in English would be ”bullying”. Nevertheless, I ignored most of the immature acts as just childish jealousy. However..... one day the ”truth” of my heritage was revealed, and then it wasn't just the other students of the Conservatory trying to pick on me, it was my fellow Atalantean's”.
Barbara gave a thoughtful expression before she nodded knowingly.
”Your father.... he was Black Manta, right?”.
Kaldur nodded and showed no outward show of emotion at the mention of his father, the nemesis of his mentor, Aquaman.
”My King had promised to keep it secret however someone from the royal palace leaked this information. As a result, I had to finish my studies at the Conservatory of Sorcery quicker, thankfully under the tutelage of Queen Mera”.
Barbara nodded once more.
”But how did that make you lose your feelings for Mareena? She didn't seem that bothered by your presence on the train, or even at Mount Justice”.
Kaldur gave a wistful smile and took another sip of his drink.
”Probably because she has an arranged marriage”.
”What!”.
Barbara's glasses had fallen off her face and her shout attracted quite the large amount of attention from those throwing stones or fishing off the bay.
The red head picked up her glasses and looked at Aqualad, a strong, unwavering look in her eyes.
”What do you mean that she has an arranged marriage? Aquaman wouldn't allow it! Neither would Queen Mera from what I've heard!”.
Green eyes stared straight into green eyes and Kaldur sighed before opening his mouth.
”Well, from what I heard, it was to one of the other tribes of Atlantis to secure an entry route from when King Arthur took the throne. Although My King has tried to get rid of the engagement, by either delaying it or trying to get his son, my prince, as the one marrying, it has been to no avail. Mareena wants to join the Justice League with the intent of trying to leave Atlantis”.