Author's Note: So I'm back. Hooray. Yeah, the updating of this is going to be really inconsistent. But let's get right into it!

Chapter Four

Aqua

The next week or so went by uneventfully. Desmond had managed to cheer up when the Fourth of July came around. The Team had spent nearly all day on the beach that rested at the foot of Mount Justice, and had watched the fireworks from the warm sand. Artemis and Desmond had snuggled together on a blanket. Though it wasn't something either would normally do, they had decided to give into the more "mushy" side of their relationship. It had been a holiday.

The next day, they spent an hour or so scanning through the photos that had been taken. At first, it had just been Wally sneaking a few photos of M'gann in her bikini (which Conner wasn't too thrilled about) but at some point it became more. The camera had gotten passed around by the members of Young Justice, and they smiled and laughed as they all viewed some of the pictures captured the day before.

"Now that's a good one," Zatana had joked, as they looked at a picture of Desmond and Artemis splashing each other in the ocean. "That'll be one to show your kids one day."

"Shut up," Desmond and Artemis had said simultaneously, making the others laugh. They had looked through the rest of the pictures, pausing to laugh at some (Garfield and Wally burying Conner in the sand, Wally's defeated look as the volleyball Desmond and Kaldur were using crashed into his three story sand castle) and make comments at others (amazing shots of the fireworks, M'gann and Artemis sunbathing.) They had paused at a photo of Desmond and Wally surfing on large waves, which Kaldur had created with his hyrdokinesis.

"See," said Desmond. "Just one of the many reasons it's awesome to have an Atlantian on the team." The others smiled and laughed.

After that day, however, things had quieted down a lot. No missions required the team's attention, so they spent most of the past week and a half training with Black Canary. Garfield sat in on most lessons, but hardly ever got involved, much to his displeasure. But Canary had made it perfectly clear; Gar was not to engage in training with the others until Batman gave the okay. So for now, he would need to be okay with the sidelines.

Things had been, for the most part, pretty normal. Desmond had taken what Batman had told him to heart, and realized that he couldn't spend all his time dwelling on one failed mission, and as such was trying his best to forget it. But it wasn't Desmond that seemed to have things on his mind.

Aqualad had been acting rather strange these past few days. Apprehensive, always on the edge of his seat. He was sweating sometimes. Des didn't know Atlantians even could sweat. But Kaldur was. Desmond couldn't figure out what was up, but he wanted to know.

"Hey Kon," he whispered to Conner, using the Kryptonian name Superman had given him. Desmond had, at one point, been graced with a Kryptonian name as well, but never used it. Plus, Des-El just didn't sound good. "Have you noticed how weird Kaldur's acting recently?" Superboy nodded. They were walking down a hall towards the living room, with the entire team. The two friends hung back a bit to talk.

"Something's definitely got him on edge," Conner said. "Could it have to do with, you know, Atlantis stuff?"

"I don't know," Desmond said slowly, trying to figure it out. "He came back a week or so ago. If it had been that, don't you think it would've showed up by now? His worrying, I mean. No, I don't think this has to do with something that happened in Atlantis."

"Should we just ask him?" Conner said with a shrug.

"You know that's not our style," Desmond joked, and Conner gently punched him in the arm. "Whatever. If it's big, he'll tell someone eventually. After the whole mole thing last year, he's really started to confide more in us." It was true; the whole issue with who the mole had been the previous year had nearly driven a wedge between the team on more than one occasion. To prevent similar things from happening, Aqualad had been being far more open about his thoughts and feelings.

Superboy nodded, and the two walked into the kitchen. Wally was, obviously, munching on something or other. M'gann and Artemis sat in the living room, talking about this or that. Zatana was flipping through TV channels. Kaldur was getting himself a glass of water, still looking distracted. Conner and Des exchanged a look, but then shrugged it off, and joined the girls in the living room.

Garfield, in the form of a sparrow, fluttered around M'gann and Conner's heads, making Des and Artemis giggle. He perched on Superboy's shoulder, and tweeted loudly. Des held out a finger, and the little green bird hopped on. Des held the finger up to his own face.

"This power is so cool, Gar," he said. The bird twiddled happily, before flapping off to peck at whatever Wally was munching away at in the kitchen. Just then, the Zeta-Beam announced an arrival.

"Welcome, Aquaman, 06," it blared. Aqualad practically jumped out of his seat.

"They are here," he muttered, before bounding off towards the main area. With a few exchanged looks, the Team and Garfield quickly got up and followed suit. They arrived in the main room, to find Kaldur standing in front of his king Aqualad, bowing his head low. But Aqualad had not come alone. Standing next to him, were two more Atlantians. Both looked to be about Desmond's age. The first, a boy, wore blue, and had a long black ponytail. The other was a girl, with choppy orange hair, and a yellow and green outfit. The girl ran up and hugged Kaldur.

"Kaldur'ahm!" she said in excitement. "Today is finally the day. We have been waiting for so long." She released Aqualad, and the other boy walked up to him.

"Indeed, we have," he said, holding out a fist. Aqualad placed his palm over it, and squeezed gently. Must've been an Atlantian gesture. "Our king has decided that now we are ready."

"I'm sorry…" said Wally eventually. "Can someone please explain to me what is going on?" Kaldur turned to face them, a bright smile on his face.

"Wally," he said. "Everyone. These are my best friends from Atlantis, Tula and Garth. They have both decided to join me on the surface world. To become heroes under the tutelage of Aquaman." Before anyone else could say something, the girl, who must have been Tula, rushed up, and grabbed Conner and M'gann's hands.

"Superboy, Miss Martian!' she exclaimed. "It is so excellent to see you again." Last year, Conner and M'gann had both accompanied Kaldur on a trip to Atlantis. Though Des hadn't gone with, he'd heard from Conner it had been pretty cool. Tula turned to Kaldur. "Kaldur'ahm, let me see if I can guess who the others are." She looked at the other teens in the room, and after a moment, she pointed and spoke. "Artemis." She said, pointing to Artemis. "Zatana…" two for two. "Shifter and Kid Flash." She said. However, she had pointed to Wally when she said Shifter, and to Desmond when she said Kid Flash.

"Uh…" said Desmond, raising a hand. "Actually, I'm Shifter."

"Kid Flash," Wally said, also raising a hand. Tula blushed slightly, and the other Atlantian, Garth, walked over to the members of the team he had never met.

"It is an honor to meet you all," he said, bowing his head slightly. His ponytail fell on the side of his head, and he brushed it back. "We have heard tales of all your heroics from Kaldur'ahm. It is truly a privilege to join your ranks." Just then, Garfield pushed forward.

"Whoa, they get to join the Team?" he asked, ignoring the shocked looks he got from Tula and Garth at the sight of his green skin. "So not fair…" M'gann ruffled his hair.

"Tula, Garth, this is Garfield," she said. "He's my…" she faltered, clearly unsure of what to say. Desmond and the others knew that M'gann thought of Garfield as her brother, but would the young boy agree with the label? No matter, it seemed, because at that moment Superboy spoke up.

"Wait," he said. "Have you all been… talking about this for a while now?" The four Atlantians exchanged looks.

"Do you all know the story of how Kaldur'ahm became known as Aqualad?" Aquaman asked them.

"Well, yeah," said Wally. "He helped you defeat Ocean Master, and you offered him the chance to be your protégé."

"Half right," Aquaman said. "Kaldur'ahm helped me, true. But he did not act alone. He worked with Garth to help aid me in battle. In the end, I offered them both a role as a protégé, but only Kaldur'ahm accepted. But now, after completing his studies at the Conservatory of Sorcery, Garth has finally accepted my offer, on the two conditions that, first, Tula could accompany him, and second, that he would work alongside Kaldur'ahm, and the mighty heroes he fought with daily. Young Justice."

"We wish to help here on the surface world as much as Kaldur'ahm has," Garth explained. "Our King often tells tales of the heroics you all preform. It sparked much interest in Tula and I. We felt this team, as it is, would be the perfect opportunity to help."

"Batman and I had been arranging it for some time now," Aquaman continued. "We had to make a few last minute preparations, and wait for the right time."

"So what makes now the right time?" asked Desmond. Aquaman walked to the center of the room, pulling up the large holo-computer. He typed into the keyboard, and several images popped up. A large freighter ship, a map of the Caribbean, and the image of a man in a black metal suit. His outfit looked vaguely familiar to Desmond for some reason, but he couldn't place it.

"Three days ago," Aquaman began explaining. "A freighter disappeared off the coast of Barbados. The League had been tracking the freighter for some time, as we had reason to believe Bruno Mannheim and Intergang were somehow involved." Another image was pulled up, this one of Intergang leader Bruno "Ugly" Mannheim. He did the nickname justice. "Based on the trajectory of the ship's path, we had assumed it was making a stop in Nassau, before heading to Florida. However, this was all before it disappeared. We have no concrete proof that could stick this on anyone, but we mostly suspect this man," he gestured to the man in the black outfit. "Black Manta, a former agent of Ocean Master."

"Manta was the one behind the attack on Atlantis last year," Aqualad recalled. "When a sample of the Starro creature was stolen."

"Indeed," Aquaman said, nodding. "And, as you all know, that sample was later used in the creation of the biotechnology that was almost able to wipe out the entire Justice League, under the commands of Vandal Savage, last New Year's Eve."

"Aquaman, do you think Black Manta could be working with Savage?" Desmond asked. "The only person we saw with him was Klarion." And Red Arrow, Desmond thought. No, that wasn't true. It had been a clone of Roy Harper, a sleeper agent. He hadn't been working with Savage, he had been orchestrated by Savage, unwillingly. But now wasn't the time to think about that.

"It is a definite possibility," Aquaman said. "Batman and I conferred over the matter, and felt that a recon mission on the location where Mannheim's ship disappeared would prove as an excellent introduction to the Team for Tula and Garth. If you're all up to the challenge." Aqualad stepped up.

"My King," he said. "We are always up to the challenge."

XxXxX

The Bioship soared over Barbados, headed for the coordinates where Mannheim's ship was last spotted. They were going over the plan. "We will divide into two squads," Aqualad said, from the area near the helm of the Bioship. "Alpha Squad will consist of Tula, Miss Martian, Garth and myself. Our main objective will be scouring the northern and western quadrants of the perimeter. The rest of you, Superboy, Kid Flash, Artemis, Zatana and Shifter, will be Beta Squad, in charge of the southern and eastern parts of the perimeter. Shifter, you will lead Beta Squad." Aqualad paused a moment, and exchanged a look with Shifter, who nodded. They had talked privately for a bit already, during which Kaldur had wanted to make sure Des was feeling up to leading a squad after what had happened in Qurac. He didn't want to put Des in a tight spot. Desmond had said that he was ready. And he was. So he nodded at the Atlantian. "At the first sign of Mannheim's ship, or anything involving Black Manta, contact the other Squad. Aquagirl, Tempest, are you adjusted to M'gann's mental link yet?"

"Adjusted enough," Tempest said. Garth had chosen that name. And Tula, obviously, had chosen Aquagirl. "It is still a bit strange."

"Still a bit strange for us too, actually," Wally joked.

The Bioship continued along, until it slowed to a hover over the spot of ocean designated on the maps Aquaman had supplied them with. Aqualad stood. "Atlantians, deploy." M'gann opened a hatch in the bottom of the Bioship, and Kaldur, Tula and Garth all dove out of it, gracefully entering the water despite a drop of about seventy feet.

Any immediate signs? Desmond mentally asked Kaldur.

Nothing as of yet, he responded. Miss Martian, begin your descent. M'gann made the Bioship close up the hole, and it's shape changed entirely. It became more streamlined, more capable of maneuvering through the water. A large section of the front gained a window, so those inside would be able to effectively scan the area. It tilted, and M'gann drove it straight into the ocean below. The entered the water, and she deactivated the cloaking function.

M'gann rose out of her seat, and Des did as well. They walked to the side of the ship, and Desmond phased the both of them out into the water. He watched as M'gann shifted her form; her legs became a long fish tail, and she developed gills on her neck. She nodded when the shift was complete, and Desmond phased himself back into the ship. When he returned, he found Artemis had taken M'gann's seat, which made sense, as she was to piloting the ship while M'gann traveled with the Atlantians.

Miss Martian will be joining you shortly, Desmond thought to Aqualad. Beta Squad departing.

Good luck Beta Squad, Aqualad replied. Alpha Squad out. In the distance, four humanoid shapes quickly swam by. The Atlantians and M'gann, Alpha Squad, headed to their quadrant. Desmond took Aqualad's seat at the front of the Bioship.

"Begin heading to the northeast quadrant," he ordered. Artemis obliged, maneuvering the ship around and began piloting it in the right direction. "Eyes open guys. We've got to stay alert."

The Bioship gently swam through the soft currents of the Atlantic Ocean, while the teens inside scanned the ocean floor, and the surrounding area. Shifter and Superboy peered out the front window, scanning the area immediately ahead of them. Superboy's x-ray and thermal visions came in handy here, but so far he had found nothing. Kid Flash and Zatana were both glued to monitor screens, each scanning their respective side of the Bioship. Artemis, while piloting the ship, also kept one eye on a sonar-like radar for any unusual blips. They had been down there nearly forty minutes by now.

"We've been here nearly forty minutes by now," Kid Flash groaned.

"Thank you, Wally," Desmond said. "And by the way, have I thanked you for the previous seven updates on the time, which you've given us every five minutes?"

"No."

"Good. Now look at your monitor. I'm sure Alpha Squad is having just as boring of a time."

"Uh… Shifter," said Superboy, getting Desmond's attention. "I can see something behind that group of rocks." He pointed to a cluster of large rocks, nestled near the side of a large underwater rock face. "Looks like a crate. Might be nothing. Or…" The two exchanged a look, and Shifter nodded.

"Artemis, bring the ship around," Shifter said.

"On it," Artemis replied. The Bioship moved deftly through the water, coasting towards the rock cluster. It was stacked high, and as the ship circled around it, Desmond could see that there was in fact a large crate there, which had been obscured by the rocks.

"Bring us in," Desmond said. "I'll phase it in." Artemis moved the ship directly over the crate, and Desmond phased through the floor. The water was freezing, and so he moved as fast as he could, grabbing the edges of the crate, and straining to lift it to the base of the Bioship. He phased both the crate and himself through, and the Team gathered around. Superboy and Shifter each grabbed a side of the lid, which was secured on with several dozen screws and nails, and lifted. The top came off, and Kid Flash dug a hand in. He pulled out what appeared to be a harness of some sort, with a large hole in the middle, all black and red. Next came several Frisbee-sized discs of blood red.

"That's Apokoliptian technology," said Superboy. He'd had an experience with it last year. "The kind of stuff Intergang deals with."

"Mannheim." Artemis said.

"Hey guys," said Zatana, who had moved away from the crate to look at something out the front window. "Check this out." The Team moved over to where she stood, and followed where her finger was pointing. The lights from the Bioship were illuminating a large entrance to the rock wall next to where the crate had been; the opening of an underwater cave.

"A cave opening next to the crate of Intergang merchandise," KF said. "Coincidence much? Anyone else thinking what I'm thinking?"

"We'll check it out," said Shifter. "Let me contact Alpha." He closed his eyes, to concentrate, though it wasn't really necessary. Aqualad, you there? We found something.

What is it? Aqualad thought back.

A crate of Apokoliptian weapons, Shifter explained. And a cave entrance. Going to check it out. Do you want us to wait for you?

Use your best judgment. Alpha Squad and I are more than likely upwards of twenty minutes from your location. I have your coordinates, and we're returning now.

Affirmative, Shifter out. Shifter turned to the others. "Aqualad and the others are maybe twenty minutes away. I say we wait it out." The others shrugged, and went about trying to find ways to busy themselves as they waited. Artemis reengaged the cloaking mode, in case any of Intergang or Manta's men happened upon them. Superboy and Kid Flash sorted through the Apokolips weapons. Eventually, Shifter had had enough of being idle.

"Okay," he said. "It's been fifteen minutes, and they're not here. I'll take a few of you in. Those that stay behind need to keep an eye out for anyone coming, and alert Aqualad and the others of where we went when they show up." He thought for a moment. "Kid, Zatana, you're with me. Artemis and Superboy, stay and keep watch." Everyone nodded.

"Tiustew!" Zatana said, and in a flash her usual attire had shifted into a black and white, one piece wetsuit. Shifter, Zatana and Kid Flash walked to the side of the Bioship nearest the cave entrance. "Selbbub Ria!" Zatana chanted. Three large, perfectly round bubbles of air formed around the heads of Zatana, KF and Shifter. Kid Flash touched his, flicked it even, and it did not pop.

"Cool!" he said, though the bubble muffled his voice. Shifter took the two others by the hand, and phased all three into the cold water. He took a few deep breaths, just to be sure of the efficiency of the bubbles, and then gestured to the cave entrance. The others nodded, and they began to swim in.

The further along they went, the more they questioned how deep this cave actually was. Desmond risked a glance back, and realized he could no longer see the lights of the Bioship. He was confused, therefor, as to why there was still enough light to see Zatana and KF so clearly. The question was answered in a moment, when he glimpse the glass-encased lights that stuck out of the ceiling and floor of the underwater cave.

Guess we're on the right track, he thought to the others. They continued swimming, eventually coming to a sharp turn in the caves' structure. Shifter rounded the curve first, then quickly swam back behind the wall, grabbing Zatana and Kid Flash so as to drag them back with him.

What? Asked Kid Flash.

Submarine ahead, Shifter said. Shaped like a giant, black, manta ray. It was true; around the corner was an immense black submarine, in the shape of a manta. Obviously the sub belonged to the villain of the same name.

Do we head in? asked Zatana. Or wait for Aqualad?

We're sitting ducks if we just wait here, Shifter reasoned. And it's too far of a swim back. We found them, but there's no guarantee that they won't escape out of another exit. We go in. The two others nodded, and they began swimming. Shifter contacted Aqualad. Kaldur, we've found Manta's submarine. Heading inside. Will stay covert until you get here.

Acknowledged, Aqualad's voice responded. We'll be with you shortly.

The three heroes got to the side of the sub, and Shifter phased the three of them through. They arrived in a dimly lit hallway, with metal walls, floor and ceiling. The bubbles quickly faded away, and they engaged the stealth modes on their suits (Zatana had returned her clothes to the usual outfit.) Kid Flash scouted ahead, and then returned.

"The hallway leads to one door," he said. "Two guards outside the door. No idea if there are any inside."

"Okay," Shifter said. "Wally, you think you can take the guards out?"

"Consider it done," he said, then zipped off. There were the faint sounds of two bodies hitting the ground, and Kid Flash returned, carrying two guns made of black and red metal. Apokolips tech. "They were carrying these."

"Looks like Manta's goons got upgrades," Zatana muttered.

"Alright, let's see what's behind that door," Shifter said. They quickly but quietly headed down the hall, passing the two unconscious guards, and slowly opened the door. There were no lights within, but since no one made a sound when the door was opened, Shifter assumed it was safe. The three teens went in, and Kid Flash found a light switch. When he flicked it on, they found themselves in a room positively filled with large crates.

Desmond walked over to one, shifted his hand inside, and pulled out an Apokoliptian weapon. He moved to a different crate, repeated the process, and found more Apokolips technology. "It's all Apokoliptian. It looks like Intergang's entire stock is here."

"Which means either Manta high jacked it from Mannheim…" said Zatana.

"Or they're working together," Shifter said. "Either way, Manta has some heavy fire power now, which is bad news." He thought for a moment. If Robin had been with them, he would've planted some explosives and taken care of the problem easily. However, he was off in Blüdhaven, and Des didn't exactly carry C4 on his person.

"Hey, check it out," Wally said. He gestured to the back of the store room, to a wall that had the clear outline of a separation. "I bet you anything that's a hatch, and they use it to load all this tech. All we've got to do is open it back up, and dump all this junk in the ocean."

"Nice!" Des said. "You see a hatch-open lever anywhere?" The three teens searched the room, but turned up nothing. "Damn… I bet it's in the… control room, or whatever they have on this thing."

"So we've got to find it?" asked Zatana. Shifter nodded. "And the chance that Manta will be there?"

"I'd say pretty good," said Shifter.

"Perfect.

The three crept down the hallway to where they had started, and then headed in the other direction. They moved fast and silent, like they had been trained to do. Eventually, however, they ran into an issue. A split in direction, down two completely opposite hallways.

"Do we have time to check both?" asked Zatana.

"Not really," Shifter replied. "Alright, Kid Flash, Z, you guys take the right path. I'll go left. Maintain mental link contact at all times." The two others nodded, and darted off to the right. Shifter, with a deep breath, headed to the left.

He turned the first corner, and was nearly seen by a patrolling guard. He waited for the man to turn the corner he was hiding behind, then grabbed him by the back of his helmet-covered head. She smashed the man's face into the wall. The metal visor cracked, and the man slumped down, his head having rocketed off the inside of the helmet. Shifter opened the nearest door, which was luckily a bathroom, and shoved the unconscious man inside. But not before confiscating yet another piece of Apokoliptian weaponry.

Continuing along, he found himself at another fork in the tunnels. On an impulse, he took the left path once again, which led down straight for a while. There was a corner, which he came around, and ran straight. Another two directions. Left once more. It went straight for a while, until it led to yet another left turn. He took it, and found himself… back at the storage room. The one he had started at.

"Damn," he muttered. "Must've missed KF and Z… Well, I guess I'll just—"

"You'll what?" asked a voice. Shifter whirled. A man was standing there, wearing the large helmet that informed him that it was Black Manta. He was flanked by four henchmen. "What are you doing here, little hero?" Instead of a response, Desmond quickly jabbed Manta in the chest. The villain grabbed his arm, twisted, and flipped Shifter onto his back. Shifter quickly phased through the floor, came up behind two of the henchmen, and slammed their heads together. The fell to the ground, and the two others open fired.

Shifter lowered his density, but when one of the red pulses that emitted from the Apokolips tech hit him in the shoulder, it stung like fire. "Gah!" he shouted, gripping his shoulder. He charged past the two henchmen, shoulder-checked manta, and slammed himself into the door of the storage room. It flew open, and he tumbled into the darkness. Manta and his men followed.

"Give up!" the villain yelled, as his men continued firing the Apokoliptian weapons. "You can't escape. You're alone. You're fighting on my terms."

I could really use some help here! Desmond thought to the others, as he jumped and rolled to avoid another shot from the weapons. Anyone! Just then, there was a rumbling from the back of the room. Desmond turned to see a small hole forming, with two hands, pulsing with electricity, pulling it wider. Water was slowly beginning to pour in, and by the time the hole was wide enough for someone to fit through, the water was up to Shifter's calves. Through the hole emerged Aqualad and Garth.

"Shifter, to me!" Aqualad shouted. Shifter quickly ran to the boy. "Maneuver seven!" Desmond nodded, and used his interlocked fingers to propel Aqualad forward towards Manta. He used his water bearers to slice out, taking out one of the henchmen. Tempest stood.

"Stand back!" he commanded, and his hands began to glow. He sent twin streams of electricity towards the second henchman, who flew back, and slammed into the wall.

"Nice one, newbie!" Shifter said, and charged Manta. He grabbed the villain by the sides of his helmet, and swung him around. Just as he was about to release, twin beams of red light came from Manta's eyes, and stung into Shifter's chest. He screamed, and released, falling under the water. When he stood, the water was up to his knees, and quickly approaching waist-height.

"Aqualad, we've got to finish this now!" Shifter called. "Zatana and Kid Flash are still out there somewhere!"
"Tell them to abandon ship," Aqualad said. "I will take Manta." Aqualad charged the villain, with Garth hurling bolts of electricity his way. Desmond quickly alerted Zatana and KF of the impending sinking of the sub, and told them to evacuate. Then he looked up, just in time to see Manta throw Aqualad into Tempest.

"Foolish, young heroes," Manta said, his voice slightly muffled by the helmet. "You may have ruined my stores of weaponry, but there are more where they came from. Leave this place, lest you sink with the rest." And Manta left the room.

"Did… did we just win?" Desmond asked, as he grasped Kaldur and Garth's hands to help them up.

"Highly unlikely," Aqualad said. "It seems he has reason for doing as he did." Just then there was the sound of hatches coming undone, and the storage room fell away from the rest of the sub. The manta-shaped sea craft, which began to power away. They were submerged in the water. Desmond's eyes filed with panic, as he clutched at his throat. He had nothing to keep him alive. No underwater re-breather, no magic bubbles that Zatana could conjure up, nothing.

Aqualad pointed in the direction of the exit, and the three began swimming. Desmond was nearly out of breath, when he felt a hand grab his. He looked up, and made out Garth, grasping Desmond's hand and swimming furiously. He had just enough time to smile faintly before he blacked out.

XxXxX

The first thing Des did when he woke up was spit water onto Tula's face. Then he coughed for about thirty, maybe forty seconds. "Easy, Shifter. Sit slowly." Tula gently eased him up. He sat, and looked around, saw he was on the floor of the Bioship, with the others crowded around.

"What…" he said, between coughs. "What happened?"

"You were not able to swim far enough under water," Kaldur explained. "If Garth had not taken your hand and helped you along, you surely would've drowned."

"And when the three of you got back," Wally said. "You were out cold. Tula said she'd studied some sort of Atlantian resuscitation technique. Looked a lot like mouth-to-mouth to me."

"An awful lot like mouth-to-mouth…" Artemis grumbled. Desmond winked at her. He sat up further, and looked at Tula and Garth for a moment. Then he turned to Kaldur.

"Your king made a good choice," he said. He looked back at the others. "Welcome to the Team you two."

So I have no idea how canon any of that is, but it's what I'm going with. Yes, this fic is going to include the introduction of most (if not all) of the past or present members of the team, as of the five year time-skip. Luckily the loyal fans of Young Justice have done a lot of piecing together of information, so I have a lot to go off of.

Side note, you have no idea how hard it was to not write a Christmas chapter recently. I will write one, but it will come in, like February or something, I don't know. Anyway, thanks for reading, maybe drop me a review or a favorite, and keep an eye out for the next update!