Dick Grayson:
I was thinking more of a ghost story type of thing, but I guess ... whatever.
Kaldur'ahm:
Oh. I suppose I could do that if you do not think it will be too boring.
M'gann M'orzz:
Not at all! I would love to hear it!
Kaldur'ahm: (Narration)
Well, I grew up in the city of Shayeris, which is a city in Atlantis. Surface dwellers think all Atlanteans are the same, but our kingdom has many cities, many people, many cultures. When I was twelve, I completed my education and began my mandatory service in the Atlantean Military, which is standard for all that age. After a while I was transferred to the prestigious Conservatory of Sorcery in the Atlantean capital of Poseidonis. Queen Mera is the headmistress of the Conservatory and wife of King Orin, Aquaman.
It was a very different time for me. It was difficult, as it would be for anyone at age fourteen, I suppose, but also a time in my life where I met my friends that I know will be with me for a lifetime.
Then came a day ... a horrible day when Poseidonis was attacked by the Ocean Master. I can remember it vividly, as if it happened only yesterday. It was the day Aquaman nearly met his end.
Aquaman and Ocean Master fought for what seemed like hours. When Aquaman and Ocean Master clashed, it seemed to shake the very foundations of the city.
Ocean Master had gained the upper hand and nearly defeated Aquaman. Correction. Aquaman was defeated.
Garth, a fellow student, and I intervened on the king's behalf. It was the only thing we could think of doing. The danger did not occur to us, the only thing that mattered to us at the time was that our king was in trouble. It may have been one of the most foolish things Garth and I had ever done, as we nearly met our own end.
We had no hope of defeating him whatsoever, but the time we spent engaged in battle against the Ocean Master was time enough for our king to recover.
That was all he needed as Aquaman finally triumphed over Ocean Master. He was able to drive him away from the city and save us all.
Aquaman is a being of two worlds. On the surface world, he fights for justice for all beings. Under the sea he is a leader to many, both carry the weight of responsibilities. Overwhelming responsibilities only even the best of men can carry for so long. Even Aquaman cannot do both forever.
Realising that on the surface both Batman and Green Arrow had taken on apprentices that could one day take over their respective mantels, King Orin had been contemplating the same idea. With this in mind, he approached both Garth and myself with the possibility of becoming his proteges.
I must admit the possibility intrigued me immediately. I had never been to the surface world. And I am the first to admit that I am a bit of an adventurer. Many is the day in class that I would dream of visiting distant oceans and possibly one day even the surface world.
Both Garth and I seriously considered the king's offer. Garth ultimately chose to continue his studies with Queen Mera at the Conservatory of Sorcery. For me, however, the chance to visit the surface world was a dream come true.
So, at the age of fourteen, I became Aqualad.
I miss my friends. Garth, Tula ... but the chance to work with my mentor and king was an opportunity I could not pass up. I like to think the work I am doing makes a difference. The rest of the story you know. Aquaman brought Aqualad to the surface world ... and now I am here with you.
M'gann M'orzz:
Woe, so you wanted to be Aqualad?
Kaldur'ahm:
Yes. The opportunity arose. I could think of no other path.
Young Justice (2011) #5 What's the story?
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