Aquaman #1: Reflection

By Brian Benjamin

One Arthur Curry was walking around Atlantis. Times for the current king have changed. The biggest change was that he was alive once again. During the "Final Crisis" he had died but during the "Blackest Night" he was brought back to life by a black lantern ring. Time passed and his life was restored once more. Given the incidents that happened prior, Arthur has had a lot to think about between dying, being in limbo, and being reborn again.

Okay Arthur, what do you want out of life?. The hero known as Aquaman asked himself while looking out at the life of his small but thriving city. Thinking of Mera, Garth, Tula, and his friends in the Justice League of America. He was fulfilled in terms of his personal relationships.

"My King." A voice called out bringing the sea hero out of his thoughts. Turning around he saw a soldier coming to report to him.

"Yes." Aquaman answered with a deep but commanding voice. Presenting himself the soldier brought out a folder.

"I brought you the papers you asked for." The soldier said giving Aquaman the folder who nodded in response.

"Thank you; you can take the rest of the night off if you wish." Aquaman replied earning a smile from the soldier.

"Thank you my king; I appreciate the offer, but I'll stay on guard." The soldier answered before leaving the room. Aquaman opened the folder and started looking at the contents in them.

What exactly where you planning mother? Arthur asked himself looking over the plans his mother had made for Atlantis. Interesting mother, I never knew you and Queen Hippolyta were friends since birth. I guess that's why me and Diana get along so well. As Arthur started to think about his relationship with the heroine known as "Wonder Woman" for a few seconds.

What can I do for Atlantis that hasn't been done yet? Arthur questioned himself while remembering the history of this nation. The nation had gone through so much in the recent years. From having to deal with not only his death but his "rebirth" as well. Constant attacks from his own brother and arch nemesis Black Manta. There had to be something Arthur could do to not only bring life back to Atlantis but to have it start thriving once again.

"What's on your mind?" A female voice stated as Arthur felt himself take a deep sigh. There was only one woman who could guess that something was bothering him. It was his wife Mera, Atlantis queen, but most important the love of his life. "And if you say nothing I'm going to hurt you."

"Fine." Arthur replied seeing no point in hiding what's on his mind to his wife of all people. "It's just that I don't know what to do Mera. I mean besides making sure Atlantis is up and running."

"Well how about you come back to our room, and I can give you a massage." Mera suggested as that was tempting in Arthurs mind. Mera's massages were a great stress reliever.

"So tempting but I need to think about this Mera, okay." Arthur said before he found himself in a hug with his wife.

"Alright, but don't overthink it okay." Mera replied back before planting a quick kiss on Arthur's cheek before making her way back to their room.

She's right, the last few days I've been stressing myself. I mean I had to deal with Orm and his army a few days ago. Orm, where did our relationship go wrong? Arthur said wondering what he had done wrong with his brother.

"Penny for your thoughts my king?" A male asked as Arthur saw Kaldur approach his position.

"What makes you say that?" Arthur replied back as he decided to give a quick test to Kaldur.

"Your body language for one and two Queen Mera mentioned something about it when I walked passed her." Kaldur said earning a smile from Arthur.

"Okay, Kaldur say you were in my position. What exactly would you do for Atlantis?" Arthur questioned wanting to know his opinion on the nation he was now a part of.

"I would make sure it's thriving my king. I would make it a environment that anyone living in it would be proud of." Kaldur said, telling Arthur what he would do if he were the king.

"Anyone living." Arthur muttered as his eyes widen as though he realized something. "That's it! Kaldur you're a genius."

"Thank you." Kaldur said in an unsure tone. As he watched Aquaman head to his personal quarters. Unknown to Kaldur his suggestion would cause Atlantis to become the talk of the

world in the upcoming days.

Mom and dad, besides having a child I have found my way to leave a mark in Atlantis history. Watch over me as for the days ahead will be tough, stressful, and possibly violent but I shall not let that stop me and my end goal for New Atlantis. History will be made whether people like it or not because looking back on this years later. I'm sure everyone will laugh about it. As Arthur opened the door to his bedroom where he saw Mera in her sleep wear, laying in their bed, and watching television. A television station known as the "A.A.N" (Aquatic, Area, Network). You could say they were the MSNBC of the sea world.

"So you wanted that message after all." Mera said with a smile gracing her face.

"I know what I want to do Mera and I'm going to need all the support I can get." Arthur stated earning a questionable look from his wife.

"What exactly are you planning Arthur? You should already know I have your back." Mera said reassuring her husband that whatever he had planned she was going to support him all the way.

"Well the idea came when I started talking to Kaldur." Was all Arthur could say as he explained to his wife the "rough" draft of what would be considered the biggest thing Atlantis has done in all of its years as a nation.

To be continued...