The next FIVE stories take place from the time right after the LOD is defeated until about a week after that.

Chapter One

After everything was over with and they were sure that the LOD would not be heard from again; Kaldur was ready to fulfill a promise he had made to Marik before the briefly resurrected '21' year old was taken away. Even though Marik would be reborn, Kaldur was still sad as he didn't have long with him. The first Aqualad had contacted his childhood friend and they agreed to meet at the Metropolis Watchtower.

"So, you said this was important." Garth remarked; even though he remembered making up with Kaldur during the invasion in Atlantis, he was still a little weary.

"You would not believe me if I told you, so allow me to give you this." Kaldur remarked as he held out the sealed letter he was presented with by Marik.

"This is impossible." Garth stated as she saw who the letter was from.

"Do you remember Marik Grayson?" Kaldur asked.

"The one that Deathstroke killed, yes I do; but he died when he was just a year old." Garth said, knowing the tragedy that struck Dick's family.

"By the powers of Fate he had come back to us briefly to fulfill the prophecy of his great grandfather. Before he had to leave, Marik gave me that." Kaldur said.

"So he had talked to her, I wonder what she has to tell me. I shall return to Atlantis at once to read it." Garth said.

"That is why I called you to the Metropolis Watchtower; Marik said that the letter was not waterproof." Kaldur remarked. "I must return to Blüdhaven, but I wanted to get this to you as soon as possible."

"Thank you my friend." Garth said and with that Kaldur turned around to leave.

Garth quickly opened the letter and started reading:

Sweet Garth,

I know that you have known Kaldur has a brother and you have been fighting him for years; yet you have not told your friend this. David Jr is going to be even more dangerous now that his father has been killed. Kaldur must know about him, please inform him of this.

You have been feeling guilt all these years since I sacrificed myself to save the world. This is not necessary as I knew what would happen if I sealed Tiamat back into hibernation. As the great Nabu or even his son will tell you; I was fated to die that day. Please do not grieve for me anymore. I still love you even from the Spirit Realm and will for eternity.

When you took Kaldur's title of Aqualad after his exile; I am proud of you for becoming King Orin's protégé; but also know this: when Kaldur worked with his father he was doing so to help OUR team fight the Light and the Reach. Without Kaldur and Artemis undercover, the world could have been overrun with Reach soldiers and Impulse's future would have become a reality for everyone. I know that Atlantis did not like the idea of Kaldur working with his father against our king, but it was the only thought to come to him and Nightwing after learning the truth about Kaldur's parentage.

You have met Areina and she helped you see that those three decades of hatred toward Kaldur was nothing more than a feeling of betrayal. Kaldur was always your friend and fellow Atlantean and it is time to fully forgive him and become the friends you were before the team was formed.

Your eternal soul mate

Tula

Tears fell from the Atlantean's eyes, and Garth didn't know what to say, but he felt bad that he had indeed been keeping that secret from Kaldur'ahm and so he was going to make it right.

"Kaldur, we need to talk…you were not Black Manta's ONLY son. I have been fighting with your half-brother for about ten years." Garth said.

This caught Kaldur'ahm's attention and he turned to look at his friend. "What do you mean?!"

"I'd say he was born around the time of the Reach invasion, but he has truly taken to your father's side. I kept this from you as I thought you might return to Black Manta's side to be with your sibling, and I am sorry for not seeing that you have ALWAYS been on our side. Tula's letter made me see my mistake." Garth said; not knowing how else to say what he just did.

Kaldur was still shocked; but he also saw the extent of friendship in Garth's choice to keep this a secret. The first Aqualad let out a sigh. "I understand why you kept this from me, but know that even now, I will never return to my father's side or even side with my half-brother if he is on the side of evil."

"So, even though I kept this from you…" Garth started, not knowing what Kaldur would do.

"Yes, we are still friends; we have always been friends and it shall remain that way until we die." Kaldur said. "Tula's letter must have been powerful to get you to tell me this."

Garth didn't say anything as more tears came forth and the two Atlanteans hugged and when they released the brief show of emotion Garth saw that Kaldur was also crying. They didn't need to say anymore to each other as their smiles said it all and so the two went their separate ways, but Garth remembered something.

"Kaldur'ahm; I wish to preserve this letter…..could you keep it safe at your house?" Garth asked his friend.

Kaldur only smiled as he turned to Garth. "I shall; and should you ever want to read it again; you know where I live now." Kaldur said as he turned back to Garth and accepted the letter.

With their business concluded, the two Atlanteans said their goodbyes and headed back to their homes….Kaldur's in Blüdhaven and Garth's in Atlantis.