Klarion had made sure Callie was fast asleep as he snuck away. He would prefer to be with her but there was business to attend to first. He straightened his tie as he left Teekl with Callie and walked through a portal. It was into the room that Black Manta was in. He was without armor as Klarion immediately threw a fireball at him.

"What the hell, Klarion?!" Black Manta shouted Klarion lunged forward to pin him against the wall.

"You want to overthrow that Guppie so you get Callie's help but today you try attacking her and assassinating the brat?" Klarion hissed, his face shifting to the more demonic form as Black Manta stared him straight on.

"He can't know it was from me, I need to follow his orders." Black Manta replied as Klarion loosened a bit on his collar. "I tried to at least give her the most space as I could so the impact did not get her. Ocean Master is already tense from Callie saving the boy. He wants to end this and get rid of Artur properly next time." Blank Manta whispered so Klarion could barely hear him.

"Ocean Master has been talking about removing the thorn in his side at the same time at his next attempt." Klarion's jaw clenched. "No one that gets in the way will be safe."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure how but he says we need to wait for awhile." Black Manta responded as he adjusted his collar and rubbed his neck. "He's going to try to keep an even closer eye on her though. If Callie was thinking of getting out, now would be her chance but it just signs Artur's death."

Both men knew the unspoken phrase of how it would affect Callie. She would do anything to prevent it, no matter what side she was supposed to be on.

Klarion nodded as he turned to walk away but Blank Manta stopped him. He passed Klarion an envelope. "Please ask Callie to hand this to Aqualad before he leaves."

Klarion took it as he sighed. "I guess." He made a portal and entered back in the living room as he set it down. He walked back to the bedroom as Klarion pushed the door opened quietly.

He undressed to his undergarments, and slid into the bed. Klarion attempted whatever he could as to not wake up Callie. He wrapped her arm around her waist as she raised her head up slightly. Her eyes were barely opened as Callie mumbled.

"Where'd you go? "

Klarion smiled as he pulled her closer, pressing his lips to her forehead. "I just had a craving for strawberry ice cream." he muttered as an excuse as Callie relaxed against his body. Her hand rested on his shoulder, and the other rested above her head, with her hand beside Klarion's ear.

Klarion did sleep on occasionally, but it used to be in his own plane. Now he found himself sleeping when Callie was. It was late morning when he opened his eyes as Klarion saw Callie tracing patterns absentmindedly on his skin. There was a calm look on her face as he picked up the familiar and comforting scent of her shampoo in the air as he smiled.

It was right because she was home. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips against hers. "So, a day staying in?" Klarion question as Callie pouted.

"I was actually hoping to go out for just a little while." Klarion raised his brow as he sat up. It appeared she was all dressed to go out. "I promised Artur when I came back I'd have his birthday present."

"Don't you think saving his life was enough?" Callie gave him a look as he immediately shut up. "Well what were you thinking?"

"Just to the toy making store." Callie spoke before adding. "Perhaps the candy shop?" Klarion agreed, enjoying the prospect of going out for candy.

Klarion almost instantly regretted going to the bear shop as the screaming of little kids was annoying him. But Callie seemed to be excited as she went around making a bear. "Hey Klarion, you think there's any way to make this invincible to like water?"

He rolled his eyes. "Yes, all you have to do is ask." Klarion spoke as he kissed her cheek and she continued onward to create the bear. He looked over at the hero costumed as he laughed at the idea of a bear in Black Canary's leather ensemble.

Callie finished up as she tugged onto his hand while the other one carried the bear in a box. Klarion knew the candy store there so he led the way. He was thankful it was rather empty as they piled up on candies.

Callie was trying to be reasonable with the amount she needed, knowing she'd be gone soon enough, Klarion's bags of candy were larger than the box that the teddy bear was in as they finally left.

They merely teleported back, away from nosy people, as they got back to the apartment. Klarion immediately shoved a tiny jawbreaker in his mouth as he made a 'gimme gimme' motion to the bear.

It was a blond bear that was wearing the Aqualad costume with a birthday hat on it currently but he could see in the box was at least five other changes of clothes.

"If you squeeze its chest you can feel its heartbeat and if you squeeze the right palm it says "Happy Birthday Artur.""

Klarion nodded as he said a few enchantments under his breath. A gold glow went over the bear as he then repeated it with the rest of the clothing. "It'll feel cuddly underwater and not like a damp cloth." Callie set it down as she curled up on the couch beside him.

He popped some more candy into his mouth as he grinned. "You know, you could always treat me to things like this." Klarion spoke.

Callie raised her eyebrow as she chewed on a gummy. "Oh? Teekl not a good cuddle buddy?" Callie teased as Klarion shrugged.

"Well compared to other people, yes." Klarion agreed as they relaxed on the couch. Taking in the full day to relax before Callie went back on her way.

Klarion had fixed the charm, but was very specific when he handed it back to her. "Callie, it's find if the outside gets cracked, that's for your appearance, but this inner one. If it gets broken, you won't be able to breathe and it is kind of important."

He put it back on her neck as he then cupped her cheeks as he pressed his forehead against her head. "Don't let it happen to you, please."

Callie nodded as she looked at him. He was wearing a frown as Callie sighed. "You never seem happy when I am as Megara."

"Its because its not your face Callie." she nodded before pressing her lips against him. "Okay, it's time for me to head back."

Klarion nodded as he handed her the box. Everything inside was going to be set to head to Atlantis, although he felt it tedious to charm a cardboard box. Tucked in a satchel was a letter for Aqualad.

They headed back to the docks as Callie headed back into the water with a wave. Klarion waited until she was surely near Atlantis as he stood there.

"You know you are going to lose her, but you keep letting her go." a voice rang out as Klarion turned around. The old hag was standing behind him, looking exactly the same as before.

Klarion rolled his eyes as he saw her. "Why are you going on about now?"

"I know you've been looking for me." she hobbled forward and pointed a cane at him. "What is it you wanted to know Bleak?"

Klarion growled under his breath as he tried to calm himself. "I want a date for your prediction."

The hag shrugged. "That I cannot give you precisely. The events will occur under the Ram."

"A horoscope? That's the closest you can give me?"

"Be grateful you spoilt brat for me giving you this information."

The hag sighed as she waved her hand. "That's all I'll give you." before she walked away.

Callie arrived to the palace as Aquaman raised a brow to her. "You're back early." was all he said as Callie gave him a shrug.

"We never specified a time, your highness." Callie spoke before holding the box. "I have Artur's present."

Aquaman opened the box, as he chuckled seeing the clothing on the bear. "I enjoy this. Captain Marvel suggested one of these before when I announced Artur's birth."

Callie smiled brightly, before nodding. "Is this alright then?"

"Yes, it will be perfect. Artur's been quite restless without you. If Aqualad wasn't here, then I wouldn't know what to do." Callie tried to not chuckle at the thought of the terrible twos he'd previously had as she bit her lip.

"Sir,"

"Megara," Aquaman responded as she decided to come clean.

"I wanted to discuss the incident involving Black Manta and Ocean Master."

"What about it?"

"Yes Meg, what about it?" A separate voice exclaimed as Callie's eyes widened and she looked to her left. Prince Orm was swimming over to them as she tried to not look suspicious.

"I wanted to tell his highness that although it was a terrifying experience, I want to stay on as Artur's nanny." Aquaman's brow raised as he then nodded.

"We are delighted to hear that." Prince Orm stated as he looked to his brother. "Do you mind if I speak with Megara for a moment?"

Aquaman looked between the two before back at Prince Orm. "I don't see a reason not to." he began when suddenly the doors burst open again.

"MEG!" a small voice shouted as Artur swam up and hugged her tightly. "You're back."

Callie hugged him back as she nuzzled his head. "Hey my little hero."

"Unfortunately, it seems that you must wait brother." Aquaman teased as Artur began swimming around her.

"Did you bring me a present?" he asked as Callie noticed Aqualad hanging to the side.

"Why yes I did." Callie said as she sat on the floor as Artur sat in front of her. "What do you say though?"

"Can I please have it?" Callie paused for a moment before she nodded and handed him the box. He yanked it open and immediately pulled out the bear. Artur gasped as he hugged it tightly to his chest.

"It's dressed like daddy!" Artur exclaimed as Callie squeezed the hand. Her voice rang out ringing a Happy Birthday as he grinned happily. With one arm around the bear the other helped Artur hugged Callie again.

Aqualad swam over as he sat down too. Artur began to show his toy bear off to him as Aquaman swam off with his brother for now.

Even at dinner, Artur was holding onto his toy bear as he told Queen Mera all about it. She was smiling as he looked over at Megara through the dinner. It was a tense dinner for Callie though since Aqualad sat beside Aquaman on the other side of the table, so Prince Orm was on her right side, with Artur on the left.

She was pleased that Artur was so excited about his gift that he even ate the usual vegetables he disliked. Callie stayed with her ward through the rest of the evening until Artur went to bed and begged Aqualad to stay with her for awhile.

She made sure that the guards were there to keep an eye on Artur before she left. Aqualad guided her to one of the rooms Mera used as a classroom. He set some of Robin's devices to the doorway. "They'll alert me if we have guests within 10 feet." Callie nodded as she handed over the letter to Aqualad.

He read it as he let out a sigh. Callie had no idea what the letter contained, but knew that it was not likely an easy thing to read. She stood beside him as Kaldur read the letter. Her friend shoved the letter in its envelope but placing it in his pocket.

"You okay Kal?" She asked as he sighed. "There's nothing I cannot handle in this letter. We were aware something would eventually come but it is still difficult."

Callie nodded. "I understand." Kaldur put his hand on her shoulder.

"You've seemed tense since you came back, are you alright Callie?"

Callie wanted to say she was fine, but knew he could tell she was lying. "Ocean Master is keeping his eye even closer on me after the assassination attempt. I don't know if I will even be able to talk to Aquaman any time soon."

Aqualad gave her shoulder a squeeze. "Just focus on Artur." he offered as Callie squeezed her eyes shut.

"I'm terrible at working for both sides." She said with a laugh as Kaldur pulled her into a hug.

"You're doing fine." Callie held onto him for a moment before pulling away.

"Kaldur, when you go back up, can you take these letters with you?" she asked, handing the satchel over. Each envelope had initials and a doodle on it to differentiate for whom they belonged.

Callie took her job to the highest possible level as to avoid any alone time with Prince Orm after Aqualad had left. However, Prince Orm also had been keeping 'Megara' from a private meeting with Aquaman or even Queen Mera. Honestly, she barely trusted anyone but Artur's parents with his safety. It was well into July of 2014 now and Callie still was no further either way.

Queen Mera and King Arthur had taken Artur and a plethora of guards to see a show that night but Klarion had been far too busy, so she was staying in the castle. Callie had just finished getting some food from the kitchens, when she was yanked into a room. Before she could react, her back was pressed against the wall. A forearm was pressed against her throat.

Callie glared as she saw Prince Orm staring down at her. Blue eyes gazed into hers as she kept a strong expression on her face.

"You've been avoiding me." he hissed out as Callie stayed completely still.

"Listen here little one, on the surface you may have that Witch protecting you but down here, you work for me." She could see any calm demeanour from his Prince Orm side was gone. "You made the mistake of saving my nephew last time. Next time, you'll let me kill him."

Prince Orm grabbed a piece of her hair as he twirled it around his finger while his other hand moved from her throat to squeeze her upper arm as he leaned close. "I suppose you are used to playing this role. Isn't this how you were trained by Klarion? To be his little silent doll?"

"No, his little sex toy more likely. Unfortunately for him, he's grown weak falling for you. He should have forgotten about or just killed you when you fled." Growling Callie pushed his hand out of her hair.

The hand squeezed tighter as he leaned close and whispered. "Now listen close, I may not like getting my hands dirty, but I certainly will if needed." Prince Orm pushed himself away while glaring at him.

She waited for a moment before speaking. Hoping her voice sounded braver than she felt. How suspicious would it be if you achieved when the nanny and Aqualad were both there?" Callie rubbed her arm as she hissed out. "Don't you think now they'll be more trusting?"

Ocean Master thought as he sighed. "I suppose but next time you will not stop me."

He walked out of the room as Callie waited for a few minutes before heading out. She marked her words.

It was September and Aquaman had been gone for a few weeks. He was due back any day, according to Queen Mera as Callie couldn't shake the feeling of worry as she kept a closer eye on Artur that day. They were swimming towards Queen Mera's lessons. Artur was talking about how he really wanted to be apart of his mother's classes.

As they swam by a building, it erupted in an explosion as Callie screamed and shielded Artur. She began to swim them away, trying to get to Mera as she felt someone grab her leg. Artur was in her arms as she kicked the man in the face as she kept swimming. Why was this happening again. Callie continued swimming, ducking between alleys and rocks to get the people off of her tail as she was close to the Institute.

Callie saw the flash of red hair as she called out to Mera. Her prodigy, Tempest swam over, fighting off the ones chasing her as she got to Queen Mera.

"We've sent an alert. Help is coming soon."

Artur was crying as Callie shoved Artur into her hands. "Go, I'll be right behind." Callie spoke as she glanced to the right. She could see Ocean Master coming closer as she swam towards him, blocking his path from the Queen.

She could feel the fury in his body as he lunged towards her with the trident. She kicked it away from her as she swung her fist. It connected with his face as he fell backwards as he fell though, he hooked her with the trident and brought her closer to him.

Ocean Master pushed her onto the ocean ground with the spears against her skin. He was trying to dig in as Callie resisted him. Her foot was planted in his stomach as her hands shakily pushed the trident further from her neck. Using her other foot, she took the cheap shot at his groin as he retracted back. Callie swam up to him and punched him in the throat as her hands clawed at his mask. He may try to take her down, but she was revealing his identity.

It came off as Ocean Master pulled out a knife and from his pants as he thrusted it towards her shoulder, she jumped back so it only scratched her as Callie eyed it as Ocean Master lunged at her again. Rather than blocking it, Callie let him hit her with it as she ripped up her mask. The knife had grazed her.

Ocean Master screamed in fury as he kneed her in the gut and his hands tried squeezing her throat, but she stopped it with an arm covering it. The other hand clawed at his face as his knee drove her into a rock.

She could see people in the distance swimming towards her as she knew it was now or never. Callie let out as much of a Canary cry as she could, knowing even at this distance, it'd do the trick.

Ocean Master was pushed away as Callie let out a sigh of relief. As she went to breathe, her lungs were burning.

Why were her lungs burning? Hearing laughter, she looked over to see Orm holding both necklaces with sliced cords. She grabbed at her throat as her head began to swim. She tried swimming upwards but Callie wasn't even sure if she knew which way was up.

Her eyes stung as she saw the blur of orange nearby as the darkness took hold.